WESLEYAM CHURCH.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3810, 14 May 1891, Page 2

WESLEYAM CHURCH.

Reception to Bev J. Dufces. The social gathering' held in the Wesleyan Church last evening to afford the Rev Dukes an opportunity of becoming familiar with tlie individual members ot Ms congregation,was a great success. The Church was comfortably filled, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. The chair was occnpied by Mr B. P. Perry. of wt-lcome having been given by the officers of the church and MrT Bayliss, of Eketahuna, refreshments wers handed round. These having been done the f-.illest justice to, a hymn was rendered by the choir. The Bev Dukes then expressed his thanks for the hearty reception he had received. He referred to the great improvements made in the town during the past nine years, and said be believed Masterton to be the prettiest inland town in the colony. Three things he noticed—the tw& papers were still slinging ink at each other, the Borough Council were still wrangling, and the ridge-board of the church was still curved. (Laughter). He then proceeded to outline the programme he proposed to introduce. He was not going to be continually worrying them for money, although there was a debt of about £3OO. He intended varying the .haracters of his sermons, and would hold evangelistic services once a month. He was pleased to see such an efficient choir, and hoped it would continue to'improve. In conclusion he expressed his belief that with the blessing of the Almighty the work would revive, and a great harvest of souls would result.

The proceedings, which were throughout of a pleasing nature, were brought to a close with the benediction.