New Wesleyan Church.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 128, 7 May 1883, Page 2

New Wesleyan Church.

OPENING SERVICES.

The services m connection with the opening of the new Wesleyan Chnrch m I 'road-street took plnce yesterday, and were... largely attended. The Rev. R. Bavin, of Wellington, r President of the Conference), officiated morniug and evening also holding a children's service m the afternoon. Although the weather looked anything but settled, slight showers falling at intervals during the morning, numbers of people might have been seen threading their way m the direction of the new sanctuary, and long before the time for commencing service the building was well filled. Shortly after the minister's arrival the swe°t tones of an A merican or an were heard pealing forth from the choir gallery the anthem " Adeste FUeles " (O, come all ye faithful), the opening solo of which was feelingly rendered by a lady Popr^no, the various parts of the anthem being taken up by the other members of the choir, and given with irreproachable fcafite and expression. Prayer was then encaged m, followed by the sinsffner of the Te Denm, after which a portion of Scripture suitable for the occasion was read and explained, followed by the singing of a hymn. The TCev. Mr Bavin then pr«nched an appropriate sermon, earnestly exbortinor the members of the church to consistent Christianity, after which the collection wns talcen up whilst the choir sang the anthem "Give ear to my words." A short prayer haying been offered up, the congregation sung the doxology and dispersed. The afternoon service for children was numerously attended, the little ones mustering m good force, several of the parents also being present. The children were questioned by the Rev. Mr Bavin on various portions of Scripture, replying to most of his queries with prompt readiness. The choir again assisted singing during the collection the anthem " Thine O Lord." The evening service was not quite so prolonged as m the morning, the TW. Mr Bavin again preaching to a crowded congregatioc . Good assistance was again rendered by the choir, two anthems being sung during the service. We believe the collections for the day amounted to £13 17s. The trustees and those members who took an active part m the erection of the church »re to be congratulated on the success which has up to the present attended their efforts. There was nothing wanting m yesterday's services, everything being arranged with evident care by tbe stewards^ who had their work cut out , for them for some days previously. We cannot close this notice without congratulating Mr Hartley on the, efficiency which the choir have attained under his leadership.- To cay we were pleased with the singing of the various anthems rendered would be paying him a poor compliment. We were surprised bejond measure at 1 the excellence of the style and expression, much careful drilling having evidently been gone through to brine about such complete success. The organ , which was kindly lent by Capt. Mowlem for the occasion, was presided over by Miss Mowlem at each of the services, by whom the instrument was very nicely played. We congaatulate the conductor on possessing such an excellent organist, and the congregation on having such a well* trained choir to lead them m singing God's praises. , We have no doubt the tea and public meeting this evening will be largely attended.