PRIMITIVE METHODIST SOIREE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 643, 25 May 1878, Page 2

PRIMITIVE METHODIST SOIREE.

The first soiree in connection with the above body took place last evening in the Wear-street Hall, and was by far a greater success than the promoters anticipated achieving. An excellent tea was provided, the trays being kindly supplied by the following ladies and gentlemen Mesdanies Amos (two trays), Gray, Grant. Lennie, Kusbatch, and Wilson ; Miss Boyce ; Messrs. Bond and Herbert,. The. two large tables placed down the hall were literally loaded with edibles of the best description, and these were done ample justice to by fully 300 persons. Indeed, so large was the attendance that it was impossible to find sitting room, and it was not until the third "sitting" had taken place that all were satisfied. After the tea was completed, a public meeting was held, the hall being crowded almost to excess. The chair was occupied by Mr. D. E. Buckingham, of Waimate, who. after the proceedings had been opened by singing and prayer, spoke of die efforts which he had made long ago to establish a branch of the Primitive Methodist congregation. Those efforts had not at the time resulted in the achievement of the object, as most of the small number who were present at the 1 small meeting then held left the district immediately afterwards. The Rev. W. H. Puddicombe, the pastor of the congregation, on being called upon to read the statement in connection with the church, said he had 110 statement to read, but he would inform the meeting as to what had been done. He then went on to speak of the efforts he had made last October, in obedience to instructions received from the quarterly sitting at Waimate, to form a Primitive Methodist congregation in Oamaru. For a week he had walked about the town in search of persons connected with that body. He at last discovered a few who, if they did not then belong to the Primitive Methodist body had been connected with it in the Old Country. A meeting was held, at which nine persons only were present, and from that small beginning had sprung the present congregation. They were now not only recognised by the various other Churches, but were heartily welcomed by them, as sharers in the good work. They believed there w r as a good fluid for them in this town wherein to prosecute their labours. The present hall had been secured, and large numbers now met there for Divine worship. The Church was not free from debt, for many expenses had to be met in establishing the congregation, and it had been decided to hold the soiree for the purpose of obtaining money to clear off labilities, and, if possible, to procure rmonium to assist the singing. This a plain statement of affairs, but he ed next year to be aHe to give a more sfactory account of their position, and L be able to speak of still greater pross. Addresses were also delivered by

the Revs. J. Sharp (Timaru), A. B. Todd, and J. Steven, and Mr. J. Crockroft (Timaru). Altogether a most pleasant and profitable evening was spent, and we must compliment the promoters on the success which attended their first soiree.