OPENING OF THE OMATA CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume II, Issue 91, 26 April 1854, Page 3

OPENING OF THE OMATA CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL.

(From a Correspondent.)

On Good Friday last it being n general holiday , and tho brightest mid most tempting (lay ,for a ramble as we Imve had during this moat remarkable season, invited per tho Tnronnki Herald, wo hurried to join a goodly number of settlers of all disuses, and of every shade of religious opinion, who were starting in cortt, on hones, anil on foot, to be present at the opening of the New Congregational Chapel in tho bush on the Mountain road. In recalling my impressions of the proceedings of tlie day the least 1 can say is that I scarcely recollect to hare spent a Good Friday moro agreeably, nor shall I soon forget tho pleasing impression* I received on tho occasion. The scene was ono of stirring novelty, and the character of the services in which it was my happinesi to join was highly instructive. I was certainly prepossessed with the far Bush worship, and if am not mistaken tho sweet notes of our foreßt birds seemed to mingle with the swelling praise thon resounding through the trcei that rear their lofty heads above the neat and unpretending chapel. Your readers will un<lorstand its position is ningulnrly romantic and secluded, and ono which strongly invites the fervid deration of a purely imaginative and truly poetic eoul. Well pleased with this lovely oasis in the wilderness my gratification was considerably heightened by observing the general interest raa» nifested on the exciting engagements of tho day. In the riorning a moat appropriate discourse was delivered by the Rev. H, Groube founded on Psalm 24. versei 7 and 8 ; and in the afternoon an inter" citing lermon was preached by the Kcv. J. LongPiimitivc Methodist Minister of thu place, who took Ins text from the prophet Isaiah, chapter 35. verse 1. iiuth uddresses were wc'l suited to tl c

occasion. The audience; during the day gave tfu'U proof of their interest in the new chapel, That in the morning was a Rondl one, but in ihn afttriroon the building was erammi'd to inoom»onienca,iatid some could not proruic nilinfs<tiim<. Tno n'ontrabulions to the ch.tpel fund alno .evrncod >no l»ok of money on tho part of the viiiton, who with theiT usual liberality cheerfully roßponflcd to the spools for assistance made to thism, I 'i>i>nrti rcpeit that my impressions of -Friday last will not readily | lie ellaccd, and I sincerely trust, that the resident , in that dihtnet, will not fail lo appreciate the motives which have led to tho commodious and convoni'iit provitiou now mntlc for their enjoyment of Babbatb-day worship. In closing this communica. tion, we would n»y, that much credit ia duo to Mr Groubo for the perseverance he bus shewn in the irduoiis unit risking to reur a second place of worship in the settlement of T^ew Plymouth iv the short space of four years, considering we have already thrco belon«ing to the Cnurch of England, one to the Wcaleyun, und lour belonging to tho Primitive Methodist. Trespus-iing a moment longer on tho patience of your readnrs, I would record tho kindness ot Mr. K. Kiindlc and family (which is proverbial) who gave n gcnerol invitation to all who would partake of the provision they lind n.oat bountifully made, eveiy room in their house was filled with guests, who were plentifully supplied with good old English cheer.