Anniversary Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4643, 21 November 1883, Page 2

Annive rsary Soiree.

The customary soiree and public meeting in connection with the anniversary of the Congregational Church was held last night. Notwithstanding the bad weather there was a good attendance, about 150 persons sitting down to tea. The church was tastefully decorated with nikau leaves, ferns, and flowers, and presented a very pleasing appearance. After full justice had been done to the good things, the tables were cleared away, and a public meeting, at which the .Rev. Mr Adams, pastor of the church, took the chair, was opened with singing and prayer. An anthem by the choir, " I will praise Thee," was then sung, after which tho Chairman apologised for the absence of the Beys. Bull and Woolley. He then received the doings of the past year, saying that although he was not on the Thames at their last anniversary, he was thankful for the progress , made. The Church began the year with a debt of £100, but this, he was glad to be able to say, had been cleared off, and they were now "unencumbered. The Auckland friends had helped them with a donation of £26, and the remainder of the amount had been raised among their own members.

Solo, Miss Adams—"The Christian Martyrs."

'Ihe Eev. C. E. Barley congratulated the church on being free from debt, and went on to speak of the influence of colonial life on religion. He said in the colonies the country districts were often left more without divine service of any kind than was the case ia the "old country," and this had in many cases a tendency to extinguish religious, feelings and desires. Again, colonial life had a tendency to.make men feel indepedent of each other, and this, feeling was, he thought, assisting to change the government of the churches towards democracy. This, however, was a wrong feeling, for man was naturally dependent upon his fellows. In conclusion, be urged his hearers to so live that the example set by them would have a good effect on colonial life.

Anthem, choir—" Glory be to God "; and solo by Miss Phillips—"The last call," both of which were pleasingly rendered. '

The Rev. Si J. Neill was the next speaker, and he referred to the powerful effect of the weather on dress, and especially on church going. It was wonderful how many people a shower on a Sunday morning, or even on the Saturday evening previous, would keep from attending church. Man's -individuality was also touched on, the speaker showing that though a man might be of some importance in a small place, his individuality was quickly lost when he removed to a large centre of population. The aria, " In Native Worth," was rendered by Mr Airey, who was in excellent voice. . ■

The Rev. J. Robertson congratulated them on their financial position, and went on lo speak on " What the Church's position and work in the world ought to be," more particularly pointing out the privileges of the Christian in being a fellow-laborer with God in His great work. He urged them to be humble and

persevering, and not to get discouraged if they did not at once see the result of their labors.

The Chairman expressed thanks to all who had taken part in the meeting, after which Mrs Grainger sang " For those at Sea " very sweetly, and the proceedings were brought to a close by the pronouncing of the Benediction.