CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH S O T R E E.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 222, 2 May 1872, Page 8

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH S O T R E E .

The annual soiree of the Congregational Church took place at Wetberstones on the evening of Friday last. Misgivings that the weather, which during the day was rather threatening, would prove unpropitious, and militate against the. success of the affair, were entertained^bu^ as evening approached, the more favourable aspect of the heavens dispelled all fears on that score. At the hour appoiuted for the commencement of proceedings — six o'clock — a goodly assemblage had gathered together in the schoolroom, which had been kindly placed at the. disposal of the church committee for the occasion. So numerous was the attendance that there was not sufficient - room for all to sit down to the tables at once, and consequently the late arrivals had to exercise the virtue of patience by waiting until the early comers had finished, before they could be accommodated. The commissariat arrangements, however, proved equal to the extra and unexpected strain put upon them. Not a hitch occurred, aud all who presented tnemselves were supplied satisfactorily. About 250 in all were present; On the tables were temptingly displayed comestibles, abundant in quantity, unexceptionable in quality, and in great variety. The ladies who presided over them, viz., Mesdames Hunter, Goldsmith, Kemp. Silk, Bryant, Russell, Downes, Armstrong, Riddell, Duncan, and Leary, and Misses Cox and Peters, ministered to the wants of the guests in a style that left no room for dissatisfaction, aud which elicited general appreciation. The choir during the evening aided greatly to promote the general enjoyment, In the intervals between the' speeches they rendered admirably several welkchosfin selections of sacred music, which drew forth repeated tokens of approbation from those present. The proceedings commenced by the singing of grace, after which those who had secured seats at the tables devoted themselves to ' the tea and edibles provided, and having satisfactorily disposed of a sufficient quantity, made way for a second relay, those composing which manifested their appreciation of the good things provided in the same practical manner as their predecessors. When all had regaled themselves, the tables were cleared and the seats rearranged. The chair was taken by the Rev. Mr. Menzies, who gave . out the lOOfch Psalm, which was sung by the assemblage; after which the Rev. Mr. Cameron offered up a prayer.. The choir then gave t( Make a joyful noise." The Chairman said he had- anticipated some difficulty in keeping those present interested during the evening, but, the attendance of the gentlemen on the platform had greatly relieved him in that respect, as he was sure they would be equal to the work. Referring to matters connected with the church, he said it was now two years since he came among them, All that time the church had been growing —^ gradually, but making some headway. He did not come to prose- . lytise — he had a higher object in view. In his opinion all churches could work harmoniously together. The speaker illustrated his positionby an anecdote about a peal of the bells — each separate bell emitted a different note, but chiming together, gave a harmonious souud. He then referred to particular denominations, quoting Dr. Duncan on the subject. He considered when a man was a Christian jail his other relationships were correct. Times were coming when oneness and harmony should be established amongst all Christian churches. In the words of Dr. Canning, there are those who say that Christianity was effete — that it would not satisfy enquiring minds. The truth was that Christianity did not satisfy, and would never satisfy, depraved minds. He stated that Christianity had conquered effete Juduism " and Paganism ;that it had vanquished a revival of Paganism at the Reformation, and more recently the Deism which had prevailed in Germany and England, and that it would again drive out all false doctrines. They were living in an age when there is much speculation and superstition — when Spiritism is endeavouring to take the phc 3 of Christianity — when it .was tried to make natural history destroy the, Church. But the time was coming when all these ,would cease, and' men find satisfaction in the Church of the living God, It behoved all sects now to go forth heart to heart, soul to soul, and mind to mind,' to conquer in the" name of their common Lord. He called upon M r * Johnson to read the annual report. Mr. Johijson read the- report; as follows: — Your Committee have, report that during the past year Mr. Menzies h.as continued to labour with zeaj, and we trust with profit to. many in the place. He has held forty Sunday services, and. baptized several children. As you are a,ware,'he visits Tuapeka Mouth once in four weeks, consequently we have service here only three out of. four Sundays. T he. collections and subscriptions have ainounteci to over £44, which has bee.n handed over to the- Secretary of the Ijawrence Congregational O,h,urch. ,Mr. Menzies IjVs delivered a lecture on "John Buuyan," in aid of the Sunday 'School funds, which realised £4 83, . . . Choir — " How beautiful upon. " th& fnouritaius." ' . Mr, M'Lelland . delivered an inteft&inV address tjpon; ."'Mentai M\*

ture;" pointing out that great achievements are accomplished simply by perseverance and proper use of time ; and stated if poople thought for themselves instead of' allowing -others to think for them, there would be less communism and socialism in the world. He referred to" the. valuable services rendered by Mr. Menzies, and impressed upon those presept the necessity . of supporting-ministers of religion,.not only by. contributing funds, but' by attending their churches. Mr. M'Lelland concluded by recommending all young men and women to get married as speedily as possible. Paul Ah Chin, the Chinese Missionary, expressed his regret that his slight acquaintance with the. English tongue did not permit him to speak as intelligibly as he could wish. He referred to the polygamy permitted in China, and hoped that by the conversion of that nation to Christianity it would be abolished. He also alluded to the pernicious effect of the Chinese immigration to New Zealand being confined solely to males. ■ • Choir—" Singing to God." Mr. Dunne, of Waitahuna, spoke on the " Early training of children." He adverted to the sad state of the street Arabs of the # cities of the old world, and illustrated the value of early religious training- by an interesting anecdote. He was listened to throughout with marked attention. Choir— " Bendicite." The Chairman, introduced the Rev. Mr. Cameron, who had recently arrived from the old country. He hoped that ho would have a long and useful career in New Zealand, and would be glad if he laboured in the same locality &f himself. The Rev. Mr. Cameron was well received by the assemblage, and expressed his gratification at being present. He then delivered an effective address to the children, impressing upon them the necessity of using their time and opportunities well, refraining from mixing in bad company, and reading their Bibles. Mr. M' Alpine made a few remarks, and related some anecdotes. Choir — " Erect your heads." The Chairman congratulated those present on the success which had attended tae evening's proceedings, and called upon Mr. Silk. Mr. Silk, on behalf of the Church j Committee, proposed a vote of thanjss "to the ladies and gentlemen who. -had contributed the tea and assisted in the arrangements. This was carried by acclamation. Votes of thanks were also enthusiastically accorded the Choir, to the Wetherstoncs School Committee, for j giving the use of the' school, and to Mrs. Brunton, for leading the singing at the Cpngregatiqnal Church. The Chairman expressed his gratitude to the gentlemen who had given addresses, and also to the Wetherstones School Committee, who had granted them the use of the schoolroom for the occasion gratuitously, and also allowed them the use of the te'ioolroom every Sunday, for holding services, without charge. This brought the proceedings to a. close. Altogether, the soiree was a, great success, arid all present departed to " their homes highly gratified with the evening's proceedings.

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