ST. PAUL'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1047, 2 November 1877, Page 3

ST. PAUL'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

A soiree was held last evening in the Oddfellows' Hall to commemorate the opening of the new church. The interior of the hall was tastefully and profusely decorated with shrubs and flags, presenting a very pretty appearance. The numerous tables, provided by the ladies of the congregation, were laden with good things. There was a large attendance which must have numbered considerably over a thousand persons, who did ample justice to the bountiful spread. As it was found that the Hall would be too small to hold the meeting it waß decided to adjourn to the new church. This having been done proceedings were opened by prayer and the singing the 100th Psalm. JThe chairman (the Eev. Mr Elmslie) expressed the great pleasure he had in seeing so many friends present, not only from his congregation, but from others, both in and out of Christchurcb, and had to thank personally all those who had taken a part in the building of the church. There had been some good natured criticism about its architecture. He (Mr Elmslie) was to blame for the style of the church, as he had stipulated that it should not be Gothic, which was not suitable forthe conveyance of sound. So far this end had been gained. He would not detain them, as their tunc was short, and would call on Mr Duncan to address them. Mr. Duncan said he ap| 'eared o 11 bel ial f of Mr S i ith erland •vrbo as they wove aware was so diffident tit .speech-making. Mr Sutherland bad given him i paper which he would read to them. They w«"e aware that the half-acre of ground •on which ike church was built hud cost £IOOO. The cost of the church, including organ, &c. was £7BIB 18s id. They had raised a loan oi £SOOO and £3552 8s 9d had been received from subscriptions o.nd other sources. Thif left a debit balance of £206 4s kl. Then total liability amounted to £2IOB 4s -id, .against which they had about £SOO subscriptions and proceeds oi that evening's soiree.

Addresses were then delivered by the Revs. Morley, Paterson, Professor Salmorid, and Hill. During the evening Mr John Anderson presented the Eev. R. Wacklell with a gold watch as a token from St. Paul's congregation for the services rendered by him during Mr Elmslie's illness. The choir gave several selections of music, and the proceedings terminated with votes of thanks to the ladies, the speakers, and the choir.