NEW WESLEYAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1885, 30 April 1889, Page 3

NEW WESLEYAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

OPENING SERVICES.

Ths new church recently erected by the Wesleyan connection in Temuka was formally opened on Sunday last. The dimensions of the building have already appeared, and-it suffices to say that Its general appearance as finished is neat and substantial. The porch is approached by wide and easy steps, and the footpath in front of the church has been asphalted. It is intended to erect a handsome iron palisading upon a brick wall in front of the building, and when this is done tbe whole will present a very complete appearance. The interior of tbe building isftjso good. , The inclined floor gives every worshipper a fair view of the preacher. The seats are plain, but well finished and comfortable. The lighting arrangements are good. The rostrum is unpretentious, and in keeping with the general design ef the building. The panelling and roofitig has all been well finished, and there is a roominess and lightness about the whole interior that is an appreciable improvement upon the old building. As a whole, the church is a monument of properly-directed combined effort, and it is a decided credit to the community immediately connected with it, and a groat improvement to the town generally.

THE SERVICES. Service in the morning was conducted by the Rev. Mr ‘Bond, of Christchurch, and formerly rejiidont minister hare, assisted by the Rev, R. S. Bunn. In the course of the devotional exercises appropriate reference was made to the object for which the congregation then assembled, namely, not only to unite in their' customary devotion, but to ask Almighty God to consecrate the new building to His service. The choir was a more than usually efficient one, the singing being really, a treat. Mrs Harrison presided at thaharmpnium, and the atrength of the inabutn»nt was augmented by two violins, a cornet, and baritone. Several members ■ of the Timaru Wesleyan Choir, assisted vocally. The sermon was preached by Mr Bond, who took his text from Rev. i., 12 and 13: “And I saw Seven Oundleatieks, and in the midst of them One like unto the Son of Man.’ In his intro- • ductory remarks, the preacher said it was ,» happy moment for them all, and marked fprtbem a new departure for their Church. recalled the memory of former workers, and, in looking back regretfully, te could also experience a hopeful feeling for, thffir future. Many of those who hud assisted at the modest services of their Church were, he trusted, looking down upon them, and if there were degrees of joy in heaven then their songs were- tuned that day to a higher nok of thankfulness. Speaking to his texV he said that it was from prison and from exile that they had received some of the choicest gems of the faith. He instanced the Psalms of David, many of which had been written in the mournfalDOBB of banishment. Paul also, from hie gloimy dungeon, sent forth his choicest epistles, and it was from John’s exile in Patmps that they received that post imystib and wonderful book of Revelations* Though mystical it was nevertheless roost practical, and although many of its prophecies time alone could reveal, yet it was a book they could nob dispense with, so full was it of warning and of rich pro•niises. He asked them if the text had any message for them that d»y, and in thinking that it had he drew their attention to the explanation of its allegory. The seven candlesticks represented the Bovon Churches of Asia, and the illustration might be carried on to their own limes. A candlestick he reminded them Was eminently intended for use and not an ornament. It might bo more or less ornate, but it was simply a means of eonv veying light, and had no virtue in itself. tight shed was not inherent, and this waftrue of the Christian Church. Christ alone wan their light, and His radiance was diffused amongst them. Ha urged hem to be careful how they bore out their

duties as light holders. He enlarged upon God’s love to the Church. The precionsness of it was evident in the influence it shed around them. If the influence of (he Church could be removed nothing would bo left but darkness, desolation, ruin, and death. The cand'estick# spoken of wore of gold, typical of untarniahable strength. The seven candlesticks representsd the unity of the Christian churches, and he felt that there was room for all. He would not like to s»e them swept away. The rugged strength of the Presbyterians, the chaste beauty of the Anglican, and the zsai of the Methodists were all necessary and tight in their several spheres,. He then drew their attention to the symbol of Christ in their midst : not overshadowing one or the other, but in the midst of them, diffusing H's light around. 1 If Christ wf-ro not in the midst of ilierii then they might write Ichabod upon the walls of their church. He prayed: them earnestly to unite in their services, and assist their minister, and should some stranger come among them and see, like John, the Son of Man in the midst of their Church, they might be assured of eternal blessing. Ibe sermon was appropriately illustrated, and was received with much attention. In the afternoon n People’s Service of Song was hold, during which a number of hymns from Sankey’s collection wore sung. The Sacrament of Baptism was celebrated by the Rev, Mr Bunn, and the Rov. Mr Bond delivered a brief address on the “ Personality of God.” In the evening the text was taken from Romans i,, 16.—“ For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” On this an eloquent discourse was delivered. The singing was again excellent. Th 9 attendance in the morning and evening was very large, additional seats having, to be procured to accommodate (he number present. In the afternoon there was also a good attendance. The services are to be continued on Sunday next, when the Rev. Mr Buttle will preach.