AVONSIDE CHURCH.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7779, 5 February 1891, Page 6

AVONSIDE CHURCH.

RECEPTION OF THE BISHOP AND

HARVEST FESTIVAL.

Yesterday afternoon the parishioners of Holy Triuicy Church, Avouside, heid a gathering to welcome his Lordship the Bishop ol Christchurch to the parish, the occasion also being the holding of the Harvest Festival. Advantage was taken of the visit of his Lordship to have the eastern and south-eastern portion of the burial ground consecrated. There was a large attendance of visitors. His Lordsnip w<ts accompanied by Mrs Julius, and the clergy present were the Revs. W. A. Pascoe, incumbent of the parish; H. J. C. Gilbert, W. Dunkley, W. Konaldson, J. Holland, F. K. Invvood, H. X. i*urchas, aud Jf. Knowles (Bishop's Chaplaiu). The petition for consecration was read, by Mr Ji. Hunt, one of the churchwardens, and the ceremony of consecration was performed by his .Lordship. The visitors were then entertain> d at tea, which had been provided by the ladies of the congregation. A large marquee was erected, in the paddock in front o£ the church, buc as there were about GOO persons present seating accommodation for all could not be found. The tea wasdispensed by a number of young ladies, who were kept busy forabout an hoar. During the tea, Mr F leiuing's string band played a number of pleasing selections. After all had been refreshed tht visitors assembled at the marquee, and the Key. W. A. Pascoe called upou Mr J*'. J£. Wright, as one of the oldest parishioners, to read the following address of welcome to his Lordship:—" To the Kight Jbieverend Father in God, Churchill, by divine permission Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand—We, the undersigned churchwardens and vestrymen of Holy Trinity, Avonside, on benalf of the Darishioners, under a deep sense of gratitude to the divine Providence which iiaa led to your appointment as chief pastor of this diocese, beg to tender to your Lordship our sincere and hearty welcome, with the assurance that you will ever h'nd the parishioners of Avonside loyal and sympathetic, ready to follow your leading and to further all your endeavors for the welfare of your nock and the glory of God. Circumstances have prevented our giving your Lordship a social welcome at an earlier date, but though so long delayed it is none the less warm and sincere. The parish which we represent is one of the oldest in the diocese. Almost the first episcopal ace of your reverend predecessor, Bishop Harper, was the consecration of tne church and graveyard in February, 180/. A portion of this church is still standing, and, with its ivy-clad walls, is the oldest ecclesiastical building in Canterbury. Much as we should regret its demolition we hope before many years have passed, to call upon your Lordship to consecrate the new nave and aisles, which will make our church complete and more fitted for the requirements of the rapidly increasing population. We are deeply sensible of the many responsibilities and difficulties of your high office, which only the continual guidance and help of the Holy Spirit can enable you to bear. May He sustain your zeal and energy, grant to you the "right judgment in ail chines" and give you such patience and perseverance that our Church with her noble heritage of angelic truth and Apostolic order, may, under your rule, be built up on the one Foundation, and faithfully fulfil her mission for the salvation and edification of souls. We beg to subscribe ourselves your faithful and obedient servants in the Lord—E. Hunt, J. G. Davis, Churchwardens ; Henry P. Hill, H. Cotterill, F. E. Wright, Henry Slater, Henry J. Jekyll, John J. Milner, JamesS. Jameson, W. H. Cheeseman and H. T. Winter, vestrymen." The Bishop, in replying, said he felt deeply the kindness that had led them to give him a welcome to the parish, although it was, as they said, late in the day. Indeed, in one sense, it came all the more welcome than any other, for they were welcoming one who was no stranger, and one of whom they expected things they would never get. They knew something of his strength and something of his weakness, and knowing that they were led to give him that loyal welcome. It was for that he valued it highly, and thanked them all for it. It was always a pleasure to him to come to Avonside, and to visit that old church, whose partial demolition he would regret. It was a pleasure to join in that beautiful devotional service and to see that earnest and faithtul service of the Church was being carried on in the midst of them. He trusted their hopes and prayers that Gcd would give him grace to be a faithful Bishop of the Church would be realised; that it would be his desire to build up and not pull down, to strengthen and not weaken. He would be pleased to do any work he could for the parish, and hoped thai; ere long he might have to consecrate the nave and aisles of the church. That was the last welcome he would receive, except only in the Chatham Islands, and he would carry away with him the recollection of the very friendly greetings of the parishes in the diocese. (Applause). Three cheers were called by the Rev. Mr Pascoe for Mrs Julius, which were heartily given, and the proceedings then terminated.

At eight o'clock the harvest service was commenced. The church was very tastefully decorated, and there were appropriate offerings of grain and seasonable fruits. There was a large congregation, the building being filled in every part. The Rev. W. A. Pascoe conducted the service. The lessons were read respectively by the Revs. H. J. C. Gilbert and W. Dunkley. His Lordship preached the sermon, taking his text from Psalm 15 verse, " And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." He pointed out that the harvest festival was an ancient custom of the Church very happily revived in these days of renewed life ana activity when they gave thanks.for all the blessings of this life. In ancient days it was believed that the direct hand of God was in the wind and rain, storm and sunshine, and that an abundant harvest was a sign of Divine favor, and a scanty harvest or failure was a direct judgment of God on men for their bins. It was very difficult to realise how far we had removed from the position of our fathers in the matter. Some were inclined to think that God was further away, but was it not that God was nearer than before, and that he could be seen in the quiet, orderly life of nature? In keeping up the festival in a season of scanty harvest there was a danger of unreality. The preacher then went on at length, however, to show that depression and adversity tended to refine the characters of individuals and to result in the ultimate prosperity of nations by bringing out the powers and resources that were within them. He concluded an interesting and practical sermon by pointing out that material prosperity was not the chief object to strive for. The singing throughout the service was excellent, and showed careful preparation. The choir sang the anthem, *' He crowuest the years with goodness," and at the close of service the " Te Deum."