Opening of a Church at Paeroa.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3689, 21 October 1880, Page 2

Opening of a Church at Paeroa.

A lady correspondent of oori sends us the following epistle:—

A rather pleasing reunion was held here last evening in the church lately erected. The ground on which the building stands was the gift of the gallant Colonel, and has a large frontage to the main road. The design of the building was prepared by the County Clerk, and being ai'cer the old Elizabethan style of church architecture, is a handsome edifice. The work has been faithfully carried out by our local contractors, and is a credit to the designer and the builders. After the good things that had been so liberally provided by the ladies were disposed of, and the amount that disappeared was astonishing, Mr ■——— was called to the chair, and in an able and exhaustive speech showed the, great interest that bad been taken in .the

spiritual welfare of the district by the clergymen of the different denominations; and he thought that no doubt bat that the same interest would be taken in the future that had been in the past. A select choir from the Thames was in attendance, and the Chairmen called on them for the first piece on the programme, " Who is there among ns," which was rendered in good style, the trip up the rifer having wonderfully improved the vocal powers of the singaters, The Ber. — —-, of Pollen street kirk, was happy to be among them that even* ing, and if this was only his second visit tp the district, it was no fault of his, as he had a Church Committee to consult, and they were a strange lot to deal with; at in his absence, the collections generally fell off very much, and it was difficult to make them up these hard times. He would, however, promise them, if he could get away during the next three years, he would pay them a visit. The audience seemed much delighted 4 at this piece of information. ■ The Rev. ———, of Mary street, said it was his first visit to the place, and he thought from the arrangements he had made with his brother ministers their * spiritual wants had been well looked after. He would always be found looking after the members of his own church, and promised, if possible, to pay them another visit before the end of the present century. ; (Loud applause.) The choir," Where there's a will there's a way." The Bey. Mr , of Willoughby street, was happy-to be there that evening. He trusted there were no sceptics present* but all seekers after the truth. He was a stranger in a strange land, and did not think he was half a century behind the times. He would, like his brothers of the cloth, have much pleasure in hunting them up sometimes if he could get his people to let him. Song, lady amateur, " Far away." The Bey. Mr , that runs the two shops, was the next speaker, and m one of his usual humorous speeches pointed out how his body had always taken a warm interest in the district, and although he had not himself paid them many visits, yet several years ago some of the young men of his congregation had visited them, and 4he account he had received of them was very encouraging. Ec would take an early opportunity of* visiting them again, say when the building wanted new shingles. Choir: " Where have they been so long." The Bey. Mr —, of Mtekay itnet, said it was his first appearance in the district, but as it was only.a short time since he arrived on £he Thames* he was not yet up to their' ways. He had taken the first opportunity ne had had to pay them a visit, and would be only too happy to pay them one once « quarter. Probably he meant them to understand was once in 5 years. ; His Lordship, being the next tpeaker, he was listened to with marked, aitenjtion,, as it was so unusual to see him occupy the same platform as the other gentleman of the black cloth. It was one of the happiest evenings he had ever spent in Ids time, and if they had a Wildman amongst them and he would give them the present, of a new musical instrument the/ should be happy to accept it; He had at great inconvenience visited the district several times, particularly when he was wanted to see the youngsters, and he was happy to see so many of them "around him that evening. . ' ' ""■ Song: " Eough road to the junction," sweetly sung by J. MeG. B. Duet: "N» toon but this toon," by B. andC. , i - . " Let us but the painter," by C. A. 0.; " Bould sodjer boy," by Capfc P. IV; , " in original paper on the new rash was then read by C. ft M. At this stage of the proceedings, our old boss, Tukukroo, who was so pleased - by the .night's entertainment promised he |would let the road be put through his property, and as soon as finished would act as Jehu himself, and drive them np from the Thames as soon as the^Gointj . Chairman came back from - Melbourne where he had sent him on, special busk ness, which he would not tell them about}'-, there being too many ladies present. The proceeds of the turn out was sufficient to pay off the baianee due on the building. After the usual votes of thanks by A. P., the meeting was brought to a close. , P.S.—Just as I finished, my old mail has oome into the room and Myslmuft , have been dreaming.—Tours, ' ; Bupqgr. •" .