NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 23744, 27 November 1940, Page 3

NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FULFILLING NEEDS OF WAKARI FOUNDATION STONE LAID The foundation stone of a new Presbyterian church at Wakari was formally laid last night by the Rev. A. C. W. Standage. The Moderator of the General Assembly (Right Rev. G. H. Jupp) presided at the service, and with him was the Moderator of the Presbvtery (Rev. N. E. Oakley), who delivered the opening prayer and read the lesson. , . The framework of the church is practically completed, and as it is situated on the iiorth-westerri fringe of the expanding residential district of Wakari if should fill a growing need of the occupants of C*overnment houses for a place of wirship. The laying of the stone was performed by Mr Standage, who was presented with a suitably engraved silver trowel by the builder (Mr J. M. Armour). Mr Jupp then delivered the prayer of dedication. The problems of to-day called upon all who believed in Jesus Christ to tell the world that it was. no longer possible to plan and then to ask God to fit into those plans, Mr Jupp said in his address. That had been the world’s troubles for the past 200 years. It was wrong. It was the people who should fit into God’s plans. They would have to do so in the future, and then there would no longer bo sorrow and suffering on every hand as there to-day. “In various cities and towns in New Zealand." Mr Jupp continued, “there have come into being Government housing schemes, and thev offer an open door to the church, foi usually they aro placed where there is no church dose af hand. In this district, the people have opened the door to worship to all who desire to do so. In other districts like this, the church must take her place in calling upon men and women to fit themselves into God’s scheme of life. It we take our place in His plans there will be a chance for us to (day a part in the better world that is going to be.” On behalf of the General Assembly and the Presbytery of Dunedin Mr Jupp congratulated the men and women who had sought out a corner on which to place a church where people might come to worship. He congratulated them on the results of their labours, and Mr Standage on the fulfilment of his desire to see a church in the district.

It was announced that the total offering from the various churches and from other sources amounted to £260.

The singing of the hymn ‘ The Church’s One Foundation ’ and the pronouncing of the benediction concluded the ceremony.