THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1238, 6 April 1880, Page 2

THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

A soiree, in connection with the opening of the new Primitive Methodist Chapel, took place last evening, and proved a very enjoyable affair. Tables were arranged on either side of the building, and were laden with an ample supply of the good things of this life usually found at reunions of the kind. The tables were provided by Mesdatnes Barley, Baker, Wood, Hughes, Gray, Robertson, Rusbatch, Vincent, Ware, Smith, Worsdell, Anderson, Grant, Tulloch, .and M'Dowell, in addition to a bachelors' table contributed by Mr. T. D. Young. The several tables were presided over by Mesdames Dumbell, Barley, Rusbatch, Ware, Robertson, Vincent, Hughes, and Baker, and Miss Boyce, and the refreshments were partaken of by about 140 persons, old and young. The little building, with its tasteful 'decorations and the smiling fa'ces of those congregated within its walls, presented a very pleasing appearance, and all were full of congratulations that the Primitive Methodist connexion had at last secured a local habitation as well as a manse, hopes being expressed that ere long a larger building would.be rendered necessary and .the funds become available for its erection. After the tea meeting, the tables were cleared and a public meeting, was held. At'. this . addresses were delivered by the Revs. Messrs. Barley, Cameron, Dumbell, and Todd, and we regret that' want of space y precludes the possibility ;of our giving a full report of the addresses. The proceedings were "opened by the singing of one of Sankey's hymns, " To the work, to the work,", and was followed by a prayer by the Rev. Mr. Dumbell. The Chairman (the Rev. Mr. Barley), after thanking his-friends for being present and joining so heartily in the good work he had undertaken, expressed a hope that it would prove successful. He promised on a future occasion to enter fully into the accounts oonneoted with the erection of the building, and said he would just mention that the building had cost a little over L3QQ. Towards this-a sum of about L7O had: already been contributed. Besides this the collections at the opening services amounted to L 6 9s 6d, and he had no doubt a handsome sum would be obtained from that meeting, as no expense had been incurred by it, everything having been given by members of the congregation.

The Revs. Messrs. Cameron, Dumbell (of Timaru), and Todd followed with interesting addresses, all bearing upon the occasion, of the meeting, and expressive of hopes thai; the efforts of the pastor of the congregation, (the Rev. - Mr.' Barley) would be supported by his flock, and that they might prove successful. Hearty cheers : having been given for those who provided and presided over the tables and for the speakers, the meeting closed with singing: and the "Benediction pronounced'by the Revi A. B. Todd.