SHERWOOD.

Ashburton Herald, Volume II, Issue 517, 4 December 1879, Page 3

SHERWOOD.

CONSECRATION OF ALL SAINTS CHURCH. On Wednesday- morning a large num-j ber of pfeople asS6mbl6d at Sherwood, the estate of J. B. Passmore, Esq.,—to assist in the inaugural celebration of a new Anglican" f.GMrch just completed. The: building is nicely situated, adjoining the! proposed township, and next to the school reserve. The church is built in the Gothic style of architecture, is 35 feet in length, and 22 .feet wide, the walls plastered inside, and the wood-work finely finished and oiled. Everything was complete; the seats, which partake of the Gothic tone of the architecture of the building, are very comfortable, the communion rail and chancel add to the attractivenesß of the little sanctuary. In a re-| cess built, for the, purpose on the right hand side of the altar/is art excellent organ j while placed in position, just inside the main entrance, is a very elegant stone font. The main entrance consists of double doors and a small porch. A good' toned bell has been"'hung tin '.the 'steeple on top of the church. The structure was erected by Mr... Powrie, of Ashburton, and Mr. Mountfort, of Christchurch, was the architect. Both these gentlemen have carried out theirwork well, and thpse; interested are highly pleased with the church, which has cost altogether about £530. We understand the necessary funds have been provided by Mr. Passmore, who deserves the most hearty thanks of the parish for his very liberal undertaking. This is thb third of six churches proposed to be built in the parish of Ralcaia. The consecration service commenced at 11 o’clpck .by his Lordship the Bishop of Qhristchurch, assisted by Rev. Mr. Elton, of RaksUtVi Rev, Mr Paige, of Ashburton Rpv‘ iyij ; . i’hßcoe, of Bftvenfiide, and Rev. }piwcley, of Rinoohm The . choral service was very well rendered, Mr. Jagger acting as organist, and the Cathedral Psalteß was. used. The church was chastely decorated, prominent amongst 4he- decorations being ; a ; floral cruci'form design' over' the communion table. His Lordship delivered the discourse, taking s text from Hebrews x, 24 and 25 “ And let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and good works . not forsaking the assembling of ourselveß together, as the manner of some ; but exhorting ©ne another. ’ 1 he address was listened to attentively, and in concluding, "His Lordship reminded his hearers of their duties and responsibilities, and also ' the great privilege of assembling to- • getherfrom time to time to worship. He invited the members in the parish to look after those about them,

furthejc asked theni to devote themselves to tjie work that' had been commenced that day in their midst. .A. .liberal collection was taken, and after the public service the communion followed. There were not less than 100 at the service, which comfortably tilled the church, nearly all finding seats. A great many of the visitors came up by special train from Rakaia, on the new line, which runs through the estate, and the station is close to the proposed township. , The service over, the majority of visitors proceeded to Mr. Passmore’s house, where a sumptuous repast was ready, and it was not until after three sittings that the large number of visitors were all served with lunch., , During the. afternoon Mr. Pass‘mbre kindly showed his 'guests: around the estate, of which we shall give a full account in a future issue. At 4 o’clock the visitors for Rakaia left by train highly pleased with their visit.