THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 119, 30 May 1868, Page 5

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Ox Sunday last the newly erected Church at Blenheim was opened by Special Services. The Rev. A. Russell preached in the morning, and the Rev. W. Lee in the evening. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, and the general, expectations of a flood {happily not realised), large congregations attended both services, and collections were made after each, in aid of the building fund, £l3 Os. 9d. was contributed during the day. On Monday evening, a Tea Meeting was held in the Church, the trays being supplied by the ladies of the congregation, who deserve great praise for the profusion and excellence of the good things provided. About 200 persons took tea. Upon the cloth being drawn, the Rev. A. Russell took the chair.

After a prayer by the Rev. Mr. Butt, the Chauuian expressed his gladness at the realisation of his long cherished and ardent hopes. He had long looked forward to the time, when as a congregation the Presbyterians could meet in a house they were able to call God’s and their own. He hoped that what was wanted for the completion of the Church would be forthcoming, and when finished it would be characterised by a chastened beauty in which they might all take delight. He was gratified by seeing so many there who were beyond the bounds of his own congregation. They indicated by their presence their Christian fellowship with them, and that they recognised that bond of union that was between them. He also felt something like sympathy with many friends who would have been there, but for the inclemency of the weather. He was glad also that they had the presence of the representatives of all the other protestant denominations in the town in the persons of their clergyman, and he hoped there would never be any rivalry between them, except that rivalry which was well pleasing to God—a striving with each other to do good works. As they met on. the evening of the .Queen’s birthday, he would take the' opportunity of expressing their loyalty to her, who wore so worthily the Grown of the British Empire, and he would say, “ God bless her.” (Applause.) Anthem —“St. George The Choir.

The Rev. Mr. Lee expressed the pleasure he felt in being present, because it afforded him the opportunity of expressing the kindly feeling he entertained' towards their Church. He was no bigot, and did not think he ever was, and he hoped he would always be able to love all who loved the Lord. (Applause.) It was sweet and refreshing for a short time to-night to inhale a higher and a purer atmosphere than that of controversy. They could lay aside their minor dilferences, and meet on the platform of their common unity. They hud their own preferences, and they could have them, and love each other at the same time. He called a man only a chuxi, who could not warm himself at any other fireside than his own, and he " r ouid call him only half a man who did not own fireside to any other. (Applause.)'- They had cause too in "these days to exert themselves together amidst the inroads of infidelity and propagandism. Ue trusted that their Church would be a blessing, not only to themselves, but to the whole town and neighbourhood. Their Chairman had hinted that something was wanted for completing the building. He sometimes got the credit of being a beggar, though he did not deserve it—(laughter) —and to-night he would wish to be one, and asked them to pay at once towards the object. There was a great talk now about liberal giving for the cause of Christ, but for the life of him he could not find a man who came up to the idea. He would mention a circumstance that took place in a small country town in England. A somewhat eccentric clergyman, who received a small stipend, had the presumption one day to ask his Church to make it a little larger. One crabbed old deacon said, “I thought you Ministers preached for souls, and not for money.” To whom the Minister replied, “ Yes, but we cannot live upon souls, if. they happen to he such poor stingy souls as yours.” (Applause.) Keep as far away from-the spirit of this deacon as possibleJ It was no doubt desirable to have elegant structures, crowded congregations, accomplished preachers, and most melodious choirs, but it was more necessary even than these to look after their spiritual lives, their conduct , in the world, and the impression they may make for good or evil upon any with whom they might come ,in, contact. It had been beautifullysaid that men make their impressions upon the sands of time, but he would say their influence was rather written with an iron pen on the rock. (Applause.)™ Aiitliexn—“ Great is the Lord.” '

The Chaxeman called Mr. MHutcheson, as 'treasurer of\Jhe( Church, to give his t^oitf^^H’^expressed 1 ’ the ; 'obligations the

Church were under to him for his labours in the cause, and which were always rendered in a cheerful and zealous spirit adding to their value. (Cheers.) Mr. M'Huxchesox said he did not know what to say after that—(laughter) —but he was glad he was not down for a speech. [Mr. Russell: You are.] Well, I won’t contradict, but I am not going to make a speech to-night. (Laughter.) The building as it stood cost £350. The loss sustained by the floodT nacT*'added to the original contract. The committee lost by them about £SO, and the builder (Mr. Gorrie) about the same. It cost the committee £llO for timber, and for the contract of building, £l4O. The work about the foundation, as the materials were given, cost £5. The painting and glazing cost £BS. £2lO was the original contract. The difference of £6O was accounted for by £45, loss by flood, and £ls cost of platform and desk. This was exclusive of chandeliers and other lights which had been got lately. They had received in subscription, £2OB ; from the Nelson Trust Funds, £SO ; the sale of the original Church ground to Mr, James, £2 1 ' There were subscriptions yet to come of £3O, making altogether £3OB, leaving a debt on the building, as it stood, of £43, towards which there would be the collection at the opening service £l2, and the proceeds of t he tea meeting, £2O, leaving a debt on the Church of £25. It was proposed to seat the Church, which would add to this debt; but on the whole, he thought they had done well. (Applause.) The committee desired to thank parties for subscriptions and donations at the opening services yesterday ; Messrs. Wemyss and Walker, for the handsome plate; and Mr. Falconer, for lettering it so well and titivating it off—(laughter)—and the committee thanked the ladies and other friends for their valuable assistance at the tea. To the architect, Mr. Lawson, of Dunedin, the committee Txpresscid their thanks for the kind donation of the neat design. They had to thank Mr. Gorrie for his exertions at the time of the 1 Hbbtl[ ahd the satisfactory way in which the contract had been carried out. They had to express their thanks to the chairman of the Education Committee, for the use of the School-room for the last 3 years. The ‘TrunfiTguTgTonxfn i ttee hand in other matters. When the clergyman was coming out, they set about building a manse for him. This they did in preference to building a Church, and it was ready when he came. Mr. Sinclair gave them a gift of a third of an acre, on which the Manse now"stoocT—-(applause). Originally there was a debt of £35 on the Manse, but it had been reduced to £l2 or £l4. The chairman would allow him to say that though their numbers were not large, they had done well, having three Churches in the province, and formed really the only body in' Marlborough which wholly supported their own minister. Mr. Nicholson was their first clergyman in the Wairau, and he opened the Church at Renwick. A small Church would soon be opened in the Awatere. And a minister from the Church would shortly land in Pjcto.n. Scotchmen frequently got the name oF getting along slowly, but it might be as the old saying was, ‘ slow, but sure.’--(applause.) Mr. Russell was gratified at the report of Mr. M‘Hutcheson, which was comparatively news to him, as he made it a point to keep himself as far from monetary matters as possible. He was proud in his heart at what the Presbyterians in these districts had done. During the year £230 had been provided for the maintenance of the ordinances, and nearly £3OO fox' Church building. He was proud of the congregation over which he had the happiness to preside. Anthem—“ How beautiful upon the mountains.” Mr. M ‘Hutcheson said he had forgot one thing, although he had faithfully promised Mr. Gorrie that he would mention it. Of the section on which the: Church was situ ated, a small slip belonged to the Provincial Government, which hadheen acquired from Mr. M‘Laughlan for ait intended roadway when it was contemplated to put the bridge opposite. The Superintendent, with the consent of the Council, re-conveyed the small portion going through the middle of the section, and he was glad to thank Mr. Sinclair for being connected with the transfer. (Applause.) The Rev. Mr. Butt expressed his pleasure at seeing so many happy faces around him, and so many- new friends with whom he had walked for many years. The rnles of his : Church hpd, prevented. him using the pulpit of hisoPi'esbyterian friends; but on one occasion, the opening of The-Church at Renwick, he assisted the Rev. Air. Nicholson. Their building would be an ornament to the town,: and .convenient for the worship of. God. H e thought they had acted in a very, creditable manner,, exhibiting zeal and epergy. They did, wise in. building a house for the’Minister. Ho himself had been> hete -■ -A ' -

about a dozen, years, and they had not thought ,of building - one for him yet. (Laughter.) He was happy they .hud got a good site, lie could not say the same of his own Church. He did not wish to impute any blame to his own people, but he took the opportunity,. of relieving his mind, “ letting oh' the steam,” so to speak. It had been the. grief of his life that his Church had been built out of the way. The Presbyterians were not ashamed of their Church, and they did not poke it in a “back slum!” This was a decent place which they could come to without getting up to their uncles in mud. [?] (Laughter.) His Bishop remarked to him, it was a wonder any one went to his Church on a Sunday evening. Their front and pinnacle looked very nice.' It put to the blush his,, and he hoped his people would take a pattern, having this model before them. It showed they were going on and making progress. It did not look like sticking in the mud, but showed that the Presbyterians were settling down and making a home. It may be said that “ wherever a British settler fixes his tent, that there he determines God shall have an altar.” (Applause.) These were no times for trifling ; soul chastening was coming on the world, and men were wondering what will be next. Many, were flying away from the original faith into infidelity, and various notions and ideas contrary to true religion. Many were were taking away the Word of God by undermining its truth, and some of these were men in high station too, who explained away those blessed truths they hoped to live and die in. It behoved them that they should put one combined shoulder to the wheel to save themselves and families' from such errors. (Applause.) Nations were rising against nations, kings were tottering on their thrones, and the whole frame of society was convulsed; but there was one blessed thing, many doors were open to the preaching of the Gospel that were formerly closed, especially Italy. There was a movement in England towards uniting the Eastern and Western churches. The uniting of the Wesleyan body with that of the Church of England had been under consideration in the convocations of York and Canterbury. The Wesleyans were active, zealous,; and meritorious. If they would only sink their minor differences and unite together, the greatest blessings would be infused into both of the Churches., His Church would not be losers by the infusion of some of their zeal. He was glad to meet the Presbyterians on the present occasion. (Applause.) ,« . '.. —* ' v ‘ _- - ■ Mr. Russell said there was a time in the Presbyterian" Church when black prelacy was hated by almost every Scotchman, by the noblest and the best; but let me say it was not towards Episcopalianism, but against the attempt, long persevered in, to force Episcopalianism upon the Presbyterians against their will by Royal Mandate—by soldiers’ pikes, and by imprisonment. The conflict against it in Scotland had a rather undignified beginning by Jeannie Geddes and her cuttie stool, but the act of hurling that stool symbolised the spirit of the people. Fierce and long was the warfare carried on at the cost of wealth and life, in behalf of Gospel truth and religious freedom. But there was no reason now that the memory of that strife should be kept up by them. Ail the good done by the Church of England was as dear to him as that by the Presbyterians. Anthem —“ The'Prodigal ” Mr. Morley said others had .referred to first associations, Tie wpuld refer'to what took place on February 23rd ?v 1.638, when the Covenanters met in Greyfriars Church, terribly in earnest to do: their duty, and signed the league and covenant, some with their blood, to signify that if necessary they would not spare their own blood.— (Applause.) As a. member of the Presbyterian body he would do all lie could in the cause. It was their business to support their Ministers, as the. Covenanters of old did much more sacrifice. (Applause.) Mr. Russell said he was glad to hear a good word about the Presbyterians, and he was prepared to say with Burns who could read history with a poet’s eye- “ The solemn league and covenant Cost Scotland blood, cost Scotland tears, But gained fair freedom’s cause ; If thou’rt a slave, indulge thy sneers.” —He had intended to indulge them with a speech, but" as , there .were' pyrotechnic amusements to-nigbt, it would be best to bring 1 the' r proceedings to a close early, They, had to; express their thanks to Mr. ivni.anghlah. for .flie of the site. (Applause.) He would express ;hii thanks to Messrs: Butt and- Leo, ’ for their kind assistance. ‘ '(Applause.) '. ' . ,V, ' ■'Antfiem—Miriam’s Song,” , ..., w,’ LmaT Mr. Burr said he was "much gratified by the performance of the. choir, who deserved a special vote of thanks. ; Mr; Russell said he was about to propose a vote of thanks for the delightful fed'

music Mr. Butt hud made reference to. And he had to express the thanks of the congregation to Miss Mary M‘Hutcheson and Mr. M'Hutcheson, for the manner in which they conducted the psalmody at usual services. (Cheers.) Mr. Falconer returned thanks on behalf of the choir, and of the lady who presided at the harmonium. It had been their endeavor to do their best, and they were glady if their efforts had pleased. (Applause.) | He himself, putting bashfulness aside, ; would move a vote of thanks to those ladies who had presided over the tables, and by their engaging smiles and graceful actions, had touched the hearts of the poor bachelors. (Laughter.) The ladies helped them to forget the cares and labors of the world, they helped them to better actions in their way through life, and contributed their charms to social intercourse. Contrasts and dissimilarities of disposition and abilities even made desirable combinations, for much uniformity was insipid. (Laughter.) Some might allude to the excellence of the addresses delivered, he would talk about the attractions of the ladies. (Applause.) ,

Mr. Dickens begged to return his sincere thanks on behalf of the ladies. Their feelings were much gratified by finding that their services had met with esteem. If required at another time the ladies would be most cheerful volunteers. (Applause.), He was not much gifted in moralising, like his friend,—(laughter) —and would conclude.

A collection was made during the meeting which raised the proceeds of the Tea Meeting to upwards of £3O. After the customary benediction the meeting dispersed.