St Saviour's, Sydenham.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4997, 9 July 1894, Page 4

St Saviour's, Sydenham.

ThSform&l opening of the new parsonage took place on Thursday. The house was thrown open to the public between 2 and 5 p.m., and was visited by upwards of one hundred and fifty people, who afterwards adjourned to the schoolroom, where, the articles unsold at the recent sale of work were exposed for sale, together with refreshments. At 7.30 p.m. there was a special service in the church. There was a large congregation, and the sermon was preached by the Eev A. W. Averill, of Sfc Michael's. After service a gathering of a social charaoter was held in the email schoolroom, which was densely crowded, many being unable to obtain admission. The incumbent, the Rev E. A. Scott, in a short address reviewed the history of the building. He said that they had every reason to congratulate themselves on placing themselves in the hands of Mr Whitelaw, as architect, nor had they been less fortunate in their builder, Mr Hunt. Only one thing damped their pleasure thatevening, and that was the absence of their old friend and pastor, the late Eev H. B. Cocks, who had been a warm and practical sympathiser in the work. Short speeches by the Eev Francis Knowles, the Eev A. W. Averill, and Mr Walter Fisher (churchwarden) followed. At the close of the evening the incumbent was able to announce that, taking credit for one or two promised subscriptions, the parsonage (the cost of which had been £567) was entirely free of debt, a statement which was roceived with applause. A grant of £250 was made by the Church Property Trustees, the balance being raised by absolutely free contributions.