FIGHTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 40028, 26 November 1929, Page 3

FIGHTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY.

—•» OF LOCAL PRESBYTERIAN (CHURCH.

At a meeting of managers of the local Presbyterian Church, held lpst night, the question of fittingly celebrating the 86th anniversary next March of the first Presbyterian services held in this • district Avas discussed. It whs pointed out that the Rev. Jas. Duncan, a missionary sent out from Scotlanl to minister to the Maori people, nririveiViiin this district} in 1844 and settled at Paialkia, a few miles up the river from Foxton. At that time the Anglicans and Methodists had come to an arrangement re dividing the Avork among the Maoris ini that district, and Mr. Duncan removed to Foxton. He lived in a house someAvhere in the vicinity of the Masonic. Hall. The Maoris provided him Avith a place of worship Rear Avhat is uoav known as Ihakara Garden, then occupied as a pah,, at the rear of which was the burial ground. In the course of time the building was destroyed by the elements and the Rclv. Jas. Duncan purchased the section upon which he ejected the front portion of the present church. That Avas over 60 years ago. The-Anglicans wore given the use of the building for alternate services for many years, prior to erecting their oavu place of Avofrship. Tho meeting decided that incidents concerning the early history of the church be collated and published in booklet form in connection Avith the forthcoming anniversary in March next.. It was decided to communicate with the Assembly Moderator and other prominent ministers of the church inviting them to participate in the special services.