The sermon was preached by the Rev. J. G. Carey of Henny, who took for his text Psalms lxv., 40. After suitable introduction as to the text applying primarily to the ministers of God, and secondly to all who loved His house, the preacher went on to describe some of the pleasures the true worshipper enjoyed. There was first the pleasure to every reverent mind of knowing that the church was the house of God, set apart for his especial service. Three solemn acts constituted this dedication of property voluntarily surrendered to God, this property accepted by God's servant the Bishop, and his declaration in due form to that effect; and there was no doubt, considering the days when their old parish churches were built, that all these requirements were complied with, and that the buildings were thus properly dedicated, and were thus truly God's houses. If the church was not the house of God its arrangements were nothing; the division into chancel and nave nothing; nothing the altar and font; nothing the prayer desk, where the prayers were said for the people; nothing the lectern, where the Scriptures were read to the people; nothing the pulpit, where God's truths were preached; the building was only four walls, some mere lecture room or meeting house; nothing, except it was God's house.
Then there was the pleasure of contemplating with the mind and taste God had given them the proper arrangements and decoration of His house. Should they decorate in a costly manner their own private houses and not the house of God? Thus they looked with pleasure upon what had already been done in that church in which they were met; much more was needed, but they must be thankful to see its orderly arrangements for worship, its fine proportions developed, suitable as a house of prayer. It mattered not in whose cure a church stood, it mattered not what they heard there: it was to be a house of prayer—a place where, alone, before the congregation assembled, they could lift up their hearts, or privately drop in as they passed by, or in public with the congregation, pray to their Father in Heaven. They must also especially remember that the acts which the clergyman, as God's servant, performed in His house were not done for themselves, but for God and Christ. If he absolved penitents, it was not he. but God through his voice. So at the font and the altar, the grace given was not from and by the cleryman, but from God; and in sermons, as far as he spoke agreeably to God's will, he was God's ambassador, delivering his message. So he must be received as sent from God, and if not the reproach would rest on Christ and not on his servant. The preacher then spoke of the pleasure of giving, advocated the duty of supporting God's cause, and concluded by pleading for the fund for the renovation of that church, and upon the blessing that would attend such giving.
The offertory was collected in velvet bags by the church wardens, Mr. Coote and Mr. J. Orbell. The clergy and a few of the congregation stayed to the communion.
After the service the Rev. O. Raymond, the curate, and Mr. Burke entertained parties at their residences, the latter gentleman having forwarded invitations to nearly 100 clergyman and others.