NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT RAGLAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9975, 12 November 1895, Page 3

NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT RAGLAN.

The opening of tho new Congregational Church was quite the holiday event of the people of Raglan and the country side on Saturday lasb. A party of some twenty ladies and gentlemen, representative of tho Congregational Churches of Auckland, proceeded thither by the s.«. Kanieri on Friday evening for the purpcie of assisting in the cervices, and also'in tho sale of work and concert) held on Saturday. At three o'clock on that day, Mrs, G. Burgess, in. suitable and encouraging tarma, opened the sale of work. An excellent .tea was provided at which upwards of 170 sab down. Subsequently a large meeting was hold in the Public Hall, the Rev. C. A. Lyons (pastor) presiding. The chairman explained that it was under twelve months since 'it was decided to make an effort for a new church. The assistance received from many friends, especially those of Auckland, had made it possible for them to be there that) day to inaugurate the opening. The church had cost £223, of which only gome £16 was required, and it was safe to say that after the efforts of that day the church would be opened free of debt, and with a email balance for contingencies. He heartily welcomed the friends who had journeyed from Auckland. Mr. J. E. Moore, chairman of the Auckland Congregational Union, expressed tho pleasure it gave himself and the other friends in being thero to congratulate the Raglan people on their splendid success. It was a source of great satisfaction to see people of all denominations rendering their assistance on such an occasion. An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental music was then gone through, Mr. H. Hooton, organist at Beresfordstreet Church, presiding at the pianoforte : —Song, " Mona," Mr. Cousins; " Reaper and tho Flowers," Raistrick ; duet, "Larboard Watch," Messrs. Donaldson and Howshand ; "Calvary," Mr. R. Kendall; pianoforte duet, Misses Dunne and Wright; song, "The Holy City," Mr. J. Rendall; pianoforte solo, Miss Gilmore; song, "Nazareth," Mr. Houchen—were all rendered in capital style. The Rev. G, Burgess gave an address, tho subject being " Backbone," tho humorous and practical remarks of the rev. gentleman being highly appreciated. Altogether a very pleasanb evening was spent. The sale of work realised upwards of £22. On Sunday morning the Rev. R. Laishley preached in the new church, the text) chosen being Col. ii., 6 and 7. In an eloquent discourse ho urged that the life of a true Christian was the most honorable and |useful one, both to himself and those surrounding him. In tho afternoon a special children's service was held, at which Miss Martin, of Auckland, delivered a most) instructive and interesting address, founding her remarks on Luke xvi., 10. Mr. H. M. Smeeton and Mr. Lyons also delivered appropriate addresses. Tho Rev. George Burgess, of Beresford ■ atriiob Church,, preached in tho evoning, taking as his text? John ix., 4," I must work the works of Him that sont me." In an earnest and forcible manner the rev. gentleman called upon his hearers to do Christ's work in Christ's spirit, to remember their obligations to Him, and tho brief period they had to work, for the furtherance of His Kingdom. The new church was filled during each of the services.

The Auckland friends started on their, return journey ab one o'clock a.m. Monday,and after a rough voyage arrived it) Auckland at six p.m. the samo evening.