SHIRLEY METHODIST CHURCH.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16396, 16 December 1918, Page 5

SHIRLEY METHODIST CHURCH.

FOUNDATION-STONE LAID.

In spito of tho unpleasant afternoo* on Saturday, there was a large gathering at Shirley, when the foundationstone of the now Shirley Methodist Church was laid. The ceremony of laying tho main stone was performed DJ Mr. C- Ji. Salter, while auxiliary stones were laid by Mrs Palk and Mr Howe, both Shirley residents, who are keenly interested in tho ercction of the church. The Rev. A. C- Lawry, who acted as chairman, gave an address in which he dealt with the history of the movement to build a church in Shirley. Prayers were 'then read by the Rev. C. W. Olliver, who liad preached in the neighbourhood iifty-ono years previously, by the Vicar of Burwood'Ctno'Rev.'C. A. Tobiu), and tho Rev. JB. P. Blamires, a portion of tho Scriptures was read fcy tho Rw. W. Walker, C.E.F., and the announcements were given out by th« Rev. Lewis Hudson, the pastor. , jollowing upon tho service, a garden party was field at. the residence of Mr and. Mrs W. Withell, in Dudley terrace. . Tho new church will be a handsome edifice upon its completion. It, is in red brick, and is being erected at a total estimated cost of £1500. Provision is bcing/fnado in tho building for a tower, wnich, however, will not be commenced until the present high cost of. building material is lowered; The ladies of the district raised' £200 towards the cost of tho church, while £400 was raised by subscription. The sum 6f eighty pounds was collected in estci'day'b oifertory, and it is hoped that an additional £150 will bo gathered *in as a result of tho .offertories at the first services in the new building. It is anticipated that tho total debt j on the church will not exceed £650.