ST ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1927, Page 3

ST ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

There was u large and enthusiastic gathering at St. Andrew’s Hal! last night in connection with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the church. The proceedings commenced with the “Old Hundredth,’’ and a prayer bv " the Hev. 0. Knowles-Smith. The Rev. Hayward who presided welcomed those present and read apologies from (Rev. Cuttle. Moderator of Westland Presbytery, Rev. Hutson, and from three of the oldest members of the church,Mrs Peebles, Mrs D. Wilson. ' and Mrs Gooch. The chairman gave an interestng account ol the origin and growth of the church for the first five years of its history when churches were' built at Hokitika, Woodstock, Hnu-Hau, Stafford and other places, under the ministry of the Rev. John Good. Other speakers were Mr James Park, and Mr A. Aitken, both of whom gave most interesting reminis- ■ “Pences of the early days and of the stirring and strenuous time through which the church had come when the population was about 30,000. 'I "f names of the old stalwarts were honoured. among them being, A. Bomtr. C. E. Button, and I). W. Virtue. Mr Preston spoke of more recent times and of the progress under the Rev. \\ . Douglas, who had been their minister for twenty-six years ( Tlis Worship the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) spoke words of congratulation and paid a tribute to the early pioneers of the district and of the Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Canon Hamilton gave a humorous speech in reference to the difficulties of the early days and urged the people to be loyal to their church and to their minister. The Rev. 0. Knowles-Smith on behalf of the Methodists spoke of the harmonv and goodwill between the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches am l wished the congregation still greater prosperity. The following musical items wore rendered —Solos by Mrs Harrison and Miss Drake; a pianoforte trio by the Misses Dolly McWhirter, Connie Sherman and JesAie Smith; pa no forte'duet » by Miss P. Thompson and Miss Wells; piano solo by Miss Madge King, a guitar duet by Mr Keesing and Miss Lynn, and a recitation by Miss Jov Ward. The church choir rendered three anthems, Miss P. Thompson presidin''- at the organ. A collection taken up for the Scots Memorial Fund realised over £ll. The singing of the ( A National Anthem brought to a close a very successful function.