SOUTH .DUNEDIN MISSION HALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9786, 10 July 1893, Page 3

SOUTH .DUNEDIN MISSION HALL.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE.

The foundation stone of the new Mission Hall which is being erected in Cargill road, South Dunedin, in connection with the Wesleyan Church, was laid on Saturday afternoon. There was a fair attendance, and the following gentlemen were present:—The Rsvs. L. Hudson, D. Dutton, W. Ready, A. North, W. Snunders, and W. C. Oliver, Messrs W. Wardrop, Charles Duke, and James Hislop (architect of the building). The R?v. D. Dutton having read a portion of Psalm 84-, the Rev. Mr Ready led in prayer, while the band played the opening portion of the "Gloria" movement of Mozart's " Twelfth Mass," Letters were read apologising for the nonattendanca of the Revs. Dr Stuart and R. Waddell, Messrs J-. H. Hancock and W. Earnshaw, M.H:R. The latter wrote expressing a bopa that the "forward movement" might be crowned with success, and added: "Never within

the history of modern civilisation has the times been so opportune for the churches to press forward in the van for the social uplifting of the'people. The harvest (for the amelioration of the condition of life) is ripe, and it is within the churches' grasp to turn the worldly sneer to one of admiration, if not of reverence."

The Rev. Mr Hudson then addressed a few words in connection with the work to be carried on in the new hall. He stated that the Rev. Hugh Price Hughes, of the London West End mission, was, to a large extent, the founder of the "forward movement." ' It was found that many people were not reached by the ordinary church organisations, and it was necessary that these people should be brought to the Gospel. At a quarterly meeting of the circuit the Cargill road Church was given permission to make an effort in this direction. They were allowed to set about it as they wished, prbvided they did not- incur any financial responsibility. On ■ the strength of this permissioD, they organised a brass band, they strengthened the orchestra in connection with their Sunday services, »and also enlisted the servioss of one or two ladies, who had been acting in the capacity of '' Sistera of the People." They had three of these sisters at the present time. One of them—Misb North—'was formerly connected with;a Sydney mission. In regard to the West End mission, there were now 35 of these sisters working with the " forward movemsnt." Ib was admitted that the1 results of thn movement had justified the founders in starting it. Some had stated that it wa3 merely robbing the churches of their members ; but if they read the reports of the missions at Home they would see that the majority of those who came within its were not identified with any church.. Last year .over 300 passed through the inquiry room, and the majority of these belonged to,no church. ... ; ., : ..,

tnese belonged to,no cnuren. ..-..., The Rev. W. C. Oliver and the Roy. W. Saundeks also addressed a few words to those present. The latter congratulated the congregation on the escape which they were soon to make from the inconvenient and insanitary buildings in which they at present held their services. The Rev. Mr Spurgeon once saidthat the next best thing to the grace of God was to have oxygen in the building, and that before a minister should in spirit open the windows of heaven ,ho shonld open the windows of the ■church. He always believed that tbp members of the Cargill road Church had a sublime indifference to the presence of oxygen, and, while they eagerly prayed for the opening of heaven's windows, they had their own windows hermetic caliy closed. He, trusted that when the new building was erected, v,'ith r^ore convenient' accommodation, they would increase the good that had been dons in the old church, and that the influence of the mission would be felt in every place in the surrounding district. The Rev. Mr North also made a few remarks, in which he sympathised, with the objects of the movement | after which

The ceremony of'laying the foundation stones was proceeded with. The principal stone was laid by the Rev. L. Hudson, who, is. the pastor in charge of the church. Underneath the stqna were placed r copies of the local daily papers and the 'New Zealand Methodist, besides coins of $0 realm. , Aftes tlio stone had been declared to be weil and truly laid, the arohitect (Mr Hislop) presented the rev. gentleman with a silver.; trowel. In making tha presentation, ..''.',;,.'. Mr Hislqp saidthat it was customary on an occasion of that kind to present the person who laid the ohief stone of the building with something commemorative of the ceremony. He had therefore much pleasure, on* behalf of the contractor, Mr J. B; White, and himself, in presenting Sir .Hudson.-with a silver trowel as a memeuto of the dufcyjie and the friends of the church were performing that day. He heartily congratulated Mr Hudson upon .the success that had bsen attained by him in working the movement up to its present 'Stage. He trusted that when the building was completed he would find it well and truly built,-and suited to the requirements of the mission^ He trusted that he would be spared for many; years.,to continue his useful teaching within its wallg, and that its influence would sprijid untjl that, the first mission hall of its special kind, might be one of many others. :. .- , ' 1/ ■'..-"

The other stones were laid by Messrs W. Wardrop, Charles guke,' and, Mrs W. 0. Oliyer. , " ""' ;. •" ■' ": The Rev. Mr Ready then shortly addressed thosa present, after which the: proceedings were closed with prayer and. the .singing of the doxology. , f '-. .. '.-. ~ TEA AND PUBLIC MEETING. At 5 o'clock a public tea was held, and the tables were presided over by Masdames Bcemner, Eirby, Hudson, Stoddart, -Norrie, Bunciman, Cole, Soiitham, and Develin. About 6 30a meeting was haldin the church, ! an' short addresses were delivered by the Revs. Messrs Oliver and Ready and 7Mr C. Duke. Two Sitters of the People were also introduced to the meeting, .; ' , '<> j Mr Hudson, who presided, meationed during the evening that as regards the new building there were £320 in land, while about £180 was promised. The receipts of the* day amounted to about £50, while they would probably obtain £500 from the loan fund. '■ : During the meeting several hymns were nicely rendered by the choir. , :,,