Consecration of the Anglican Church at Campbelltown.

Manawatu Herald, 31 October 1895, Page 2

Consecration of the Anglican Church at Campbelltown.

On Monday afternoon the recently' erected Anglican Church at Gamp* belltown was consecrated by Bishop Wallis, of the Wellington diocest. The weather was beautifully fine, and long before the appointed time people began to congregate around the building, until by the time the service commenced (2 o'clock) the Church, which is built to seat about two hundred persons, was crowded, including visitors from Feilding, Sandon, Greatford, and Bulls. Members of the Anglican Ohuroh choirs from the three latter places united with the Campbelltown choir, and the service was commenced by singing hymn 242. After this hymn was 6Udg the Bishop was met at the door by Messrs W. Davies, G. Merretfc, and J. Costall, and the former read the petition for the conseoration of the church and presented it to JQtis Lordship, who was attended by Archdeacon Toogood (of Marton), " Revs. A. Innes-Jones (of Feilding), Aitkena (Foxton), and J. D. Russell (pastor of the parochial district). The Church was dedicated to St. Simon and St. Jude, by His Lordship, who preached a very able and impressive sermon from John 11, 17v. The Rev. Mr Russell took part in the service, and Archdeacon Toogood read the petition for consecration from the altar. The gathering dispersed after singing the Te Deum. After the consecration service an adjournment was made to the Temperance Hall, where a sumptuous repast was laid by a number of ladies connected with the Church. The tables were given by Mesdames Whittington, Merrett, Rich, Misses Hickford and Crabbe; Mesdames Daviea and F. Richmond; Mrs Mackey, Misses Costall (3) and Hill. Full justice '"' -wag" ■ 'dojffi j&j^iliP^ things provided, Tanaby oHhT another move was made to the >new church, where Archdeacon TopgoopV pas to preach. By the time the evening lervice commenced the building was packed, and it was impossible for all to gain admission. The Archdeacon delivered a very impressive discourse in % similar strain to the Biahop'* sermon in the afternoon. The Bishop and the Revs. Aitkens and Russell took part inrthe service. M<ft»iMt.gesided at the organ at both services. It was intended to hold a social in the schoolhouse at the conclusion of the evening service, Wt as neither it nor the Temperance Hall were large enough to hold a half of those present it was decided to hold the social in the open air opposite the gehool. The Bishop was welcomed by the Rer. Mr Russell, who called for three cheers for His Lordship and Mrs Wallis, the gathering heartily responding. The Bishop, in an appropriate speech, thankid them for the hearty welcome extended to him and Mrs Wallis, and congratulated them on the work they had done. The Rev. Mr Russell also expressed the pleasure of the Campbelltown people at seeing Archdeacon Toogood, who suitably responded. Daring the evening songs were given by the following :*~MfB Prior, who sang" The 1 ' hbly^clty;" and "As gold is tried by fire ;" Mr ! J. Sanaon, "The little hero;" ana Mr Rochelle; the duet "Life'i dream is o'er " was given by Misses Anderson and M. Hammond. The accompaniments were played by Miss Anderson, Mrs San3on, and Mr Rochelle. Refreshments iwerevprovided by the ladies of the Church, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. -. -» ■ The opening of iue new. Church waa very successful in every way, and the celebrations should result in a substantial amount being paid to the building funds ;of 'the Churoh/ which is not qaite oorapleted on tht outside.— Feilding i9Hr.