THE BAPTIST TABERNACLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1792, 25 June 1906, Page 3

THE BAPTIST TABERNACLE.

OPENING SERVICES.

An important event in the history ol sbornc took place yesterday, when the Baptist Tabernacle in Palmerston road was opened, the several services in connection therewith being largely attended. The Eev. Joseph Clark of Auckland (Baptist Tabernacle) and the Eev. David Parry conducted the services which wore of a most impressive character. The congregation and pastor are to be congratulated upon the excellent building erected, the appointments of the Tabernacle being thoroughly up to date, The interior of the church has been handsomely decorated and not a point missed by the architect, Mr H. J. Brownlee, in working out the details. There is seating accommodation for 850 people. The contractors for the building were Messrs Clayton Bros., whilst the painting and decorating work was carried out by Messrs I’. Hall and Sons, the work in both instances giving entire satisfaction. There was a large congregation at the morning service, those present including:— His Worship the Mayor, Mr Townley, and and Mrs Townley, and several members of the Borough Council. The service opened with the chant “Holy! Holy I Holy!” the congregation afterwards singing, “ Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow.” The usual service and prayer was then proceeded with, special hymns appropriate to the occasion being rendered. The Eev. D. Parry preached a most eloquent sermon from the text 1 Chronicles 29th chapter 18th verse, “ Now therefore, our God, we thank thee and praise thy glorious name.” The rev. gentleman spoke of David in his old age, giving his ast address to his people, reviewing the past lnd present and anticipating the future of the temple. The passage of scripture referred to was used in reference to the history of the Baptist cause in Gisborne mention being made of the initial difficulties which were encountered and the wonderful way in which prayer had been answered in reference to the building. The preacher further dealt with the work and influence of the church in all ages. Human trust was not he said to be placed in grimly armoured ironclads and military legions drilled and accoutred for battle, but to be placed in the supremely higher power and grace of God. .Righteousness exahed a nation, and any nation that failed to fortify itself with that security would sooner or later fall. Every added section of the Christian Churoh meant the enlargement of power and the advancement of the force for good. Mr Parry expressed the fervent wish that the Baptist Tabernacle of Gisborne would prove to be an effective aid in reforming, refining, and exalting the life of the town. The sermon was most attan-

tively listened to, and many present were greatly moved by the preaoher’s delineation of David in bis old age offering his thanksgiving for the temple, a parallel being drawn between that great inoident and che experiences gone through in eon' neotion with the Baptist canse in this district. At the morning servioe a solo, " A Happy Sabbath Day,” was rendered by Mrs Churoh. Miss Parker presided at the organ, and Mr Parker assisted with the violin.

At the afternoon service the Bev. Olark delivered an address from Ecolesiastes, 9th and 10th verse, 11 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might, for there is no work, nor dsyice, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest.” The preacher urged the necessity of everyone having a distinct purpose in life, and seeking to make the most of every opportunity for doing good that presented itself, not to wait to achieve some great feat, but to get right to work at whatever was first at hand. The value of

time was emphasised, as also the necessity of having whole-hearted trust in the promises of Christ- Mr Calloway sang The Holy City ” in an impressive manner.

The Tabernacle was orowded for the service at 7 o’clook, and the proceedings throughout were of a most attractive character. The Bev.. Clark preached an exceedingly able sermon from the text Bomans v., 6th verse, “ Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound; but where sin abounded grace did much more abound.” The musio portion of the servioe was most successful, A quartette, “ Lead me gently Home,” was given by members of the ohoir, Mrs and Miss Church taking the duet. Mrs Bynsmith sang with good effect ” The Sinner and the SoDg.”

Throughout the day the new churoh was inspected by a large number of people, and general admiration was expressed in regard to it.