ST. MARY'S CHURCH SOIREE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2335, 10 September 1880, Page 2

ST. MARY'S CHURCH SOIREE.

A soiree in.,conncctiou with the above church, on the occasion of the laying the foundation stone of the new edifice, was hold last evening in the Queen’s Hall, North street, and attracted a very large and fashionable audhneo, between two and three hundred being entertained at the tea tables, which were exquisitely decorated with choice Hewers and ferns, and presented a very attractive appearance, causing considerable comment and admiration. They were presided over by the following ladies: Mesdames Bcllield, Hibbard, Woollcombc, Knubley, Hassall, Crammond, Fraser, Jameson, White, Brownell, Lewis, Berry, Lc Cren, Grierson, Bristol, and J. Jones, and the zest with which the guests partook of the good things provided must have afforded some gratification to the ladies who on this occasion undertook the duties of providing. The hall being cleared, about 700 people assembled to enjoy the musical portion of the entertainment. The dais was occupied by the. Very Bev the Dean of Christchurch, the Ven Archdeacon Harper, the Levs. W. 11. Harris, A. W. Hands (of Ashburton), and several other clergymen, the choir of St. Mary’s being also well represented. The Archdeacon briefly introduced the subject of the evening in a few well-chosen remarks, and the sacred part of the performance commenced with Beethoven’s “Hallelujah to the Father,” capitally rendered on the harmonium by Mr Hooch, the organist of St. Mary’s. The choir (winch, by the way, was rather overbalanced with juvenile voices) sang several anthems in a very pleasing manner.

The Archdeacon intimated that several of the rev gentlemen present would address the assembly later on, and referred to the absence of the Primate with regret. He remarked that twentythree years ago Ins Lordship made his first journey to this part of the diocese, and it was his (the speaker’s) pleasing duty to accompany him. At that time Timaru was covered with tussocks, and the only houses were on the beach, a state of affairs rather different from that which now existed. The Primate had laid the foundation of the first edifice, and he would now be rejoiced to hear of their success, and the great sympathy that had been shown by those interested in the work. He (the Archdeacon) was glad to say that their success was far greater than ho had anticipated. They had been favored with glorious weather and a variety of circumstances had contributed to make the ceremony of the afternoon one that would not be easily forgotten. The town regulations forbade the erection of a wooden building, so that it was necessary to erect a more costly structure. The new buildining would be a very handsome Gothic place of worship capable of seating some 700 people, and would not require to be replaced by a larger building for many years. No general canvass had been made, but thirty subscribers had contributed £3OOO. This would be sufficient to more than pay for the first contract; it was hoped a sufficient sura would soon be obtained for the second which would take the work to the top of the walls ; and he hoped that in two years they would meet within a noble sanctuary dedicated to the service of Almighty trod. There had been placed upon the foundation stone that day some £'J5, and this showed that his people were earnest in the work before them. He rejoiced to sec such a gathering as that before him, for he liked to see people cat of one another's salt, believing that it tended to harmony and goodwill. If there was one thing more than another which caused him satisfaction it was the hearty sympathy he had rccci od since ho had been among them. This had helped him more than the reception of thousands of pounds would have done. He was accused of “blowing” about Timaru by some of ;his friends, hut ho found upon closer acquaintance that they could “ blow” on the subject as well, not only as a churchman, hut as a citizen ho desired to see a building erected that would ornament the town, and if they worked together there would be no difficulty in completing the one they had that day commenced. The secular portion of the programme was very fairly given, the part songs being especially good. The Mosdamcs Stubbs and Evans were heartily encored for their rendering of the “ Flower Gatherers.” Mr Acland received a similar compliment. Previous to the singing of the National Anthem votes of thanks were accorded to the ladies and visitors, and a very successful and pleasing evening was brought to a close.