ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, LOWER WHAREAMA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7679, 1 February 1904, Page 6

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, LOWER WHAREAMA.

Opening Service.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

About fourteen months ago the church-people of the lower Whareama district decided to make an effort to erect a small church in which to worship God. For the past five years regulur services have been held in a small school room, which at times has been found to be too small, and the seats, whioh are made for small children, are most uncomfortable for adults. Thanks chiefly to the splendid way in which Miss Katie Morrison has canvassed for funds, tho church is now an accomplished fact, and open for Divine worship. A Committee was formed, consisting of a fow earnest workers, who were determined to erect a building that would be a credit to the district for many years. Plans were prepared by Mr F. de J. Clere, Diocesan Architect, Wellington, for a church to seat seventy people. This was accepted by the Committee, and with one or two alterations, which greatly add to the artistic beauty of tho buildiug, has been earned into effect. Tenders were advertised for in the Masterton papers, and the contract was lot to Mr C. E. Daniell (who also erected the Church of the Good Shepherd at Te Nui).

On tbe 24th of October, a very largo gathering of friends and subscribers took place, when the foundation stone was laid by the Rev. J. 0. Andrew, M.A. The erection of the building was subsequently proceeded with, and tho work has been carried out to the entire satisfaction of the Committee. The church which consists of nave 30ft x 20ft with seating room for one hundred people, though at present there are only seats for seventy. Sanctuary in the form of an apse, 14ft x 12ft; a* bold porch, Bft x Bft; vestry, 10ft x 7ft; and bell cote or spire, rising to a height of 50ft, having a weather vane, surmounted by the wellkaown bird, so common on many churches in England. The roof is covored with Marseilles tiles, supplied by Messrs Briscoe, McNeil and Co., Wellington. The windows are glazed with frosted Muranese glass, though the centre light of the east window will soon be supplied with stained glass, the gift of Mrs Morrison, of Blairlogie. The whole of the interior, which has a very pleasing appearance, is finished in oiled rimu wood, the seats and furniture being of the same material. The lectern, which is a beautiful piece of work, was made by Mr C. E. Daniell from an engraving in an English Church catalogue, and reflects great credit on the workmanship of the Masterton factory. It is the gift of the vicar of the parish. Tho prayer desk and seat, which have a very neat appearance, were also made by Mr Daniell. Tho seats, which are very comfortable, are supplied with kneelers.

Tho opening service took place on Tuesday last, at 3 o'clock. There was a large congregation, many having to stand. The prayers and lessons were read by the vicar. The hymns, which were heartily joined in by the congregation, were ; " The Church's One Foundation," " Jerusaleum the Golden," "We Love the Place, 0 God," and " 0 Lord of Heav'n and Earth and Sea, To Thee all Praise and Glory be." Miss Morrison very kindly presided at the organ. The lessons were from Genesis 28, and Acts 15, v. 30 to 16—v. 16. The sermon was preached by the Rev. J. C. Andrew, M.A., who selected his text from Psalm 119, verse 176. " I have gone astray like a lost sheep ; seek thy servant, for 1 do not forget thy Commandments."

The rev. speaker commenced by referring to the importance of confession of sins, and quoted the words uttered this day, in the General Confession: " We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep; we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts; We have offended against thy Holy laws; we have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done, and there is no health in us. But thou, 0 Lord, have mercy upon us miserable offenders." Tho speaker pointed out that there are degrees of misery, but all aro miserable sinners in the sight of God. In building this church, we are doing a good work, and have a right to look for and expect God's blessing upon us. Let me draw your attention to the 12th article of our church: "Albeit that Good Works, which are the fruits of faith and follow after justification, cannot put away our sins and endure the severity of God's judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and do spring out necessarily of a true and lively faith ; insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known as a tree ia discerned by the fruit."

The words of this article have never been controverted, but are accepted by all branches of the church. The preacher said : There is a very great difference in works. Not all works can be spoken of as Good Works. But those who have helped the building of this church, have done a good work.

Churches, etc., are only the skeleton of religion, but without them religion would very soon perish. They are the dry bones and they need to have the spirit of God if they are to live.

Read the 15th and 16th Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles. . You have there an account of some of the earliest churches founded. Where are they now ? These Churches have all fallen away from the Faith. So it is with religion if it is void of God's spirit. I hope you will attend this Church and that you will see that your children attend this Church, that they may learn to know their duty to God, and be taught about His love. I have gone astray May we not use the plural and say " We have gone astray like lost sheep ? " We pray to God that He will seek us. If we seek Him we shall find Him, we shall learn to love and obey His commandments. Tbe collection, which was for the Building Fund, amounted to £31 14s 3d. Afternoon tea was provided by a few friends. Tho Vicar desires to thank all those who have subscribed to the Building Fund, or assisted in any way to bring about such a gratifying result. The cost of the church is about £400, and practically the whole of the money is in hand. The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge--an English Church Society—very kindly voted J630. The site of the building, which is at the junction of the Langdale and East Coast roads, was given by Mrs Morrison, of Blairlogie.