PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2415, 22 October 1892, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

ANNUAL SOCIAL GATHERING. The social gathering annually held in connection with the Presbyterian Church, Temuka, took place last Thursday evening in the Temuka Drillshed. This was very beautifully decorated, the hall being temporarily transformed into what by no great stretch of the imagination might be called a sylvan glade. Some magnificent tree ferns, procured from Peel Forest, were greatly admired. One cannot but regret, however, that these choicest ormunonts of Nature’s garden should be ruthlessly sacrificed for one brief evening. At the west end of the hall a stage was erected for the accommodation of speakers and singers, and at the east end that indispensable adjunct to all church festivals, the refreshment table, was laid. In the centre of the building were occasional tables, upon which ware displayed curios from various climes, conspicuous amongst them being some brought by the Rev. J. Dickson from the Bast, objects of vertu, stereoscopic views, and photo, albums. The gathering, as was designed, was very informal, and although a somewhat formidable programme was arranged and worked through, yet the opportunities afforded for conversation and general intercourse gave to the meeting a harmonious character it would not otherwise have borne. Refreshments dispensed early in the evening by lady members of the congregation, assisted by some of the younger men, served to put people in good humor for a little speech-making, and, silence having been obtained, the Rev. Mr Dickson made a few introductory remarks and a brief report of the work of the Church during the year. Prior to this he expressed his pleasure at seeing so large an attendance, and especially welcomed members of other denominations. He tendered apologies from the Revs. Gillam, Gillies, Clark, and Todd, all of whom, from various causes, were unable to be present. In the course of the year there had been seven marriages and eighteen baptisms, and the attendance at the communion services had been good. Several of their members had been-re-moved by death, and their loss was severely felt. The general missions of the Church had been well maintained, and special efforts had been, and were still being, made in the extension of the New Hebrides Mission. Upon that subject Mr Mansfield, their Timaru laymissionary, who he was pleased to welcome that evening, would be able to tell them more than he (the speaker.) As they knew, it had been proposed to erect a new church, but it was decided, after most careful consideration, that the time was not yet ripe for it, and the project was temporarily abandoned. The Sunday School work had been good, and there never was a time when the Band of Hope displayed such vigour. It was a most flourishing society, and daily grew in strength. In conclusion he invoked God’s blessing upon their labours, and expressed confidence in a bright future for their Church.

A strong choir, under the leadership of Mr Rutland, then sang “ I will lift up mine eyes,” Mr Proudlock playing the accompaniment. This item was followed by Mr J. McOaskill singing “ The Better Land ” with considerable feeling. Master W. Duncan, one of the Band of.. Hope scholars, recited “ The Blind Boy.” Rev. Mr White, of Pleasant Point, then delivered a brief but interesting address. He was glad they could mingle the social element with their Church life, as it tended to bring them into harmonious relations with each other, and he pointed out that there were occasions necessities, as it were— of modern times, that compelled them to adapt themselves to different phases of spiritual life. They had to fit themselves in various ways for the work at hand. He spoke briefly of the scheme for the erection 'of a new church, saying that it was well to be bold, but not too bold. It would be well to provide a suitable temple in which to worship God, but It should be in accordance with their requirements, and they should not unduly hamper themselves with burdens. In his concluding remarks he, urged them to trust and cooperate with their minister, and support him in all his works and schemes for their social and spiritual welfare. Mr Low then sang “ The Fisherman and his Child,” after which Miss Ellen Streeter, another member of the Band of Hope, gave a recitation. Miss Taylor also contributed a song in a very pleasing manner, and each item was applauded.

The Bev. Mr Boas, of St. Andrews, was the next speaker, and his opening remarks, which were of a humorous character, elicited much merriment. Later on he spoke in congratulatory terms upon the position of the Timaru church, which he considered as the Mother Church of the district. He trusted to see Temuka follow in her footsteps. He spoke briefly of the need for a new building in Temuka, and expressed pleasure at being able to meet them in company with Mr Mansfield, a missionary developed in Timaru. Mr Strong, at the close of Mr Boss’ remarks, sang, with expression, “ Tired ” after which there was an interval for conversation and refreshments.

In the second part the choir again contributed several anthems and Mr F. Storey sang “ He wipes the tear from every eye,” in a very creditable style. Miss Goodey’s song “ The two lives ” was applauded and IVJr Butland sang “Nazareth” -with force find sympathy. It was not heard to advantage, as the bulk of the audience were intent on refreshments. The Bev. Mr Dellow also sang, his selection being “ The last manto this he gave every justice. Mr Mansfield, who on rising was warmly applauded, sketched briefly his reasons for accepting a call as lay missionary to the New Hebrides. He did not intend ip give them a missionary speech, for he isras not as yet qualified,’ but at the expiration of his 5 years service, he hoped, with God’s blessing, to meet them again and in that cage he might have something to say worth listening to. He was joining Dr Lamb in accordance with a scheme the latter had for utilising missionary mechanics. He had neither been urged to nor persuaded not to take up the work. He was enterii-.g upon the life of his own free wi]L blit asked their sympathy and prayers. ’ ‘ The Bev. Mr Dellow also gave a brief fiddross, congratulating the Presbyterian Qhurch upon the firm stand it was taking as a body on the matter of temperance and prohibition, a cause with which he felt bound always to identify himself. A dialogue by two members of the Band of was followed by the anthem “ 0 taste and see ” after which Messrs Guild, Blyth, and Humphreys, moved the customary votes of thanks. These were carried, and the Doxology having been sung the Benediction was pronounced and the meeting closed. Iff here was a very large atteudahco and ll •/mmbpr'of country adherents put in an appearance. The accompaniments’ were played by Mrs Dellow, Mies Guy, and Mr Proufitock.