Shortwood, Gloucestershire. On Monday, August the 7th, 1837, the foundation-stone of a new meetinghouse, for the use of the church and congregation was laid. On which occasion, the audience, consisting of 1,200 or 1,500 persons, was addressed by Mr. John Heskins, a deacon of the church, and great grandson of William Harding, who, in the year 1707, opened his house for prayer to the individuals who, with others, thirteen persons in all, formed the church on this spot in the year 1715; by Mr. S. E. Francis, also a deacon, and son of the venerable Benjamin Francis, pastor of the church during a period of forty-one years; by Mr. Abraham Marsh Flint, a grandson of Benjamin Francis, and son of Mr. Thomas Flint, who succeeded Mr. Francis in the pastorate, and died at Weymouth, October 31, 1819; and by Mr. T. F. Newman, the present pastor.
Prayer was offered by Mr. Dunn, pastor of the church at Minchinhampton, and by Mr. Newman. The new place, the walls of which entirely enclose the old house, will be ninety-two feet by fifty; about sixteen feet at one end fitted up as vestries, which, by sliding partitions, may be available during public service, when circumstances require it. It is thought right to state, that the large majority of the people are very poor, so that the amount of subscriptions already promised is the result of a great but cheerful effort. There has been a general and hearty co-operation; all classes, according to their means, having simultaneously come forward to aid the undertaking. Many, who are in circumstances too depressed to allow them the gratification of furnishing pecuniary help, have given, or are prepared to give, their labour gratuitously, and add their prayers to their exertions.
Such a beginning supplies the promise of a successful and happy termination to the work. But it is certain, that the outlay will exceed our means; so that if the friends of Sion, not connected with ourselves, should feel disposed to assist us, such aid will be most acceptable. It will not be possible for our minister extensively to solicit subscriptions in person; nor do we conceive that such a step would be approved by those friends whose love to the cause of the Redeemer, and whose sympathy with a poor and numerous body of their fellow-Christians, may dispose them to aid and cheer us onward in our work. To the operation of sacred heaven-born principle we confidently appeal, only observing that while the generosity of our friends will’lay us under a welcome obligation, the promptitude of their generosity will add o the weight of that obligation.
N.B. Those friends who are disposed to assist us, may address their letters to J. Heskins, Nailsworth, near Chalford, Gloucestershire.
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