CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1331, 15 December 1864, Page 4 (Supplement)

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

A tea meetingof the members of this denomination was held on Tuesday, "Nov. 29, in the new chapel just erected in Manchester street. The room was elegantly and tastefully decorated with flags, flowers, and evergreens, which had a very charming effect.

Ample justice having been done by a numerous company to an excellent collation kindly provided by the ladies, who seemed to have spared neither time nor trouble in making the necessary arrangements, the proceedings of the evening commenced.

The following gentlemen occupied the platform:— The Revsi J. W. Habens, B A., C. Frazer, G. Grant, J. Buller, Dr. Foster, Messrs. Shackleton, Fisher, Lewis, and Drew. •

The proceedings having been opened with prayer,

The Rev. J. W. Habbks addressed, the meeting, expressing the gratification it afforded him to witness the successful result which had fcrowned their exertions in building the chapel. Although the. congregation had every reason to be satisfied with their temporary occupation of Bonnington's Hall, yet it was a great advantage to them to have a building of their own, which would enable them to carry out their arrangements in a more efficient manner, and to work their system much more advantageously than when they were compelled to rely upon precarious accommodation. He had the pleasing taskto discharge of returning his grateful acknowledgements to many then present for the interest which they took in the Congregational movement, and for their personal kindness to himself. He was very anxious that Bible classes should be established in connexion with the church, and that the Sabbathschool should be properly organized. He suggested that the teachers should meet in order to prepare themselves for imparting instruction to the children. Again, he was desirous that the psalmody should be improved; he did not complain of its; present state, but would suggest the formation of music classes in order to increase its excellence. He rejoiced to see so many persons present belonging to other denominations; it augured well for the progress of that spirit of union which it is so. desirable to encourage. He looked upon such meetings as the present as a clear protest against the obstacles which impede the unity of the true Church, as inculcated by its Great Head, and lie was willing to give the right hand of fellowship to all who were truly devoted to the service of our universal Master.

The Rev. C. Frazer, in addressing the meeting, congratulated their pastor and themselves on the happy issue of their work. He rejoiced to see a Congregational Church established here. Even in this professedly Church of England settlement it would not be out of place, for that Church was originally a Presbyterian one, and if the Congregationalists wanted sympathy and help they must look for it from their Scotch cousins. If we review the history of England we shall And that almost all its glorious religious freedom was owing to the puritans, of whom the Congregationalists were the direct heirs, and who were again closely: allied with the Presbyterians. The Act of Uniformity had, by its iniquitous operation, driven out many conscientious persons from the pale of the Church, and had occasioned its disruption. He doubted if the repeal of this act would effect the reunion of the Church, although he was pleased to 'see some of our leading statesmen at home labouring for its abolition. Perhaps on the whole it was better that we should remain in our present, condition. Constituted as human nature is* it is almost impossible that perfect unity in religious matters should prevail. He was glad of the opportunity afforded him by the meeting to express his earnest sympathy with the new movement, and he wished the promoters most,heartily "God speed."

Dr. Foster should confine himself to a subject which he thought one of great importance. The question had often been asked " What shall we do for our'young men." For prolonged periods of time they are engaged up-country in a state of almost moral stagnation, and deprived of any intellectual sources of enjoyment. When ; they came into the towns they were totally unprovided with any means of rational recreation. To remedy tjiis evil he had a project in view, and he hoped soon to have a public announcement of its being carried out. This was to found a debating society for young men where they might assemble for the purpose of discussing subjects of interest and importance. The scheme had been tried in England, and had to his knowledge succeeded admirably, [Dr. Foster here detailed some ®f the facts relative to the institution alluded to.] He should earnestly appeal to the young men of this settlement to take the matter up warmly.; they were the the parties chiefly interested* and if they desired that it should be a success, they must labour earnestly and zealously for its advancement Everything depended upon their hearty co-operation; they must be ready to learn as well as to be taught. This is a maxim we are all far too. prone to forget; in spiritual and temporal instruction we lean far too much on our teachers, and far too little on our own exertions to enable the instruction we receive to fructify and to be of any real service.

Mri Lewis addressed the meeting, detailing the rise and progress of the Congregational Church in Canterbury, and alluding to the generous help they had received from all classes of their friends, arid referring especially to Dr. Foster and Mr. Fair, who had tendered their respective professional services gratuitously. . Mr. Sbackleton, after a short speech, proposed the only resolution of the evening, namely--" That the thanks of the meeting should be given to the ladies who had so kindly furnished the handsome entertainment of which the! company had partaken." This having been seconded, was carried by acclamation. ' J The.,proceedings of the assembly were concluded with prayer, and the Benediction pronounced by the Rev. C. Eraser. We ought to add that the enjoyment of the evening was greatly enhanced through the exertions ef the choir, who performed several anthems in flrsj;rate style.-