LINCOLN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2410, 26 December 1881, Page 3

LINCOLN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Lincoln Presbyterian Church took place on Friday under very favorable auspices. The proceedings were commenced by all uniting m singing the 100th Psalm, when prayer was offered by Bov. J. Elmslie. A historical account of the congregation waa read by Rev. A. Blake, after which a copy ef it, along with copies of tho “Lyttelton Times,” Peebs, “New Zealand Presbyterian Church Nows,” and “ Christian Record ” were deposited in the nsnal way under the stone. Mrs Tod, sen., then presented a silvoi’ trowel to Dr. Guthrie from the congregation, of which on their behalf the Rev. Mr Blaka begged his acceptance in terms expressive of the regard in which he was held in the district and congregation. He then called oa Dr. Guthrie to lay the stone, who, having carefully done so, declared it well and truly laid, and proceeded with a very interesting address, in which ho thanked them for tho honor done him, and referred to the hopeful state of the congregation and tho Oatholio character of tho services. The Rev. Gearies Fraser addressed the assemblage on the progress of the Presbyterian Church in Canterbury, and in forcible language spoke of the high object of Christian worship. The Rev. J. Elmslie gave an address on the “ Adaptation of toe Presbyterian Church to Colonial Life,” dwelling on the need of on educated ministry, the presentation of a full-orbed gospel, aud tho cervices of Christian laymen. A collection wan then taken, and tho assemblage joined in heartily singing a hymn specially adapted to the occasion, after which the benediction waa pronounced by tho Rev. T, B. Cairns. Tho trowel, which was a very handsome one and chastely engraved, was procured from Mi - Sandstein. A tea meeting, at which there was an otss - flowing attendance, was sumptuously provided for by Mesdames Rainey, Tod, Guthrie, tod Lambie. Justice having been done to the good things on tho tables, the room was cleared for the public meeting, and the chair was takeo by Rev. A. Blake, and the meeting having; been opened with prayer the choir sang " Coma let us join our cheerful soege." The Bsv. Mr Elmslie addressed on “ Gospel Hearing,” and the Rev. Mr Cairns on the “ Position of the Christian Church at the present .time” ia relation to infidelity and other phases. Tho Rev. R. McGregor, of Kaiapoi, rejoiced at the tone the meeting had taken, and thought ministers might render good service by taking up at such gatherings subjects connected with congregational work, and proceeded to speah on “Religious Influence in relation to our general progress.” The addresses were interspersed by anthems, which were scccesßfnlly rendered by the choir. In moving s vote of thanks to tho [ministers who had kindly come to address them, Hr senr., who had been intimately astociated with the early working of the congregation, expressed his satisfaction at the signs of growth, indicated, and earnestly addressed young men. Dr. Guthrie seconded the motion, which wa* carried by acclamation. Votes of thanks to tho ladies and the choir were moved in appropriate terms by Mr Wills and Mr Eoiney, seconded by Messrs Sharp and Hook. The meeting was closed with the benediction.