BALFOUR ANGLICAN CHURCH.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1146, 12 February 1903, Page 2

BALFOUR ANGLICAN CHURCH.

FOUNDATION BTONE SERVICE. The oeremony of laying the foundation Btone of tbe Balfour Anglican churob wag in J pressively oonduoted in tbefrMence of a largo assemblage yesterday afternoon. The site of the church (which is most conveniently situated, being almost opposite to tbe public school) contains over half an acre, and was donated by Mr M. Henrikson. The contractor for the building is Mr Qavid Bobertson of Gore, the oost being £3OO. This amount is already in hand, but the interior fittings, stabling, Ac, are expected to amount to a further £IOO. The Building Committee, consisting of Messrs James Butler (chairman), B. Butler, J. 8. Thomson, B. Barnett, W. Barnett, A. J. West, A. Orr, J. Lush, J. Grew, T. Batshalor, and F. Bogers (secretary), is entitled to tbe highest praise for the energy displayed in raising funds sufficient to enable the work 11 proceed. The Btone was laid by the Ven. Arohdeaoon Stacker of Inveroargill (in tbe absence of the Bishop), other portions of tbe service being taken by the Hev. W. Wood of Winton (of whose parish Balfour forms a part), Rev. J. L. A. Kayll of Gore, and the Rev. Mr Bwinborne of Gladstone. Tbe stone having been laid, the Archdeacon delivered an impressive address. He said they had that day laid the foundation of an edifice in which tbsy would be privileged to worship God ; where tbe Sacraments would be administered, and where tbe Word of God would be expounded. Would that all could worship there. But since there were grave divisions they should pray that tha Divine wish would one day be consummated—that they might be one. Living as tbey did as a small isolated community, ho counselled thom not to give way on any essential point for tbe sake of peace and conciliation. They were only a small part of tbo diocese, but the diocese in its turn was only a branch of the English Catholic Church, and it in its turn was but a branch of tbo Holy Christian Church, to which they owed allegiance. Their heritage was a na'ble and a hjly one, and they should nover wavor nor retreat from any esaentiu) dotail of their faith. No doubt they could fecure conciliation if they gave up the Episcopal Office and did away with Bishops, but those things had oome down to them from the earliest ages with the stamp of Apostolic authority upon them. It was an historical truth that Bishops were appointed before the death of St. John. Would that all could worship together. But though as yet tbey could not do so, they bad much in common, enabling tbem to work together for tbe common good of humanity. They were building a church for Christ, and it was their part as members of tbe Anglican communion to worship in it and to bring up their children in it in the nurture and admonition of God.

In the evening a soiree was held in the Publio Hall, which was largely attended, the ladies of the district providing an abundant and excellent repast. A publio meeting and social were afterwards held, Mr Jas. Butler presiding. The Chairman noted with gratification the auspicious nature of the event they had celebrated that day, mentioning that at Balfour members of the Anglican oommunion had been privileged to receive the ministrations of the late Kev. T. L. Stanley, the Bev. Woods, the liev. J. L. A. Kayll, and the Rev. W. Wood. He thanked all those who had subscribed so liberally towards the building fund and made mention of the assistance received from members of other denommationK as well.

The Bev. Mr Kayll congratulated both the congregation and its energetic vicar (the Rev. W. Wood) upon the evident progress made. A little over two years ho thought the possibility of Balfour having an Anglican church erected in its midst very remote indeed, and the result of their efforts had been most creditable both to minister and people alike. He hoped they would go on as they began, overcoming all dilliculties, and showing by their actions that they were Christians more than in name merely. They had commenced that day a work to the glory of God, and he trusted they would continue that work by their regular attendance at service and eo-operation with the efforts exerted by thiir pastor.

Mr Rev. Mr Swinburn congratulated the congregation on its wonderful suooess during the past two years and hoped the same success would follow it in the future. In an interesting address he tracsd back the history of the Anglican Church which through stress / and storm, and prosperity and depression, f had kept the light of the gospel burning t clearly and brightly. That church had given Britain Magna Chart* -had wrung from the craven King John for the people freedom to live, freedom of speech, and freedom of worship. That Charter was never more acted upon than to-day. The church had given Britain its first Parliament, had given it a Constitution, upon which all the Constitutions of Europe were built up, and all down the ages she had proved consistent and true to the ancient truths of doctrine. The Church was never stronger in her induance upon the world than to-day, and those whose glorious heritage it was to bo members of that Church should appreciate their privileges, realising that as they were strong in their position so they should be humble in it.

The Rev. W. Wood expressed great pleasure at seeing Mr Jas. Butler in the chair that evening. It was particularly fitting that he should hold that position. His father before him had been a great supporter of the Church at Kiversdalo, and the son was following worthily in his footsteps. They were indebted also to all the Butler brothers, and to the committee in general who had assisted in that magnificent work. While the Anglican Church had helped to mould the British character, it was also responsible for planting tho gospel in New Zealand. The first man to preach the gospel in the Colony was the Kev. Samuel Marsden, formerly Anglican chaplain at Botany Bay. The first service in New Zealand was held in December, 1814, and the fiistcelebration of the HolyCommuuion was in Dec,lßl9. The first Bishop wasßishop Selwyn, whowasoonsecrated in 1841,andduring a recent stay in Stuart Island the speaker had met a Maori and his wife who were baptised by Bishop Selwyn in 1815. Tbe first olcrgymsh of any denomination to come to Southland was Bishop Selwyn. He carried on the work of the Church single handed in New Zealand for 15 years, when Bishop Harper was appointed, his, diocese comprising the whole of the South Island. In the speaker's parish was a little church at Uyal Bush consecrated by Bishop Harper 42 or 45 years ago. In IWli the Church of England people in OUgo and Southland began to agitate for a Bishop of their own, and in 1871 Bishop Nevill was consecrated. He carried on tbe work for 20 years without receiving a penny piece, and Binoe then he bad only received barely sufficient to pay his travelling expenses -so great was his zeal in the service of God and hia fellow men. That day they bad taken a definite stand, and had began to ereot a place set apart for the service of God. No doubt members of the Anglican communion would appreciate it, and would show their appreciation by attending regularly and instructing their children in the truths that had fortified their forefathers in the battle of life. The speaker expressed, his thanks to the Arabdeacon (who bad attended at great personal sacrifice, being in ill-health), to the Rev, Messrs Kayll and Swinburne, to the shalrman, tbe committee, tbe ladies, and all who had assisted in the celebrations of the day. An excellent musical programme wag mbmitted during tbe evening, a pianoforte duet being given by Mr C. P. Clarke and Master N. Jenkinson, violin bolos by Mr A. W. Jenkinson (all of Win ton), and songs by Mist E. Hayden, Messrs T. 11. Tanner, and C. I', Clarke. Two splendid tableaux (arranged by Miss De Terte of Gore) were staged, entitled respectively, " Mercy at tbe feet o| Justice," and "Zealandin, Peace and Plenty,'* the characters beiiig sustained by Misses A. Richardson, Marshall, and De Terte. The accompaniments during the evening wen played by Misses Hayden and Bennett, Miss Claike, and Master Jenkinson. Tbe prooeedings closed with the singing of tha National Anthem.