ST. ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-WAVERLYEY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XX, Issue 3392, 8 June 1877, Page 2

ST. ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-WAVERLYEY

Laying the Foundation Stone. This interesting ceremony took place at Waverley on Wednesday, the 6th in the presence of a large assemblage of people. This stone, commemorative of the dedication of this Sanctuary to the glory and worship of Almighty God, was laid by the Hon William ;A>x, M. 21. ft. Within the stono was placed a glass bottle, containing some of the current coiusof theliealm, copies of the Wanoanux Chronicle, Wangauui Herald, t'atea Mail, and Presbyterian Church Keivs, and a parchment bearing the uames of the Moderator of the General Assembly, and Clerk of Assembly. The charges, with the names of the Ministers holding them, within the bounds of the Presbytry of Wellington, the name of the Pastor, members of Session, Committee of management, Trustees, Sabbath School teachers, and Presenter of Sb Andrew's congregation, together with facts and references ! to the history of the parish. A graceful reference to the work of the Hey Neil

McOallnm, and to the ladies within and without the parish who had laboured to make the bazaar a success (the Committee af Management specially requested that the names of the ladies should be recorded on the scroll), was also recorded. The mimes of the architect, biiilders, inspector of'works, a description of the Church, the amount collected ami subscribed for to date, and the name of the Hon William Fox. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the Rev Ralph S. A 11s worth, the Pastor, gave out the 263 rd hymn, of the Presbyterian Collection of Hymns, " The Church's one Foundation, iftc." The Rev John Ross, of Turakina, read Ist Chron., XXIX, from 1 to 30 and Psalm XXXIX ; and the Rev James Doull, of Middle Rangitikei offered prayer. Mr Alls worth then referred to the pleasurable anticipations with which he had looked forward to that day, and to the sympathy and co-operation of the general public in the great work they had in hand, and hoped the intended Church would be to all who may gather within its walls a place of preparation for the Temple of God in Heaven, tie then read a copy of the parchment scroll (the bottle being deposited within the stone by Mr Macfarlane, Session Clerk, and Mr James B. Taylor, Secretary of Committee of Management) and invited the Hon Wrn. Fox, M.H.B, , in the name of the congregation to lay the stone, at the same time placing in Mr Fox's hands the trowel and mallet prepared for the occasion. The Hon Mr Fox then proceeded to lay the stone, using the trowel, mallet and spirit level, and declared the same duly and properly laid. He then addressed the audience in a very appropriate and eloquent speech, in which he expressed his great pleasure in being present and taking part in the proceedings. He spoke of the great for which churches, are erected, and expressed the hope that each man was a priest in his own household like the patriarchs of old. Contributions to a considerable amount were then placed upon the stone. The Rev Mr Doull then addressed the audience on church work, and the Rev Mr Ross on unity of action in such work. The 218 th hymn was then sung, and the Benediction having been pronounced, the audience dispersed, well pleased with the proceedings. The Sabbath School children and others each received a large currant bun provided by the managers, and they finished up by three ringing cheers for the Hon Mr Fox. Dimensions of the Church : — 52 feet by 27 feet ; seated for 250 persons ; porch, 8 feet square ; spire, height from ground, 85 feet ; vestry, 9' feet square. Architect, MrF. Turnbull, of Wellington ; builders, Messrs Jones, Peachey and Co.; contract price, £750 10s 6d ; amount promised and collected to date, £542 193 11^1. In the evening, in the Town Hall, Mr Fox treated a large audience to Reminiscences of his late tour through America. The building was densely packed, while the hon gentleman, who was even more than usually racy in his descriptions, kept them eutei'tained for more than two hours. At the close of the meeting, which was presided over by the Rev Mr Allsworth, a cordial vote of thanks was passed on the motion of the Rev Mr Doullj seconded by the Rev Mr Ross.