A SUMNER FUNCTION.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18420, 29 June 1925, Page 7

A SUMNER FUNCTION.

ST. PAUL'S METHODIST CHURCH.

FOUNDATION STONE OF NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL LAID.

In spite, of the wintry weather on Saturday afternoon, there was a.large attendance at the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Sunday School for St. Paul's Methodist Church, Sumner. The Hev. W. H. Spear, superintendent of the. Woolston circuit, presided and amongst those present were: The Rev. W. J. and Mrs Williams (Sumner), the Rev. G. R. Peterson, the Rev. W. McAra (Sumner Presbyterian Church), the Rev. W. A. Hay (chairman of the Canterbury district). Apologies were received from the Rev. E. (J. W. Powell (All Saints', Sumner), the Rev. S. Lawry, tho Rev. T. Fee, Mr and Mrs C. A. Ferguson (Palinerston North), Miss Helen Leithead (Dunedin) Mid Messrs C. Newman and R. H. Turner. The proceedings opened with the hymn, ''.We Love the Place, 0 Lord," followed bv.prayer offered by the Rev. W. J. Williams and by the "reading of the 84th Psalm by the Rev. G. It. Peterson. Addressing the gathering, Mr Spear congratulated the trustees and the congregation upon startino; such a valuable undertaking. He . brought congratulations and good wishes from Opawa and Woolston. The enthusiasm and earnestness of purpose which were in eviderice, he trusted would be reflected in the congregation, so that the parents would encourage the children ni regular attendance at the Sunday school until the scholars were okl enough to join the church. Mr Voller, superintendent of the Sunday School, expressed his deepest thanks to those who. had made the new building possible. To Messrs Marriott and James, past superintendents, they owed much, particularly to the unfailing energy of Mr James in 'the organisation of special functions for raising funds. The present arrangements caused a break in the supervision, while Mr and Mrs T. W. Johnson had been good enough to have the Bible class in their own home. He hoped the new building would be a memorial to the teachings of Christianitv and that the boys and girls would be trained for the highest form of citizenship. ! The hymn, "The Church's One Foundation" was then sung. The financial secretary and treasurer, Mr H. W. Heslop, outlined the rosition of the funds. The contract price was £753, funds in the bank £BIB 3s, promises and cash £97 3s, and expectations, including funds from the spring flower show, about £IOO. Suitable arrangements could bo made for the balance. It was hoped to furnish the school in keeping with the church and the homes, and also to lay out the grounds so that they would have the most complete and picturesque Methodist property in Canterbury. The Rev. "W. A. Hay said he was glad that they were starting the new Sunday school under such pleasant circumstances. He urged them to drive home the thought that the children did not belong to themselves, but to God. Whilst, they might consider the Sunday School* as both a nursery and a I training ground, it was more important to remember that it was a place where they taught the children something definite. Before laying the stone, Mrg Williams was presented with a bouquet of violets by Ngaire Ogier on behalf of the Sunday School scholars, and with

a very handsome engraved silver trowel by Miss E. Hcslop. Acknowledging the latter, Mr s Williams said that she accepted' it in a spirit of friendship,, loyalty and love. It had been hoped that Mrs Hams, the eldest member of the church, who was now 87 years of age, might have: performed the ceremony. The .Ladies Guild in 1914 had commenced the work, but the war had interfered. Tho pro-. Kress thus far' was a tribute to the. co-operation. of members of other churches. Their aim was not to make a particular church stronger, but to brino- children closer to Jesus Christ. Mrs Williams then declared the stone well and truly laid, the assemblage singinc,' "This Stone to Thee in Faith we Lav," and the ceremony concluding with the singing of the Doxoldgy and the pronountemen*. of tho Benediction. Tho collection taken uo amounted to £23. The organist was Mr F. N. Kerr. Tho building, which is to be constructed in wood, will consist of one main room 30ft x 24ft, a library room, innin -porch and two class rooms, besides a stage 12ft by 7ft. The windows will lx> of Gothio design in keening with the church and will provide ample lighting and ventilation. Louvres at earh p-able will also assist the latter with the help of ceiling ventilators. The height from floor to ceiling will bo 14ft, and the walls will be dadoed and nlastered. The new.building will be attached to the present small Sunday School and will be only a few feet from the present church.