CHURCH OF ST. PETER IN THE FOREST, GREAT SOUTH ROAD.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3131, 30 July 1867, Page 4

CHURCH OF ST. PETER IN THE FOREST, GREAT SOUTH ROAD.

(communicated.) ' This church was opened|by the Key. Y. Lusb| the district clergyman, on Sunday, July 28. The* day proved * true New Zealand day, beautifully fine and calm; and an attentive oongregation assembled, evidently much pleased -to be acoommod»ted in a church which they can oall their own. All the seats (provided were filled, and some had to be extemporised. Several visitors came even from Drury to take part in the service. The full and earnest manner in which the people joined in the responses and in; the ' singing showed that they felt at home in the services. The white smock frock, in more than one instance, brought back the mind to the English country parish. There were two baptisms, und, judging from the lively and healthy appaarance' oi the infants, we may believe that the ranges of Ea marama (or Mauogatawhiri) are amongst the nost healthful in this favoured provinoe. The mini ter, after using the collect for |St. Peter's Day, gave a sound, practical, and appropriate sermon on Psalm li., 10 to 12, "Create in me a clean heart, &c," showing the importance of earnest heart- work in religion ; the necessity of G id's grace; the promises and privileges of the Gobi iel; and that, as believers, we are temples of the I dly Ghost ;— exhorting all to value and frequent the means of grace. A collection was, made at jthe offertory, amounting to £2 109. lid., which was more than could have been expected. It was much regretted that the time of the opening prevented lour Presbyterian friends from joining in the service, which we are assured they would have done if the Eev. Mr. Lush's other pressing and numerous {engagements would have allowed him to appoint a morning service. After the service, at the clergyman's request, those immediately interested remained behind for a short consultation as to what measures might be taken (1) to secure the regular performance of Divine servioe on Sundays, in the morning generally ; (2) to set on foot at once a Sunday-school ; and (3) to have an early meeting to appoint two churchwardens and a vestry of nine willing menj to help forward the work of the congregation. I It is hoped that Captain Jackson and Mr. Proude will act in the former capacity ; both have manifested much interest in the work from the beginning. The subjeot of a day-school, whioh the clergyman has long had at heart, was referred to, and otper matters connected with the completion of the church, and fencing in the churchyard (at least), were colmmended to the early consideration of the vestry when duly appointed. The promoters of the ohuroh, four of whom were present, have reason to be thankful for the occasion of the day, and for the measure of success which, through the kindness of many friends, and particularly that of the Lord Bishop of the diooese, they have experienced ; and whifch, by the good providence of God, has carried him through many difficulties. They h6pe that those who have given exportation of help -trill notr oblige them, and enable them to secure the sum of about £30, so that the church may be left free from debt of any kind. Something remains to be said as to ths appearance of the church. The spot selected, being at a turn of the road, and also opposite the Bombay road, shows off the church to great advantage ; the slope of the hill gives it a commanding appearance from every aide. Without comparing it with other erections of the kind — never a thankful course— it may be safely said that the architect of the Supreme Court (whose design it is) has shown in this church what he can effect with small means, by correct outline and good proportion bdth within and without. Of the two, perhaps the interior, being lofty, with its Gothic-framed roof trusses, may be preferred, as giving the effect of our good old English church style. The blank east-end is admitted as a manifest defect, but then it is hoped that this will sooner induce those interested to perfect the plan, by adding the chancel and then the poroh. The friends of the church are reminded that 35 acres of excellent land, contiguous to the church (20 acres of which were purchased by a friend for that purpose) are secured as a glebe for a clergyman. Any help given to clear the forest, and fence and grass-sow this, will be so much permanent provision for a resident clergyman. The settlers are fully alive to this, and we hope they may see their way, by united action, to help forward, by their labour and influence, so good and henefioial a work, •