18910807 Reopening of Church and Consecration 7th August 1891 p334

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Re-Opening of the Parish Church and Consecration of Chancel and South Aisle

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Friday, August 7, 1891

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The following preliminary notice of this event appeared in the Irish Ecclesiastical Gazette of July 31, 1891 and also in the Belfast News Letter and Portadown News:-

“The works connected with the renovation of Seagoe Church, from the plans of the architect, Mr Thomas Drew, R.H.A. have occupied the contractors, Messrs. Collen Bros. of Portadown, for the past eighteen months and are now very much completed. They embrace almost the entire reconstruction of the Church (with the exception of the West Wall and the Tower) and the addition of a Chancel and South Aisle. A new roof also has been provided for the Nave and the old Vestry, at the centre of the North side of the Nave, has been converted into a spacious porch, with lofty oak doors and adorned externally with cut-stone dressings and buttresses. The new Vestry forms part of the Chancel buildings. The old windows, with wooden frames, have been replaced by handsome stone traceries, in keeping with those in the new portions and all designed harmoniously in the perpendicular gothic style which distinguishes the whole building.

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The windows have all been filled in, according with designs of the Architect, with Cathedral-tinted glass supplied by Messrs. Forest & Co., Liverpool; except the East Window of the Aisle in which is inserted stained glass referencing our Lord consoling Mary and Martha (John xi, 23 32) furnished by Mr. G. Moore McDowell of London and erected by the Atkinson Family in memory of their parents, the late Mr Woolsey Atkinson and Mrs Charlotte Atkinsons of Eden Villa, Portadown. The roofs of the Nave, Aisle and Chancel are very beautiful and on the Architect’s wishes for the Nave roof of a design not usual in the churches of this Diocese, a four-centred arched framing, springing from hammer-beams and all richly moulded and peculiarly massive and bearing the character of the 15^th century English roofs. They are all pitch pine, left without staining or varnish. In the Nave, the ends of the hammer-beams are adorned with carved figures.The new aisle – 38 feet long and 21 feet wide and giving 200 additional seats – takes the place of the huge gallery which disfigured even the old in ornate Nave and has now been removed. The aisle opens within the Nave with 3 lofty pointed arches. The Chancel is visually open, but with an arch of loftier proportions; and like arches adorn the north and south sides of the chancel opening to the organ chambers

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and Vestry and a lateral aisle or Chantry, respectively. Over the Chancel-arch, on the Nave side, is the illuminated text – “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” The Chancel itself, 25 feet long and 18 feet wide is a memorial of the late Stewart Blacker J.P., D.L. of Carrickblacker; and has been built at the sole cost of his sister, the Baroness von Stieglitz, who has also defrayed two-thirds of the expense of the roof of the Nave. She has besides made most generous provision for the fittings and adornment of the Chancel, including a superb cloth of crimson Utrecht Velvet, with a hand-wrought embroideries, from Messrs. Cox, Louis, Bleckley and Co. London, who also supplied the arch-text. At her expense likewise, benches of solid oak have been placed in the Chancel for the Choir, with the Prayer-desk and Reader’s seat both the latter being handsomely carved. The Chancel and all the passages of the church have been laid in Peck’s first quality red Staffordshire tiles; and the floor of the Sanctuary in exquisite mosaic tiling, specially designed by Mr Drew and supplied by Messrs. Craven Dunnill and Co. Jackfield Works, Shropshire. The Pulpit, the gift of a generous friend – is of oak, set upon a bath stone base. It is richly carved and as the figures on the hammer-beams

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is from the workshop of Mr T.P. Sharp, Dublin. The capitals of the columns have been carved with much beauty by Messrs. C.W. Harrison and Sons, Sculptors, Dublin.

All the seats in the Church are open. Those in the new aisle are of pitch pine, left unstained and unvarnished. The old seats within the Nave, after very extensive and careful repairs, have been replaced and have been stained and varnished. The Font, which is supposed to be nearly 300 years old, has been stripped of the paint with which it had been coated in modern times, and has been placed upon a large stone base in the Nave, near the entrance from the new porch.

The walls of the Church have all been finished in Duresco of a terracotta colour, which harmonises effectively with the white bath stone which is freely used in the columns, arches, jambs of windows and all interior work. The traceries of the windows and all the external work are wrought in Dumfries red sandstone from the Annan quarries.

The lamps in the Chancel, Vestry and Porch all of wrought iron and brass are from the house of Messrs. J.W. Singer and Sons, Frome; who have also supplied the brass communion rail and standards of wrought iron gilt, after the design of the architect. The standard lamps in the Nave and aisle have been furnished by Messrs. Rich and Patterson & Co., Belfast.

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The heating of the Church is effected by the system of Mr John Grundy, Tyldesley Works, near Manchester, who has erected a double furnace in the secreting-chamber beneath the Vestry, with suitable vents in the floor of the Chancel, Nave and Aisle. The Messrs. Collen Bros. have very faithfully carried out Mr Drew’s plans and have sparred no pains to make the building in all it parts worthy of their deserved restitution for careful workmanship. To the genius of the eminent architect the Church of Ireland is indebted, as in many other instances, for a House of God remarkable for its beauty and seemly adaptation for Divine Worship in the place of a structure unfitting and totally devoid of any semblance of architectural grace. It has been arranged to have the Re-Opening service on Friday afternoon, 7^th August next, when the Chancel and Aisle will be consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Down and Connor and Dromore. The sermon on the occasion will be preached by the Very Reverend the Dean of Connor (J. Walton Murray, LLD).

The weather on Friday 7^th August was very favourable. Multitudes charged to the church as soon as it was opened for service and eventually it was densely packed with a congregation which occupied not only the seats but every available space in passages, porches. At least 750 were present.

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Many came by train, chiefly from Belfast and for their convenience carriages were provided which brought them from the station to the church and afterwards from the Rectory to the station. The Venerable Lord Primate hoped to have been present, but at the last he was, with regret prevented coming by an unavoidable engagement.

At 2.30 the Clergy, their number of about 54 assembled in the Parochial Schoolhouse, and after robing they proceeded thence in order to meet the Bishop ate the Tower door of the Church. Among them present were the following:-

The Lord Bishop of Down (Dr. William Reeves); the Baroness Von Stieglitz; Miss Von Stieglitz; Mrs Reeves, Miss Reeves and Rev. Canon Blacker, Carrickblacker; W. Christie-Miller Esq; Mr and Mrs Christie-Miller, Eircassock; Very Rev. The Dean of Connor (J. Walton Murray LLD); Rev. Canon J. Hare Duke, D.D. and Mrs Duke, Glencraig; Rev. Thomas J. Welland, D.D., St. Thomas’, Belfast; Rev. Richard Irvine, D.D., St. Stephen’s, Belfast; Rev. Precenter Fitzgerald, D.D., Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald, Portadown Glebe; Rev, Lewis Richards D.D., Dungannon Rectory; Rev. N. Jones D.D., Tartaraghan Rectory; Rev. Prebendary Hartside, Ballymore Rectory; Rev. Canon Harding and Mrs Harding, Gilford Vicarage; Rev. A, Dawson; Dr. W.R. Dawson, the Misses Dawson (3), Miss Wade and Miss Peck, Seagoe Rectory; Rev. J. Knox Barklie and Mrs Barklie, Moira Rectory; Rev. T.W. Clarendon

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Mr Clarendon, Dr. Clarendon and Mrs Clarendon Senior, Magheralin Rectory; Rev. E.D. Atkinson and Mrs Atkinson, Donaghcloney Rectory; Rev. H.W. Lett, Charles Lett Esq., the Misses Lett (3) and Miss Hassard, Aghaderg Rectory; Rev. T.B. Harpur, Mrs and the Misses Harpur (3) and Miss Law, Ardmore Rectory; Rev. T. Wm. Harpur and Mrs Harpur, Muckamore Rectory; Rev. Henry J. Harpur and Mrs Harpur, Ardglass; Rev. Geo. Wade, John V. Wade Esq and Mrs Wade, Magherally Rectory; Rev. W.C. Barker and Mrs Barker, Kilbroney Vicarage; Rev. W. O’Neill Lindesay, Baron’s Court Parsonage; Rev. R.A. Kernan and Mrs Kernan, Hillsborough Rectory; Rev. Wm. Munce, Mr and Mrs Munce, Tullylish Rectory; Rev. O.W. Scott, All Saints’ Belfast; Rev. W. McEndoe, Tandragee Rectory; Rev. W.P. Magee, Mrs Magee and Miss McKinstry, Drumcree Rectory; Rev. F.W. Hagan, Eglantine Vicarage; Rev. J.G. Burton, Killinchy Rectory; Rev. P.A. Kelly, Scarva Rectory; Rev. Clement Dempsey, Mullavilly Rectory; Rev. Ribton McCracken and Mrs McCracken, Portadown; Rev. B. Banks, Lambeg Vicarage; Rev. W. Graham Murphy, Newgrange Glebe, Armagh; Rev. Messrs. A.G. Austin, Geo. R. Bell, K.C. Barriskill, Thomas Connell, M. Fahy, J.L. Hackett, W.J. Macauley (Presbyterian Minister), R. Quirke (Curate of Seagoe), Charles Shaw (Missionary China), George Rees, G.A Stephenson, Joseph A. Stewart, and B. Finch White; Mr Drew Esq

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R.H.A. and Mrs Drew; James Malcolm Esq D.L. and Mrs Malcolm, Lurgan; Thomas Dawson, Esq. (Lima); Geo. Greer, Esq, J.P. and Miss Qultan, Lurgan; J. Buckly Atkinson Esq and Mrs Atkinson, Portadown; W.R. Atkinson, Esq., Mrs Atkinson and Miss Atkinson, Eden Villa; Mr T.D. Atkinson, Portadown; Miss Carleton, Miss Baxter, Miss Sloane, Miss Fforde, Miss Rankin and Miss Tipping, Raughlan; Mrs Greer and the Misses Greer (2), The Wilderness, Lurgan; Mrs F.W. Hayes, Seapatrick House; Charles Johnston Esq. J.P., Portadown; William Johnston Esq and Miss Johnston, Lurgan; Miss Dawson, Dungannon; John MaCann Esq and Miss MaCann, Moyraverty; A. MaCann Esq and Miss MaCann, Drumgor; J.R. MaCann Esq, Miss MaCann and Miss King, Fortwilliam Park, Belfast; St. John G. Braddell Esq, Sen. and Miss Braddell, Woodbank; Richmond Pepper Esq and Miss Pepper, Ballyworkan; Miss Twigg and the Misses Finch White, Waringstown; Mr D. Gibson, Esq R.H. and Mrs Gibson, Carne House; John Collen Esq. J.P. and Miss Collen, Killycomain House; William John Paul Esq., J.P.; Wentworth Paul Esq; John Oates Esq and the Misses Oates, Knocknamuckley Parsonage; James Bates Esq. D.L.; Dr. Dougan, Dr. Hadden, Dr. Herron; The Misses Carroll, Glen Cottage, Gilford; The Misses Uprichard, Fair View, Aghacommon; Miss M.J. Boredon,

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Miss Naylor (Warrenpoint); The Misses Kinkead; Mr Shillington, Alta Villa; The Misses Shillington, Miss Quirke; The Misses Montgomery; William Robinson Esq. and the Misses Robinson, Lylo House; Mr William Reid and Mrs Reid, Belfast; Robert Coburn, Esq. Belfast; Messrs. James Atkinsons and George Calvert, Churchwardens; Messrs. Joseph Murray and Capel W. Reid, Diocesan Synodsmen; Messrs. James Collins, Thomas Gilpin, John Lavery, George Montgomery (Levaghery), Joseph Munroe, William McCann, David W. Walker and John Watson, Select Vestry; Messrs. Thomas Montgomery, John Walker, Watson Walker, David Monroe (Belfast), George Twinam

(Drumcree), Charles J. Collins, Charles Wilson (Downpatrick), Mrs A Wilson.

The procession of the Clergy, about 3 o’clock, met the Bishop at the West Door of the Church, he was attended by his Chaplain, the Very Rev. The Dean of Connor, by whom the Pastoral Staff was borne before the Bishop. At the door the Bishop was received by the Rev. Abraham Dawson, Rector; Messrs. James Atkinson and George Calvert, Churchwardens and other parishioners. Mr Dawson presented to the Bishop the following “Petition for Consecration of Chancel and South Aisle of Seagoe Church, August 7^th 1891.”

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“To the Right Reverend Father in God, William, by Divine persuasion, Lord Bishop of Down and Connor and Dromore. The 7^th day of August 1891. The Petition of the Rector, Churchwardens and Parishioners of the Parish of Seagoe, in your Lordship’s Diocese of Dromore: Humbly herewith, that the Parish Church of Seagoe hath been lately enlarged by the addition of a Chancel and South Aisle; the Chancel having been erected as a memorial of the late Stewart Blacker Esq. Deputy Lieutenant of Carrickblacker, by his sister, the Baroness Von Stieglitz; and the South Aisle to meet the requirements and convenience of the Parishioners; by the subscriptions of the Baroness Von Stieglitz, the Parishioners and friends and by Grants from the Lord Beresford Fund and the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (London).

That your Petitioners have accepted the change thereof, whenever the same shall become consecrated.

That same have been adorned and furnished with all things decent and necessary for the Worship of God. May it therefore please your Lordship by virtue of your Episcopal Office:-

• To separate the said Chancel and South Aisle from all common and profane uses and to dedicate the same to the service of God and also the said chancel as a memorial aforesaid.”
• To assign the same to be perpetually a part or parcel of the said Church of Seagoe for the use of the inhabitants of the said Parish.”

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Abraham Dawson, Rector

James Atkinson

George Calvert,Churchwardens

Hester Anna Von Stieglitz

James Atkin

James Collins

T.H. WilsonParishioners

David W. Walker

Joseph Monroe

Thomas Gilpin

Capel W. Reid

When Mr Dawson had read this Petition he handed it to the Bishop, by whom it was handed to Mr Robert Coburn, Pro-Registrar of Diocese for registration.

The Clergy lined the passage up the Nave as far as the entrance to the Chancel and the Bishop and Senior Clergy passed between replicating the 24^th Psalm.

By permission of the Bishop, Rev. A Dawson had drawn up and had printed the complete Order of Service to be used on the occasion, including the Psalms, Hymns and Anthem. Mr Dawson had also three copies of the Service handsomely bound in Morocco and presented a copy each to

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The Bishop, the Baroness Von Stieglitz and Mr Drew.

After the preliminary Prayer of Consecration had been said by the Bishop, then sitting in his chair, the following Act or Sentence of Consecration was read by the Pro-Registrar, Mr Robert Coburn and was subsequently agreed by the Bishop and handed by him to the Pro-Registrar for registration.

“Deed of Consecration of Chancel and South Aisle of Seagoe Church, August 7, 1891. In the Name of God, Amen. Whereas the Parish Church of Seagoe in our Diocese of Dromore hath been lately enlarged by the addition of a Chancel and South Aisle, the Chancel having been erected as a memorial of the late Stewart Blacker, Esq. Deputy Lieutenant of Carrickblacker, by his sister the Baroness Von Stieglitz and the South Aisle to meet the requirements and convenience of the parishioners by the subscriptions of the Baroness Von Stieglitz, the Parishioners and other friends and by grants from the Lord Beresford Fund and the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (London); and which Chancel and South Aisle have been adorned and furnished with all things decent and necessary for the Worship of God. And whereas the Rector, Churchwardens and Parishioners of the said

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Parish have requested of us to separate the said Chancel and South Aisle from all common and profane uses and to consecrate the same.

Now therefore, we, William, by Divine permission, Lord Bishop of Down and Connor and Dromore, willing to comply with their pious and religious desire, do forever separate the said Chancel and South Aisle from all common and profane uses and do consecrate, devote and dedicate the same to the Worship of God and the celebration of Divine service and we ordain that from henceforth forever, public prayer be openly read in the same according to the use of the Church of Ireland, the Word of God sincerely preached, the sacraments administered and that all other matters be done and performed which by the Laws of God and the Canons and other ordinances of the Church can or may be done towards Divine worship to the glory of God and to the edifying of the Church.

And we ordain and consecrate the said Chancel and South Aisle forever hereafter, a part or parcel of the said Church of Seagoe to and for the use of the inhabitants within said Parish. And we do consecrate this said Chancel and South Aisle to the honour of God and to holy uses; the said Chancel as a Memorial to the late Stewart Blacker Esquire, Deputy Lieutenant.

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And we also dedicate the said Church by the name of “St. Gobhan”, and we pronounce, decree and declare that the same are consecrated and that they ought to remain so to future times. Reserving, nevertheless, to ourselves and our successors, Bishops of Down and Connor and Dromore, the power of visiting the same where we, or they, shall think it our office to do so, in order that we may see that the same be taken care of in its repairs and ornaments, and that all things be observed therein canonically and orderly. All which we decree and confirm for us and our successors, Bishops of Down and Connor and Dromore.

In faith and testimony whereof we have signed our name and caused our Episcopal Seal to be hereunto affixed, this Seventh day of August in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and ninety-one, and of our consecration the zenith.”

William, Down, Connor and Dromore

(Seal)

The evening Service was then proceeded with the Prayers being said by the Rev. Abraham Dawson, Rector and Rev. Robert Quirke, Curate. The First Lesson (2 Chronicles VI to verse 22) was read by Rev. Canon Harding, Rector of Gilford; and the Second Lesson (Hebrews X verse 19 to verse 26) by Rev. Canon J Hare Duke, D.D., Rector of Glencraig. The proper Psalms (84, 122, 132) were chanted. The Anthem was “O pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Ps. CXXII, 6, 7). The Hymns were 420 and 347; the latter being sung as the Clergy were retiring from the Church. The Very Rev. The Dean

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of Connor (J. Walton Murray, LLD) preached a most eloquent sermon from the text Genesis XXII, 7 – “And he said, Behold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” with which he also connected PS. CXXVII “Except the Lord build the house, their labour is but lost that build it.” (P.B. Version). He referred to the joyful occasion in which they were met together in a house built for the praise of God or restored in such a manner that it worthily expresses the feelings of those who use it for worship ad who desire to worship God in the beauty of holiness. That beauty is in a sense sacramental. It has an outward and visible sign in the stone and wood and skilful device of the Architect; but it is not complete without that inner spiritual grace, which is fully spiritual life, which contemplates a spiritual temple built of living stones, a temple whose wall are salvation and whose gates are praise. The only answer which could have satisfied the question of Isaac (in the text) was that which Abraham gave: “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for the burnt offering.” The provision of God would come in to supply the necessity. This special case may easily be extended as to afford a general principle applicable to all sorts and conditions of worship.

All worship demands sacrifice. The idea of sacrifice pervades it from first to last; but it is only when we come to that which is “last” that the true sacrifice is reached which fortifies the whole work. To put this matter in

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another way, we may say that in our worship there are certain things which we provide and above all there is that which God provides. Go’s provision does not absolve us from ours, it only crowns our work. There are certain sacrifices which as Christian men we can offer and are bound to offer to God.

• This we are told in Hebrews XIII, 16 “To do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” This communication must always have in view the honour and glory of God. Yes, always; whether its object be the relief of human suffering or wants; or like the ointment which Mary poured upon the head of Jesus, it has for its object the glory of the house in which we worship Him, and which we desire to be in some use the expression of our self-denying love.
• Again we are exhorted in the same Chapter (ver. 15) to “offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips which make confession to his name.” Here we have something which gives a higher glory to the house which we have builded, even the incense which must fill the house and ascend from it to the throne of God.
• And yet again there is as St. Paul tells us, another sacrifice, Romans XI, 1: “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to god, which is your reasonable service.” This is the sacrifice of self – of soul

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and body, of word and act, of entire surrender to Him who, having given us all things says: “My Son, give Me thy heart.”

And yet, my brethren, when all this is said and done we have not reached the climax; still we may take up the words of Isaac and say: “Behold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” The building is there in all the beauty of its architecture; the song is there with its wealth of harmony; the worshipper in there kneeling upon his knees with bowed head and folded hands and it may be with unutterable yearnings in his heart; but after all what is to make the place none other than the House of God and the gate of heaven? What to make incense of praise a sweet smelling savour in the Presence above? What to translate the unutterable yearnings into articulate words of joy and gladness? Only that offering of which the offering on Mount Moriah was but a humble type; only that Offering offered once and offered once for all on Calvary; only that Offering proclaimed in the preaching of the Gospel, pleaded in the prayer, pleaded in the hymn, pleaded in the Divine memorial of the Saviour’s cross and passion. Then and only then, is the work complete, when it finds its end, its climax, its culminating triumph in “the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world.”

Such thoughts are in full accord with the occasion on which we meet today and

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with the portion and people of the Church of Ireland in her disestablished state. The results of the late Census have indicated a decrease in the number of our Church members; a decrease which has been shared in by the Roman Catholics on the one hand and by the Presbyterians one the other. And with regard to that fact it maybe said that whilst any decrease is a matter of regret, it was to be expected; and the wonder is, having regard to the circumstances of our own Church, that it was not in her case larger than it has proved to be. “The ten years from 1881 to 1891, were years of deep and sad significance for our country, marked by unrest and agitation, by poverty and distress and by changes almost amounting to social revolution. Now whilst we do not and cannot deny that all classes in our community have felt the effects of bad seasons and the commercial depression resulting from the disturbed state of the country, we can certainly say that there was one class upon which the social revolution bore more hardly than on the others, and that class was mostly comprised of members of our ancient Church. We can speak truly of distress all around, but we must not forget the distress which fell heavily on some whose voices, if they pleaded at all, were lost in the general clamour; distress which pressed all the more heavily because it pressed on those who were not accustomed to bear it.

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Not the least sad chapter in the story of the sorrow of Ireland would be that chapter which, if it were truly written, would tell of families scattered, of houses shut up, of gentle ladies reduced to abject poverty, of congregations thinned by the exodus of accustomed members, and of Churches crippled by the failure of subscriptions from those who had the will, but no longer the power, to subscribe. That a decrease should have taken place in our numbers was only to be expected; that it is no larger than others proved to be, under all the circumstances, is a matter of thankfulness to God. And especially it is a matter of thankfulness that in the United Diocese of Down and Connor and Dromore our numbers have been well kept up, and the deficiencies of our district more than supplemented by the great increase of our church members in the centres of population. Is it not after all something to say that in the City of Belfast our numbers have gone up by leaps and bounds, and that the 29,000 of thirty years ago has multiplied to the 83, 000 of the present year?

I am led on this day to speak of our doing in the way of Church Restoration, so signally illustrated in this House of God in which we are now assembled. Church restoration is a good thing because it rests on good principles. It has to do with all those sacrifices of which I have been speaking – sacrifices which, as

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Christians, we can make, and are bound to make for the honour and glory of God. It has to do with getting rid of the idea that any sort of building will do for a church, and with impressing on us the thought that in this, as in all other things, we are not to offer unto God that which costs us little or nothing, but rather that which is the very best we have to give. Judge yourselves, my brethren, which of these two things is more congruous with the glory of God, and the ideal of worship; four bare walls and a flat ceiling, unlovely pews, and still more unlovely ‘three-deckers’ hiding in mercy from our view a mean table, which yet we call the Table of the Lord; a building meaning nothing, and therefore teaching nothing; in which it is a weariness to the flesh to kneel or to sit; in which brightness and beauty are conspicuous by their absence; or a building, in which a pointed arch and lofty roof cause us to lift up our thoughts; and the holy font and place of prayer, and pulpit and Table of the Lord remind us of our entrance into the Church Militant and our prayers towards the Church Triumphant?

All over the land we see signs and tokens of Church life in church restoration; and in the united Diocese there are now few churches in town or country that have not received some touch of grace from the helpful hand of the architect.

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Today Clergy and Laity meet within the walls of this Church, a building raised upwards of seventy years ago, in an ancient Parish; but a building now so transformed, so improved with virtues and beauty, that those who knew it in its former state may well look around them in wonder. Is there not a cause for thankfulness? If you go down to the South of Ireland, you will find many Churches with scanty congregations exhibiting the marks of loving care and liberal expenditure, and would it not be a subject of deep regret if it were the case that in a Parish which can boast of more than three thousand church people, the Parish Church remained in the condition in which it was previous to its restoration? And once more, is there not a cause for thankfulness that God has moved one warm heart and open hand to such liberality and to make this restoration possible? I go in fully with those who say that the small contributions of the great body of the faithful, are very precious, because they show that each one in doing what he can, and because they give all a common interest in the progress of the Church. But we are not to lose sight of the fact that great works requires great sacrifices, and large contributions are the part of those who have been entrusted by God with the power to make them.

But now I must bring you back to our text –

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“Behold therefore the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Deep and far-reaching words, which speak of profession, of work, and of interest in work; and yet which tell us that one thing more is needful. Oh, my friends, these words come home to us as members of a disestablished church, who leave, each in our own department to labour for the reconstruction and consolidation of our temporalities. Is it not more than possible that, in the absorbing interest of our lives through necessary work, we may rest contented and look no higher; rest content with the wood and the fire, and never go on to the lamb for the burnt offering? That is a question for us all, and for you, who time after time will come up to this house for worship. Will you rest in the beauty which human skill has created for you and not reach up to the higher beauty of holiness? Will you offer the sacrifice of praise, that is the fruit of your lips, giving thanks to God’s name, and forget the words by which this command of scripture is ushered in? And this is also a question for the Church of Ireland. For what is the reason of her existence? She does not exist for her temporalities; not for her seven millions** (** referring to the seven millions of capital in the hands of the Representative Church Body), useful and even necessary though they be; she exists not for these, but for her mission. She goes forth

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with the words of her Master: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted; to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind; to set at liberty them that are bruised; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” In that path of duty is the promise of success. Dark clouds may gather before her, new trick may await her, but if she goes on in the Spirit of the Lord, “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved. God shall help her, and that right early.” (Ps. 46, 5).”

The collection was then made by the following Collectors:-

W. Christie-Miller Esq. assisted by J. Buckly Atkinson Esq.

James Malcolm Esq. D.L.assisted byMr James Atkinson

George Greer Esq. J.P.assisted byMr George Calvert

Thomas Dawson Esq. (Lima)assisted byMr D.W. Walker

Charles Johnston Esq. J.P.assisted byMr C.W. Reid

W.R. Atkinson Esq.assisted byMr Thomas Gilpin

The amount of the Collection was £61. 10. 0

The musical portion of the service was admirably rendered by the Choir, under the direction of the organist Mr Thomas Henry Wilson. He had taken great pains in their training and they responded to his efforts by assiduous attendance at the practices, and by putting forth their utmost energy in the rendering of their several parts. Mr Wilson was ably assisted by his brother,

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Mr Charles Wilson (Organist of Downpatrick Cathedral), who presided at the American Organ.

After the service about 150 guests were received at tea at the Rectory.

The following congratulatory letter was subsequently received from the Bishop of Down:

“Conway House, Dunmurry,

Co. Antrim.

August 10, 1891

My dear Mr Dawson,

The proceedings of last Friday were such as to emphatically (demand) my congratulations on the happy result. It is a day to be long remembered in that region. It was very good of you to furnish me with so elegantly bound a copy of the special service.

God grant you and your people abundant fruits of worship in the use of your beautiful Church.

Yours faithfully

William Down & Connor”

The Re-Opening Services were continued on Sunday 9, when the services were preached by Rev. Thomas J. Welland, D.D., Rector of St. Thomas’ Belfast; and on Sunday, August 16^th, when the sermon was preached by Rev. Richard R. Kane LLD, Rector of Christ Church, Belfast. Very large congregations attended on both days.

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There was no special Collection on 9^th August, but on 16^th August the following collected at Morning Service:-

Thomas D. Gibson Esq. R.M.assisted by Mr James Atkinson

Mr William John Lockeassisted byMr George Calvert

Mr W. Porterassisted by Mr Thomas Gilpin

Mr John Collenassisted byMr D.W. Walker

Dr. Douganassisted by Mr Joseph Monroe

Mr F. McGredyassisted byMr Capel W. Reid

At Evening Service the following collected

Thomas D. Atkinson Esq.assisted by Mr James Atkinson

Mr Charles Montgomeryassisted by Mr George Calvert

Mr John Malcolmsonassisted byMr James Albin

Mr John Walker Juniorassisted byMr C.J. Collins

Mr Hugh Wallaceassisted byMr D.W. Walker

Mr Henry James Uprichardassisted byMr Joseph Monroe

The total Collection at all the services amounted to One Hundred and Three Pounds thirteen shillings and six pence (£103.13.6)

The following Offering were also presented:

The Altar Table Cloth and the Chancel lamps(beside the Chancel Bardage) - by The Baroness Von Stieglitz

2 Patens of solid silver - from collection made by Miss Selina Von Stieglitz

The Pulpit of carved oak (costing £100) - Miss Carleton, Portadown

Brass Alms Dish - Rev. A. Dawson

6 Collecting Plates of Walnut with carved covers - present and past Churchwardens, 1879-91:-Mr James Atkinson, Mr George Calvert, Mr James Collins, Mr Thomas Gilpin, Mr John Lavery, Mr Joseph Murray, Mr Capel W. Reid, Mr William Robinson (Lylo), Mr D.W. Walker, Mr John Watson.

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Offerings continued:-

1 Glastonbury Chair, 1 Brass alter table desk, 2 Pede mats, 1 Communion kneeling mat – Rev. Canon R.S.C. Bladon, Woodbrook, Enniscorthy

1 Glastonbury chair – Mrs Helen Irwin, Carne

An oak Lectern to match the Pulpit has also been generously offered by Miss Carleton who has commissioned Mr Thomas Drew R.H.A., to furnish design for same.

A stained glass window, designed by Mr G Moore McDowell, London, has been inserted by the Atkinson Family, in memory of their parents, Mr Woolsey Atkinson and Mrs Charlotte Atkinson (nee Buckly) of Eden Villa, in the Parish.

It is also contemplated by the Baroness Von Stieglitz to fill in the East Window, with stained glass, in memory of her relations.