'OPENING OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, LAWRENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 170, 11 May 1871, Page 5

'OPENING OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, LAWRENCE.

This Church, which is conveniently and pleasantly situated in Whitehaven-stiv efc, and which, for architectural beauty, is tho principal object that attracts the eye on entering the township of Lawrence, was opened on Sunday last by the Rev. S. T Nevill, Bishop-elect of Dunedin, who preached eloquent and impressive sermons in the morning and evening to crowded congregations. In the morning the rev. gentleman selected for his text the Bth verso of the 26th Psalm, and in the evening the 2nd and 3rd verses of the 2nd chapter of Isaiah.

The music, which was admirably conducted by a large choir, added greatly to the solemnity of the services. The exterior beanty of the Church is even excelled by the chaste and handsome finish of the interior. Every regard to comfort has been kept in view, and the fittings aud furnishings arc at once elegant and modest. We were not all surprised to hear the opinions universally expressed by churchmen and others, that Dunedin could not boast of such an attractive place of worship. The chancel is neatly furnished, the alter cloth and kneeling cushions being of bright crimson, which is also the colour of the carpet on the chancel floor and step 3. The swing doors are fitted with beautiful glass handles, and are covered with crimson cloth. The building is lit by three e\ega,n"fc c^iimcleliers, 3uspen<!ecL iix the iti The se.\its aro formed with closed backs and bejich ends, and the floor ia matted throughout, giving a warmth and comfort to the place, rarely met with in New Zealand churches.

The style of the building is an adaptation of the perpondiouiai 1 Gothic, suited to the material (native timber) made use of in construction. Ou the plan it consists of a nave, 41 feet by 2*7 feet, internal measurement, su'odividod by open principals into bays. Tha height icom floor to ridge is 33 feet. The chancel is 15 feet by 12 feet, with vestry attached on northern side, the principal entrance porch occupying the second bay on the Sfiuie sidu towards the western elevation. Tho portion now erected is intended to form a part of a cruciform building carried out in proportion to the part now erected, with tower and spire complete. Over the main gable of the present building a handso-uo open campanile, finished with side gablets, surmounts one of the ventilating opening? of the Church, and in tins gable is the main triple niulli«»n' i d window, subdivided at the head, and finished with a bold label moulding with shield terminals. The nave of the buil ling is divided into five bays, with open principals, tho ribs of which spring from moulded, corbels, the whole construction of tho roof being exposed. The wholo of the walls in tha interior of the building are finished in pannolled colonial timber •above the line of seating, smoothly dressed and varnished, the roof being ako varnished, and portions of tho work stained for relief. At the junction of the inside wall and roof there is a deep cornice, mnuldoil at top and bot L orn, the pannels of which ara formed in open work, producing a very pleasing effect to the eyi. The main wall >>f the building at the lino ot tho chancel is openod up by a moulded Gothic arch, sprung from circulai- shifts with mi.nlded 1 La-e? a> d caps, und fchvi chancel floor is raised as required for the services of the church. The communion railing is placed about mid-distance of the depth — on each side, at the line of tho arch, a simple Gothic arched pulpit and reading desk being placed. Tn the gable of the chancel a triple light window is also formed t.» correspond in style with that in the gable — also subdivided with tracery at ths head, and finished externally to correspond. The whole of the gables are finished with' appropriate eross-nm'als, varied in design; and the doors are fitted with the hinges associated with this class of church architecture. The building has been carried out from designs and details furnished by Mr. R. A. Lawson, architect, Dunedin, by Mr. George Morison, contractor, Lawrence, under the supervision of Mr. John Mackney, clerk of works. That portion of the building now erected will accommodate over 200 people. To Mr. Morison's ability, careful attention, aud unswerving determination to carry out, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his employers, the task committed to his charge, the highly succpssful issue ia due. The painting of the church was executed with much taste and care by Mr. Thomas Barnett, Lawrence.