ST. ANDREWS, CAMBRIDGE.
Conversazione. ' A coirvfißSAZioNE, for the purpose of bringing together the adherents of the Church in Cambridge, and maturing plans for carrying out the erection of the new church as pioposed at a meeting of church people held last August, took place in the Public Hall, Cambridge, on Tuesday evening. Tea was served at 6 o'clock, when the table presented an cmbarrav de richesscs, to which ample justice was done. The tables — 13 in number — were presided over as follows ; — Mrs Cudworth, assisted by Mrs Garland, and Miss Kingdom; Mrs Fantham, assisted by the Mesdemoiselles Fantham ; Mrs Lyon, assisted by the Mesdemoiselles Lyon ; Mrs Parker, assisted by Mrs Macintosh, and Mrs Leighton ; Mrs Wells, assisted by Mrs Hosking ; Mrs Major Wilson, assisted by Mrs Ashwell ; Mrs Willis, assisted by Mesdames Chitty, and Tobias Hicks, Mesdemoisllese Clark, Gwynneth; Mrs Reynolds, assisted by Mrs Henry Reynolds, and Miss Reynolds ; Mrs \Villiaras, assisted by Miss Hosking; Mrs J. A. Douglas, assisted by Mrs Gerrans; the Armed Constabulary tables (2), presided over by Mesdemoiselles Davis, and Johnson ; Bachelors' tables (2), presided over by Mesdemoiselles Gerrans, Bright, and Robertson. There were three relays at the tables, and after all had enjoyed the good things provided, the Hall was cleared and the doors opened for the second part of the programme. Mr Beale, organist of St Andrew's, in the meantime, played the 11 March aux Flambeaux, " on the organ. The chorus of women Ist and 2nd soprano, from the Ist act of H.M.S. Pianofore, was then very fairly rendered. The Rev. W. N. de L. Willis, who introduced the respective performers, then presented Mr Moore, who sang in his usual good style. Miss Gerrans followed with " Alice where artthou {"'and the applause which greeted her efforts testified to the appreciation of the audience. Mrs Miller and Mr Jaggs next favored the company with the duet "Larboard watch," which was well rendered, and received well-merited plaudits, St. Andrew's is fortunate in having: so powerful a bass as Mr Jaggs in the choir. Mr Beale here played selections from H.M.S. Pinafore, after which the reverend chairman addressed the meeting, setting forth 'the object for which they were met together, remarking that it gave him unfeigned pleasure to see so many people there, notwithstanding the boisterous weather. He hoped such meetings would be of more frequent occurrence, tending as they did to increase sociability and cordiality. He was of opinion that it would be a very good thing if the more' prominent church folk were to give occasional parties in the summer, where their friends could meet and discuss in a friendly way all matters connected with the Church, in this matter all other denominations were far a-head of them. After referring briefly to the steps that had already been taken to raise funds for the proposed new church, he called upon Mr Churchwarden Wells, who he was sure was better able to put the matter before them in an intelligible way, to state exactly what had been done. Mr Wells, on rising, said that the church people had promised, by a vote given at a public meeting held in the church last August, to support the Vestry in their endeavors to raise funds for the erection of a new church. In pursuance of that resolution weekly subscriptions had been collected by the ladies of the parish from 34 individuals, which amounted to £84 3s lid, besides £42 14s uncollected, but still available. In addition to this, donations were promised by good men amounting to £450, including £100 promised by the Christian Knowledge Society in London (payable as soon as the building is free of debt, or to effect the freedom), making in all £576 17s lid. The building would cost £1600 ; and they might, he thought, begin the work when they had £1100 in hand, of which amount they were short by about £523. It remained, therefore, for them to show what they would do. The Rev. Mr Willis, in resuming, gaid they must now see, from Mr Wells' very lucid statement, how they stood. He mentioned how liberal a few (six) gentlemen had been in subscribing £50 each, and how this had inßpired thorn with the
thought of building a irr&nd chijych suitable for its high mission. Hfe would further remark that if Cambridge dibtriot would undertake to raise £425, «c would undertake to raise £125 outsidfftbe district from friends in Englandfltnd elsewhere. Merchants in Auckla™*who did a large business with Cambri&e storekeepers should bo asked to contribute. Me was glad to see their old fcend Mr Calder on the platform, who woyld say a few words. J; The Rev. William Calder (St. Peter's, Hamilton), who on coming forward was heartily welcomed, regretted that the unfavorable weather had prevented more of his people from coining. Referring 1 to the kind remarks of their rev. chairman, ho must Bay how pleased he was to come and ccc so many people on such a wet night, and agreed with Mr Willis that church people were not sufficiently sooiable ; but he thought it was in the nature of Englishmen to be reserved, and gave several amusing illustrations in point. He also said that in some English parishes tbey had an annual gathering, when notable men (strangers) were invited to address the assembly on points of interest — e.g., Sunday-school*, clubs, choir niaging, etc. ; and then the parishioners were invited to make remarks, which had the effect of bringing to the surface much cordiality and sympathy that would otherwise have been stifled by the national reserve. As to the proposed church, it was important that they should strain every nerve to make it as imposing as possible. Firstly, as citizens, that it might be a credit to the town ; secondly, as Christians, that the presence of so goodly a structure might stand forth as a witness against sordid covetousness and for a generous offering to the Almighty ; thirdly, as churchmen, because, as Bishop Moorhouse said at Melbourne the other day, at the laying of the foundation stone of the new cathedral, the spirit of the Prayer Book and her services could be best interpreted and set forth in a Temple built in a generous and reverent spirit. It had often been said that f&rmers had no money ; then he would propose one of many methods they should 9mploy to raise the necessary funds, and that was that each farmer should set aeido so many furrows of roots or a certain patch of cereals, the profits accruing from which to be devoted to the object in view ; or let breeders, such as Mr Fautham or Maclean and Co., dedicate the next year's calf of one of their wonderful Devons or shorthorns to the same purpose. He would remark th it Church matters were advancing with wonderful strides at Home, and contended that the clergy in.the country districts in New Zealand worked much harder, physically, than their brethren in the country in England, and were therefore entitled to a more hearty support from their parishioners. One word more and he was done. (Turning to the chairman) : What is the height of the proposed spire ? Willis : 95 feet.] Well, if you manage to build your steeple in six months, I'll mortgage my horses ! but I'll beat you by $ feet. The rev. gentleman resumed his seat amidst enthusiastic applause. The Chairman asked if any gentleman in the room had any proposition to move, when Mr Williams proposed, "That this meeting be canvassed by the Vestry at once for their support," which, being duly seconded, was carried on a show of hands. The Vestry then proceeded with their canvass, during which Mr Beale played selections on the pianoforte, after which Mrs Stuart sang " Sweet Chiming Bells " very prettily. Mr Moore then sang " I Rise from Dreams of Thee," which would have been encored but for the lateness of the hour. Miss Barnett then followed with " Miserere Domine," her rich contralto voice showing to great advantage. The choir then gave the Admiral's song and chorus from "H.M.S. Pinafore," Colonel Lyon admirably delineating the First Lord. '• In Jewry is God Known " was sung by the choir, but we were sorry to see that the quintette were placed behind the chorus on the platform, and so were heard to little advantage ; the sticoato passages were not given with sufficient verve, and the whole anthem lacked painting. Miss Bright then sang "Sweethearts," the effeot of which was considerably marred by a orowd of I Maoris at the door demanding admit- ' tance. And now came what was perhaps the most interesting part of the evening's , enjoyment, viz., the presenting by Mr Wells, on behalf of some subscribjrs, a very handsome service of altar plate. As the presentor did not seem very comfortable in his office, the rev. chairman stated that Mr Wells had not done himself justice; that in fact Mr Wells had originated and carried out the movement for procuring the sacred vessels, for which he was deeply grateful, and accepted them from the subscribers, on behalf of the congregation of St. Andrew's, with many thanks. Messrs Tobias Hicks and Mr Wells respectively thanked the ladies who had so kindly come forward and provided and dispensed the good things, and the Rev. Mr Calder and visitors who had come from a distance. The National Anthem brought a most succesful gathering to a happy termination.
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Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1246, 24 June 1880, Page 2
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1,565ST. ANDREWS, CAMBRIDGE. Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1246, 24 June 1880, Page 2
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