THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9141, 17 July 1908, Page 5

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY.

AN IMPRESSIVE FUNCTION.

The day was perfect yesterday for the laying of the foundation stone of the Congregational Church in Chapel Street, and the consequence was that the ceremony was witnessed by a numerous attendance of the public. There were among those present The Revs. A. T. Thompson (Knox Church), J. N. Buttle (Methodist Church), representatives of the Salvation Army, and several visiting Congregationalist Ministers. The formal proceedings were commenced by the singing of the hymn, '*o God of Bethel, by Whose Hand," Mr Peter Hayes, of Wellington, acting as organist, an organ having been provided for the occasion. The Rev. W. A. Keay (Wellington) , then delivered .a short prayer, after which Mr J. Granville Hunt, Chairman of the Congregational District Committee, delivered a short address.

Mr Hunt said that the occasion was one of considerable importance, not only to local Congregationalists, but to the Church throughout New Zealand. He did not propose to say anything about the principles of the Church, as the speakers at the Congregational function would enlarge upon that, but he wished to make it . clear that they were not there for the sake of rivalry, but as a force making for righteousness in the community. The Congregationalists, in short, wished to co-operate with churches and creeds that were making for the Kingdom of God, and he trusted that in time the Church would become a great power in the place in uplifting its spiritual and moral life. He cordially invited the assistance and co-operation of the people of the town and district, and promised that in return the Church would do its part in the promotion of the religious work of the community. Mr Hunt concluded by remarking that the occasion was one to inspire those engaged in the work of the Church to even better effoi-ts. Mr A. M. Lewis, Secretary of the District Committe, then made a few remarks. He said no doubt many would wonder what the ceremony was all about, and why they were there. Tracing the history of the local movement Mr Lewis said that eight months ago the Committee was approached by letter by several Masterton Congregationalist families to see if something could not be done to carry on Congregational Church work in the lovvn. The Rev. W. Evans was deputed by the Committee to make investigations interview families, and generally to ascertain what the prospects were. This Mr Evans duly did, and the District Committee, not caring to take too great a responsibility upon themselves, postponed dealing with the question until a meeting of the Congregational Unioi\ At that meeting a strong deputation appeared in support ot the movement and the Union Was simply carried away by the idea. Then a deputation waited upon Mrs Williams, whoso generosity towards religious work in New Zealand has made her name familiar to everyone connected with it, and that lady very generously promised to give a site. Subscriptions of a liberal character were received from other persons. It was found that the cost of a suitable site had been much under-esti-1 mated, however,; but nevertheless/' the Church was to stand upon a site which was paid for, although the cost of the building itself would have yet to be met. The Rev. A. Hodge of St. Clair, Dunodin, had been offered the pastorate of the Church, and it would be known very shortly whether that gentleman would accept the position. Mr Lewis closed by exhorting all those who had not made it a practice to attend worship to come to the Church.

Mr F. T. Redman, in a brief address, said it would, perhaps, be as well to smooth away at the present function any erroneous impression which might exist in the minds of people as to the establishment of the Church. He said that the Church was designed to fill a common gap caused bv the fact that persons who were nurtured in one religious body when. they came to a new district where that body was not represented, frequently neglected to attend worship at all rather than attend a church to which they were not accustomed. Then there was always the submerged class which required uplifting, and in this sphere the Church hoped to do good service. They were all deeply indebted to Mrs Williams and the other Wellington friends of the local movement for their presence at the ceremony. Another wrong impression which might be prevalent was that the Church would gather together a class of people which would be of no use to it. In correcting that view, Mr Redman said that the Redeemer himself came to uplift such persons, and the work of the Church was primarily based on their reclamation. To the cry that there were too many churches, he replied that it was equally true that there were too many shops, and too many other things, but still no one desired to do away with them. The sole object of the Church was to move in a sphere where the uplifting of humanity was the purpose. Mr A. Hendry then read a number of apologies for absence, including one from the Hon. G. Fowlds (Minister for Education), and one from Mr A. W. Hogg, M.P. Congratulatory telegrams were read from church officials from all parts of New Zealand. Mrs W. R. Williams was then handed a beautifully engraved silver trowel (presented by the builders, Messrs Rose and Mason), with which she duly performed the stone-laying ceremony. This she did by taking the trowel and placing some mortar upon the stone, which was put in position by the builders, .and saying "I declare this stone well and faithfully laid." The ceremony was followed by applause. The stone was inscribed, "To the Glory of God, this Stone was laid by Mrs W. R. Williams, of Wellngton, July 16th, 1908." 1 he architect and builders' names are 'also contained on it. The Rev. D. Hird, M.A. (President of the Congregationalist Union) then offered up a very impressive prayer of dedication, and after an appropriate hymn had been sung,

moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Williams for her assistance, both financially and at the ceremony that day. He paid a high tribute to her generosity, saying that he felt that his opinion was shared by all religious workers in New Zealand. The Rev. Evans seconded the motion in similar terms of praise and gratitude. The motion was carried by acclamation. After a photograph of the company had been taken by Mr Joy, the proceedings closed with the pronouncing of the Benediction.

CELEBRATIONS AT DOMINION HALL. A gathering was held in Dominion Hall in the evening, commencing with tea, which was served at 5.30 o'clock. At this there was a very large assemblage. The whole floor space was occupied with tables, with seating accommodation for close upon a hundred people. It was found necessary tc have two sittings, so large was the attendance. At the public meeting the chair was occupied ,by the Rev. Hird. The evening was spent in speechmaking, all the addresses being of a most interesting character. The following spoke:—Revs. J. Ree3Glasson, W. Evans, M. Aspland, and W. Keay (Congregationalists), A. T. Thompson (Knox Church), and Messrs J. Granville Hunt, A. M. Lewis, ard J. Hunter,- the latter welcoming the visitors on behalf of local Congregate nalists. The Rev. J. N. Buttle stnt an apology for absence. Solos were sung by the Misses Joy (2), Mrs W. L. Joy 11 lying the accompaniments.