LANSDOWNE CHURCH

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 10 February 1913, Page 5

LANSDOWNE CHURCH

j OPENING SERVICES. | The new Lansdowne Presbyteria'u Church was opened yesterday by special services, conducted, morning and evening, by the Rev d. Patei'son, of Wellington. The building was crowded at both services, more especially in the evening, when it was found necessary to provide chairs in the aisle, for the j very large number present more than filled the available seating accommodation. The Rev. Paterson gave an eloquent sermon both morning and evening, referring to the splendid Christian enthusiasm which resulted in the beautiful building, which was that day being used for service for tliej first time. He was sure the new church would be a continued blessing to the district. THE BUILDING. Aproaching the new church from the bridges, it will present a pleasing picture, and will be quite an ornament to Lansdowne. It is of Gothic design, and is built of wood 011 substantial concrete foundations. The roof is covered with red slate, and is surmounted by a 16ft steeple. There is a spacious porch, \yith doers facing east and west. There are * swing doors leading into the inner vestibule, iii'> which there is a glass screen in front. There are two aisles and three tiers of seats on a graded floor, with seating accommodation: for over 150. f)n the rostrtim is the pulpit and choir seats, with Communion table. .Behind, ;ukl separated by a partition, is a spacious apartment, ultimately intended to be divided into two, for vestry and kitchen and class room. The windows are of G. glass, and have opening fanlights. Gas-heaters are provided, an'cf there are T-gas brackets, painted pale blue, which, with the golden brass makes a pleasing combination. The building is lined diagonally throughout with rimu. oiled and spirited. _ _ The seats are not yet oiled and spirited, hut this will be done in a few days. The outside is still to receive ' its final coat, and will be in a licrht crearii shade. Comnetetive designs were called for. The local committee accepted the design 1 of Mr H. A. Jones, of Masterton. The contract for the erection of the building was obtained hv Messrs Coradine and Whittaker, of Masterton. The work has been carried out in. first class style, and reflects the greatest credit on the contractors. The cost of the building and seats was £S43. The contract was signed on October 2nd, and the work will be completed' by this week. The plumbing work was carried out by Messrs Pickering Bros., of Masterton, and the painting by Messrs Cole and Sons, of Masterton. The asbestos slates for the roof were supplied by Messrs 'H. Mainland and Co., of Wellington. The erection of this church, lias been made possible by the enterprise and organising genuis of the -Rev. A. T. Thompson, of Knox Church; by the generosity and enthusiasm of Mr a.ud Mrs Benjamin Rayner, who set the pace in gifts and work; and by the liberality of Mr Macara, who gave the site, and by the large and noble tn'ving of many friends in and around Masterton.