CHURCH OF ENGLAND MEETING.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 99, 1 February 1868, Page 4

CHURCH OF ENGLAND MEETING.

In accordance with notice, a meeting of members of the Church was held in the Council Chamber, on Saturday evening last; the Rev. Mr. Butt in the chair. The Chairman said that at a previous meeting it was resolved to remove the Church to a more convenient site, and a committee had been appointed to make enquiries respecting one. He then called upon Mr. A. Dobson, who reported that only two sites were available, both being near the Maxwell road bridge. One of these was suitable, but would require an outlay for purchase and filling in of £175. He then moved—“ That it is inexpedient to remove the Church ” —which would set the question at rest. Mr. Moffitt seconded the motion. He thought the question was one of expense, and that it was undesirable to remove it j he thought those who were desirous of attending would not be likely to be actuated by having to go a few yards further. Mr. Kodson moved—“ That it was desirable to enlarge the present Chureh, so as to give additional, sittings.” He said seats were in demand, but none were to let; the free seats were always full, and the Church also required fencing in. Before the district could be constituted a parish, considerable funds would be required, which might be procured by letting additional seats! He suggested that a committee should be formed for the purpose of making, an elargement. The Chairman suggested that it was inexpedient to form a committee; he considered the Church Officers more convenient and advantageous, as they were the best men that could be procured. Mr. Dobson thought it would be best for the meeting to decide what plan should be followed in the enlargement; a committed would be extremely useful to report in that respect • it was a task of too great magnitude to expect the officers to undertake by themselves. Mr. Hodson wished for a committee to consult with them as Church Officers.

‘ Mi\ Barleymau did not anticipate much difficulty in designing the enlargement.

Y Mr,-Dobson said 60 or 70 additional sittings should be provided for present requirements, as there was not the proper proportion of free seats according to the trust deed.

The Chairman said the present Church was about 25 by 35ft., and he thought it would be best to add three additional bays, giving 21ft., which would be ample for the next four or five years, the probable cost of which would be £IOO to £l5O, and suggested that a subscription might be entered upon. r.

, His liordship Bishop Sutor expressed the .pleasure he had in coining among us, and upon so doing, finding them keeping up the same progress which he had'found going on in other parts of the diocese. In Nelson he found great efforts had been made to get the chprph free from debt; in Waimea and ilotueka the same ; and again ’in Picton he was pleased to-find they had got their Church free. While here nothing could be more gratifying that to find.them considering the enlargement of the present edifice, which was insufficient to containthe worshippers. He was glad to find this the case in the chief town of the province, where they owned such extensive municipal buildings,, but they must also think of the large constituency outside. What was proposed would remedy this state of things, and he was glad to hear so respectable a body of theTaity take tip . these , matters ,so readily j. a cdmmittee woiddrerdist alarger

amount of sympathy, and be more advantageous than otherwise. The Church was admirably situated for the district, but the access wanted improving, which would require a special effort ; although easy of access in dry weather, he could see how easily wet Weather would . form an excuse. The step was a right one, and the plan named by the Chairman would, he thought, be the best. He trusted that by increased energy ere long they would be able to support a clergyman to themselves ; at present the members were proceeding cautiously and wisely. It was his duty to look forward to the future. Referring fco the plan named, he said it would not prevent enlargement again. Westport was already constituted a parish, and they had erected a parsonage. Here the minister resided in a house of his own, which might, be said, to be by accident. He was delighted with the order and neatness in which the precincts of the Church -was kept at Picton. Blenheim, as the chief town of the province, had grave responsibilities which would require to be attended to. He commended the resolution to their favourable consideration. The Chairman thought it would be a wise economy if the money had to be borrowed. After some remarks from others, the resolution was put and carried. Mr. Hodson then proposed “That Messrs. Litchfield, Barleyman, Wemyss, and Clarke, with the Church Officers, should be a committee for the purpose.” His Lordship remarked that it was not practicable, legally speaking, for the Church Officers to touch the fabric of the Church. In reply to Mr. James Robinson, the Chairman said it would be understood that the committee would be, empowered to go on and complete the work. Mr. Dobson urged that the committee should report to a future meeting. Mi*. Moffitt objected to this course. His Lordship earnestly deprecated any delay ; he said he could not follow the example of his predecessor, who had both a large heart and a large purse j his means were limited, which rendered it difficult, to follow his example ; but provided the work was carried out at once, he would give £5 towards it.

Mr. Wemyss urged that 200 sittings should be provided in the whole, with instructions to add a vestry and additional entrance if the funds would allow it.

Mr. Dobson, in seconding the motion, said he agreed with Mr. Robinson, that the seats were too small for the number they were let for. On the motion of Mr. Honnor, a subscription was opened in the room, and names were put down to the amount of £49 6s.

The Chairman urged the holding of a tea meeting, to be held on the return of the Bishop and himself from the Southern part of the province. Ultimately it was resolved to hold one on Friday next week.