NASEBY EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 298, 13 November 1874, Page 3

NASEBY EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The ceremony of laying the foundation«tozio of the first English Church in Naaeby was successfully accomplished on Monday last. The weather was auspicious, and a delightful change to that hitherto this Beason so generally experienced. About half-past two in the afternoon many began to congregate around the site of the church, where a stone six hundred weight had been slung on blocks, ready prepared for the occasion. This stone was the object of no little pride on the part of some of the visitors, who were pleased that a. stone of such magnitude could be found in Naseby. So much was this the case that, on a very ar« dent admirer comparing it with proud self-satisfaction to a smaller stone used on a former occasion in another public building, he was in our hearing gently reminded that tho condemned Rtone was, at any rate, real slate, and not Brummagem. Hot to be put down in this ignominious manner, the philosophical and Socratian question" was asked, " But what was a slate stone originally P What, after all, is the difference P " Then camo the retort which, apparently, settled the question : —" The difference ! Why, the one stone was made by the great Architect of the Universe; the other by old Jacob — that is all! " In this pleasant vein, jest, repartee, and endless racings up and down ■among the children disposed of the time, of probation. A little before three the crowd, attracted, no doubt, by the opportunity of seeing the neat parsonage gardens, were summoned by the Kev. Mr. Williams to the schoolhouee, from which shortly after a procession was formed of the school children, followed by the Bishop and Mr. Williams, who headed the Masonic brethren (who were arrayed in due and full regalia) to the ground—the crowds of friends falling in behind. When all were assembled, Mr. Williams gave out the 241 st hymn, which, accompanied by the harmonium, was well sung. The Bishop then read an impressive prayer, after which the lessons were read fioju a. portion of a chapter in Exodus,.

rehiting-t'o tho initiation of the tabernacle in the wilderness, and the 2nd of Ephesians, from.tlie l3th verse.

His then eloquently addressed those present to the following purport:—My friends, I feel sure that it will not be necessary for me to expend any time in giving all the many reasons for erecting a house for the worship of Almighty God. At the same time, it is well to read far back in history of the care all gone before have bestowed upon having a local habitation, a place round which, when reared, to gather together; and which should be kept specially holy. "While even as yet men had no fixed habitations, taking refuge in caves and under the trees of the forest, even then they reared up great stones —the wonder still of us they remain, who ask in vain by what machinery they could have been erected. In that period, when God in his mercy called and set apart a special family, he instructed them to set up, even as we are doing to-day, a house especial for Him. There we have,. by God's own commandment, an house reared in the wilderness, under circumstances that might (if anything could) have caused the children of Israel to be excused: even there they had to have a building—appropriate certainly to their circumstances of constant movement, but a holy tabernacle. when they obtained rest, how glorious the temple the great King of Israel dedicated to the service of his Creator. For the purpose of the tabernacle things were not given that could very well spare, for they were-told to bring their jewels, and even the labor of their hands : so we learn to dedicate freely the things freely bestowed. Again, when the great middle wall of partition was broken down, and the purpose far which the selection of a family was fulfilled, and Jew and Gentile were brought together, then the Apostle teaches to assemble together- to neglect it not. Of course it follows that some special places were to be be set apart in which to worship his name; as, indeed, we learn from the rebuke to the Corinthians, who had begun to abuse the sacred things : —" "What! have ye not houses in which to eat and drink in, &c ." Therefore we.

do well, doubtless, in this wilderness, if so for the. moment I may call it. to raise a temple in the name of the Saviour in which to worship; and right heartily do I rejoice that you find yourselves so early in a position to commence a building which, I am sure, will be a blessing to tht. whole neighborhood, be a blessing hereafter to those to come after us, and which must conduce to your own eternal welfare. Would that this building could be carried out in its entirety; that the tower could be reared at once along the main fabric, pointing, as it were, to Heaven, telling you that youfare His, though you may have been rebellious; that you have not come into the wilderness for the corn, the wine, and the oil alone; but by your presence here to-day you do acknowledge yourselves as his children. I cannot close my remarks without noticing the presence of a special body whose regalia at once strike the eye. First, then, I thank those gentlemen for the readiness with which they have accepted the task of laying this stone to-day. lam grateful for the readiness with which they have come forward. Some, however, might say: "Why do you, as a special church officer, the Bishop in the Province, seek assistance from others." I reply, When I perceive the readiness which the lodge, as in this place, displays to assist such works, I ask myself, " What am I that I should discourage the expression of it?" If anything would be a justification, if justification were needed, this would be; but when I recall the history of the Freemasons, and look into the vista of the past, these men often were the only ones who could undertake such works: in all history being the readiest, and in some places, as I have said, the only body that could, from their intelligence, do so —I say they are doing a work cognate to the principles they profess. I need scarcely remind you, my Masonic brethren, ot the works they have done —the Cathedrals of Milan, Cologne, and York Minster, which were built, not in one age, but by the continuous efforts of the body Of Masons from age to age. The archives of this have been proved ; in York to this day, exists the history of these. The age in which we live is not satisfied with teaching, and therefore I gladly note that the body of Freemasons, without slighting one of the least of those secrets and mysteries always are found to take part in works of veneration and religion. Therefore I accept their services, and invite the Worshipful Master to put in these foundations, after the forms peculiar to the office, on behalf of the Church of England. (Owing to the want of space, and crowding round the stone, it was impossible to note the Bishop's address with accuracy. The above is, however, as fair a summarised report as was possible under the circumstances.)

Mr. Newman, the Worshipful Master, then drew forward,!.,and addressed his Lordship: My Lord Bishop,—On behalf of the Masonic body of Naseby, I accept your invitation with pleasure ; and, let me assure you that it will always' be a source of pleasure to us to lay the foundation-stone of any building to be erected for the religious, moral, or social welfare of The community. The Masonic hymn, " Hail Eternal," was then sung. At its conclusion, Mr. G. P. Rowlatt> Secretary of the Church Committee, presented a closed bottle to the WorshipfuL Master, in which was contained the records of the day's ceremony, the name of the first clergyman, and of the church oficers, a number of the * Mount Ida Chronicle.' and of the 'Otago Daily Times,' and also the current coins of the realm. The records were then deposited in the cavity prepared, the cement wqs spread, and the stone lowered, while the harmonium, presided over by Miss Williams, played a suitable air. The officers of the order then, with the jewels of their office, adjusted the stone, with Masonic dexterity. The Worshipful Master then gave three knocks on the stone, and declared it well and truly laid, saying, "May the great Architect of the Universe look down with benignity upon our present undertaking, and crown the edifice, of which we have laid the founda-tion-stonej with every success. So mote it be. [The corn, wine, and oil were then.poured, music playing.] May the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless and preserve .the inhabitants of this place with conveniences, and assist in the erection and. Icqmpletion'of this building, protect the workmen from every accident, and long preserve this structure J from decay, and grant unto us alPa plenuous supply pf

.the corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and the "oil of joy.-" So mote it be." The W.M., then, turning to his Lordship, thus addressed him: My Lobd Bishop, I have now the pleasure of informing you that in accordance with your request the foundation stone of this church has been laid according to the established rules of Masonry. In making this report I take this opportunity of congratulating you and the Church Committee upon the progress already made, and earnestly hope that, from the foundation laid this day, you will be enabled to raise a superstructure perfect in irs parts, and a blessing to the inhabitants of the district. On behalf of the brethren of the Mount Ida Lodge, over which I have the honor to preside, allow me to return you my most sincere thanks for the honor you have this day conferred in calling upon us to perform so important a work as laying this foundation stone. At the erection of all stately and superb edifices throughout the world the privilege of laying the foundation stone is usually accorded to freemasons, in recognition of the services rendered by our ancient brethren (which you have already referred to in your very able address) when large bodies of freemasons used to travel throughout the country erecting buildings for the purpose of Divine worship to the honor and glory of God. It is not my intention to enter into the history of freemasonry, nor do I think this the proper place to do so, but have merely mentioned these facts to show that we are not the atheists and infidels that we are reported to bi. On the contrary ; the very first -principles taught a freemason upon his admission.to the Order are the duties he owes to God, by impressing upon him that he is never to mention His' name but with that reverential awe that is at ail times due from the creature to his Creator; by imploring His aid upon all his laudable undertakings; and by looking up to Him in every emergency for comfort and support. Your calling us here torday to help you in this great work shows that you do not entertain 'that opinion of us. I doubt not but that it is very satisfactory to your Lod-hip—as it inust be to the Eev. Mr. "Williams—to see sq many assembled here to-day ; and I earnestly trust that, when this building is completed, it will be the means of uniting us together in that bond of fellowship and goodwill that should at all times exist. I hope, my Lord, that you may be long spared to us, and that the English Church in Otago, under your able guidance, may continue to pros per, and that the resident clergyman, the Rev. Mr. Williams, ma y be long spared to minister to the spiritual wants of his charge. His Lobdship suitably replied. After again singing, the assemblage dispersed—a collection being made at the gate in aid of the building. ♦—— ; —■:..". CONCEBT AND BEADINGB. If .it were to be said that the, concert and readings of Monday night were an unqualified success, it would be throwing out an idea of a mamby pamby affair, about which, while not desiring to say aay harm, nevertheless no good could "very well be said. Undoubtedly, a very good entertainment was given—the very dense audience contributing to the spirit brought to bear by the performers. Of course the close, low-roofed hall was, as usual, unhealthily close ; stamping would ;iaise the dust; babies were just a thought too plentiful, although wonderfully good; but, when we have said this much,' our grievance list is exhausted." The Chaibman (Kev. E.. Williams), shortly aff"er eight, called on his Lordship the Bishop for an address. The Bishop, after having pleasantly alluded to the rule he had heard was< to be insisted on, of no encores, claimed to be allowed to come under the rule, as he had already that day .addressed at some length a considerable nuinber of those present. He felt Naseby was rising in his importance on every visit he made. He could not allow the opportunity to pass without expressing his satisfaction at his visit. About a.year ago he came to Naseby to introduce their clergyman, who, he might say, was now better known to them than to himself. You are (he continued) in a condition to-move forward, and have done so in laying the foundation of the Church, which will be a step towards the'establishment of a parish. He had no doubt the Church would proceed if Naseby developed the stick-to-gether-ativeness, of which the room was eminently suggestive. He hoped he might recognise that Naseby was on the road to a full-blown -parish. Reverting to the parochial organisations already existing, his Lordship congratulated the Church on its choir and Sunday school, intimating it was his intention to institute regular examinations, if. possible, at the hands of a visiting clergyman. The Choir then, led by Miss Williams, sang ." God bless the Prince of Wales." A well-executed piano solo by Miss A. Williams followed. Mr. Morrison gave " Shells of the Ocean," faintly, but sweetly sungi - Mr. H. W* Robinson gave a capital and appropriate short reading, " Light tor all;' though, to tell the truth, the .audience were far mora- delighted to see their old friend backfagain among them in his old, plelsantT style, than to listen to the really well read piece. - Miss Williams was agaiu called, upon to give a solo, " Strangers yet," which was appreciated. Mr. Wilson followed with "Jessie's Dream," which was close on the heels of the " Minute Gun " in the favor it received. Mrs. Aschoff gave "Sweet Spirit hear my Prayer;" after which followed a, piano and _fiute. duet by Miss Williams ancl Mr. Hartman, a spirited galop, that set many feet itching for a dance. A pleasant stratagem of children's .voices being heard through' the walls introduced as ah accompaniment to. a song of Mr. Grumitt's was a pleasing novelty. Mr. Richard .Browne, who proved a most efficient all-round assistant,; gave " Carry me 'long," supported by the. ; choir. A reading by the" Rev. Mr. Wil-; liams followed, rather lengthy for such'an' extended programme, which:"the- reader honestly confessed. A ; pianoforte duet followed, played by the" MissVs Williams. Then came the gem of the. evening, the duet "The "Minute Gun," by Messrs. Browne and Morrison, which was very finely rendered. Mr. M'Oluskey was called upon to interpolate a short recitation, followed by an excellent duet, " Sunny Memories," sung by Miss George and Master Williams;' I'he au- ■ diehce were delighted, and would hardly permit the Chairman i.o enforce, .as he was determined to, the law against a recall. Mr. Horswell folkwcd, and read a hymn of praise by the Devonshire poet Prince. Miss Williams again came forward, though sadly overworked, and sang the beautiful solo, "Lily's Good Night," Mr. Browne and Mr. werd thoroughly at

home in their well rendered sonss -'Hie LittleShamrock." Mr. Bobinson'* read mi: of a chapter of history could hardly tail to bis appreciated—had it -come earlier in the programme it would have beeu enthusiastically received ,~ as it .was,.,some infantile protestation's spoilt the best parts/ A pianoforte solo was played by Master Collett, who, although nervous at starting, before he concluded the piece, showed great proficiency for the short time during which he had been learning. An amusing song and chorus, the "Ten Little Niggers," followed—the more armising for the good humored failure on the part of Mr. Browne, who had..kindlv> undertaken to supply Mr. Rowlatt'V part, who was indisposed : not that Mr. Browne could not sing the piece,but he could not at the last invent quick enough for the piano. So the audience were left in a dubious state as to what became of one little nigger if not two. After " God bless us all" by the choir, a loyalßriton demanded the National Anthem, which concluded the evening's amusement. Miss M.Baird was unfortunately not able to give a recitation owing to indisposition. The general success was caused by the wish of all (performers and audience) to support the pluck of the Church Committee ; and the large attendance must also, we think, be Attributed to a desire on the ■ part' of many in the town to recognise | the exertions Miss Williams has made, I with such success, to advance the know-' I ledge of music as well as in'the choir. ■ The results shown by the young children, who have for so little time been .under any sort of regular musical training, must have been very gratifying to her, and would have highly pleased' Mr. Paice, who, we believe, laid—as it were the foundation-stone.