CHURCH GATHERINGS. ANNIVERSARY SERVICES AT VIVIAN-STREET.

Evening Post, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 8 March 1905, Page 2

CHURCH GATHERINGS. ANNIVERSARY SERVICES AT VIVIAN-STREET.

FAREWELL TO TIIE REV. C. DALLASTON. The twenty-fcevenlh anniversary services of the Wellington Baptist Church were concluded last evening. The tea meet ing was crowded, a second sitting having to bo arranged to meet the needs of tho visitors. At tho public meeting hold in the church, tho anniversary services were combined with one of farewell to the Rev. C. Dullaslon. The building was crowded, Mr. C. Godber, senior deacon, presided, and was supported on the pint form by Revs. C. Dallaslon, Liimb, and Shiner (Uaplisl), J. K. Elliott (Presbyterian), Glasson (Congrcgationul), Dawson (Methodist). Bull (Church of Christ), and SUiff-Caplain M'Leod (Sah'ation Army). Letleis and telegrams apologising for non-attendance, and wishing success to Rev. C. Dallaston in his new field of labour, wero read from the Premier, Dr. Gibb, Revs. J. Paterson and G. Bond, Mr. J. If. Barker, and the Commilteo of the Council of the Churches. The Chairman gavo a short retrospect of the church history, nnd called on Mr. D. R. Purdie to read the report of the year. Mention was mado of the good work done by the Pastor during his 13 years' ministry. The total number on the church roll was 257, 21 members having been received during the year. Missionary work hn,d boen kept in mind; by means of two sales of work, a good sum of mon,oy had been raised towards this object. Tho choir had greatly assisted in tho work of the chucrh, and a fund had been opened for the purchase of a pipe organ. The Bible classes, open-air mission, etc., were in* a nourishing condition. Tho Treasurer, Mr. Hoby, read bis statement of accounts, which showed the Mini of £922 15s had been raised from all sources, including over £280 for mission work. Addresses expressing regret at the departure of the Rev. C. Dallaston from Wellington, and wishing him success in his new fcphcro of labour, wero given by Revs. J. K. Elliott, Dawson, G'asson, and Staff-Captain M'Leod. Tho Chairman, on behalf of the members of tho church then presented Mr. Dallastun with a purso of soveieigns, and in doing so said how sorry they all wero at losing their pastor. If o had served them faithfully and well during thirteen years, and his kind Christian counsel would bo much missed. He wished him overv success in his labours in the now field of work just opening. On behalf of the ladies of the congregation, Mrs. Hoby presented Mrs. Dallaston with a gold watch-chain, and Miss Dallaston n'ith a gold brooch, in recognition of tho good work done by thes; ladies. Acting for tho Young People's Improvement Society, Mr. J. Johnson proscnved a large framed photo of Wellington to Mr Dallaston in special recognition of his work on their S)ehalf. Rev. W. Lamb, for the members of the Ohiro Baptist Church, and Mr. A. 'A. Whitelaw on behalf of the Berhampore Baptist Church, also made presentations to Mr Dallaston, the former taking the shape of a large Gladstone bag, and the latter a sot of valuable books. Rev. C. Dallaslun, in rising to > acknowledge the gifts, woo met with round* of applause. In thanking the friends for their kindness, he reforred to tho great strides mado by Baptists during his stay in Wellington, in tho establishment of churches at Brooklyn, Berlmmpore, and Petone. He spoke in terms of high appreciation of tho help rendered by his deacons, and acknowledged the assistance ho had received from the choir and tho various Young People's Societies. He was much touched with their kindnras, not only to himself, but also to Mrs. Dallaston, and on her behalf he thanked nil who had helped them. In concluding, tho rev. gentleman, who was Overcome with emotion, urged all piesonfc to work unitedly with the now pastor for tho extension of Christ's kingdom in the city. Tho meeting w.us brought to a close" liy prayer and tho benediction, by Rev. W. Bull. During tho ovening the choir rendered soveral appropriate anthems in a pleasing manner. AT COUHTENAY-PLACE. NEW MINISTER WELCOMED. Last ovening, tho Rev. A. L. M. Asplund, who recently arrived from England to take over tho pastorato of the Courte-miy-pluce Congregational Church, was welcomed by the church members. Tho Rev. J. R. Glasson presided, und there wero in attendance several ministers of tho district, and a large number of the congregation. Tho Chairman, in welcoming Mr. Aspland, assured him that ho would have the loyal support of his new congregation at Courtenay-place, and tho sympathy and counsel and help that he might desire to havo fiom his bi other ministers in the city. He believed Mr. Aspland would liko Wellington more after he had been here some time— he believed that if ho stayed long enough, so as to get the full confidence and sympathy and support of his people, and got to know the Wellington people und they got to know him, ho would appreciate the place better than during tho first year or two of hjs ministry. Speaking on behalf of the church officois, Mr. Ward said thoy hnd been looking forward to this gathering ever since thoir late pastor went away. Ho besought tho congregation to stand by Mr. Aspland, and expressed the hope that ho w ould bo a, help to .them and to many others in this city. Mr. ]f. Mcadowcroft spoko on behalf of the Congregational Union of New Zealand. Ho said their desire was that Mr. Aspland's ministry might be a long und usolul one. Ho pointed out that a minister's work was vory much influenced by his people If they expected him to put in his best work amongst them, they must rally round und assist him. Thoro wero soino people who did ft lot of grumbling but not much work, und ho hoped there would bo fow grumblers at Courtenayplaco. Mr. W. H. L}'on, of Auckland, in the course of his remarks, said he had been impressed with tho tide of materialism and worldlinoss that ran strongly in this city, and he urged upon the new pastor and those associated with him to counterbalance that tide with one of Christian activity. On behalf of tho Congregational ministers in Wellington, the Rev. W. A. Evans wolcomed both Mr. and Mrs. Aspland. He expressed tho opinion that it would bo better if moro Christian workers came to this colony from the Old Land. Tho tics of Empire, ho suid, wero not purely commercial ties, not purely economical ties, thero wero moral and spiritual ties, and moral nnd spiritual ties would not bo obtained except in and through spiritual men and women. Messrs. W. Holdsworlh and Gilbert, the Revs. Dawson and J. K. Elliott ulso spoke words of welcome, and a letter expressing similar sentiments was read from tho Rev. Fairclough. Mr. Aspluud, in reply, said the kindness which had been shown him since his arrival had filled him with inspiration for his future work. Ho had confidence in God and in humanity. Ho believed nothing was impossible with God, and great things could be accomplished if they put their trust iv Him. He also had great

hope and faith in humanity, nnd did not think that any man was beyond tho power of being reclaimed. So that in his work he would always seek to help tho worst and s>eek to join them with Jesus Christ. That would be his great object, and that would be tho principal work thaL he should seek to do while at Courtenuy-place. He referred to tho advanced licensing laws in New Zealand, and whilst not expressing any opinion on them, indicated that he \\»h prepared to take his part in the cause of temperance here. He also spoko of the (,'reat light for principle in the Old Land, lie hud played an important part- in it, and said ho had been prepared to go to gaol rather than sacrifice his principle. During tho evening two anthems were rendered by the choir.