NEW METHODIST HALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 253, 23 December 1940, Page 5

NEW METHODIST HALL

The Concert Programme The concert programme was as follows: —National Anthem; Three Action Songs 'by the senior girls: "Cuddle Down" by tiny tots,; Recitation by Bill Arnel; A Bag of Tricks by Mr H. Lichtwark; Pianoforte Solo by Miss G. Kenyon; "That Awful Boy"—a play by the senior child ren of the S.S. (Produced by Mr<? Norman); Tap Dance by Miss Shirley Bath; Cornet Solo by Master Len Broadmore; Humorous Quartet by Mrs F. Darvill (Soprano) Mrs H. Lichtwark (Contralto) Mr . Albistton (Tenor) Mr M. Birch (Bass) 1 . Accompanists for all items; was Mrs Hor ton Stewart. During an interlude, a pleasing little presentation was made by Master Bill Abbott who called upon Mr Hellyar to receive a token of appreciation from parents and children. Mr Hellyar made grateful ackknowl edgement oS the kindly sentiments and thanked all ior the beautiful gift which he would always greatly treasure.

OFFICIAL OPENING Last Tuesday marked a milestone in the progress of the local Methodist Church, when the new Wesley Centennial Hall was officially opened The celebrations took the form ol a ladies social afternoon which, favoured with beautiful weather," was well attended and all enjoyed the pleasant afternoon. The various well laden stalls 'tid good business. The ladies in charge of the stalls were as follows: Cakes—-Mesdames T. J. Hellyar and L. Berg. • Sweets—Mrs A. Albiston. Produce —Mesdames W. Hanham and F. Comer. Novelty—Mrs 15. Norman. Afternoon Tea —Mesdames S. Prinl A. J. Canning and T. Larsen. Competitions— A. Ramson. Also assisting at the afternoon tea stall was Mrs G. Lucas. Minister's Hope Tn the evening a varied concert programe was presented and appreciated by a large audience. Prior to the concert items, the official opening ceremony took place. The Rev. C. P. Lucas in the course of his opening remarks, extend - ! ed a cordial welcome to those present, and thanked all for their interest and enthusiasm in the building of the new hall. He Avas glad to aiinounce that it had been erected entirely free, of debt —surely a spiendid achievement Avhich spoke A7olumes for the sacrificial giving and co-opera Avork extending, over the past few months. He trusted that although tljis day Avas a culmination of years of hopes and months of Avork, in a real se'nse) it Avouklalso 'be a beginning—the commencement of a neAA r day in the' great spiritual function of Methodism in this district. In concluding, lie thanked all, who had assisted in the 'erection of the hall.

Co-incidence Quoted A historical survey of Whakatanc Methodism Avas given by Mr T. J. Hellyar (Superintendent of the Sunday School)'. In the course of his remarks, Mr Hellyar mentioned a re markable coincidence for on the 17 December 1917, the Methodist Church was opened in Whakatane, the old site being in Commerce Street. In humorous vein Mr Hellyar described some of the difficulties encountered in moving the structure to its present position in King Stret. S_o it was tliat exactly twenty-three years later we Avere opening a Sunday School hall. Naturally, he was a very happy man. Apologies for absence 1 Avere received from His Worship the Mayor, Revs. S. G. Caulton and *H. Hogg. - In introducing the Rev. H. White of Tauranga, Mr Lucas apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Rev. R. B. Tinsley and extended a welcome to Air White who A\ 7 as asked in the namet of the Methodist Church of New Zealand to perform i the official opening. Urge to Rally The Rev. IT. White congratulated the local Church on its successful enterprise, and in the course of his remarks expounded the purpose of the neAV 'building. He) trusted that it would be of great assistance in the building new order of the Kingdom of God. He urged all to rally. round their cause, for the Church Avas not merely a building, but the worshipping people who gathered there. He then asked all to join in a prayer of dedication, and in the singing of the Doxology.

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