CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 182, 2 August 1900, Page 6

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

DEDICATION .SERVICE

The new Congregational Church at Mount Eden was dedicated' on JulyJ 3. The buildIng, which has been erected on the allotment next the old church, is now practically completed, there being merely a few external details to complete. The building, which was designed by Messrs Mitchell and Watt, and erected under their supervision, is a very handsome one, and Is of sufficient size to meet the requirements of the districtfor many years to come. The body of the church is wide, nmd the roof is lofty, while the floor Is inclined at a slight angle towards the pulpit, the acoustic properties of the building being thereby much improved. The organ is re-erected In the western transept, where the choir accommodation is also provided. Ventilation has been very carefully attended to, and the lighting of the church is, excellent, incandescent- gas lights having been fitted. The walls of the church have been painted a warm red, and the ceiling a pale green, the appearance being most comfortable. The,pulpit, which Is on a raised platform, is a very handsome and roomy one. The senico lust evening was conducted by the llov. W. Day, pastor 'of the church, assisted by the ltevs. C. Lyon, F. Warner, and 11. L. Thomas; while Mr J. P. Hooton presided at the organ. After an introductory hymn, a prayer appropriate to the service was said by the Rev. Lyon, and the Key. Warner read a suitable passage from the Old Testament. The ttev. Thomas also led in prayer. Mr Day preached the1 dedicatory sermon, choosing as his text Mark xlll., 2: 'And Jesus said unto them, Seest thou these' grout buildings? there shall not be left here oue stone- upon another which shall not be thrown down." The preacher referred to the shock received by.the Disciples at this statement of Christ, but pointed out that an the Temple and the observances practised therein were but a cloak, Its real use had departed. He exhorted the congregation not to forget, in their pride of the new building, to whose purpose It had been dedicated. The opening services will be couttauefl on Sunday' next, when the Key. 11. Kelly, M.A., will preach. The children's service in the afternoon will be conducted by the Hey. Chapman, and Rev. Day will occupy the pulpit in the evening. The oratorio "Elijah" will be given by a powerful choir on Thursday evening of next week.