MASTERTON WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4399, 21 April 1893, Page 3

MASTERTON WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Re-Opening Soiree. The Masterton Wesleyans yesterday celebrated tho re-opening of their enlarged church, and are to he congratulated on their thorough success. It was indeed a soiree to bo romembored.'Thetea tables in tbe schoolroom were simply rushed, and there were no less than live or six re-lays, fully ■IOO. people indulging in the good things provided by the ladies and friends of Ilia congregation. Everyone iwked with, a good epirii, anil it wouid bo ex'renioly difficult to single out individual worta, and it is sufficient to say that all worked with earnestne6B to accomplish a good work, As showing the sympathy manifested in their enterprise, several friends not identical with tbe church, sent money donates and provisions, for which the ladies' committee tendered their warmest thanks, After the inner man bad inmost eases been satisfied (for many people had, owing to the crowd which thronged the tables, to go somewhat short) an adjournment .vas made to the church, where every seat was occupied, not a few having to stand. The Rev J, Dukes presided, and the KevsT.J.'Gibton,R.Wood, and Mr T. J.,Smith, of Eketahuna, occupied eeata on the rostrum. ;Tho Chairman, in his opening remarks,-thanked moot heartily the trustees, workers and friends, who had in any way so contributed to the enlargement fund, and co-operated with him in carrying, out the work, Mr.Daniell, contractor, Mr-Minifie, painter, ho credited with the faithful, discharge of their duties, and congratulated the latter on the excellent taste he had shown in tlie matter of painting, ornamenting, and decorating. Messis Bulpitt and Darley also deeerved the thanks of all concerned for their gratuitous labour in making the lawn in frontof the church, The balance sheet showed the expenditure to be £3OB 4s 7d, while the receipts were £261 18b 6d, leaving a debit balance of £46 lis 2d, which was reduoed to £lB Is 2d by tho soiree proceeds, while J-6 of promised donntiouß had yet to come in. The balance £l2 Is 2d, it was hoped, would bo, by a special effort, realised; and the rev, gentleman remarked how gratifying it would be to worship in a church free from dobt, The speaker, in conclusion, urged his hearers to unite in the enlargement of true Christian work, and to attempt great things for God and his work. The Rev. T. J, Gibson, the nowlyappoiuted Wesleyan Minister to the Greytown oircuit, gave an interesting and humorous address, He referred to the rights of women, for which he was loudly applauded, and advocated the pulpit dealing with topics, not only of religious, but of a social and political nature, as a means of reaching the masses ot the people. The Rev, R. Wood (Presbyterian minister) congratulated tho Wesleyans on their enterprise, and expressed the opinion that the Church was now the beßt ecclesiastical building in the Wairarapa, and hoped that not. only an enlargement of the material building but of the spiritual nature would bo co-incident with the enterprise, • ■ Mr T, I Smith, of Eketahuna, alec gave a short address, ; Mr O, E, Daniell moved a' vote ol thanks to everyone responsible for the means • of their successful effort, all identified with the work coming ir . for a share ot praise, This wai . arried by acclamation, ; The choir and orchestra interspersec the speeches with vocal and instrumental selections, and tbe conductor Mr Boagoy, iB to be congratulatot alike with the friends who assisted 1 on the success of his efforts.