TOTARA FLAT CHURCH

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1928, Page 4

TOTARA FLAT CHURCH

DEDICATION SERVICE. The service of dedication of the new Presbyterian Church at Totara Elat took place on Sunday afternoon. Ideal weather favoured the occasion, and the Church was well filled, the large congregation including visitors from Ikamatua, Blackwater, Mawheraiti, Matai and Greymouth. The Rev. T. X. Cuttle, of St. John’s Church, Greymouth conducted, the service, assisted Uv the Missionary of the Totem Flat Parish, Mr T. E. Dibbs. Mrs Methven. the oldest member of the Tot-urn Ela’t congregation, opened the door of the new building which was dedicated by Air Cuttle to the Glory of God and to the service of the Church. The Aioderntor gave an excellent address to the children, and subsequently preached a most appropriate sermon on Christ as the Foundation of the Spiritual Church and of life and character. Mr Dihbs expressed the thanks of the Committee of the Totara Flat congregation to all who had helped to provide the new Church, and to friends for presenting gifts for use within the building. Ho also voiced the Committee’s appreciation of the work of the contractor, Mr J. Guerin, Giiey-mcuth. Airs Dibbs presided at the organ, which is a. Mason and Hamlin instrument, supplied by the Bristol Piano Co. Ltd. Greymouth. A special Thanksgiving Service will be held .in the new Church oil Sunday, the 2nd. September at 2.30 p.in.

It may ho interesting to mention that the original Presbyterian Church at Totara Flat, which was destroyed by fire on the 13th. February last, was opened by the Rev. ATr AVcstlu'noke, of Greymouth, on the 15th. April, 1883, following a service conducted at Totara Flat on the 7th. February, 1882, by the Rev. W. West, of Kumara. The Rev. W. Gow conducted fortnightly services from 188-1 till 1S!)0. The first Minister of the Totara Elat Charge was the Rev. D. A. Anderson.