INDEPENDENT CHAPEL THORNDON FLAT.

New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume IV, Issue 313, 6 January 1844, Page 2

INDEPENDENT CHAPEL THORNDON FLAT.

The ceremony of laying the foundation of the above building, took place on Monday afternoon. The services were commenced by singing and reading the scriptures, and a fervent and suitable prayer, which was offered by the Rev. S. Ironside, after which Mr. Woodward addressed a few observations to

the company, saying that though the act they had met to perform was in itself simple and unimportant, yet it was fraught with consequences of the most momentous character. The building of any place for Christian worship was a subject of deep interest to every Christian mind, and when it was considered that this foundation was about to be laid by representatives of four of the denominations of the Christian church, it could but be matter of congratulation that so far, party spirit had disappeared, and that Christians agreeing together in the main, though conscientiously differing on minor points, conld unite heart and hand to assist each other in the efforts they were severally making.

Mr. Woodward having introduced to the meeting the Rev. S. Ironside as the representative of the Wesleyan body, the Rev. J. Duncan as representing the Reformed Presbyterian church, and Mr. White as a member of the Baptist church, expressing his regret that circumstances prevented the presence of others whom he would have been glad to have seen with them on the occasion, proceeded to lay the first brick under the doorway in the north-west front, the brick being handed' to him by Mr. C. F. Webb, the builder. The Rev. S. Ironside shortly expressed the pleasure he felt in being associated with his ministerial brethern in the work they had met to do, nor could he admit it to be unimportant, that such a spirit of cordial union should be manifested. The rev. gentleman then having received a brick in the like manner laid it beside the former. The Rev. J. Duncan said he considered it unnecessary for him to do more than to shew his hearty concurrence in the sentiments of fraternal union which had been already expressed, and this he immediately did by laying a third brick to which a fourth was added by Mr. White, and the services were concluded by Mr. Woodward offering prayer and pronouncing the benediction.

Subsequently to the above a tea party met in Mr. Wade's store, to celebrate the above event and after tea the assembly (which was very numerous and respectable,) was ably and eloquently addressed by the Revs. J. Duncan, and S. Ironside, and Messrs. Wade, Hart, and Rout. — [Communicated."]