YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7785, 3 November 1886, Page 6

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

OPENING OP THE NEW BUILDING

AND DEDICATION SERVICES* Yesterday the new building of the Young Men's Christian Association, of whioh a full architectural description has already appeared in the Herald, was opened with dedication servioes, whioh were attended by a large number of ministers of all denominations and an audience whioh completely filled the hall. At the opening servioe in the afternoon the chair was taken by the Rev. J. S. Hill, president of the association, and there were present on the platform:— Ihe Venerable Archdeacon Mau'nsell, the Revs. C. M. Nelson, W. Tebbs, I. Riohards. R. Burrows, H. Langley (Melbourne), W. Bray. J. H. Jones. H. J. Miller, W. Gittos, C. Worboys, W. L. Gloss, H. H. Driver, D. W. Runoiman, R. F. Maonicol, A. Carriok, W. Adams, R. Summerville, Sir Wm. Fox, the Hod. Colonel Haultain, Captain Daldy, and Messrs. Larking, F. Battley, J. L. Wilson, R. B. Shalders, Thomas Buddie, A. Knight (hon. |seo.), and William Brakenrig (general secretary.)

The Chairman said he had received a letter from the Bishop of Auckland, regretting his inability to attend on account of a severe cold. A congratulatory telegram had been received from the general secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association in Sydney, giving the text " The Lord bless thee and keep thee." A letter had also been received from the Rev. Thomas Spurgeon, from Dunedin, expressing his regret at being absent on the occasion.

The proceedings commenoed with the singing of the hymn "Come let us join our cheerful songs," whioh was followed by the reading of Psalm oxxxiii. by the chairman. The following dedicatory prayer was then offered by the Rev. W. Tebbs :—

'" Be ever present, O Lord, we pray Thee, to bless all good purposes formed, and all labours of love undertaken, by Thy p-ople, who shall be gathered in this plica in Thy name. May all Cnristian works planned and wrought oat her* rind acceptance In Thy a ght. Do Thou, Who consnl<ist us by the affection of our brethren, extend Thy grace to this our Association, Grant that this building may be a means by which the young men of this city may be helped to live before I bee in purity, mindful that they are members of Thee, and using their gifts of body and mind to the glnry of Thee, the Captain of their Salvation. Reveal Thyself in their hearts, that, being filled with Thy wisdom, they may know Thee as the pattern of meekness and purity, of diligence and obedience, of endurance and hope; and rising above the clouds of worldly passion, may act continually in the light of Thy truth, so that they may follow without delay wheresoever Thou shalt lead them ; and, at last, being perfected in Thee, nuy be found acceptable to the Father; to whom, with Jesus Christ our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and .or ever. Amen," The Lord's Prayer,

The hymn, •• O Brothers lift your voioes," was then sung, and the Rev. Thomas Bray gave the Soripture reading, Matthew v., 1-20* A prayer appropriate to the occasion was then offered up by the Rev. R. Bavin, and the hymn, " Ye servants of God," was sung.

The Ven, Archdeacon Maunsell then gave an address. He said he had been given a subject upon which to speak, but be did not intend to follow it. He had been asked to given them some brotherly counsel from an old friend, but he really did not feel that he oould give oounsel to those who had shown such courage in erecting the building they were in. If he were to give them one word of advice, it wonld be to remember at this particular time that unless the Lord was in the house they laboured but in vain, and unless the Lord keep the city the watchman waketh but in vain. Ha was an old friend, and warmly expressed his admiration of the work which had been done in the formation of an independent association apart from all Churohes, but which belonged equally to all Churches. What struck him very forcibly was a fact which he had never seen mentioned before : that it was only in the last century that they oould have had such independent associations. They were characteristic of the nineteenth century. If they looked over the history of the Wesleyans and other bodies they found each acting on its own account, and even in the apostolic times each was found working in a separate sphere. There was no central organisation. Christianity was looked upon with suspicion by the Roman Government, and during the 400 years of the Roman Empire it was impossible to have a central organisation. When this was followed by the dominion of the Pope it was still impossible, as all religions affairs had then to be conducted by the church, and under the control of the Pope. Then came the reformation, and with its success fall liberty to the church; bat it was illustrative of human nature that after the reformation they continued in the old groove, and nothing was done to form an independent organisation. It was only recently they had got these organisations, which had last of all culminated in Young Men's Christian Associations, and . he looked upon the multiplication of these independent associations in these times as evidence of the wisdom and goodness of God. Before, there was isolation and alienation, altogether opposed to the injunction that all bodies should be fitly joined together and compacted. Now at an important crisis in the Church's history, these organisations were formed, by which various bodies would be welded together, and work together, to spread abroad the unity of the Churohes, in the true spirit which had been alluded to by the Bishop of Sydney, when he laid the foundation stone of that building. He expressed the hope that the association would never become a separate body, like the Salvation Army had done, bat that it would direct and befriend all those who came within its influence. He trusted that the association would be instrumental in strengthening the labourers of all denomina tions, and hoped those present would show their appreciation of it by their contributions that day. The Rev. A. Carrick said he had not, like Archdeacon Maunsell, refused the subject given to him ; but he had chosen one for himself, and wished to speak on the advantages of Christian truth. He expressed his pleasure at standing on so catholic a platform, and to hear the words which had fallen from the lips of their revered brother, Dr. Maumell. It was pleasant to meet so many to congratulate each other under such happy auspices as they had on that occasion. Respecting the truths of Christianity, he was pleased to know that the present president of the British Association was a firm believer in the Bible. The knowledge displayed in the book of Genesis of astronomy and geology was a positive proof of inspiration, and yet sceptical objections were still raised. But it had never been shown that the obligation of the moral law had been maintained until it rested npon the foundation of religion. Modern inquiry had placed it beyond doubt that the origin of the New Testament was at the time of the Apostles. The Apostles had made the truth of the Christian religion to rest, certainly upon the Resurrection ; and a prominent Rationalistic writer had said that the faot of the Resurreotion of our Lord could no more be doubted than the assassination of Caesar. His object was not to assume an apologetic tone, bat he wished to bring before them the advantages of that faith with which the interests of all their institutions were connected, and their faith brought peace to the conscience and joy to the heart. In discussing the question of faith, he said the right of private judgment was inalienable, and when the truth of that faith was experienced life had a joy which was never known before. At this time, when scepticism had done so muoh to neutralise Christian influence, it was pleasant to rest upon the pledge that " because I live ye shall live also." No art or amusement could compete with the Gospel in the cheer it could administer, in life or in death. Christianity imparted a stimulus to the thoughts of meD, and a powerful help to progress and development. He alladed to the writings of Dr. Dollinger, of Munich, and especially to his acknowledgment of the services rendered by Protestant writers to ! the cause of enlightenment. Soienoe had made good progress where the Protestant religion had been established, and the Bible taught the mottto to " Prove all things and hold fast that which is good. Who did not know that the free circulation of the Bible had had the effect of enlightening and transforming their English literature. Shakespeare and Byron had been greatly influenced by the Bible, and among many works due to it he especially mentioned " Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress," and Burns' "Cotter's Saturday Night." He enforced the truth of the words of a great statesman, that Christianity stood at the head of the world in the influence it exercised. Who could measure the result of Christian benevolence as exemplified by many great names, and he urged their young men to join themselves together in Christian union, so that at home or abroad they might prove themselves the salt of the earth. They were to be congratulated on the noble edifice in | which they were gathered, and they could

not fail to be influential if they continued firm and manly, as he prayed they would do. and kept to the teaching that whatsoever they did to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God. The hymn, "Take my Life" was then sung, and the proceedings closed with the benediction.

In the evening there was again a very large attendance, and the chair was occupied by the Rev. J. S. Hill, and there were present on the platform the Revs. A. J. Smith, W. Brooke, H. H. Driver, A. Carriok, W. Tebbs, O. Worboys, A. Reid, Sir Wm. Fox, and Messrs. Ewington, Battley, J. Newman. J. L. Wilson, T. Buddie (hon. sec.) and W. M. Brakenrig (general secretary), G. P. Pierce, Drs. Bond and Parohas.

The proceedings commenced with the hymn, "The Name of Jesus," a Scripture reading by the Rev. A. J. Smith, and prayer by the Rev. A. Carriok, The hymn, "Oh for a thousand tongues," was then sung, after whioh

Mr. Thos. Buddle said : As hon. secretary of the association it properly devolved upon him to make a short statement. He had been connected with that association for upwards of 20 years, and for a large portion of that time had held the offioe in it whioh he still held. The career of the association had been a ohequered one, it has had its seasons of prosperity, and it has had its dark days, periods whioh it would be well to blot out of memory, but for some time past each year had given fresh cause for gratitude and encouragement, and he thought he should be supported by those who have had the most active interest in its operations when he said that the return of prosperity dated from the time when the energies of the management were specially directed to the real object for which such association existedthe extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. It was not for him to take up the time of the meeting with any detailed statement of tbeobjeots and aims of the association. These were well known, and indeed its name sufficiently designated its objects. Moreover opportunity would be given at the convention on the following evening to enlarge upon and more fully explain them. He would rather ocoupy the few minutes at his disposal in giving a brief resume of the steps which have led to the ereotion of the handsome, and, he might say, complete buildings in whioh they were assembled. Possessed of a valuable site with wooden buildings, which for over 20 years well served the purposes of the association, and whioh, thanks to the advooacy of our dear old friend, Dr. Somerville, whom so many of them remembered with feelings of love and admiration, they were free from debt, and finding the building yearly costing a large sum for repairs, and altogether inadequate for the growing work of the association, the Committee of Management had for three or four years past kept steadily in view the necessity of obtaining improved accommodation by the ereotion of premises whioh should be sufficient to meet the requirements of the association for many years to come. After holding a special meeting of members, at whioh the matter was relegated to the oommittee, with full power to aot, it was heartily taken in hand by the oommittee, and designs advertised for, resulting in the selection of one by Mr F. M. P. Burrows as the one best meet' ing the requirements of the association. A small oommittee, consisting of Messrs Holdship and Withy, with the President, was appointed to confer with the architect, and after the most earnest and mature deliberation, plans and specifications were completed and tenders called for on Sept. 28 last year, and received on October 27, and the tender of Messrs W. Philcox and Son was accepted. The contract was duly signed on November 17, and no time was lost by the oontraotors in commencing the work which, in terms of the contract, was to be completed within one year—namely, by the 17th instant. The foundation-stone was laid ou the 27th January by the Right Rev. the Primate of Australia and Tasmania (Bishop Barry), in presence of a large concourse of people, and the work proceeded without intermission, and it might be said almost without a hitch to its completion; and the oommittee felt justified in congratulating the members and friends of the association and the pnblio of Auckland upon this handsome, though plain, substantial, and commodious block of buildings. Great credit was doe to the Building Committee, already named, for the great care and attention bestowed by them, in conjunction with Mr. Burrows, upon the plans and specifications, and especially to their indefatigable president, who had spared neither time nor trouble, but watched the erection in every detail, and had been the constant referee of architect and builders. The names of the contractors, W. Philcox and Son, so well known in this city, were a sufficient guarantee of the faithfulness with which the contract had been oarried out. Now that in the good providence of God they were permitted to meet for the first time in their new premises, their first note was one of gratitude to Him for what has so far been accomplished, followed by a sense of deep responsibility with reference to the future; but their trust is in Him who had hitherto never failed them. With referenoe to finances, though there is no reason for great anxiety, the committee hoped to have been able to open the building with a better balance-sheet than they could show. That night when the scheme was entered upon, it was confidently, and not as was deemed without sufficient grounds, anticipated that enough money could be raised to bring the liability down to the amount which it was resolved to borrow on mortgage, namely, £5000, but the severe commercial depression whioh had fallen upon the community had precluded the committee from making any systematic effort to raise _ money. No canvas had been made, but it would be seen that notwithstanding that no less than £1750 has been subscribed, and the committee had every confidence that in the return of that prosperity whioh they were encouraged by the utterances of those who ought to know to hope was close at hand, the generosity of the public would enable the committee to reduoe the liability to such an amount as would ensure the gradual extinction of the debt by the rentals to be derived from the shops, four out of the five of which shops were already let at a sufficient rental to pay the interest upon the £5000 mortgage! The small hall and the ladies' room had been let to the Young Women's Christian Assocation, and a very considerable revenue might be expeoted from the letting of the two halls when not required for the purposes of the association. The expenses of the association would of course be materially increased, but they were confident that the increased attractions offered would largely augment the income from annual subscribers, &c The total cost of the building would be £6900 ; other expenses, including architect's fee, furnishing, lighting, cost of temporary premises, etc., would be £1650 : total cost, £8550. Amonnt subscribed and paid, £1648; promised, £104: total, £1752. A sum of £5000 had been borrowed from ; the Auokland Savings Bank on mortgage, at 6J per oent. This leaves a defioit upon the total cost of about £1800. That, they hoped, would be materially reduced by the donations and proceeds of the meetings being held this week. He had said already that the basis of the association was strictly religious, or he would rather say Christian, Many of their friends were ready to sympathise with what they called the praotical work of the association, but not with the evangelistic, and thought the latter should be left to the churches. It had been tried in the history of that association to work upon the lines these good friends would indicate, and the result has been failure, the association went down and was well nigh crushed out of existence. Mistakes had been made in the past, and they did not wish to reoall them, but he did say that their experience had been that just in proportion as the association had uplifted Christ and had made its evangelistic work the leading feature of its operations, not neglecting the other means but making them subservient to the one great end and objeot, be said just in proportion as that polioy had been pursued was the suooess of the association financially as well as otherwise. They claim the active sympathy and cooperation of all Christians. The association had no desire whatever to interfere with the work of the Churches, but only to supplement and help it, and he affirmed that they had no ground whatever for any jealousy on this head. Their object would be to attract young men to the building by all legitimate means and to induce them to lead a Christian life which would fit them to do good work in oonneotion with the Churohes, and they olaimed the support and sympathy of all Christians in that work. The choir then gave, "With harps and with viols," after which The Hey. A. Reid said as one who first saw the rooms in which the association was , originally housed, it was by Divine Providence that he had been permitted to address them in their new buildings. They were i

not there to mourn that the glory of that house was less than that of the former, but rather to glory in the improvement of the opportunities given to young men to carry on the work of Christianity. So long as the name of Christ was their watchword success must attend their efforts. He thought the result was obtained by the efforts of Aucklandborn men, sons!of the pioneers of the colony, though Auokland continues to have such genealogy until the time oame when all should know Him, from the least unto the greatest. He then spoke of the relation -of the association to the various Churches of the city. There was necessity for the existence of such an institution as that, without implying that the Churohes were faulty, just as there was need for Sunday-schools, even where there was good training in the family. Work was done there which the Church could not offer, as young men of different denominations would meet each other simply as Christians, not as belonging to any distinct denomination. The association belonged to every Christian Church, and every Christian Church belonged to it. They must work together, and in occupying a broader platform than a single Church. He suggested that one special duty which should be commenced on that occasion was that of endeavouring to remove the plague of "larrikinism." If they could oonvert all these larrikins they would be doing a very difficult but great work, and one which could be done by strong and prayerful effort. The true spirit of Christian courage would enable them to overcome that difficulty. With faith, love, and the consciousness that God moved them to that work, they could get sympathy and help, and the work would give a wonderful lift to the institution and the good it was doing. That was work which the young men with true Christian feeling could do better than the older ones.

The Chairman read a letter from Mr, Holdahip, expressing regret at not being able to attend, and enclosing a supplementary donation of £10 10s in addition to the £100 he had already given. The hymn, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God," was then sung, after whioh The Rev. R. F. Macnicol gave an address. He said in looking at the building in whioh they were gathered, he regarded it as proof of the substantial character of the Christianity whioh had existed, and whioh they trusted would extend in the oity. Having been 18 years in the city, he had traced the progress of the Young Men's Christian Association with great interest, and found that the work of the association had been attended with the Divine blessing, in proportion as it made Christianity its chief object. He then spoke of the recent proofs of the truth of Scripture history by the discovery of ancient records and antiquarian researoh. The long buried records bore testimony to the permanent nature of the truth of God, The latest proof was given them by the erection of that building, and he trusted the young men who belonged to it would be a leaven to the whole community. He also dwelt on the importance of oheoking larrikinism.

The Chairman said there was a small committee existing to consider how they could best encounter the evil of larrikinism, and a Women's Association had been engaged in the same work at Newton. He expressed thanks for the present of a table from the Auckland Timber Company, and invited presents of books for their library. The hymn, " Peaoe, perfect peace," was then sung. The Rev. C. Worboys spoke upon "Evangelistic work," alluding to his experience in : England in reference to halls, theatres, and places of that oharaoter. It was necessary for them to understand the exaot nature of the work in which they were engaged. Every minister was not a good evangelist, and great changes had taken place in the method of conducting special servioes. He commended these, but trusted they would not interfere with their regular servioes, and concluded an earnest address by warm expressions of hope and confidence in the success of the work which they were commencing. Sir William Fox said he had been asked to speak upon co-operation. About it he had no special knowledge, but he gave instances in military, naval, and other operations in which the object arrived at was accomplished by co-operation. In a humorous speech he enforced the importance of united effort by all Christian bodies in improving the sentiments and practices of all who came within the reach of their influence. They must be followers of Christ, and teach others to be followers of Christ. He alluded to the remarks made on larrikinism—an old evil which had infested > society, and spoke strongly upon the question of temperance, and the injury to individuals and to society caused by drunkenness. Let them go fully into the depths of noxious evils, and not use that institution merely as a Christian club, so that other large communities might take example from tbem in efforts to moderate the foul evils infesting society.

The hymn, "Jesus, lover of my soul," was then sung. The meeting closed with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Gittos, and the Benediction by the Chairman.

The collections for the day amounted to £58 lis lOd.

To-day a breakfast meeting will be held at eight a.m., at whioh Mr. Kissling will S reside, and addresses be given by Messrs. C. '. McMillan, Upton, Battley, Buddie, and others. At six p.m. there will be a social gathering of members to welcome the Rev Henry Langley from Melbourne, and at halfpast seven there will be a convention of workers, at which Mr. J. L. Wilson will preside, and addresses will be delivered by the Revs. Messrs. Adams, Garland, Monro, J. S. Hill, Smith, and others, the Rev. 11. Langley being expected to speak. Collections will be made at all the meetings onbehalf of the building fund.