WANGALOA CONGREGATIONAL SOIREE.

Clutha Leader, Volume XX, Issue 1034, 18 May 1894, Page 5

WANGALOA CONGREGATIONAL SOIREE.

Some weeks ago we gave an account of the opening services of the new church at Wangaloa. Owing to the harvest operations being in full swing at the time the soiree to celebrate the important event was postponed. : Last Monday evening the soiree took place under very favourable circumstances. There was splendid moonlight which together with the importance of the occasion, no doubt ; accounted for the excellent gathering in the j new church. Several friends from Kaitangata ' and Lovells Flat took advantage of the fine evening and were present. The interesting proceedings were corameneed with praise, after which the Eev. Mr Allan led in prayer. Abundance of provisions of first-rate quality were supplied by the ladies of the congregation and their friends, and were handed round by the young folks to the large company present. This part of the proceedings over, the minister (Key. E. Fairmaid) took the chair and called on the choir to sing " Numberless as the sands." This was rendered with good effect. During the evening several others pieces " Faith yet persuing," " Abiding rest," " In the shadow of His wing," " They are gathering/' — were given with taste and precision, and gave evidence of careful prsctice. Miss Samson very efficiently presided at the organ. The Chairman suitably apologised fov the absence of Messrs J. Nicholson, W. Smaill, and W. Kelly, who were appoftated to represent to session on this occasion. In the course of his address he said that their feeling that night ought to be, and he believed was one of devout thankfulness to God in that their efforts to erect the comfortable church they now occupied had been successful beyond theexpectations of the most sanguine among them. The report of the treasurer to the building fund would show a substantial balance in hand, after paying all building expenses. With this they hoped to erect' suitable fences and effect such improvements as were needed about the church grounds. He further wished to say that the treasurer would bear him out in saying that every shilling promised had been paid, and that' the people had shown the greatest heartiness in everything connected with the work they had undertaken and carried ont. It now remained to make the best possible, use of the sanctuary they now possessed. He trusted that lasting benefit would be received by young and old there. They had good reason to " thank God take courage and go forward." After another hymn by the choir Mr W. Samson, senr., treaiurer to the buidling fund, read his report which contained the three excellent merits of being alive, concise, and cherry. After paying all building accounts they had a balance of upwards of Ll6, which, with proceeds of present soiree, would likely stand at fully L2O. Addresses of a very high order were also delivered by the Rev. James Skinner, M.A., (Waitahuna) who chose for his theme " The importance and influence of Christianity in the world," and delivered a most impressive address full of wise counsel and encouragement for all, and especially for the young. He also heartily congratulated the folks of Wangoloa on the splendid success which had crowned their efforts. He rejoiced with them in their joy that night, and prayed that they might long be spared to meet together there for the worship of God, The next speaker was Mr Wm, M'Caw (senr.), who heartily endorsed the sentiments of congratulation expressed by Mr Skinner. If it could have been possible nothing would have given him greater joy than to have that little church to preach in, the folk there to preach to, and Wangaloa for his parish. He very humorously apologised for the absence of humour in his composition, and proceeded to give an address on " The churches ardent longing." He showed that this longing was that the young people might become men and women of righteous principle, noted for their Christian strength and Christian beauty. This he impressed upon the young. He was followed by the Eev. J. M. Allan (Stirling) who joined with the previous speakers in rejoicing with those who rejoiced that night. It afforded him great pleasure to be among them all again. After some characteristically humorous remarks he proceeded to speak on " Sunshine," and in the course of j an excellent address showed in how many | ways we could help in bringing sunshine into . each other's lives, in the home, in the business relations, in the social circle, and especially in • the church life. To be bearers of sunshine we must first have it ourselves. The source of it was God in Christ. " God is a sun." Christ is the sun of righteousness, Who comes with healing in His wings. The beams of that sunshine we could introduce to the lives who sorely needed it. Bring it into the church with you. Give the minister a share of it —he needs it. All ministers need more of it than they get from their fellows. Give your fellow-worshippers a share of it, and you will be a blessing to many hi life. . Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the speakers, the choir, and the ladies who had supplied the provisions and helped to the success of the meeting, with special mention of Mr T. Samson, who on this, as on all such occasions, attended the tea-boiling operations. Before calling for the last hymn the Chairman made feeling reference to the loss the church had sustained by the death of Dr Stuart, who had been called to his rest and reward ; also to the fact that some of their number were absent through illness, while some who had taken considerable interest in their church had been removed to another* sphere of duty. A hearty vote of thanks wag accorded the chairman. The choir then sung " God be with you till we meet again, and a very enjoy- | able and profitable meeting was brought to a j

close by Rev. Mr Skinner pronouncing the benediction, • .