Correspondence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume X, Issue 627, 10 November 1858, Page 6

Correspondence.

To the Editor of the Lytldton Times,

Sir,— Having shown, as I trust satisfactorily that it would be an act of justice, as well as a righteous act, for our Representatives to vote a large sum, say £10,000, out of the monies now at their disposal in aid of building houses of "Wor ship, let me now give some proof tlmt this O p even a much larger sum, is absolutely needed to supply the present wants—and that of the church alone.

A movement has just commenced in Christ church, and what does our bishop say is needed at once?—A new district church, the present one qnlarged, and, as a diocesan undertaking a cathedral. What will these cost? .And here I will venture to assert that the time has come when churchmen must, for very shame, cease to be content with barns and rude sheds in. which to worship the King of heaven and. earth, if a consecrated church be the " gate of heaven " the palace where God holds Ilia court, listens to the petitions of His people, and showers out His blessings of pardon and peace to those who wait upon Him, let us at least put up buildings for His service not inferior to those now being erected for the comfort and dignity and glory of our executive and their clerks. At least let our cathedral be substantial and not unworthy of the name. And with what sum might such a building be commenced? Surety not less than £10,000. A district parish church would cost £1,200. The enlargement of the.present one £350. Tlieri in Lyttelton their efforts to build a parish church of durable materials seera baffled for want of about £2500. They have no church at present;—nothing but a hired building. At Kaiapoi there is a nondescript shell of a building, accommodating, about 65, but affording no shelter from the wind and dust; £800 at least is needed thereat once, and a second church will soon be called for on the \ Island. Rangiora is striving to build; but there funds are wanted to complete their design, which must soon be inadequate.- The new church at Biccartori already needs to be doubled. in. size. Papanui has an unlined shed which will take at least £250 to make it decent. Akaroa cries out for a new church oh a new site, the present one being too small, mean, and- inconvenient. On the Ferryroad a building has been commenced—(when will it be fihisHed?) —evidently insufficient for the population. A site for a church has been given in the Heathcote Valley. Then the Lower Lincoln Road, with Hoon,Hay, Prebble, Town, Sumner, Governor^ Bay, and. perhaps other places, each would require £400 to supply, on the most moderate: scale, their present necessities. And what is the amount which I have thus indicated as needed at once?—At least £l^,obo ? and that to meet present wants. In a very short time we must be prepared for further demands. Now, can any one expect to raise this" sum by private contributions alone ? Remember, the people have their clergy to maintain in all, and parsonage houses to .build in many of the*, districts. Let the Provincial Council enable the bishop to make grants in,, aid of private sub-scriptions,-;and .niost,'if not' all that I have sketched, might be accomplished. '..'■-''■■■

But I must' not trespass further. has been said to prove that the help sought for ffomthe Council is needed. ■" »-

■;.;^ f ; Believe mef ■;■■■- :: ;f /'-':::) \ /■■-•:-- ---■-■•■■■;.';'''r ;:;-; -Yours faithfully, - A PILGEIM. Christchurch,'Nbyi 8,1858. "■' \