HAWERA BAPTIST CHURCH.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 21 June 1928, Page 2

HAWERA BAPTIST CHURCH.

LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE. The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Baptist Church, at the corner of Argyle and Surrey Streets, was performed yesterday afternoon before a large attendance of members of the church and their friends. The Rev. F. E. Harry, of Wellington, officiated, and there was a fair number of visiting clergy, among whom were the Rev-. J. R. Young, of St. Mary’s, Hawera, E. S. Ennnitt, of the Hawera Methodist Church, and F. A. Parry, of New Plymouth. The Rev. R. L. Fursdon, in a short introductory address, said that this was a long-looked for day, and it was a pleasure to .see so many visitors among the assemblage. Since the establishment of the Baptist Church in Hawera in 1923 it had* made steady progress, and services had been held from time to time in various halls, and now their efforts were to. be crowned with a model building. Tlie speaker paid eulogistic tribute to Mr A. C'. Stewart, of Dunedin, who had come ail the way to build the chuich and was giving his time and labour voluntarily. A great many congratulatory messages were received, amongst which were letters from the Governor-Gen-eral (Sir Charley Fergusson), the president- of the Baptist Union, Auckland, and a telegram from the Rev. J. J. North, principal of the Baptist College. His Worship the Mayor, Mr E. A. Pacey, in addressing those present, said it gave him great pleasure to be able to congratulate the Hawera Baptists on the steps they had taken in connection with providing the town with such a fine edifice. The church was being erected by volunteer labour, and those responsible had their hearts in the work and the Baptists of Hawera owed them a debt of gratitude they would be unable to repay. The building would be an architectural monument to the town and the speaker concluded by wishing the church aud its adherents God’s blessing, and hoped the future would bring forth happiness and prosperity to all who had given their labours to further the teaching of Christ. Mr H. G. Dickie, M.P., the Reverends J. Rl. Young, E. S. Emmdtt, F. A. Parry and Air F. W Horner also addressed the gathering with brief but appropriate messages.

The Rev. F. E. Harry, of Wellington, who presided at the ceremony, said it gave him great pleasure to be, present, and he was grateful for the honour bestowed qii him. This church was to be erected to the glory of God, and the only name to be exalted within its walls was the name of Jesus Christ. This church would be a challenge to a materialistic age. The people here had toiled and prayed and sacrificed for this day, and the kind of church people they wanted to see worshipping here was warm-hearted and welcoming; one that was evangelical, missionary and brotherly. The building, concluded the speaker, would not be ornate, hut would be comfortable. At the same time they recognised that Zion’s beauty was spiritual. The speaker then performed the ceremony of laying the foundation stone. A silver mounted mallet, made from wood of a post on the section was presented to the Rev. F. E. Hairy by the Rev. R. E. Fursdon as a momento of this memorable occasion. The stone, which is of the Sicilian marble, Lore the following inscription: “This stone was laid to the Glory of God by Rev. F. E. Harry,, of Wellington, 20th June, 1925. Rev. A. E. Fursdon, pastor. Church founded 4th February, 1923.” The new .church will be a most handsome addition to the town’s public buildings, and ia to be built in wood on concrete foundations. The exterior will be roughcast konka, board and the roof will be tiled with red Marseilles tiles. The interior will be finished in fibrous plaster, with red pine dados. Diamond lead-light windows will be used, fitted with cathedral glass. The church proper measures 39 feet by 29 feet, and will accommodate about 140 people. Added to this is a c-lassrjjom 14 feet by S feet, a vestibule 10 feet by S feet and two vestrys each S feet 6 inches by S feet. A -bible-olass room has also been added, and this room, which will 'be 21 feet by 14 feet can be converted into two smaller rooms by means of concertina folding doors. For social functions, a kitchen has been added, which will be fitted with gas rings and other necessary appliances. At the conclusion of the ceremony dedicatory prayers wore offered by the Rev. F. A. Parry. INTERESTING LECTURE.

Although, the climatic conditions prevailing last evening were anything but ideal, there was a fairly good attendance .at the Presbyterian Church hall io hear the Rev. F. E. Harry deliver an address entitled “Riding The Hobby Horse.” His Worship the -Mayor, JMr E. A. Pacey, occupied the chair. The RJev. Mr Harry fully justified his high, reputation as a lecturer and humourist, '.by keeping his audience up to the highest pitch of enthusiasm and merriment with a most able address, which was interspersed with many mirth-provoking stories and jokes.

At the conclusion of the address the Mayor drew attention to the fact that the Rev. P. E. Harry had journeyed to Hawera at his own expense for the sole purpose of assisting the cause for erection of the new Baptist Olmrch, and appealed to all to give liberally to the building fund of the structure now in course of erection.

Mr A. K. North, on behalf of the audience, expressed his thanks for the , very able and instructive address which all had enjoyed. Concluding his remarks, Mr North said that the art of public speaking was, in these days, almost a lost art, but to-night one and all had enjoyed every minute of the time devoted by the Rev. Mr Hairy in his illuminating and sparkling lecture. A collection in aid of the Baptist Church building fund was then taken up. which met with a most liberal response.