WESLEYAN CHURCH OAMARU.

North Otago Times, Volume IV, Issue 68, 8 June 1865, Page 2

WESLEYAN CHURCH OAMARU.

Xast Sabbath was the anniversary of the above Chuich, on which occasion the .Rev Mr W. Cannell, newly inducted as Pastor of the Congregation, preached in the forenoon and evening ; and Mr Flamank, formerly officiating here, but now of Waikouaiti, preached in the afternoon. On Monday evening a public tea meetin? was held in the Church, when a most substantial repast was provided by the ladies of the Congregation, and fruit was liberally distributed in the course of the evening. The house on this occasion was filled to overflowing. Tea being over, a hymn was sung, after which the Rev W. Cannell offered up a prayer. Mr Atkinson was then called to the chair. The Chairman stated that the principal object of the meeting was to endeavor to raise more funds to enable the Congregation to pay off the heavy debt on the Church. He expressed a desire that the various sections of the Church were more united iu the prosecution of the great work of spreading the knowledge of Christ. He called on the Secretary to read the financial report. Mr Evans then read a statement, which substantially was that the present amount of debt was L259 5s. 6d. ; after which the choir sang an anthem, accompanied by Mrs Cannell on the harmonium. Mr Matthews then delivered a short address. He congratulated the meeting on the numerous attendance, he noticed how much they were indebted to the ladies for the liberal manner in which they had provided for their refreshment, and he hoped that those present would join hand in hand in promoting the object for which they were met; after another anthem by the choir, Mr Ferens was called \ipon, and although still evidently labojing under indisposition, addressed the assembly earnestly in regard to their duty to uphold the Temple of God, and to give of their substance for that purpose ; in return for which God would repay them liberally, illustrating his argument by several anecdotes, showing that prayer for assistance to give for sacred uses would be answered, and in some cases had been answered at once. He trusted that the exertions of the meeting might be blessed, and that ere long this Church might stand free and unencumbered among the churches of the Province. A duet, "O Lovely Peace, &c," Handel. Sung by Mr and Mrs CanneU, with harmonium accompaniment. Mr Flamank then addressed the meeting. He said that he greatly rejoiced to meet with them once more, particularly on such an occasion as the present, and that he was highly gratified by meeting there so many of all denominations. The ladies h»d done much for their entertainment, and what the ladies undertook was .always well done. He said that they should feel honored in furnishing a stone to build up God's Temple, and he hoped that in that house many polished stones would be fitly framed to build up the Spiritual Temple. God had put it into the hearts of his people to build up the present church, but those who had erected it now wanted the assistance of their brethem to complete the work and free it from incumbrance ; he was glad to see so many present, and he anticipated that the help required would be provided. The Choir sang the next Anthem on the programme, "Thine, O Lord." Mr J. Suisted being called on, made a few well-timed Remarks on union, and enforced the maxim that 'Snion is strength," as bearing on the object of the meeting. A &uet was sung by Mr and Mrs Cannell, " I know a Bank, fc c ." After v short interval, The ttev W. Cannell, after a few preliminary observations, said ttat in this age great religious privileges were enjoved by tne people of Gdl - privileges which our forefathers possessed not ; and yet those old Christians, under great disadvantages, had contended for and maintained the faith w'nich was once delivered to the Saints — maintained it, ayi ! in many cases, even to the death. After all, the great rieed of the churches in this land is a rich baptism of the Holy Spirit. Evidences are not wanting that in many parts even of New Zealand, an influence frpm on high has been felt, which has quickened piety into vigorous life ; and like the breath in TCzekiel's Vision, raised from the bleached bones which strewed the whitened valley, a living arm3' unto God. The question forces itself upon us, whence is it that while other parts are revived, and quickened, and cheered, that we are like GWeon's Fleece, unwatered and dry. Have we not the same sword of ethereal temper—have we not the resources of the same Almighty Spirit — have we not similar promises of Divine cooperation and blessing? Assuredly we have, and the secret of our non-success must be sought for in the fact that wo have been wanting in fidelity to ourselves, to others, and to God. There is needed on the part of the members of the church greater diligence — we have been apathetic when we should have been ardent — inert when we should have been enterprising— wavering when we shobld have been immovable — slothful when we should have been active ; and the result is we have accomplished little, and are witnesses api'nst ourselves of the frailness and folly of religious indifference. But, mourning our past faithlessness and shortcomings, we shall look for and expect success, and bringing all the tithes into the storehouse, we will pray the Lord that he may open the window of heaven and pour upon us an abundant blessing. Collections were then commenced in aid of the funds of the Church and a number of persons put their names down for various sums. Contributions were also received throughout the room. The whole sum realised and promised, the result of these collections, amounted to about £100. Another anthem was then sung "Awake, Awake, &c," after which the thanks of the me'eting were given to the chairman, on the motion of Mr Cannell, seconded by Mr Grenfell. Mr Atkinson returned thanks. He also remarked that, as they had received aid from Christian fnends of other denominations, the were bound in turn to assist them. The benediction followed. The Church was tastefully decorated with shrubs and flowers, by Mr Falconer; and his assistants. The musical performances were highly effective ; and the meeting altogether was a. most successful one.