PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2374, 25 June 1892, Page 3

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH TEMUKA.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE. The foundation-stone of the new Primitive Methodist Church, Temuka, was laid on Thursday afternoon with the customary ceremonials. Prior to the general gathering the Arowhenua Brass Band paraded the townships, playing sacred melodies, returning to the new site, at the corner of Denmark and Studholme streets, just at half-past three. Here were assembled a number of the congregation and visitors from Geraldine and Timaru. The platform erected for the occasion was occupied by the Revs. Woollasa (the pastor), Dellow, Boothroyd, and Woodward, and Mr Colin McKenzie. Hymn 820 was sung, and the Rev. Woodward engaged in prayer, invoking a blessing upon the building, the foundation-stone of which was to be laid that day, and upon the labors of those who made use of the same. The Rev. Mr Woollass then expressed his pleasure at seeing so many present to witness such an important ceremony. As far as he knew, the history of the Primitive Methodist Church in Temuka dated back some 15 years. At that time a few of its adherents used to assemble at the house of one of their number and engage in spiritual worship. Some years later it was agreed to erect a church, and the building they at present occupied was the result. That great good resulted therefrom was proved by their present assemblage, for the old church proved too small, and they were now compelled to seek more commodious quarters. At the

time his friend Mr Wood was in charge \_ of the circuit this step was decided on, and he (the speaker) thoroughly realised that there was a tide in the affairs of Churches that led on to glory quite as much as Shakespeare said there was one in the tide of men that Jed on to fortune. He confidently believed that they were embarked upon a flood-tide that would carry them clear of every obstacle. Of all Christian communities the Primitive Methodists believed in . glory ahead. They abhorred fossilised institutions, and never stopped for small obstacles. With regard to the ceremony to be carried out that day, he might say that three gentlemen had been individually asked to perform it, but each had been compelled to decline through previous engagements. They had, however, contributed £5 -each, and others had been equally liberal. Ho had then simply told their brother Mr Colin Mackenzie he would have to do ' it, and he had willingly consented. He had pleasure in asking him to do so now. He might say that under the stone would be placed copies of the Temuka Leader, the Lyttelton Times, their quarterly plans, a numbers of coins of the realm, and also a document, signed by the trustees, to the following effect: — Temuka, June 23rd, 1802. A We, the Trustees of this Primitive ■"NVletnodist Church, do hereby declare that foundation stone of this building was well and truly laid by Colin McKenzie, Esq., in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. We pray that that God may abundantly bless the efforts of His servants put forth in this church. Our aim and object in erecting this church is the glory of God and the salvation of men. (Signed) W. H. Fletcher\ W. Smith E. Pratt l icy I Trustees. J. Woodley J, B. Epi'S j W. Woollass, Minister. He then presented Mr McKenzie with a silver trowel, upon which was the following inscription : —" Presented to Mr Colin McKenzie upon the occasion of his - laying the foundation-stone of the new Methodist Church, Temuka. June 23rd, 1892." The hymn commencing " To Thee in Faith this Stone we Lay" was then sung. Mr McKeuzio then come forward, aid, having thanked Mr Woollass for his pre-

sentation, proceeded to lay the stone, after which he gave the following address :

" In the nam© of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, I declare this foundation stone to be well and truly set. And having done so, I give expression to our common desire for the success of the undertaking, not only for its completion as a building but also for its success as a Church after it is built. The present effort made by our Methodist friends to supply themselves with a more spacious and commodious place of worship merits both our admiration and our kind co-operation and sympathy. This kind sympathy and cooperation are due on common Christian grounds. Although the Christian Church is in a measure segregated into different denominations, this condition is more in the outward forms of Church government and modes of worship than in spirit and aim. In spirit wo are one. Denominal divisions have often a departmental effect, in which different Churches, on the principle of the division of labor, direct their efforts to supply different localities with gospel ordinances, evangelise different parts of heathendom, and also give greater prominence than others to different aspects of truths which are equally dear to all. As far as the glory of God and the salvation of the world is concerned the ultimate aim is the same " in all the Churches of the Saints.' The means whereby these objects are sought to be obtained may vary, in proof of which I may refer to I. Corinthians xii., 4 —6. Now there are diversities of gifts, but it is the same Spirit. There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. There are diversities of opperations, but the same God which worketh all in all. Some of our Churches are very unobtrusive in their opperations, 'they move with the beat of the unseen feet, which orly the angels hear.' Other Churches are progressive, where they maintain their identity and essential principles intact, they adapt the mode and expressions of their teaching to the altered conditions produced by the progress of learning and scientific research, while some, like the Methodists are aggressive. Their aim is to be practical and effective. They suit their gospel rather to the heart and conscience, than to the tastGS and fancies of their hearers. They seek to stem the tide of iniquity, snatch brands from the burning, and save immortal souls direct. In such works of mercy and love, we wish them God-speed, etc. Any for such praiseworthy objects I make bold to solicit your aid on their behalf, believing the results shall be " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill, toward men."

A collection was then made upon the stone, and over £2O contributed.

The Rev. Mr Dellow gave an interesting address upon the doctrines which he felt confident they would hear preached in that church when erected. They would hear that everyone was born in sin and needed Christ. Then would follow the great fact of the necessity 6f repentance towards God. Then they must realise that Christ came into the world to save sinners. It was a noticeable fact in connection with the Methodist Church that the educating of the head was not looked to so much as the sanctification of the heart, and although the former w.is not undervalued, yet the latter was capable of berring the best fruit. Another truth that would be preached was the faith in pardon and the spirit of adoption. When forgiven, God would give a witness of 1 lie same, and then would be evident the necessity of a sanctified life. In conclusion he referred to the lead the Methodist body was taking in the crusade against the evil of strong drink. He himself had made a vow to fight against it, and he had dealt some hard knocks. It was a matter of glorification to him that all the active members of the Wesleyan Church were abstainers, pledged to go the length of prohibition. He was confident that cause would be ably supported from the pulpit of their new church.

Mr Smith then proposed a hearty vote of thanks to all who had assisted in the matter they had in hand. He was pleased to see Mr Colin McKenzie present, for he was one of their best supporters. He also referred to Mr James Blyth, who had free of cost supplied plans of the building. He thanked Mr Dellow for his address. It was inspiriting and comforting. Mr Epps briefly seconded the motion, which was carried with acclamation. Mr Woollas stated that in all about £IOO had been collected. The site cost £32 10s, the transfer £6, cement, etc. £5, and the balance was in hand. They confidently expected to open the new Church comparatively free of debt. the tea. At five o'clock, a tea took place in the old church and was very largely patronised, fully 150 people sitting down to it. The tables were loaded with good things, the gift of ladies of the congregation, and were presided over by the following ladies : Mesdames Fletcher, Preddy, Burton, Woodley, and Metson, who were kept busy for a considerable time. the meeting. After the tables, etc., had been cleared | away, about a quarter to 7, the public meeting was held, the church being crammed. Proceedings commenced with the singing of a hymn, and prayer by the Rev. W. Boothroyd. The Rev. W. Woollas then briefly invited Mr Fletcher to take the chair, mentioning that he had not only put down thefoundation of the new church, free of charge, but had also done a lot of clerical and other work in connection with the purchase of the cection on which the new church was being built, etc. Mr Fletcher was never behind when wanted. Mr Fletcher, after taking the chair, expressed the pleasure he felt at the progress their church was now making [t did not say much for them that they had been content witli their old building so long. When they first thought of bnying a section they met with a good deal of opposition, but finally they got hold of ono. He then detailed the varioussteps the congregation had taken before the new building was decided on, which at first some thought would be too largo. ISow, many looked upon it as too small, but if these would give liberally they i would be very happy to add a few mori feet to the 'building. He concluded .• lengthy address by stating that besidc f the amount they had raised already, about • £IOO, Mf Barr had promised to give, them

I a tea at the opening of the new church, I which he hoped would realise about £3O, | and calling attention to the obligation , the church was under to Mr Preddy for ' his work in connection with the church ; lie <we freely and generously. The- Rev. W. Woollas then read the balance-sheet (which he explained was not quite complete), and read out a list of the principal donors to the new building. When he took charge, £2O was in hand towards the now church (after paying £l2 for the harmonium). Since that time about £9O had been collected. The section had cost £32 10s, deeds £5 9s Gd, and cement for foundation £5 2s. They now had a credit balance of £SG, and promises to the extent of £3O more. The contract price for our new church was £219; and he thought the total cost, including lamps, and furnishing, would be £250. They would shortly hold a gift auction, and at the opening of the new church they would have another big tea. The Rev. Mr Boothroyd (Timaru) expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing the earnestness with which they were entering upon their new venture. It was the proper spirit in which to enter upon the work of God, and they must succed if they remembered who was with them. He then dwelt on the priceless treasure they had in the Bible, and pointed out and emphasised many of the truths to be learned from it. He urged on;his hearers that it was their duty to carry the Gospel truths wherever possible. Song, " Charity," Mr Corbett. The Rev. Mr Woodward (Timaru) after a few facetious remarks, said he re- J joiced at seeing so successful a gathering and the support their new church was receiving. The rev. gentleman then gave an earnest and able address on what he called " Looking Backward" —the lessons to be learned from the past history, the successes and failures, of the Church. He dwelt on the fact that the great revivals of the past had not emanated from great gatherings, but from meetings of I a few, mentioning that of John and I Charles Wesley and George Whitfield, j and others. They sometimes saw that the Church was behind the times with regard to reform—that she did not read the signs of the times and be in the van of progress. In this regard he instanced the abolition of slavery, which was strongly opposed by some ministers of the Gospel. At the present time some earnest , and devoted men were trying to show that it was not right for some men to be be possessors of immense wealth while others were starving at their doors. The Church must go forward in this matter, and make it easier for people to do what is right. They must face these things as Christian men and women. He alluded to the work done among the masses by the friars of old andjthe Salvation Army, and the great hold Bradlaugh had on the masses of the people, the secret of which was that the people knew he had a kind heart and would help them if he could. So it must be with them: they must show the people that they sympathised with and would help them, and then the people would be won. Solo—Miss Andrews.

The Rev. Mr Harris (of Waimate), who was received with applause, said he was heartily glad to be there. He reregretted he was not present at the stonelaying. He was glad to see them progressing with the district, and that their Church was not large enough, and that they were about to " flit" to a better position, taking their house with them, and get another one too. Se then gave an address on " Mutual Aid." What the Church wanted was not so much pity as help. They were all dependent upon one another and upon God. His experience had taught him how much the people could help the preacher. They might say there were four great channels of Church work, viz.. Gospel Truth, Honest Work, Believing Prayer, and Holy Living. These subjects he dealt with at length. He considered that ministers should make cheir services as helpful as possible. All should remember that there was no end to progress until it pleased their Master to call them home.

Song, " Big Ben," Mr Robson. Mr C E. Sherrratt (Geraldine) expressed liis great sympathy with the movement they were celebrating that day, He gave a very earnest address, grounding his remarks on " Business." God had established a business in the world, that of saving humanity. This business had been opposed by the world and the devil, but it must go on, as it was God's work. Mr Sherratt illustrated his remarks with a telling allegory. Hymn—Choir. The Rev. Mr Woollas in his remarks said they had a great idea of paying attention to the outward branches of Church work : to what is seen rather than to what is underground. They liked to go ahead by leaps and bounds, to rear substantial buildings, etc., and have the best of choirs, and very often there was nothing else behind them. This was a great mistake—it was the inward spirit they must take care of. Their religion must go deep into their hearts. He was afraid they had too much formalism about their religion. If this was so, they should change at once, and then they could go on with leaps and bounds. He considered preachers were the best friends the people had, because they wished to lead them to learn the truth, and if the truth hurt they should change their lives. Mr Metson proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the speakors, the choir, and the ladies who had provided the tea, and to all who had helped to make the gathering a pronounced success. He had thoroughly enjoyed himself, and felt sure that others had done so also.

The vote was seconded by Mr Prattley, and carried by acclamation. A A'oto of thanks to the chairman, proposed by Mr Woollas, was carried in the usual manner, and the proceedings terminated with the doxology and benediction.

The choir was strengthened by several Indies and gentlemen from Geraldine, and Miss Andrews ably presided at the harmonium.