NGATEA CHURCH.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4779, 21 November 1924, Page 2

NGATEA CHURCH.

NEW METHODIST BUILDING. OPENING AND DEDICATION. Anoihei step in the progress of the Hauraki Plains in general and Ngatea in particular took place .yesterday afternoon, when the first church to be erected in Ngatea was officially opened and dedicated. The church, which is similar to the one recently opened in Waitakaruru, was built for the Methodists, but will be available for use b> all Protestant denominations. The opening was conducted by the Mayor of Paeroa (Mr W. Marshall), who was introduced to a gathering of about 100 people by the President of the Methodist. Conference, the Rev. A. Ashcroft, of Thames. Mr Marshall said he felt highly honoured at being asked to open first the Waitakaruru church and then the Ngatea church, and of being spoken of as had been done that day by the President of the Conference, which office, by the way, corresponded in the Methodist Church to that of an Archbishop in the Church of England. It was a great privilege to have the Rev Ashcroft present on an occasion when the consummation of an effort marked another progressive step. It was a constant, source of interest to note the progress of the Hauraki Plains, the conversion of swamp to farm land, the provision of roads, public buildings, and facilities for the welfare and profit of the people. In old countries these were established by past generations, but New Zealand was now grappling with the problem and burden of providing for the future as well as the present generation, and it was inspiring to see the manner tr. which the pioneering work was being undertaken. Foundation work must be done well to earn the blessing tf future generations, and it was grand to see such a building as the Ngatea church raised by the, united effort of the people amid so many difficulties. It convinced him that there was great faith in God, and that it was still true that right, doing exalted a nation. Mr Marshall said that he hoped the church would prove a great blessing to the people of the township and of the district. particularly to the children, for it could not be over-, estimated the advantages of bringing the highest influences into the lives of young people. He congratulated the district on the hard work and considerable sacrifices made .to erect a house to the Glory of God, and expressed the hope that it would do for the people all that they hoped and

desired. Mrs Marshall then unlocked and opened the door of the church, and Mr Marshall declared the building opened for public worship. The congregation proceeded inside, where a service of dedication was conducted by the Rev. A. Ashcroft, assarted by the Revs. Stewart and J. M. Beaufort.

After the hymn “The Church’s one foundation” had been sung, the Rev. Stewart had offered a prayer, the 42nd Psalm had been read as a lesson by the Rev. J. M. Beaufort, and a solo, “Beyond the Dawn,” had been sung by Miss Brook, of Auckland, the Rev A. Ashcromt. delivered the care of tlie church to the Revs. A. E. Jefferson (i'aeroa) .and E. H. Brooker (Nga-‘ tea), charging them to conduct it tc the Glory of God and the service of mankind, so that peace may abide therein, and that when the great day of reckoning came many may have come to know God through its agency.

Addressing the congregation after the hymn “O God our Help in Ages Past” had been sung, Mr Ashcroft said that while the Church did not stand for much in the minds of some—only a few attended regularly, many came infrequently, and to others it was only a name —there was no uplifting movement of which it xVas not capable. He mentioned many of the social, political, and international problems in both ancient and modern times in which its influence had been sought. Service will be conducted in the church on Sunday evening next by the Rev. E. H. Brooker. A concert was held during the evening in the Public Hall, solos being contributed by Miss Brook, of Auckland . Mrs Dean and Mrs Marshall, of Paeroa ; Mrs Marchant, of Turua ; and tiie Rev. Brooker. Duets were rendered by Mrs Dean and Mrs Marshall, part songs by Miss Brook and the Rev. Brooker, and choruses by Messrs Schultz, Tarver, Rowlings, and the Rev. Brooker, and recitations hy Miss Rowlings, Miss Hurst, Miss Parfitt, and the Rev. Ashcroft. A dialogue was also given by several high school girls.