ST. LUKE’S THE EVANGELIST, BROOKSIDE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2091, 5 November 1880, Page 3

ST. LUKE’S THE EVANGELIST, BROOKSIDE.

This very pretty little church was opened on Monday, and consecrated by his Lordship the Bishop of Christchurch. At the service, which commenced at 11 a.m., there were about 170 persons present. The church, which was designed by Mr W. B. Mountfort, and built by Mr Price, of Christchurch, does them and all connected with it great credit. It is built on half an acre of land belonging to the Church Property Trustees, The ground was consecrated by the Bishop as a cemetery before the service commenced, and this will supply a really long felt want at this end of the district, as at present the nearest cemetery is close to Southbridge. At the close of the service the congregation, at the request of Mr Mawson, adjourned to the schoolroom, where he (Mr Mawson) had provided a luncheon, at which the Rev. Walter Harper presided. After ample justice had been done to the good things, Mr Harper proposed the health of “The Queen and the Royal Family,” and then the health of “ The Building Committee,” coupling with it the names of Messrs Mawson and Height. Mr Mawson returned thanks on behalf of himself and the committee. Mr Baldwin then proposed “The Bishop and Clergy.” His Lordship, in returning thanks, thanked all present for the sincere manner in which it was done, and expressed the pleasure he felt at being present on such an occasion. Ho concluded by proposing “ The health of their Host,” Mr Mawson, and dwelt at some length in praise of this gentleman for the hearty manner in which he had worked for the church. Mr Mawson responded in a few well chosen words. The Chairman then called upon Mr Baldwin to read the report, which showed that the money collected, including £IOO granted by the Church Property Trustees, amounted to £360 14s lOd, and that the building, land, and fittings had cost £358 14s 4d, which left the church free of debt. The room was then cleared for the school children, and after they had partaken of the good things, an adjournment was made to a paddock close at hand, and the usual games and sports was commenced. Mr Mawson, who had invited the Bnrnbam children to take part in the afternoon sports, sent conveyances as far as the river to meet them; but, owing to some mistake, the waggons returned without them. Ultimately they arrived, having walked the whole of the distance, and on their arrival they joined in the sports, and afterwards sat down to a good tea, also provided by Mr Mawson.