PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

Marlborough Express, Volume IV, Issue 177, 29 May 1869, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

The Annual Tea Meeting was held in the Church on Monday , evening last, when about 200 persons'sat down to a most plentiful tea, handsomely provided by the ladies of the congregation. J. Kiss ling, Esq., took the chair after tea, and addicssed the meeting. He said various and onerous as were the many duties one is called upon from time to time to undertake, it afforded him much pleasure to take the chair that evening. He regarded it as a proud position, nevertheless it was beset with peculiar difficulty to him; for when he remembered who, but 12 short months ago, performed that duty, he could not help feeling how much fitter, how much worthier he was than himself. To those present, and to the memory of him who had left labor and entered rest, he felt that a reference was due in the first place to the Rev. Archibald Russell, by whose exertions chiefly that building ivas erected. It was also remarkable that the first sermon preached therein, was his last. The ravages of time* would destroy the building, but no time would efface the memory of him, who lived beloved, not only by his oivn people, but by all Avho had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and he died regretted and respected by the whole community. During the evening many speakers would address them, for whom he bespoke a fair hearing, for, from what they heard of some and knew of others, he felt certain they deserved their best attention. Mr. Hutcheson would shortly read his report, and he hoped they would see by it that it ivas necessary to exert themseßes more and more in the cause of the church, and that next year they would give that gentleman more trouble to add up the subscriptions. He was sure the report would be found correct, for he (Mr. H.) was an old and therefore could not make mlstakcsTOne more remark he might make was,“that that day the Queen of England attained her 50th year, and although thousands of mileslrohYthe old country, he Avas sure their feelings of loyalty to her and her throne were as great as in the largest assembly of the glorious English isle. The voyage of the Duke of Edinburgh had done much to encourage this load of affection to our Queen ; and for them and himself, he might safely say but one hope was ours : long may she reign over us, God sa\'e the Queen, (Applause.) Choir: 11 God save the Queen.”

Mr. Johx M'Hutcheson said, as Treasurer of the Church, he came before them to give an account for the year. The subscriptions prior to last meeting left them in debt £l2 or £l4. He had also received sahecxiptions towards the Helson Trust FuhdT'Sriw 0, and from their own body £l5O, leaving £lO still due. Since last year the funds remained much as they were. He hoped the present meeting would place them in a better position, with £l2 or £ls in pocket towards seating the church. Referring to the late Rev. Mr. Russell’s widow, they had rect ived £ rgs~fl£e proceeds of thbmoncertflor wKoseexertions in connection therewith they were much indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Kissling, £39 12s 6d. (applause). £OB had been subscribed in Helson, making ajotal of £2.18 ; out of this sum, ITI 68 was p'aid YorThe passages to England, and the balance they took with them, and they still expected some funds from Auckland and Canterbury. He hoped by this time they had arrived safely at home. Mrs. \ Russell’s last request was that he should \ thank the people of Blenheim for their great / kindness to her under the circumstances. He , hoped soon to have a resident minister again \ among them The attendance showed they had an interest beyond the cares of the ] world. Their’s was but a small body, but their members had done very well consider- \ ing that fact. Anthem: “Make a joyful noise.”

The Rev. Archdeacon Butt referred to the pleasure he had in being present at the last meeting. He had great pleasure in

seeing so many of all denominations there hat night to join in the pleasures of the evening. His pleasure was somewhat dashed hy the circumstance so feelingly alluded to by the last speakers. After toiling so earnestly, Mr. Bussell was taken away. It might be that when we have blessings we value them too lightly. The loss of a faithful minister must be felt by all, and he was a man not easily to be replaced. We learn to value our privileges when they are taken away from us. He joined in mourning with them for their loss, and trusted they would soon be able to procure a successor. Secularism had become so common in this country, that ministers were wanted. It was well that we should sometimes be drawn out of our business. Every church was now on its trial, and the time seemed to he approaching spoken of in the Scriptures when every church would be put on its mettle to hold its own. This was shown hy the attempted dis-estahlishraent of the church in Ireland. There was a place for everyone in the church, and each could aid and forward the good work. Was every mind thus impressed, it would hasten the time when the lion should lie down with the lamb. Let every member keep in mind what his Father had called him to. He trusted their new minister would be a man of worth like his predecessor (applause.) Anthem —“ Great is the Lord.” The Rev. B. L. . Tickers said he had great pleasure in occupyingtEeT position he did that night, and to do what he could to further the cause of Christ. He endorsed all that had. been said respecting the late Mr. Russell; hut he was disposed to regard his death not so much a calamity, hut a promotion to a better world. He thought the church had derived a lasting benefit from his decease in his example. He thanked God that, following his example, we too should gather up our armour thus. He was happy to meet Mr. Shirriffs here ; last time they met, it was in the middle of a river, and there was some analgy in their present meeting. He confessed he had some sympathy with those of his own congregation who gave him the cold shoulder last evening and came here. It reminded him of an anecdote he had read. Somewhere in Cornwall there was once a village whose inhabitants used to place lights upon the coast _ to draw vessels to destruction. On one occasion while they were in church, word came that there was a wreck ashore, whereupon the people all departed, leaving the minister in pulpit, who, as he saw them leaving, cried out, “ stop, come hack, you rascals; let’s have a fair start.” He felt fit to follow the example, and say the same to his congregation. However, he hoped to have the pleasure of hearing him to-night. He liked tea-meetings and gatherings of a peaceful kind. He thought this might be regarded as a solemn occasion. They had been told in the report what they had done, and they had heard from the chair what their minister had done, and the church would guage their opinion and approval by the way in which they gave when the collection came on. We were here to bear one another’s burdens. He was by no means straightlaced in his ■ notions, and doubted not he should meet Archdeacon Butt on many such occasions. We not only get good, but do good at these meetings, and he advocated it as a catholic principle to give their sympapathy and countenance here. These were anniversaries of hope, of greater results than ever, both as regards the pastor and office bearers. Paying a tribute to the Choir and the ladies who had furnished the tables, he said, were he to talk of all these as they deserved, it might take him longer than than they would care to listen. He concluded a most eloquent address, frequently broken by applause, by urging increased earnestness in the cause of Christ.

Anthem—'

‘Jerusalem,” The Rev. Mr. Shiebxets said it had been advertised as a Presbyterian tea meeting, but he was not aware there was any particular way of infusing or drinking tea by that body. (Laughter.) He had great pleasure in being on the platform with Archdeacon Butt and the Rev. Mr. Tickers, in being associated with the great work of the Christian Church —the evangelisation of the world. That object should not be lost sight of in meetings like the present. Eminent men of the world never allowed anything to draw them aside from their pursuits, and he thought the same spirit ought to pervade the members of the Church. He urged love and kindly feeling towards one another. In old times it was remarked, “ behold how these Christians love one another.” This not only added to their prosperity, but added an almost irresistible power. They ought to see that zeal was in the right direction; as in mismanaged business, so in these meetings it was necessary to see that as some sought to collect this world’s riches, so it was necessary to observe this was a work in which all were interested —in which all should take a share— -and who,

if they worked conscientiously, would gain a good reward. He trusted that all, whether they possessed many or a few talents, would join in the work of the Lord. The Church was in a time of great trial, especially in this country, where worldliness abounded amongst us, and there were many drawbacks, which made it necessary to continue as one man in the cause of Christ. There were many workers in the noble enterprise of saving a nation from death, and he hoped the time was not far distant when they would be united as one man in the name of the Lord. (Applause.) Anthem—“ Awake, awake.” Mr. Moeley would not dwell at any length upon the subjects which had already been alluded to so feelingly by former speakers. Those friends were using their powers in a higher sphere. Others whose sympathies were with them were now in the land of their birth, and their thoughts would no doubt that night be with them, although so far away. He thought these meetings productive of great good, when our powers were taxed to the utmost to provide things necessary. Former speakers had urged unity, but on looking around him he found it had been practised. An admirable oportunity offered of carrying this idea into effect —by holding a combined missionary meeting annually, by which means the members of the Churches here would learn what was doing in other parts of the world, and this would stimulate them to do more in favor of this great work. He proceeded to urge in an eloquent and and ardent manner the cause of missionary effort, affirming that we ought to make sacrifices in behalf of the cause, and quoting examples from both ancient and modern history, where individuals had sunk their individual benefit for the common good; instancing Peel, who lost a party and won a nation, and Mr. Gladstone in the present juncture—cases which ought to stimulate us to renewed exertions. He concluded with a fine peroration, amidst applause. A collection was then made, the Chairman requesting the audience to put both hands in their pockets. Mr. Litchfield, in a brief address, said a comical thought struck him at tea, and he wondered how such occasions came to be called fights; it might be said more properly to be a civil war, but the only thing he heard groan was the tables. He congratulated the Church on the crowded house, and hoped the result would far exceed their anticipations ; while thought was free there would always be a difference of sects. We always exerted our influence for good or bad as we used it. Our motto should be “Excelsior, advance Blenheim,” and our object the good and welfare of mankind in general.

Anthem—“ The Earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.”

Mr. Falconer proposed the thanks of the meeting to the contributors and the ladies who had so ably presided at the various tables. It was pleasing to see such a beam of satisfaction on every countenance. They were our friends, instructors, and companions. Were it not for the oscillation of thought, which he likened to a pendulum, our pleasures would be few. It married, some were apt to think it would have been better to be single; and if single, that it would have been better to be married. He hoped the pendulum had found its proper bearing to-night. Philosphers might consider them trifles, but they inspired confidence and encouraged good works. The ladies by their actions had succeeded in pouring some rays of sunshine into our poor hearts. (Great applause.) Mr. T. Dickens announced himself as the ladies’ proxy in some humorous remarks. He said the stock of soft talk not being great, he might dwell on the fickleness and uncertainty of human life. They had cast aside the dignity and reserve they usually carried before the world, and mixed together. Judging from the signs of approval on every face he believed they had given great satisfaction. (Applause.) The Chairman remarked that the motion had been already carried by acclamation, but to be sure he had made it all right with the reporters. Mr. Shierifes proposed thanks to the Choir, whose services deserved more hearty thanks than usual.

Mr. Gorrie returned thanks, attributing most of the praise to the lady (Miss Minnie M‘Hutcheson) who presided at the harmonium. He then proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, who with his better-half had assisted them so very materially in the interests of Mrs. RusselL Mr. Kisslxng said, on behalf of himself and lady, they should always be ready to assist in any good work when required. Anthem —“ Dismission.” The Rev. Mr. Tickers pronounced the benediction, which closed the meeting. The total proceeds of the services and tea meeting was about £4O.