The imposing and interesting ceremony for laying the 'corner stone' of a new Wesleyan Chapel, in Melville Street, was observed on Tuesday afternoon last, the 26th of December, 1837. A very large and respectable company of persons, it is judged not less than two thousand, were assembled to witnessed the ceremony. His Excellency Sir John Franklin, accompanied by Lady Franklin, Miss Franklin, Captain Maconochie, and the Honorable Henry Elliott, arrived punctually at the time appointed, viz. 4 o'clock P.M. The service commenced by singing an appropriate hymn - after which, the Rev. Frederick Miller engaged in prayer. An introductory address was then delivered by the Rev. Joseph Orton, of which the following is an outline. After a few preliminary remarks, the speaker observed -

"The term church is not to be understood as referring to temples built by hands - nor to any particular party of professing christians, such an exclusive claim is an assumption as unbecoming the fallibility of man, as incompatible with the principle of christian love, the possession of which constitute the true member of Christ's church."

"The numerous branches and various modifications in which the visible church is now presented to us, though arguing imperfection in the discernment and judgement of men, the evil has been counteracted, at least in many instances, by the Great Head of the Church - who has rendered it subservient to his own wise and gracious purposes."

"Whatever circumstantial distinctions - admissible variations - and arbitary designations may exist in the visible church; rising above their party peculiarities, and falling back upon the essential principles of infallible truth, the shades vanish before the glories of redeeming love. The operation of this principle enlarges the mind, and expands the heart, and in this all are agreed, that whatever body holds - "One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all," they should have facilities for the erection of places for the worship of God, and the promulgation of these sacred truths."

"That section of the christian church to which many here present are attached, and in behalf of whose projected temple we are now assembled, has existed virtually more than a century. Those who have the most carefully studied her rise and progress, are convinced that she is the creature of circumstances, rather than any design on the part of her reputed founder, who never appears to have been influenced by any sectarian principles or schismatical designs, but under circumstances of distressing apathy in the Church, ventured to step aside from the ordinary course - and with the zeal of a true lover of souls, called men every where to repentance; thereby exposing himself to the displeasure of those who disapprove of such, adjudged, irregularities; eventually leading to the doors of the churches being closed against him, though not to the staying of the operation of the principle of love with which his heart was fired."

"The opposition presented; so far from suppressing, only tended to form and strengthen a party contrary to any intention on the part of those who were the co-adjutors of Wesley, and the partisans of those devoted preachers of the Gospel."

"With regard to the constitution of Methodism, her adherants are not so presumptuous as to claim for it exclusive excellence - but those who rank among her members and friends no doubt do so from principle. The result of her operations so far affords the gratifying assurance which enables her constituents to say "The best of all is, God is with us;" and those who are not of her communion, are constrained to proclaim with those who are, "What hath God wrought" by her humble instrumentality."

"Though Methodism cannot now be otherwise viewed than as assuming the character of a distinct body, her constituents, notwithstanding, view themselves as related to, and having a decided attachment for the Episcopal Establishment of our country - and in thus expressing myself, I venture to pledge the sentiments of the major, and influential portion of the communion of Methodists. They remember, with feelings of reverential regard, that their venerable and esteemed founder was a clergyman, and under all varying circumstances an unchanging and decided churchman. His talented brother, the writer of most of our hymns - Mr. Fletcher, the defender of her doctrine - Dr. Coke, the Father of the Methodist Missions, with several others were clergymen who loved the church - had those Methodist preachers who have been - and those who are now ranked among the buttresses and ornaments of the Wesleyan connexion, have ever cherished a regard for the Established Church."

"Her liturgy is admired, and used in their places of worship, with the simple avoidance of occasional repetition, as recognising the great principles of religion - embodying the most vital truths - and aiding materially the devout exercises of the mind and heart."

"Her clergymen have been, and still are, in many instances, among the most exemplary christians - useful ministers of the gospel, and erudite divines."

"It may be unhesitatingly declared, that the Wesleyans have, in very eventful times, proved their attachment to the Episcopal Church, during the early stages of recent agitation; prudence dictated the propriety of silent regard, until urged to an expression of real sentiment. And, if an hour of peril should arrive, Methodists will be found, to the extent of their influence, among the decided and firm supporters of our Established Church. The trustees of this property, in behalf of the Wesleyan Methodist Society, and the religious public have deemed it expedient to erect a commodious place of worship, instead of the one adjoining (which it is proposed shall be occupied as a week day school room). The trustees were induced to the onerous undertaking: to meet the applications of persons for pews and sittings - whom they could not accomodate - the want of room for the children of the schools - the want of accomodation for the poor and prisoner population, who are unable to pay for sittings, also, the desirableness of having a more substantial chapel, as a permanent place of worship for their society and congregation in Hobart Town."

"I would here take occasion to explain the fact, that neither the trustees of the respective places of worship in the Methodist connexion - nor the acting body designated the conference, have any right of property in any of their chapels. They are all held in trust for the public exclusively, without any personal interest or possibility of misappropriation."

"The conference as a body, maintain the right of appointing the preachers from period to period, and the trustees, in conjunction with the spiritual officers of the respective societies, have the prerogative, according to certain regulations, of guarding against antiscriptural doctrine - immorality of conduct - or the malexercise of discipline - having the power, by the rules of the connexion, to correct any such evils, that might unhappily occur. Referring to the relative position of Methodism with other christian bodies, it might be counted invidious and indelicate to institute comparisons. Suffice it therefore to say, that they are enemies to none - but desire to express their friendship to all - and as far as circumstantial variations will allow, they are well disposed to co-operate with all who hold the head - "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace," "with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.""

"My christian friends, we are, or ought to be, engaged in a great work - not merely the erection of temples composed of wood and stone - but the great Spiritual Temple the Church of God, who has laid "in Zion a chief corner stone elect and precious." It behoves in us, in our respective spheres, to address ourselves heartily to that part of the work which the Great Master Builder hath assigned us."

"On minor points, let us avoid the interruption and delay which might be occasioned by unprofitable contentions - and say with a good man of old - "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down, why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?""

"Thus being united and steady to our purpose, it shall come to pass "that the mountain of the Lord's House shall be established on the top of the mountain - and shall be exalted above the hills - and all nations shall flow unto it.""

"Bearing in mind that this glorious superstructure is to be completed, "not by might nor by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord," "and he shall bring the headstone thereof without shoutings - grace - grace unto it.""

His Excellency Sir John Franklin then proceeded to the corner of the building where the stone was to be laid, and in a very impressive manner, performed the usual ceremony, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

A document on which was engrossed a sketch of the rise and progress of Methodism in Van Diemen's Land, including the names of the principal officers of the connexion, and the trustees of the chapel, also several pieces of coin, of ancient and modern date, were placed in a bottle, enclosed in a copper case, which Sir John deposited in a recess which had been made for the purpose in the stone. His Excellency then devoutly prayed that the blessing of the Great Head of the Church might accompany the undertaking, and the labors of those who might officiate therein as ministers of the Gospel.

Then turning to the surrounding spectators, His Excellency most pathetically and appropriately addressed them on the solemnity of the occasion, expressing his high gratification at witnessing such an assembly, met for so sacred and delightful an object. The interesting service was concluded by the children of the Sunday school, singing a suitable hymn, and the Rev. John Allen Manton, and the Rev. William Butters engaging in prayer.

All present appeared to participate in a feeling which was in perfect accordance with the season of the year, and the circumstances which had brought them together.

On the 26th December 1837 His Excellency Sir John Franklin laid the foundation stone of a new Methodist Chapel, adjoining to the present chapel. There was an immense concourse of people, amongst whom we noticed Lady Franklin, Captain Maconochie, Captain Forster, the Honorable Henry Elliott, and a great number of other respectable persons.

After singing hymns, and prayers, and a long address from Mr. Orton, a bottle, cased in copper, and containing the following inscription on parchment (which was read by Mr. Orton), with the usual accompaniment of coins, etc., was produced and deposited in the stone. The singers belonging to the schools were accompanied by a band of instrumental music. We observed Mr. Hiddlestone, of the Commercial Bank, very active in keeping order amongst the juvenile members, of whom he has good cause to be proud, for his consistent and uniform attention to the Wesleyan Sunday Schools during the whole period of his residence in the colony is unparalleled and almost incredible : -

Deposited in the foundation or North-east corner stone of the New Wesleyan Chapel in Melville Street, Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land, on the twenty-sixth day of December, 1837.

The operations of the Wesleyan Missionary Society in Van Diemen's Land may be dated from the period of the arrival of the Rev. Benjamin Carvosso at Hobart Town, in April 1820, on his way to Sydney, New South Wales, who appears to have been the first Wesleyan Missionary who officiated in this colony.

In the year 1821, the first Methodist Society was founded in this Town by the instrumentality of two or three pious soldiers of the 48th Regiment. Of these devout soldiers Sergeant Waddy appears to have been the most distinguished and useful. Their meetings for the worship of God soon excited an interest which occasioned them to be joined and supported by several others, some of whom were formed into a class and continued to attend regularly their instituted means of grace until they were brought more fully under pastoral care.

The Rev. William Horton was the first Wesleyan Missionary appointed to labour in this colony, under those whose zealous and devoted services the little society was established, and soon presented indications of growing prosperity.

The first place of public worship occupied by the Wesleyan Methodists in Hobart Town, was one belonging to one Charles Donn situated in Argyle Street, which becoming too small to accommodate the congregation, a more commodious place of worship became indispensable.

A chapel was accordingly commenced on these premises, the foundation stone of which was laid in the year 1822. From want of funds the building remained in an unfinished state two years. The circumstances of the trustees being brought before the notice of the Lieutenant Governor Colonel George Arthur, under his kind influence, assistance was afforded by the colonial Government, by which, with a grant from the parent Missionary Society, the chapel was completed, and opened for divine worship by the Rev. Benjamin Carvosso on the 12th February, 1826.

During the superintendence of the Reverend Nathaniel Turner, the said chapel was enlarged and re-opened for public worship on the seventh day of April 1833, by the Rev. John Allen Manton and Mr. Esh Lovell.

The trustees having deemed it expedient to erect a larger and more commodious place of worship, the foundation or north-east corner stone of this Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, was laid in the name of the Holy Trinity, by His Excellency Sir John Franklin, Knight, Commander of the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic Order, Knight of the Greek Order of the Redeemer, Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen's Land and its Dependencies.

On the 26th day of December, anno domini 1837, in the first year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Alexandrina Victoria, in the 99th year of the Wesleyan Methodist Society, and the 95th year of the Conference, as established by the late Reverend John Wesley, A.M. during the presidency of the Rev. Edmund Grindrod.

The Rev. Dr. Jabez Bunting, the Rev. John Beecham, the Rev. Robert Alder, and the Rev. Elijah Hoole, being the General Secretaries of the Wesleyan Missionary Society.

Reverend Messrs. Joseph Orton, Chairman, William Simpson, John Allen Manton, John Weatherston, and William Butters - Preachers in the Island of Van Diemen's Land.

Mr. Esh Lovell, Mr. Jesse Pullen, Mr. Isaac Chapman, Mr. John Hiddleston, David Lord, Esq., John Dunn, Esq., Mr. John Barret, William Watchorn, Esq., Mr. T. J. Crouch, Mr. John Sherwin, Mr. T. C. Brownell, Thomas Horne, Esq., Mr. James Dickenson, Mr. A. C. Low, Mr. James Ferguson - Trustees of this Chapel.

Mr. Henry Chapman, Architect and Builder.

Joseph Orton, Superintendent of Circuit.

James Ferguson, Secretary to Trustees.

"What hath God wrought" - SCRIP

"The Best of All is - God is With Us" - WESLEY