OPENING OF THE NEW CHURCH BALCLUTHA.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 217, 6 September 1878, Page 5

OPENING OF THE NEW CHURCH BALCLUTHA.

The new Presbyterian church here has now been completed, and was opened for Divine Service on- Sabbath last. - As has been our practice on similar occasions, we had intended here giving a brief history of the Balclutha congregation, and the steps taken in connection with the erection of the new building. This, however, on the present occasion is rendered unnecessary, full information upon these matters "being embodied in the read at the soiree on Tuesday evening, and published below.

The new church is situated at the corner of Clyde-street and George-street, The plan is very similar to that adopted for the Kaitangata, Inch Clutha, and Green Island churches, and is very convenient in its arrangement, every sitting being in full view of the pulpit, and the old annoyance of looking over one's shoulder is done away with, as each sitter looks straight at the speaker. The form of the plan is something like the Latin cross, with a short upper extension, and with the internal angles cut off at an angle of 45 degrees, the arms of the cross forming the transepts, and the body of the cross the nave. The sittings are circular and the floor slopes up as it recedes from the platform, thus giving a good view of the platform from each seat. At the intersection of (the transepts and nave where the internal angles are cut off are the entrance doors, four in number, three being covered by porches, and the fourth by the tower, in which is space for a staircase for future galleries when required, the building being designed to suit the insertion of galleries when the extra accommodation is wanted. The platform is about 15ft. by 10ft., is raised about seven steps from the floor, and fitted with a reading-desk. Behind the platform is the class-room and vestry, the class-room of triangular form, and 25 feet by 22feet longest dimensions ; the vestry is 13ft. by 10ft. The interior of the church is lined with red and white pine alternately on the walls, the ceiling between the principals of the roof being panelled. The roof is of the open hammer beam, and the whole picked out in colours. The ventilation of the church is amply provided for, the fresh air being admitted on Tobins principle, and the foul air extracted by four ventilating perforated panels in the ceiling, which can be regulated at pleasure, and a ventilating turret at the intersection of the transept and nave roofs. The length of the church inside is 62ft., and 58ft. wide across the transepts ; the height of the wall is 24ft., and the ceiling is 34ft. 6in. ; the spire is 110 ft. high, terminating with a large wrought-iron finial. The building is lighted by three large five-light windows, one in each transept, and one in the nave, with a rose window over the pulpit, and single windows over each entrance, all glazed with lead lights, the rose window and margins being of stained glass. The style of architecture is of the early Engglish type, modified to suit the requirements of the ninteenth century. Tl:© building with its towering spire and pointed gables, forms a very conspicuous landmark above the snrrounding buildings of Balclutha, and can be distinguished from a long distance as the principal building of the town.

As we have said, the church was opened on Sabbath last. Fortunately the weather proved fine, and notwithstanding the impassable condition of many of the district roads, there was, as had been anticipated, a very large addition to the ordinary congregation of strangers from the surrounding districts, many of whom had travelled long distances to be present. By 11 o'clock^ the hour at which in future the forenoon service will ..commence here, the building was crowded to excess, the most of the passages having been seated with forms to afford the necessary accommodation for the worshippers. The Rev. Dr Stuart, Dimedin, officiated in the forenoon and also in the afternoon, when he preached a sermon to the young. The Rev. Mr Bannerman officiated in the evening. In the forenoon Dr Stuart took for his text Luke xxiv. v 46 and 47, from which he delivered adiscourseon " Home Evangelisation," and which was listened to with marked attention throughout. In the afternoon th© text was " Honour thy father and thy mother. " He spoke for about an hour, and by his familiar language and numerous appropriate anecdotes, he secured the undivided attention of the large congregation of both juveniles and adults. In the evening there was again a large congregation, the building being well filled. Mr Bannerman preached a very able sermon'from the text, Hebrews ii. v. 1 and 4. In the forenoon the collection amounted to L 66 ; afternoon, Lls, and evening, LlO. On Monday, L 4 was handed in by members who were unavoidably absent on Sabbath,, thus making the total collection L 95, certainly a very handsome sum, and much larger than had been anticipated. THB SOIREES. Two soirees to celebrate the opening of the church were held— the one for adults on Tuesday evening, and the other for the children on Wednesday evening.. Instead of a few, ladies providing tables, or of paying for the provisions out of 'the general fund, it was arranged that a general invitation be given for all who felt so inclined to hand in contributions iri the shape of provisions. These were received. in the class-room behind the church on Monday | afternoon, and in this way a very liberal i supply was procured— ample to supply both soirees. -"..-' On Tuesday evening tea was served in Barr's Hall, where four tables had been erected the whole length of the hall and one upon the platform. These were at* once crowded, and. by an active staff/of stewards and stewardesses the occupants of seats were speedily served, and retired to make room for others, who had tieen unable to gain admittance. Tea was over before eight o'clock, and by that hour the whole had found their way to 'the church, where the after proceedings -were .conducted. /_■" - * -', ■■- ■[ [-.-■• ■''.'

The Rev. John M'Ara took : the chair, and with/ him upon tHe, platform were Revs. Bannerman, L. Mackie, ' tJhisholih, AUan, Borrie, Cowie,;Skinner,;*Kn*ldand,! Carr, Copeland, and Waters,-: ahd^Mr : -*A Grigor. " : *_", j . ''y7AAyA_7AAAAAh . The .proceedings were'^qirLme^ the choir singing; (^Nieq^'* yA AAa AAA A A^A A The Chairman then expressed his hearty gratitude ;«that.- they^ were^i permitted -to* enter their .new church - l underf spi^oum*

|g|?»taaces so.f avourable'and-hopefui. At the ||*t^e^g^onf Sabjbath .they had ihad.finei ?f i.i wea^er,*r*oga»y f riejids - f rom other* congre"£g^wns,...'^cellent [seryices,;: aiid;gpod col.».3?hese -f acts were ; very cheering, . Ay-a^aA^B. trusted they -might be regarded as gg' an. indication of the "prosperity that was to p^attend^fchem in, their 'new - building, i As ft|[^therejwere so many speakers present from AAAa*'-- " dista-tic-e,- ■_-. lie would , not occupy-, their 'I (^tim^byj fisher remarks -, of his at that "?- !^"stage.- ir ,Trvr. 7, a „. i. --..,*,-, .*..-: ': .' - * Ay Clipir4rr"Work, for the night is coming.'? ' "The Chairman then called "upon, the, con- \ }.i':"--Yenep-off^he';*Btdldmg.CpmmitWe (Mr, Tr ;'--•.. A T. Ritchie), -who-read the following report : In presenting- -their report, your -Committee A-'- desife jto fcxpresajtheir-.thankfulness : that they .have been enabled to ,biing to i a successful,completion, th*! important work which was committed to their <Mfc more^thah'twelve months ago. Such an undertaking', as Wight be expected, has not been without' its difficulties and hindrances, - but -._"' your pommittee. feel, that they have been amply Tewa^ded for their .anxiety and labours in having been "instrumental in r securing for the congrega- "** tion •*£ cburcH at once ; so comfortable and.beautiy ful aS* the building in which we are now 'assembled.' Your Committee are of opinion that .a brief re- • port of their labours in connection with the erection, of the church. is all that will be required of them on this occasion. At a congregational meeting held on the^*26th - of April of last year, and which was largely at- :■ tended, it was unanimously agreed that the time had come when immediate steps should be taken for the.erection of a new church. A Committee. - of twenty members, selected from the congrega-. ~tion* r "and 'Deacons'. Court, was elected for the purpose of carrying out this resolution, it was, - however, agreed that no liabilities should be myy curred until a sum ofLSOO had been subscribed. As s-qon as it was reported that that amount had been promised, the matter of a site was discussed. After careful consideration it was agreed to se- - cure *the* present site. M*-*-*srs Mason," Wales, and Stevenson "< were appointed architects, arid these gentlemen having prepared plans and specifications, which were approved, tenders were called .-" for, Ibptli m brick and in wood. It was found that a, brick building of any architectural pre--.tensions: at all Was to be too expensive It was therefore 'decided to erect the church of wool. Th^lowe&t tender was that of Mr Young, which wa-**-. accepted, and the work commenced. Unfortunately the. contractor , had. to throw up his contract, apd your. Committee were under the nec&sity of calling for fresh tenders to finish the building.' -The lowest tender, that of Mr Weddersp'oon, was, accepted. The new contractor set himself to finish the job if possible within con- . " tract time, and how well, he has done his work . yon can all bear witness. four Committee would how lay before you a *-* statement of their assets and liabilities. The building alone has cost L 238 5; land (five eighths of an .acre), including filling in and fencing, L 35 6; architects-* commission and advertising, L 11 9; matting, lamps, and sundries, L 5 5, 3s ; - in all, L 2915 3s. To meet this 'we have our first sub-

scription list, L 540 j second subscription list, in - consequence of such a central and conspicuous site being selected, L7O ; third list of subscrip- "- tions from new. comers to district since first list was.sent round, L9O ; collection on Sunday, L 9 4; proceeds of two soirees, L 26; Synod grant* L 900; total, L' 7'" > o;— leaving a deficiency of L 1195 3s. But against this we have still to take into account

the -value of the old church and half -acre of ground ; unless, however, it wil] bring a sum -of at least L 250 it will be better to retain it for.the purposes of the Sabbath School. Now, such "a sum (hay at first sight appear formidable, but your Committee are reminded of what the congregation has already done during , the last five years'. - During that period liabilities in connection with the church and manse to the extent of LllOO have been paid off, the only outside assistance being tbe Synod's grant of L 250. Moreover, tiie Deacons' Court bas every reason to anticipate, judging from the experience of neighbouring congregations, tbat with our increased comfort and accommodation the church door collections and seat rents will be largely increased. The new church at present lias accommodation for at least 375, but the building bas been so designed and constructed as to admit of galleries beiog put in at a small cost, which would give additional accommodation for nearly 150. In asking for plans, your Committee instructed the architects to make provision for a class-room large enough for the prayer meeting and other kindred purposes. Behind aud connected with the church, therefore, there is a Lirge and commodious.classroom, capable of holding about seventy people. Our church property is therefore very complete, and your Committee are satisfied that the congregation has not done an unwise thing in securing such buildings at the price paid for them. In closing this report, your Committee do so under the conviction that God's blessing will - crown the congregation's labours in erecting this temple io His honour and praise. - " The report was received by loud ap- " plause, by whicli the reading of it had repeatedly been interrupted. .The Clerk of Session (Mr A. Grigor) then read the following report : — The Session have thought the present a suitable, occasion on which to give a brief history of. the congregation. Tbe only materials fordoing 8d are the Session^ records, and these are rather scanty. This district, as is well known, formed part of the Rev. Mr Bannerman's extensive diocese, which at ono time extended from -Waihola to Invercargill. When Inch Clutha was ' declared a sanctioned charge, the settlers in and ; about Balclutha were in the habit of worshipping in the old church across the i-iver, near Mr Au\der,sori's, Balmoral. However, in June, 18f5f>, application was made by the people to have Balclutha district a preaching station , under the charge of the Presbytery, and ih September of the same year -the first Kirk Session was formed. The elders who then held 'office were -Messrs Duncan M'Neil, Kobert Eenion, and David Todd, and the Moderator, -by appointment of the Presbytery, was the Rev. James Kirkland, then minister at Inch Clutha, who was in the habit of giving: service occasionally in the Courthouse until the church was built. The old church to

which we bade farewell only two Sabbaths ago, and which was hallowed by many blessed memories,' was opened by the venetable Dr Bums, and many can sfcill remember his text on fche occasion — "The heath in the desert." The first election, of Deacons, took place in -November, 1866, when the following brethren were declared duly elected, and were forthwith ordained to their office, viz., Messrs James -Rattray; John M'Neil, ' Robert Houliston, and D. Ferguson. At a meeting of the Kirk Session, held in the month of December,, it wasagreed to prepare 'a, petition ; for presentation to the Synod at its meeting in January following, to have- Balclutha declared a sanctioned chaige. The congregation having meanwhile been canvassed so as to ascertain what, support could be relied upon* for a minister. The response was considered satisfactory., and the application, was sent up to the Synod. .The 'Synod received.' the. application favourably^ and Balclutha was declared a sanctioned bharge, with Lovells -Flat as a preaching ■s-k-wbn. This was in January, 1867. From that /-igte (*-**•-. until the election of the Rev. Mr Arnot as - -n|iafeter of the congregation, services were held i-jsgfclsst-ly in Balclutha every Sabbath, and once a'fdrtfci-fbt at Lovells Flat.

/.••Tht. Rev.- A. B. Af hot was ordained to the pastorate-- of ; the* congregation in -the year 3,870, -and continued to discharge the duties of. hi.-* 1 office, regularly and faithfully until the beginning of 1872, when he felt constrained to lay his resignation upon the table of this Presbytery. On the 30th of May of the sam-jf-year our present minister, the Rev. John ]{[* Ara, was ordained and took his seat as Moderator of tb.es. Kirk Session oh the sth of June of thai' y ear*. ',** During this brief history many changes' have taken place in the congregation, whileAtW congregation has made very satisfactory progress during these years. Yet the session has had to, witness /, the removal by death, and other causes' of those -who were among the .first and most deeply interested members of the congre--.gati6hi* :i Those* who were the pioneer settleirs on the flat have one. after another: departed, and iiflpthef {generation has* risen, up to take-.their place. Hdw, greai> is the contrast between Balclutbat as it .was twelve or fourteen years ago, Whenfthe Idwelling-houses1 dwelling-houses could be counted on

the' fingers of both hands, and fis it appears now, with its three- churches, its municipality, and its public rtutitutions, &cJ ' • y- ! -y ■ ■■• '..' Yonr' session are excef-dhigly thankful that' iri the good providence of God Several' of thvise'who had from the - first held the offices of Elder and Deacon are. still spared to the' congregation to do good work for the Lord in the progress of the church's work. '*"..'; i '.*'-.'".

" The Session has at present ' under its charge (in. addition to the 'stated services morning and evening at Balclutha) as preaching stations' Lovels Pint, which, is supplied with service every* sabbath; To Houka, which, is supplied monthly ;, and Mount Stutrt, where ' service's are' held as frequently as possible. "' ''"■"' -"'■ * There has been a sabbath school in connection; with the congregation ever since it was' formed, in -which many devoted, men- and women have given their valuable assistance, in -seeking the godly upbringing of the young. . ' During fche successive pastorates of the Eev. Messrs Arnot and M'Ara there have been admitted to the membership of the church by certificate 117. and for 'the first time 45. Against that number, during the same period, many have been removed by death or have left the district for other parts. The present number on the communion roll of the congregation ih Balclutha is 174. " i " -\ v ■*...=

■ ■- In drawing this short ' report to a close the Kirk Session would 1 express their thankfulness -to AltnigKty. God that they have now the prospect of worshipping together in ' this new and comfortable building, which has been erected for His glory and honour. -

It is a matter for much thaukfulness that the building has been completed without any accident to those engaged ih the erection of it. The Session would also express the hope tbat in the future as in the past the congregation by the blessing of God may go on doing its work in the community, and that this place may be the house of God and the gate of Heaven to many precious souls. . A-

. Choir—" My Beautiful Home. " Rev. Lindsay Mackie said he was present at their congregational meeting a year previous, when initiatory steps were taken for the erection of the new church. It was then to him quite evident that they had in the congregation men and means in abundance to provide a suitable place of worship, but none could have then prophesied that a year afterwards they would have been in rjossession of such a building as they had reared. As he had been with them at their former meeting, it was peculiarly gratifying to him to be the first to address them that evening at a meeting to celebrate the completion of their work. The rev. gentlemen proceeded to address them upon the progress of Presbyterianism in their midst. What Great Britain . had done throughout the world, Presbyterianism was doing in. New Zealand/, Great Britain had encircled the globe with colonies and forts, everywhere raising the banner of liberty, purity, and enlightenment. (He referred to her last acquisition, Cyprus— one of the lands of the bible, and the key to the sweep that commanded the bible lands.) So Presbyterians were endeavouring to plant a church for Christ everywhere throughout the Colony. When a traveller coming up the harbour got his first view of Dunedin, the most prominent object in view was a church. As he proceeded up country he saw. churches at Caversham, Green Island, Mosgiel, East Taieri, Kaitangata, Balclutha, Port Molyneux, &c. He was stationed at the one end, and Mr Bannerman at the other, and if they did not all keep in. line and step they would know the reason why. He proceeded to point out the great things Presbyterianism had done for the world, and what was yet expected of the Church. • He concluded by offering his most sincere congratulations upon their having completed and got possession of their new church.

Choir— " The Old, Old Story." Rev. Mr Come, Lawrence, was the next speaker. After a few humorous introductory remarks and hearty congratulations, he proceeded "to speak of family piety and worship as the foundation of all their churches. He pointed to the attention given to family religion in Scotland in days gone, by, .and urged that the example be followed in the new community they had established here.

Choir—'

"I will arise."

Rev. Joseph Copeland was the next speaker, and delivered a* short interesting address upon the New Hebrides Mission. He mentioned that he was shortly to return to the mission field. It was at present under the .direction of the Free Church of Scotland, but he thought it should be wholly undertaken by the churches of Australasia. Ten pounds a year from each congregation would amply support it,' and he did not think the congregations would grudge to give that sum. He suggested that every individual should make it a rule to give one day's wages or income per annum towards the support of the New Hebrides Mission. Xn making a start in a new church he hoped that congregation would at once make a commencement with the LlO a year oi* an individual day's wages for the support of missions. Choir — "Naaman." Rev. Mr Carr in reply to' some remarks by Mr Cowie regarding the Shorter 'Catechism, said that gentleman would be surprised to learn that that book was taught in a Wesleyan Sunday School in Balclu-, tlia. He then proceeded to. speak upon the. relation in which the several, branches of the. Christian Church should stand to each other. - He did not consider it would be of advantage to our common Christianity to have only one church. He be- , lie ved in a little 'spirit of rivalry, aiid de- ! sired to see a plurality of churches with a unity and harhibny. pervading all. He concluded : with sincere congratulations to the Presbyterian Congregation of Balclu--tha, upon the accomplishment of their important undertaking. , Choir' — " Let the Lower Lights be BurniTi By. Rev. James Chisholm after the usual congratulations, briefly addressed the meeting upon the j>ower of Christianity. Choir — ." The the land where Jesus dwelleth." . Rev. John Allan referred to the present position of .the congregation in a very [hearty feeling manner and rejoiced with them in their possession of such a niagriijficent" .building. . He criticised ' the new I church, which he did not consider too .grand or expensive. It was what he ex- • pected of the congregation : it was worthy 'of them, of Balclutha, and the district.. Some, he said, no doubt had thought it too costly, but all such ideas had been driven to the winds since they had viewed [the building. He then briefly referred to the eiid of all.churches and all preaehinjg— the growth, beautifying, and maturing of our moral natures. 1 He also .referred to Christian liberality, wliich;he considered enriched and ennobled instead of impoverishing, and counselled liberality in the cause of Christ.

The' Chairman their said ihe wished at that stage of the proceedings to refer to - a 1 matter personal; to himself.. ;On Saturday afternoon Mr. Turnbull had* called, him,. - into, his ,- house, * and handed ., hvqx a hand- , some pulpit gown as a gift from the. ladies, of the congregation. ,He assured them lie v fully appreciated tiie kindness of tiie ladies' in the matter, and was much pleased that at the opening services 'on 'Sabbath he'was able to properly clothe his brethren who officiated * on • the occasion.-- He ' again heartily thanked the ladies for their gift. . The following votes of thanks were then proposed ar^d,. passed with applause ;-— By Mr, A. Grigor— To the speakers. '.*', By the. Chairman— To tho ladies who' had "so liberally contributed towards their" creature necessities, and especially t© 'Miss * Dalziel, Mrs R. Wilson, and several -other ladies who had attended all day laying: of£ .the tables, etc; . ■ . -„ . ' ,_ , .By Rev. Mr Borrie— To the choir, for the excellent * music* to which . they, had listened, and especially to, Mrs Ritchie, Mrs Douglas, and. Mri Dallas, who had, had charge of the choir. ' * ' '* " ,r By Mr Bannerman — To 'the architect and the Building Committee- . In' the course of a brief address Mr -Bannerman congratulated - the congregation . upon the completion of their church.- - The. building he said was no doubt the result of the skill of the architect, but it was also the result of the conscientious discharge duty on the part of the Building Committee. He congratulated the congregation on 'the small amount of debt they had to meet, and advised that the Committee should continue their labours and not 5 dis-: * solve until the building was wholly their own,' free of debt. . . -■ Rev. L. Mackie moved a vote of thanks to the chair. ■- - Choir — " 0, how amiable are thy tabernacles." Rev. Mr Kirkland then pronounced the benediction, and the proceedings terminated. The choir was a very numerous one, and although the recent .unfavourable weather: had considerably interfered with the practisings the various, pieces of music were very well rendered indeed. Mrs Ritchie has been untiring in her exertions to secure efficiency . Mrs Douglas presided at tiie harmonium on Tuesday eyening, and very frequently on practising nights. *As conductor Mr Dallas acquitted himself with great efficiency, and to the' satisfaction of all. The whole members of the choir deserve much credit for their performances, j We are requested -to add that/ through an oversight, it was omitted to pass a vote of thanks to Mr Lloyd for the use of the hall free of charge, but notwithstanding the congregation feel highly grateful for his kind liberality. THE CHILD-BENS' SOIREE. This was held in Barr's Hall on Wednesday evening, when the building was crowded. Provisions of all kinds were abundant, and to these the juveniles, as usual, did ample justice. Tea over, the tables were removed, the seats re- arranged, and speedily fully reoccupied. Rev. 3. M'Ara briefly addressed the meeting, and in the course of the evening excellent and appropriate addresses were delivered by Revs. Copeland,, Skinner, and Carr. - The juvenile choir, led by Miss Darton (Mrs Douglas again presiding at the harmonium), rendered numerous pieces of music very creditably. At the close hearty votes of thanks were passed to the ladies and others for providing the good things ; to Misses Dalziel and Ayson and Mrs R. Wilson for arranging the tables, making the tea, <fee. ; to the choir, especially Mrs Ritchie, Mrs Douglas, and Miss Darton, who were conductors ; to the speakers ; to Mr Lloyd for the use of the hall free of charge ; and to the Chairman for presiding. The benediction was pronounced, and the proceedings terminated.