WESLEYAN CHURCH, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1113, 26 June 1883, Page 3

WESLEYAN CHURCH, GERALDINE.

On Thursday last one of those pleasant aad sociable gatherings took place in connection with th<s above church which are as the needle to the pole, a means of attraction to funds, and neighbours from far round the district as well as those nearer at hand, *nd are looked on by a large number of christian people as a means to purify the moral atmosphere and elevate the sentiments and feelings of society. It was the annual soiree and the attendance at it was large notwithstanding counter attractions. At 6 p.m. the Bev, P. Wills, pastor of the church, said the grace, and a large company sat down to tea at tables sumptuously supplied. The tables had been provided by Mesdames A. Sherrat, T. Sherratt, W. Maslin, and Misses Maslin Kirby, and Howard, and these ladies waited at the tea. The church was beautifully decorated wit a ferns and mottoes, the work of Misses Maslin and Kirby and Master Sherratt. After justice had been done to the viands, the church was cleared, and was soon filled by a numerous audience for the public meeting. The Rev. P. Wills occupied the chair and opened the meeting by announcing hymn 608 to the " Old Hundredth." Prayer was offered by the Rev. F. W. Martin. The choir then rendered an anthem. The Rev. Chairman in his remarks referred to the kindness with which he had been welcomed to this district. They were now engaged in an effort to resuscitate their church in Geraldine. He was quite sure that if all the people within a radius of three miles of Geraldine attended divine worship, there would not be sufficient church accommodation for them all. Many did not go to any place of worship. He would urge those who attended service to invite their friends to accompany them. Some made their excuse for non-attendance on the ground that no sympathy was shown them. No one could measure the benefit that might result from a kindly invitation, and a little sympathy shown towards the godless. Miss Brown sang 'Resignation.' The Rev. Mr Hayes then addressed the meeting. He wished them God speed in their efforts. When good was done in one church its influence was felt in all the neighbouring churches. If they as churches did their duty, they could accomplish all the work which the Salvation Army is doing in the larger cities, and do it without the objectionable extravagances of the Army's operations. Solo ' Only Believe' by Miss Andrews. This was a treat of exceptional value, and the audience testified their appreciation in anunmistakeable manner which must have been very gratifying to the lady. Another piece most admirably rendered was the Duet ' He wipes the tear from every eye' by Miss Brown and Mrs Wills.

The Bev F. W. Martin spoke on 'Singularity.' He would group their thoughts around this word. (1) Of all books the Bible is singular. It is the only book that is readable for all mankind. The inhabitants of the coldest regions of the earth can read it with interest, and understand its allusions to climate. On the other hand it is a welcome book among natives who live under sultry skies. (2) Of all persons the "Christian is singular. There are some persons to be TfieTwifch in every church whose whole life seems to be to oppose, and make their fellows generally uncomfortable. This, however, was not the character he referred to, he would name such angular, ecentric, not singular. The person he described was rendered siugular by being principled and self-sacrificing. Touching reference was made to the heroic conduct of the Timaru boatmen, 1 and the sailors at the wreck of the Benvenue and City of Perth last year. These men, whether they had made any profession of religion or not, had drank deeply of the Spirit of tho Cross of Christ. It was the same spirit as that which impelled christian men to go unshrinkingly to a martyr's death, such as those of the Revs. Williams of Erromanga the brothers Gordon of New Hebrides, and Baker ot Fiji. (3) In this age, and , especially in this young country such singularity in Christian :nen is required. It is 100 often said of candidates for our Parliament that ' they have an axe to grind,' and it was too evident that many sought admission to the House from anything but disinterested and public motives. This country was now determining her future character, Let Christian men make their influence felt at elections and in public matters on the side of truth, iustice, and righteousness. A trio by Miss Andrews, Mesdames E. C and T. Sherratt' 1 What shall we do.' Two solos 'Low at thy feet,' and 1 Angels ever bright and fair,' by Miss Brown ; and the acthorn, ' I will wash my hands in innocency,' by the choir were beautifully sung.

Ihe Kev. Chairman addiesserl the meeting on ' Courage.' In a fitting and powerful speed) he contrasted physical couriigponsness with its higher and moral phase?. He urged the a'idience to hold firmly their religious convictions, and to do their duty without, fear or shame. Mr Maslin moved votes of thanks to the ladies who so generously provided the tables, the choir, and speakers. Speaking to this motion he remarked that members of other denominations owed the Wesj

leyans of'Geraldinoa debt of gratitude, because their olmrch bad afforded an asylum to all until they became strong enough to build places of worship of their own. He was glad to see so many acknowledging this debt by their presence. The Chairman pronounced the Benediction, thus ending a most agreeable and interesting meeting.