NORSEWOOD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1737, 14 June 1905, Page 30

NORSEWOOD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Sunday was a red-letter day in the annals of the Presbyterian Church in Norsewood. The occasion was the opening and dedication of the new church. Services were held morning, afternoon, and evening and the new building was graced with such congregations as have seldom before been witnessed in Norsewood. Capacious though it is beyond ordinary requirements the pretty little church was packed to the doors and large numbers had to find accommodation in the lobby. Large numbers of visitors were present from all parts including over twenty of the Dannevirke Presbyterian choir. The services were taken by the Rev. J. Patterson, of Wellington, who impressed his hearers both morning axid evening. He also held a children’s service in the afternoon. The collections, which were to augment the building fund., amounted to some £24, and the management committee are to be congratulated upon the fact that although this is quite a young community and the building cost over four hundred pounds it is already almost free from debt. The building, which is indeed a handsome structure, is quite an ornament to the town. Both the architects (Messrs Finch and Lamb, of Dannevirke) and the contractor (Mr A. B. Hansen, of this town) are to be congratulated on the success of their labours. The clixxrch is designed in the early English style of Gothic architecture, and is capable of seating 200 people or more. The xvindows are trefoil headed and filled in with selected glazing of various colours. The east gable window is a handsome one and a decided ornament. to an otherwise beautiful building. The interior Avails above the dado are panelled Avith rinux panels and surmounted with a cut trefoil board to finish the same. Ventilation has been amply provided for. The pulpit platform is raised above the rest of Hie floor and is finished Avith handsome turned pillars. The pulpit itself has been designed to be in keeping Avith the-rest of the Avork and is of a A r ery handsome appearance. The roof, which is also a. handsome one, has been oiled as lias also the roof boarding, and the effect: gained thereby is A T ery pleasing. A large entrance porch is situated under the east gable, and this also is lighted Avith similar Avindows to the

rest, only of smaller design. The whole building is lighted Avith acetylene gas, and the effect during the evening service was very pleasing. On Monday night a grand soiree AA’as held in the Town Hall, after Avhich an adjournment Avas 1 made to the church Avlien addresses were delivered by the ReA'S. Patterson, Aslier, Whyte, Comrie, and Grant (members of tlie IlaAvke's Bay Presbytery). The neAvly-organieed NorseAvood Amateur Dramatic Company made its debut on Wednesday night Avhen they staged that amusing farce "The Little Sentinel." Tlie result Avas very creditable, both to the members of the society and their energetic manager, Mr J. D. Watson. The principal parts Avere taken by the Misses Learmont and Randerson, and —essrs Kemp, Martin, and Grav, all of Avhom interpreted capably the characters they represented. The audience Avere kept amused and interested from start to finish, and the generaF opinion at the end of the performance Avas that the performers may AA’ell haA’e been a troupe of professionals. The farce was supplemented by a concert programme, Avhich added largely to the success of the entertainment.