[10] HOME MISSION.

Canowindra Opening of

New School Hall

On. Saturday, 21st February, the Presbyterians of Canowindra rejoiced in the realisation of a cherished dream —the completion of a School Hall erected on the Church property.

While Mr. Allan MacLachlan was missionary in charge, the people decided upon a venture of faith, purchasing an Army Hut at Cowra Military Camp. Upon the completion of the purchase the building was demolished and removed to Canowindra. It was then discovered that some of the materials had "disappeared"; all inquiries and investigations failed to trace the missing portions of the hut.

This caused considerable delay as some of the materials were in short supply and were difficult to secure; the loss also added considerably to the cost of the erection of the hall.

The Assistant-Superintendent, Rev. H. J. Hillman, journeyed from Sydney to be present on the occasion of the official opening. Prior to the cere-money in connection with the hall the congregation filled the Church to capacity where the re-designed Sanctuary—made possible through the generosity of the family of the late Mr. and Mrs. C. McDonagh—was dedicated. The short service was conducted by Rev. H. L. Dunn, B.A., Interim-Moderator, assisted by Mr. G. V. Reeks, the present missionary in charge.

At the entrance to the School Hall, which has been erected by the congregation as a War Memorial to the members of the congregation who gave their lives in the two Great Wars, the tablet was unveiled by Mr. Alex. McDonald, Senior Elder, who is 88 years of age. The ceremony of opening the door was performed by Mrs. W. Genge, whose 89 years entitled her to be acknowledged as one of the oldest members of the congregation. Mr. Dunn presided at the brief service of dedication held within the hall, and the address was given by the Assistant Superintendent. The Ladies' Guild served refreshments at the close of the service. The occasional offering including promises, exceeded £80.

The hall, which was designed by Mr. McDonald, architect, of Cowra, and built by Mr. Cameron, of the same town, has an overall measurement of 60 feet by 36 feet, includes a platform, and a well-designed kitchen and ser-very. The external and internal walls and roofing are of fibro, with concrete. Members of the congregation and friends express keen appreciation of the pleasing effect of the internal appearance of the new hall which is expected to prove of great value in the work of the congregation. The proceedings were enlivened by the presence of the Orange Pipe Band, which also remained for the social function held the same evening.

The total cost of demolition of the Army Hut, transport to the Church site, and erection, is approximately £1,200. The Home Mission Committee has advanced the sum of £400, and the balance has already been raised by the congregation.

The next day the services in the charge were conducted by the Assistant Superintendent, who observed the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper at the morning service at Canowindra, and the afternoon service at Goolagong. After the evening service the members of Session, Committee and Ladies' Guild, discussed with the representative of the Home Mission Department, a number of matters of mutual concern.

The congregation and office-bearers are to be congratulated on the progress achieved, ajid on the evidences of interest and vitality; the congregation proposes shortly to consider taking the necessary steps to raise the station to a sanctioned charge,