Pingelly Baptist Church

West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Wednesday 22 April 1903, page 5 PINGELLY. The foundation stones of the Pingelly Baptist Church were laid on Wednesday, April 15. The ceremony was well attended. The gathering was in charge of the Rev. Silas Mead, M.A., LL.B., president of the Baptist Union of Western Australia. The meeting was commenced by singing some verses of a well-known hymn, after which the Rev. W. Kennedy led in prayer. The Rev. A. N. George, of Ravensthorpe, then read I. Kings, xxix. The first stone, suitably inscribed with gilt lettering, was laid by Mrs. J. Lobban, of Pingelly, after which the president of the Union gave an interesting address on Baptist principles, emphasising the fact that the denomination stood for New Testament doctrine and practice. On behalf of the treasurer, a statement of finances was then made by the pastor of the church, after which a free-will offering was received. The Rev. Silas Mead then laid the second stone on behalf of Mrs. A. Oliver, of Perth, who could not be present, owing to illness. The Rev. F. H. Radford, Superintendent of the Great Southern Railway Missions, commenced a very interesting address, which was in terrupted by rain and an adjournment was made to a place of shelter, where Mr Radford concluded his address. The Rev. A. Metters secretary of the Baptist Union of Wdestern Australia, also gave an address. The Rev. W. Kennedy, Mr. James Lobban, Rev. A. N. George, Mr. T. Parker, Pastor Wichert, and Mr. J. Beeck, of Katanning, were amongst the other speakers. After the meeting, the visitors and friends sat down to tea in the hall, provided by the ladies and friends of the church. This was followed by a public meeting, which was presided over by Mr. James Lobban, and addresses were given by most of the visitors present, special reference being made to the manifest unity of the Baptist denomination in Western Australia. Apologies were given through the pastor for the absence of the Rev. A. S. Wilson. A financial statement was given by the secretary and treasurer of the church, Mr J. W. Morrison, show-ing that nearly £200 had been promised towards the building fund. During the evening occasion was taken by the pastor of the church to present Miss Lobban, the organist, with a copy of Sankey's sacred songs and solos as a token of esteem, Mr. Lobban responding on behalf of his daughter. A comprehensive vote of thanks was moved by the Rev. W. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. J. Beeck, of Katanning, and carried with acclamation. The Benediction terminated a most successful meeting.