SOUTH DUNEDIN BAPTISTS

Evening Star, Issue 18394, 1 October 1923, Page 9

SOUTH DUNEDIN BAPTISTS

CORNER STONE OF NEW CHURCH,

Tho ceremony of laying tho corner stone of tho now Baptist Church at the comer of King Edward street and Bay View road was witnessed by a large assemblage on Saturday afternoon, there being present not only Baptists but scores of persons belonging to other churohea, and some who, though not identifying themselves with any church, realise that tho Baptist Church has been a powerful influence for good in the district, Tire proceedings opened with a hymn and a prayer. Tho Rev. Guy Thornton, pastor, said in the course of his remarks that all the money necessary so far had come in as the direct result of prayer, without bazaars or sales of work. The management acknowledged the help of all who had done something towards the scheme. Mr C. J. Darracott, the secretary, was entitled to special thanks for the work he hod done. Mr Darracott said that tho money had been given without stint. He paid a tribute to Mr D. G. Mowat (architect), who had spent considerable time in drawing a plan suitable to their requirements. He hoped that the church would be the spiritual birthplace of many. Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P., gave thanks for the invitation to bo present. The building of a church was evidence of the prosperity of a district itself. The church had an important part in promoting world peace, and he urged tho people at Large to back up any endeavor for the ending of war and its devastation. If tho world were allowed to go on as before he feared there would be another great catastrophe. Ho praised the Baptists for their enterprise in erecting a new church, for there was nothing better for the nation than a good, moral, healthy, religious life. They had surmounted many obstacles, and he trusted that the tshuren would have a long and successful mission.

Mr W. J. Bardsley thanked them for the privilege of being present to represent tho Otago and Southland Auxiliary. In making a# appeal for the wiping out of the deficit, he said that £1,600 was now either in baud or promised.' Only £3OO more wasjrequircd. Ho made reference to tho splendid offer of Mr Ashton, who first made tho project possible, by offering to do the roughcasting and plaster work free.

The Rev. Knowles Kempton gave an encouraging address. Mr Reuben Richardson declared tho stone well and truly laid, and on behalf of the Sunday School Sir Goo. Wix laid a memorial stone. Sir R, Mitchell is tho builder of tho church, which will have seating accommodation for about 300. Between £3O and £4O was collected at the ceremony. ’