BIBLE CHRISTIANS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2250, 14 May 1881, Page 3

BIBLE CHRISTIANS.

The now church for the Templeton congregation of the above denomination was opened on Tuesday, May 10th, in celebration of the opening the following . services were rendered —ln the after noon the Rev. H, Williams, pastor of , Trinity Congregational Church, Christchurch, conducted the first setvioelin the new building. After this service a public tea meeting woo held in the Foresters’ Hall, Mrs M'Oallum, Mrs Oheverton, Mrs Wright, Mrs Saddler, Mrs Marshall, Mrs T. Voice, and Miss Wallace presided at the tables. After tea a public meeting was held in the new church. Mr E. Reed, of Colombo street, Christchurch, presided, Mr Oheverton read the financial statement, the Bovs. Williams, Wilson and Orewes delivered addressee. Mr Williams’ services were highly appreciated. The building with site, deeds, &0., &0., has cost about £270, towards which it is estimated that at the end of the next fortnight, when the will be passed by the trustees, about £llO will have been contributed. This, taking into consideration that the Templeton branch of the Bible Christian connexion was formed only about a year ago, and that it was then, and for some months, composed of only seven members, was thought to bo satisfactory. Great sympathy has been received from many persons in the neighborhood who have not become members of the church, and to them a hearty vote of thanks was accorded, special mention being made of the name of Mr Barter, who has kindly given a splendid young horse (sold for £18), and in addition to that £5 towards the building fund. The church has been built by Messrs Down, of Tuam street, Christchurch, under the supervision of Mr T. 8. Lambert. In moving a vote of thanks to the contractor and architect Mr Orewes stated that the builders had not done much contracting in the colony, but that the architect hod told him that he had never seen a contract more conscientiously carried out than the contract for that church had been. The secretary reported that the matting in the aisle has been purchased with money specially collected by Mr Yelland ; that the lamps had been given by Mr T. Voice, Mr Guy, and Mr Voice, that the varnish had been given, and that three or four gentlemen had volunteered to do the varnishing of the church free of charge ; that it was thought that the section on which the building stands would be fenced gratuitously, and that a special fund was being raised to purchase a harmonium. The harmonium used for the opening services was kindly lent by Mr Hooker, of Avoca Farm, and was played by Mrs Wright, of Templeton, who rendered service that was highly appreciated. The attendance was good, and the results of the service very satisfactory.