ST. MARY'S CHURCH, TIMARU.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 1760, 21 June 1877, Page 3

ST. MARY'S CHURCH, TIMARU.

A meeting of thn parishioners of the above church was held last evening, m the new Oddfellows' Hall, Sophia-street, t* consider plans; for the new church building. Between 60 and 70 persons were p.esent. .-■ The Yen. Archdeacon Haiper ocoupied the chair, and opened the proceedings with prayer. ' The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, the . Archdeacon read the report of the Veitry on Mr Armson's plans for Ine new church, as follows :— "The' Vestry having gi»en full consideration, as desired by the parishioners at the last, parish meet ing, to the plans for a new church,' as designed by Mr Armson, beg to report as follows —

" They found that Mr Armson's plan*, if carried out m their entirety, -would probably be much beyond the present mruns of the parish. They were, however, of opinion that the»» plans are most excellent m every respect, and that, if possible, itwould be desirable to adopt them so fur as to proceed to the erection of a .portion of the proposed church, namely, the -nave, adding that portion to the present stone building, and leaving the completion of Mr Armson's design to a future "date. Accordingly, .the .Vestry put. themselves m communication with Mr Armson, and after a personal interview and full discussion of the matter, they have obtained from him further plans, which show how their proposition might ba carried out. , Mr Arm»oS propoies, "as will be seen m the plans produced, to add the nave of his original design to the present atone building. He ha* furnished a sketch of > a portion of the nave, with an approximate estimate of its costs. From thi« it appears that if five sixths of the whole of his proposed nave were erected with temporary wall at the western end,, the area thus obtained would accom'medat<9 500 persons, the area of the present stone building being d»voted to the following purposes, vi«., the transept* for the choir, organ, and two vestry-rooms, separated from the rest of the tranteptateitherendby wooden screens, whilst the present chancel would be used entirely as a sanctuary, the altar rails being, brought outlasifwr^as tihe line_«f:. the, taitem transept walls. In the interior of the nave, which would thus be built m accordance with Mr Armson's plan, all ornamental stone carving, such as that indicated ; whether of ; capitals of. the pillars, the corbels and bosses, on which the framework of the roof rvsts, might be left unfinished, to be completed at a future date.; There would; be, no necessity for the same kind of door or window a* that indicted m the plan m the western wall of the 'nave'j arid the poroh at shown on the southwestern side of the Church might be omitted, as without it there would be ample means of ingress, and. egresi>, , If thi» , portion of the naveVereertfJUd iirthik manner, the remain-, der of the original design might be completed

at a future date, and meanwhile the parish would be m possession of a large portion of a noble building, adequate to their requirements fur some time, and, when completed, a building which would be, for its size, probably second to none m the diocese. In addition to this plan for the erection of the nava of the church, the Vestry also propose to build on the south-western corner of the sire of the church a building, to consist of brick walls and open wooden roof, which will serve as a temp >rary church whilst the new portion of the church is being built, and afterwards as a school and church room. This building will seat 400 persons. An approximate estimate has beep obtained from Mr Armson for the nave of the church, and another estimate has been obtained of the probable cost of the brick building, fiom which it appears that the cost of the two buildings would be under £5000.

" The Vestry have, m accordance with the wish of the parishioners, as expressed at the last parish meeting, taken some steps to ascertain the probable amount forthcoming m aid of the now bui'dings. They have made no regular canvass of the town, having only applied to ten (10) persons, and from them they have received promises of subscriptions to the amount of £1475. Of this sum more than half is payable without conditions attached, the remainder being payable m quarterly instalments, during a period of two yrars. The Vestry are of opinion that a sum of about £4000 may be obtained during the next two years from subscribers, and that a further sum of £1000 may be raised by way of loan or otherwise, and that m proposing an expenditure of £5000 m all, they are not over-rating either the liberality or the resources o' the parish and district of Timaru. (Signed) "Hbnbt W-. Habpbe,

"Archdeacon."

In reply to a question from Mr Cliff, the Chairman said the cost of the temporary building would be £550. The remaining portion of the nave would, without doubt, be very expensive, but the elaborate designs for the door, Ac, might' be modified. Mr Wrigge asked what was the seating accommodation of the present church.

The Chairman said that, including the choir sittings, it would hold 380, while the five-sixths of the new nave, as proposed to be built, would hold 500 comfortably. If necessary, the n»w nave could* seat 764, but the architect, m drawing up his plans, had provided spacious aisles, and comfortable pews.

Mr Woolloombe proposed — " That Mr Armson's plans fora new Church be adopted." Tn moving tha resolution, Mr Woollcombe said that the question was whether they shou'd adopt plani for a church which should be an ornament to the town, or whether they should build one like a barn. He thought that they should not only consider themselves and their present wants, but alao those of their posterity. If they looked back to the old country they would find thufc their forefathers, m building their magnificent churches and cathedrals, loiked to the future. If they did not build a Eood ohureh now, they would never do so. He hid heard it argued that they would be paying a large sum for providing accommodation for Only another 100 or 200 people, but the church would be one which could always be enlarged atafuture date. The whole building, accordingto tbe architect's designs certainly appeared beyond their present means, but he thought that they should build a portion at a time. Ho. and the Chairman had seen Mr Armson on the subject, and that gentleman had informed them that a portion of the nnve could bq put up for the time being, and the remaining part added when they were prepared to do so. Mr C. Perry seconded the resolution.

Mr Wriglit asked if tbe Vestry had consulted any other architect than Mr Armson rb to designs for a church capable of mooting their requirements. It teemed to him that Mr Armson wag a Tory expensive architect, and there was no knowing what his church might cost m the long run.

The Chairman explained that the Vestry had only been instructed to report upon Mr Armeon'a plans. ■ ■

Mr Keilly asked the mover of the resolution if he did not think it would be better to bui'd the whole of the church at once, instead of by piecemeal. He also asked if any provision had been made for a bell and belf rey.

Mr Woollcombe ' said that they had only gone into tlie question of building the new church, and that < the bell must be left for future consideration. The church m itself would be a' very expensive work. Mr Potter asked what the cost of the remaining portion of the nave would be.

The Chairman said each bay would cost £750, but to the cost of the last bay would have to bn added that of tbe western wall. It was reckoned that the whole nave would cost about £5000. He did not know the estimated cost of the whole of the new church-

Mr Potter eaid he thought that some of their local architects ought to be invited to send m planß. Mr Orraaby considered it wonld be rather a childish proceeding to adopt the whole of the plan- without knowing the total cost of the building. He did nob see how they were going to find tlie necessary funds if the nave alone lost £5000. He believed they were going beyond their depth. Mr Busb. suggested that a small church should be built at tbe other end of the town, and proposed an amendment to that effect, which was seconded by Mr Wrigg*. Mr LeCren pointed out that the subject matter of the amendment was not before the meeting, Tho Chairman explained that no parish could divide itself without the sanction of the Synod, and until certain guarantees had been given. "

Mr Biuhthen expressed his willingness to withdraw his amendment, which was agreed to. Mr Tate said he would move the second resolution, so that the meeting might see what they had before them, prior to passing an opinion on the first. It was as follows : — "That this meeting is of opinion that the execution of the whole of the plan, as' proposed by Mr Armson m his original design, would be beyond the assumed means of the parish.; at present." He knew that if they had the room they couldjlet at leost 200 more sittings. All concerned m the present working of the church found that., the inadequate accommodation acted very prejudicially He would like to see a church built which would be of great benefit to their children and' children's children. He would like to see a fabric erected whirhV would be a source of pride m the future. There would be a great difficulty m .building a really handsome church all at once, and therefore he thought they would do well m beginning it, and going on with it as far as possible, leaving the rest to their posterity. In the colonies they were too much inclined to go on the principle of makeshifts, consoling themselves with the idea that anything, would do for tke time being. It did pot seem to him that by building a portion of their new Church at a time it would be making a patchwork affair of itAU .good churches were erected portion by portion. Mr Woollcombe here asked leave to put the first and second resolutions &to one, and .also the substance of the third one not yet put before the meeting;. It would then- read ■as follows : — " That. Mr Armson'* plans for tbe new church be adopted. That this meeting is of opinion that the execution of .the whole of j -the. plans as proposed by. Mr. Armson -m. hit original design would be beyond the assumed means of the parish at present. That it is therefore advisable to erect apportion of the Church as designed, by Mr Armson, namely a portion of the nave as shown m his plans, amounting to five-sixthsof the whole nave, and to add i( to the present stone building, such portion to contain 600 seats." He assumed that the whole bui'ding would cost £10,000 j but as they were only going to build a portion of it, the rest would be a. matter for future consideration. The portion they wished to erect woii'd be complete m itself, having a temporary wall at the western end. ' Mr Foley spoke m favor of obtaining plans from local arohiUcU,M they might by doing

so get plans of a building which would hold just as many people us Mr Armson's and cost less.

Mr Wrigje was of opinion that Mr Armson's building would cost £15,000 at least.

Mr Cliff taid the fact was that while, they were told m the first instance that the whole church would cost some €6000 or £7000, it now appeared the nave alone would cost £5000.

Mr LeCren explained that the idea o f the building costing £6000 had doubtless arisen through his mentioning that as the suppoied amount while the plans were lying at his office for inspection. Mr Cliff said he should be prepared to support any resolution having for its object the building of the whole of the nave at once, but would oppose its being erected piecemeal. The remaining sirth of the nave would not cost much, comparatively speaking, and the accommodation it would provide would be required at once, if the statements laid before them were correct.

Mr LeCren endorsed Mr Cliff's remarks, and thought that there would bo no difficulty m getting the necessary money. If, however, they went m for anything cheap and nisty, he felt assured people would not eubleribe. The handsomer the building the more liberal would people be. If tbey went to local architects it would only raise feelings of petty jealousy. He considered they should either accept Mr Armson's plans as they were or decline them altogether. In answer to Mr Hall, the Chairman said that the new building when completed (without reckoning the choir) would only seat comfortably abmt 200 more people than the preseat one. In case of a press, however, the church would hold over 700 altogether.

The mover and seconder of the resolution here agreed to alter it m accordance with Mr Cliff's suggestion. In answer "to Mr Orinsby, the Chairman said that the sum of £1425 had been promised by ten persoas, no others hating been asked. He believed (and it was the opinion of many leading men) that the balance required could be raised within (wo years, It was for the meeting to say whether they also held this opinion. He did not wish to run the parish heavily into debt, nor to invite them to do anything rash; but he liked to see a fair amount of judgment and courage exhibited. He assured the meeting that the Vestry had no wish to thrutt Mr Armson's plans down their throats.

Mr Cain wished to know what had been done by the Committee appointed at the last meeting to canvass the district for subisriptions.

The Chairman explained that no canvass (with the exception of that already mentioned) had been marie. Mr LeCren said that many people wished to know what kind of church they were going to have before subscribing their names. Mr Archer said the question was whether they had a right to spend some £10,000 to accommodate only at the most 300 more people. The present church was not on the right site, us a very large population was growing m another direction. He would implore the parishioners not to saddle themin the way they proposed doing. Mr Ruth erf urd said that where one man would subscribe £5 towards a new church on the present site, two would subscribe £50 for one at the other end of the town.

Mr Archer pointed out that the present building had not been paid for to this day. Debentures had been issued for it and taken up, but when they came due there wai not eufficient money to meet them. The result was that the holders were offered 10s m the £.

Mr Woollcorabo said that the debentures were eventually paid off. Mr Walcot then moved as an amendment to the resolution before the meeting — " That m v>ew of the nece*sity which will shortly ariie for the division of the parish into two parts, this meeting is of opinion that Mr Armson's plans are of too expensive a character, and that, they be not entertained."

Mr Bush seconded the amendment.

The Chairman then put the amendment, which was declared lost, twelve voting for and eighteen against it. On the resolution being put, it was carried by eighteen to eleven. Mr M. White then moved—" That a building of brick or coucrete, with open wooden roof, be erected, to serve as a temporary church, and afterwards as a permanent sciiool-room." He said that according to the estimate of a local architeot, this building would costj£sso. It would be erected at the south-west corner of the present ohuroh, and would enable them to carry on their services without interruption. It would prove useful m many ways, and would serve as a Sunday Church schoolroom, and as a meeting house.

Mr Potter seconded the resolution, which was carried.

Proposed by Mr Tate, seconded by Mr Buchanan, and carric d— " That the Vestry, together with Messrs Cliff and Bush, be requested to proceed with all despatch m their plans for canvassing the parish and district for subscriptions ; and that they be empowered to arrange with Mr Armson for inviting tenders for tbe church, and that they report to a parish meeting m reference to the tender which tbcj incline to accept." Proposed by Mr Cliff, seconded by Mr Tate, and carried — " That the Ve«try be empowered to take steps for the erection of tbe church schoolroom, to seat 400 people, at a cost of not more than £550, and that if possible such building be erected on the reserve m Williamstreet, Government Town, already allotted for Church purposes." The meeting then terminated.