NEW WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 487, 31 July 1890, Page 3

NEW WESLEYAN CHURCH.

LAYING FOUNDATION STONES. On Tuesday afternoon the halfholiday was closely observed, on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stones of the new esleyan Church building. Rain threatened during the afternoon, and while the sun shone out beautifully just at the appointed timn, a shower fell as the proceedings were about to commence. However, all things being considered, there was little to complain of, and the attendance (including children) wa” about eight hundred. Among those on the platform were the Mayoress (Mrs Townley) and Miss Townley. The proceeding? were commenced by the singing of Hymn 225, then followed the reading of Psalm 122 by the Rev. Mr Mnnro. Presbyterian minister, and Rev. Mr Beecroft conducted prayer. Mr Ford presided at the organ.

The Rev. J. Ward warmly expressed his thankfulness at the success that had met his efforts. Nearly everyone he had gone to had contributed something—no matter what denomination they happened to belong to, or whether they had any professed religious belief—and those persons who had not yet contributed he believed would assist them then, or at a future period. Each one he had gone to had cheered him, many emphasising their words with bright promises, and some with still brighter coin. As there were only four stones, it was but fair that four denominations should take part. As the representative of the Wesleyan Church they had Mrs Robjohns, than whom they could have no better person. This good lady would on August 6 next have completed her 83rd year on earth, and she had been for more than 66 years a member of the Church. Mrs Robjohns had also turned the first sod of the old building, fifteen years ago, and they felt there was no one they could so well ask the ceremony, as that esteemed friMrv? (Hear, hear.) The speaker then that they would be glad to see M>' jbwnley, their popular Mayor, there as a representative of the English Church, Mr J. T. Evans as representative of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr Alex. Robb as representative of the Salvation Army. A large number had expressed a wish to take part in the ceremony, and would have the opportunity cf laying bricks. Mr Scotter, one of the Trustees, formally requested Mrs Hutchinson to present mementoes (Bibles and Wesleyan hymn books combined, beautifully inscribed) to those who had the honor of laying the stones. The Rev. Mr Ward read ihe following document before it was folded up, and also noted the paper* that were to be covered—a copy of »be last New Zealand Methodist and a plan Oy the Jubilee Services being held in the Qolony this year; a copy of the previous •wring’s Herald and one of June 20,1888. containing a record of the initiation of the building scheme, and (said the rev. gentleman) a paper, the last but by no means the least, the Standabd of that morning’s date. He concluded by saying that it was •ometimes usual to place coins in the founds tian, but good use would be found for the Coin in another way. . “Wesleyan Church Gisborne.—The foundation stone* of this Church were laid on the 29 h of July, 1890. the Jubilee year of the Wesleyan Church in New Zealand, by Mrs Robjohns, representing the Wesleyan Church ; Mr John Townloy, representing the Church of England ; Mr John T. Evans, representing the Presbyterian Church; Mr Alexander Robb, representing the Salvation Army. The Minister of the Church is the Rev. Josiah Ward; the Trustees are William Goodwin Scotter. Edward Gustavus Reynolds, James East, Edwin Samuel Goldsmith, Alexander Spence, and Henry Haache ; the is Mr W. P. Finneran; and the contrau Mr R. Bobb. The total cost of the church, parsonage, parsonage site, etc., all of which are included in the effort, will be £1,200. Of this amount £7OO will be raised in cash by the time the church is opened, and the balance, £5OO, lent by the Wesleyan Church Loan Fund without

interest, to be repaid in ten years at the rate ] V* £5O a year. The church will be 51 feet ] lone and 30 feet wide, and will provide full < sitting accommodation for 230 people. An ■ accompanying programme gives a list of 1 the services and meetings held in connection , with the ceremony of laying the foundation , stones. On the occasion over sixty bricks were placed by members of the congregation and ■ others. May this building, the erection of ; which we this day commence, be used by the Lord to His glory and His people’s good.” Mr Finneran, the architect, then placed the bottles, and Mrs Bobjohns was assisted forward to place the first stone in position. The elderly >ady seemed much moved by the part she had to take in the ceremony, and one could imagine, from the expression of her countenance, how her thoughts must in those few moments, have traversed back to olden days that many of us have never seen. Her eyes were dosed and her lips quivered, as she appeared to be saying a prayer, which was inaudible to all who were at any distance. The other stones were laid in order by His Worship the Mayor, Mr Evans, and Mr Bobb. The Rev. Mr Munro briefly addressed the Assemb'y, expressing his great pleasure at being present to take part in that interesting ceremony. They were surely going'about the thing in a wholly Christian spirit, because it was being done in a truly catholic spirit. While the one Church was being zealously worked and its interests advanced, all the Churches acknowledged the work. “ Behold how good and blessed a thing it is for brethren to dwell in unity.” To anyone who thought of the influence of a church this ceremony was one of a very High importance ; the building would rise up and very soon be (an eloquent symbol of the highest and holiest (tSngs—it would speak truly in the name of God A Church had been described in Scripture as a Light of L ; ght, also as a Salt, something which gives out a healthy lifegiving savor. A Church was a great power for good, a witness to God of the moral and spiritual influence among them all there, and K therefore be rejoiced as one who loved the Church, that It was growing and prospering in this way, lengthening and strengthening its influence. He would like to say how glad be was to be here, and have the privilege and honor of taking part in this ceremony. He hoped that Mr Ward’s work might be blessed, and he recognised the work 1 of that Church as the work in this community of a kindred section of the Christian Church, pointing the way to the life beyond. After the Rev. Mr Ward had referred to the financial position, as shown in the report, the Bev. Mr Beecrrft made one of those eharming addresses which only a verbatim report would do full justice to, but the limit to space is an obstacle which cannot well be got over. He expressed the great pleasure he had in being present in Gisborne on this occasion, and said that he rejoiced in any opportunity to extend bis acquaintance with the natural beauties of this wonderful colony of New Zealand. He drew a beautiful wordpicture of the scenery that surrounded Gisborne, comparing it to that of Lancaster. He congratulated those whose labors had so nearly fulfilled the long cherished hope cf the new church building, and especially his beloved brother in the faith, Mr Ward. If be might UM the simile, that gentleman had Deen for two years climbing the hill of difficulty. There were those who prophesied failure, and the obstacles that were in the path would certainly have been too great for a heart less brave than Mr Ward’s, At last ha had reached the crest of the hill, and there were only two lions to peas, requiring further effort and farther labor on their part. He was satirfled from the expression of their faces that afternoon that at least one of those lions wonld soon be changed, and that the threshold of the goal would soon be crossed. Having got to the desired point, were not Mr Ward’s spirit so active, he might now fairly rest in his present location. On behalf of all brethren io the colony > he congratulated that gentleman on his ent degvor—it would give fresh courage and new hope to many of them who were engaged in jess difficult work. Mr Ward had succeeded without making a single enemy or alienating a single friend. This ceremony reminded him L of many happy associations in the old country. The speaker here introduced some anecdotes of the Ohuroh work in Lancaster, and made deeper reference to Church work generally, which he likened to the throbbing of a ripple in a gnat ocean tide. With a people these widening ripples of influence went gyrating snwttds until they touched those palases —

where God's angels dwelt. This ceremony, he further remarked, was of a kind that was remembered by the young people, and each one that laid a brick in the foundation would feel an especial interest in the Church. The speaker concluded by warmly inviting those present to attend the meeting to be held that evening.

The laying of foundation bricks was then proceeded with. Bricks were laid by the following :— The Mayoress and Miss Townley (2) Rev. J. Ward and family (5) Mr and Mrs Spence and family (5) Mr and Mrs Erskine and family (10) Mrs East and family (4) Master and Miss Johnston (2) Master and Miss Scotter (2) Master and Miss Studd (2) Mesdames Chrisp and Reddell The Misses Pritchard (2>, Stevenson (2), Lewis (2), Voake, Hunt, Madder, Kent, Smith, Chrisp, Fersmann, Cherrington (2), Duffin, Bailey, Harriet Hansen, Elrie Robb, and Ruth Moore. Messrs Ford (2), Oatridge (2), Mulligan (2), Reynolds, Nisbett, W. Good, Lorry, J. Chrisp, G. Searle, E. Walker, and Master Morgan. Mr O. B. Hubble supervised the laying of the foundation stones and of the bricks- an onerous task when there were so many applicants. Mr C. Neill was also present and assisted in various ways. Tbe ceremony concluded shortly after 4.30, just before a heavy shower of rain came down. TEA MEETING AND PUBLIC GATHERING.

The tea meeting was so successful as to have achieved the position of being the premier one yet held in Gisborne. In its rosiest days no other tea meeting had been so well attended as that on Tuesday evening. There were 12 long tables laid out in a very tasteful manner. Flowers were in great for this time of the year—and they were skilfully employed to set off the tables. The large attendance made several sittings necessary, but there was an abundance of provisions and everyone was well satisfied. By half-past seven the tables had been removed and seats arranged for'the after meeting, the seats being occupied very soon after they had been placed in position. The hall, too, was soon filled, there not being sufficient seats to accommodate those present, as the large hall was filled even into the doorway. One pleasant feature that could not but be remarked from the platform was the ready way in which the gentlemen gave up tbeir seats to the ladies. It is estimated that there were nearly 850 people present, children of course being included in the number.

The following ladies presided over and assisted at the tables:—

Mesdames Spence, East, Chrisp, Studd, Erskine, Reddell, Finlay, Gault, Robb, Bailey, Birch, Watson, Ledger, Jones, Johnston, and Carron. The Misses Green, Spence (2), Lewis (2), Cherrington (2), Steele, Warren, Jones (2), Stevenson (2), Smith, Pritchard (2), Aston, Thompson, Voake, Skilli corn, Chissell, Chrisp and Wilson.

The proceedings were opened by the singing of a hymn, to which was added a verse of the hymn “ Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Mr Beecroft then led off in prayer, after which the Chairman (His Worship the Mayor) made a short introduc tory address. The occasion must, he said, be very gratifying to the Rev. Mr Ward, after his labors during the past two years. That meeting was the largest they had ever seen in Gisborne, and he was sure all those who had taken part in the proceedings of the day would long remember the occasion. When he had seen that gathering he could not help thinking what a pleasing sight it would have been to the founder of the Wesleyan Church if he could have been there. What a differen' gathering that was to many meetings John Wesley had to attend. It came in very appro priately as being just the hundredth since John Wesley had retired from his labors. It was very gratifying to a new town like Gisborne, to be assured of the erection of this chapel, which would be an ornament to the town and a great benefit to those who attend and live up to it. The purpose was to attain the highest ideal in life, and whatever might be said by any who objected to the doctrines of religion, those who lived up to their religion had far the best of it—they enjoyed it while in this life, and felt prepared for whatever might be the hereafter. (Applause.) The Choir sang, “ The Angel’s Chorus,’’ and Mr Spence, the Treasurer, read the following roport:—

“The Trustees of the Wesleyan Church, Gisborne, beg to present to you the following report, concerning their effort to erect a new Church and Parsonage:—The present church was erected some 15 years ago, and was built at the rear part of the section with the idea that when the proper time arrived a larger and more comfortable building should be erected in front of it, the present one to be then utilised as a Sunday schoolroom. The building was not then the size of the present one, but with the progress of denomination it was found necessary seven years later to enlarge it. The building being only intended for temporary use it was not fitted out as comfortably as it might have been, while on many occasions it was found far too email for the number of persons who came to worship. But hampered by lack of funds the Trustees were unable to take any steps in the direction of securing a new erection. In this manner things went on until about two years ago, when it was thought the time had arrived to attempt the work. A meeting of the members of the congregation was called and the matter l ft id before them, with the result that it was onanimnusly agreed that a comprehensive effort should be attempted. This effort in eluded the completion of the purchase of a half acre of ground, the removal, re-erection, and renovation of a cottage that stood thereon, and the erection of a parsonage and church. It was at that time roughly estimated that the whole work could be accomplished for £lOOO. Application was made to the Con nectional Loan fund for a loan of £5OO without interest, on condition that we raised the balance, we agreeing to repay the amount in ten years at the rate of £5O a year. This was granted, but on working out the details of the matter fully, and ascertaining the cost of contingencies, we found the whole work wonld cost £1,200, so that we require to raise £7OO. £2OO more than we at first expected. Our Pastor made a very vigorous canvass for subscriptions throughout the district, from Waipiro to Wairoa. He also gathered from friends in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, and elsewhere, and with the greatest success, members of all denominations helping most liberally, the result being that we have £5lO in hard cash, and another £lO5 in reliable promises, so that, after providing for all contingencies, we are only £B5 short of the amount required. From this series of services and meetings we expect something substantial, which will largely reduce the deficiency. The Trustees have resolved that the whole amount shall be raised, so that apart from the £5OO on the whole of the properties loan, the church will be a debtless one. They have decided that until the defici ncy is reduced to £l5 (an amount that it is expected the opening services will raise) the church will not be opened. This means that supposing these services reduce the deficiency to £6O, another £45 or so must be gathered before we enter the new building. Judging from the kindness shewn by everybody in the past, we have no doubt this will soon be done. The control of the whole of the building work has been placed in the hands of Mr W. P. Finneran, architect The Trustees desire to take this opportunity of publicly expressing their thanks to him for the trouble and inconvenience he has put himself to to meet their wishes His experience and advice have been of the greatest service, and have always been placed ungrudgingly at their disposal. . In May last a contract was let for the erection of the church and parsonage. Mr Robert I Robb being the lowest was the successful tenderer, He has made good progress, and has so far advanced as to have the parsonage completed. This has been done to the satisfaction of the Trustees in every particular. They cannot apeak too highly of his work, and have every confidence that the church building will i be done as welt—they desire nothing better, s To Mr E. G. Reynolds has been entrusted i the making of the church seats. In conclui sion the Trustees beg to express their grate i fulness to all who have so willingly and I liberally assisted towards the consummation i Of this effort. Thsy look forward with every

satisfaction to the completion of the under taking, and trust that wi'.h the erection of a larger and more commodious church, the Great Master’s work in the district may be materially advanced.”

The Mayor expressed his cordial approval of the intention not to open the building until it was free of debt. Orchestra! selection—“ Our Festive Day.” The Rev. C. E. Beecroft then addressed the meeting. He was at present only a bird of passage in New Zealand, and he would like to have seen the Church represented from outside by someone in an authoritative capacity, but he would yield to no one in attachment to the Wesleyan Church. He was a Wesleyan Methodist of the fourth generation. His grandfather had on one occasion to sell his horse, because his stipend was so low that be had not food to complete a journey in his circuit, and the latter part of the journey he had to complete on foot. He (the speaker) had bad the high honor of having placed on bis head, the hands of some of the greatest divines that bad lived during his life. Mr Beecroft then went on to speak of the Christian aims and works. The foundation stone laid that day was of the Wesleyan Church, but it was of Lord Jesus they were disciples. They gloried no man more than another: they had the honor of having Wesley for a master, but from no pulpit was Wesley preached—it was Lord Jesus Christ they preached. A comparison of the creeds of the various Protestant Churches was then made, showing that there was no material difference, and nothing in the Methodist service to which other Protestant denominations could take objection. The erection of this Church had been alluded to as a new departure, but all one’s life was composed of new departures. It might be asked how, having tho new church, it would be filled, but they might, rest assured that the Conference would always try and send good men, and he said every member of the Church could do something if it were only by handshaking and extending a cordial greeting to those who attended divine worship. Before concluding the speaking he again extended his warm congratulations to the pastor, officebearers, and others who had assisted, and expressed the hope that the new departure would be one that would lead to higher achievements of a spiritual nature. Solo by Mr East—“ Resignation.” Choir—“ Offer unto God thanksgiving,” with Mr J. Searle as soloist. l Recitation—Miss Spence. ! Duet—“ Home Sweet Home ” —Meadame J Bush and Carron. The Rev. Mr Munro, after a few amusing® remarks by way of introduction, expressed the® opinion that soirees were fine things, though® when a younger man he had a great contempt® for tea meetings as for many other thing”,® He had never seen a tea meeting yet at which® there was not a large attendance, all with® bright faces, and he had often thought he! would like to see one every Sunday morning.® It put people in a far better temper, instead! of as was often the case, people going into! church as if they had no business there, and! a funereal appearance being over everything.! The speaker gave some very entertaining! stories and kept the audience in a simmer of I mirth the whole time. He expressed great! delight at these social gatherings. He could! see no sectarian differences there—l could not distinguish the Presbyterian,! Wesleyan, or Episcopalian brands, They 9 seemed like one happy family—they were ail! as children under one great Father. The! speaker went on to refer to a paragraph! reprinted in a local paper, to the effect! that some persons in Christchurch pro-! fessed to ba scandalised because he (Mr! Munro) and the Rev. L. M, Isitt had! read the lessons at the reception of! Bishop Julius (marked applause) at Syden- ■ ham. He was glad to know by their applause I that the name of that good man was known 1

to them in Gisborne—he considered it a high honor to join with such a gentleman in the Christian work. (Applause.) They had actually put on white surplices, and the roof hnd not come down on them nor any other great calamity occurred ! (Laughter and applause.) A letter, short but hot, had appeared in a Christchurch paper saying Mr Isit.t and he had caused a grave scandal 1 He had been in the Ministry for fifteen years and hoped to die in the service, but he considered he had done no wrong in this matter. (Applause.) Why. he would go down below and stand at the devil’s elbow and read a chapter from the Bible if it would do the devil any good. (Laughter and applause.) If one was going to be neighborly it would not ba courtesy on going to a friend’s house to conduct one’s Relf just as you might in your own. He would have arrayed his figure in a red robe if he had thought lit necessary—and he wonld have spoken his message from his heart just as he would in any other dress, and would not remember he had on a red robe. Much as he loved his own Church he would not remain in her one day if she said, “ You are to be cooped up within your own walla, and are never to go into any other church ” Where there was one great Church a little divided by names, he believed it did them good to fraternise with each other. He could see no reason why that church should be so divided, and he believed many of them would live to see the people united under the one great broad Truth. (Applause.) The things upon which they differed were infinitesimally small, but the things upon which they agreed were infinitely important. It did them good to come out and meet their fellowworshippers, and it was delightful to see such a splendid meeting as that there this evening. He only wished they would all go to church on Sunday mornings looking as happy and cheerful as they did now. The speaker then continued in a humorous strain, and when he ventured to resume his seat the applause was so loud and prolonged that the programme could not be gone on with until the Rev. Mr Munro again came forward and related an amusing temperance story. Choir—“ Bless ths Lord.” Song—Miss F. Parnell—“ Waiting.” Recitation—Miss Lewis—“ The hungry child.” The Rev. Mr Ward came forward and made a few remarks. They had heard some good speeches that evening, and all the speech he was now going to make was by way of introducing the subject of the collection.

Orchestral selection. Recitation—Mr Armstrong—“ The Calliope.” Song—“ Home they brought the warrior dead.”—Mrs Bush. Choir—Hymn 97. Mr East moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman and all those who assisted in ensuring such an enjovable evening. The Rev. Mr Ward seconded, making reference to each of those who had assisted, and including thanks to those who had closed their fthops during the day, and also to the Press. In mentioning the orchestra he spoke very highly of its efficiency. A hymn having been sung by the choir, the Benediction was pronounced and the proceedings terminated. The musical programme was excellently performed, and the recitations were very good.