THE DEACONESS'S INSTITUTF.

Otago Witness, Issue 2515, 28 May 1902, Page 73

THE DEACONESS'S INSTITUTF.

OPENING OF THE MISSION HOUSE.

The formal op&ning of the Scotland street Church of England Mission House, which is I in charge of Sister Ernestine, who was or- ', dained deaconess at St. Paul's on Tuesday, took place on Thursday in the presence of a large gathering. The Right Rev. Bishop Neviil performed the ceremony, and he was accompanied by the Very Rev. Dean Fitchett, the Rev. Canon Mayne, tho Yon. Archdeacons Robinson and Beaumont, and the Revs. C. S. Bowdeo, H. Jones, and Woodhouse. The Rev. A. Neild was Bishop's chaplain. The Bishop and clergy entered upon the ground floor first, the customary word*, " Peace to this house and all that arc therein. O Lord protect this place," being pronounced at the door. The refectory, community room, mission room, and various other aDartments were formally opened in turn by the Bishop with prayer, and the hymn, " O Holy Ghost, thy people bless," was sung by those assembled. At th© conclusion of the ceremony the benediction was pronounced tipon the house and the people. The Bishop, in addressing those present, said ho did not propose to give an address, , but he desired to say how exceedingly thankful he was to those- who took such . a deep interest in the institution. He trusted it would always be a great blessing in their midst. He never liked to embark upon a project unless he had faith in the belief of I it 3 continuing, and be knew, from the fact | of the number of ladies who had interested themselves, that the Mission House would be successful. Ho had that faith in this movement, and he trusted they would all do their best to forward the work. He read an apology for absence from the Rev. W. Cur-zon-Siggers, who is financial manager of the institution. Referring to the offertories in aid of the institution at the three city churches — St. Paul's, St. Matthew's, and All Saints'- — -the Bishop said it would be better to divide the offertorie-s between the Church General Fund and the institution. Judging by the financial aspect, the institution started under happy auspices. He then read a list of articles required for the home and the work, including books of theology and books for a factory girl's library. The Sister had desired to convey her grateful thanks to those who had kindly assisted in the work and the preparation of the house. In conclusion, he thanked all present for their attendance, and trusted the home and the workers would receive God's blessing. Afternoon tea was then dispensed. The Mission House is a commodious, building, eminently suited for the purpose, situated near the corner of Scotland and London ttreets, and while close to the city is yet in a. quiet locality. The ground floor is occupied by the refectory, culinary department, storeroom, etc. ; on the second are the reception, mission, community, and reading rooms, and the deeping apartment-, arc on the third floor. Considerable ground area is provided, and there flowers will be cultivated. Sister Ernestine will be pleased to receive contributions of books, periodicals, etc., for use in the work of the mission, and copies of the. regulation for the admission of probationer-, may be obtained on application at the Mission House.