OPENING OF THE KUIIKIHI WESLEY AN CHURCH.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1595, 23 September 1882, Page 2

OPENING OF THE KUIIKIHI WESLEY AN CHURCH.

Opening services in connection with the VVesleyan Church, Kihikihi, were held on Sunday, September 17th. The Rev. T. G. Carr, of Cambridge, preached an eloquent discourse to a large and attentive congregation ; in the evening the Rev. W. Evans, also of Cambridge, preached an excellent sermon suitable to the occasion. On Tuesday evening, the 19th, according to announcement, the tea and soiree to celebrate the event took place in the Public Hall. Punctually at 6.30. p.m grace was sung, and a large gathering of people partook of the good things provided by Mesdames Cowan, Qualtrough, Bridgman, and Laidlaw, who were assisted by several ladies of Kihikihi and Te Awamutu. At 8 o'clock the Rev. T. J.Wills took the chair, and opened 'the meeting by giving out the Ist hymn in Wealeyan hymn-book. Prayer was offered by Rev. W. Evans. The chairman in a brief speech referred in eulogistic terms to the labours of the committee who had in the face of difficulties pushed the building to completion, and also said he was glad to notice that'the public had so liberally subscribed in the face of hard times and numerous calls. After a song by Miss Palmer, the treasurer's report was read, showing an expenditure ot £175, and subscriptions to, the amount of £100. At this stage the chairman announced that a bazaar would be held some time during the summer to liquidate the debt and raise funds for other enterprises in connection with the church. The Rev. J. Dukea followed with an address, in which lie spoke of the certainty of the success of Christianity. He rejoiced to' see the fulfilment of Scripture in the ad' vance of Christianity, during the last century. After a song by Mrs Benge, arid a reading by Mr Horace Waltfole, the Rev. W. Evans gave one of hia humorocs addresses which drew forth loud and repeated applause. Miss Blakey favored the audience with , an instrumental,! solo, and Miss Ray sang "Strangers I :; yet." The Rev. MrNeviltethen addressed the meetingV and 1 during his'Jremarks stated ■ that the Scotch Presbyterians had introduced what is known as representative government, and, had laid $he foundation of true religiodi liberty. Mr and Mrs Benge «ing *the> '.'-Gipsy,*} Countess,. .Throughput, , Mrs , ([.^ Hutchinson ) effec ? tiyely playecLthe i accompaniments/ After "tlie D'oxologjr*'^' been,' ';svuigF the; R^v.Mr Neville' pronounced' the,Vßenedictiori» Thegross;^