THE WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3147, 29 July 1881, Page 3

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH.

The following extracts from a Wairarapa paper have been handed to as with a request that we should publish them. We do so with pleasure for the edification of our Scandinavian readers:—

The foundation or memorial stone of the Mavrriceville Wesleyan Church was duly laid on 9th July. There was a good congregation at the service. Pastor O. Christoffsen, who wa3 in charge of the scattered district, was present, and so was Pastor Neilsen, from Norsewood. The Rev. W. Or. Thomas gave an address explanatory of the doctrines, sacraments, and discipline of the Wesleyan Church. This was translated by Pastor Neilsen, who, with Pastor Ohrißtoffsen, took part in the service. There was good attention, hearty singing, and the collection was as much as could be expected. The building is a neat little structure, 31-6 by 18, with a small spire. It was planned and constructed by amateur carpenters, and yet is well and faithfully built. The church stands in a commanding position, in the centre of Mauriceville South, and it has, if not an imposing, at least a pleasant appearance.

Most gratifying it is to see the progress of Christianity among the Scandinavians. They pull well together, and evince a type of simple and devout religion rarely seen in these days of superficiality and formalism. Taking the labor given into account, and the subscription given in money, the building cost £149 17s. Before the day's gathering there was a small debt of £11. "A few outstanding subscription, and the result of collections on the 9th and 10th of July, with the proceeds of the tea-meeting yesterday is expected to extinguish this sunall deficiency. On the 10th of July there were three services in connection with the opening of tho Church. There was a large attendance, and in the afternoon the church was completely packed with people. The Rev. W. G. Thomas preached on each occasion, and Pastor Neilson translated the discourses into the Scandinavian language. It was delightful to witness the fervor of the simplehearted believers in Christ. At the close of the evening service the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to a large number of communicants. The collection of the 11th realised £6 0a 2d.

In connection with the opening of the new Wesleyan Church at Mauriceville, a Very successful tea-meeting was held on Monday last. A bountiful spread was laid in the house of Mr Otter Christoffersen, the House Missionary in charge of the Mission, after which friends to the number of 120 adjourned to the Church. The building was densely crowded, and many could not obtain seats ; but the joy of the settlers on the completion of their pretty little church caused them apparently, to forget the unpleasantness of a " deckled squeeze." It was a matter of regret that Rev. W. G. Thomas could not stay over Monday, on account of his having to conduct a funeral service at Greytown ; but a fair array of ■peakers and singers presented themselves. Pastor Neilson, of Norsewood, opened the meeting with singing and prayer. A Scandinavian hymn was then sung, and the Pastor gave an excellent address, which was well received by the congregation. He then called upon the resident homo missionary, Mr Otter Christoffersen (by whose indefatigable labors the church has chiefly been built), to preside. After another hymn the Chairman gave an earnest and telling address, full of devout gratitude to God, who had enabled them to erect a house to his glory. The Rev. John Dukes, of Masterton addressed the meeting on " The universal adapation of the religion of Christ." , In a very happy speech Mr W. Bayliss qf JEketahuna, spoke on " The common aims. and sympathies of colonial settlers." He referred to fact that so the Scandinavians of Mauricevill belonged the honor of erecting the first church in the _Torty-mile Bush expressed a hope that tho day was not far distant when a similar structure would grace tho rising township of Eketahuna. A hearty vote of thanks (tho whole of the congregation rising) was given to the speakers and singers, and prayer offered by the Rev. J. Dukes brought a very interesting meeting to a close. Wo are glad to report that the church is free of debt. In addition to the sum of £6 0s 2d collected on Sunday last, the tea-meeting and collection realised a further sum of £7 9s, making a total of £13 9s 2d.