METHODISM

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1117, 3 July 1913, Page 2

METHODISM

OPENING OF THE NEW CHURCH. The new Methodist ChurcbJ situate in Avenue Road, wair officially opened for divine worship on Sunday last. The President of the New Zealand Methodist Conference, the Rev Samuel Lawry, came from Christchurch to conduct the opening services, which were very successful, both in point of numbers and in spiritual power. The President’s visit will long be remembered by the members of the Church. At 10.45 a - m -. some of the congregation gathered at the door of the church, when the ceremony of officially declaring the building open for the worship of God was carried out. A few verses of the hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” were sung, a short dedicatory prayer was offered by the Rev T. Coatsworth, after which the President unlocked the door ot the church and in a few well-chosen words declared the building open to the glory of God, He then handed the key to Mr G. H. Stiles, secretary of the Trustees. The morning service was a most helpful one. The text chosen was from John XLV., x 2, “Verily verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto My Father.’’ The preacher pointed out the circumstances under which the words had been spoken, and impressed upon his hearers the fact that Christ had chosen to reveal Himself to individuals that they might carry on the work that He had begun. The choir sang the anthem, “Blessed are They,” and special hymns were sung during the service. At the close of the morning service, the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered to the members of the church, including a number of boys and girls, members of the Junior Endeavour Society, The President expressed his pleasure at seeing the young people present to take their first Sacrament. This meeting was of a very solemn and impressive character.

The afternoon service was ' a special one for young people, and a good congregation as* sembled. The preacher read lor his lesson the story of the “Three Hebrew Children,” and afterwards gave an impressive address on "Moral Courage.” He showed how necessary it was to have not only physical, but moral courage. It was necessary in these days that all should have courage to do the right, to acknowledge Christ, and the preacher closed with a touching incident concerning the early Christians. A young Roman soldier was offered a centurianship in the Roman array if he denied Christ. He chose Christ and died a martyr’s death. The sermon was also illustrated by incidents from the lives of the martyrs of the Reformation in England, Bishops Eatimer and Ridley being specially mentioned. The choir sang the anthem, “Lo, My Shepherd is Divine.” The evening service was the crowning service of the day. A very good congregation assembled, the church being almost filled. The service was one of great spiritual power. The sermon was. based on Isaiah LIU., u, "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied.” The preacher drew a graphic picture of the sufferings of Christ in working out man’s salvation, and showed that Christ’s anguish was not physical, but spiritual. But the Saviour, thinking of His sufferings and thin thinking of the souls redeemed through His sacrifice, would be satisfied. The sermon closed with a moving appeal to all to accept Christ as their personal Saviour, The choir sang as an anthem, "On* ward.”

The choir throughout the day rendered good service under the leadership of Mr P. Sherratt. Mr G. H, Stiles was organist. At the close of the evening service the usual prayer meeting was held, to which a good proportion of the congregation remained. This meeting was one of rich blessing. Thus a day long to be remembered in connection with Foxton Methodism was brought to a close. The offerings throughout the day were in aid of the building fund.

SOCIAL. Oa Monday evening a social in commemoration of the opening of the church was held in the Masonic Hall, when there was a very good attendance. The proceedings opened with the hymn, “Forward be Our Watchword,” after which a prayer was offered by the Rev N. Hyde. The Rev T. Coatsworth presided, and in his opening remarks spoke of the spirit of thankfulness that was uppermost in all their thoughts because of the completion of their new church. He trusted that the future of the church would be bright, and that they would always strive to keep the spiritual side ot their church work always to the front. He rejoiced at the interest shown by the members oi the church in the work ot Foreign Missions, and trusted that that interest would increase. The members of the church were urged to pray and work for the winning of the souls of men. The chairman also thanked all those who had so kindly provided the church furniture, everything that had been asked for having been presented to the church. Pleasure was also expressed at the presence of the President of the Conference, who had done so much to taako

the opening services the great success that they had been. The Rev F. W. Boyes (Palmerston) a former minister of the circuit, and the Rev H. Cottom (Otaki) were also heartily welcomed. The choir (Mr P. Sherratt conductor, ■and Mr G. H. Stiles organist) rendered two anthems in a capable manner. Solos were given by Messrs A. Rimraer, J. Chrystall, and Miss D. Signal, and a pianoforte solo by Miss C. Honore, Miss Honore acted as accompanist. The treasurer of the building fund, Mr G. H. Stiles, gave the financial report, showing the income to be and expenditure leaving a debit balance of Of this amount has been borrowed from the Church Loan Fund practically free of interest, only % per cent, being charged, the loan be repayable in eight years. Ibis debt of will be the only incubus upon the church after the fence has been elected in trout of the structure. The financial position is thus very sound. A guarantee fund was to be formed to meet the yearly instalments as they fall due, and thus do away with any necessity for sales of work, etc.

The Rev F. W, Boyes congratulated the congregation upon the very fine building they had erected. He had seen the church that day, and was very pleased with it. He expressed his pleasure at being in Foxton again after an absence of almost twenty years. He saw many changes, and missed many faces of friends who had been associated with him in church work iu Foxton. Mr Boyes then gave a stirring address upon the necessity for the church to care for the individual, and to strive to win men for God. He gave illustrations from his ministerial work of the power ot the personal touch. He wished them much success in their work in the district. (Applause). The Rev H. Cottom. on behalf of the Otaki Methodist Church, also congratulated the Foxton congregation on the opening of the church. He was pleased to note that they were putting “first things first,” and the members of the church were urged to remember that the building of the church was only a means to an end, and the end was to extend the Redeemer’s Kingdom and to preach Christ to men. (Applause). The Rev S. Lawry also addressed the gathering. He referred briefly to the union of the two Methodist churches, and spoke of the advantages and responsibilities that came to them because of that union. It was pointed out that even in places where there had only been one Methodist Church they were affected by the union, as all were now working under a new constitution. He counted it an honour to be present, and to extend the congratulations of the United Church to the congregation. He then went on to speak of those things that Methodists ought always keep before them. First, always to strive after the highest type of Christian living; they should never forget the Methodist doctrine of holiness, or “Entire Sanctification.” Second, they should take care of their children. Third, they were to seek the lost at home and abroad. These three points were aptly illustrated. The President’s address was an eloquent one. Each of the addresses were of a very high order, and each touched a deeply spiritual note. At the close of the President’s address a vote of thanks to all who had assisted in making the meeting a success was proposed and carried, after which the Benediction was pronounced, and the meeting closed. During the evening refreshments, provided by the ladies of the congregation, were handed round.