OPENING OF HAWERA WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 174, 9 December 1876, Page 2

OPENING OF HAWERA WESLEYAN CHURCH.

One of the pleasantest gatherings that has taken place for many clays in this district occurred in connection with the opening of the new Wesleyan Church in Hawera, on Wednesday last, the Gth instant. It was held in the Block-house, and at least 150 persons sat down to the good things provided for .them. The tea was given and provided by Mrs A’Court, Mrs W, Dingle, and Mrs R. Dingle, who certainly deserve great praise for the manner in which they l - performed their work. Nothwithstanding the weather, which was,wet and threatening, a large number of persons attended the tea, and everything passed off most satisfactorily. The following is a complete list of the ladies who so well performed their duties and contributed so largely to the success of the gathering : —Mesdames A’Court, Smith, It. Dingle, Tucker, W. Dingle, Misses Alexander (2) Misses Gundy and Douglas. After tea was over, the public repaired to the new church, where the public meeting .was announced to take place. : The Rev. J. Law occupied the chair, and in opening proceedings congratulated the Wesleyans of Hawera on the fact of having opened the first church in that district, and then spoke warmly on the unanimity that had been exhibited byministers of various denominations, and chiyches that had assembled there that night. ,y . ; . : f The clergy present were^—-the Rev. M. S. Breach, Presbyterian minister of New Plymouth ; the Rev.Bavin, of Wanganui ; the Rev. A. Martin, fresh from Scotland, Presbyterian ; the'*: Rev. Isitt, of New Plymouth; in addition to the Chairman. Each of these gentlemen addressed: those present, and we need hardly add, were warmly welcomed. The church, during the proceedings, was crowded, and sing- : ing arid-instrumental - music' varied the speeches. Altogether, one of the most successful celebrations ever held in Hawera, inaugurated the opening of the new Wesleyan Church, and that equal good fortune may wait otrthe structure in future is, and must be, the sincere wish of all who wish religion well.. a I _The- : total - receipts of the tea meeting and collection at the public meeting amounted to £l3. i