ST. MATTHEW'S NEW CHURCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11948, 24 April 1902, Page 6

ST. MATTHEW'S NEW CHURCH.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE.

AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY.

ADDRESSES BY THE GOVERNOR AND PRIMATE. INTERESTING MASONIC RITES. SUCCESSFUL LUNCHEON AND CONVERSAZIONE. The laying of the foundation-stone of St. Matthew's new stono church, with foil Masonic honours, which took place yesterday, was ono of the most solemn and impressive ceremonies which has been witnessed in Auckland. Only in a few other instances has anything resembling it taken place. The laying of the foundation-stone of old St. Paul's Church in 1842, the laying of the foundation-stone of the Supreme Court in 1865, and the laying of the foundation-stone of the Freemasons' Hall, were similar in character, but nono were more imposing. The event was important as marking the transition from the primitive wooden structure towards a stately and lasting edifice in stone; it was interesting as marking a development in church history in a part of the British Empire where church history, though brief, has been full of strange events and contrasts. It was remarkable in its racial characteristics. There is some innate sense of the dignity and solemnity of ceremonial under all our Anglo-Saxon sternness, and it is according to our customs that the building of a, great church should be marked by impressive rites. In the home of our race we have seen our noblest ideals symbolised in grand cathedrals and churches, and to-day these buildings contain nearly all that we acknowledge as great and good. Ono could not help recognising a greater antiquity in the rites and ceremonies observed yesterday than is commonly acknowledged. It was easy to imagine the offerings of corn and wine and grain, the clasping of hands across the breast, the raising of arms above the head, as a survival of most ancient Eastern ceremonies. The new St. Matthew's is to bo ono of the finest churches in Now Zealand. It is to cost £27,000, and will seat 1200 people. Its length will be 158 ft, and its greatest width 100 ft. The main walls are to be of To Kuiti limestone, in random masonry; the doors, windows, and tower, of Mount Somers (Canterbury) stone, while inside the church, to a height of 7ft, the walls will be lined with the same material. The plans were prepared by Mr. F. L. Pearson, F.R.1.8.A., London, who has assisted in the designing of some of the finest churches in Europe. Few churches in the world will occupy a nobler position than the new St. Matthew's. Situated on a ridge commanding the Waitemata Harbour, it will be a landmark to every visitor who enters Auckland by sea, and its fine spire will be one of the most noticeable features in the city. The prominent part taken by tho Masonic Order in laying tho foundationstone came as a surprise to many. It is, however, tho survival in a modern form of what was done in bygone times by the guilds or societies of operative masons or builders. There is no difficulty in tracing the connection between the Freemasons of the Middle Ages and those of tho present day, and there is no country in Europe which does not contain evidence of the skill and industry of these travelling artisans whose principal object was the erection of religious edifices, in the building of which they enjoyed a monopoly. The Freemasons of those days were declared independent of tho sovereigns in whose dominions they might be- temporarily residing, and subject only to their own private laws. They were originally all operatives, but were gradually joined by educated men, who acquired a predominating influence in their ranks, and in process of, time noblemen and scholars became their patrons. The tools and implements of masonry were then no longer used for hewing stones and squaring timber, but were applied to inculcate wise and moral lessons. Hence the germ of that speculative masonry which onee dividing the character of the fraternity with the operative, now completely occupies it to the entire exclusion of the latter. Tho claim that Masons have to take part in the ceremonies connected with the building of churches "is based on the fact that the original constitution of Freemasonry was of an ecclesiastical nature, the heads of the religious world were their patrons and protectors, and the chief work of the real founders of the order was the building of churches and religious edifices. The highest dignatories in New Zealand took part in yesterday's ceremony. The King's representative (His Excellency the Governor), Bishop Cowie (the Primate of New Zealand), the Grand Master of the Masons (Mr. A. S. Russell), and representative clergy and laymen from ill narts of tho diocese, were present. Tho laying of the foundation-stone is one of the results of efforts begun some 50 years ago, when the nucleus of a fund was started by a few ardent churchmen, and yesterday's proceedings must have been extremely gratifying to all concerned. Although the Masonic ritual was given .special prominence yesterday, the ecclesiastical character of the ceremony' wa-, also striking and impressive; but, of course, the principal ecclesiastical rites arc reserved for the dedication of the completed building. THE .MASONIC GATHERING. The ceremonies of the day started with the assembling of the Freemasons in the V.M.C.A.' Buildings. At eleven o'clock the grand officers, district and provincial grand officers, masters and officers of craft lodges, and master Masons began to assemble, donned full regalia, and signed the appearance sheets, alter which the various lodges took up their places in tho lecture ball, where the Grand Lrfjilge was opened by M.W. Brother A. -8. Russell, G.M. of New Zealand. In all there were about 300 Masons present. Instructions were delivered by R.W. Brother Geo. H. Powley, P.G.W., grand director of ceremonies, and acting-grand standard-bearer. Tho other grand officers were: R.W. Brother C. C McMillan, acting D.G.M. ; R.W. Brother Wm. .1- Rees, acting S.G.W. ; R.W. Brother Wm. McCullough, acting J.G.W.; V.W. Brother Archdeacon Calder, grand chaplain ; V.W. Brothers W. W. Day, Wm. Caron (P.G. secretary), and W. Brother Captain Grant, P.M., P.S.G.W., 454, 1.C., assistant G.D. of C.; Brother Malcolm Niccol, P.G.M., grand secretary; Brothers J. Catchpole, G.J.D.; Thomas W. Allen. P.S.G.W.; S. D. Hanna P.S.G.W*.; D. Hyauiason, assistant D. of 6.; H. J. Cousins, P.G.0.; F. Pavitt, P.M., P.J.G.W.; Geo. M. Reid, P.A.G.5.8.; Charles Rhodes, P.P.8.8.; John Page, (J. 5.1?.; 0. Nicholson, G.R.; Alt'. Bartlett, P.B. of G.P.; Ky. Walker, P.G.J.W.; .1. M. Laxon, P. 8.8.; Murdoch McLean, grand superintendent; Geo. Edgecombe. P.G. P. Thomas Ellison, P.M.G.S. of C.W.S. ; Alfred Kidd, P.G.S.W. ; James T. Pinfold, P.G.0.; John Rule P.M. Lodge Ponsonby; George Fowlds, P.D.G.M.; J. 11. Langley, P.M.P.G.S.

The following are the lodges represented and the numbers in attendance:Ara No. 1, 13; Ara 3*o, 1.0., 19; Albion No. 15, 11; Ponsonby 703, S.C., 13; Prince of Wales 1338, EX*., 13; Ponsonby No. 54, 8; United Service. No. 10, 16: Eden 1530, K.C., 11; St. Andrew No. 8. 11; Corinthian No. 1655 E. 0., 6; Auckland No. 87, 4; Waitcniata 689, K.C., 16; Manukau No. 24, 5; Papakura No. 56, 10; Wairoa No. 55, 1; Te Aroha No. 52, 5; Lodge Waiuku, 2; Franklin No. 58, 10; visitors and unattached, 28.

Shortly after noon the Masons formed up in procession outside the hall, under the directions of Brother C. If. Powley, P.G.W., and marched to tho church in the following order:— tylers with drawn swords; visiting and unattached brethren; lodges according to seniority, juniors going first; the architect with the plans and working tools; officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge, S.C.. one of whom bore the Corinthian Light, and another the column of junior warden; the provincial grand master S.C., bearing the plumb rule; officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge, I.C, one bearing the Doric Light, ami another the column of senior warden; the provincial grand master, I.C, bearing tho level; officers of the District Grand Lodge, E.C., one of whom bore the tonic Light, and another the column of W.M.; tho district grand master, E.C., bearing the square officers of the Grand Lodge: the junior grand warden (Brother Wm, McCullough), with a cup of oil; the senior grand warden (Brother Wm. J. Bees), with a cup of wine; the grand superintendent (Brother Murdoch McLean), with a cornucopia of corn; the grand secretary (Brother M. Niccol), with the book of Constitution; the grand standard bearer (Brother G. JI. Powley); the grand chaplain (Brother Archdeacon Gilder), with the Sacred Law; the grand sword-nearer (Brother 11. ,f. Brewer); grand steward, the M.W. grandmaster, with the gavel : two grand stewards. On reaching the church the head of the procession halted at the entrance, ope'.iod out, and faced inwards, allowing the Graud Lodge to pass through the lines into the sacred

edifice. The District and Provincial Grand Lodges followed, the whole column reversing its order. THE SERVICE IN CHURCH. As soon as the Freemasons wero seated the clergy, preceded by the male memljcrs of the choirs, marshalled by Mr. A. Towsey, marched up the centre aisle, having been met at the west door by the Most Rev. tho Primate (Bishop Cowie). There were some 30 choristers and about 50 men, and in addition to the following clergy, the theological students of St. John's College were also in the procession:—The Revs. Gray Dixon (Moderator of the Auckland Presbytery), Fowler, A. Aston J. T. Me William, A. J. Beck, C. Tisdall, C. A. B. Watson, E. C. Budd, F. B. Dobson, J. M. Dovenish, M. Kirkbride, J. K. Davis, W. H. Wilson. H. S. Davies, G. A. Carver, L. L. Cuhitt, W. M. Du Rieu, J. Marshall, Dr. O'Callaghan, W. E. Gillam. Canons G. Mac Murray and .7. Haseldcn, and the Most Rev. the Primate, who was preceded by tho Rev. J. P. Cowie (bearing the pastoral staff), and followed by Canon Nelson (bishop's chaplain).

Tho Freemasons occupied nearly all the seating accommodation of the church, but there was also a number of the public among the congregation, and many more were unable to gain admission. In addition to the male members of the choirs there were also about 60 ladies from tho choirs of the city churches present. As tho procession entered the building the hymn " Christ is Our Corner Stono" was sung, after which the vicar (the Rev. W. E. Gillam) read the collect for St. Simon and St. Judo's Day. The intoning of the Lord's Prayer was followed by Psalms 122 and 132, and then the Rev. Fowler (curat;- of tho parish) read the lesson, I. Chronicles xxix. to verse 21. This was followed by the singing of the " Te Ileum" (Westbury's setting).

The Primate, who then gave a short address, said: "It is now 50 years since the people of St. Matthew's, with the help of outside friends, began to collect funds for the erection of a, permanent church on this site. Scarcely any of those who contributed to the fund are still with us. Owing to the circumstances of tho colony in earlier days, and as a result of the careful management of the building fund by the trustees, the comparatively small sum originally collected has grown to what it is at, the present time. A beautiful design has been provided for the permanent church, and the people of the diocese, and I believe of the city, will be much disappointed if it is not carried out in its entirety. Should the funds now available not be sufficient for this purpose, the present parishioners will no doubt exert themselves to make up the deficiency. Our gratitude to those who have done so much for St. Matthew's in the past will bo shown best by our following their example in this matter." Tho service oner the procession marched out to the hymn " The Church's One Foundation."

The music was under the direction of Mr. A. Towsey, who also presided at the organ. While Mr. Towsey was marshalling the, procession Mr. J. H. Phillpot presided at the organ. THE LAYING OF THE STONE. While the service was proceeding in the church a large gathering assembled round the foundation-stone. The architect, builders, and clerk of works had everything in readiness for the ceremony, and excellent arrangements were made near the stone for the accommodation of the Masonic brethren, and on three sides space was left for those who wero provided with invitations and tickets of admission to the church grounds. The stone, which has its proper place in the northeastern corner of the building, forms a portion of the base of the tower of the new St. Matthew's Church. It bears Hie following inscription:—"St. Matthew's Church. haus Deo. This stone was laid by His Excellency the Governor of this colony, the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, G.C.M.G., St. George's Day, 1902."

Seats Avero provided behind the founda-tion-stone for His Excellency tho Governor and party and His Worship the Primate. At the completion of the service in the church the Bishop, clergy, and choirs, and the Grand Master and brethren of the Masonic craft marched in procession to the Wellesloystreet gate, and filed into their allotted places. The Bishop took his seat behind the founda-tion-stone, accompanied by his chaplain (Canon Nelson) and the Rev. J. P. Cowie; tho clergy and members of the choirs were conveniently placed on high ground overlooking the stone. The Masons, on approaching the stone, opened to the right and left, and the Grand Master, with those of his officers who had to assist in the ceremony, passed inside the enclosure, while the remaining grand officers, district and provincial grand lodges and brethren formed a circle round the stone, the grand and district grand officer.) being allotted the. places of honour nearest, the stone.

His Excellency the Governor, who was escorted from Government House by the Auckland Mounted Rifles, under Major Holgtate, was received at. the Wellesley-street (rate by the Rev. W. K. Gillam (vicar of St. Matthew's). His Excellency was accompanied by the Countess of Ranfurly, Captain Boseawen, A.D.C., and the Hon. Charles Hill Trevor, A.D.C His Excellency wore the following orders Knight of Justice St. John of Jerusalem, Grand Cross St. Michael and St. George, and the Jubilee Medal, 1897. As the vice-regal party approached the enclosure the assembly, led by the choirs, sang " God Save the King."

AH being ready for the commencement of the ceremony, the M.W., the Grand Master of New Zealand, Brother A. S. Russell, addressed the assembly. He declared the purpose of the gathering, and referred to the lawful and honourable purposes of Masonry and to the solemn obligation upon them to erect substantial buildings for the service of humanity and to the ff'.ory of the Great Architect of the Universe. They were assembled to assist in building a house which they prayed God might prosper, and that the work done in it, might be according to the laws of the land and for the benefit of the entire community. He then called on tho grand chaplain, to invoke the blessing of the Great Architect of the inverse on the undertaking of the day.

Tho Grand Chaplain (V.W. Brother Archdeacon Calder) then offered up prayer, as follows: —

Adorable Lord God, Maker of all things, and Judge of all men, regard, we humbly beseech Thee, with Thy special favour this our present undertaking, and Grant that the work we now commence in Thy name may conduce to Thy glory, and to the good, temporal and eternal, of Thy dependent creatures. We humbly invoke Thee to give us at this, at all times, wisdom in all our undertakings, strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the beauty of harmony in all our dealings with each other. Grant that Thy blessing may be with us in laying this stone, so that in time to come a temple to Thy honour and glory may he raised, in which Thou mayest be pleased to dwell, to the comfort and salvation of us, Thine unworthy people. After the response So mote it he," the choir sang "Behold, How Good" (Clarke).

The Grand Master then directed the grand secretary (Brother Malcolm Niccol) to deposit, in the cavity of the stone certain memorials of the period, so that when time might have laid hare the foundations of the church there would he there an undying record to bear to succeeding generations testimony of the energy and industrial culture of our time.

Tho Grind Secretary read the following, which had been engrossed on parchment: —

St. Matthew'n Church," Auckland. New Zealand.— stone was laid on Wednesday. April 23, Anno Lutis, 5902; Anno Domini. 1902. with full Masonic honours, by the Most Worshipful the Grand .Master of Antierrt, Free. and Accepted Mason* of New Zealand, Brother Alexander Stuart Russell, and His Excellency the Governor, Brother the Eight Honourable the Earl of Raitfurly, G.O.M.G. The estimated cost of the building is £30,000, erected out of accumulated funds raised by subscriptions commencing in the year 1853, started and husbanded for many years by the late Mr. Thomas Weston for the object of erecting a stone rlnuvh. In the year 1863 the fund had increased to £5000, but the subscribers unselfishly resolved to erect it wooden church out of other funds, in the trust and hope that in £0 or 30 vears their children would lie able to erect such a building worthy of the Church they loved and laboured for. Architect. Mr. Frank L. Pearson, F.R.1.8.A.. London; supervising architect. Mr. Edward Hartley, Auckland; contractors. Mr. John Ferguson and Mr. James Malcolm; clerk of works, Mr. William Thomas; vicar, the Rev. W. K. (tillam: vestry. Mr. T. W. Doonin, Mr. Fred Whitehead. Mr. If. Pealte, Mr. O. E. Lee. Mr. P. P. Wood. Mr. P. 11. A. Potter, Mr. T. Cole. Mr. 11. ,T. Lee, Dr. Hooper, and Mr. A. Wright; Building Committee, the Rev. W. E. Oillam (chairman), Mr. W. S. Cochrane, Mr. .Tames Hurtt, Mr. Fred Whitehead, Mr. Edward Lander: trustees, Mr. W. P. Cochrane and Mr. James Bnrtt.—W. P. GTT.bAM. vicar of the Parish of St. Matthew's. -April 23. 1902.

This was placed in a bottle, together with the following: Copies of the New Zealand Herald and Auckland Star of April 23, Church Gazette for April 1, 1902, last printed report of St. Matthew's Vestry, programme of this day's ceremony, photo, of letter sent by O. A. Selwyn to the Archbishop of Canterbury accepting the Bishopric of New Zealand, six postage stamps (the first issue in the reign of Edward VII.), a piece of oak from Canterbury Cathedral erected 1184, and a piece of sandstone from the Norman Church in Holy Island, erected in the 12th century. The Grand Secretary having placed the hottie in its place the architect (Mi. E. Hartley) handed the working tools of Masonry to the Grand Master, who, according to custom, proceeded, with the assistance of his officers, to lay the stone. The Grand Master spread tho cement, and handed the trowel to His Excellency the Governor, who finished the spreading of the cement. Tho stone, which, up to this time, had been held up by a dorrick, was slowly lowered a third of tho dis-

tance, the brethren, led by the Grand Director of Ceremonies (R.W., Brother G. H. Powley, P.G.W.), saluting with grand lionem's once, followed by tho choir singing, *.' All Glory to the Most High." The stone was then further lowered, the Masons saluting with grand honours twice, and the choir singing again "All Glory to tho Most High." Then, after a pause, the stono was lowered to its place, and bedded, the brethren saluting with grand honours thrice, and the choir once more singing " All Glory to the Most High." The (acting) Deputy-Grand Master, E.W., Brother C. 0. McMillan, District Grand Master, E.C., applied the square, the (acting) Senior Grand Warden, R.W., Brother W. .1. Rees, Provincial Grand Master, 1.C., applied the lovel. The (acting) Junior Grand Wiirden, R.W., Brother Win, McCullough, ProviiK.l,d Grand Master, S.C., applied the plumb rule. The Grand Master then declared the stone laid, according to tho proper customs of Masonry, that tho brethren had faithfully and skilfully performed their duty, and that tho stone was well aud truly laid, according to ancient Masonic rites. He had much pleasure in "handing to His Excellency tho Governor tho mallet, and in asking the Governor to declare the stone well and truly laid. His Excellency applied the mallet, and said. "I declare this stone well and truly laid." • The trowel, which was presented to His Excellency the Governor by the contractors for the building, Messrs. Malcolm and Ferguson, had a representation of tho new: church on one side, and on tho other the. inscription, "Presented by Messrs. Malcolm and Ferguson to His Excellency the Earl of Ranfurly, G.C.M.G., Governor of Now Zealand, on the occasion of the laying of the foundation-stone of St. Matthew's Church, Auckland. St. George's Day, 1902.' The mallet, which was presented by the architect, bore a silver plate, inscribed, " St. Matthew's Church, Auckland, St. George s Day, 1902." , . , . , ~, Tho Grand Chaplain then invoked the blessing of God as follows: —

May the Almighty Architect of the universe, who 'has disposed all thins* in order, according to the excellency of His will, who made the heavens lor His majesty, the sun and stars for Hi- glory and our comfort, and the earth as a place for our obedience to His laws, look down upon us at this time. Grant, O Thou Most, High, that the chief corner stone of this building may be Holiness to the Lord. May corn, wine, and oil, and all the necessaries of life abound among men throughout the world. May the temple here to be erected bo dedicated and devoted to the sacred interests of morality and virtue, and may all who assemble in it have their sorrows and afflictions alleviated and sweetened by the joys and consolations of the Holy One. by the feast of a good conscience, the oil of gladness and the cup of salvation, till full and running over.

The elements of consecration were then placed on the stone, the (acting) DeputyGrand Master depositing the corn, representing plenty, the (acting) Senior Grand Warden pouring on the wine, representing prosperity, and the (acting) Junior Grand Warden pouring on,the oil emblem of peace. The Grand Master then handed back the tools to the architect, stating that as the foundation-stone of the structure had been laid, he delivered to the architect the implements of his profession, entrusting him with the work having full confidence in his skill and capacity. THE GRAND MASTER'S SPEECH. The Grand Master then addressed the gathering. In the course of his speech he said: " Words fail me when I endeavour to express the plea-sure we, as Masons, have in contributing by out efforts to place as firmly as on a rock this temple, which will yet contain another of tho many pulpits from which will be preached glory to God in the Highest, on earth, peace and goodwill towards men. Occasions of this kind are deemed opportune by. the principal officers of our craft to refer to the principles on which our order is founded. 1 purpose pointing out briefly the more immediate connection we, as Masons, have in ceremonials of this kind. I do so because, by many outside the pale of the brotherhood, Freemasonry and its mysteries may not be looked upon as happily and kindly as tho institution deserves. From time immemorial it has been the pleasing and agreeable duty of the craft to take part in laying corner stones of public edifices, thus aiding in the advance of the public weal. The symbolism of the corner slono is to us, as Masons, full of significance, for in its form it must be perfectly square, and in its solid contents a cube. The square is to us tho symbol of morality, and the cube of truth. This stone is set between the north, the place of darkness, and the east, the place of light, illustrating Masonic progress from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge. The permanency of this chiselled block of stone, this corner stone, which will remain firm when the building falls into decay, is intended to remind Masons of the sure foundation of eternal life, the corner stone of immortality, which survives tho tomb and rises triumphant over the grave, and thus the virtues of a Mason, and of all men, must stand the crucial test before being pronounced by the master builder of souls to bo materials worthy of that spiritual temple, fitted as living stones for that House not made with hands eternal in the Heavens. For this work we feci that by right of heredity we, as Masons, have peculiar claims. When we look down the long vista of the centuries we find that the early edifices erected and consecrated to the Deity were rut, carved, and hewn out of the original rock, by tho hands of the monastic builders, whose work .sculptors and designers we see to-day in the Cathedral towers and spires of the Mother Country and the Continent of Europe. Those societies were- succeeded by fraternities of stonemasons, who,_ as travelling builders, journeyed all over Europe, and engaged in the erection of sacred edifices. In turn these associations of men were sought after by the learned in art and science, and the operative feature became distinct from the speculative. It ceased the building of material temples, and devoted itself to the erection of a spiritual one, and tho working tools of the operative became symbols in tho work of the speculative, so that what aided the workmen in erecting the building aids us as Freemasons in directing tho mental faculties, and in improving the mind that the Great Architect has given us." Tho Grand Master then proceeded to show the lessons the speculative mason learned from the working tools, and proceeded: "Our institution is founded on the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth, which are built upon the Scriptural teachings of faith, hope, and charity. Our ■brotherly lovo extends to all who circle around our altars, and to mankind at large. Our relief we give not only to those of our brethren in distress, and the widows and helpless ones, whom it is our pride to think have a claim upon us, but in oases where great disaster has overtaken the world. Truth we exemplify in our sincerity and honesty one with another, and in our search for knowledge. Our faith is in tho mercy and promises of tho Great Architect, our hope is in that immortality promised to all who shall follow the teachings of the Master, and our charity is in goodwill and affection one to another. Surely such an institution, founded on such principles, should command the love and respect of the world. • Its aims and purposes are very much the same as those of the Church with which so many of you are connected. True, wo may have a language that is known but to the brotherhood, but surely in this way it is well to create a union so that we may thus la- enabled to do a greater amount of good. his day shall carry with it many recollections, and our hope is that, whether within or without the Masonic fold, we'may, with chanty to all men, may as we open the good Rook, which lies unfolded on your and on our altars, the words of Him, who said, ' Whoso sloppoth his cars at tho cry of the poor and needy he also shall cry himself, and shall not be heard.' " THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. Hi? Excellency the Governor also spoke. He said:—-" This stone, which I have declared well and truly laid, is the commencement of a work that was contemplated, as you have heard. 50 years ago, and sonic of the original subscribers to the small fund then raised are alive at the present time. One of those who collected for this fund 50 years ago wrote that the church to be built was not to be unworthy of the holy purpose to which it would be dedicated and so that it may tend to foster in the minds of settlers a love for church architecture which may lead in time to the erection of good ecclesiastical ' buildings throughout the land. The little money then collected has now arrived at so large a figure that this church has been commenced, and it is believed that it will bo the finest in New Zealand when completed, and this will carry out the wishes expressed by the writer to whom I have referred. May this building not only be a thing of beauty but a benefit and cause of good to the City Of Auckland." The choir thon sang the hymn, O Lord of Hosts, Whose Glory Fills," a collection for minion work in St. Matthew's parish being taken up meantime, after which His Lordship the Primate pronounced the Benediction, and the proceedings of laying the foundation-stone terminated. - THE LUNCHEON. At about two p.m. some 200 people sat down to luncheon at tho Strand Cafe. His Excellency the Governor, who was accompanied by the Hon. C. Hilt-Trevor, A.D.C., and Captain Hugh Boscawcn, Hon. A.D.C., presided, and had on his' right the Veil. Archdeacon Caldor and on his left His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Alfred Kidd). As usual, the Strand Cafe Company's capable

manager (Mr. W. Speight) had made arrangements that went off without a hitch. The tables were nicely decorated and the luncheon was catered for in the company's well-known complete manner. >" The toast of "The King" was proposed by His Excellency and • loyally honoured. On behalf of tho Primate, who was unable to be present, the Ven. Archdeacon Calder proposed the health of His Excellency the Governor. In doing so he said it did not need much comment when proposing such a toast in the hearing of an Auckland audience. With regard to His Excellency it might be said: "We liked him when we first saw him, and the more we see of him the more .we like him." (Applause).

His Excellency, who was loudly applauded, briefly returned thanks for the very kind manner in which the toast had been received.

Mr. George Fowlds, M.H.R., next proposed '' The Primate and the Clergy of all Denominations." Tho Primate, ho said, was beloved by all the people of Auckland, irrespective of what denomination they belonged to. Ho was also sure those present would join most heartily in drinking to the health and well-being of the clergy of all denominations. Although people might differ from them on some points they would respect them for their works' sake. They were doing a great and good work hero in Auckland and in the colony. People recognised that they performed a self-sacri-ficing work, and although many of them could do very much better from a worldly point of view in other callings, they adhered to their work because they felt they had a call to it. The toast was coupled with the names of Archdeacon Calder and the Rev. Hugh Kelly, M.A., of Knox Church.

Archdeacon Calder said he was very happy to reply for the Primate, whom he had known for 26 years, and placed him in the same category as tho Governor—he loved him the first time ho saw him and the more he saw him the more he loved him. He believed that had been the experience of all the clergy and the laity. (Applause).

The Rev.- Hugh Kelly said it afforded him the utmost pleasure on behalf of the clergy of the sister churches to thank those present for the manner in which the toast had been honoured. He was sure it gave the greatest satisfaction to tho people of New Zealand to know that there was at the head of the colony such a gentleman as His Excellency, who showed such a warm and earnest interest in every form of Christian effort. In that noble work he was assisted by the excellent help of Lady Ranfurly. (Applause.) Mr. Kelly expressed the great pleasure it had been to the clergy of the sister churches to be present at the ceremony of that day.

His Excellency said ho felt somewhat diffident in proposing the toast he saw next on the list which he had been railed upon to propose, namely. "Success to St. Matthew's Church." He did not know that he had ever before heard of drinking the health of a church, but the toast was there, and they apparently had to drink to the health of the church or the health of the parishioners. As they were all aware, the church had a unique history, which had already been referred to several times. He congratulated Mr. Gillam in not having to collect money, which must be one of the most unpleasant duties which a clergyman had to perform in trying to get a new church. It was a very unique thing at Home, and he expected it was so in the colony, for a church to be built and completed without everybody having to put his hand in his pocket, and without there being a debt when the edifice was finished. Alter referring to the fine design that had been chosen for the church, His Excellency hoped the church might be a benefit to the people of Auckland, and would carry on Christ's work.

The Rev. W. E. Gillain. on behalf of his church officers and parishioners, expressed the great thanks they felt to His Excellency for the part he had taken in the day's ceremony. He also thanked the Grand Master, the Provincial Grand Masters, and tho Masonic brethren for their assistance. As a Mason he thoroughly appreciated the way in which the work had been done that day. He also had to thank the clergy of other denominations who had been good enough to attend.

The Rev. W. E. Gillam next, proposed the health of the Masonic fraternity.

Mr. A. S. Russell, Grand Master Now Zenland Constitution, in returning thanks, said that whatever the Masonic fraternity could do in connection with laying the foundationstone of any public edifice, would always be promptly and cheerfully done. (Hear, hear.) His Worship the Mayor (Mr.. A. Kidd). who was called upon by Mr. Russell, said he was sure the memory of the ceremony would live long. It had taken many years to make it possible to have a new church, and ho thought those who had fostered the funds were worthy of the very best thanks. The work they had done would live in history for all time. THE CONVERSAZIONE. The proceedings of the day concluded with a conversazione in the Choral Hall, at, which thero was an attendance of over 1000 people. The hall was ol necessity packed, but the available accommodation was skilfully utilised to produce both sitting and standing room with as much comfort as such a large gathering would permit. His Excellency the Governor attended, accompanied by the Countess of Ranfurly, Captain Alexander (private secretary), the Hon. Charles Hill Trevor, A.D.C., and Captain Boscawen, Hon. A.D.C. His Lordship the Primato was also present, and the clergy were numerously represented. An enjoyable musical programme was provided tinder the direction of Mr. Arthur Towsey, who had a splendid orchestra of volunteer musicians organised for the occasion. There was nothing in the way of formality about the proceedings, tho guests moving about the hall and enjoying themselves as they felt inclined. Refreshments were handed round during the evening. The vice-regal party arrived about halt-past eight, and spent over an hour in the conversazione. Prior to their departure the Rev. W. E. Gillam, vicar of St. Matthew's, called for a vote of thanks to Lord and Lady Ranftuiy for their kindness and courtesy in connection with all the proceedings of tho day, which was heartily accorded. The programme was as follows:—Overture, "La Sirene;" selection, " Haddon Hall;" song, "Dreamland." Miss Morrin; song, "Margarita," Mr. Tapper; overture, " Stradella;" song, "The Holy City." Mr. Horace Stebbing; song. " Vainka Song," Madam Chambers; selection, "Faust;" song, "Beloved," Miss Bollard; song, "Low-backed Car," Mr. G. M. Reid; waltz, " Autre-fois." During the early part of the proceedings Canon MacMurray gave a short address. He referred to the chief function of the day as ornate, stately, and dignified, and said as a lookeron he was interested to see the ritual as carried on by the laity. The clergy were often criticised for their ritual, but it had struck him that when the laity had any ceremonial in hand they were far more ritualistic than the clergy. (Laughter.) He was exceedingly pleased to see some good stout North of Ireland Protestant friends of his taking part in the ritual. (Laughter.) He asked himself what it all meant, and it seemed to him that they might learn this lesson from it—that whenever men were associated together to give a united expression of praise and adoration there must of necessity be somo form of ritual. Men were far more religious than they knew,' and that was why Freemasons and Orangemen in their lodges of necessity turned to ritual. Ho believed in ritual, but only when it was the outward expression of spiritual realities; otherwise, it was an idle mockery. They had been joining together that day in the great task of church-building; they ought to make that A reality. In the Hkkaid of that morning there were some interesting remarks by the Rev. T. 11. Sprott, a late Auckland minister, on the question of church attendance. If ever there was a time in the historv of an army, when men should be true to the flag, it was in the moment! of danger, and he believed there never was a period when there was more real necessity for men and women coming forward and showing themselves as true soldiers of Jesus Christ than at present. If they were to be real church-builders they must be self-denying and self-sacrificing. At the close of the proceedings a vote of thanks was, on the call of Mr. Gillam, accorded to Mr. Towsey and the vocalists and instrumentalists for the excellent programme submitted.