PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HUTT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4459, 5 July 1875, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HUTT.

A soiree and public meeting in connection ■with the above place of worsliip being held on the 18th of May, we insert the following account of them, though rather late. It being resolved to introduce a harmonium, a soiree and public meeting were arranged for that end, and likewise with the view of aiding the harmonium fund. The worship of theHutt Presbyterian Church was for many years conducted by Mr. \V. Colder, and of late years by Mr. George Mollvride, but it now has been deemed expedient to call in the aid of an instrument together with the voice. This was done on the 18th of May, iu a manner very successful and gratifying. Tea was provided in the schoolroom, which, with its accompaniments, was served out to many visitors. The room was decorated with plants and flowers, the tea and all its belongings were abundant . and good, and the guests, who were numerous, seemed well pleased with their treatment. The public meeting was held in - the church, which was found far too small to admit those wh» wished to enter it; passages and pews were crowded, many had to wait outside or return to their homes, for lack of space in the building to receive them. The Ilev. John Moir occupied the chair, and Mr. Carver, from Wellington, presided at the harmonium. ' The choir of St. John’s Church, Wellington, were all present, and likewise many other friends • from the city. After praise and prayer, the chairman gave a short account of the history of the congregation. It was formed in 1840, and is of twenty-nine years standing. The church was opened for worship in IS4S, and its first minister, the Rev. W. Dron, arrived from Scotland iu 1852. The congregation has had many discouragements. The chief of these arose from the removal of adherents from the Hutt to other parts of the country, and sometimes from the want of a constant ministry. Still they have held on, and trust that by God’s blessing prosperity in some measure may yet smile upon them. The choir sang various hymns in the course of the evening, to the delight of the audience, alternating with the speakers. The first speaker called for was Jonas Woodward, Esq., who often had ministered there in times of need, and who now addressed the assembly iu a manner that was kind, lively, and instructive. Afterwards, the Revs. James Paterson, Richardson, West, and Ogg delivered useful and . interesting addresses ; and also Mr. Thomas McKenzie and Mr. James Smith. Votes of thanks were carried to the ladies of the congregation, to Mr. Carver and choir, &c. The meeting separated between S' and 10 o’clock, and the friends from Wellington returned home by a special train. On the whole this first soiree and public meeting of the Hutt Presbyterian Church was very pleasant and successful ; and it may be hoped that some real good will arise out of the proceedings.