PUTARURU.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 146, 21 August 1919, Page 2

PUTARURU.

OPENING METHODIST CHURCH The 10th August will long be remembered by the residents of Putaruru and surrounding districts. It is certain that members and adherents of the Protestant church were never so well represented at a church service in Putaruru as on this occasion, the church packed to the doors both morning and evening- The Rev. Bellhouse. president of the Methodist conference, conducted both services and preached from very suitable subjects and was listened to with great attention. In tho morning his was Matthew 5 chap., 41 verse, “ And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain, and explained that in those historic times men were often commandeered, no matter what their duties were, they wore often compelled to carry certain burdens ono mile. It was nothing more than a mere duty to do the one mile, but the preacher said in matters of religion or Christianity it was the second mile that counted. In the evening the subject was “ Tho Church ” and in introductory remarks said that in some quarters the church was discounted and discredited and while admitting certain discrepancies asked the question what would the community bo like if it was not for the church and its organisations and quoted different notable writers in support of his argument. In conclusion he sought to enlist the sympathy of his congregation to support the church at all times. There was a fairly strong choir for the occasion under the leadership of Mr Tongs, and the singing was quite a feature of the day. In the evening Mrs C. G. Alcorn sang most effectively “ Consider the Lilies.”

Over £420 had been raised previous to last Sunday, when another £24 odd was added to the building fund. There only remains' £2O to raise to place the church out of debt.