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Otago Witness, Issue 1489, 29 May 1880, Page 22

Religions.

Sunday last being Trinity Sunday, a special service was held at St. Paul's Church. Mr A. J. Towsey officiated at the orgau for the first time since his arrival from England.

The morning service on Sunday at the Church of the Holy g Trinity, Port Chalmers, was conducted by the Venerable Archdeacon Edwards, who took for his text the third chapter of St. John, verse 3rd. The sermon was most appropriate, taking into consideration that yesterday was the festival of the Holy Trinity. In the evening the preacher was the Rev. Mr Platts, the new incumbent of the church, which was well filled during both services.

The ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the new building being constructed iv Moray place (nearly opposite the Firßt Church), to serve as a hall and rooms for the Dunedin Young Men's Christian Association, was performed on Saturday afternoon, at 2 o'clock. The day being a remarkably fine one, there was a considerable assemblage, amongst whom were a number of ladies, present. Mr J. A. Connell, secretary of the Building Committee, presided, and the platform was occupied by members of the Association, clergymen of various denominations, and others. Upon Mr James Fulton M.H.R., devolved the duty of laying the foundation stone, beneath which were placed the daily newspapers of the city of the Christian Record, and of the Association's constitution, and report for last year ; also, one of each of the coins of the realm, Mr R. A. Lawson, architect, on behalf of the contractors presented Mr Fulton with a silver trowel, suitably inscribed.

The weekly meeting for prayer in the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms was attended on Monday at noon, the Rev, James Niven presidiug.

The evangelistic meeting in the Queen's Theatre, on Sunday evening, waa addressed by the Rev. George Smith, of this city.

The anniversary sermons in connection with St. John's Primitive Methodist Suuday-school were preached on Sunday by the Revs. Ward, Smith, and Mr D. Gr. Ford. There was a good congregation at each servica. The offerings were devoted to the school funds. On Monday evening the usual soiree came off. The tables were laid in the Odd-Fellows' Hall, George street, and were well filled. The meeting was held in the church, and presided over by Mr Howortb, the superintendent. The report of the secretary, Mr Ford, stated that during ihe past six months the school had considerably increased in numbers and general prosperity. Harmony and earnestness were some of its chief characteristics. A large number of books had been added to the library during the year. The gross revenue amounted to over L9O, and the treasurer had a balance in hand. Five years ago there was not a Primitive Methodist Sunday-school in Dunedin; now there were five, containing over 500 scholars, and shortly there would be a sixth. Addresses on Sunday-school work were delivered by the superintendents of the five schools— Messrs Howorth, Fidler, Turley, Flinders, TJ'Ren, and Rev. G. Smith. The formation of a teachers' union was proposed by the Rev. J. Ward, The children sang with correctness and enthusiasm several rather difficult but very appropriate nieces, Mr JFitzer acting as leader and Mr P. TPRen as organist.

The annual soiree in connection with the Congregational Church Town Mission was held on Tuesday in the ohurch, Moray place. There was a fair attendance considering the wretched weather. The Eev. Dr Eoseby was in the chair. The fifteenth annual report was read to the meeting, and it stated that the work of the mission had been carried on with results fully equal to those of former years. We quote from it:— "lt is also matter of thankfulness that we have still among us our good brother Mr Macfie, the missionary, who has acted in this capacity during the whole 15 years of the mission's existence — a position for which he is eminently qualified. His heart being devoted to his Master, he continues to work as God gives him opportunity — sometimes, we think, even beyond his strength During the past year the number of visits was about 4000, and during the same period he conducted 20 meetings ; whilst the number of those among whom he had been visiting called away by death was 58." The statement of accounts showed that the subscriptions and donations for the year amounted to Lll2 2s, and that at 31st March there was a balance due the treasurer of L 26 15s Id. During the meeting, which was of an enjoyable character, addresses were delivered by the Chairman, the Revs, Lewis and Jenner, Mr Macfie, Mr Torrance, Mr Coull, and others.

A concert was given at Mosgiel on Monday night in aid of the funds of the local Presbyterian Church. The Rev. J. M. Sutherland occupied the chair. Among those who assisted were the Misses Morrison, Mies Bell, Messrs Morrison, Denovan, Stewart, Prentice, and Kneen.