OPENING OF CHRIST CHURCH, KIHIKIKI.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1472, 8 December 1881, Page 2

OPENING OF CHRIST CHURCH, KIHIKIKI.

This well-proportioned and extremely pretty little church (built upon the plan designed and presented to the building committee as a gift by the Rev. Philip Walsh, of Taranaki), was formally opened by His Lordship the Bishop of the Diocese on Monday, the sth instant, the whole of the inteiior being completed and ready for divine service. The contractor for the work (Mr A. Miller) will in a very short time hand the whole building over to the committee in a finished state, and the church, which has cost between £250 and £300, will be entirely free of debt, an abiding witness to the energy and patient perseverance of the Church of England residents of this thriving township, generously assisted by members of other branches of the Church Catholic, whether Roman or Dissenter. In his sermon the Bishop made pointed allusion to this faot, whilst referring markedly to one resident in Kihikihi as having been chiefly instrumental in raising the funds necessary for the completion of this important work. His Lordship, however, was laboring under a misunderstanding ; for, whilst sincerely desiring to give honor where honor is due, he was unaware of the fact that, to a kind and helpful friend, Mrs Anderson, is due <i very large meed of praise, as well as thanks, for the n'enerous way in which ohe has placed her time, house, and propeity at the dispor-al of the building com mil tee. All havi done their utraoat, and it is most certain that the Bishop intended his remarks to include all, although but the one case (known to himself) was referred to. At the appointed hour, 6 30 p m , the little building was crammed from end to end, and at a quarter to seven the Bishop entered the Church, accompanied by the Revs. W. N. de L. Willis (Cambridge), H. S. Davies (Ngaruawahia), and E. J. Phillips (Curate of the district). The choir aud congregation, well led by Mra Hutchison, singing the Processional Hymn 391 A. and M., "Onward Christian Soldiers. " Evensong, to the end of the 3rd Collect, was said by the Rev. E. Phillips, the Ist (special) Lesson— lst Chronicles, xxix. to v. 21 — beinjr read by the Rev. H. S. Davies, and the 2nd Lesson — S. Matfc. xxi. to v. 17 — by the Rev. W. N. de L. Willis. The hymn 166, A. and MMM M " All People that on Earth do Dwell,*' was then sung, the whole congregation joining most heartily. The Bishop then, using a portion of the Consecration Service, declared the building to have been erected for the worship of Almighty God solely, and said the special prayers appointed for the consecration of a church, closing with a dedicatory prayer in Maori, several natives, including Rewi, b9ing present. The Hymn 215, A. and M., " The Church's one foundation," was then sung, and was followed by the Bermon upon the text, S. Matthew, xxi., 13, "My house shall he called a house of prayer." His Lordship's remarks were very practical, aud could have left no doubt upon the minds of those present as to the reason why material churches are necessary, and in what spirit they should be used, viz.,' (as taught by the text) not as houses of preaching, but as houses of prayer. At the close of the sermon the offertory, in aid of the general funds of the new qhurch, was made, and amounted to the sum of £5 7a Bd. The best thanks of the community are due to,- .those members of other choirs 1 who contributed' by their'^presdrice' to the < heartiness of the praise Vffered at this ! beautiful opening service of 'the little church. ' -',>"<-■'

< Eaoh farmer should have -his name in plain letters on his gifce post, so that' his place xaigbt bo more easily found.