HAWERA BAPTISTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 16 August 1928, Page 6

HAWERA BAPTISTS.

NEW CHURCH BUILDING

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY [£uu .'.'V, ..1 ■-

The official opening of the new Hawera. Baptist Church took place yesterday afternoon before a very large and enthusiastic attendance of members of the church and adherents. The Rev. R. L. Fursdon presided, and among the visitore were the Rev. J. J. J. North, D.D., principal of the Baptist College, Auckland; Hon. G. Mi. Thomson, of Wellington; Mr. Stewart, of the Gonville Baptist Church, Wanganui. Other Hawera churches were represented by the Rev. J. R. Young (Anglican), Rev. R E. Evans (Presbyterian), Mr. J. Foy (Methodist), Rev. F. A. Dawes (Church of Christ), and Ensign Bradley (Salvation Army). An apology for his unavoidable absence was received from the Rev. E. S. Emrnitt (Methodist Church). The new church is a handsome addition to the town’s public buildings, and is built in wood on _ concrete foundations. The exterior is roughcast lconlia board, and the roof is tiled with red Marseilles tiles. The interior is finished in fibrous plaster, with red pine dados. Abundant lighting is arranged by diamond lead-light windows, fitted with cathedral glass. The church proper measures 39 feet by 29 feet, and has accommodation for 140 people. Added to this is a classroom 14ft- by Bft, a vestibule 10ft- by Bft, and two vestries each Bft in by Bft. A Bible class room, which measures 21ft by 14ft, can be converted into two smaller axioms by means of concertina folding doors. For social functions a, kitchen, replete with all the necessary appliances, is a feature of this- new building. The floors are covered with heavy" cork linoleum, and arrangements have been made for the adequate heating of the building.

To commemorate the great assistance rendered by Mr. A. C. Stewart to the Baptist community of Hawera, a. brass tablet has been erected just inside the entrance to the _ church bearing the following inscription: ‘ ‘Tn grateful recognition of thegenerous services given by Mr. A. C. Stewart, of Dunedin, as builder of this church, 15th August, 1928.” After a few introductory remarks by the Rev. R. L. Fursdon, and prayers offered by the Rev. J. J. North, Mr. A. C. Stewart officially unlocked 1 the doors of the church, and the ceremony of unveiling the tablet was carried out simultaneously. The Rev. J. R. Young said it gave him unbounded pleasure to he present, as the opening of a. church was a great thing. “This handsome church is witness of the word of God. One of the greatest misfortunes from which the Christian churches suffered was that- there should he friction. We should all be one great body, and should not be in competition with each other. There- must he one essential thing, one aim for the common good, and in this I wish this new church God’s blessing and prosperity,’’ said the speaker. “I wish to congratulate all who have, by their enterprise, built such a fine edifice, and on behalf of the Anglican Church I wish all blessing that- is due to this splendid and historic occasion.” The Hon. G. M. Thomson, after briefly congratulating the congregation on their handsome new church, referred in eulogistic terms to- the builder, Mr A,'. O. Stewart. “I have known Mr Stewart for nearly half a century, in his-working days in Dunedin,’’ said the speaker. “He has proved a valued member of the Baptist Church, and is doing the- work for the- love of it-, giving bis services free. I -am glad to -be with you to-day, ian-d to- offer my congratulations. Churches are passing through a very hard time at present. People are always looking for amusement much to the expense of the church. J. fed that your move tin -building this church is a great advance, and 1 trust that you will accept my well wishes and congratulations to-day,” he concluded. Mr Stewart, of the- Gonville (Wanganui) Baptist .Church, also congratulated the Baptists of Hawera- on their achievement, concluding by saying: “There is a work fon* you to carry on. J. trust you will win many souls for God.”

After the function (afternoon tea was dispersed by a ladies’ committee. In the evening another large attendance was present to assist in the inauguration of the new church, The congregation was inspired by an illuminating address by the Rev. J. J. North, I D.D., who- concluded with the words : I “I want to say to your minister and people that you have made sacrifices, and now you have done your job, forget your sacrifices. This is an interesting age in which to build a Christian church, and I know that your minister will prove himself -and will serve in a spirit of love.” The Rev. R. L. Fursdon, in opening the evening’s proceedings, said it w r as a great joy to see so many people of other churches present. Referring to Air A. O. Stewart’s activities in the building of the Church, the said that the congregation owed him an unpayable debt of -gratitude, and also to- his assistant, Air Gabble, who had also i given his time and labour free. Con-1 eluding his address, Air Fursdon mentioned that many of those who had subscribed toward the building had given beyond sacrifice-. Air F. W. Horner, organiser o-f Hie building fund, gave -a brief resume of the history of the Baptist Church activities in Hawera- pointing out that £I3OO had been raised and the only debt o-n 1 the- new building was between £SOO and £550 at the present day. Air Homier 1 read several greetings from absent friends, amongst them being messages from Mr F. N. Andrews, Rev. Joseph Kemp (Baptist Tabernacle, Auckland), Rev. AY. Al. P. Lasoilles (general secretary of Baptist Union), Air J. R. Carey (Kapu-ni), Air Byc-roft (Hannl- ; ton)," Air H. Ivory (father of Airs Furs- , don), and the Rev. and Airs Fursdon (of England). Air A, P. Stewart, in responding to - the many felicitous remarks accorded . him. took the opportunity to thank Air Gabbie for his great practical assistfuioe in tlie building of the church, and Mr Arthur Brown for tlve use of his workshop- “Tq both of these gentlemen,” said the speaker, “we owe a debt 1 of gratitude.” Among others who spo-ke dun no, botli the afternoon and evening 1 unctions . were • Ensign Brad-lev, of the Salva- ; t-ion Armv, Rtev. R. E. Evans, Air J. ’ Fo-y, Air E. Dixon, and the Rev. F. A. a Dawes. . ; Durin"' the evening songs were contributed by Al.iss Mills, Ali©s vS-purdle and- AT ns Tozer, whilst Airs- A. K. North and Alls© Spwndile presided at the organ, i