The Methodist Sunday School.

Manawatu Herald, 27 August 1896, Page 2

The Methodist Sunday School.

On Tuesday afternoon the longlooked for event in connection with the Primitive Methodist congregation, that of laying the foundation blocks of their new school building, took place. The morning was very wet, frequent and heavy showers being the order of the day, but at noon the rain cleared off, the sun came out, and what threatened to ba a bad day turned out a very pleasant one, a happy omen, we trust, for the success of the school. The threatening weather had the effect of deterring many friends from a distance* being present. The opening part of the ceremony was held in the church, which was crammed and a large number had to remain outside. Amongst those present were the Rev. James Duncan, Presbyterian Minister, and the Rev. G. Grindley, now of Halcombe, but at one time Minister here. Miss Gibson, very ably, presided at the harmonium, and Mr Edmund Osborne led the choir. The congregation first sang the well known hymn " All people that on earth do dwell " and then the R'v. S. Barnett engaged in prayer. The Rev. G. Grindley read the chns.n lesson from the 3rd eh. of the Book of Ezra, after which the Bey. S. Barnett explained the object of the gathering, how they felt the n^ed for a schoolroom, and that though Methodists did not object to use their building for all purposes that were right and proper, they found, being a congregation fond of fan and teas, that a larger building was a necessity, both for their social purposes as well as for their scholars, lie called upon Mr Duncan to shortly address them. The Rev. James Duncan said it gave him great pleasure to be present on the occassion as he had, many years ago, preached the first sermon in this church and had presided at the first social meeting held within its walls. He might remark that he was likewise present at the opening of the first Wesleyan Church in Wellington. He thought the congregation were to be commended as to being the first religious body in this town to erect a Sabbath School, and he thought this was so much for the go ahead Methodises. There appeared to bo, from what they knew and had heard, a great need for Sabbath pchool?, but though he did not question the importance and usefulness of them he thought if parents paid more attention to the religious instruction of their children there should be no need for such schools. The best instruction was that fjiven at home. Great credit should be given to the teachers but parents should never forget it is their duly to instruct tbeir children, for they cannot, without blame transfer their responsibilities. When sending children to the Sabbath school parents should see not only that they did go to school but that they studied their lessons. Parents should set their ohildren an example in speaking the truth and in the control of their tempera. Teachers have very important duties to fulfill and the children should feel obliged to them and in return attend to their lessons and teaching. Mr Barnett said they all felt thankful to Mr Duncan for his presence and speech, as both he, and Mr Grindley were two lonely ynung fellows without much experience and who had no one to look after them, whilst from Mr Duncan they had words the result of experience and ripeness. The children sang the hymn 11 Brightly beams our banner " very nicely. A collection was made, one fcom adults and one from the children to provide a sum to place on two blocks not otherwise Ret apart. Master Leslie Newth- gave an original speech on the subject of the day pointing out that though much had been obtained towards the building more was needed, as the contractors would not be satisfied with honey. An adjournment was then made outside to commence the formal laying of 42 blocks. The first ona was laid, by the Rev. G. Grindley, for the Mayor, who was absent. The following list of blocks laid shows the energy our friends had put into the business : — Sunday School, £5 ; T. Westwood, £8 11s ; S. Barnett, £2 10s ; L. Osborne, £ 2 8s ; W. S. Stewart and congregation donation, £2 ss ; Miss M. Trask, £2 ; E. S. Thy one, £1 12s 6d ;A. Osborne, £1 10 i; J. F. Rockstrow, £1 Is ; G. Adams, T. F. Gibson, Miss and Miss G. Gibson, and A. Curtis (Wellington), £1 each ; Miss H. Simpson and N. Walker, 15s each ; T. Nye, GJGrindley, E. Westwood, S. Howan and E. Howan, 10s each ; M. Walker, M. Howan, C. and L. Austin. E. Ashby, J. Whyte, J. Walker, M. McLean, G. Chuck. M. Small, N. Newth, H. P. Forster, Mrs E. Osborne and Shannon Sunday School, 5s each. (Included in the above are donation!

from Levin & Co., £1 Is ; Sargood, Son & Ewen, J6l ; Crease & Co., 10a; J. G. Wilson, M.H.R., £1 ; Briacoe & McNeil, £1 ; Berry & Co., It) The north-east corner block was laid by Miss Carrie Walker on behalf of the Sunday school scholars who have been busy at work for some time past to be able to place a worthy sum upon it. The children Bang " This block to Thee in faith I lay " the music being that composed by Mr David Simpson ofFeilding. Miaa C. Walker said that as being the representative of the school she would naturally be expected to say a few words. They had been working hard to get funds and had been very successful and she hoped they would soon be possessed of a beautiful building. She was not accustomed to speaking but had done her little best. Mr Barnett Baid her little best was a donation of £5. The Sunday school children ware arranged against a wall on tien of seats over which a banner hung with the following statement : — 11 Foxton Primitive Methodist Sunday School." - Established, 1876. During the afternoon the ladies of the congregation presided over pretty tea tables in the church and what with tea and toothsome delicacies they earned a good round sum towards the fund. At 7-30 the church was again crowded and there was a full platform of children and choir. A capital programme was gone through, comprising song-, choruses, and recitations. Addresses were also delivered by the Messrs Dillons, E. Kirby, and the Rev. S. Barnett. Another collection was taken up ! which realised £1 7s 7d. The financial position of the Trustees appears excellent as they had in hand, as a start, at the bank, £50, and the takings will total, with a few small sums yet to come in, £40. From the Jubilee Loan Fund the Trustees have borrowed £50, practically free of interest but which has to be repaid in eight yearly instalments of £7 each. This makes a gros3 sum of £140, and a3 the building all completed will cojt only £125, the Trustees have more than two year's repayment of loan in hand, which will probably be thus used. For ourselves we may express great gratification at the success that has been achieved, which ppeaka well for the energy of the Rev. S. Barnetb, his officers, and the congregation generally. The amount raised is very significant a3 to the prosperity of this district despite the cry of hard times. We have been desired to say that the Trustees are heartily thankful to all who interested themselves in this event, which to all concerned must Ye considered amply gratifying. They wish specially to thank : — The ladies for placing £50 to the bank credit of the nsw school fund ; Westwood & Co., for supplying all materials at cost price's delivered ; G. Nye for valuable services, given gratis, as architect and supervisor ; J. T. Ray for freely preparing the Trust Deed ; the contractors, Dillon Bros-, for their courtesy and the deep interest they have evinced ; the card collectors ; the treasurers,. Walsh and Osborne ; the young men about town who at the suggestion of the Minister have most willingly rendered many little services. During the proceedings Mr McElwain took a photograph of the gathering.