Christchurch Baptist Church.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4830, 20 December 1893, Page 1

Christchurch Baptist Church.

— *" . The Baptist congregation of Christchurcl has arranged with the Rev E. H. Ellis tc supply their pulpit for a month. A Lonclor magazine, after referring to the decision of Mr Ellis to leave London for Australasia on account of his children's health, goes on to say : — " Mr Ellis was trained in the Pastor's College, and during his College career formed a church at Norwood, supplying the pulpit for eighteen months. On leaving the College in 1880, he accepted the pastorate of Wellington Eoad Church, Stoke Newington. This church was in rather low water, only about forty members being in fellowship. With Mr Ellia' ministry matters soon began tc improve considerably, eo much so, that room could not be found for the people who crowded in. Enlargement of the chapel was decided on, and money was collected for this purpos?, when, through the kind offices of Dr Todd, negotiations were opened with the minister of the neighbouring Baptist Church at Devonshire Square Chapel. Here was a fine new building not nearly filled, and at Wellington Eoad an old chapel overcrowded. t An arrangement was amicably come to by which the Eev W. T. Henderson, of Devonshire Square Church, retired. Mr Ellis waa elected in his place, the churches united, and in 1881 Mr Ellis thus became minister of Devonshire Square Church, with a total membership of three hundred. A debt of £3050 remained on the chapel. This Mr Ellis at once Bet about clearing off. It was hard work, as his people are not a rick folk. Several years passed in the attempt, which waa at last successful. Then the chapel had to be renovated. This needed £500 more to be raised. Then the school of 700 children needed class-rooms, and the church wanted a small lecture hall ; £1800 were spent on these. In tact, Mr Ellis is one of those useful, untiring, energetic ministers who are always going forward; there is no sleeping under Mb ministry. Not only in connection with his own church, but in many other churches, he has been advancing the Master's kingdom by his preaching. In the absence of the Eev C. H. Spurgeon he has, on several occaBions, occupied the pulpit of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, . which in itself is no small test of a preacher's ability. Some 1350 persons have been received into church fellowship during his ministry, and with annual erasures for death, transfer and non-attendance, the membership now numbers upwards of 800. The Sunday school of 700 children has also been helped by Mr Ellis'a frequent visits." Mr Ellis commences his ministry in Christchurch next Sunday.