OPENING OF THE NEW WESLEYAN CHURCH, ROXBURGH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 213, 29 February 1872, Page 6

OPENING OF THE NEW WESLEYAN CHURCH, ROXBURGH.

" (Frqma Covrpspqiident.)

•phis <*hurph was opened foe divine Urafghjp on Sunday, February 18th, ivhen iwo eloquent an 4 appropriate germon« w^ne^pTßached by" the- Rev. W. JJ- Bec^ to good congregations— $be attendance in the eyening tjeing partjc^arly latge. The phurcb itself is a "neat stone btyildiiig, 30 x 20, plastered jn^ide, and pujTOOUnted with a, bejfry. The tqta} post of erection £19® 18s, tpwawie which by collection^, opening pervices, and tea "meeting; the Bum of $140 bae been contributed. The land Upon which thg edi^ce stands was the, $b v eraJ gift o{ Ufessr^. J^apkay Brof. The qpening tea. meeting, toot place pn Vue^day. 0n $bat day tl^e quiet pack-bound town of Boxbargb pre--^ent^quite an animated appearance. Begi§e|l a goodly number attracted

frpm CW Creek J?lft, a considerable p.h ty from. Lawwuce and the Blue §pp U k presented theft fraternal greetings to **»«* Teyiot co-religionists on the oc«sy^ on °f the auspicious eVent. In the jsy&J P? rfc of **»© day, the visitor* tSoV *X ofP"* 1 ?^ *> v l* {t the flower sijJj J frmt gardens of Mr. John BeigtiW .» nd Messrs. John and Joseph ''OMferfc *" . w fre kindly thrown, open t? # c vlslfcor , 8 - The choice and varied of flowers, and the superiority ap\ 4 abundance of the fruit grown in the»£ gardens, reflect the highesUfedifc i»^ n the sklU and taste of the proprietor*, By half past six on Tuesday fcvemng, a goodly assemblage had g»tbe** ed ."} the church to partake of the ft<x™ cup, and the fables were soon fi*i|?vMr. John Glass tfas entrusted wiife *h^ » office of caterer ; arid over the tabies i presided the Misses Tainblyn, Broad, I Bennetts, and Kirkwood. When the tables were cleared, a goodly array of speakers were seen on and around the platform, amongst which were the .Revs. Messrs. Telford, Bull, and Be'ck^ and Messrs. Dewe, Green, and Bloxh^m. Mr. Dewe, however, on account of a severe affection of the threat, was unable to take part in the addresses. Mr. Roger Clarke was called to the chair, and, having congratulated the meeting upon the erection of so suitable a house of worship, gave_ an address upon the bible — affirming and illustrating the beneficent influence which results,' as well to nations as to individuals, from the spread of it.

Mr. Grover read the financial statement, which showed a debt ore the building of £50 18s.

Mr. Telford delivered a highly practical speech, in the course of which he enlarged upon the marks of a truly successful church, and dwelt upon the relative duties and responsibilities of ministers and people. Mr. Green, the Baptist Minister of "the Clyde and Blacks district, attended to present his congratulations to his Methodist friends of the Teviot. He rejoiced with them in their present enlargement, and gloried in . the universal brotherhood of all who loved the .Lord Jesus Christ.

Mr. Bloxham's usual fluency of speech was somewhat .marred in the earlier portion of, his address by a scene which took place in- the church with some children. When these were quieted, and his own composure regained, he proceeded with the delivery of an earnest address on Christian, zeal.

Mr. Bull said the present age displayed manifold marks of progress and improvement. Ignorance and bigotry — firm allies — held their heads droopingly. "Fraternal love marked the intercourse of all who loved Christ. Among distinguished Roman Catholics, the universal church was deeply indebted to such men as Fenelon and Thomas a Kempis, whose saintly lives had shed an undying lustre on, the Christian name. Church building tested the depth of Chrisoian benevolence better than formal attendance upon church services did. The Teviot people had answered well to the present test. Christian efforts should be wisely directed and steadfastly pursued.

Mr. Beck said as the hour was late, he would not prolong the meeting by a lengthy address. His speech was an able vindication of the doctrines of Christianity. Christianity contributed to the real greatness of a nation. It was the main pillar upon which the happiness, liberty, and prosperity of it rested. Beligion should not be confined to the Church, but the spirit of it should be carried into the duties of daily life, and lie at the foundation of every transaction. And as we. aim at perfection in other things, so should we aim at perfection in religion, however far short of it we may really come.-

Vote of thanks to the ladies, the speakers, • and to Mr. Burton for his able services at the harmonium, closed a- well attended and interesting meeting.