FOUNDATION STONE-LAYING CEREMONY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13545, 19 March 1906, Page 3 (Supplement)

FOUNDATION STONE-LAYING CEREMONY

The foundation slone-laying ceremony in connection with the new Primitive. Methodist Church. Waikouaiti. took place on Wednesday, February 28, in the presence of a good gathering of the public. The proceedings commenced with the singing of "The old hundredth," after which prayer was offered by the Rev. W. L.iyeock. A portion of Scripture was read, after which a brief address was (riven by the minister of tho circuit (the Rev. T. C'oafsworth), in which ho .referred to the hearty way in which the building of the new church had been taken up by the congregation and afco to the assistance given by the outside public.' The foundation stone having been laid by the Rev. W. Lavcoek and Mr R. Pearson (circuit steward), a statement of tho finances was given, which showed that tho total cost oF tho umlortnkincr would bo about £380. including the land (£25). Towards this amount (he sum of over £205 had been raised, and it is hoped that the liabilities on the church, when opened, will not be more llian £150. of which' amount £100 will be borrowed from tho Church Loan Fund. The Rev. W, Laycock Kave a short address, in which he spoke oE the origin and aims of Primitive Motho' dism. Tie heartily congratulated the congregation upon the success attending its efforts to erect the church, and wished it much blessing and prosuerity in the future. The hymn, "The church's one foundation." was then sung, after which Mr C. W. Wilkinson briefly addressed tho gathering. The singing of the doxology and the pronouncing of the benediction brought a very in> leipstinff ceremony to a close.

The church is being erected by Mr C. W. Wilkinson (Dunedin), who also supplied the plans. The building is situated on thn Main North road. In a central position, and when finished will be an ornament to tho district.