WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4396, 18 April 1893, Page 2

WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Re-opening Seroices, The Wesleyans of Masterton had a red-letter day on Sunday last in connection with the reopening of their church, At 7.30 a.m. a goodly number assembled in the schoolroom for prayor, and at 11 a.m. the first publio sorvice was held, The church was well filled, and the pastor (Rev, J. Dukes) delivered an appropriate and impressive sermon, taking as his text: Haggai, ' 2nd Chapter and ninth veree, "The glory of this latter house shall bo greater than that of the former, saith the Lord of Hosts, and in this place I will give peace, saith the Lord of Hosts," The preacher gave a succinct history of the stirring events conneotod with the building of the second temple, and showed in what respects the "latter house," thoughinferiorin architectural beauty, fulfilled in itß more excellent glory the predictions of the prophet, and closed with a practical application of tho text to thd local habitation in whioh they were found as worshippei'fl, At 8 p.m, the Ohurch was nearly filled with children and young people to join in a floral service. Somo beautiful pot plants were kindly lent by Mrs Bulpitt and Mrs Hoar, and tho iron work of tho rostrum was decorated with out flowers kindly sent by Messrs John* son, Gardiner and others, Many of tho childron brought boquets, Mr Dukes took a rose in hand and gave an address upon the words "I am tho Rose of Sharon." --The ohildren, led by Misses Porry and Williamß nnd Messrs Boagey and Pragnell, sang their hymns very sweetly, and the sorvice throughout was bright and profitable. The evening service was, however, tho chief event of the day, and a largo copgregation was expected. At ten minutes to seven the building was full, and additional seats had to be placed in the aisles. In a few minutes the Church was packed, and many had to be turned away, It was a grand sight to Bee at least 450 people rise and sing "All People that on fiartlt do Dwell," Tho pastor again occupied the pulpit, and preached from Revelation 2nd chapter, Ist to 6th verses, dealing with " First Love of Christ."

A large number remained at the after meeting which was brought to a close about 9 p.m. An effioient orchestra under Mr Candy (loading violinist) rendered "The Kyrie Elieon" and the " Gloria" (Mozart) In oxoellent stylo and assisted the ohoir (which was augmented by ladies and gentlemen from other ohurchos) in the hymns and anthems. Jaokson's" To Deum" waa aung in the morning and the anthems taken during; the day were" Hark Ten Thousand Voices" and "God is Our Refuge." The whole were kept well to time under Mr Boagey, Miss Williams presiding at the organ,

Since giving a description of the work last week a groat many additional improiemenls have been made, The gas fittings were placed in position on Saturday, and the Church was brilliantly lighted on Sunday night. Linoleum has boon kid down the aisles and in the rostrum, A oriinson baize screen placed behind the lower portion of tho ornamental iron oastings and good progress has also been made with the laying out of theohurch grounds under the direction of Messrs Bulpitt and Darley. It is expeoted that by the end of this week most of the finishing touches will be put on theohurcll, We understand that this enterprising people intend painting the interior of the schoolroom, hanging doors on to the various class rooms, and erecting a suitable shed for'the accommodation of horses at the rear of the school, When all this is done it will prove a very complete property, and the Wesleyans will have excellent machinery for working the various institutions of their ohuroh, A very large number is expected at the soiree on Thursday next, when the Minister will present the financial statement, tea commencing in the lebgolroom at 5 p.m.