CONGREGATIONAL SOIREES.

Clutha Leader, Volume XVIII, Issue 916, 5 February 1892, Page 6

CONGREGATIONAL SOIREES.

« At the annual soiree of the Warepa and Kaihiku congregation, held recently, the evening, so far as the weather was concerned, was simply beautiful. There was :i very large attendance, numbers coming from a considerable distance. Thtv creature comforts, for which Kaihiku bears the name par excellence, were in superabundance. The speakers were — Revs. Mr Ingiis (who presided), Mr Allan, and Mr Spence ; also 31 r A. D. Johnston, of Kaihikn, and Mr Paterson, from JDunedin. The speeches on this occasion were rather above the avernge of soiree speeches, in so far that the Chairman began by giving a speech, on co-operation, dealing with co-operation between pastor and people, as well as -with each other. This was taken as a kind of keynote by the other speakers, who showed in other lights the grand scheme of co-operation in the Christian Church, altogether making all the speeches both interesting and instructive; A strong choir, under the able leadership of Mr R. Ayson, rendered n number of pieces from rhe Christian Choir with excellent taste and harmony, reflecting | great credit to that gentleman for the csiro i and pains he had taken with them. The congregation at Kaihiku are no doubt, very much indebted to Mr Ayson for the many occasions in which he has so readily come to assist when musical provision is required. Miss M. Johnston presided at the organ, and executed her duties as accompanist in v. very pleasing and creditable manner. The sum of L 4 10s was taken, which J will be devoted to Sabbath school pur- j poses. I

The first congregational soiree of the Preslv-teriau Church at Wangaloa took place >n Wednesday evening, last week. There -was a very large gathering on the occasion., tho schnolhouso being crowded. Several of the friends from Kaifcangata were present. The proceedings commenced with tb.e singing of part of Psalm 100 and prayer. A sumptuous spread of tho good thing essential to a successful soiree were provided in rich abundance, while the tea was of the best brew. The second part of the programme was then untored on. The Minister (Rev\ 11. Fajrnuiid) presided. An efficient choir, un^et 1 the leadership of Mr A. Ciirrie | j

rendered several pieces of sacred music in an excellent manner. Miss Samson creditably presided at the organ, which is kindly lent the congregation by Mrs Trotter. Instructive and appropriate addresses were delivered by the Revs. Messrs Allan, M'Laren, Inglis, and Mr J. Knott (temperance advocate). Messrs John Nicholson, Wm. Smaill, and W. M. Shore, as representing the Kaitangata portion of the congregation, in a few well-chosen words expressed their gratification in being present at so hearty a meeting, which, to their minds, was indicative of progress. Each of them emphasised the importance of maintaining a sense, of the oneness of the congregation, Knitangata and Wangaloa being but parts of the whole. Mr Shore expressed his assurance that the Kaitangata portion would willingly assist in the erection of the projected new church. An interesting feature of the proceedings was the presentations of a gold albeit and a writing desk to Mr Win, Mitchell ar-d Mr D. Haggart respectively, for iirat-iitous services rendered as precentors. The chairman, in a brief and suitable address, referred to the important services willingly rendered by these gentlemen, and afterwards called upon them to come forward. —Mr Mitchell, who was present, suitably acknowledged the gift. Cordial votes of thanks were passed to the speakers, to the ladies who provided, and the choir on the motions of Mr D. Mitchell, sen., Mr Wm. Samson, sen., and Mr Wm. Smaill. The last named of these gentlemen congratulated the choir ow the proficiency they had attained in so short a period, and hoped they would continue to make still further progress. A most enjoyable and successful meeting was brought to a close by the choir singing the favourite closing hymn " God be with you till we meet again " and the pronouncing of the benediction by the Rev. Mr Allan.