CONSECRATION OF ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, WESTPORT.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 549, 31 August 1869, Page 2

CONSECRATION OF ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, WESTPORT.

Tho Church of England ceremony of " consecrating" a building as a place of Divine worship was performed in West port on Saturday by the Bishop of Nelson ; the Rev. Mr Harvey, who is the local incumbent, and the Rev. Mr Flavell, of Charleston, taking part in the proceedings. The building consecrated is the church recently erected here, and which is to be known as tho church of St. "John the Evangelist. The opening of the fhurch, the ceremony of consecration, and the presence of the Bishop attracted a large attendance of members of the Church of England and others. The ceremony was of a humble and holy character. The Bishop was received at the door of the church by the Church-wardens and Yestry-men, and in front of the communion i ible he listened to and received a petition presented by the Rev. Mr Harvey, praying him to consecrate the building. The Bishop and the two clergymen then walked from the east to the west end of the church, and back again, saying the 24th Psalm. Then from his seat in a chair near the communion table the Bishop brielly addressed the congregation, and afterwards, kneel ing, engaged in prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers, Mr W. Pitt read aloud " the sentence of consecration," which the Bishop signed and commanded, with other deeds, to be placed in the Diocesan Registry. Tho services of the day, prayer, and praise followed, and the Bishop delivered a sermon highlyappropriate to the situation and the occasion. Towards the close of his sermon the Bishop said that, though in this Dioceso there were left undone many things which might be done were every member of tho Church to contribute even a small amount, he was thankful when he reviewed tho past two years and saw what had been done. He wag especially gratified by the diligence which had been exercised by his brother, the minister of Westport, in connection with tho giving of subscriptions for the erection of this church. When he observed the altered tone of things with reference to the work of the Church and religion generally, he was glad with hope and expectation. He was informed that it would be necessary to raise a further sum of £7O to complete all arrangements, including the fittings of the church. He trusted that, whatever arrangements might be made with reference to a minister, the interests of the digging population would be considered. While they enjoyed services in Westport, they must also endeavor to supply the outlying districts, where the residents were destitute of like advantages. During the forenoon service on Sunday tho Bishop held a confirmation, when nine young girls, each of whom was attired in white, were confirmed. The Bishop preached also in the evening to a crowded congregation. The subscriptions on Saturday and Sunday amounted altogether to £32, which will bo devoted to the payment of part of the expenses of building and fitting the church. One of tho intended additions to the "furniture" of tho church and to the civilised institutions of the district is a bell; and wo understand that towards the purchase'of that accessory the Bishop has already subscribed the sum of £lO.