Kiwitea Wesleyan Church.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 271, 24 March 1894, Page 2

Kiwitea Wesleyan Church.

» ■■ [fbom oub own cobbbspondbnt.l An eprch-marking event in the / annals of the rising township of Ap tt took place on Wednesday the 21st. The foundation blocks of the new Wesleyan Church were laid and friends from Kiwitea and Birmingham turned up in force to assist at the ceremony. The day was beautifully fine (in fact perfect) and the scenery along the Oroua Valley road was greatly admired by many whose first visit to Apiti was made on Wednesday. The Rev Mr Birks occupied the position of chairman, and after a hymu had been sung and prayer offered, he gave an address in which he traced the progress of the work from the commencement of the mission. He was pleased to see so many representatives of other churches present! The first three blocks would be laid by representatives of the Presbyterian, Anglican and Congregational Churches. He had not preached Methodism but Christ and if they only worked unitedly together God's blessing would most assuredly rest upon them in the future as it had done in the past. He then called on Mr A. Perry, of Kiwitea, to lay the first block. Mr Perry, in a short but excellent address, said he was only two pleased to be with them that day for they were engaged in the grandest and noblest work that day man could take in hand. He wished the Rev Mr Stewart, of Kiwitea, could have been present, for he (Mr Stewart) had preached the first sermon in the Kiwitea district 14 years ago. Mr Stewart, although a Presbyterian, rejoiced at the progress of the Wesleyan Church ~ in the district, because that meant that the Gospel was being preached to the people. He had much pleasure in laying the first block in the Bey Mr Stewart's name. Miss Lowes, of Birmingham, laid the next pile, and was followed* by Mr W. Jones, of Kiwitea. He said he was pleased to see the unity prevailing among the various sections of the Christian church in the district. He was a Congregationalist, but he thought the Wesleyan Church was the best adapted for pioneer work. They were to be congratulated on having a minister like Mr Birks, who had large views and wide sympathies. If they had a man who pushed Methodism to the front they might not have had churches either at Apiti or Binning* ham. He wished them every success in their good work. Mr Anyon (Birmingham) said- he was sure the friends present and in the district would sympathise with their minister in the great loss he had sustained by the death of his father, the news of which had been received on Monday last. They could not expect him to be present in his usual form that day. The Apiti Church was an off-shoot of Birmingham, and very soon they would have anotherchurch farther on. He was glad to hear that the friends at Kiwitea were about to build a church. He asked the friends not to look on the present building as belonging to Methodism, but as the church of Jesus Christ. The following ladies and gentlemen took part in laying the blocks : — Mrs Clapham (Apiti) and Miss Lowes (Birmingham), and Messrs A. Perry, JJoness s ? R. Mcßeth, D. Mcßeth (Kiwitea), G. Anyon, R. and H. Burne, D. Howie, E. Palmer (Birmingham), F. S. Guy, Watson, Vicary, Johnstone, Osborne, Buckman, Potts, Curtis, and E. Mills (Apiti). After the blocks had been duly laid, Mr Birks proposed, and Mr Guy seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to the visitors for their presence and sympathy. Mr Birks apologised for the absence of the Rev. Mr Keall, who could not possibly be present with them that day* His heart was in their work in the district, acd he would be greatly pleased to hear of their success. After singing a hymn, Mr Birks pronounced the Benediction, and the friends then partook of tea which was provided in a large tent. In the evening a concert was given, at which nearly two hundred people* were present. The Misses Lowes, and Messrs Barlow (2), Baynes, Moss, and Lindsay (of Birmingham), took part* Miss Rosie Buckman sang two pifces very sweetly, and several pieces wife also given by the choir, and boys and girls of Apiti. All the meetings were a great success. The net proceeds of the day were £20 which go to the Church Building FumJ * ____