WAIKAKA

Otago Witness, Issue 1787, 20 February 1886, Page 12

WAIKAKA

February 15. — It is just a little over 13 months since church building was begun in the Knapdale charge. In that time four churches have been erected, all of them being free of debb. This is a highly satisfactory state of matters, and it speaks Well for the Rev. W. Wright (one of Dr Salmond's students) and his office-bearers. It is just three years towards the end of the month since Mr Wright was inducted into the charge. At that time there were 70 members on the communion - roll ; now bhere are 220. In my letter of last week I mentioned the formal opening of the church last erected. It is now my duty to report the soiree, which was held last Tuesday evening to commemorate the opening. The soiree was held in the church, and the number of people present was about 150. The provisions, which were first-class, were gratuitously supplied by the ladies of the district. The ladies who assisted in dispensing them were Misses Noble, Paterson, Black, M'lntosh (2), Robertson (2), Johnston (Washpool), Williamson, Gardyne, and Gardiner. After tea the public .meeting commenced. On the the platform were Rev. Messrs Wright (chairman), A. H. Stobo, and Alexander (Woodlands). The secretary to the Building Committee (Mr Adam J. Nichol) read the report. It stated that the Church cost £219 13s, and that that sum would be subsidised to the extent of pound for pound by the Obago Church Board of Property, with the exception of £15, the price of the site. There would then remain £30 to the credit of the Committee. The Chairman then made some remarks. He said that it had come to the turn of the North Chatton people to describe the circle of church building, and that they meant to put on the copestone of church building in his district at Knapdale on Sunday. The credit of opening so many churches free of debt was, he said, very largely due to his congregation, who had surrounded him with wise office-bearers. From the farthest south of Southland to the bounds of the Waikaka he did not bhink a like congregation in the matter of opening so many churches free of debt could be found. The Knapdale congregation stood second to the city congregations of Invercargill. Messrs Stobo and Alexander also addressed the meeting, and received well-merited applause. The ■following votes of thanks were accorded by acclamation : — By Mr James Dickie, to the ladies who provided the eatables ; by Mr A. M'Quecn, to the choir; by Mr W. Barron, to the speakers; by Mr A, Johnston

(Washpool), to the ladies who adorned the pulpit ; by Mr W. D. Stewart, to the inspector of the uhurcb, Mr John Chisholm; by Mr A. Williamson, to the donor of the sibe, Mr A. M'Queen ; by Rev. Mr Alexander, to the organint: by Mr A. J. Nichol, to the, chairman. The benediction was then pronounced and the proceedings terminated. It only now remains to be said that tho local choir under its efficient leader (Mr Goorgu Wood) rendered several hymns during the evening. The effect of the singing was greatly enhanced by the accompaniment of the organ, played by Miss A. Johnston.