CHURCH OF CHRIST

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6219, 27 May 1907, Page 7

CHURCH OF CHRIST

FOUNDATION STONE LAID. The foundation stone of the Ohnroh of Christ. In Vivian street, eras laid on Saturday afternoon in the presence of about 150 people. Mr H. T. Morrison presided. After a hymn, a Scripture reading hy Mr 0. JCeono, and a prayer by Mr A. Anderson (Dower Hutt). the chairman sketched the mstory of the church from the removal, from the old chapel, Dixon street, to the prospective occupation of the building now In course of erection. Mr A. F. Turner. Wellington South, in a short address, Justifying the existence of the Church of Christ os a separate body, stated that their plea was for an unqualified return to the faith and practice of the New Testament and the abolition of all party names, as the only basis npon which Christian union might be expected. Prayers were then offered by the Eevs. J K. Elliott and J. J. North, and a representative of the Solvation Army, after which Mr E. W. Petherick. who has grar tultously given his professional services as architect, presented, on bchnU of the con* traotora, a silver trowel to Mr G. Gray. Mr Gray then proceeded to lay the stone, declaring it well and truly laid, and expressing the hopo that the building might bo an influence for good in the city. Mr Gray la one of the charter members of the church In Wellington. In his house the first meetings for breaking of bread were held, and ho has been secretary of the church since its Inception. The stone wns presented by Mr H. M. Biggs, n member of the congregation. It bears the following Inscription:—"Church of Christ; This stone was laid by George Gray, Esq. Manning and Broadfoot, builders. E. W. Petherick, architect." ' Mr h. F. Stephens, recently from the United States, and now employed by the local district conference to conduct special gospel missions, stated that the. erection of every house to the glory of God stood for progress, civilisation, morality, and humanity. After the address an offering was taken Up, which amounted to £36. The new building hue a frontage of 40ft and a depth of 64ft. The ground floor will be used as a schoolroom, and the first floor os a church. Two towers. 48ft and 70ft high respectively, will ornament the front of the building. The rear of the building has been so constructed that additions can bo easily node. vTiio contract price is about £IBOO.