HALL ALMOST COMPLETED IN ONE DAY

Some time ago members of the Baptist Church resident in West Preston felt the need for a church in that vicinity. Much enthusiasm was shown, and a church was formed, and services were being held in a shop at the corner of Bell St. and Gilbert Rd., Preston. The church, since its formation, has had the unique record that every one of its services has been conducted by a reverend minister from one of the other metropolitan Baptist Churches.

Not satisfied to stay in their temporary quarters, the church committee, the secretary of which is Mr. S. H. Smith, decided to make a move to obtain a building of their own. A block of land 119 feet by 115 feet, at the corner of Cramer St. and Gilbert Rd., was purchased at a cost of 714 pound, and plans for a building 50 feet by 30 feet were drawn up by Mr. C. J. Walker, architect, of Mansfield St., Thornbury.

The church site was the scene of great activity on Saturday last. In the early morning five teams were busy hauling timber on to the ground, and an early start was made by a large number of workmen, who formed a huge "working bee", and gave their services in a voluntary capacity. Throughout the day there were 78 men "on the job", including carpenters, painters, electricians and also a number who had turned builders for the day, and these included a doctor and a M.A.

Right from the start work proceeded apace and the foundation studs were quickly put down. The walls rose rapidly, the floor was put in, and the roof joists were put up. At the same time workmen were fencing the block, and nailing the boards on the walls.

The ladies also played a very important part in providing meals, a roster having been formed amongst the surrounding district churches, who co-operated in the direction. Dinner was provided by Northcote Baptists, afternoon tea by North Preston Baptists, and tea by West Preston and North Carlton. Next Saturday the following will constitute the roster:- Ivanhoe, dinner for 80; Fairfield, Westgarth, and Coburg, afternoon tea; Clifton Hill and Abbotsford, tea for 100.

The church is being constructed of wood; the windows fronting Cramer St. will be leadlighted; the interior will be finished in oak panels up to a height of five feet; and the balance lined with fibrous plaster. The cost will be 600 pound. The constractor is Mr. A. J. Henning.

Many donations have already been received, and it is hoped to receive many more. Donations may be sent to Mr. S. H. Smith, 319 High St., Northcote, who is secretary of the church committee. Next Saturday it is hoped to have 150 voluntary workmen to form a "working bee", and it is anticipated that the new building will be completed right down to the last detail.

The opening ceremony will be held on Saturday next at 7.45, and it will be performed by Mr. A. H. Lewis, president of the North-Eastern Suburban Baptist Churches' Association, and also vice-chairman of the Baptist Home Mission Society. Amongst the speakers will be Mr. W. H. G. Ellingsworth (chairman Baptist Home Mission Society). Rev. W. G. Pope vice-president N.E.S.B.C. Association), Mr. E. A. Pearson (vice-president Baptist Union of Victoria) and Mr. L. E. Tranter (secretary, Baptist Union of Victoria).

Services will be held on December 18 at 11 a.m., and 7 p.m., and they will be conducted by the Rev. A. E. Blackwell (president, Baptist Union of Victoria).

The fist Sunday school classed will be held on December 18 at 2.45 p.m.