OPENING OF THE NEW WESLEV AN CHURCH, NGARUAWAHIA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2423, 21 January 1888, Page 2

OPENING OF THE NEW WESLEV AN CHURCH, NGARUAWAHIA.

A SOIKKK and entertainment in connection with the opening of the above Church at Ngaruawahia—the first service for divine worship being held lust Sunday—was held in the hall, and was a very great success : in fact it was the best gathering of the sort ever witnessed in Ngaruawahia. About 200 people sat down to u very excellent spread, the tables being presided over by the ladies. A good many visitors from Hamilton, Whatawhata and other places in the circuit put in an appearance, which showed they were in full sympathy with them. Great credit is due to the promoters, and especially the ladies, for currying out the arrangements in such an able manner. After the tea was over those present adjourned to the Church, where a very pleasant evening was spent. On the platform were the Revs. Best (of the Thames) and J. Dellow (circuit minister). Miss Campbell, of Hamilton, presided at the harmonium (a very nice instrument, lately brought from Auckland), and played the accompaniments during the evening. Mr John Byeroft was voted to the chair, and filled the ofh'ce in a most efficient manner. After a hymn had been sung, the Rev. Mr Best opened tho meeting with prayer. Anthem, by the choir, " Trust Ye in the Lord." The Chairman eaid it gave him very much pleasure to b" chosen chairman of the first meeting held in their new Church. When he came to tho district about IS months ago he had not the slightest idea that the Wesleyans of Ngaruawahia would be in a position to have such a nice Church of their own. About three months ago they put their heads together to try and do something for themselves, and now he was glad to say they possessed a very nice Church. Ho would not take up the time of the mooting any longer, but would call tin the liev. Mr Dellow to ntuke a financial report. —Mv Dollow said it was a very incomplete report, for everything had not been settled yet, as they had been greatly hurried. The people had been very liberal, as they subscribed to the amouut of £00; the bazaar they held lately gave them a nett balance of £10 odd ; and the people had given them a good deal of labour; therefore, there was a nice total of over £103. They were greatly indebted to the Presbyterian body for the use of their church, but now that body wanted tho Church for their own use they had to seek other quarters, and that was how it was they sat in a church of their own that evening. As he (the speaker) had said, the above was only a very incomplete report, but he would be able to give them a correct one whon things were settled.—The Rev. Mr Dellow then sang a solo, "Fear Not, I Have Redeemed Thee," which was very well rendered.— The Rev. Mr Best then addressed the meeting at considerable length, and was well received by the audience.Anthem, by the choir, "Cry Out and Shout."—Misa Campbell then gave a solo, which was much appreciated.—Mr Brown (Pukcte) proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies, which was seconded by Mr T. Rothwell, of Whatawhata, and carried.— The Chairman, on behalf of the trustees, proposed a vote of thanks to the choir, which was carried by acclamation. —The D.ixology was then sung, and after lha Benediction was pronounced all separated well pleased with their evening's amusement.