Primitive Methodist Anniversary

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 45, 22 August 1893, Page 2

Primitive Methodist Anniversary

The annual tea and meeting of members and friends of the above was field yesterday evening. The Church dad been nicely decorated for the Dccasion. The following ladies presided over the various tea tables : — MesdamesJ. C. Thompson, Trevena, Gould, and J. A. Belfit, and Misses Blackmore, Heald, and Belfit. Mr J. Gould presided at the after meeting. The iirat speaker called upon was the Rev. G. Carr, who stated he was pleased to see so many denominations present. This gathering he considered represented the truest union of the churches. A spiritual union which had for its object the spreading of the Gospel of Christ. The first and foremost object should be the making of true and noble men, and all the Methodist bodies recognised this fact, as everyone could see that it must be conducive of much future benefit to the community. The Rev. J. W. Ellis said the chairman stated they were to expect some sharp speaking, but he feared they would be disappointed as regards himself. In a most amusing speech, the speaker belied this assertion, and referred to his colonial birth of which he was quite as proud as anyone coming from the Old Country was of his own land. In respect to the ultimate union of all the Methodist connexions, he was most hopeful that, in the near future, such an event would become an accomplished fact, notwithstanding that the Wesleyan Conference in Australia had stated that at present the time was inopportune. Let all Methodist Bodies put aside their paltry petty differences and this end would soon be obtained, and for which he personally was ready to work with heart and mind. The Rev. H. M. Murray alluded in graceful terms to the pleasure be experienced in being present that night. He had attended many gatherings o£ the Primitive Methodists in Feilding, and had always lived on terms of the greatest intimacy and friendship with their ministers. In conclusion, the speaker congratulated them on the progress which their cause had shown during the past year. The Rev. W. J. Watkin referred to the good work the Government were doing, and paid a high tribute of approval of the new licensing measure. He touched upon the condition of affairs in Australia, and was glad to find that New Zealand had steered clear of the disasters which had befallen the other colonies. The Rev. G. Clements aext read the balance-sheet for the past year which began with a debit balance bf £15 8s Bd, the expenses of lighting and cleaning the church amounted to £19 6s 2d making a total of £34 14s lOd. The proceeds of the tea, etc, brought in £13 4s Id, leaving a debit balance of £21 10s 9d. Allusion was then made to the exciting times in the political aud religious world, in which they lived. It behoved the ohurch to be aggressive. Their spiritual wants must be recognized and their faces turned towards Christ. Looked at from every aspect, growth and progress were shown in their church, and by renewed vigour their efforts must become crowned with success. The Chairman proposed, and Mr Thompson seconded, a hearty Tote of thanks to the speakers for their interesting addresses, which was carried by acclamation. The choir conducted by Mr Simpson, and accompanied by Mrs J. C. Thompson, rendered several anthems during "the evening, in a most excellent manner, and the singing of the doxology concluded a very successful meeting.