METHODIST JUBILEE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3023, 15 April 1926, Page 3

METHODIST JUBILEE

THANKSGIVING SERVICE,

There was a large attendance at the Thanksgiving Service held in connection with the Methodist jubilee yesterday afternoon. This was conducted by Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt, chairman of the Hawke’s Bay-Manawatu District. Rev. P. W. Jones, who formed the link between April 14, 1876, and April 14( 1926, led the congregation in prayer. Well known hynins were heartily sung, Mrs Peryman presiding at the organ. A special act of Thanksgiving with responses was engaged in, the same form having been used at the Jubilee of St. Paul’s, Broad St., Palmerston North at the jubilee held there last year. (The ext was from Deut. IV. 32: “For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee.” From these words, with happy phrases and apt illustrations, the preacher called those present to gratitude and service. OLD FOLKS’ “AT HOME.”

At the conclusion of the service a most delightful gathering of old folk was held in the church. This was presided over by the present minister of the church (Rev. S. Peryman) who called upon Mr. M. E. Perreau, the Mayor, to confer upon the company “the freedom of the city.” This His Worship did in most felicitous terms. Mr. J. W. Gibson as representing the earlier days, replied to the hearty welcome that had been extended and spoke most feelingly of present kindnesses and past achievements. During the “At Home” solos were rendered by Mi's Yoe, Rev. A. Mitchell, and Messrs S. Kingston and H. P. Forster. The last named together with his wife had journeyed from Nelson to take part in the jubilee festivities. Great interest was taken in tho selecting of the oldest Methodist lady and gentleman present. Mrs France, of Coley St., 84 years, and Mr. C. Spring, senr,, of Norbiton Road, 90 years, were eventually found to be the two honoured ones, and they were presented with tokens of esteem to mark the occasion. Miss Peryman and Mrs Kingston acted as accompanists to the singers.

FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, SONG AND STORY.

The church held an overflow representative audience last night at the final function in connection with the jubilee celebrations. Mr. G. H. Stiles (Palmerston North), who for many years was actively connected with the church and Sunday school, presided. The choir, augmented by local and Levin singers, ufider the able conduetorship of Mr. H. Osborne, rendered some stirring anthems and lead the congregational singing. The meeting opened with the singing of the Doxology, followed with a prayer by the Rev. Mr. Mitchell.

The Rev. Mr. Peryman, minister of the circuit, read greetings and congratulations from the Rev. W. Rowe (Hutt), _ Rev. A. Harding (Hutt), Miss Gertrude Gibson, Rev. T. and Mrs Coatsworth, Rev. Scotter, Rev. A. 0. Harris, Hon. C. M. Luke, Rev. T. and Mrs Peat, Rev. W. S. Neal, and Mi-. P. J. Mairs.

The Rev. Mi*. Peryman said the messages were full of inspiration and were deeply appreciated by the church members and their kind thoughts were heartily reciprocated.

The chairman (Mi-. Stiles) said he felt it an honour to preside at such a gathering and renew old acquaintances. He regretted the inability of his wife to be present. He referred to his many years association with the church’s activities as organist, steward and school superintendent. Upon his arrival at Foxton from Nelson he had immediately connected up with the church and he looked back with pleasure and thankfulness to his association with the church. He urged members not to rest on their oars, but to carry on the work started by the pioneers. The Rev. P. W. Jones, (of Feilding) the first minister and whose jubilee in the ministry coincided with the church’s jubilee, and who is now 80 years of age, was given a hearty ovation on rising to speak. He touched on the fist services held in Foxton and the incidents in connection with his arrival here per the coastal boat “Napier.” He paid a tribute to the work of the late Rev. James Duncan (Presbyterian) who had been labouring in the district many years prior to his arrival. His reminiscences were full of interest and heartily applauded. He urged the members to go forward, and if they lived up to what they profess they would assist this old world to become the “garden of the Lord.” He had great hopes for the future welfare of the church and his prayers and best wishes were with them.

Mr. Tom Gibson (Levin) son of one of the fathers of the church, extended best wishes from the Levin Methodist circuit). He said be was pleased to see a fellow Sunday school scholar present in the person of Foxton’s Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perreau). He made reference to old associations with the chvuch.

The Rev. F. McDonald conveyed greetings and a congratulatory resolution from the Presbyterian church. He stated that the Presbyterian church had been established in this district 82 years ago under the ministry of the late Rev. James Duncan. The advent of the Methodists to the district was welcomed by the Presbyterians and they had always worked harmoniously .together. “The more l see

of denominational ism,” said the speaker, “the less I like it. Our one aim is to see Christ enthroned in the hearts of men and denominalionalism was a secondary consideration.”

The Rev. Rugby Pratt conveyed greetings from the Palmerston Methodists and from the Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu Methodist distinct. He referred to the assistance rendered to his church by exFoxton Methodists. He concluded by stating that the golden days of the Christian church are the days yet to come, despite adverse criticism that the church was losing its iiiiluence for good. Mr. Christie conveyed greetings on behalf of the local Anglican church and apologised for the absence of the vicar, Rev. W. 11. Walton, who was out of the district. He urged that the Sunday school was the vital factor in the future welfare of the church.

Mi'. Edmund Osborne, (Palmerston North), one of the past officials of the church, spoke interestingly of his early associations with local Methodism and concluded by reading a cheerful and encouraging message on the duties and privileges of Christian fellowship and service.

The Rev. J. P. McArthur (Levin) expressed good wishes from the Levin circuit and spoke of the high esteem in which the Rev. Mr. Peryman was held in the speaker’s circuit, whre the Rev. Peryman had once laboured. Foxton Methodists were to be congratulated upon having the services of such a faithful servant. He wished the church every success and God’s richest blessing in the future. Captain Stone, conveyed greetings from the Salvation Army and spoke of the harmony and good fellowship which existed among the local churches. Mr. M. H. Walker, trustee, recalled the names of many old members and office-bearers and paid a tribute to their faithful services. He hoped the would continue in the spirit which had animated them in the past. Votes of thanks were proposed by Mr. W. E. Bullard and seconded by Mr. H. P. Forster (Nelson) to all who had taken part in making the jubilee celebrations such a success.

The service concluded with the singing of the Doxology and Benediction. During the evening solos were contributed by Mrs Yeo, Rev. Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Kingston and a monologue by Mr. H. Andrew. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Kingston and Mr. Andrieksen (Levin) presided at the organ.