RIWAKA.

Colonist, Volume VII, Issue 729, 21 October 1864, Page 3

RIWAKA.

Qs Tuesday, the 11th instant, the foundation stone of a Presbyterian Church was laid by Colonel Thomas. Considering the unfavorable stato of the nvnther, the attendance of spectators was good. At 3 o'clock p.m., the Rev. J. Campbell commenced the proceedings with singing and prayer, and then called upon the Secretary to read the following report— "■Many of the inhabitants of Riwaka have felt for some years the want of a regular supply of Church Ordinances, and the presence of a residant mini-ter. It was felt that without the formation of a regular congregation, it could not be expecled that the supply of Church ordinances could be otherwise than irregular and desultory; and, accordingly, when a deputation of the Church ExtcnMon Committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand visited the district, and held a meeting with the inhabitants, it, was resolved that steps should be taken for funning a congregation, and the Church Extension Committee was requested to take the requisite steps for procuring a minister from home. In answer to (he application, which was made in accordance with this request, the Rev John Campbell was appointed by the Presbytciian Church of Scotland. After his arrival, it was resolved that a Church should be built in Rhvaka, and the means having been obtained through the liberality of the members of the congregation, the people; resident in Riwaka, tho friends of the Ohureh, ar:d a donation from the Tru,t Funds of the Province, arrangements were made for having the Church erected by the month of December in the current year. The oioperty ia vested in tlio following gentlemen as Trustee-*: Messrs. Joseph Duncan, Benjamin Slraehan, James Wilkio, Alexander Urutnmond, and John Inglis. " The Church is to be built by Mr. James R >binson, Motueka. " May it be our desire and prayer that God will bless to us the possession of all the means of grace, and the existence of a place of worship in our midst, the first evei built, in Riwaka. " Robert Pattie, " Secretary to Committee." Colonel Thomas then went through tho ceremony of laying the stone, but in consequence of being in a weuk state ot health, excused himself from addressing the company, but called upon the Rev. Mr. Campbell to do so in his stead. That gentleman then in a somewhat lengthy and impressive speech addressed them, and at the conclusion culled upon Mr. W Askew, sen., to make a few observations, as being one of tho oldest inhabitants, and a person who always showed an interest in movements of that kind. .Mr. W. Askew then briefly but characteristically, and evidently heartily, made some remarks of the pleasure he felt at being present on tho occasion, and the advantage that residents would derive from hiving a place of worship erected amongst them, and regular services, and hoped that both them and their children, and children's children would have reason to bless the day and the work they were so happily engaged in. The Rev. Mr. Campbell then concluded the proceedings with singing- and prayer.