Phillipstown Church.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6705, 19 November 1889, Page 4

Ph illipstown Ch urch.

The Church of the Good Shepherd, Phillipstown, has received a much-needed addition in the shape of a font, which has been presented by Mrs Eobert Hardie, of Linwood. The font is of Oamaro stone, and was executed to Mrs Hardie'e 7 order by Mr Mansfield, of Manchestei a street. The design consists of an octagona] ? basin, with panel sides, supported on a t correspondingly-shaped stem and moulded ■1 base, the whole resting on a proper stone c foot pace. Four of the panelled faces oi 7 the basin are occupied by sunk quartre 1 foils; the eastern panel is occupied by E the sacred monogram. The two side r panels show a cross pates in each. In the s western panel appears the inscription !» recording the gift. A cover, with brass 9 ornamental furniture, is provided; and i the whole is rendered complete by the • addition of a brass ewer of ancient shape, » , bearing the sacred monogram in raised b j characters. The ewer is of wrought brass, • and has been skill ally made by Mr Mercer, of Christchnrch. The reception of the gift and dedication of the font took place on Sunday at evensong, when, after the second canticle, the incumbent, theEev H. J. C. Gilbert, and the choir proceeded to the West end of the church, where the dedication ceremony, > I consisting of veraicles, psal<ns, lesson and i ■ collects, was effected. At the proper time : , Miss Hardie, the daughter of the donor, i unveiled the font, and Mr Hardie pre- > sented water in the ewer, with which the incumbent filled the basin. The choir l j then returned to the chancel, and evensong i proceeded. The rev incumbent took for his text the words, " Whether is greater, the gold or the Temple that sanctifieth the gold ? " He treated on the duty and privilege of making offerings for the use of ( the sanctuary. The church was full on the occasion.