PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2309, 23 January 1892, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

ANNUAL SOIREE. The annual gathering of the Presbyterian Church, Temuka, took place on Thursday evening. The evening was, unfortunately, very wet, and the attendance was in consequence small. An excellent tea was spread, the caterer being Mr McCasldll. There were four tables, and they were ably presided over by the following ladies: Miss Ackroyd and Miss Maggie Austin, Miss Longson and Miss Taylor, Miss McCaskill, Miss Russell and Miss R. Morton.

At the after-meeting the chair was taken by the Rev. Mr McKee, of Waimate, who opened the proceedings by calling upon the Rev. Mr Dellow to offer up prayer. The chairman gave a short address, in which he stated the reasons for Mr Dickson’s prolonged absence, and expressed the hope that he would soon be in their midst again. After some further remarks of a general nature he introduced the first speaker of the evening. The Rev, Mr Gillies, of Timaru, who heartily congratulated the congregation upon their prosperity and unity. He withheld the address which he had prepared, owing to the small attendance, but it would keep for another year, when he would deliver it if God spared him. ' He was followed by The Rev. T. A. Hamilton, who, taking the lead indicated by Mr Gillies, condensed his remarks into a ten-minutes’ address. He extended his sympathy to the Presbyterian Church in their work, and also in the circumstances which had thinned the attendance that evening. He could only think that the clerk of the weather had made a mistake, and had sent a deluge of rain thinking it was the night for a “ Church of England Bazaar.” He had intended shaking hands with them both literally and metaphorically, taking the five fingers to represent “ Home, work, play, citizenship, and church-going/’ After speaking briefly on the first and last heads, he concluded by wishing them peace, prosperity, and progress during the year, and a packed laall at the next annual gathering.

The chairman here stated that the small attendance was not owing to lack of interest, but simply to the exigences of the weather. The balance-sheet was the most satisfactory for years past. The Rev. A. B. Todd explained that he had come as a point of duty. The members of the Presbytery and other speakers had not failed him when invited to the Geraldine annual gathering, and he felt that rain or no rain he must put in an appearance. Like Mr Gillies, he would embalm his written address for some more favorable occasion. He congratulated them heartily on the good financial position the Church had attained.

The Rev. Mr Ross,“The Patriarch of the Mountains” (as he had heen styled by Dr Stuart) —gave a short but eloquent address on lessons to be drawn from mountain scenery. The Rev. Mr Dellow spoke at some length on “ Church Psalmody,” showing the necessity of training good choirs, but indicating their true position as being simply leaders of church music, and not merely singers for effect, or for their own edification. Some Anthems, for instance, could be made congregational, but others could not, owing to the transitions, etc. He gave some amusing instances of the old style of singing, and concluded an interesting address by urging all to take an interest in the musical portion of church worship, and to do it to the glory of' Cod. He also congratulated the Presbyterian Church oh its evident prosperity. The Rev. Mr Clarke, of Fairlie Creek, said he had not prepared a speech, but thought that as the leaders of the Presbytery had backed out, he would endeavqr |q t make a few remarks on “ Wividuajisiq ” in %e cqugregation. He had been connected with seven large chnrches at Home, and he found that the smaller the congregation, the larger the percentage qf worshippers. His remarks were listened to with evident interest,

During the evening a United Choir (consisting of members of the Anglican, Wesleyan, and Presbyterian Churches), gave the following Anthems : —“ Incline Thine Ear,” “ The Choralist,” “ Thine O Lord,” and “ Praise the Lord.” Mr W. G. Rutland conducted, Slid Mr J. Harrison played the accompaniments, Miss Taylor gayq q solo entitled “ The Best Song of All,” Mr Rutland sang “ The Lost Chord,” and Mr W. Smith, •• Arm, Arm ye Brave.” The Anthems and solos were % tWt to listen to, The accompaniments, with one exception, were played by Mr Harrison. Miss Smith played the accompaniment for Mr Smith. The Rev. Mr Watters expressed regret at the paucity of the attendance, but; added they felt grateful to the speakers* who had came from a distance to assist them. He had great pleasure in moving a hearty vote of thanks to them, and also to the choir for their excellent music. He felt sure that it was not necessary for him to make a speech in moving such a resolution, as it would be carried by acclamation.

Mr A. Russell seconded the proposal, which was carried with great applause. The rev. gentleman pronounced the benediction, and the meeting terminated.