PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16484, 25 February 1914, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

NEW BUILDING AT RICCARTON.

OPENING CELEBRATIONS

The opening of the new Presbyterian Church in Puriri Street, Upper Ricearton, was celebrated last night by a social gathering. The Rev .John Mackenzie, who presided, said that they all felt thankful to God that the building had been erected under such favourable circumstances. He referred to the gift of the land from the Deans family, the indebtedness of the church to the architect and to the builders, and other gifts from various individuals. He expressed the hope that the building would be the centre of active Christian interest and work.

Mr J. A. Tait, general treasurer of St Andrew’s Church, stated that subscriptions, donations from the subcontractors and collections on opening Sunday had realised £215 8s 3d. A payment of £323 18s Sd had been made to the contractors, which left a debt balance of £IOB 10s 5d and a balance due to the contractors of £337 6s. To provide for this it had been arranged to borrow £l5O from a fund under the control of St Andrew’s Deacon’s Court, and any more they might require, up to £350, from the bank. ,

The Rev D. D. Rodger, minister of the Papanui Presbyterian Church and Moderator of the Presbytery, congratulated the members of the church on the results of their work. Mr John Deans, the donor of the land, also addressed a few words to those present and expressed pleasure that the people of Riccarton had financed the affair without going outside for assistance.

During the evening a programme o musical items was <mre through.