ST SAVIOUR'S, SYDENHAM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3588, 10 October 1879, Page 3

ST SAVIOUR'S, SYDENHAM.

A largo gathering took place last evening in the new schoolroom of Sfc Saviour's Church, Sydenham, tho occasion being the formal opening of tho building. The structure ia a neat and substantial one, and last evening it was crowded to its utmost capacity. 'Jho Very Roy the Dean of Christchurch presided. Prayer was offered by the Eev F. Knowles, and the hymn " All People that on Earth do Dwell " having been aung, tho Chairman delivered an addreas, in whicli he gave a mosfc interesting sketch of tho history of the district, and contrasted its appearanco in the early days of tho Colony with its present thickly pooplcd and prosporous condition. Tho Eev H. B. Cocks then read the following lines, written by him as a prologue for tho occasion, which waa as followa : — Kind friends, I greet your presonco here to-day. And ask permission a few words to say. The modest room you here desory, Yet marks an era in our history ; For hero we hopo to form new sacred ties Of friendship, which all Christian churchmen prize. Hero ahall our people join tho festive throny, To quail thoir oupa— of hyson or souchong j Hero shall the walls re-echo with tha sound Of glee, and madrigal, and merry round. But yot, for purposes of gravo intent, For learning truths divine, this room is meant. Here, on tho richest day iv all the weok, Christian instruction (hall our children seek, From toachor3 whose blest work is freely givcD, To train tke yonn** to pass from earth to he iven. Wo ask your help aud sympathy, kind friends, To carry out these pleasant, holy ends. This room, though unpretentious, does reflect, Mcthinks, high credit on tiio architect, "lis not a finished work, it barely meets our need Of ampler buildings planned and hoped for, 'Tis tho seed As of a growing tree, whenco many a shoot Shall bloom and flourish, and at length bear fruit. Then say not, as to-night you take your seat, 'flli 3 is a work unfinished, incomplete, But to tho nofc far distant future raiso your eyes, When on this site far nobler works shall riso, When over all Now Zoaland you shall search And find no buildings worthier England's Church, Tho following programmo was then submitted, the various itoms being productive of hearty applauao, and not a fow of them having to be repeated : — Pianoforte duet, with horn accompaniment, "Fairy Queen,'* the Misses Fisher and Cocks, and Mr Packer; song, Mr Packer - parfc song, " Gipsy tent," Mra and Miss Fisher, Eev H. B. Cocks and Mr Packer; B,ong, Mrs Holderness j reading, Mr Steadman ; song, Mr Kerr ; song, Mr Day ; pianoforto duet, the Misses Fißher and Cocks ; duet, Mrs and Miss Fisher ; reading, Mr Eestell ; song, Mr Kerr ; Bong, Mr M'Nalty j song and chorus, " The boya and girla of England ;" song, Mr Day j'' God save the Queon."