BLUE SPUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOIREE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 123, 16 June 1870, Page 5

BLUE SPUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOIREE.

The above soiree came off in the Schoolhouse with great eclat on Monday evening last ; the weather was all that could be desired, being bright moonlight, and had the effect of bringing out the largest muster of people that has ever attended any soiree at the Spur, or even at Lawrence. The tables which were provided by Mesdames Brady, Nicholl, Ralston, Curregh, Taylor, M'Laren, and last, though not least, one provided by the bachelors of the Spur, and presided over by Misses Sizemour and Elliot, were all teeming with the good things of this life, and soon found ready and willing occupants. To judge by the rapid disappearance of the viands, we imagine they were highly appreciated. " Young Blue Spur" turned out in strong numbers, and stuffed himself with " cookies," &c, as is his wont on such occasions. As everything must have an end, and, as every one was satisfied, the tables were j soon cleared, and the Schoolhouse quickly j filled up ; in fact, although the School Committee lately added a new wing to the building, it was too small to hold the crowd, and we saw a good many standing outside. Dr. Copland occupied the chair, supported on his right by the Rev. W. Keall and Mr. M'Lelland, and on his left by the Rev. Mr. Menzies. A psalm was then sung, after which, Dr. Copland said it was with great gratification he saw the number of smiling faces before him ; it was the first soiree of that branch of the Presbyterian Church, and he was glad to see it such a success. He was happy to see the membership of the Church increasing, and also the increasing interest that was taken in the week-day services ; he hoped the increase would continue. There were more opportunities now of worshipping at the Spur, every denomination being represented ; so that all excuses were now removed. Looking on the gathering present, he could not help thinking of the time when gold at the Spur was unknown. Such a great change had taken place since then ; it was fitted to excite enquiry in the mind of every intelligent being What lie would ask, was the design in Trovidence bringing aboiit this great change, bringing multitudes here ?—? — surely something higher than the means of living. W r e must believe that Providence had a higher view than that ; and that movements of this kind that bring together multitudes from a distance were included in the grand design of the Almighty for bringing the whole earth under the domion of His son. The chairman then called upon the secretary, Mr. M'Lelland, to read the report, from which we glean the following : — The Presbyterian Church had met every alternate Sabbath since 1867, and the Rev. Dr. Copland had laboured assiduously, and with much acceptance in their midst ; only once in three years was he scared by the weather ; and on that occasion by the want of the much-needed bridge over Gabriels Creek. In addition, Dr. Copland held a weekly service (or short lecture, and prayer meeting combined) every alternate Tuesday evening, at which there was an average attendance of thirty persons. It is pleasing to observe that since a committee had been formed the Sustentation Fund, which previously amounted to about L3O, had, by the united energy of that committee during the year 1869, nearly been doubled. The collections had amounted to L 52 8s 6d. A sum of Lls 16a 6d had been subscribed to missions, and special collections had amounted to LBlss, making a total of Lll2 10s 4d, which sum was handed over to the General Committee at Lawrence. In addition to that amount, the sum of Ll7 had been contributed by the adherents of the Church towards an addition to the building. The Schoolroom is also used by the Church of England and by the Independents, which arrangement answers admirably. Mr. M'Lelland then said that he would back the collectors and subscribers at the Spur against the Christian world, after which he resumed his seat. Mr. Keall, who was next called upon, said he did not need to make any apology for being present, although belonging to another denomination, he was glad to be there, as he liked gatherings of the description. He thought these meetings of great importance, as they heard each other speak ; and although they were not all of the same denomination, yet they read the same bible, and flew from the same wrath to- come. He thought they

would go better hand in hand and heart in heart, as Christ's cause wanted something of that sort. He was glad to hear from the secretary that the success had been so great, and hoped it would continue. In conclusion, he said that all success was valueless without the assistance of the Holy Spirit*

Mr. Stenhouse said he was glad to see this part of God's vineyard so flourishing, ond the prayer meetings so well attended. But there was one thing that Lawrence was a-head of the Spur, and that was in Sabbath schools, as every denomination had them there. He thought that the elements for the making of a Sabbath school could be found at the Blue Spur, and he hoped ere long to see one formed. When he looked round the room, he saw many of his old pupils, some of whom had entered into the bonds of matrimony. Mr. Stenhousa stated he had the pleasure of starting the first Sabbath school in Lawrence ; it was only attended very poorly at first, but now it numbered over 100 scholars.

Mr. Menzies was next called upon, and said he did not like making a speech on Monday, as it was too soon after Sunday, and as he had stripped and milked his brain for Sunday, he could not be expected to say much. He congratulated the present meeting on such a success, lie saw that Mr. M'Lelland was eyeing the number of babies, no doubt wondering how he would be able to manage so many pupils. lie then spoke at some length on children. What affections, what emotions, and thoughts that one word calls into activity. It was of the greatest importance the manner in which parents brought up their children. It very much depended upon home influence, whether the influence upon the future of their children would resemble a malaria, which spreads death and destruction, or the breeze of the ocean which invigorates.

Dr. Copland said lie heartily agreed with Mr. Menzies as to his brains being milked and stripped on a Sunday. He was glad to see that Mr. Telford, who had just come from the Teviot that night, was present ; but he would call on Mr. Brady just now to speak in order to let Mr. Telford have a rest.

Mr. Brady said he was like the profit Jonah at the City Nineveh ; inasmuch as he had very little to say. He had worked so hard outside that night, that all his grand speech had taken win^s and fled.

Mr. M'Nicoll said he thought he would get clear of a speech when he saw Mr. Telford arrive. Mr. Menzie3 had just taken the words out of his month about children, so he would not say more.

Mr. Telford said that he was happy he had the opportunity of being present. He thought it well worth his forty miles ride. He thought this a good opportunity to speak about missions, which he did very ably, and at considerable length. He believed that no community in New Zealand did so much for the caii3e of Christ as the Blue Spur.

Dr. Copland said everyone present must have been highly edified by Mr. Telford's very able speech. The Rev. Dr. referred to an article which appeared in the local paper in reference to the sum of L3OOO paid annually by the district towards churches and charities. Since the writer was able to make these computations, which he (Dr. Copland) thought A r ery wide of the mark, perhaps he would furnish the amount paid annually to the Devil in billiards, and other questionable amusements.

Mr. French proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies for the very handsome way in which they had turned out, and also to the ladies who provided the tables. He bore testimony to the supreme ability displayed by the ladies as collectors. He for one could refuse them nothing, and in fact if they asked for himself he must deliver himself up. Mr. S. White replied on behalf of the ladies in a very eloquent speech.

Mr. Stenhouse proposed a vote of thanks to the bachelors for providing so handsome a table. The proposition was carried with loud applause.

After a few remarks by Mr. John Cormack, a vote of thanks was proposed to the speakers and the chair. The moating was brought to a close shortly after 11 o'clock.