OWAKE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2046, 11 May 1893, Page 22

OWAKE.

May B.— The new English Church at Owake was formally opened on Monday last, about 70 persons being present on the occasion. Bishop Nevill bantised three children and confirmed four candidates. The bishop was assisted by the Rev. Thomas Dodd, who said the prayers, and by Mr Wingfield, who read the lessons. .The bishop eloquently discoursed from John xii, 21— Sirs, we would see Jesus." Mr Kelk, of Roslyn, ably presided at the organ. The building has a floor space of 30ft by 25ft. It is lighted by nine windows of Gothic design. The seats are comfortable, and furnish sitting accommodation for 100. Great credit is due to the architect, Mr Thomas M'Latchie, a highly respected Presbyterian elder, who freely gave the plans. .... Soiree, &c— A concert and social was held m the Owake Schoolhouse on Tuesday evening, there being a crowded attendance. The Rev. Thomas F. Dodd occupied the chair, and Miss Ettie Dutton, organist at the Presbyterian Church, ably presided at the organ. After a few concerted pieces and songs had been rendered in good style, tea and eatables were handed round in abundance. Ihe bishop then made a few remarks. The opening of a church was, he said, always an occasion of great interest. He must express his sense of the great Christian liberality of the Rev. Mr Ryley in presenting the section of land on which the church was built. He must also return thanks to the Rev. Mr M'Laren and his committee for the use of their church, all the more that it would not be possible for him under similar circumstances to return the compliment. Bishop Nevill then stated that in the old country a great many places were named after churches— c g., Whitchurch, because a church of white stone was located there. The Welsh Llan meant that a church had been situated in that place.- Talking of names, he did not care for the name of their township. Owake suggested that they were a drowsy lot, while Owaka (O Walker ! ) suggested that they were m the habit of drawing the long bow. He would: suggest for the original township Oldham, and for the newer Newtown. The bishop then spoke of the old Catholics, of the return of the Jews to Palestine, and of the Nestorian Church, and wound up by expressing a strong desire for the unity of the Christian Church.— Rev. Mr M Laren followed. He supposed he was present not in his private capacity, but as the representative of the Presbyterian Church, to greet the representatives of the Anglican Church, and to congratulate them on the opening of a building for public worship. Bishop Nevill had in thanking him for the use of his church remarked somewhat jocularly that he could not return the compliment. He would likewise jocularly remark that this was a proof of the greater liberality of the Presbyterian Church. Equally with Bishop Nevill he desired the unity of the Church, but that could not be secured by ignoring differences, but by frankly acknowledging them. This was not the time or place for discussing points of difference. He would dwell on the points of agreement. Presbyterians and Anglicans were agreed as to the necessity of an orderly Church government. They were agreed also as to the necessity of the members doing their duty towards the Church. The bust organisation, however, would prove in vain if they had not the presence and power of God's Holy Spirit. The great matter was not to belong to the Church, but to belong to Chriat.—The Chairman announced that & promise of £5 had been received provided the same amount was raised in the room, This

Was done. The meeting waslthen closed by the bishop pronouncing the benediction. Death.— l regret to announce the death of Mr Thomas Brown, which took place on Saturday at 12.35 p.m. Great sympathy is expressed for his widow.