THAMES BAPTIST CHURCH.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 120, 27 February 1872, Page 3

THAMES BAPTIST CHURCH.

A TEA-MEETING was held last night at the Baptist Chinch, Willoughby-strcet. Mr T. L. Murray in the chair. There was a very good .attendance. Ample justice having been d me to (lie refreshments, and a hymn having been sung, Mr Mason, the senior deacon, offered up a suitable prayer, invoking God’s blessing on the Christian Church generally, and praying for a speedy and safe voyage for the ship now on her way to this port with the new pastor of the congregation, the Rev Mr Jones, from London.

Mr Murray then addressed the meeting, congratulating them upon the progress already made, ami pointing out the necessity of additional means being provided to finish the improvements now being carried on, and to provide for the new minister.

Mr MURRAY said they were all deeply indebted to the Wesleyan Church for the manner in which it had assisted them, which assistance he hoped they would to some extent he able to reciprocate. He called upon the Secretary to read the report, which was as follows : “ It is now nearly three years since this building was opened for the worship of God, and a Church formed here by the members of the Baptist denomination, during which time we have had many difficulties to contend with, and many mercies to celebrate. For two years we struggled on, and seemed to make no headway. Some of the members were dissatisfied with the pastor, and the pastor felt that he had not that thorough cordial sympathy and support so necessary to enable him to fulfil his duties with pleasure and satisfaction. The result was, we separated in May last, and since that time tho worship of God lias been carried on here without the assistance of what is usually called ‘ a recognised minister.’ The Church felt the day of trial, and the bond of union among the members became stronger than ever; with scarcely an exception, we determined to hold together, and by prayer and supplication constantly seek the Divine guidance and blessing. Until a suitable pastor should lie met with, the Church made arrangements with their senior deacon, Mr Mason, to fulfil the duties of the pastorate, and to obtain the services of such other friends as might he willing to assist by preaching for us occasionally ; and we have very much pleasure in expressingourhearty and sincce ilianks to the lay preachers of the Wesleyan denomination for the ready and cheerful response they accorded to our call for aid ; also to other friends who have occasionaided us by preaching and reading sermons. During this period we have received rignal answers to our prayers. Eight new members have been admitted by baptism, and others accepted as candidates. Some time ago a minister in London, who had been advised to emigrate to this colony for the benefit of his health, entered into a correspondence with the Rev. I’. 11. Corn ford, of Auckland ; and after Mr Corn ford had satisfied himself as to the suitability of his correspondent, lie communicated with us on the subject, and after prayer and consultation we decided on sending an invitation to him—tho Rev. William Jones, of Providence Chapel, Hackney Road, London—accompanied by a bank draft for ,£SO. Mr Jones replied, accepting our offer, and left England on the 30th of December last, in the ship Helcnslee. A few months ago we commenced the additions so much needed to make the chapel comfortable and convenient. Wc have put up a schoolroom, puivha.’cd a harmonium, and fenced in tho allotment, and have also commenced lining the chapel. Much has been contributed by members and friends in the shape of labour, material, and money; but, unfortunately, we cannot say now, as wc have often said before, that we arc out of debt, for builders’ accounts are known to he heavy items, and we do not wish to stop yet if wc can help it, hut complete the lining and ceiling, and preserve tho outside with a coat of paint. Altogether, wc require to raise about .£l3O within the next month, to he free from debt when our minister arrives. We are hut few in number, and it will be impossible to raise this sum unaided in so short a time. We, therefore, earnestly ask all Christian friends who may have it in their power to contribute a little to help us in this immediate effort.”

Mr Rknsiiaw read the treasurer’s report, which showed that since last meeting, £l2O had been spent, and 11iey now required about £lfio to meet the expense of finishing the lining of the church, the fencing, of a bank-draft for £fio sent to England to bring out the new clergyman, and other expenses. He earnestly exhorted all to subscribe liberally, and said lie felt sure that the blessing of God attended the man who was a liberal giver to tbe cause of tbe Church.

Mr Grigg, Mr Kcrnick, Mr Mason, and other friends addressed the meeting, and the addresses were interspersed with recitations and singing. A pleasant and instructive evening was passed. This small congregation has done a great deal within the past year, and the appeal for assistance will, we hope, he liberally responded to, not only by the Baptists, but by the members of all Christian congregations.