ST ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURUH.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1917, Page 3

ST ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURUH.

Jubilee Commemoration. 1867-1917. The Presbyterians of Hokitika last night held a jubilee eooial m St Andrew’s Hall to commemorate the founding of the congregation and the opening of the Ohnrch fifty years syne Rev P. B. Fraser, M A., prea'ded and bad wi b him on the platform, Rev Mr Holloway (Church of England) and Rev J. W. Smyth (Presbyterian), Greymouth, and one of the oldest and most genial of ‘old identities,’ Mr A. Cummirg, Kckatahi. The hall was crowded with an enthusiastic audience, amODg whom were represents!ices of Anglicans and Methodists, showing neighborly and kindly sentiments with the Presbyterians The programme began with a hearty siDgiDg of the Old Hundredth and the National Anthem, followed by prayer. Here may be inserted some particulars referred to in the coarse of the various addresses as the main purpose ofitbe gathering was to revive memories of the past. The Ohnrch building was opened oh the first Sunday in February, 1867, and commemorative cervices were held on the first Sunday of February last, in recognition of the jubilee of the Churob opening* the services of which on February 3rd, 1867, were conducted by Rev John Gow, one of the moat worthy ministers of the Presbyterian Cburcb. He was afterwards, minister of St Andrew’s Church, Dunedin, and finally at Opotiki, on the tast cc-ast of Auckland. He was a founder of congregations, for Opotiki Church bears within it a marble flab, erected by the congregation, with the following inscription: "Ereoted to the memory of Rev. John Gow, first minister of this paiieb and founder of this congregation in 1878, who died 17th Feb, 1901, aged 86. «<1 am the Resurrection and the Life.” It may be said of the first minister and of the noble band of Christian men who laid the foundation of the Hokitika Piesbyterian Church, “The memory of the just is blessed,” Mr Gow left in 1871, and was followed by another sterling minister of flagrant memory, who ratne in 1872 and left in 1875. He was for a great many years the esteemed minister of East Taieri, Otago, and died like Mr Gow, in a ripe old age He was succeeded by Rev G. Morice in 1877, who lemained tili 1879—a minister greatly esteemed, who, becoming minister of Ba'clutha, lost his life shortly after in the Port Molyneaux earf in an effort to tafe that of bis wife, who herself was rescued by the hand of a Mrori woman. Mr Morice was succeeded by Rev W. Douglas, M.A., in 1881, and his ministry, which came to a close by his retirement in 1907 after 26 years’ service, filled one-balf of the period covered by the past history of the church. Mr Douglas pot in a long period of faithful service, leaving bis mark for on the whole congregation, The chHirman’s appreciative remarks on Mr Douglas’ ministry met with a ready and responsive reception from his hearers.

At the close of the proceedings Mr JTolley gave expression to the desire of the meeting in moving that a cordial greeting be sent to Mr Donglaa and that he be warmly thanked for hia letter of sympathy reviving old and grateful memories in the hearts of not a few. Mr Doughs,after a few years’ service in the ministry at Wellington, retired to Havelock North in Hawkes Bay and is stilt in the enjoyment of good health, and able to take occasional services Mr Douglas was succeeded by twoof the younger ministers of the church, both of whom did good service, Rev J. 0. Jamieson coming in 1908 and leaving inl9ll, and. Rev J, Davie coming in 1911 and leaving

for Palmerston South in liH4. Mr Fraser (who was inducted in September 1914) made appreciative referencs to all of bis predecessors, re-, marking that he was seventh in order of aB worthy a succession of ministers as in any congregation in the Dominion. The first Kirk Session was composed of as noble a body of men as any early session of the Presbyterian Church can show—Messrs Archibald Bonar, Archibald Scott, Andrew Orr, Gerhard Mueller, John Crerar, Joseph Anderson and Andrew Peebles. The

first Finance Committee were-Messra J, A. Bcuar (Treasurer), A. Scott (Sectetary), J. MoHaffie, J. S. Johnstone, J. M. Aitken and M. Sprot. The first precentor,eho Sunday School Superintendent was Mr Scott A noble band of lay preachers did grand and fruitful work iu the early days—Messrs W. P. Crawford, 0, E. Button, D. W. Virtue, G. Mnel'er and J, Shrimpton. The choir was organised about 1876 or 1877, under the leader.-hip of Mr E. B. Dixon. Among the earlier organists were Mrs Morioe (minister’s wife), Mesdames 0. E. Button, R. U. Reid and W. Duncan, Misses Petrie, Joneß and McKinnon. Mr A. AitkeD, in a splendid speech in the course of the evening, referred in glowing and eloquent terms to many of these godly pioneers, to whose faithfulness and example, by the blessing of God, so much of the present life of

the congregation is owing. Perforce, the memories of the speakers went back to the earliest founders, but quite a number of names of most worthy i: ei and tqually worthy women could haves been mentioned if time had permitted Their names are written above, and their memory is cher

ished and revtred in the hearts of those left behind They rest from their labours, and their good work continues. Suitable and ccrdial addressee were given by the visiting ministers, Mr Holloway and Mr Smyth, which were well received. Mr Holloway, while extending cordial greetings from the Anglican community, referred to the value of perpetuating tbe memories of the past as grateful to the old aod stimulating aod informative to the young, and expressed tbe hope something would be done to preserve tbe .early newspaper files giving tbe be* ginning of h'story with this district. Mr Thomas Orr and Mr A. Camming, two of tbe ‘‘originals,” were in a happy mood, and their speeches were filled with golden memories, Mr Gumming being very tnliveuing with his sallies. The meeting was delighted with both. Later in the evening, Mr A Aitken gave a forceful and heartening address, tha substance of which is embodied in the par. ticulars and references we have given above. He is a worthy successor to the early founders, aud his address was listened to with great appreciation. Now to the musical part of the programme, under the leadership of Mr.Aitken. It may be said, without indulging in exaggeration, that it was equal to the best ever given in the whole history of tbe congiegation. Tbe singing wts appropriate aDd moat enioyable and made tbe meeting the encceae it undoubtedly was. The programme was as follows : Congregation : 100th Paalm and National Authem. Cborns, "Wake, l?!es of the South,” choir. Solos were rendered by Miss Valentine, Mrs Doctor, Mias Mclisao, Mrs Brook, Misa Reynolds, Miss D. Shard and Mr Irwin. Duet, Mrs Rowe and Mist Davidron ; recitation, Mr B, Bjyd ; chorus, “Jerusalem,” ohois* All the singers were encored and responded greatly to the sa' iaf tctioi of the audience. The ladies of the congregation prepared aud dispensed a bouuti.'ul 2u - per of refreshments and one of the beat and most heartening congregational gatherings of the p s fifty years concluded with votes of chinks, moved by Mr Folley, unci the singing of the National Anthem. It should be mentioned that apo'ogies w:rc made for ths bceuce of the Mayor wboce prepence would have been welcomed and appiecmted if hie heal h permitted him and alpo for Rev Mr Ryan who was likewise unable to be present.