ST. PAUL'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, OAMARU.

North Otago Times, Volume II, Issue 39, 17 November 1864, Page 1 (Supplement)

ST. PAUL'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, OAMARU.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE

The foundation stone of this building was laid on Thursday afternoon last, before a considerable number of spectators, all of whom appeared to take a considerable interest in the ceremqny. In addition "to the regular attendants on Mr Connor's ministrations present, there were several of other denominations, including some gentlemen from Dunedin. On the platform were, the Rev Mr Connor, Rev Mr Christie (of the Presbyterian Church, Waikouaiti), the Rev A. Gifford, and Mr Riley, Missionary at Otepopo. About half past 4 p.m., the ceremony commenced by the Rev C. Connor offering up an impressive prayer, which was listened to by all present, uncovered, with serious attention. Mr Falconer, on behalf of the Presbyterian congregation of Oamaru, then requested Mr Connor to proceed with laying the stone. A jar was produced, into which was put the coins of the realm, Mackay's Almanack for 1864, the •• Otago Witness," the " Oamaru Times," the Canterbury " Press," rolls containing the lists of subscribers to the building fund, and the communion rolls of the Churches at Oamaru, Otepopo, and Hampden. This having been deposited within the foundation stone, it was lowered, and declared by Mr Connor to be " well and truly laid." Mr Connor then again offered up a prayer, after which Mr Christie delivered an address, followed by Mr Riley. Mr Gifford was also called upon, and in the course of an eloquent address impressed upon his auditory the necessity of all denominations living together in amity and goodwill, as worshippers of one God and one common Saviour, though worshipping with slightly different ceremonies. The whole affair passed off in the most gratifying manner, and a well-executed drawing of the church excited universal admiration The following description of the building will no doubt be read with interest:—

The new Presbyterian Church is designed in the early English style, having a nave of 50 feet by 35 feet in the clear, with transepts 19 feet wide and 53 feet from end to end. Recessed from the transepts is the platform intended for the pulpit, instead of the ordinary method of placing the pulpit in the body of the church, whereby much space would be taken up that may by this plan be occupied by the congregation. On either eide of this recess, a library and vestry are arranged, of suitable dimensions. The height of the walls in the nave is ten feet above the floor line, whilst the walls of the transepts are 17 feet high—the extra height allowing of the addition of galleries in this part of the church at a future time. These galleries are intended to bo approached by separate entrances from the outside, which hare been treated as a prominent feature in the design, being equare on the ground floor, and merging into the octagon form at about half their height, the roofs being formed in stone, with characteristic weatherings, and terminating with a vane or weathercock. The principal entrance to the church will have a north-easterly aspect, and is marked by a neat open porch, with double-pointed arches springing from pilasters and centre column, with foliated caps and moulded bases. In the gable over the arches the space is relieved by a cusped circular pannel. Above the porch, light is admitted into the nave by three lancet windows and nine tympanum windows in the side walls, which, together with two lancet windows on either side of the porch, will sufficiently light this portion of the building. The transepts will be lighted by three lancet windows above, and the same number below the gallery in each end. At the north angle of the church will stand the tower, which is 18 feet square at the base, having eight angle buttresses, the tower terminating in a stone spire and vane, which will rise to a total height of 126 feet. The ground floor of the tower will form a lobby or porch of entrance to the church, over wliich will be ft floor for the bell-ringer, and over this

another floor, in which the bell will be placed. lUβ nave ia 45 feet high to the ridge, the roof being supported by framed principal supported by champered pillars of Oregon timber } the whole will be neatly stained and va'rniahedi the exterior of thereof being slated, and the walls of polished Oamsm stone. The church completed will contain 650 sittings—soo being on the floor, and 150 in the transept galleries. The present contract is for the erection of the nave only, to contain 300 sittings, which will be finished with a temporary end, and two rooms to be used as a library and vestry, at a cost of £1400, and the whole could be completed at from £3000 to £4000. The architects have had in view in designing thia church the greatest amount of accommodation at the smallest cost, and at the same time preserving that architectural character so necessary to designate the uses to which the building ia to be applied. Messrs Arnott and Co. are the contractors, and tae work ia being carried out from the designs, and under the direction, of Messrs Mason and Clayton, an hitecte, of Dunedin.