A NEW CHURCH

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3095, 28 May 1917, Page 8

A NEW CHURCH

* THK UI'KNING AND DEDICATING.'

The formal opening and dedication service of tho Cambridge Terrace Congregational Church was held on Saturday aftornoon. Tho new church was completely filled, and among thoso present were visitors from tho far north and from Olago. Numerous messages of congratulation were received by tho minister, Ilcv. Archibald B. Hunt, and these he read. Among thoso who wcro expected to bo present, was .tho Itev. W. S. Fernie, a former minister of tho church, but Mr. Ferine, iras unable to attend, and sent , his apology and good wishes. A brief statement of tho church 8 history and affairs was mado by the church secretary, Mr. F. E. Reynolds. Tho history of the church has been mentioned on several occasions of late, but a few lines from Mr. Beynolds's statement may bo of interest. Air. Eoynolds said that tho church in Wellington originated in 1875, and liitor Mr. Joseph Burn donated tho land in Courtenay I'laco on which tho old church was built. Tho first attempt to form a fellowship was mado in 1877, and the secoml (the latter was successful) in 1888. Four of the original members of the fellowship were still with tho church. Tho church in Conrtonay Placo was built in 1830. In 1912 if was felt that a new church should be erected. So Iho old sito and building wero sold, and on tho new ground purchased the present edifice was erected to tho glory of God. Mr. "Reynolds said 'that all the niemboi'H of tho church recognised their debt, to the Terrace Gliurch,'which was their mother church. Ho mentioned that the church authorities wero well satisfied with tho work of tho architect, tho clerk of works, and tho workmen. Tho total cost of tho now church was .£8650. By filing the old sito .£7300 had been received, and this, with donations, went so far tojvard paying for tho new site and building that thero was now just over .MOO owing. The Rev. A. E. Hunt extended a very cordial wclconio to nil present. Ho especially mentioned that somo had travelled from far in tho north and others from Dunediu to share the joy all experienced on this occasion. They were also glad indeed to havo representatives of the mother (Terrace) church with them. He was pleased to see seated in (he church ono of tho original members, Mrs. M. A. 'Williams, who had passed through a serious illness, but was now well enough to attend the function. They had heard that thero was a debt of .£SOO on the church: he oxnected most of the amount to be subscribed at that afternoon's offertory. Tho first donation he had received was £3 3s. from n man now doing his duty to King and Country. Mr " Hunt introduced Mr. F. Meadowcroft (chairman of tho Wellington District Committee), whom hp bear&'y welcomed. , ~,,,,, Mr. Meadowcroft said that the members of the church had assembled for thov purpose of dedicating the building to the glory of God. Ho congratulated thoso responsible for the fine edifice erected. It was the first stone building belonging to the Church in this city. This eastern off-shoot of the old Terrace Church had become a vigorous and activo body, and now numbered 130 But they must not merely gain in numbers; they must "educate sonls." The choir assisted at the ceremony. Passages of Scripture were read by tho fiev. W. A. Evans mid tho Ttev. A. L. M. Xsplnnd. and a dedicatory -prayer was offered by the Kcv. .1. "Reed Glasson. The offertory taken during tho service. ■In reduce the'church debt, amounted tn .£9l.