ST. PAUL'S PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXI, Issue 3297, 29 September 1906, Page 2

ST. PAUL'S PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

OPENING SERVICES.

It is only about 18 months since the Primitive Methodist connexion, in conference assembled, decided to make a forward movement in the Waikato, by endeavouring to establish congregations in the several centres. To the Rev P. J. Mairs was allotted the task to break ground, and when he arrived in Hamilton there were not wanting those, even of his own connexion, who prophesied that his mission would prove fertile and that he would be wise to seek other fields. The missioner, however, was more optimistic than were some of his co religionists, and after definitely deciding to make Hamilton his headquarters he was not long in getting a small band of erstwhile members and adherents of his church with which to form the nucleus of a congregation. He speedily imparted some of his enthusiasm to his supporters with the result that a portion of land in London-street was secured whereon to build a church, Sunday-school and manse, and on the 30th of May last the foundation stones of the former were well and truly laid with great eclat, several M.’sH.R. taking part in the ceremony, and lasi evening witnessed the formal opening for divine worship of one of the prettiest and most comfortable churches it has been the privilege of the writer to enter; and it is a standing testimony to what the energy, perseverance and pertinacity of one man can accomplish in the teeth of adverse circumstances, for Mr Mairs was heavily handicapped in his pastoral work by domestic afflictions. Sickness ever lingered around his domestic hearth, and death only three or four weeks ago claimed his beloved daughter, and returned on Tuesday last for his devoted wife. It was the express wish of the deceased lady that no alteration should be made in the arrangements for opening the church on account of her demise; and, though he had sustained such a heavy blow, Mr Mairs manfully girded himself for the call of duty, and the opening ceremony, which in the ordinary course would hare been a joyous one for him must, under the painful circumstances, have been particularly sad. St. Paul's is a handsome edifice. The street frontage is of an elegant design with a portico over the main entrance. There are five concrete steps leading up to a pair of six panel folding doors, and within is a vestibule Bft wide. The height from floor to ceiling is 20ft and the total outside height is 32ft to the ridge, with a belfry rising 12ft higher. It is capable of seating about 200 worshippers, having a floor space of 45ft x 34ft. The floor is inclined, having a fall of 15 inches in 24ft, thus enabling those at the back seat to get a view of the pulpit over the heads of those in front. The walls are dadoed sft high in specially selected rimu, above which they are kalsomined fawn, the Ceiling being blue, artistically picked out in harmonious colours. The windows are of the Gothic design with stained cathedral glass, and a Gothic arch surmounts the pulpit being flanked by two smaller ones of a like design. The pulpit and communion rail are of cast iron fretwork painted drab, and the,seats are of a comfortable design of selected rimu. The whole is lighted with nine {handsome gasoliers. The aisles are covered the whole length with linoleum. At the back of the church proper is a lean-to vestry 33 x 16 feet, and it is hoped that in the not very distant future tfl erect a Sunday School and Manse. The building was designed by Mr Burgess, and the contractors were Messrs Scott Bros., of Hamilton, who with the painter Mr Pricker), and his foreman (Mr Cooke) are to be heartily complimented upon the faithful performance of their work. The building cost, roughly, about ,£B2O.

THE OPENING CEREMONY. - By 7.15 last evening a large crowd assembled outside the building, and the Rev. W. S. Potter, of Auckland, briefly apologised for the absence of the president of the connexion (Mr Bellringer, of Wellington), who had sent a wire, wishing the movement God-speed. The assemblage then joined in singing the grand hymn, “ All Hail the Power of Jesu’s Name,” and after the Rev. P. W. Jones had engaged in prayer, Mr Herbert, of Auckland, a snowy-haired veteran in the ranks of Primitive Meihodism, after a few quaint phrases and homely remarks, formally unlocked the door, and declared the building open for the public worship of God. The edifice was soon nicely filled, and the Revs. Jones, Potter, Mairs, A J. Reid (Wesleyan) E. Adams (Presbyterian), and Messrs Watkins and Herbert occupied seats on the pulpit. After the sieging of a hymn Mr Mason engaged in piayer, and the Rev. Mairs read the lesson (I. Chronicles, xxix.), after which the Rev. Potter preached an eloquent sermon on “Christ, the Chief Corner Stone.” We regret that we are unable to give even an outline of the address, which was intensely practical. The preacher urged his hearers not to trouble themselves about knotty questions of church government or abstruce doctrine, but to cultivate the true spirit of Christianity, which bad been defined as being a “ Christian experience bearing fruit in character and conduct.”

A choir, under the baton of Mr. Orde, led the singing, and also rendered the anthem, “Daughter of Zion, Awake,” in a pleasing manner. After the service a united communion service was held, conducted by the Bevs. Jones, Adams, and Beid. A large number communicated.

The services will be continued totinued to-morrow, Monday, and Tuesday, and on Sunday, 7th October, the Bev. Mann, of Geraldine (Canterbury;, will open a ten day’s mission in further celebration of the opening of St. Paul’s.