NEW WESLEYAN CHURCH, HAMILTON.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1451, 20 October 1881, Page 2

NEW WESLEY AN CHURCH, HAMILTON.

Tun ceremony of laying the corner blocks of the vestibule of the new church, now in course of erection in Collingwood-street, was performed yesterday afternoon. The day was beautifully fine—somewhat too warm, indeed. At half-past three a large number of town and country residents, of whom a large proportion were ladies, had assembled, and seemed to take a deep interest in the proceedings. A temporary platform had been erected for the accommodation of the choir and those who were to take part in the ceremony. Mr E. Wright presided at the harmonium, and opened the proceedings by a voluntary. The choir sang the 989fch hymn, and the lesson for the day, Ist chap. Book of Ezrah, was read by the Rev. 0. Griffin. The Rev. D. Fulton offered up the dedication prayer, and the choir then sang hymn 991. At the invitation of the Rev. C. Griffin, The Rev. H. Bull gave a short address on the progress of Methodism throughout the world in general, and in Waikato in particular. He pointed out, as an indication of the growth of Methodism, that whereas it was only 150 years ago since John Wesley commenced his evangelical labors, the number of Methodists in the world at the present day was about 19,000 000. Touching upon church progress in Waikato, he read a very entertaining letter which he had received from the Rev. Mr Berry, the first Wesleyan minister in this district. In it was a good description of the state of the church in 1867, the generally impoverished condition of the people, who had then only newly settled on their sections, contrasted with the present condition of things. The speaker referred in terms of gratitude to those of other denominations who had come forward with such liberal aid. He hoped that the building which they were commencing would when completed be a centre of religious life and a source of spiritual comfort and consolation. He concluded by intimating that the name of the new edifice would be " Trinity Wesleyau Church." The Rev. Mr Griffin then called upon His Worship the Mayor, Captain Steele, and Messrs Hutne and Gribble to lay the blocks, presenting each of these gentlemen with a polished wooden mallet as a memento of the occasion. The work of laying the blocks having been faithfully performed, a collection was taken, which realised £13 Is 2d, £4 of this amount being a special donation from Mrs Gribble. During the collection Mr Wright played a voluntary on the harmonium. The Rev. Mr Griffin, on behalf of the trustees, thanked the gentlemen who had so kindly assisted, and expressed his gratification at seeing so many people present belonging to other denominations of the Christian church. His Worship the Mayor suitably acknowledged the compliment, and after the singing of the 992 nd hymn, the proceedings closed with the benediction.

A correspondent of the "Wanganui Herald mentions a rumour current in Hawera that Mr Bryce would be asked to oppose Major Atkinson for the Egmont seat. He adds :— " Settlers are of opinion that had Major Atkinson backed Mr Bryce in his wish to march on Parihaka, the natives would have received their quietus by this time. They blame him now for not having given Mr Bryce his support, and a general feeling prevails that in not carrying out the ex-Minister's advice the natives took it as a sign of weakness on the part of the Government. Hence their present attitude. Bryce v Atkinson is, however, extremely improbable."