KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XXIV, 10 December 1898, Page 746

KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

On Tuesday of last week the foundation stone of the Knox Presbyterian Church, Parnell, Auckland, was laid by His Excellency the (iover nor. About a thousand persons were present on the ground, and on the platform, which was gaily decorated, the foilowing gentlemen occupied seats: — The Revs. 11. Kelly, M.A. (Pastor of Knox Church), G. B. Monro (Moderator of Presbytery), I). J. Steele (Moderator-elect of the General Assembly), Robert Sommerville, J. Mil ne, R. F. Macnicol, Thos. Norrie, .1. McKenzie, W. J. Williams (Pitt street Wesleyan), W. S. I’otter (Primitive Methodist), Rabbi Goldstein, Messrs \V. Brakenrig (Y.M.C.A.), Geo. Fowlds (Congregational). I). McPherson (Presbyterian city missionary). There were also present members of the Knox Church session and Board of Managers.

After Mr B. Gilmer had read a history of the Knox Chruch, the Pastor of the Church spoke. He reminded those present that they had as-

sembled to lay the foundation stone of another Presbyterian church, and they were glad of the opportunity of bidding God speed to all branches of the Church. More and more men were coining to feel the folly and wickedness of Christian churches turning their guns against each other, and counting it a great part of their mission to flourish by the disparagement of their brethren. They held in high regard the saintly men of all denominations. and cherished the most brotherly feelings to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and in truth. But on such an occasion as that it was most natural that, without in the slightest t’.egree reflecting upon others, they should make mention of that heroic man whose name their church bears, and to whom Presbyterianism, and, indeed, the whole world, owe such a debt. He referred to John Knox. (Applause.) Need he remind them that Carlyle called Knox the greatest of all Scotchmen, and said

that under Knox the Reformation was as a resurrection from death. The same high authority said that neither James Watt, David Denn, Walter Seott nor Robt. Burns could ever have arisen lint for Knox and his Reformation. (Applause.) The church they were to build, and which was to bear the name of John Knox, vas to be one of the many embodiments of the great principles by which John Knox was animated. Like John Knox, they sincerely believed that man was essentially a religious being; that without true religion society could have no stability and make no progress. Industrially, socially, and morally the world's hope was in the everlasting gospel, ft was because man was essentially religions that he believed in the rearing of churches, and that day they stood again under the old banner of Presbyterianism. Need he say that they deemed it a very great honour to have with them His Excellency the Governor. They were also delighted to welcome the Countess of Ranfurly and her daughter, and their hope was that God’s rich and abundant blessing might rest on Lord and Lady Ranfurly and their family during their residence in the colony, and throughout the rest of their lives. (Applause.)

The oldest elder in the church, Mr Thos. Keir. then stepped forward and presented to His Excellency the mallet and trowel with which the stone was to be laid. After the stone was lowered into position, the Governor squared it and said: ‘I declare this stone well and truly laid.’ Engraved on the front of the stone was the following inscription:—‘Knox Church, Parnell. Foundation stone, laid November 29. 1898, by His Excellency the Governor, the Right Honorable the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G., etc. Lord Ranfurly addressed the assemblage and said: ’lt gives me very great pleasure to take part in these proceedings. I do not propose at the present time to go into the history of the life of my illustrious kinsman, John Knox, in whose honour this stone is laid. It is well known to everyone here how that life was spent, partly working as a

slave at the galleys, partly in the court of a king, partly as a refugee for the sake of his religion, partly in thepulpit of his country. All these are matters of history. What result his life has had on us can be summed up in three very short sentences. By his means we have been given liberty of conscience, liberty of speech, and liberty of action. (Applause.) I am glad to find that the people of Parnell require additional church accommodation. I can only say, from a fairly large experience of colonies in general, that I think the clergy can find much work for themeselves in those colonies without going outside to heathen lands. (Hear,near.) 1 do not know whether it .s in the air, whether it is the business, or what it may be that seems to produce a certain amount of atheism, or, at all events, want of care for religion, and nonattendance in churches. Therefore, if clergymen will only take the trouble first of all to look after their own people at home, and when they have done that let them then think of the heathens that there may be in the various islands round our shores. I grant yon they ought to do the one, and they ought not to leave the other undone. (Applause.) One of John Knox’s most prophetic utterances was: “What 1 have been to my country, albeit this ungrateful age will not know, yet the ages to come will be compelled to bear witness to the truth.” The very fact of this church being called after John Knox shows that, though not appreciated by the multitude at the time of his life, his memory is appreciated and loved at the present day.’ (Applause.) The hymn, ‘The Church's One Foundation,’ was sung, after which the Rev. D. J. Steele, M.A., offered up prayer. A collection was taken up and realised about £4O. The Rev. Kelly announced that the site and church would cost somew lere about £2.000. and then, on his motion, a vote of thanks was passed to His Excellency for his kindness in coming to Parnell to lay’ the foundation stone. Mr F. J. Bennett, the church organist, efficiently directed the musical

portion of the ceremony, being assisted by Mr H. R. Robinson with the cornet. A conversazione was held in the evening.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF KNOX CHURCH, AUCKLAND.