NEW CHURCH AT HUTT

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 149, 21 March 1927, Page 9

NEW CHURCH AT HUTT

METHODIST 'BUILDING DEDICATED Methodists at Lower Hutt have reason to be justly proud of their new church in Laing’s Road. This new building is to replace an old church which has been in use for 51 years and will in future be used as a Sunday school. The old building originally faced Main Street, but was shifted back about 27ft. about 12 mouths ago to enable four shops to be built In front. The new building, which is of brick and concrete, fronts Laing’s Road and abuts on the old site, enabling both buildings to- have a common entrance. The dedication and opening celebration was held on Saturday afternoon, the church being filled to overflowing. There were present several ministers of Methodist and sister churches throughout the district. These gentlemen gathered on the steps of the church, from where Rev. J. A. Loehore offered up a prayer. Rev. W. Rowe, minister in charge of the church, spoke briefly, welcoming those present, Air. Rowe said that such an occasion warranted the presence the dignitaries of the Methodist Church. “Mr. President, if you will open this church to the glory of God we will be deeply indebted to you. ’ said Mr. Rowe, presenting the recently appointed president of the Methodist Conference, Rev. H. Ranston, M.A., Litt.D., with a key of the church. The president then opened the building. The service inside the church was commenced by the singing of the Doxology. During the singing the splendid acoustic properties of the building became apparent. This was followed by a hymn and a prayer by Rev. W. Rowe. Rev. A. N. Scoffer read the Lessons, commencing at the sixteenth verse of the sixth chapter o' the Second Chronicles. After another hymn Rev. 11. Ranston delivered an address, in the opening remarks of which ho said it was with exceedingly grateful hearts that they were there to dedicate the church. ~ It was indeed a place where thev could worshin God. The service, which included a further prayer, offered bv Rev. W. Greenslade, concluded with the singing of “Te Deum Lmidamus.” It must be a great regret that the Rev. Rowe will leave this fine building in a fortnight’s time to continue his work nt the Dominion Road Church nt Auckland. The new minister will be the Rev. Olds, of Auckland.