WESLEYAN SOIREE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2005, 3 June 1868, Page 5

WESLEYAN SOIREE.

A soiree, in aid of the Building Fund of the Now Wesleyan Church, IStuart Btreet, was held in the Wt-sleyan Church, Dowling struct, last evening. Thero was a very Largo attendance, in apito of the wintrinesa of the weather—the Church being well filled. The Building was taatofully decorated with flags and banners, the handsome banner of tho Band of Hope Union being displayed. Tie walla and pillars wore clothed with ferns, intermixed with -artificial flowers ; and a very pleasing effect was obtained. The tea, which was excellent, was provided by the ladios of tho congregation. After tea, Tho Kov. A. R, Fitchofct, minister of tho Church, took tho chair, and ho was supportud by the Revs. It. Connebeo, O. Sutherland, H. Williams, Scrymgeour, nrid Oliver ; Messrs Burall, Ferres, and others.

Tho Ouaikma.v said tfiat ho felt highly pleased and gratified at seeing tho largo assemblages, the more bo as tho weather had suggested thoughts of postponement. Ho was present in an official character, and would have to give a number of detailß. Ho had arrived in Dunedin fifteen monthx ago, and had found tho Church in a moribund state. lie was exceedingly depressed, but since that time ho had had much to encourage him. The Church had been working on with flomo degroo of hucccrh. Tho number of members on tho books when ho arrived was only 1.12, and that included those worshipping at Port Chalmers, tho Peninsula, and Tuapoka. Now, there were UO7 members, and 17 on trial: and thisnumber was exclusive of Tuapeka-—now a scparato district. During tho year about LIOOO had bcencollected: that,ho thought, showed that there was life in the Church. At first ho hod believed that Wealoyaniara had no vocation hero, that there was no room for it; but. tho experience of tho pant twelve months had completely revolutionised that opinion. Tho great difficulty had boon tho utato of the Church, and it was now t!ir.»a that a building something less liko a I am, ana *«>t »t n, n top of sixtynino steps, should bo obtained. Tho building had a peculiar history of its own. When tho donation of tho /jround was obtained, it was not so out off from communication with tho rest of tho town. Tho building had hardly been used when it was found to be unsafe, and to repair and strengthen it wlditions were {[made. Still it was not suitable. It wa» very cold, difficult of acceps, and was not even now secure. Tho congregation had decided that it would bo more advisable to erect a now church than to repair tho old one. They had purchased a site—half an ncre of ground, with a frontage to throe streets —and thoy had also purchased tho house recently occupied by Mr F. J. Moss, to bo used as a parsonage. Thoy were to pay L 12150, LSOO at onco, and tho rest to remain on mortgage, but tho interest ■would be covered by the rent of tho prosent manso. It was believed that a great portion of the present building would work into tho now one, and that tho structure would not coat more than L2OOO. He considered that tho Wesloyan body had a claim upon tho sympathies of tho pu lie in this City. Twenty-six yoara ago, tho first missionary was sent to this Province by tho Wcsleynns, and since then thoy had spent much money in missionary work in O'ngo. Tho Church was progressive, and it should keep up with tho times. Ho trusted that members of other denominations would give their aid and Bupport. He might state that tho funds had already boon headed by Mr Oalvort, with a donation of L2OO.

Tho Roy. It. Connebeh remembered what had been done in earlier days here by Mr Harding, Mr Aidrod, and others ; and ho was glad that tho ministration of ihe present pastor had been so crowned with succosa. Ho alluded to tho happy state of unity which existed between tho churches in this land, a proof of which was given in there being ministors and membcra of nearly every denomination present. He then referred to the improvements made in architecture for religious purposes, describing buildings of various periods, to tho improved style of religious nomenclature ; and ho concluded by urging tho object of tho meeting very forcibly. The ltov. (1. Sutherland gave a vivid review of the work of tho promoters of Wesleyanism in England and America, and urged upon his hearers to apply the motives which had actuated the Wesloys and others to tho work they had on hand. Ho stated their duties, as holders of tho principles of the founders of the denomination. The object of Wesloyanism had been to revrve religion among aprofes3edly Christian peoplo, and tho work was not -completed. Ho thought that tho claims of tho Church should be recognisod, and that all should aid it.

Tho llov. Mr Sokymgbovb. pointed out that \\\p main characteristics of the Wcaleyan denomination woro activity, energy, earnestness, and liberality. He referred to tho talents and abilities of many of its most activo agents, and to tho good results of their labors ; and he urged upon tho citizens of Dunedin to respond liberally to tho call about to bo made to them. He said that an effort was being made to provide a suitable building for his own congregation, and added that tho two efforts would not clash, but that each would aid tho other.

Mrßumuu. explained the mode pro-

posed to be adopted torawo the necessary funds, by means of subscription-papers and collections, after which, tho papers were sent round, and a collection made. The appeal was responded to moßt liberally, the amount realised and promised being very little short of L3OO. The Rev. H. Williams addressed the meeting briefly. During the evening tho choir, under the leadership of Mr Chapman, sang a number of anthems in a very pleasing manner. Voten of thanks wore accorded to ite members, to the ladies who had provided the tea, to the »peakcrs and the chairman, and the proceedings terminated.