THE NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5706, 14 July 1879, Page 2

THE NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This very handsome building, which adds another to the architectural ornaments of our city, was yesterday opened for the first time for public service. Situated as it is on the Terrace, in a good central position, it commands a view of the greater part of the city and the harbor, and presents a very striking appearance as seen from the Bay. Its opening was quite an epoch in the Presbyterian annals of this city, and it is sure to be a very favorite place of worship among those for whom it is intended. The morning service was yesterday conducted by Professor Salmond, of the Dunedin University, who took for his text the Ist chapter of the Ephesians, the 21st and 22nd verses. In the afternoon the same gentleman addressed a large body of the children and their parents in the schoolroom, and was listened to with great attention. His remarks pointed to the power and glory of Christ, and to the necessity of the young being brought up in the fear of the Lord. The evening service was conducted by the Rev. D. Bruce, who took for his text the 145th chapter of the Psalms, 10th and 11th verses. In the morning there was a very large attendance, and in the evening the church was crowded. The handsome appearance of the interior was the theme of general admiration, as was also the comfortable and serviceable fittings, which, while being pleasing to the eye, were felt to be thoroughly in keeping with a building of so handsome and appropriate a character. One of the most satisfactory points in regard to any building of such a class was very soon learned, for it was found that the acoustics of the church were most excellent, the preacher being heard with great distinctness in every part of the building. The way too in which the building is lighted, naturally by day by means of a number of well studied windows, and artificially by night by means of a powerful sunlight and side lights, was also felt to be an appreciable boon, as was likewise the very excellent ventilation. Indeed, everyone appeared to be delighted with the general effect of the new place of worship, and the clergy and laity alike were not slow in expressing their satisfaction. The Rev. Mr. Ogg, the minister, is to be congratulated upon having such a fine edifice in which to carry on bis work. The special offertories made amounted to £33 95., made up as follows :—ln the morning, £l7 ; in the afternoon, £9 95.; and in the evening, £7. Coming now to a description of the building, we will speak first of the front elevation. The main front, or portico, shows a width of 47ft., and a height to the top of the pediment of 34ft., the total height to the top of the spire being 90ft. In the front are four circular fluted pillars, of the Corinthian order, surmounted by a very handsome pediment. There is a recess on each side in the same style, and the angles are decorated with Corinthian fluted pilasters and Corinthian capitals. On the top of these pilasters, and in a line with the pediment, is a parallel parapet. The tower takes its rise from the top of the pediment, and ascends to a height of 56ft. The main features of the tower consist—first, . of a buttress, a circle of recesses, and pediments. At the base of this is a balustrade and a large circular window. Over this is a quantity of entablature and another rise in the spire, consisting of, in the upper portion, an open bell-tower, the whole being surmounted by a cornice cupola roof, with balustrade, and a gilded ball and finial. At the front entrance of the church there is a flight of nine steps leading to the main entrance door, which is circular headed in character, and is 14ft. high and 7ft. wide. On each side of this there are two large circular windows, surmounted by entablature and pediments. Going now into the interior it is found on entering the church that there is a vestibule 44ft. long by 13ft. wide, on each side of which is a flight of stairs leading to the side galleries above. There are two lobbies, which lead into the aisles, which are the full length of the church, by 6ft. wide. These aisles are seated. The total length of the building from the front of the portico to the extreme back is 60ft. The nave up to the back of the pulpit measures about 60ft. long, by 30ft. wide. The choir end is 18ft. deep by 22ft. wide; it is circular shaped with the ceil-

iug formed into a.niche. The internal decorations of the building are handsome and striking. Ten Corinthian columns divide the sides of the church into equal spaces, having pilasters and elliptic arches, opening into the galleries. The Corinthian columns are set on pedestals, the columns having ornamental Corinthian capitals, and surmounted by Corinthian entablature with richly decorated frieze, and the cornices decorated with a broad moulding and ornamental modillions and dentals. The same decorations are carried on to the end of the chnreh, and continue into the choir and theniche. The ceiling takesits spring from about the cornice, and is formed in a circular shape, and a decorated beam is continued over each column, dividin r the ceiling into equal spaces. The whole of the beams are highly decorated. Their soffits are ornamented, and the angles are also decorated with perforated mouldings, which form the basis of the ventilation of the church. These beams are so opened cut as to allow of the church being lighted by clear storied windows. There are tight circular beaded windows on the ground floor, in the aisles, the size of each being 12ft by sft. The front of the gallery all round the building is decorated with cast-iron perforated railing, backed by crimson cloth, which gives a nice effective relief to the appearance they would otherwise have. Both the galleries and aisles are decorated with highly and well-finished dado, a portion of which are made with kauri, the frames being of Singapore cedar. It might be mentioned that the chnrch is perfectly free from any draught. The fresh air is brought in from the top of the cornice inside, and escapes by means of the perforated mouldings. All the interior work of the church is iu lath and cement, and all the ornamental work is cast in plaster of paris, the woodwork being for the main part of cedar. All the doors are covered with crimson cloth, close with springs, and have amber door handles. The pulpit is made of highly polished Sydney cedar, and is strictly Doric in style. It has two flights of steps, and is convenient and commodious. The whole of the seats of the main floor are made of kauri, and have upholstery at the back, have spring seats, and are covered with the best crimson Utrecht velvet. The end and aide galleries are furnished with the fittings from the old church. The whole sittings are estimated to accommodate between 450 and 500 people. It might bo stated that there is a vestry room under the choir 24ft. x 18ft., which is intended to be used as a schoolroom for the children. The whole of the work has been most satisfactorily carried out, and reflects great credit both upon the architect (Mr. C. J. Toxward) and the contractors (Messrs. Archibald and Scoular). The contract price for the building was £4000; the fittings have cost about £4OO, and the schoolroom £350. In conclusion, it might be said that the building is purely in the Italian style, and that it is one of the best pieces of workmanship ever carried out in Wellington. A soiree will be held this evening In the schoolroom adjoining the church to celebrate the opening of the edifice, and the tea tables will be spread out from half-past five to seven o’clock. There will be a public meeting afterwards, when addresses will be delivered by the Rev. Professor Salmond, the Rev. Mr. Bruce, Dr. Wallis, and other gentlemen. The chair will be taken by the Hon. B. Hart, M.L.C., and nearly all the leading singers from the various choirs in the city have kindly volunteered their valuable assistance.