BAPTIST ANNIVERSARY SOIREE.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1858, 16 December 1874, Page 2

BAPTIST ANNIVERSARY SOIREE.

A soiree to Celebrate the anniversary of the Baptist Church was held in the Church, Willoughby street, last evening. There was a fair gathering of the members of the Cjiureh, those of other congregation likewise, and a number of children. An excellent spread was provided, to the consumption of which those present devoted themselves with spirit. .After tea the tables, as usual, were cleared, and the second part of the programme commenced. A number of addresses were delivered by ministers and others, and the Choir of the Church performed a number of selections during the evening in good style undo* the able conduct of Mr Grigg, organist to the Church. The Choir executed a series of the hymns rendered famous by Mr Sankey, a revivalist. Regarding this Mr Cornford, in the course of the evenings mentioned for the information of his hearers that for many years Mr Moody, the Kevivalist, resided .and labored in Chicago, and; apparently without great success, but was characterised by an irrepressible earnestness. In one of his services he remarked among the singers ODe whose manner .and peculiar Tocalisation attracted him, and ascertaining that his name was Sankey, asked for his cooperation in which he (Mr Moody) had devoted himself. Thus commenced the connection between these two men, who have created quiterati agitatioftln. nlatters religious. „ Mr Cornford further stated that the singing of Mr Sankey is peculiar for the feeling which he evinces. ?-*'

TheKev. Mr Cornford (of Auckland) occupied the chair, and was supported by Mr Laishley, Congregational Minister of Mary street; Bey J. Crump, Wesleyan Minister; and tlfe Rev./ Mr ,-Bavies, Pastor to the Baptist Church. • The Chairman opened the proceedings in a lengthy and able address, in which he said he had been present on such occasions as the present, from year to year, and.had always taken a great interest in the prosperity of that Church. On looking backward at the past he could see that the people 1 had met with changes and reverses, but -was glad to see there had been an improvement in their circumstances. The rev. speaker reminded his hearers that" there was. a; deeper meaning to be attached to the idea of an anniversary than the mere review of their financial position—that the day should suggest to them individually the enquiry as to how and to what extent they had profitted by the word of God as preached to them during the 12 months just ended. He hoped they would take this suggestion home to their hearts and . profit by it.. - .■-■.?: .'• ■:■ '■'■', ■ ■, ■; - :^ ■■ '

Hymn jby the choir— 1" There is a gate that stands ajar." Tiie Chairman then called upon the secretary, Mr Grigg, to read the report of the year. The report showed the Cfcurch to be in a position not to call for complaint. The adherents of the Church number 65 in all; 57 of whom are regular worshippers : the remaining 8 live at a distance. The tract society: has almost fallen through, there being only one distributer now engaged, but this is mainly attributed to there being a.scarcity of tracts, more of which have, arrived per last mail, when distribution wjll be recommenced with yiiior. The sabbath school in connection with the Church is reported to be forwarding its work; and a sabbath school and weekly services have been established in the Waiotahi District. The departure of Mr Jones, former pastor to the Church, is recorded, also the introduction of his successo/, Mr Davies. A residence for the pastor and family has been erected^ partly by, loan, which is nearly paid on already by members of the congregation. Owing to the Eauaeranga having been visited by floods, that beaiililul spot can no longer be resorted to for baptism > but a baptistry has been introduced "itt the Church, which proves for many reasons more convenient. The report was received with evident marks of satisfaction.

At the request of the Chairman Mr Eenshaw next read the treasurer's report. The amount collected from subscriptions and other sources was £284 4s 9d; bank orerdraft, £189 6s 2d, making a balance of £473 6s 2d. The expenditure

was £473 6s 2d, but this includes a number of expenses which cannot; be- fairly classed as ordinary outlay; in proof of which the following items of expenditure may^ be enumerated—Baptistry (alluded to in Secretary's report) £19 8sl0d; residence, £230 16s 7d.

Hymn—"The Lord will provide." The Rev. Mr Laishley next spoko to the meeting:, and was very humorous in his remarks, and related one or two exceedingly amusing stories, the actors in which had come under his personal observation* He also alluded to remarks which he bad made at a Wesleyan meeting on the Thames recently, on the subject of revivalism ; and while he hoped ho was not taking an erroneous view of the matter, took the opportunity to remark that he considered there was a want of consistency shown, and that the blessings which God bestowed were not fully" recognised in these prayers for revival. Hymn—"Ever in the aims of Jesus." Mr (Jrump followed in an instructive address, directed particularly to the young, whom he besought to rightly consider the value of time, and the importance of devoting the morning of life to the improvement of the mind.

Hymn—" Go bury thy soul." The Key. Mr I'avies briefly addressed the meeting, and excused himself on the ground that he had only yesternight come from Auckland, and had suffered inconvenience from the peculiarities of the steamer, which he named the "Maniac."

Hymn—" There's a land that is fairer than day." : Mr Mason was called upoa, and responded in a short speech very characteristic of that gentleman. He was loudly applauded; v-~ Mr Kenshaw made a few remarks in response to the request of the Chairman, and paid the Choir a high compliment in asking for a repetition of a hymn, which was acceded to.

A vote of thanks, proposed by Mr Davies to the Chairman, Choir, and ladies who had assisted -in making the soiree a success, was carried.

The Doxology followed, and prayer pronounced by Mr Davies concluded the proceedings.