CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Colonist, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4122, 25 April 1885, Page 2 (Supplement)

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

The ninth anniversary of the Congregational Church in this City was em April 23rd celebrated by a promenade tea, which wac not only a good and enjoyable repast, but th( arrangements were excellent, and friends were enabled easily to meet and have a friendly chat. After the company had thoroughly enjoyed the good things provided, also somt music aud singing which were contributed bj some young ladies and gentlemen at interval: in the recess, the public meeting commenced over which Mr Ffarnley. M.A., presided After the Choir had sung a hymn, and Mi PoPDicxmßE had engaged in prayer, tht Chairman gave au interesting address showing the change that had taken place in the scientific mind wich regard to religion and the creation. From being an atheist, the scientific man had now become an agnostic which was a step towards admitting the Truth. The agnostic had no hope in his belief, it was one of despair, while the Christian's belief iv the existence, -love, anc wisdom of God was just tha reverse. —Mi Smart presented ihe annual report, whicL showed the Church had 125 members, o: which 17 had joined since the Bey. H. J Lewis had been Pastor of the Church. Ii also noticed the services of the ladies, who bj their industry in sewing had raised during the year £21 towards the Church funds, anc the gratuitous making of the tea tables anc trussels by some young men of the congregation.—Mr Worley gave the financial si atement, which showed the receipts ot the pasi year had exceeded tho?e of the previous year and that although the Church had had tc pay off some liabilities incurred in the past it was in a batter financial condition ;han il was at its anniversary of last year, 1854.— Mr J. H. Newman moved the adoption of thr report. He spoke on the ps dmody of thi Church, and strongly advocated the culture .of music and singing in the homes as a mean; to procure better and heartier singing by tht congregation in the Church. He considered that if Mr Booth's mission had done no othei good than making them discover the numbei of sweet voices there were in the Choir whict was then conducted by Mr Oato, they shoulci be thankful for that mission. The speakei also referred to the need there was for a room in which to conduct the Sunday School He hoped they would speedily have thai want supplied.—The Bey T. Anson Oato seconded the adoption of the report, He spoke at length on the importance of Christians consecrating their means and talents to God. Some members of the Choir that had been referred to by the previous speaker, desired to give their services occasionally for the benefit of the inmates of the Hospital, Taranaki Buildings, and Lunatic Asylum, and he invited those who could help to join in this good work.—The Pastor of the Church (the Bey. H. J. Lewis) said he had occupied that position twelve months. The great kindness he had received, and the cordial support ha had had given him by the Deacons and others connected with the Church, gave him great confidence and hope for, the future. He then spoke on the value of consolidation and concentration, and Bhowed how much more social, and useful the members of the various congregations might become.—Mr W. T. Bond, in proposing the customary vote of thanks to the Ladie3, the Choir, and thin Chairman, expressed an opinion that the valuable acquisition Mr Lewis was to the Platform and Pulpit in Nelson, would ensure for the Congregational Church the hearty support and sympathy of the citizens of Nelson.—Mr Smart in seconding the Motion, regretted the loss that the Chinch and Sunday School had sustained by the departure from Nelson of Mr J. Bingham and Mr E. W. Buckeridge.—The vote was carried by acclamation, and the meeting closed by the singing of the Doxology, and the Pastor pronouncing the Benediction. The Choir rendered valuable services during the evening.