ECCLESIASTICAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6590, 1 January 1883, Page 9 (Supplement)

ECCLESIASTICAL.

ST. MARY'S, PARNELL.

The new incumbent of St. Mary's arrived in Auckland on Dec. 5 by the mail steamer Australia. He was received by the Bishop of Auckland and Mrs. Cowie at Bishop's | Court. At half-past seven o'clock the ceremony of institution took place in the church. There was a large congregation. The attendance of clergymen was also large. Amongst the.n we noticed the Ven. Archdeacous Maunsell and Pritt, the Revs. T. Burrows, li. Kidd, LL.D., Dr. Purchas, B. T. Dudley, Tebbs, Haaelden, SmallSeld, Gulliver, J. Bates, C. M. Nelson, T. F. King, J. K. Davis, H. Davis, and P. Walsh. The clergy having formed in processional order in the vestry entered the church by the southern door. The Bishop took his place in the chancel. The archdeacons and Bishop's chaplains had seats within the rails, the other clergy outside. As the procession entered the church the liymu 255 was sung by the choir and congregation. The Rev. T. F. King read the evening prayers, after which the xxiii. and lxxxiv. psalms were chanted. Dr. Purchas read the first lesson, Isaiah 62, v. 0. The liev. Mr. Gulliver read the second 'esson, Matthew 21 to v. 17, after which the third collect was read, and the anthem (Hymn 57) rung. His Lordship the Bishop delivered an address to Mr. Walpole. He referred to the differences in the work of a clergyman at Home and liere. Mr. Walpole would find in the parish, in thorough working order, many of the organisations which were considered essential in all well-ordered parishes in England. This was the good legacy which he would receive as the result of many years of zealous, devoted, and efficient work from his venerated predecessor. The nominators of the parish—General Gossett, Messrs. Kensington and S. Kissling —presented the new incumbent to the Bishop. The Diocesan Registrar (Mr. W. S. Cochrane) tendered to Mr. \Valpolj the usual declarations :—l. Canonical obedience to the Bishop. 2. Assent to the Thirty-nine articles. 3. Submission to the authority of the General Synod. The Registrar next read the " Deed of lustitution," which was signed by the Bishop. The congregation were "desired secretly in their prayers to make their humble supplications to God for His blessing on their minister." After which, silence was kept for a time. The Bishop then laid his hands on the head of the newly-appointed minister, saying the while the following prayer :— "Almighty God, who liath given you the will to care for the souls of these people, grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same, that He may accomplish fiis work in their midst." The keys of the ' church were then formally delivered to the incumbent, after which the Bishop read the prayers proper to the occasion. The Institution Hymn, "Heavenly Shepherd," was sung by the choir and congregation. The preceedings terminated with the Benediction pronounced by the Bishop.

BAPTIST TABERNACLE BAZAAR. The bazaar in aid of the building fund of the Baptise Tabernacle to be erected at the corner of Upper Queen-street and Karangahaperoad, v/as formally opened on December IS l>y Mr. T. Spurgeon, pastor of the Welles-ley-street B iptist Church. For the value and variety of goods the bazaar is perhaps the best that has ever !>een held in Auckland, and the exhibition of paintings has certainly had 110 equal in this city. The bazaar was opened by praise and prayer, and an address from -Mr. Thomas Spurgeon. A capital little journal called the Baptist Builder, edited by Mr. Thomas Spurgeon, was largelj- circulated amongst the visitors. On the first page is a fine engraving of the proposed new tabernacle (flout view). The journal contains a programme of entertainments at the bazaar for the whole week, a description of the bazaar, a history of the Auckland Baptist Church, besides a leading article auu other matter. When the bazaar finally closed, at 10 p.m. on December 23, according to the advertised announcement, the total taken for the week amounted to £1155 03 4d. Such has been the energy and industry of the ladies of the Baptist Church and congregation, and the liberality in gifts of the outside public, that fully £500 worth of goods still remain, which will probably be disposed of when the time comes for laying the foundation stone of the new Tabernacle. It was determined, notwithstanding this surplus of goods to adhere strictly to the published announcement by neither permitting an auction sale or continuing the bazaar beyond the time announced. The expenses of the bazaar have bren tolerably heavy, from various causes, but it is believed that tat expectations of its mo:;t sanguine promoters have been realised, namely, £1000 i.et, clear of all expenses. It is believed with the amount thus obtained, and the subscriptions forthcoming from the members of tin Baptist Church and congregation, that the new church site will be entirely free by February or March next, and that operations in eormeetion with the building of the new Tabernacle will be commenced as speedily as practicable after that date. Towards the new building will be devoted the sum obtained for the Wellesley-street chapel and ground. Such a sum as the above (£1155) as a week's takings of a church bazaar is unparalleled in the history of ecclesiastical ■ bizaars in Auckland, and the more so as being raised whhout resorting to raiiliug, lucky bags, or i>ther questionable devijes which savour of nligious gambling or brsng discredit not only on Christianity but on common morality itself. It shows that the Auckland public 'lo not such disreputable stimulants to induce them to give t-j church purposes, when a straightforward programme is put before them, and good faith kept m its fulfilment. The causes of success may be briefy given. The Baptists put their hands into iheir own pockets pretty deeply before soliciting aid from their neighbours, and, satisfied with that test of earnestness and sincerity, the outside public haud- . homely supported ;hem in the bazaar 1 enterprise just couchded. Mr. Spurgeon ' and the committee o: managemeut desire, throui'h our columns, to convey their heartfelt thanks to those kind friends, of all creeds and classes, who aided them by their patron-

ORDINATION SBRVICB AT ST. PAUL'S CIIURCH.

On" the 24th December, an ordination service was held at St. Paul's Church, conducted by the Right Kev. the B.shop of Auckland, assisted by the following clergymen : — Venerable Archdeacon Maunsell, LL.D. ; Kev. K. Kidd, LL.D. ; Rev. E. H. Gulliver, M.A. ; and the Incurcbent, Rev. C. M. Nelson, M.A. The ordinary morning sei'vice commenced at 10 clock, and after a short interval the ordination service began at

11 o'clock, by the singing of Hymn 50 (A and M), follpwed by the bidding prayer, after which a sermon was delivered by the Rev. E. H. Gulliver, from the text, 2 Timothy ii. 3 —A good soldier of Jesus Christ. It was a most appropriate address, specially intended for the candidates for holy orders. After the sermon the regular ordination service was proceeded with, the two services, viz. that for deacou and that for priests, being combined on the occasion, there being candidates for both these orders. The .Rev. .T. K. Davis, M.A., was ordained to the priesthood, and Messrs. E. J. McFarlaud, 8.A., and A. S. Fox to the diaconate. The offertory of this occasion, it was announced, was to be devoted in equal portion to diocesan and parochial purposes, and amounted to£G 03 lOd. A more than ordinary interest was taken in this ordination service from the fact of all three candidates for Holy Orders having been alumni of St. John's College, and two of them graduates of New Zealand University. We learn that the Rev. E. J. McFarlaud, 8.A., is to proceed to Katikati, and Rev. A. S. Fox to Hokianga.

A recital was given in the Trinity Church, Devonporfc, on Wednesday, December G, to a very good audience, in aid of funds towards a handsome pulpit which it is intended te erect, there being at present none. The singers consisted of the members of the church choir, assisted by Mr. Blaydes, choirmaster of St. Mary's, Parnell, Mr. Nairn lent valuable assistance with his euphonium, aud his solo " Nazareth " (Gounod), is. especially worthy of mention. The collection amounted to £4 Ss 7d, and it is to be hoped there will be do difficulty in raising sufficient money for a pulpit worthy of such an edifice.

The anniversary meeting of the Wesleyan Chape), at Port Albert, was held on the 2nd December, with a public tea, iu the building lately purchased by the Wesleyan Society from the adherents of the Conditional Immortality theory. The tea itself was excellent, and kindly provided by several friends in the district, and was numerously attended. At the evening meeting there were many more than could be comfortably seated. The Kev. W. Gittos was called to the chair, and made a brief, earnest, and entertaining speech. After a hymn was sung, Mr. Hammond engaged in prayer, followed by a solo from Mr. D. Becroft. Mr. John Shepherd then read a statement of the finances in connection with the building. It was purchased from Mr. Lush for £1-14. Of this they had paid £60, leaving a balance of £S4 to be obtained. They expected to materially lessen this sum ere long.

The Maungaturoto Sabbath-school anniversary was heldonNov. 26. The morning service was conducted by the pastor, Rev. A. Riding ; in the afternoon Mr. T. W. Wilson addressed the scholars and friends ; aud the evening service was conducted by Rev. C. Abernethy. On each occasion there was a full congregation. The instrumental music was undertaken by Mr, H. S. Booker, who displayed ability as an accomplished organist. The children sang a choice selection of special hymns on each occasion. There was a collection made after each service, in aid of the Sunday-school Fund—morning £2 2s, 9d., afternoon £4 os. Gu., evening £1 12s. Gd; total £7 15s. 9d.

The Rev. Father Paul, the energetic and devoted Romau Catholic priest of Onehunga, has found for some time pa3t that the school accommodation for the Convent School has not been sufficient, and at once proceeded to erect anew building. And he has succeeded in erecting a very handsome school building at the back of the St. Mary's Hall, Onehunga. It is 36 feet long, 20 feet wide, well lined and finished, and furnished with desks, seats, and every appliance requisite. It is capable of accommodating SO children, and is already occupied by 60. The building is to be entirely devoted to the juvenile female classes. It is well ventilated, the coved ceiling being perforated with diamond fretwork ventilators. Externally, the new school has a very neat appearance. It was to clear off the debt on this building that a bazaar was opened on December 13 in St. Mary's Hall. The hall was very neatly ornamented, and the display of fancy work and works of art on view was of an unusually fine character. At two o'clock His Lordship Bishop Luck, accompanied by the Very Rev. Monsignore Fynes, and the Revs. Fathers Golden and Riordan, arrived to open the bazaar, and were met by the Rev. Father Paul. There was a nice gathering of the public. His Lordship said it afforded him great pleasure to come out to Onehunga to open this bazaar, especially as its object was to promote the work of education. In a humorous address he then referred to the management, and objects of bazaars of this nature, and concluded by expressing himself very much pleased with what he had seen since his arrival in Onehunga. At his own request His Lordship was then introduced to the ladies presiding at the stalls, aud to most of those present after he had declared the bazaar opened. A bazaar and concert, in aid of the Arch Hill Wesleyau Church and Sunday-school building funds, took place on Dec. 12 at the Pitt-street Wesleyan lower school-room. The church services and the Sunday-school are at present being held in the public school; but as the population of Arch Hill has increased very largely during the last year, it was recently decided to procure a site upon which to erect a church and Sundayschool. A suitable piece of laud was secured, and plans were prepared and approved for a church ; aud to pay off the balance due on the site, and to help the building and conccrt. About two months ago some fund, it was agreed to hold a bazaar and concert. The sch-jol-room was decorated with flags, ferns, and flowers, and the articles were exhibited on tables, extending round three parts of the room. A Christmas tree, laden with toys, &c., occupied the centre of the floor. Shortly after one o'clock the Rev. A. Reid gave out a hymn, and then engaged in prayer, after which he invited Mr. William Thorne, in the names of the promoters, to declare the bazr.ar open. Mr, Thorne, before declaring the bazaar Open, gave a short history ot the rise and progress of the Wesleyan Church and school at Areh Hill. Plans had been prepared for a very neat little church. The total cost of church and land was something like £300. It was not intended to go on with the building until two-thirds of its cost had been collected. Mr. Thorne then complimented the ladies on the amount of work they had done for the bazaar, and drew attention to the fact that the tin-ware and some of the wood-work had been done by the boys attending the school. Mr. Thorne, after wishing the promoters success, declared the bazaar open. The foundation of the Tamahere Church was laid on Dec. S by the Bishop of Auckland. Archdeacon Willis and the Revs. Davis aud O'Callaghan Biggs were present. An offertory collection was made, amounting to £15 16s 6d. A large quantity of the timber is on the ground, and the work of erection will be at once proceeded with by the contractor.

A soiree in connection with the Mahurangi Heads church was held ill the Mahurangi Heads school-room on December 7, which was well attended. The tables, which were handsomely ornamented with flowers, were presided over by the Misses Darrach, Mrs. Laurie, and Mrs. James Darroc'n. A blessing was asked by the Rev. R. Mclvinney, after which the tables were several times occupied, pnd full justice done to the good things which were so amply provided. When the tables were cleared the 100 th Psalm was sung, after which an interesting programme of music, vocal and instrumental, was gone through. Speeches and readings were given by the chairman, Mr. MeMurdo, Mr. A. Campbell, aud Mr. Algie. The usual votes of thanks to the chair, &c., were passed.

The annual meeting in connection with the anniversary services of the Mount Eden Baptist Sunday-school was held on Dec. 11 in the Mount Eden Baptist Chapel. Interesting addresses were delivered by Mr. Thomas Spurgeon and Messrs. Bamford and Heinus in encouragement of the labours of the friends in that district in Sunday-school work.

The Rev. Somerset Walpole, the new incumbent of St. Mary's, Parnell, conducted the first Lord's Day service and preached in St. Mary's Church on December 10, taking his textfrom St. Paul's epistle to t.ie Romaiis chapter (j verse " For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life." The Rev. Mr. Walpole also preached in the evening, taking his text from the 119 th Psalm, 129 th aud 130 th verses. The church was crowded at hoth services.

The W'esleyans of Otahuhu held a mo9t successful Christinas Tree in the Public Hall on Thursday, December 21. The building was crowded to excess. The affair was conducted by Mesdames Piketfc, Stringer, Whitmore, and Johnston, and Miss Badley, with Messrs. Pikett, Goodwill, Bycroft, H. V, Stringer, and Farnsworth, under the

generalship of the Rev. George Bond. The tree was opened at 7 p.m., and by 11 p.m. every article was disposed of. The fruit of the tree was so rich in quality and in quantity that it realised the handsome sum of over £30, to be devoted towards liquidating the debt on the church. Christmas carols were sung, and other music was discoursed at intervals during the evening, under the conductorship of Miss Burns. The miniature bazaar reflected great credit on all concerned in it.

The annual celebration of the Otahuhu Wesleyan Sunday-school took place on December 17. The ministers who conducted the services were the Rev. W. S. Potter, of Auckland, morning and afternoon, and the pastor, the Rev. George Bond, in the ovening. The subjects treated npon by the former gentleman were, " Christ the Bread of Life," and the duty of resisting temptation ; whilst the latter discoursed on " The Child Samuel." Select hymns were sung by the scholars, under the leadership of Miss Burns, Mrs. Burns presiding at the organ. The singing was exceedingly pleasing, and gave evidence of very careful training. The scholars were ready and apt in their answers, and exemplary in their conduct, which fact must have been exceedingly gratifying to the superintendent and teachers. The congregations were fair and the collections good.

A well-attended meeting was held at St. Andrew's Sunday-school on Dec. IS, the occasion being the exhibition of a Christmas tree, with its numerous prizes, in aid erf the fund for building the church tower and the other works in progress for making St. Andrew's Church ornamental as well as useful. The Rev. A. Carrick presided, and in the course of a short opening address, referring to the festivities of the Christmas season, drew a contrast between the heat which prevailed here at this season with the cold which prevailed in the Old Country. He introduced Mr. Ferguson, a new arrival in the colony, who also addressed a few remarks to the meeting. Solos were sung by Mrs. Culpan, and hymus from the Sab-bath-school hymn-book by the choir. The Christmas tree was a large one, well filled with the articles usual to such occasions.

A Christmas tree entertainment in connection with St. David's Presbyterian Church, was held on the 21st December in St. Sepulchre's school-room, Symonds-strect, the Rev. McKenzie Frazer in the chair. After the usual devotional exercises and a brief address from the chairman, the gifts from the Christmas tree were distributed. A concert also formed part of the entertainment, under the conduct of Mr. Rvan.

The following gentlemen have been elected as clerical representatives of the diocese of Auckland in the General Synod of New Zealand—namely, Archdeacons Clarke at d Maunsell, and the Rev. R. Burrows.

A Christmas Tree and Fancy Fair was held on the 21st December, at Sc. Thomas' Hall. The Christmas Tree was a pine, the gift of Mr. Thomas Buddie, and it was decorated with from 300 to 400 prizes. There was a good attendance of visitors. There were three stalls in all—two containing fancy and ornamental goods of all descriptions, cushions, toys, fancy and plain needlework, embroidery, and antimacassars. The incumbent, the Rev, Humfrey Davis, was present during the evening, and by kindly nod and speech, encouraging the workers in their labour of love.

The Roman Catholic bazaar, Hamilton, was concluded on December 23, after a most successful three days' run, having realised something over £200. The Presbyterian picnic on Boxing Day in connection with Trinity Church, Cambridge, was a great success. The sports were held at Mr. Fantham's late place, and were carried out under the management of Mr. R. Fisher aud Mr. Watson.

At the Thames Wesleyan quarterly meeting, held on December 27, it was stated that the income amounted to £IGS Is 'Jd, and the expenditure to £15S ]4s sd. Mr. Lawry was elected steward, and Mr. Ashby conference representative.

A meeting of the natives at Wairoa, near Rotomahana, to hear addresses on temperance was held on Christmas Day. There was a large gathering in the schoolroom and the natives were addressed by some tourists on the importance of abstaining from drink, both on their own account aud that of their children. An interesting and practical address was given by Mrs. Turner, a lady from Perth, who 'specially addressed the Maori women, showing how important it was that mothers should take the lead, and saying that God's children everywhere desired the good of the Maori. If they would be guided by God'S word they would have good houses, and clothe 3 for themselves and children, and be able to enjoy themselves. Her remarks were very warmly responded to by the natives, and she resumed her seat amid great applause. The addresses were interpreted by Miss Spencer. The services in connection with the Pukekolie Methodists' camp meeting were commenced on Sunday, December 24, at seven o'clock a.m., with a consecration meeting ; at at nine o'clock a prayer meeting, and at eleven a.m., three, and seven p.m., earnest addresses were delivered by the American evangelists, and Messrs. Bamford and Hemus. The meetings were numerously attended, and a marked iuterest was shown at all the services. Similar meetings were held on Christmas Day. Part of the afternoon service was called a praise meeting, at which a large number expressed their thankfulness in lively terms, nearly all expressing their I conviction that it was the happiest Christmas Day they had ever spent. The weather was all that could be desired, and the gathering was a pleasant one to many in Pukekohe and the surrounding neighbourhood. A Christmas tree was hold at Plat Bush on the evening of Christmas Day, on behalf of the Wesleyan Sunday-school, which reflected great credit on its chief promotersMr. and Mrs. Billiugham, Misses Crago and Bryant, with Messrs. Crago, Bfyant, Shaler, aud Winter. The Rev. George Bond presided. The building was crowded to excess. The audiences were delighted with the prizes and highly gratified witli the music discoursed by the choir under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Billingham. The fruit of the tree realised about £10, which will he spent on a Sunday-school library. On December 22 a very enjoyable evening was spent in the Grafton-road Sunday-school, by the members of the Bible Class and their friends. During the last two years the class had given a number of musical and literary entertainments, the proceeds of which had been devoted to the purchase of a banner for the school. The article itself, bearing the name of the school and suitable I mottoes on each side, was a very handsome one, aud was presented on behalf of the class by Mr. R. Mcars in a very appropriate speech. The guests were then regaled with fruit, after which a very handsome tea and colfee service, suitably inscribed, was presented by Mr. F. A. White, on behalf of the school, to Mr. P. MeMastcr, late superintendent. The service was much admired both for quality and pattern. Mr. McMaster had been superintendent for thirteen years, and several of the gentlemen present spoke of the worth of his disinterested and loug-continued efforts on behalf of the school, and the high estimation in which he had been justly held by the scholars. Mr. McMaster responded in feeling rerms. The teachers of the Arch Hill Sunday School adopted a novel method of assisting their harmonium fund. Some time ago they formed a carol choir, and on the approach of Christmas morn, the choir treated the sleeping residents of the district to some very good singing of old and new carols. Starting shortly after midnight from the far end of the district, they intended coming into the city, but were so busy they could only get half through their programme. The appreciation of their hearers shows an addition to the fund of £~> Is Sd.

St. Matthew's Sunday-school annual entertainment and Christmas tree was held on Dec. 22 in the school-room adjoining the church. The incumbent, the Rev. Mr. Tebbs, the Rev. Mr. Haseiden, Mr. Webb (superintendent of the Sunday-school), Miss Hooper, and the staff of f eaohcrs attended during the evcaing to assist in the entertainment. Hymns were sung by the children at intervals. Messrs. Kingsford, Binuington, Collins, Evitt, and otiiers gave presents. There is a large quantity of toys, &c., varying in prices from Is to 2s Gd, which were disposed of on Saturday.

Tho Christmas Tree and entertainment at St. Thomas' Hall on Dec. 22 was very successful. There was a large attendance, both of children and adults. Tlio tree bore about 300 prizes, which were bestowed upon the little folks. The Rev. Humfrcy Davis was present, and assisted in making tbe evening an enjoyable one to the children.

The annual performance by the Choral Society of Handel's ch<j Woucre which inaugurates the Christmas season, serves other purposes than a festival celebration. In one sense it has become the truest monument of the illustrious composer. In another Bense its recurrence each year

registers the progress of musical taste and culture in cities such as Auckland. There is no better standard of comparison by which to estimate gains or losses of musical resources than the performance of the Messiah one year with tiia; of the previous year. One canuot at the same time help making due acknowledgment to the members of the Choral Society for the zeal and industry they manifest in sustaining high class music iu popular favour. Similar acknowledgments are, of course, due to the officers of the society and the conductor, Herr Schmitt, whose ability, zeal, and energy have undoubtedly conferred a benefit upon the general as well as the musical public. The oratorio, on Friday night, the 2"2nd December, had many features of interest. There was a thoroughly well balanced chorus. We counted some 56 sopranos, 25 altos, 30 basses and baritones, aud 25 tenors, making in all about 136 voices The orchestra numbered the full complement of instruments, and from the first the improvement in the accompanied recitatives was very apparent. Practice lias shown the means by which vocal parts can be sustained and not encumbered. The comfort of the visitors had been secured by a new regulation in regard to tickets. Every person must now present a ticket before admission can be obtained. This prevents overcrowding. The hall was full as it could conveniently hold, but there was no overcrowding.