OPENING OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 5, Issue 219, 13 February 1897, Page 2

OPENING OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This event took place last Sunday under the most favourable circumstances. Two years ago the Rev. Robert Sominerville as representing the Presbytery of Auckland held the first services under the Presbyterian banner in the Schoolhouse. Last Sunday the same gentleman had the pleasure of opening and dedicating to the service of religion a Church which does honor to the people and the Presbyterian cause. Standing on a central and elevated site it will always command the notice of strangers. On Sunday to do full justice to the interesting event three services were held morning, afternoon and evening;. In the morning the Rev. Mr Sommerville preached a practical and appropriate sermon from the text 1 Kings S chap. \8 ver. words used in the dedication of the Temple. From this he showed that God desired such habitation on earth for manifesting his presence and will; that we required such a place for purifying and strengthening our spiritual nature and expressed the hope that this place of worship now so auspiciously finished and conseprated to the service of

the gospel would prove the birthplace of many souls and be greatly blessed to tile development of the Christian life. In the afternoon the Rev. I). Ross who is now resident minister preached from Psalm 40 ver. 31, " They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." Here he spoke of the rich promise and how it was to be realised by waiting on the Lord in the study of His word at the throne of praoe and the preaching of the Gospel. For this purpose the house they were now dedicating to the Lord was erected and to everyone that waited ori Him in sincerity he was sure the promise would be fulfilled. In the evening the Rev. ,T. T. Main, M.A., from New South Wales preached from Psalm 63, ver. .'5, "Because thy loving-kmdness is better than life." From these words he gave an eloquent and vigorous sermon shewing the high conception the Psalmist had of the favor of God placing it far above every earthly blessing of health, riches and honor which this life can offer to us. The congregation at the services were large and attentive especially in the evening when every seat was filled. The building was admired by all us substantial, commodious and chaste. It has sitting accommodation for 100 and measures 47 feet by 27 feet. It is built of best rimu timber and cost about £4OO. Of this amount f 200 have been raised and the rest will he a debt on the building. The erection of such a building as this in so short a time and with such a small handful of people speaks volumes for the courage and determination of onr Presbyterian friends. The event mi';well be regarded as an era in the history of a young place like this and from such a source we trust an influence will go forth that will tell on the well-being of the community for generations to come.