NEWTOWN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIII, Issue 44, 21 February 1907, Page 6

NEWTOWN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

«> THE FOUNDATION STONE LAID. There was a largo attendance of Congregawonalists on the grounds in Con-stable-street yesterday afternoon, where the new church building is already in a forward state." The occasion was the ceremonial laying of foundation stone, under which was placed a number of documents and articles, including a copy of the Evening Post, coins, etc. The stone was laid by Mr. A. Lindsay, of Wellington, who was presented with a silver trowel and who made an enthusiastic speech upon the placo of Congregationalism in national and city life. Special reference was made to the gift of the site of the new church by tho late Mr. Joseph- Burnc. Tho Rev. W. Day, of Auckland (chairman of the Congregational Union) also gave an address on the same topic, and tho union's treasurer (Mr. W. H. Lyon, ..of Auckland) spoko appropriately to the* occasion. . Tho pastor of the church, Rev. W. A. Evans, said the church was being built with the heartiest good wishes of the Congregationalists of the colony, and the builder (Mr. Drew) was making such rapid progress with the erection of the building that it was hoped to open the church on the first Sunday in June. Mr. Evans acknowledged subscriptions and promises amounting to about £1100, the. principal contributors being Mrs. W. R. Williams £100, Mrs. Burne £100, and Mr. and Mrs. Eggers and Mr. S. Roberts £329 (proceeds of tho sale of a piece of property). Mrs. Burno had sent an apology for her absence, and enclosed a cheque for a further donation of £50. The funds were augniented during tho afternoon by collections amounting to £94. The Revs. A. M. Aspland'and J. Reed Glasson took part in tho proceedings, and tho churches of other denominations in South Wellington were strongly represented .in tho gathering by ministers and people. A choir of children, trained by Mr. Johnson, led the musical portion of the programme, and Mr. Haye3 was at tho organ. Afternoon tea ; was provided for visitors by the ladies of tho church.