NEW WESLEYAN CHURCH AT LEESTON.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7268, 26 March 1889, Page 3

NEW WESLEYAN CHURCH AT LEESTON.

For some years the building doing duty as Wesleyan Chutch at Leeston has been much too small for the congregation of worshippers, and lately the congregation has increased so largely that it was a common thing for numbers to be unable to obtain seating accommodation. The idea of building a new and larger church has been discussed for some years, but owing to the hard times and consequent scarcity, of money, the matter did: not take a definite shape until a few months ago, when the Bey. John Luxford took

charge of the Ellesmere district. At the commencement of his charge Mr Luxford commenced a series of first-class concerts and lectures In aid of building a new church, but owing to the reasons already stated met with only indifferent success. Although foiled In his first attempt, Mr Luxford, with characteristic perseverance, replied to numerous enquiries that he was determined to have the new church. Taking advantage of the good times looming ahead, Mr Luxford,. and the. members of the Leeston- congregation, started a personal and house to house canvass, with the pleasing result that they, have the necessary money promised in. subscriptions to make a start. The subscriptions have been promised not only by the Wesleyans themselves, but by other denominations as well, who, have all supported the matter most loyally. The Trustees at once decided to commence operations, and have accepted the designs of a handsome and commodious building prepared by Mr R. W. England, jun., architect, of Christchurch, and the tender of Messrs Salkeld and Sons, contractors, of Sydenham, has been accepted for £739 for the carrying out of the works. Mr T. J. Rodgers, or Leeston, has been appointed Clerk of the Works. It is expected that the church will be opened aoout the third week In June next. It is intended to place the building with side and porch towards the main road in front of the old building, which is to be used as a Sunday School. The new edifice will be a substantia] wooden church, Gothic in character, 55ft long and 28ft wide, with a semi-octagonal communion (17ft x lift) at one end and _ large porch on the side towards the main road. The roof is to be pitched and shingled, with cresting on ridge, suitably finished gablet, ventilators between each principal along each side of roof. There will be a high spire, octagonal in shape, and finished, the lower part being open and a bell hung. The roof inside will be open, with arched principals and diagonal boarded of rimu and oiled. The dado is to be diagonally boarded, and the floor to have a slight gradient. The dado and communion table is to be covered with tapestry hangings, the walls Elastered above dado, and will afterwards c tinted; the choir seats slightly raised, and the pulpit to be octagonal, with steps leading from the vestry door. The windows are to be all lancet* shaped, aud filled in with lead lights and cathedral tinted glass and poppers for ventilation. The edifice will seat 800 people, and will be furnished with r carpetß, &c. When finished, it will be comfortable and handsome, and will make a great improvement to the Leeston township, and meet a long felt need of the Wesleyans in this district. The furnishing is left with the architect, so an artistic finish may be expected. The trustees estimate the entire cost at £800. Canvassing for subscriptions is proceeding, and it is intended not to have a debt of over £300.