OPENING OF NEW CHURCH AT WOODBURY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1731, 1 May 1888, Page 3

OPENING OF NEW CHURCH AT WOODBURY.

The ceremony of opening the new church was conducted on Sunday last by the Rev. J. Dickson, M.A., of TemuU. The Presbyterians of the district have for tba past faw monihs been active in their endeavors to build a church of their own, acd the outcome of their labors has been ‘ the erection of the little building opened . en Sunday, and which proraiiea when : fully completed to be a credit to the promoters. The congregation that assembled on Sunday filled the church to its utmost capacity, many having to bo accoramedMed by seats pbcad along the aisle. Among the visitors w# noticed many visitors from the neighboring districts, aid the pretence of «he Geraldine ■, Presbyterian choir added much to the pleaatire of the aervice by aiding in the service. The iev gentleman chost as a ; subject anitaVe for the occasion “The ’ Christian Race,” and spoke of ihe manner in which the* truths of revaltiioo have ‘ been confirmed, and the many incentives, men heve got to enter upon the race, for Heevea and Glory. He refsrred to the ■in-forsaking, pa»tforgetting, patient, Ohriet-liko, and Christ-tending manner id which the race should bo engaged in. Hie reference to what Presbyterianism bed done for Scotland and Scotland for Presbyterianism met with a warm responss from many who hailed from that land. He congratulated the people of the district on the enterprise, liberality, and independence they had displayed in the erection of their handsome edifice, and, hoped that their congregations! proceedings would be characterised by the earae unity, harmony, and eeccere ; that the blessing of God’s presence ’ and spirit would be vouchsafed them ; that in after ages it Would ba said that this man and that mao were born there ; and that many who w«re ; .already members of Christ's - mystical body might be edified and bui't up in their most holy faith, and in the . .prmciplae of Preabyteiiiniam, which he convinced were the , principles of ~ llbarality, purity, the peace of Scripture, and of Christ. Mr Dixon during the . service rend the following letter ho had received from the Key. Goo. Barclay “Dear Mr Diion,—Will you be kind enough to express my regret at not being able t« be present at Woodbury to-day. I would gladly have taken p«rt in the opening of the new church if i cou d. I hope jou will have a pleasant and profitsble service, and that the little building In be dedicated t*-day to the worship of God may be the scene- from th s day for- , ward-—of raspy an earnest prayer offered to God j heany «n earnest sacrifice of praise ' end thankigivifig laid on the altar of the ■ • Most High, and many « noble resolve to ' follow Christ and live for Heaven. I feel : very grataful to ..the people of Woodbury - for the goal and liberality they have shown in the erection of tbis-ohurch, and % hope in after days it will be the menus ao them of much Spiritual life end progress. Be good enough 4o aay that, «l the •erlieet moment, Ishslllettbrraknow th* plan 'of service for the future." The church inome 27ft x 17ft, with lift studs.- A convenient porch, Bft x 10ft, has been erected at th* entrance. The roof is of the usual Gothic pitch, The work has bear carried out faithfully by Mr D. Clouaton, of Geraldine,’and the building will be a real boon to Presbyterians living in the district.