Welsh Newspapers

Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles

Hide Articles List

25 articles on this Page

Milford's New Wesleyan Chapel.

News
Cite
Share

Milford's New Wesleyan Chapel. FOUNDATION STONE-LAYING. INTERESTING MEETINGS. This long anticipated event was consummated on Thursday last, and the Wesleyan Methodists of Milford Haven have at last witnessed the commencement of their new Chapel and Schoolroom. Perhaps to no single individual more than to the Rev. J. A. Turner is the credit for this happy event due. True others have worked in the good cause and worked heartily. His predecessors inaugurated the movement and saw it well established, but the progress has been accelerated since Mr Turner's advent. In fact, he has worked with a will and an energy that brooked no denial, and we believe he was determined that matters should be pushed forward to such an extent as would enable the Foundation Stone Laying to take place prior to his departure. His aim has been achieved, for he concludes his term of ministry in this Circuit in about another week's time. Favoured with ideal weather the ceremony on Thursday. was witnessed by a very large assemblage, persons coming in from Haverfordwest and the surrounding district in good numbers. The day's doings commenced at 1.30 with a public luncheon in the Masonic Hall. The principle function was at 3.;30, and after tea in the Masonic Hall, there was a public meeting in the Baptist Chapel at 7. The whole affair was marked by complete success, and Thursday will rank as one of the red-letter days in the history not only of Wesleyan Methodism but of the town itself. THE LUNCHEON. The tables at the Masonic Hall were very nicely laid and decorated for the luncheon, the management of which was in the hds of Mrs Penry and Mr Tom Prickett. Beautiful flowers, the gift of Lady Kensington, were arranged artistically, and the Hall presented a very pretty appearance. The Chairman of the Cardiff and Swansea district, the Rev. Wm. Maltby, presided, and was supported at the head table by Dr. Griffith, Mr J. Whicher, Revs. ,0. Spencer Watkins (Chaplain to H.M. Forces in the Soudan and South African campaigns), W. Pallister, J. Turner, and D. Harries, Wesleyan; James Phillips, O. Jacobs, and W. Michael, Inciel)encient; Mrs Harries, Mrs Turner, Mr W. Morse (circuit steward), and Mr J. J. Walkley. The Rev. W. H. Gregory (Pembroke) was also present. The singing of "Be present at our table Lord" preceded the repast, which, needless to say, was "teetotal," and at its conclusion the Chairman said that as they were all loyal people, the Methodist Church being remarkable for its loyalty to King and Throne, they would sing the "National Anthem." This was done with heartiness, and then The Rev. J. A. Turner was called upon. He read letters of regret for being unable to be present from a number of people, among whom were Mr J. Wvnford Philipps, M.P., who sent a second subscription of £ 2, and Mr F. Lort Phillips, who also sent E2. Sir Charles and Lady Philipps kindly sent a box of cut flowers for buttonholes, and Lady Kensington gave flowers for decorating the tables. Among others who regretted being prevented attending were the Revs. F. N. Colborne, Ceitho Davies, and O. D. Campbell, while ill-health kept away the Rev. Owen Watkins, of Cardiff (late Chairman of the Trans- vaal district), who had been announced to speak. Mr Turner said they were, however, glad to see the Rev. Wm. Maltby, chairman of the District, who was so well known—(applause)—and the Rev. Spencer Watkins, who had done noble service in the London and South African Campaigns. (Applause). Lord Kitchener had sent home several despatches mentioning the splendid and self- sacrificing work Mr Watkins had performed as Chaplain. (Applause). Mr Turner concluded by giving some particulars of the finances, and a description of the new building, which are given fully below. The Chairman congratulated them upon the statement just made to them. They had had a very lively time with Mr Turner these three years. (Laughter). He was sometimes glad that he was no nearer that gentle- man than Cardiff. (Renewed laughter.) Still he was delighted they had had Mr Turner with them—(hear, hear and applause)—and his work would abide after many many days. He rejoiced that he had been able to bring to this issue a scheme that had been before them for so many, many years. He trusted the money would be forthcoming, and that they would be able to open the chapel if not free from debt at any rate in easy circum- stances. (Hear, hear and applause.) With all his heart he wished that they might have great success in their undertaking. He was thankful that they had the Rev. Owen Jacobs, president of the Haverfordwest and Milford District Free Church Council, there. That tempted him to make a speech on the union of the Churches." (Applause.) He was longing for the time when there would be union amongst all the Methodist bodies to begin with, and he would not object to take in the other Churches. He prayed that in spirit if not in name there might be greater union amongst the Churches. (Applause.) Rev. Owen Jacobs remarked that although he belonged to the most independent of religious people he felt somewhat at home among them that day, and as he looked down the tables and saw the faces of Wesleyan friends with whom he had worked harmoniously he had sometimes forgotten that they were Wesleyans, and he hoped his conduct had led them also to forget that he was an Independent. (Hear, hear.) He felt proud of the work the Free Church Council had already done and felt sanguine that it would do greater work in the future. It had done a great deal to bring the Free Churches together and cement them together. They would not soon forget the simultaneous mission in Haverfordwest. He had learnt much from the earnest zeal for souls shown by the Wesleyans, and he trusted too that they might have learnt something from the broadness of spirit of the body to which he belonged. He might tell them one thing, and it was that there would have been no Free Church Council were it not for the incessant and indefatigable labours of Mr Turner, and it could be said with great truthfulness that he and his brother ministers would not be there that day but for the same man. Mr Turner had impressed them wonderfully with his capability for work and his grasp of detail. He congratulated them upon having a man like him to set this scheme in motion, and although Mr Turner would not be allowed to see the full completion of the building, he had been more highly honoured than David himself, for David, being a man of blood, was only allowed to gather the materials together and was not allowed to take part in its erection. He was sure this chapel had been talked about as much in Haverfordwest as in Milford, which was one great advantage of their system of association. He hoped it would be brought to a successful conclusion, and that there would be preached within its walls for many centuries the Gospel of John Wesley, which was the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that the hearts of the people would be prepared for entry to the more spiritual temple above. (Applause.) The Chairman made a few remarks about Mr Turner's successor, the Rev. Arthur Holland, and hoped they would receive him with warm hearts and open hands. (Applause). Dr. Griffith was next called upon. He felt proud of the noble work his Wesleyan friends had in hand at Milford. He had heard the Chapel talked about many years. He remembered when the land was bought and paid for, and he had known all the ministers who had resided there, and he appreciated and honoured the work they had done. He congratulated them upon their great energy and upon the magnificent building they were going to have. Milford town had suffered from de- pression for some years, but at last he thought they were making a move, and one of the signs of that was that Mr Turner could see that there was going to be some work to do or he would not have brought that scheme to a head. He thought (they ought to be proud of Mr Turner. (Applause). He was sent there to do a special work and he had done it. Mr Turner had had a great burden upon his back and they would call him the King of Beggars in that district. (Laughter and applause). He trusted that they would see him back amongst them again and that his ministry was not finished there yet. (Hear, hear). No minister who had ever been there should be honoured more by the body than Mr Turner, and the town would part with him with regret. He hoped he would be down amongst them again to see the opening of the new Chapel. (Hear, hear and applause). The proceedings concluded by the singing of the Doxology and the pronouncement of the Benediction. THE STONE-LAYING. There was a very large assemblage gathered at the site of the new buildings by 3.30, when the chief event of the day took place. A platform had been erected within the foundations, and upon this were gathered all the ministers present and the ladies and gentlemen who were to lay stones, as well as the children who were going to lay bricks. In brilliant sunshine the group were photo- graphed, and then the service, which was conducted by Rev. W. Pallister, was opened with the singing of" These stones to Thee in faith we lay." Reading of a portion of scripture by Rev. J. Michael was followed by an Im- pressive prayer offered by Rev. James Phillips. Then the great gathering impressively sang the hymn 0 Lord of Hosts whose glory fills The bounds of the eternal hills." This led the way to the ceremony proper. The Circuit Steward first read a list of the documents which, enclosed in a sealed bottle, were to be placed under the first foundation stone. These included a copy of the deeds, a list of the subscribers of the first £1000, and the issue of the Haverfordwest and Milford Haven Telregaph for the previous day. Mrs G. P. Ormond laid the first stone, and the others followed in quick succession. The crowd witnessed with much interest the ceremony of tapping the stones with the mallet given to each person for the purpose, and the solemn pronouncement "I declare this stone to be well and truly laid, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." The following are _J!. Lh. l.l.n n.A .£\+1. the names oi w KmAco "'HU gcunHuien who laid the stones, together with the amounts of their subscriptions —Mrs Ormond, in memory of her late husband, Mr G. P. Ormond, Y,5, and cheque from brother, Mr W. P. Ormond • £ 25 Mrs Meyler, in memory of her late husband, Mr T. D. Meyler, for the family, £10; Miss C. Whicher, in memory of Joseph Whicher, £ 10 Miss M. Whicher, in memory of Elizabeth Whicher, 110; by Mrs J. Whicher, £ 10 Mr W. E. Morse (Circuit Steward) for the Haver- fordwest Congregation and friends, £ 60 Mr J. Wilkin, Y,35, Mr C. W. Slater, Swansea, £ 10 Rev. J. Phillips, £ 10 10s; Miss Carter, £10 10s; Mr Wm. Farrow and friends (laid by Miss Daisy Farrow) X 11) Mrs J. A. Turner and her husband, £ 10, and for a brother and a friend, £ 2 Mr A. Farrow and friends, £ 10 Mr J. Walters (Sunday School Stone), Xll Is Mr J. Walkley (Choir Stone), X3 3s; Miss Hewinson (Wesley Guild Stone), £13 9s lid. Bricks were also laid by children: Guinea Bricks, Haver- fordwest, Y,26 os Guinea Bricks, Milford, £6 6s Half- guinea Bricks, Milford, t6 16s fad total, £ 39 7s dd. Those laying stones retained their mallets as mementos of the occasion, and all, including those who laid bricks, were given presentation hymu books. At last the final brick was laid in position, and Mr Pailister called upon the chairman of the district to give an address. The Rev. William Maltby said they could not but think in the midst of their movement that day of another foundation than those foundation stones which were being laid. And the fact was that if they hadn't been acquainted with the other one, if they hadn t built upon that other one—that living foundation, that sure foundation, and that one foundation—they would not have been erecting that house for God. If there had not been living stones there before those material stones they would not have been erecting that house for God, and so he took it that that work of theirs that day was an expression of religious life, was an illustration of spiritual things, and they were living stones built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. They were erecting a house for the worship of Almighty God. Man was required to worship, and he required a suitable place in which to do so, especially for the conduct of public worship. He did not think God cared very much what sort of a place it was if the hearts of the people were right. Worship was a thing of the mind and the heart, and wherever there was true worship there was a God to hear and to answer. He had conducted services in different places, and it had been impressed upon him again and again that God did'nt care what sort of a place it was, whether a fine place or a humble place, if only there be true worshippers there. Before he entered the ministry he used to preach in a little thatched house in the middle of a field; he had to stoop to get in. There was a little window with four panes of glass about the size of his hand on one side of the room, and a similar window on the other, and the floor of it was made of that old fashioned meterial-mud sods. (Laughter.) The pews were planks something like those they were now standing on, and they rested not upon legs, but one end j standin-, on, and i, was upon some sods built up and the other upon the superannuated nave of a cart wheel. (Laughter). But those seats were filled with old women who breathed the spirit of true worship, and he felt that it was good to be there. That place, with its mud floor, its rough seats, its thatched roof, and one or two farthing candles to light it up—of that place he said, This is the House of God, and this is the Gate of Heaven," and if ever he found that glory crowned the mercy seat it was in that humble dwelling. And he came to the conclusion then that God did not care what sort of a place it was if only there were true worshippers in it. Later on when in the ministry he had the honour of preaching in Park Church, London, where Hugh Price Hughes was the minister. That was a magnificent Gothic building, and it had two pulpits he was told that he must conduct the liturgical part of the service in one and preach from the other. Well, he thought he could have managed it all quite as well from one pulpit, (laughter). But in that beautiful place, with its splendid nave and choir, and its two pulpits, the fire of God touched his heart and his lips and the Word ran among the people and he said of that place too This is the House of God and this is the Gate of Heaven." That same God who filled with his light and love that little cottage in the middle of the field filled that beautiful house with His glory and it was good to be there. What they had to do was to take care that God's Presence was in their house. It was with them in the old one, and might it be more continually with them in the new one. But let him say to them that they would find just as much of God's Presence there as they took with them. God dwelt not in temples made with hands, but he dwelt in human hearts. Of the soul of man He said Here will I dwell, for I have desired it." Let a number of people repair to God's house having the grace of God in their hearts, the hope of glory, and they would find it full of the Divine light and of the Divine joy, and God's word would run in such an atmosphere and be glorified, and His work would abundantly prosper. In conclusion, he prayed that God might grant them great success in that enterprise. The Doxology and the Benedection concluded the proceedings. Names of those who laid young people's bricks: Of Haverfordwest: Fred W. Morse, Mabel Morse, Fred Lewis, Percy G. Male, Eric Green, Stephen Green, Geo. Morgan Green, Amelia Skone Wilkins, Edna Phillips, Alma Jeffreys, Mary Jane Williams, Gladys May Dixon, Gladys Pallister, Elsie Morse, Fred Thomas, George Jones, Ewart Emlyn Birch, Ralph Green, do. in memory of Malcolm, Gladys May Wilkins, Nellie Phillips, Maybro Phillips, Winnie Sinnett, Florrie Davies, Tom Collins Thomas (each one guinea). Of Milford: Doris Mabel Griffiths, Majorie Drew Robinson, Mary Ann Lloyd, Dorothy M. Turner, Eric Hugh Turner, Bernard Scott, Lizzie Hire, Wm. Harold Evans, Wm. F. Johnson, Erclyn Edwards, Alfred Meyler Griffiths, Norman Vaughan Robinson, Katie Shuttleworth (each one guinea), Muriel Freda Turner, Lilian Davis, Lilian Maud I Evans, Alice Lilian Adams, Nellie Roberts, Rose Evelyn Walters (each half-guinea). | Tea was served in the Masonic Hall and was patronised by a very large company. THE EVENING MEETING. I THRILLING STORY OF LADYSMITH. I A public meeting was held in the Baptist Chapel (by kind permission) at 7.30. The attendance was not so large as might have been expected. Rev. W. Pallister had charge of the initial proceedings, and was supported on the platform by Mr C. W. Slater (Swansea), Revs. Spencer Watkins, James Phillips, J. Harries, and J. Michael. "Lord of the Worlds above! was the opening hymn, which was followed with prayer by Rev. J. Harries. Mr Pallister then called upon Mr Slater to preside. (Applause). The Chairman made a short speech in which he dealt with the aim and ambition of the Methodist Church, about which he thought there was a great deal of misapprehension. Their aim was to do good to all men and, so far as they possibly could, hasten forward that happy day when a pure gospel ministry should bring the message of a free, present and conscious salvation to the knowledge of every man, woman, and child, in this Kingdom at least. It was because of that that some of them took an interest in such enterprises as these. It was not merely to see a fine building or in hope of seeing a permanent minister there, but in order that there might be brought home to every resident and every visitor in Milford Haven the glorious knowledge that there was offered to them at once salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And he was casting no reflection upon any other church when he said there was no Church no organisation, which gave a more certain sound upon the subject than their own beloved connexion. Whether their preachers were learned or illiterate they all had the one message. Milford was one of the places in which Wesley took an interest. Methodism there was an ancient growth. They were very fond of talking about the progress of centuries. He was never more firmly convinced than he was to-day that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was a final pronouncement; that it was suited now to every class of society, and that to-day the Gospel was the final revelation of the good-will of God toward man. In conclusion, he expressed the hope that one line along which their new development would grow would be the cultivation of more interest among the children. (applause). The Rev. J. A. Turner then read a financial statement as well as a list of the subscribers, among whom were the following:—Mr Jno. Cory, £ 65: box by Mr Robinson, X 13 14s 6d a friend (T. S. B.), X 10 5s a friend (J. L.,) XIO; Mrs Green and family (Haverfordwest), X36 10s; Mr W. Wallis, £ 5; Mr J. Spriggs, X5 5s: Mrs Meyler and family, £20, and collected XIS 7s 2d: Mr T. Walker (Bolton), ill Is Dr. Griffith, X5 13s Rev. S. S. Taylor, £ 6 ld; Rev. C. O. Eldridge, B.A., XG Is; Mr J. Wynford Philipps, M.P., X4; Mr F. Lort Phillips, X2; Mrs W. P. Griffiths, Norwood, £10; MrR. T. P. Williams, XI Is; Rev. and Mrs Bambrough, 10s, Mr W. L. Williams, X3 Is; Mr J. J. Pierce, £2 lis; Mr H. G. Allen (Paskeston), X4 4s Mr W. Tattersall, 12 Is; Mr H. Fisher, XI Is; Mr J. S. Fry, X3; Mr J. R. Hill, £ 3 Miss E. R. Pocock, £3 2s Sir Frederick Howard, X2 2s Mr T. Cole (Sheffield), £3 3s Mr R. S. Killick, zC2 -1 Mrs Walford Green, Y,3 3s; Mr W. B. Moss, £ 2 2s; Officers and Men of the Steam Yacht Cavalier," 9s Rev. S. A. Vardon, t3 3s: Mrs B. Russell, 11 5s: Mrs Allen (box), X2 10s lOd Mr A. McArthur, £2 2s Miss Cooper, £ 2 2s; Anon, £ 2 2s Rev. T. F. Rawlings, .£1 Mr E. Carring- ton, X2; and Mr and Mrs Wilks, £ 1 Is. The total given by the Haverfordwest congregation, including the stone laying and Mrs Green's subscription, was £ 123. Mr Turner said they had tl,480, or including the site XI,780, in hand prior to that day, and he hoped to add X250 to it, as the result of the day's proceedings. To accomplish that another JEGO was required, which he hoped would be received that evening. He had already to announce further promises from Mrs Ormond oft5, Mr W. B. Moss, £1 Is; and Mr J. Whitely Wilkin, X2 2s. (Applause.) After the singing of We love the place, 0 God," the Chairman called upon Mr Watkins to give his story of the seige of Ladysmith. This was put on the programme as the principle feature of the evening meeting, and Mr Watkins more than fulfilled expectations. His reputation had to some extent preceded him, but very few persons anticipated the splendid treat which he gave them. For nearly an hour and a half he kept his audience enraptured with a story that never flagged in interest. It was full of graphic incident, relieved with sparkling, though sometimes grim, humour, and Mr Watkins' recital of his thrilling experiences was marked by the chivalry toward friend and foe alike which is characteristic of the really brave man. It would be impossible in the space at our disposal to reproduce at any length the complete story as given by Mr Watkins, so we must reluctantly confine ourselves to one or two of the incidents which were specially interesting. Mr Watkins said he arrived in Ladysmith just in time to be shut up. He started before the war was declared, and on the way out they were very much afraid that it would be all over before they got out there. (Laughter). At first when the siege commenced they thought it rather funny. He had heard a man just before prove con- clusively that it was impossible in modern warfare to be besieged, so when they were actually beseiged Wfre rather proud of themselves. But when they had had about one day of it they had had enough. It became very monotonous as time wore on. It was scarcely dangerous, and although sometimes 200 big projectiles would fall into the town in a single day very few persons were killed, and the casualties were very small. The troops marched out one morning as though they were going to attack the whole Boer Army, but after going about a mile they marched back again. Well, that was not very exciting, and as it was repeated every morning they became disgusted. But he learned afterwards that that manoeuvre probably saved Natal. The Boers were urged by their leaders to attack and rush the town, and every day they said they would really do so on the morrow. But when the morning came and they saddled up they saw the British marching out and they paused to see what those fellows were up to, and came to the conclusion that they would not take the town that day but put it off to the next. So they kept putting it off till Buller arrived and then it was too late. Two newspapers were started, one of them being edited by poor Stephens of the Daily Mail." That one was railed the "Ladysmith Liar," and was headed, "Let him Lie." And- it did lie most abominably. The services conducted by the chaplains could not be held in the Churches because they were used as hospitals, so Mr Watkins conducted worship in the garden of his house. There under the trees, in the dim light, with hundreds of civilians and soldiers gathered round he preached from the balcony every Sunday night, and very impressive were those seryices. The men who were on duty in the trenches had a terribly hard time of it. They had no shelter from the rain, and when coming off duty, soaked through, they had no dry things to put on. So they used to take off their boots, empty the water out, put them on again and fancy themselves dry. Mr Watkins constructed a wonderful palace on the hill-side for himself, it was composed of two sheets of galvanised iron, one propped -ip to keep the rain off and one laid down upon for him to sleep upon, with room for (., sleep upon, w the water to run underneath. It was a real luxury, because in the morning he would not be more than half wet through, and, although the uneven surface of the galvanised iron did not make an ideal bed, one got used to it, and the music of the rain on top and the water underneath was enough to lull anyune to sleep. And in this way life went on week in week out. After relating ek out. After relating the capture of the first Long Tom by the Volunteers Mr Watkins told how the regulars, wishing for their chance, went out and had a skirmish with the enemy. Upon returning, however, the Hussars had to gallop through a hail of bullets. Mr Watkins went out to meet them and as they passed him a doctor came galloping across the plain up to him and said there was a wounded soldier lying out in a hollow and unless be could be reached he would die. The doctor asked him if he could do any- thing. He had never had any anxiety to be shot and so had always provided hi nself with the largest red cross nag he could procure. With this unfurled he and the doctor-started to go back, and as they did so the bullets began to spatter around them. The doctor said Which of us is going to be hit: irst r and Mr Watkins replied, •1 sincerely hope it -v-ill be you." However, as the breeze caught his flag utl the Boers became aware of their m'ssioii the bullet ceased dropping around them and they proceeded in safety. They were allowed to get I to the wounded man and tend him. To do so they had to go behind the enemy's firing line, and now and again a Boer would leave his trench and come down to shake hands with them as though they were long lost friends. A dialogue something after this fashion would ensue :— How are you getting on old man ? Oh, first rate. Getting tired of the siege ? Oh! no, just beginning to enjoy it.. Getting short of food" No, have more than we want. And the Boer with another hearty handshake would wish them good-bye and ask them to keep apart- ments for him at the Hotel. When asked if he was going to be taken prisoner he would reply that they were going to take the town. Mr Watkins' description of the second Long Tom affair, when the Tommies were trapped on their way back by an ambuscade, was very thrilling and exciting. He said the Boers, who knew English quite well, shouted orders and named the Companies so that our men became confused and separated. They would hear This way Company so-and-so," and believing it was the order of their officer, they would go in that direction only to be rescued by the enemy's bullets. But at last by sheer weight of cold steel and British pluck they fought their way to the foot of the hill, and then they turned to their Colonel and begged to be allowed to charge up the hill again in order to recover their wounded comrades. The Colonel of course would not allow them to do that and they had to march home, proud of their achievement but sorrowful at the loss of many brave comrades. But whilst they had lost many men they took comfort to know that the enemy had hurt as many of their own men as ours by firing in the dark. The hurrying of the dead and the succouring of the living followed when daylight came, and a horrible sight met them. Mr Watkins exclaimed: It is dreadful work. It sears the heart and kills the susceptibilities until one almost feels that they have lost all feeling and all human sympathy." Nothing could as a rule exceed the k ?ua. and courtesy shown by the burghers to the doctors and chaplains, and nothing exceed the tenderness with which they treated our wounded. On one occasion when our wounded lay out in the pouring rain all night, there were burghers found to take off their mackintoshes and coats to put over our men while they sat by them all night without any shelter at all themselves. But this particular morning they were not prepared to help Mr Watkins and the doctors. They were too sore at having lost a second gun so soon and having so many men killed. So the Boers hindered them at their work and at last took them prisoners and said they were going to Pretoria. They protested, and by-and-by a Colonel on the General's staff came out from Ladysmith and talked to General Erasmus in very forcible language. Certainly, Erasmus talked back equally forcibly, but after they had relieved their feelings the doctors were allowed to continue their work. Mr Watkins remained behind to help to dig the graves, and the Boers looked on in sullen silence." One of the Tommies, thinking they were not friendly enough, racked his brain for some topic of conversation wbjch would interest and please the Boers and so show his friendliness toward them. At last he said, I say you fellows, funny thing losing another gun so soon I You must have been all asleep. Do you know what we should have done if it was our chaps who went to sleep We should have put them all in a row and shot 'em." That was Tommy's way of showing his friendliness. The Boers said nothing but knitted their brows and looked eloquent. One of them displayed peculiar interest in his bandolier, and another fingered the lock of his rifle, proceedings which sent a chill cown Mr Watkins' back. He said to the soldier, "Dry up unless you want us all to be shot." The man said he was only trying to be friendly and thought the subject he mentioned was one which they all understood. The speaker implored him if he intended to continue the conversation to go away and talk to the Boers by himself, as he (Mr Watkins) didn't want a bullet through him. Mr Watkins' vivid description of the hopes and disappointments of the besieged as the relief seemed so imminent and then was indefinitely postponed, their trials and sufferings through scarcity of food, and the terrible sickness which filled to overflowing all the avail- able buildings with patients, so that at last the hospitals had to be reserved for persons who were absolutely in danger of their lives his glowing tribute to the marvellous bravery and heroism shown by the noble defenders of the besieged town as well as the wonderful devotion and self-sacrifice of the doctors and [nurses his exciting and realistic account of the attack on Casar's Camp and Waggon Hill: all this and much more in a lecture full of interest from start to finish must be passed over in a necessarily restricted report. The relief was equally well described by Mr Watkins, and the story ended in the united service of praise and thanksgiving for their deliverance which was held the Sunday morning after the relief force entered. They gathered to acknowledge the power through which they had won the fight, and the Protestant Chaplains united in giving a great service of praise. As to God they raised a solemn Te Deum the words were words that came from the heart, for they all knew that had not the God of Battles fought for them they would not have been delivered. Mr Watkins was deservedly and very warmly applauded at the conclusion of his very fine effort. Votes of thanks and the Doxology and Benediction brought to a conclusion what had proved to be a memor- able dav. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. I The following is a financial statement to date:— In Bank July 17th, £ 1,255 13s 3d; Received from July 17th to August 14th, Y,136 3s 9d put on stones, £ 231 3s children's bricks, X39 7s 6d; donations, £ 5 8s 6d; col- lection on field, ES 18s 7-id evening collection, 115 Os 6d estimate, luncheon and tea, E:30 additional promises, £8 3s total, t 1, 729 18s I I d. The takings in connection with stonelaying amounted to C466, of which the new gifts not before promised totalled X252. Since writing the above we are informed that the total gifts for the stonelaying amounted to X502 2s 9d, of which X334 6s 9d was received on the day itself, and there are new promises in addition amounting to 16 Is. Mr Whicher who had previously given C50 on the first published list added £ 30. The afternoon collection realised £ 8 17s, in addition to accounts treated separately. The evening collection was £15 Os 6d. The following is a complete list of the Haverfordwest donations :—Rev and Mrs Pallister, X2 2s Rev and Mrs J. Harries, XI Is; Mr W. E. Morse, X3 3s; Mrs and Miss Waddy, X4 4s; Mr Ll. Brigstocke, £ 5 Mr R. M. Prichard, t2 2s: Mr W. Howell Davies, £: Messrs J. and H. Jones, ti Is; Mrs Russell, 10s 6d; Mrs Green and family, zC36 15s; small sums, £ 1 Os 6d; Mr Thomas Baker, tl Is Mr W. P. Ormond, X25 Rev James and Miss Phillips: XIO 10s bricks, C26 5s total, X121 15s. Total cost of building and site, £ 4,480. The fund now stands at t2,026 3s 9d. Grant expected from Million Fund, tl,000, leaving £ 1,454 to raise. We are requested to say that the Rev. W. H. Prosser regretted his unavoidable absence from the town, and the Church sent a representative to express their goodwill. DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW I BUILDING. The following is a specially written description of what the new buildings are intended to be: — The new buildings will be situated on the south-east side of Priory Road and will comprise church, minister's vestry, church parlour, assembly room, class room, cloak room, <5cc. The Church will be 56ft. 4in. long and 35ft. lOin. wide inside, and have a gallery at the sides and front end supported on iron columns with moulded capitals. The main entrance will be at the front through two handsome and richly moulded doorways into a spacious lobby, from which access is gained to the ground floor and gallery. The design will be early Gothic, the walls being of stone from Boulston Quarries, with Bath stone dessings. Over the front doorways will be a four light traceried window flanked by buttresses and on each side of these there will be a single light window. The sides of the Church will be lit by two light windows with segment heads, and in the back gable over the rostrum there will be three pointed headed windows. All glazing to the church will be of rolled Cathedral tints in leadwork, with margins, squares and diamonds, while those in the rear gable will have special and handsome designs. The roof will be partially open, and arched, and supported on moulded corbels with pitch pine boarded ceiling. The assembly room will be 45ft. long and 27ft. wide entered from the front and rear through lobbies. In front over the porch there will be a circular traceried window and OIl each side flanking the same a single light window with pointed head, all glazed in leadwork, whilst the side windows will consist of Cathedral sheet glass in wood frames. The ceiling of the assembly room will be of plaster with the main timbers visible and stained. The joinery throughout will be of pitch pine. The rostrum will be a handsome structure, and the pews will have solid ends and proper provision for hats, books etc. Efficient ventilation will be provided in every room by inlet and exhaust ventilators. The buildings will be warmed throughout by hot water, and lighted by gas. Accommodation is provided in the church for 476 adults or 600 mixed congregation, and in the school for 325 scholars. The cost, exclusive of land and Architect's fees, will be £ 3,700. The architect is Mr John Wills, F.S.Sc., of Derby and London, and the builder Mr Fred Couzens, of Cardiff.

ROYAL DOCKYARD APPRENTICES.

A LYDDITE DISASTER ON DARTMOOR

Advertising

I Letterston Horticultural…

:ALLEGED ATTEMPTED TRIPLEI…

[No title]

-MILFORD HAVEN.-

NEYLAND. !

Family Notices

VISITING. WEDDING & MOURNING…

APPROACHING EVENTSI

Advertising

Do You Know ?

Q EXIS MEMORIAL FUND.

MURDER OF AN OLD MAN.

HIGH WATER AT HAVERFORDWEST.

[No title]

I WHY NOT MILFOIKO ?

Milford and the Transatlantic…

Dates to be Remembered at…

NEYLAND NOTES. I

SIXTY FIVE LIVES LOST.

A Delicious Beverage.

Advertising