WESLEYAN TEA AND PUBLIC MEETING.

Temuka Leader, Issue 294, 23 September 1880, Page 2

WESLEYAN TEA AND PUBLIC MEETING.

On Tuesday evening ;i soiree and public meeting was held in the Wesleyan Chur* h. Tennika, for the purpose of raising funds to reduce the small debt still remaining upon the building. Tea on the table - at 6 p.m., the following ladies presiding : Mrs Harper, assisted by Miss Moore, Mrs Elija Brown and Miss Bertha Brown, Mrs Essery, Mrs Gibbs, Mrs Mason, Mrs J. Brown, Miss Amelia Brown, and Mrs William Story The dev Mr Harper asked a blessing, after which two relays of tea were served with wiLing hands, and although thos-i present did ample justice to the good things pro ided, the loaded tahles seemed little relieved. After tea the tibles were cleared, and shortly before 8 o'clock the public meetii g began by the cho'r singi"g l< Lead m ■ to t: e Rock," Miss Amelia Brown ab'y pre siding at (he harmonium. A well proportioned choir did ample justice to th it beautiful anthem. It is n«.t too much to say the good harmony produced must have been the result of considerable practice. The Rev Mr Hallows, from Timaru, offeied up prayers, after which ihe Chairman, the Rev Mr Harper, in a neat speech, introduced Mr Buxton, from Rangitata. This gentleman, who is one of the lay preachers connected with the Wesleyan Church, is always a welcome guest at these meetings. He on this occasion delivered one of those practical, telling speeches which seemed to go well with everyone, asserting his freedom from bigotry, and his willingness fc<> receive everyone into his house, whatever their religimi-i views were, seem ••! to give the cue to tiie speakers who followed. Hi- expiess d wil'ingness to at all times assist at. such meetings and his happy way nf expressing the pleasure he felt at seeing other p-ople pleased and happy, seemed to help to make ad happy and to be willing to do good when opportunity

nff.-rs ; this w.is the theme of his address When Mr Bi.xton sit down, the choir Ranir (he anthem '• Salvnrion," afier which the Rl-v Mr Gordon addressed the me. tmg, referring chiefly to the young men present, and illustrating his subject with uiitny interesting anecdotes of great men who had risen by self-cti'tiire and pr.se-vc-r nice, among others 'Dr Ketto, Dr Fra klin with his electricity, Hugh Miller with his geology, Columbus with his vain ble discoveries, Elelm Burdit, and many others. This rev gentleman is never more at home than when sneaking to the young, his encouraging remarks accompanied with some examples of the rewards that folio.v well doing, always leaving a good impression on the minds of bis hearers. He paid a compliment in passing to the Wesleyan body, pointing out how much good they had done, the readiness cf the laymen to assist the Church, the spirited singing "f th ir choirs, and the warm sympathy which one had with another, expressing the pleasing interviews he had with their Minister (Mr Harp<r)and in conclusion remarking on the surprise that new comers experience on their arrival, to find the advanced staie of the colonists intellectually, and as a finale pointing to the beautiful climate we had with its clear Hue sky, bright sun, and green fields, not to be surpassed in any part of the world. The anthem, "Praise the Lord," being welt sung by the choir, the Chairman called upon Mr Smith, a comparatively new comer, to address the meeting. This gentleman, in a few humorous remarks, begged to be excused this time. When necessity required, he would be at their c <ll ; to-night they had too many good speakers. The Rev Mr Hallowes then, in a most-telling speech, pointed out the drawbacks which ministers experienced by people not coming to church in time, and th v habits ot' some of the worshippers, in church especially, ot turning round, to see who was coming, and gave an anecdote of the Rev Mr Spurgeon, who told his people not to turn round, as he would give them a description of the late corners. Mr Hallows aptly applied this subject to a case of a minister who turned his back to the people and asked how they would like a preacher to do that every now and then when he was preaching. He also pointed out the advantages of diligence in church matters and gave examples of the Duke of WVI lington for punctuality, watchfulness and industry, pointing out the way he came to believe in. the Bible, and warning you'g and old against doubts and scepticism. Mr W. M"Rlin, in a short but well chosen speech, proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies for their gift of good tea, and to the choir for the music. Mr Laurence nnd 1 (-marked upon the success of the meet'ng. The Chairmau, in putting- the vote, took the opportunity to point out how much the CJurch was indebted to M ; ss Amelia Brown for presiding at the harmonium for so many years, and all without any charge. The vote was carried with acclamation. A vote of thanks from Mr Job Brown to the speakers terminated a most successful meeting, which dispersed with the hymn '• Praise God, from whom all mercies flow." A goodly sum was the result of this entertainment, w ich wll reduce the debt considerably. Before dispersing, the Ch'iirman intimated that their annual meeting would likely tiki place m the Volunteer Hall on New Year's Day nsxt. £\_