JUBILEE OF METHODISM

Chronicle (Levin), 4 March 1947, Page 2

JUBILEE OF METHODISM

Otaki Church's Celehrations In a young country like New Zealand, and especially so in a country town like Otaki, the completion of sixty years of service in the interests of the spiritual well-being of the community is an achievement of which all closely connected therewith are justly proud. Thus the diamond jubilee of the Otaki Methodist -Church, just commemorated, has been celebrated with due eclat and in a most appropriate and enthusiastic manner. The festivities and special services held during last weekend passed splendiaiy, and the result must surely have been most gratifying to all concerned, and heartening to the members and adherents of the church. . 1 The dominant note of the special functions was one of thankfulness for the achievments of the past, often obtained only through faithful, arduous and self-sacrificing labours' under adverse conditions. It'was also stressed that past successes and the optimistic future outlook should nrove a stimulus to all connected with the church. and encourage them to grapple with the problems that confronted the ♦world today. Very careful and elaborate preparation had been made for the occasion. One of the most pleasing features of the celebrations was the re-union of a great many friends and members associatfed with the church at some stage of its long history, visitors being present from a, number of centres, from Wellington to Auckland.

Tea and Social On Saturday evening a delightful tea and social gathering was held in the Railway Hall. The spacious building had been filled with tables covering the whole o-pace available,- and on these was spread a sumptuous repast, attractively displayed and embellished . a fine display of lovely flowers. It was not an ordinary tea, but of a much more'substantial and elaborate nature, comprising cold meat, salads, jellies, trifle, cakes, etc., in the usual lavish and generous hospitality for which Otaki is well-known. Among those occupying seats at the central table were Mr. C. F. Atmore (Mayor of Otaki) , Rev. W. G, Slade (president of the Methodist Conference), Revs. W. A. Burley (chairman of the Wellington Methodist district) , W. B. Pickering, J. D. McArthur, C. Symonds, E. Sage, H. S. Kings, M. Ayrton, A. Ashwin and P. Temuera, and Canon H. E. K. Fry. Mr. H. N. Hendra (secretary of the jubilee committee) read a large number of congratulatory mesgages, including telegrams and letters from Revs. H. E. Bellhouse, C. B. Jordan, H. Cotton, C. M. Roberts and J. Crawford (all at one time stationed in Otaki) , Rev. R. Day, Miss Harper, Mesdames D. Rands and J. C.raig and Messrs. Howard Andrew, F. Butler, E. Maunder, W. H. Clark and B. R. Hayward. Mr. Atmore, after apologising for the unavoidable absence of the Mayoress, extended a very hearty welcome to the visitors. He extolled the beauties of Otaki and district, and emphasised its natural advantages. In doing so he urged all present to make the most of the beauties- of nature, and to allow such full scope in their lives. He commended the Methodists l'or the witness of their church on the life ; of the community during the past sixty years. Rev. W. B. Pickering congratulated Rev. W. G. Slade on his elevation to the office of president, and welcomed ministerial and layvisitors. . Rev. W. G. Slade, after acknowledging the Mayor's gracious welcome, spoke of the urgent need of the present time and the great opportunity presented to the church of today in helping towards the unity of all peoples of the world i in the fellowship of Jesus Christ. j Modern means of communication were helping to bring all nations closer together, and we should all do our utmost to bring about a state of affairs where strife, bitterness, petty jealousies and class distincuion will be done away with, and ail will work together for the betterment of man. Mr. Slade concluded by emphasising that these ends could not be attained without steady self-sacrificing work by the members of the Christian Church. Rev. W. A. Burley, as chairman of the Wellington district, expressed pleasure at the progress of the Otaki church and its impact on the community. Words of welcome were also expressed by Canon Fry, Rev. A. Ashwin -and Rev. P. Temuera, who all referred to the spirit of uniuy that existed between the various churches in Otaki. Rev. H. S. Kings (Levin) also added his congratulations from "a daughter to her mother," referring to the fact that the work of the church in the district had commenced at Otaki and extended from there to Levin. Enjoyable Concert After a period of social intercourse, the hall was cleared and a concert was then presented by the members of the Cuba Street (Palmerston North) Methodist Church chpir.- Under the able conductorship of Mr. L. Gwynn, the choir

gave several anthems, which were greatly enjoyed. The choir is a line combinacion which is making a good response to its conductor's leading. The following items I or a weil varied prograinme of con- , siderable all-round merit were all j 1 encored: — Songs, Mrs. Maui; elocutionary items, Mr. Oppitt; vocal soio, Mr. Sefton Freeman; vionn solos, Mrs. Oppitt; song, Mrs. Collis; novelty item (musicai saw), Mr. Poole; song, Miss E. Cotton; whisfcling solo, Mrs. Westney; vocal trio, Misses J. and N. Bonniface and Senter; solos, Mr. G. Whitelock. Sunday Services Special services were held in the Otaki Methodist church on Sunday, when the church was filled to capacity, both morning and even- | ng. Rev. W. G. Slade conducted both services and gave approprii aie and most impressive aaaresses. I'Mrs. Buchanan sang a deiightful ' solo at the morning service, ana i Miss Black in the evening. The i sacx*ament of HOly Communion at o'he end of the evening service was a fitting inspiration at the close of the celebrations. Rev. M. Ayrton conducted a special service at Te Horo in the afternoon, and a youth rally followed by a tea in the Druids' Hall by Rev. C. Symonds, M. A. (director of the Youth Department). ■ Sixty Years' Progress The history of the Otaki Methodist Church commenced in 1887, when services w'ere started in the home of the late Mr. and Mrs. Cockrell. After a time the old school buildings situated in Main Road were used pending the erection » of the present church in Aotaki Street. This building was later enlarged and improved in many ways. It is now proposed to erect a new church building on the section adjoining • the present church, and a building fund was recently set up for this purpose.