OPENING OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, ROXBURGH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 251, 21 November 1872, Page 7

OPENING OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, ROXBURGH.

This church recently erected on the main Dunstan road, aud which forms such an attractive addition to the town of Roxburgh, was opened on Sunday last, the 17th instant, for divine worship. The Rev. G. P. Beaumont, M.A., preached morning and evening to crowded congregations. The prayers and lessons were taken by Mr. Dewe, licensed l*y reader in charge of the district. The holy communion was administered. In the afternoon there was a special service for baptisms. The music, which was admirably rendered by a large choir, conducted by Mr. J . R. Reid, andaided by very hearty congregational singing, added greatly to the solemnity of the services. Mr. Burton piesided at the harmonium.

The church, which is an exceedingly pretty' one, is built of stone, and consists of nave 31ft. by 21ft.; chancel, 13ft. by lift. ; and vestry, with principal entrance porch. The style is perpendicular Gothic. The nave of the building is divided into four hays with open principals, the ribs of which spring from moulded corbels. The whole construction of the roof being exposed and varnished. The east and west gables are lighted with triple, mullionetl windows with apandrils at head. The Bide windows are double, mullionetl with spandrils a& head. All the windows are ground glass quarry lead lights with stained glass borders, and with the exception of the east window, have stair.cd glass spandrils. The main wall of the building at the line of the chance! is opened up by a Gothic arch springing from circular shafts, and the chancel floor is raised, as required for the services of the church. The communion railing is placed about mid-distance of the depth. It with the communion table is made of red pine, the pillars being beautifully polished. In the chancel stand the prayer desk and pulpit, formed with gothic bronzed uprights. Over the main gable there is an open campanile. The whole of the gables are finished with appropriate cross finials varied in design. The bnilding has been carried out from designs and details furnished by Mr. Henry Norton, who has also executed all the woodwork and fittings connected with it. The stone work by Messrs. Reese and Milrea, and the painting by Mr. E. Hughes. The whole of the work reflacts the greatest credit on all engaged in it. The church will accommodate over 100 people. We are sure that the committee and all others who took so thoroughly a kind and hearty interest in the work, wiil look back with p'easnre on their many and great exertions, which have resulted in the erection of a building so suitable for the purpose for which it is intended.