CALCIUM NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20661, 17 April 1929, Page 12

CALCIUM NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.) On Friday evening a large gathering assmbled in the Calcium hall to celebrate the opening of St. Cuthbert’s Church, every available space being occupied. The Rev. W. F. Evans presided, and associated with him on the platform were: Revs. J. 11. Robertson, J. Johnstone, J. B. Bickerstaff, .1. Lawson Robinson. John Collie, H. Tanner, A. Smaill, E. G. Evans and Mr John Fisher.

After the opening hymn had been sung, the Rev. Evans extended a hearty welcome to the visitors, after which he gave an outline of the steps which had been taken to secure the erection of the new church, and paid a tribute of appreciation to the loyalty of the members and friends of the congregation and the wonderful liberality displayed, which promised to assure their being free of debt when the final accounts were adjusted. The spirit and conduct of the people had strengthened him in his faith in the goodness and Christian character prevailing not only in the local district, but far and wide. The experience gained throughout the whole campaign had been stimulating and inspiring, and his deepest gratitude was extended for the great help afforded him. Outside of the monetary contributions so liberally bestowed he took the opportunity of thanking those who had lavishly assisted him in the inside equipment of the church Words failed him to express all the gratitude in his heart for the, co-operation and practical help extended to him from start to finish. Addresses were given by the Revs. J. 11. Robertson. J. B. Bickerstaff and A. Smaill, former ministers in the parish; the Rev. J. Lawson Robinson on behalf of the Southland Presbytery; the Rev. John Collie, on the early history of the church; the Rev. Tanner, greetings from sister churches : Mr Alex McKenzie, on behalf of the officebearers of St. Cuthbert’s; and Mr John Fisher, on behalf of the Otautau church, the first offshoot of the Lsla Bank parish. Musical items were contributed by Mrs R. Lindsay, Misses Mathicson and Teviotdale, Revs. E. G. Evans and J. Johnstone and Mr B. C. Galloway.