WELLINGTON STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

New Zealander, Volume XXII, Issue 2390, 29 March 1865, Page 3

WELLINGTON STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

A soiree, in connection with the opening of this church was held in the building yesterday evening. There was a very large attendance, in fact so many that it it was with the greatest possible difficulty that those wishing to partake of the good things spread out in profusion could be accommodated. Several ministers of various denominations, and an efficient elioir, were present. At ibe conclusion of the repast the Rev. Mr. Hill toik the chair and gave out the hymn, “ Jerusalem as a city is,” after the singing of which the rev. gentleman said it always devolved upon the chairman to say something worthy of the occasion, and indeed the opening of a church was in ev ry way worthy of such a meeting, as he saw there round bira. He considered that last Sabbath was an era in the history of the church in New Zealand. It was well known that Ur. William Gorrie, father of the Rev. John Gorrie, and for many years a settler in the Province, had presented to the Presbyterians of this city the site on which the church was built (cheers). A more advantageous site could not have been selected as it was in the very centre of the district over the spiritual interests of which he was called lo preside, and he would ever hold in esteem the name of Mr. William Gorrie, and he was sure his congregation would do the same. While in Perth in Scotland, and before he thought of coming to these shores, he bad heard of Mr. Gorrie’s liberality, but never dreamed that the spot on which they were now assembled would so soon be the site on which a church s maid be built for himself. He felt proud of having to minister in such a noble building. The original cost of the building was to have been £2,500, but consequent upon many alterations and the introduction of gas, the entire cost would bo considerably more. After paying what money was in hand and promised, theie would remain a debt of something like £l,lOO or £1,200. Yet he hoped that before long ho might again have the pleasure of addressing another soiree, celebrating the total extinction of the debt. (Cheers.) The choir sang an anthem, “ Lord, for thy tender mercy’s sake,” in a very pleasing manner The Chairman called upon the Rev. Mr. Bruce to address a few remarks upon religions ordinances, Mr. Bruce said religions ordinances formed part of the organization of society, though instances often occurred, in what was accounted the best society, where religions ordinances are voted a complete nuisance. ° Yet, on the other hand, how many could be found convinced of their error, at once acknowledging that they were essential to human happiness, and he believed it was a sound conclusion. The rev. gentleman continued at some length to prove from Scripture that these ordinances were God’s arrangements, and os such necessary to be observed. He knew that while the world endured, there would be good and bad institutions, but they should shun tbe latter. Notwithstanding the great opposition encountered, we find these ordinances are still accepted by those who put their trust in the Lord. Many in this district complained that they could not attend to church, in consequence of the distance that separated them, but such an excuse would not do now, for here was a noble structure’ within easy distance, and he trussed they would all attend to hear instruction from their minister. He wished them every success in their new church. Mr. Westmoreland then gave a solo, “ Angels, ever bright and fair,” in a manner which quite enraptured the audience, and was loudly encored. The Rev. Mr. Sinclair having made a few remarks on the importance of training children for the furtherance of the Gospel, the choir performed another an hem, “ Hear my prayer, O Lord.” The Rev. Mr. Macdonald hoped the building would be crowded every Sabbath, and that many hearts might be touched by God, and brought to view relics on in its proper light. If such would be the case, then Mr. Gorrie would not have presented the land for nothing— this house would not be built in vain. He earnestly wished Mr. Hill would long continue to preach the Gospel in this place of worship, and God would bless him.

Another solo was given by Mr. Westmoreland, “I know that ray Redeemer limb.” The Rev. Mr. Mackt, of Otahuhu, congratulated the minister and congregation on having such an edifice, not only as a matter of congratulation, but because the Gospel was to be proclaimed within in its walls.and spoke at length on the indifference that was manifested towards church psalmody. ‘■’Cast thy burden ’ was the next quartette by the choir, and if anything exceeded tbe preceding ones. The Rev. Mr. Norrie referred to the wide field open in New Zealand for the spread of the Gospel. The harvest was great, but the laborers were few. In the back districts he found the general feeling existed that churches should be established ; and as this was a free country the gospel might be proclaimed fearlessly and faithfully- Much as he wished to see this particular church prosper, he could not help but hope that all the churches in the Province of Vueklaud would be in like manner blessed. (Cheers.) Mr. Westmoreland then sang “ Eves’ Lamentation,” with much taste. The Rev. Mr, Cobnforth having made a few remarks on Christian union, and Mr. Westmoreland

having snug another solo, “Father of Heaven,” ami the chorus having sang “In Jewry is God known.”

Mr. Clark proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies in providing the tea. which was cirried by acclaination. After votes of thanks to the speakers and to the choir, the Rtv. Mr. Micky pronounce I the benediction, and the meeting separated.