CONGREGATION A CHURCH REOPENING SOIREE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2417, 15 December 1880, Page 2

CONGREGATION A CHURCH REOPENING SOIREE.

About two years ago the Congregational church was opened for public worship, a section only of the intended structure being completed. The remaining portion has now been finished, under the superintendance of Mr Upton, the architect. Mr D. E. Jones’ tender for the work of erection was accepted at a sum of some £74'*. The contract included numerous alterations to the existing structure which has been considerably lengthened, J2 feet being added to its depth and 41 feet to the width. The entrance to the building is both handsome and commodious, and comprises a vestibule, containing two moms, intended for the pastor and committee of the church respectively, and also for the weekly meetings held in connection with the church. These communicate with the main building by folding doors. A staircase leads from one of the apartments to a gallery, !'i reel oy -tecr, which is supported by four handsome Corinthian columns. This gallery is intended for the use of the Sunday school children. The platform for the use of the olliciating minister and placed at the north end of the church, is raised ;sft enclosed by a ballustrade, and approached on each side by a flight of steps, a lesser elevation in front being set apart for the use of choir and organist. The church is well lighted and ventilated, furnished with two large sun-lights, and the acoustic properties of the building are perfect. T 1 ic church is approached from the south by two porches leading to the aisles. 'With the new seats the church will accommodate about 300 people. The structure as now completed presents a very creditable appearance, and the Congrogationalists of Tirnaru may feel justly proud of snob an edifice. ■- -Lust evening a soiree and tea in connection with he opening of the church was held in Mr Henry (Ireen’s store, Cain’s terrace which was tastefully laid out for the reception of the members and friends, about 200 of whom sat down to tea. The tables wore presided over by the following ladies ;—Mesdames Hallo wes, W. Jones, Mee, Haggitt, Parsons, Ritchie, Mcllroy, Foster, P. Smith, ami Kent.

After tea an adjournment took place to the church which was fairly idled. The Itev Mr Hallowes (pastor) presided, supported by the lie vs Williams and Slocombe (of Christchurch), Gillies, and Dumbed.

The Chairman opened the proceedings in the usual manner, and called upon the secretary, Air D, Haggitt, to read the annual report. This showed that ,l‘lßb4 had been collected during the last four years, and- that the total cost of the enlargement amounted to TBbo. A slight deficit was recorded., MrClemance, treasurer to the building committee, also read his report, which showed a small deficit.

The Rev Mr Hallowcs referred to the very satisfactory state of the finances of the church, Tiicir’s was a small congregation, and none of them were very wealthy, but the work that had been dune spoka volumes for the energy displayed. The speaker regretted the small attendance on the previous Sunday, remarking that the funds of the church suffered in consequence, and suggesting that those who were unwillingly absent would not mind contributing their donation to the funds now. He concluded by calling upon the ollicials of the church to go round with the plate. The choir then gave “ But the herd is mindful of his own,” in a manner that displayed both ability and care in preparation,- being accompanied on the harmonium by Mr Haggit, junr. The Rev. Mr Williams referred to the unity of feeling that characterised the Congregational Church, and stated that he would always be happy to lend his assistance on occasions like the present. paid a high compliment to Mrs Hallowcs, the wife of the pastor, to whose assiduity and untiring zeal'much of the linancia! success connected with the church was due. At the same time the people of Tiuumi liml Uitjpluyed a most worthy amount of liberality; and when ho returned to Christchurch he intended to make their virtues known. (Applause.)

Ihc Rev Mr Dumbell spoke of the energy displayed by the ladies in the interests of the church, and Wound up an amusingand ; interest-ing-address by relating how a couple of fair and fascinating collectors opened the heart of a miserly old bachelor, and secured a sovereign for every year of his life on the sixtieth anniversary of his birthday.

The Rev Mr Slocombe alluded to the advantages of Christian unity. He was followed by The Rev Mr Gillies, who referred to ministers generally as the asses who boro the financial burdens of the church, but expressed his pleasure at finding that in this instance the Congregational members had taken the weight from their pastor, In the course of a humorous ami pointed address, contrasted certain members with frogs, designating the constantly grumbling and loud complaining pillar of the Church as simply an inflated bull-frog. He mentioned, as a, fact not generally known, that the ministers ot various denominations in Timarii; were in the habit, of meeting weekly and consulting each other on spiritual and temporal matters. He also stated that down South he had noticed that some ot the adherents of the Presbyterian Church, who seceded because they objected to hymns and instrumental music, re-appeared on the religious surface of the Congregational Church, and swallowed with an avidity that wa* surprising both hymn-book and harmonium together. (Laughter.) The choir rendered “Thine, 0 Lord, is the greatness,’’ and “ Lot ns dwell together in unity” most impressively. Votes of thanks were given to Messrs If. Green, G. Jones, W. JTaggitt, tiic visiting clergymen and the ladic-, for the assistance rendered.

Mr Slocombe having pronounced the Benediction, the meeting terminated a little after 10 o’clock.