ST. JOHN’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7342, 5 December 1884, Page 6

ST. JOHN’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

OPENING SOIREE. One of the largest gatherings that has been seen in Wellington for sometime paataaaembled at the new schoolroom of St. John’s Preabj. teriao Church, Dijfon-sUeet, Tuesday evening, on the occasion of the sop ee and public meeting in connection with the opening services, of the schoolroom, about 700 being preseot. After ample justice bad been done to an excellent tea, provided by Mr, Scott, the room was arranged for the public meeting. On the plat* form were the Revs Messrs Ogg, West, Treadwell, Moir, and Baumber, Mr Paterson, pastor of the congregation being in the chair. The proceedings were opened by the singing of the 100th Psalm, and offering up of prayer. The Chairman expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing such a large number of the congregation and friends present. Rev. Mr Treadwell delivered a short address on ancient books and their mode of showing that a great many of the'tablets of wbioh these books were composed, and which can be read, confirms the Bible,

Rev. Mr Baumber congratulated them on the fine schoolroom'they bad built, and the grand scheme they had taken in bhud to replace tbe Church. He'said the Scotch people were renowned for their unity' la working together, and be was disposed to think, that their calamity was the means of a great deal of good coming out of evil. He considered that the energy displayed was a proof of life In tbe congregation. Mr McKerrow, as representing tho ladies of tbe congregation, said be bad a most important piece Qf business to perform. He said that a$ the minister's gown had beep destroyed in tbe fire, the ladies decided to get a new one and present it to the minister aa a token of their esteem and regard. In presenting it to Mr Paterson, he hoped be would long be spared wear it.

Mr Paterson then assumed tbe gown amidst much applause, and said be would treasure it as an expression qf kind thoughts on tbe part of the ladies of thp congregation. Mr West, in a buiporoas speech, also congratulated tbe congregation on tbe fine building ihey had erected. Tbe speeches were interspersed with solos by members cf tbe choir and friends, the choir also rendering some very fine anthems, Amongst the soloists, Miss Seagar rendered “The Gates of Ihe West” very nice’y. Mr Lindsay sang the fine bass solo “ David singing before SauV’ with capital effect. The solo by Miss Paul, “ Remember tby Creator/ and the duet, “Light in the East is Glowing/' by Mr Lindsay and Miss H. McGowan were both given well. The song “ Where has Scotland lost her fame,” by Mrs Turnbull, was received with uproarious applause, and although tbe chairman intimated that, on account of tho length of the programme, no encore could be admitted, the audience were not to be denied, and that la4y bad to respond with another song. Mias Noake sang “Tbe Auld House/' and Mr Glasgow “The Angel of Charity.-” Tfie 'Chairman moved votes of thanks to the ladies who had pro? vided the refreshments, and to Mr JSngland (choirmaster) aud the choir, and friends for the excellent selections of music rendered, and the various speakers who had ho kindly addressed them that evening. The Rev, Mr Pat-rson also stated that the Ven. Archdeacon Stock and Rev. Hinton sent letters expressive of regret at being puahle to attend, He further intimated that Mr Robert Parker had kindly consented to. give a concert in ai l of the organ fund. The proceedings were brought to a termination by tbe Rev. Mr Molr pronouncing the benediction.