New Protestant Church in Tahiti

Pacific Territories.

New Protestant Church in Tahiti From Our Own Correspondent PAPEETE, Dec. 16.

"TVECEMBER 3 was the occasion of a very picturesque ceremony on Tahiti: the dedication of the newly completed Protestant church in the district of Pirae.

The building stands directly beside the residence of Ariipaea Pomare, the present head of the old Royal Family of the Society Islands. It is a well proportioned structure designed and built by the natives of the district.

The dedication ceremony was conducted by Reverend Charles Vernier, head of the Protestant Mission (assisted by the pastors of every district on Tahiti) in the presence of a congregation of about 500 natives and Europeans. His Excellency, the Governor, was represented by an officer of his staff.

As is customary on such occasions, every woman in the company was in white. The singing during the service by choirs from the districts of Pirae and Arue, was of particular excellence. The dedication ceremony was followed by a sumptuous repast.

The natives of Tahiti take great pride in their district churches. They have been financed and erected by the people of the districts wherein they stand. The