TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2363, 13 October 1880, Page 2

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

Sermons in connection with (he above were preached on Sunday, Oct. 10, by the Rev. D. M. Stuart, D.D., of Knox Church, Dunedin, and the Rev. David Gordon (of Temuka), to a crowded congregation. The conversazione last evening was also attended by a numerous gathering,the Queen’s Hall, being filled to such an extent that barely standing room was obtainable during a great part of the evening. The hall was tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens, but the former from their proximity to the dais, did not improve the accoustic properties of the building. The tables were ornamented with choice flowers and pot plant's. About 600 persons partook of an attractive assortment of viands, provided by a provisional committee, consisting of Mesdames Bowie, Purdie, Bruce, Hart, Coleman, Ogilvie, and the Misses Maclean. The easy homely manner of the gathering is a matter for comment, for there was an almost entire absence of objectionable exclusiveness. Numerous selections of music were given during the repast by the following ladies and gentlemen—Mesdames Murdoch and Davidson, the Misses Allan, Cramond, Mansfield, Evans, and the Messrs Bilton and Muller. The musical programme was under the efficient management of Messrs Reid and Mansfield, and the tea was under that of Mr J. C. Bruce, who certainly appeared to have a very busy time of it. Amongst the visitors were noticable the Rev Dr Stuart; the Revs Gordon (Temuka) ; Lindsay (Waimate); Barclay (Geraldine); Maclellan (Otaia), and most of the local clergymen. The tables having been removed and additional seats introduced, the musical portion of the entertainment was opened by the choir singing that fine old anthem “ Incline thine ear” in a finished manner. The Rev. Mr Gillies then addressed the audience. He expressed his gratifition at seeing so many present to celebrate this their fourth anniversary of the opening of the church, and also the first of their taking possession of the new manse. They were met in an informal manner to rejoice over what they had been enabled, under the guidance of the Almighty God, to accomplish during the past four years. They had put forth strong endeavors, and by union and perseverance, they had been enabled to accomplish much towards perfecting the visible organisation of the church. It was four years since the building was opened and the congregation had raised for the purpose of its erection, maintenance, and other matters the large sum of £BOOO. (Cheers.) This was exceedingly gratifying considering the hard times that had been felt, but which he fervently hoped would never return again. There were considerable liabilities still to meet —£2000 on the church and £ISOO on the Manse —but there was good value to show for the the expenditure. He believed their church property would compare favorably with any other in New Zealand. During the next few years he hoped a building suitable for Sunday school work would be added, and then the church property would be complete The financial year did not terminate till the end of this month, but he might inform them that during theyear about £BOO had been raised for ordinary purposes, and £SOO in addition towards the reduction of the debt on the church. Mr Gillies again expressed the great pleasure he felt in meeting the concourse of people assembled, and he hoped that another opportunity would shortly occur which would enable them to meet again. Under present circumstances and owing to the the large programme no encores would be expected to be responded to, though the audience were at perfect liberty to express their appreciation of the music if they thought proper to do so. The rev gentleman concluded his address amidst much applause. Mr R. Foster then sang “ Thus goes the World” in his usual effective manner, the choir immediately afterwards giving the anthem “ O how amiable.”

The llev. Dr Stuart expressed the pleasure he felt at the work done by the congregation in the past, and said he sincerely hoped to see the amount of the debt easily and quickly liquidated. What was £3500 to the people of such a district as this ? On his way to Temuka he had seen more clover and wheat fields than he had ever seen before, and he could not help thinking that Timaru and Temuka would become great centres of population in the future. It was evident that the inhabitants knew how to work, and how to dispense the results of their work with a liberal hand. Everyone should make his woik a part of his religion, combining thoroughness with earnestness. Thorough earnestness was essential to success,whether in religious or secular matters. The speaker concluded his peroration by earnestly wishing that the utmost success might attend the efforts of all those who

sought to labor for the welfare of the Church in their New Zealand home.

“ Come unto me" was then given by Mrs Gray in her usual pleasing manner, the music being rendered correctly, and the words given clearly and distinctly. The choir followed with the anthein “To Thee Great Lord of all ” grandly given, Miss Innes sang “ Jessie’s Dream” ver} - finely, some of the forte passages having a very thrilling effect. Mrs Cuthbert contributed “ I hear an Angel sing;,’’ Mrs Anderson “ Caller On,” Mrs Jamieson “ In the Gloamin,” and Mrs Nelson “ The murmur of the Shell.” The Rev D. Gordon delivered a humorous discourse on the mistakes made by the younger male portion of the community. He considered that the Rev Mr Gillies had made the greatest mistake in his life in asking him (tire speaker) to address the meeting at all. Dr Stuart was about the only member of the House of Stuart he had much regard for, and he wished to remind the young men that the doctor would remain amongst them for a few days, and he hoped they would embrace the opportunity of selecting suitable partners. “ I cannot sing the old Scotch Songs ” was then given by Mr Cramond ; “ Dear Little Shamrock,” by Mr Nelson; “ Shells of the Ocean,” by Miss Innes ; “ The Village Choristers,” by the Misses Torrance and Innes, and Messrs D. and G. Thompson. Mrs Grayfsang “ Bid me Discourse ” and “ Land o’ the Leal ’’ in such a manner that, despite the Rev Mr Gillies’ request that no encores would be given, a loud and hearty one followed this lady’s very excellent singing. The Rev Mr Gillies requested the congregation to join in singing “ Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow,” and having pronounced the benediction, one of the most successful gatherings of tho season terminated.