METHODIST JUBILEE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3022, 13 April 1926, Page 2

METHODIST JUBILEE.

SUNDAY’S SERVICES. The attendances on Sunday last at the local Methodist eliurch were largely augmented by the presence of visitors from near and far in honour of the church’s jubilee. The morning service was conducted by Rev. A. Mitchell, of Feilding, who spoke to the children on “Red Letter Days” and to the adults on “Limitatons” basng hs remarks on Davd’s disappointment in not being permitted to build the Temple. The preacher stated that the major portion of the work of the Christian Church to-day was being carried on by those who had limitations —the one talent folk. During the course of the service the choir contributed an anthem and Mr. Mitchell sang a solo. In the afternoon, Rev. P. W. Jones, whose ministry comemnced at Foxton and whose ministerial jubilee coincides with that of the local church, was the preacher. His subject was “The Call to Gratitude,” during the elaboration of which he held the close attention of his hearers. Especially delightful were Mr. Jones’s references'to the early days of Foxton, when even folks walked all the way from Feilding to attend special services here. Rev. A. Mitchell again contributed a solo at the afternoon service.

Despite the damp weather at night there was a large congregation which, together with an augmented choir, entered heartily into the service of praise. The choir rendered three anthems which were much appreciated. Rev. S. Peryman, who was the preacher, spoke on hot-hearted devotion as exemplified by Gideon’s band of 300 warriors.

The. choir was under the capable leadership of Mr. 11. Osborne, and Miss Peryman, and Mi’s Peryman acted as organists. Mrs Mitchell acted as accompanist for Mr Mitchell. TO-MORROWS’ CELEBRATIONS. Preparations are well in hand for Wednesday’s celebrations. A group photo will be taken in front of the Church at 2.45 p.m. All those desirous of being included in this are particularly asked to be there in good time. At 3 p.m. Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt, chairman of the District, will conduct a thanksgiving Service during the course of which the congregation will join in a specially prepared act of thanksgiving. Thank offering will also be received.

At half past four a 'welcome will be tendered to the Old Ftflk and their representatives. All old folk, of whatever denomination, will be heartily welcomed to this gathering. Presentations .will be made to the oldest Methodist lady and gentleman present. An old-fashioned tea meeting will be held at half past five at which it is expected there will be a large attendance. The tea will be held in the Sunday schoolroom and the modest charge of 1/- is to be made for adults. Children under 14 years of age being admitted at half-price.

The crowning meeting of all will commence in the church at 7 p.m. when, under the chairmanship of Mr. G. 11. Stiles, a “Festival of Music and Memory” will be held. Musical items by the Levin and Foxton choirs, and solos bv various other friends will lie given interspersed by a number of bright five-minute greetings from visiting and local well-wishers. No charge will be made to the festival, but thankofferings will be received to aid the Trustees in carrying on the work of the local church. REMINISCENCES. The following extract from “Fifty years of Primitive Methodism in New Zealand” will serve to show that the Foxton Methodist church was not without its trials during the earlier years of its history:

“During the year 1892, death entered the Society at Fox ton, and took away two of the pillars of the church, Christian Honore, a Stewart Islander by birth, had been connected with the Society since his conversion in Foxton, in 1876. For a number of years he was Superintendent of the Sunday school, and a most liberal supporter of the church. He passed triumphantly home on May 16th, aged 36. Robert McLean was born at Prince Edward’s Island, North America. For many years he worked on the gold diggings in Victoria, and on the West Coast of the Middle Island of New Zealand. He was converted in 1866, amongst the Methodists, in Australia. Three years after his conversion he came to this colony, and commenced to preach •to his fellow diggers, frequently having crowds of from three to four thousand men around (him. In 1877 he took up his residence in Foxton, and at once joined our Church, in whose service he laboured most zealously until his death, on June 27th, 1892, at the age of 66. In the pulpit, in the Sabbath school, in the sick chamber, and on the temperance platform, his was ever a welcome presence.” Mrs Honore who is still living in Norbiton Road, and is highly respected by all, informs us that her husband was actually only in his 35th year at the time of his death. Mrs McLean lived for several years in Levin after Mr McLean’s decease. The latter was engaged as a hired local preacher to take the oversight of the Foxton station. This was in 1879 and was only a temporary arrangement, Rev. James H. Luke being appointed the i'.ol-

lowing year as colleague to Rev. P. \V. Jones.

lion. C. M. Luke, brother to Rev. J. 11. Luke, and who was invited to be present at the Jubilee, and to preside at the Old Folks’ “At Home,” much to his regret has had to decline the invitation owing to other engagements. PRESBYTERIAN CONGRATULATIONS. At the evening service at the local Persbvterian Church on Sunday the minister, Rev. F. McDonald, made appropriate reference to the jubilee of the local Methodist church and moved the following motion, which was seconded by Mr John Ross, the congregation standing in unanimous support of same: —

“To the Minister, office-bearers, and members of the Foxton Methodist church, we, the minister, officebearers and congregation of the Foxton Presbyterian church, desire to express our hearty congratulations, on your attaining your jubilee of Christian effort in this space. Wje join with you in your thankful praise to God for guidance and help given you these fifty years and for all the good accomplished by your witness to Jesus Christ, and your proclamation of His saving Truth. We earnestly pray that God may abundantly pour out upon you of His spirit and may show His favour to you in the future even as He has blessed you in the past.”