THE WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2001, 30 January 1890, Page 2

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH.

A tea and lecture was held in connection with the above church in Temuka last Tuesday. The tea, which was given by Mr Barr, was held in the old church, and the tables were presided over by Mrs Williams, Miss E. Brown, Miss Barrett, and Miss Lewis. After the good things, which were excellent, were done

, to justice, an adjournment was made to the new church, where the Eev, Mr Eothwell delivered his lecture on “ The Trials and Triumphs of the Eisk Jubilee Singers. The choir, with Mr Harrison at the organ, rendered the jubilee songs splendidly. Mr Geo. Butler, of Pleasant Point, presided, and briefly introduced the Rev. Mr Eothwell to them. The Eev. Mr Eothwell said he had great pleasure in finding himself again in Temuka, and congratulated them on the new ehurch. With regard to the trials and triumphs of the Risk Jubilee lingers he must begin with the Civil War which liberated the slaves. The farm of Christianity practised by the slaves was a corrupt and abominable caricature. They used to go by stealth to worship God. Hence the song “ Steal Away,” (sung by the choir). The treatment the slaves received was horrible, and pictured in “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which book aroused a strong anti-slavery feeling. The hero of the time was John Brown. His interest in the slaves was the outcome of true Christianity. Some looked upon him as a fanatic. His family denied themselves everything to provide money to free the slaves. He began with 25 men to live on the enemy, and induce the slaves to run away. When treated civilly he was civil, when harshly he * was harsh. He was a terror. At" 1 ® Havest Ferry he took all into custody, with only 19 men, and kept the place for 30 hours, after which he was hanged, and “John Brown’s Body” became _ an inspiring song. (Sung the choir). The presidential electio3!t of 1860 turned upon the abolition of slavery, and Abraham Lincoln was elected. The North denounced the execution of John Brown as murder, A war was the result, and the slaves were made free. After paying a splendid tribute to the memory of Lincoln, the speaker told some funny stories of the war. 4,000,000 slaves were freed, but what freedom—cast out on the world, unfit for it. They were ignorant, as they were not allowed to be educated, and hundreds of ladies came to teach them. They learned with extraordinary readiness, and they were alight hearted people who often sang such ditties as “ Mary and Martha.” , (Sung by choir). The Fisk University was established for giving them a high education by General Fisk, and from this the Fisk Jubilee Singers derived their names. This university was a great success, and Mr G L VT7"I_ -1 i i /v . • . _ ' *

White suggested that it should be rebuilt. Discovering the talent some of the people possessed he selected them, and their concerts were a great success. He decided to take them to the -North to get up money for the university. They were frequently refused admission to some of the hotels because of their color, but their " several concerts were a great success, ultimately a Presbyterian Church took them in hand, and afterwards they received some kindness, and once they were heard singing all objections ceased, but they were never a success until they were called the Disk Jubilee Singers. They were taken m hand by the Pev. Ward Beecher, and henceforth they were patronised. Shortly afterwards an epidemic of presentsbrokeuponthem, and they became so popular that H. Ward Beecher had to postpone his lecture in the town where they sang. They said Mr Loudon’s notes came out of his boots, but this was wrong. I'hey came out of the depths of his heart when he sang “ I’m a Polling in an Unfriendly World.” (6ung by the choir). When they decided to come to England they found great difficulty in getting saloon accommodation in the boats, but after some time they reached England, where they were patronised by Lord bhaftesbury, sang before the Queen, and dined with Mr and Mrs Gladstone. • rhey sang before the Prince of Wales, jvho was delighted with the song “ Ho ’Jore Lash for Me.” (Sungjby the :hoir). Mr Gladstone gave them a nesent of books. What a tribute bis 10 the Grand Old Man! The ause of history would yet do justice o the illustrious “ Grand Old Man.’’ n Mr Spurgeon’s tabernacle in Scot,

land they were successful, and their tour realised £IO,OOO. They went to Continent and were successful, their tour being one triumph after another. (“ Almost Home,” sung by the choir). This was followed by a thrilling peroration on the slavery of intemperance. Mr JE. Brown proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to the Bey. Mr Bothwell for his very interesting lecture. He had thoroughly enjoyed it. Mr Granger did not regret coming 16 miles to hear the lecture. He would second the motion, and if there was another to-morrow he would com© again. The motion was carried by acclamation, and acknowledged by the rev. lecturer. Mr Miles proposed, and Mr E. Thomas seconded, a vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Barr and the ladies who provided the tea, also the choir for the singing,—Carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings. The Eev. Mr Rothwell announced that on next Sunday he would preach in the church, both morning and evening. The Doxology and Benediction brought the proceedings to a close.