SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 11701, 10 March 1902, Page 3

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The first service of the new charge formed for Timaru was conducted yesterday morning in the Theatre Royal, by the Kev. A. S. Morrison, of Waimate, There was a good congregation, considering the muddy state of the paths and the damp and threatening weather, the "stalls" being pretty well filled, and the " dress circle " well occupied. The stage was 4 as nicely fitted up as possible, with selections from the stock of scenery available, and the background—representing an ancient castle library, with a prevailing tone of respectability and veaerability about its mahogany furniture and ponderous tomes on the shelves—seemed by no means inappropriate. In front of the stage was fixed a canvas-and-paint marble balustrade, a fair imitation of solidity and permanence. Behind the minister s chair and table was an organ at which Mrs R. S. Reid presided, and at the back and on either side were seated a choir of about thirty. The service was commenced _bv singing the Old Hundreth. Compared with the singing later on, the opening song of praise was faintly sung, as if the novelty of the situation made the congregation shy of exerting themselves; but this wore off, and succeeding hymns were well joined in by the congregation. The Rev. Mr Morrison made no reference to the circumstances which led to the semce being held there, except in his opening prayer, in which he petitioned that the troubles and difficulties through which the Presbyterian Church of Timaru had passed would result in good and in lastirfg benefits; and that no heart-burnings or ill-feelings would be allowed to remain and mar the relations of the members of the two churches. Pis germon was an excellent exposition of the meaning, source, and application of the Grace of God. . The attendance at the morning nerrice was roughly counted and S to be fully 400; and at the evening service there was a considerably larger attendance. • - -i ■ *-**