CHARLESTON NEWS. SOIREE.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 317, 6 August 1868, Page 3

CHARLESTON NEWS. SOIREE.

the Anniversary of the opening of the Methodist Eree Church—or as it was originally called the Protestant Churck-r-wasfcelebrated by a tea-meet-ing and soiree, held in the Church building on Tuesday evening. There was a very numerous attendance ot persons of all denominations, the buildins being hardly large enough to contain all The following ladies presided at tables of their own providing, Mrs Thompson, Mrs Neale, Mrs Alexander Mrs Dakers and Mrs Hardley, in addition to whom several other ladies took charge of three tables furnished, we believe, by bachelors. After due iustice had been done to the various good things, eatable and drinkable, provided, the assemblage resolved itself into a public meeting, the chair being taken by the Rev. Joseph White supported by the Rev. D, Porteus Mr Masters then read the report of the Church Committee, the substance of which is given below, and Mr Alexander, the treasurer's statement which appears in another column. During the evening interesting addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. White, Rev. D. Porteus, and the Rev.

Mr Thorpe, who is here just now on a visit, and other gentlemen. Also several readings and recitations by Mr Alexander, Mr Bear, and others, the choir favoring the company at intervals with a well chosen selection of choral pieces. Altogether it was the most successful gathering of the kind that has been seen in Charleston, and the results financial will doubtless be very satisfactory to the promoters. The following isjthe substance of the Committee's report. After commenting on the progress made in connection with the church and the improved observance of the Sabbath day in Charleston, the repori proceeds as follows : " At the opening public meeting or Ist August, ISG7 a full report of a matters connected with the movemonl from its commencement was read, particularly as to the alteration of tin

style or denomination of the Church, together with au account of receipts and expenditure of ail monies up to that date. At the last public meeting held on February 18th, another full report was presented, Both of theee reports were unanimously adopte'd by the respective meetings. We mention these matters more especially because our conduct has from time to time been called in question, and on one occasion we were rather severely handled by the local press, though in the latter case the matter was afterwards explained, in fact, the charge made against us was withdrawn, and we were thus saved the unpleasant task of entering upon a paper warfare. At the last public meeting it was stated that the cost of the building to that date was £290, since then several improvements have been made, namely, lining the walls, hanging windows, purchasing and fixing a bell, and several other matters, at a cost of £55, thus making the total cost of the building alone to this date, £315. There are still some improvements required, namely windows in front of the

Church, ceiling with boards, improvement of desk and platform, and painting the Church outside, and as our

ordinary expenditure is quite equal to our income, this effort is being made to raise the necessary funds." After referring to the generous pre-

sentation of a sum of £23 towards the purchase of a harmonium, collected by two ladies, who of their own accord canvassed the town for subscriptions, and expressing the Committee's thanks for the same, and also their high appreciation of the able and gratuitous services of Mr Bear as organist, the report mentions the fact of a choir having been formed, to whose weekly practice all were invited, and then proceeds as follows:

" The Committee mention with pleasure the fact that during the past six months the attendance, especially in the evening, has improved very considerably. Still there is room for further improvement, and we would urge upon all those who feel interested in the welfare of the Church or of religion in this district, to support us, at any rate by their presence on the Sabbath until churches of other denominations, preferred by them, shall be represented in Charleston. " There are now nineteen bona fide members united in the church, and eight entered in the register as actiugmembers, but who strictly speaking belong to other denominations. The Committee consists of eight members representing five Protestant denominations.

" Our Sunday School has now been in existence a year, and is in a flourishing condition. We have sixty names on the books, notwithstanding many have left the district, the average atten- j dance during the winter months has been thirty-five, and eight teachers. " The Eev. Mr Baxter, the newly appointed superintendent of the Methodist Churches of New Zealand is now in Christ church, having lately arrived from England. We had hoped he would have been present on this occasion, and though disappointed, we fully expeci to see him in the course of a month."