OPENING OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCh AT WESTON.

North Otago Times, 11 April 1912, Page 1

OPENING OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCh AT WESTON.

Cn Suixiay, Apnl 7th, the now church at Weston was opened, the Kev.. Professor Bickie v of linn Theological College, Dunediu), delivering the exercises, it was altogether an auspicious daj for church and district. The sua shone down in genial warmth, and the congregation worshipped in devout thalnkful 1 spirit. The services uegan with that psalm familiar as it - is dear to Scotch hearts," The Old Hundredth," and the opening exercises, were dedicatory of the Chut eh and people. 1 he . Professor preached peculiarly appropriate sermons morning and owning, In the forenoon the subject was of the "Resurrection," while in the evening his theme was town from Act's 13-2'E»—"iDavW, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep." So large were the congregations that use had to oo made of th e Sabbath school hall. The collections during the day amounted to about £2O. The choir rendered' music suitable and worthy of tho occasion. The crowded gatherings were doubtless in large measure due to the presence of I'rcfessoi. Dickie. He is a figure of note in ine Dominion, and -the Weston people were forUnate to have him. He has a reputation other Ilian colonial, and has done coi siderable work for encyclopedias, journals, etc.., in Am?rica, Germany and Great Britain. Indeed, within these few days he has suit Home for publication the last shifitf; of the t'-ar>lation of a ■ work of one of tlw first theologians of Germany, thus the delight of the local peeple in having such an illustrious onj to open the new church, It is not to be wondered at, thati by his, presence on Sunday, ffth April, the Professor made history for Weston, Of the Church' itself there is reason for satisfaction, It is a handsome little edifice in Gothic style, and is built of dressed Oamaru stone. The pulpit, after certain American ideas, occupicß a corner, and the choir seats lie around it. The floor is dished in a sloping manner towards the pulitlt. The seating in circular

fashion gives a pretty effect to the of the,church, The accom- ■ mpi)'ntion,,is for,,'about .150,,, anil '.! With thaimprpyijied. by, ,the, Babjoath j 1 t'cjbpol, which:is,partitioned:;off,{rpui the church, there should be i'oom j for,-.about,,aoo , adults., | |V , Altogetliei;.. tiia; cliurch is as nlcg : a I building' a a you will come across T'outsido the cities,. ; amj, the. minister '■'■.(tho Rev, J. D. Wilsonj and the 1 people are to be .heartily , congratulated' upon iheir splendid, church and | its auvpicious. opening.. | f THE,-SOCIAL, A very successful social .and musi- : cal eA firing was .held in Weston Hall I on Monday evening, for the dual obt ject of welcoming the Rev. J. D, j and Mtb Wilson and also to celeb Kits the opening of the beautiful new Presbyterian. erected at iWeslon. There was a large and appreciative audience and a first-rate programme. The meeting was ; opened with prayer. Mr 'Robert .. Jackson acted as chairman, and in a brief lucid address explained the object of the. meeting and vuiced the feelings of the audience by extending a wry hearty . welcome to Mr and , Mrs Wilson. Messrs Cron, Stringer, j and 'Needs also gave short addresses ( of welcome and congratulation. The ."'choir, under the able con-Juctorship ! of the choirmaster, (Mr.Roht. Dick), rendered several anthems and musical'items in their usual, first-class style.;. A eiuartettCiWas, splendidly 'given, by Mrs Kelly; Misses Cronii life ..and Mr Dick t '< Mips L, Sinclair [•aj»lyj presided at the, organ, Songs ■ ' wero given by Mrs Kelly, and Messrs Robinson (of Dunedin)', -H, Roseveare and R. Crombie, ,Mr AVilson and | Miss Crombie accompanying on the ! piano. All the performers had to respond to vigorous encores. During an interval a sumptuous tea was served by the ladies of the congreggtiou, a service of fruit being also provided. Votes of thanks to the singerß and choir, to the ladies and Iho chairman were proposed by Messrs R, B. lleelt, C. Cowan and R. Crombie. The meeting closed with the singing of the Doxology. The proceeds of the Sunday's collections ; and social amounted to ove? £"!)•