MEMORIAL CHAPEL.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 46, 23 February 1929, Page 12

MEMORIAL CHAPEL.

WESLEY COLLEGE BUILDING. DECLARED OPEN BY DONOR. GENEROSITY OF MRS. W. H. SMITH. The memorial chapel at Wesley College, Paerata, the gift of Mrs. W. H. Smith, was officially opened by the donor this afternoon. Over three hundred delegates to the Dominion Conference of the Methodist Church attended the ceremony. With a gold key, mounted in a handsome leather case, Mrs. Smith opened tiie doors of the chapel. The key, presented by the Rev. E. Drake, chairman of the Wesley College Trust Board, was inscribed with the college motto, "Fide Littoris Lahore," and surmounted by the college crest in black and white enamel. A suitable inscription, commemorating the event, was contained on the back.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Smith said she had great pleasure in presenting the chapel to the college for Divine worship, and she appreciated the privilege of being able to make the gift as a monument to the memory of her husband, the late Mr. W. 11. Sviith, She expressed a hope that the building might have an uplifting and enduring influence upon this and succeeding generations of Wesley College boys.

Mrs. Smith presented to the Rev. J. F. Goldie, president of the Methodist Conference, a large Bible for use in the chapel.

The service of dedication in the chapel followed the olfiei:il ceremony. Prayers were delivered by the Revs. W. J. Elliott, ex-president of the conference, and bv the Rev. E. Drake. Mr. Goldie delivered the dedication address. The lessors were read by tho senior prefoct of the college, Mr. M. D. T. Walters.

Mr. Goldie said the building was an other example of the well-known generosity of Auckland Methodists.

The chapcl has been built in (he Gothic style in red-pressed brick, with facings of Oamani stone. It is situated in a commanding position, both in relation to tho collpge proper/ - and the surrounding country. Much thought has been given to the details of the interior fittings. The lectern, electric light fittings and certain furnishings were specially selected by the late Mr. H. P. Caughcy on his visit to England. All the woodwork has been carried out in oak to tone with the impressive timbered oak ceiling.

The chapcl will be used daily for evening prayers, and the boys of Wesley College are 'indeed fortunate in being surrounded with external influences so inspiring as the new building.

After the service an inspection was made of the college buildings, and afternoon tea was served by the slalf, following which the visitors inspected the farm.