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THE proceedings in connection with the laying of the Foundation-stone of a new Chapel in the White Ladies Road, at Clifton, took place on Tuesday, the 22nd inst., and were regarded with much interest by the members of the Wesleyan Connexion of the city of Bristol and the neighbourhood. For many years an earnest desire had been felt by members of the Society resident at Clifton to secure within their more immediate reach the religious services of their own church, but not until within the last few months had any arrangements been found practicable for realising that object. Recently, however, a plot of ground, immediately adjoining the Fine Arts Academy, was purchased ; the necessary draw ings and designs were obtained from Messrs. Fosters, and Wood, architects, for the erection of a suitable chapel ; and on Easter Tuesday the Foundation stone was laid by Mr. James §. Budgett, in the prince of some of the principal members of the Society and others. There was first a cold collation at the Mictoria Rooms, after which those present siete not to the site to witness the laying of the stone, where the Rev. S. R. Haru said—That afternoon a gentleman was present to fulfil his very kind and generous engagement to assist them or this occasion, whose very presence they took to be a commendation of their plans and purposes, and whose assistance would be a fair pledge of their success. He was quite persuaded that from Mr. ‘James Budgett’s intercourse with the Wesleyans of Bristol, and the great assistance he had afforded to Methodism in days past, they would give him on this occasion a very hearty welcome. (** Hear, hear,’’ and ap plause.) He was thankful to say that another gentleman was also present to assist on this occasion, the Rev. F. A. West, from Bath, whose experience in works of this description was most extensive, and who would gratify himself equally as he would benefit those present by the exercise of his very high critical powers, shrewdly and wisely suggesting to them points’ of commendation or amendment. They had been taught to ‘recognise public worship, the worship of the Supreme Being, the Creator and Saviour of men, as a divine institution, and they believed that the plainest precepts of Scripture and the usage of all Christian Churches and countries, would establish the obligation of public worship as arising out of a divine appointment. They were anxious that afternoon to throw upon those services a decidedly religious aspect, and he would call upon them respectfully and affectionately to en gage with the Trustees very heartily and reverentially in the religious exercises which would be associated with the cere mony of laying the Foundation stone. An appropriate hymn was then sung, the Rev. J. W. Crose read a portion of Scripture, and the Rev. J. Monton offered fervent prayer. The Rev. G. Pesxs then read an historical and descriptive document, which, with the articles mentioned, was deposited in the bottle placed under the stone. Mr. Pernice nest presented to Mr. James Budgett a handsome silver trowel, bearing an appropriate inscription. The Society was, he said, under great obligations to Mr. Budgett, and he begged to thank him for the kind assist ance he was always ready to afford, to hope that his life would be long spared, and that he would be able, in some measure, to fill the great void the Society experienced by the removal of his (Mr. J. §. Budgett's) esteemed father-in-law, (Mr. Farmer.) He trusted that Mr. James Budgett’s life would be long spared to perform these duties that his father-in-law, with so much pleasure and advantage to the Society, performed in times past. Mr. J.S. Bepcert accepted the trawel with feelings of gratitude, and “I should be to him a valuable and plea mento: of the agreeable in honourable duty the Trustees had called on him to perform. ‘ Mr. TRAPNELL next presented Mr. Budgett with a hand popely finished mallet, said to be made out of oak 500 years old. . . Mr. Broosrt then proceeded to spread the mortar in true masonic style, amid the cheers of the assembly, and the bottle having been placed in a cavity prepared for its reception, the stone was lowered into its position. Mr. Budgett then tested its accuracy with a square and plumb line, and having given it two or three taps with the mallet, declared the ceremony Completed in the wing terms:—‘ I lay this Foundation stone in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and that the blessing of the Triune God, ma Test on the building to be erected hereon.” He then me the stone to address the assembly, and was loudly cheered. He said he feared he should trespass upon their patience upon each a day as that, if he attempted to address them at all, and had almost determined to say nothing, and only perform to honourable duty which had devolved upon him; but ho ped they would with him a moment or two whilst he gave expression to a few thoughts which presented themselves.
Newspaper Details
Watchman and Wesleyan Advertiser
London, Middlesex, GB
Wed, Apr 30, 1862
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
04 Jan 2026
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