RELIGION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4483, 2 August 1875, Page 3

RELIGION.

In accordance with a resolution of Conference, the members of the Wesleyan communion observed the second week in July as a week of special prayer for the promotion of religion throughout the colony. In this city prayer meetings were held every evening. The "Roman Catholic Bishop of "Wellington has issued a pastoral addressed to the members of that church throughout the diocese, soliciting subscriptions towards the erection of a bishop's residence, in keeping with the importance of "Wellington as the capital of NewZealand, the vast extent of the diocese, and the amount of business to be transacted in it.

A meeting was held on Sunday, July 11th, in Te Aro Koman Catholic Church, at which, a committee was appointed to take steps for founding a sustentation fund to procure the services of a curate for Father Kearney. I was also resolved to make an effort to raise money for building a presbytery. We are pleased to learn that the Rev. James McKee, who has filled the charge of the Wairarapa Presbyterian Church for the past five months, has received a unanimous call from the congregation. It is most probable the rev. gentleman will accept the call, in which case the district is to be congratulated upon the acquisition of a young and energetic clergyman, who will apply both talents and zeal to his work. . . .

The Eoman Catholic population of the Ohariu district have recently been making very strenuous efforts to raise sufficient money wherewith to erect a new church, and so far have their praiseworthy endeavors been successful that a tender for the performance of the work has within the past few days'been accepted. By a sight of the plans, which have been drawn by Mr. Turnbufl, of Temple Chambers, we learn that the building it is proposed to erect will be capitally adapted to the wants of the district, and from an architectural point of view quite an ornament to the valley. The structure will be about 40ft. by 20ft., and 12ft. high, and capable of seating about two hundred persons. In addition to the nave, which is to be 30ft. by 20ft., there will be the usual-sanctuary 20ft. by Bft., and a sacristry 10ft. by Bft, p At the righthand corner a bell; tower, with broach spire above artistically finished, having a cross at top, will rise to an altitude of 51ft. Light will be obtained through four or five lancetpointed windows. The present contract has been let at £350,; but it is intended as soon as possible "to lay out another £l3O on the building, so as to thoroughly complete it. The Catholics of the Upper and Lower Hutt presented the Rev. Father McCaughey with a splendid gold watch, chain, and cross/which cost £4O, previous to his leaving the Hutt for the' distant parish of Boss. The re v. gentleman feelingly thanked those who presented the gift, and said that it would be a remembrance to him in time to come of the dear parishioners of the Hutt.

At a meeting of the Jewish congregation o£ Christchurch on Sunday, July 11th, £Bowas raised towards, the testimonial to Sir Moses Montifiore, Bart., originated in London, and a committee was appointed to obtain further subscriptions from Jews and Christians. The Dunedin Jewish synagogue is to be enlarged at a cost of £I2OO.