New Wesleyan Churches at Waihi and Karangahake.

Te Aroha News, Volume XIV, Issue 2094, 16 April 1898, Page 2

New Wesleyan Churches at Waihi and Karangahake.

MEMORIAL STONE L4XING. The* Memorial Stones of the above churches were “ well and truly ” laiJL under a cloudless sky, on Wednesday and Thursday last respectively .“Owing to the Easter h olidays, the usual halfholiday was not observed, and this militated somewhat against the attendance, but in each case there was nevertheless a fair and representative company present, and the celebrations were marked by great success. Rev 8. Griffith, superintendent, presided, and after devotional exercises, gave a statement reviewing the progress of the enterprise' and showing, that in each case, about £4O are still urgently required. A stirring address was given on both occasions by the Rev S. J. Serpell of the Thames, on the moral and religious value and significance of places of worship, and commending the work to the liberality of all. A practical response was made in the liberal offerings that followed. At Waihi the stone was laid by Mr Robert Trembath, and at Karangahake by Mrs William Goldsworthy, each receiving for the accomplishment of their task, and as a memento of the occasion a handsome rimu mallet with a silver plate inscription. After a few well-chosen words and a faithful use of their insignia of office, they declared the stones to be ‘ well and truly laid * in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. In a cavity in the stone were placed a documentary statement of the event, a copy of the Circuit plan, and copies of the Auckland and local newspapers; thus anticipating the discoveries of posterity who in generations to come may bring those records to light. Brief addresses were also given by Revs J. W. Button (Wesleyan) and 8. Barnelt (Primitive Methodist(, and the ceremony concluded with the Doxology and the Bendiction. At a public meeting took place in the evening when an eloquent address on * Companionship,’ was given by Rev S. J. SerpeU, and short addresses were given also by- Rev Barnett, Capt Dixon (Salvation Army) and others, interspersed with sacred music. - 1;' It is expected that the Churches will bo opened about the beginning of June.