TIMARU BAPTIST CONGREGATION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2947, 5 September 1882, Page 3

TIMARU BAPTIST CONGREGATION.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW CHAPEL. The foundation stbne of the new chapel, a full description of which appeared in onr issue of yesterday, was laid this afternoon,.by His Honor Judge Ward, in the presence of a number of the congregation. The ground had been well laid-out and prepared, and the Rev Mr Johnston; pastor of the congregation, with the various office-bearers, were in attendance. The Revs. Sharp and Beck were also present. Shortly after 2 o’clock the proceedings were opened by the singing of hymn 847 of the Baptist hymn book, Mr Jefcoate leading. After which Mr Penrose offered up a prayer : for a blessing on the proceedings of the occasion. The Eov. Mr Johnston then read the third chapter of Ezra, after which he apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Rev. W. Gillies, who was at Waimate. and for that of Mr J. Granger. He then presented Judge Ward with a handsome silver trowel, having an ivory handle, and bearing the following inscription : ‘ Presented to His Honor Judge Ward on the occasion of his laying the foundation stone of the Timaru Baptist Church, £th September 1882.” The trowel, which is a very handsome one, was obtained in Dunedin,where the lettering was placed on it. Judge Ward said he had been reluctant to accept the office he was now called upon to fill, as many persons better fitted to discharge it were amongst them. He congratulated the Baptist community upon their success, and he felt sure ajl would sympathise with them, and pray with him, for their prosperity. He looked for a day. of unity when all barriers should be broken down dividing the sections of the Christian Church. He referred to the disasters in the port, which had so recently desolated the community. Having performed the usual ceremony, the stone was lowered to its place, and pronounced by the Judge to be well and truly laid. Copies of the South Canteebuby Times of yesterday bad been placed under the stone. After prayer by Mr Symons, the Rev. Mr Johnston thanked the Judge, and spoke hopefully of the future prospects of the Baptist body. They had no idea of opposition; they wished to be auxiliary. He believed the teachings of the Baptist body were strictly in accordance with the tenets and practices of ahe early Church. Ho was sure that in regard to the propagation of the Gospel all denominations were in sympathy. He had to ask them to give as liberally as possible to the collection which would now be made.

The collection having been made, the Rev. Mr Sharp said he was sure everyone would agree with the remarks of the Judge and of the pastor of the Church, He fully believed in difference of interpretation and view, and understood them to be quite consistent with belief in grand truths. As in the outward building it was necessary before all things to have the foundation right—so in matters of belief, the gospel must bo firmly held, and then it mattered not what minor differences there might be. He hoped there would be continued unity, and the Baptists would, he felt sure, do good work here. Although Atheists and others pointed the finger of scorn at the differences in the Christian Church, ho thought they were in reality a testimony to the grandeur of the Gospel, which no differences could weaken. ,

The Eev. Mr Johnston then stated .that the Rev. Mr Beck was prevented by a severe cold from addressing them; and gave out Hymn 849, which was heartily sung by those present, after which the Benediction was pronounced and the proceedings terminated.