Methodist Church

Mt Benger Mail, 2 November 1938, Page 3

Methodist Church

SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY As part of the celebrations of the 75th Anniversary of Methodism in Roxburgh, an old-fashion-ed tea-meeting urns held in the Roxburgh Dance Hall last Wednesday evening, there being 200 people present. The programme that followed consisted principally of speeches but the following also contributed—Mrs W. L. Martin (song), Misses M. and D. Wood (duet), Mr J. Bennetts (song), Mr Geo. Strachan, senr. (recitation), and the combined PresbyterianMethodist choir rendered the anthem, “All in the April Evening. ” The Rev. C. B. Jordan, who presided, gave a brief sketch of early Methodist history in the district. At the latter end of 1862 Mr Neild, a Methodist lay-preacher, had travelled from Dunstan and conducted an open-air service on the eastern bank of the Molyneux near its junction with the Teviot Stream, the historic spot now being marked by a mere heap of tailings. In those days Methodist lay preachers were conducting open-airs in every mining camp from Beaumont to Queenstown. Those men untrained as they were, said the speaker, impress us by the fact of their Divine resourcefulness. They were self-reliant or rather God-reliant, They were not deterred by the absence of public buildings for worship, nor by the scarcity of ordained ministers.

Pioneer Preachers Among these lay preachers in the first decade of Methodist history were Messrs Henry Bloxham, John Tamblyn, William James, and John Watson. Of one of those four it was said that when he prayed he fairly brought the skies down to earth into the midst of his hearers. Earnest people in those days walked from Roxburgh to Coal Creek to a weekly prayer meeting held in the house of Mr John Tamblyn, who also was the Robert Raikes of that district in starting and sustaining Sunday school activities, the first being established in 1866. Regular Sunday services were conducted in a wool-shed situated between Mr Tamblyn’s house and that of Mr M. Manuel. In 1869 the present Coal Creek Church wasi opened. Two Lawrence lay-preachers, Messrs H. Bloxham and R. R. Clarke, so arranged their business 'as travellers that one of them was always at Roxburgh on the alternate Sunday to conduct service. At this stage Mr Jordan stated that he wished to (apologise for the absence of two very active members of the Church, Mr and Mrs T. P. Michelle. It was with regret that he learned that Mr Michelle could not be present and trusted that he would make a speedy recovery.

Civic Congratulations Mr W. H. Aitchison, circuit steward, also paid a tribute to the work of the lay preachers, Mr M. Manuel being mentioned in addition to those already named also Messrs Ireland and James Smith, both being early schoolmasters. The Rev. D. D. Heggie conveyed greetings and congratulations on behalf of the Presbyterian Church. His Worship the Mayor, Mr P. A. Laloli stated that it gave him great pleasure to be associated in the celebrating of the 75th Anniversary of the Methodist Church. He extended a hearty welcome to the visitors to Roxburgh and trusted that they would carry away many happy recollections of their visit. Mr Laloli also spoke as representative of the Roman Catholic community. The Rev. T. Skuse of St. Hilda-, a former ministerial supply in Roxburgh, and the Rev. W. Greenslade, of Balclutha, who had been born in Roxburgh, being son of a former minister, both gave interesting addresses, spiced with humour. Mr A. H. Tamblyn, whose memory went further back than that of anyone else present, gave a brief but highly informative account of the early days. Mr John Bennetts recounted upon early Sunday school teaching when Mr John Tamblyn was superintendent and also spoke upon the early activities of the choir which had come into being in 1886. Mr E. A. Bloxham, of Ettrick, son of the late Mr Henry Bloxham, told something of the inner life of the early lay-preachers and of their “labours more abundant. ’’ Mr J. H. Waigth, senr., of Dunedin, wdio also had been present as Mayor at the Jubilee celebrations 25 years ago, concluded the speeches with much valuable information concerning the days when he was a Sunday school scholar in Roxburgh. During the proceedings an interesting little ceremony was performed in connection with the anniversary cake, this being cut by Mrs L. Simpson the candles being lit by Mr A. H. Tamblyn and extinguished by Mr C. Watson.

sent messages: Mrs Greenslade, sen. (Christchurch), Mesdames Curphey (Alexandra), G. Sparrow, C. Tisdall and E. Watt (Dunedin), Maim and Miller (Waimate), C. McPherson (Maori Hill), R. Wilson (Benhar), Misses M. and A. Weatherall (N.E. Valley), E. Slater (Gore), Mr and Mrs Cole (Nelson), Messrs M. Campbell (Geraldine), C. Gibson (Oaraaru), G. Gilchrist, jnr. (Hokitika), William Jack (Baetihi, past editor of the Mt. Benger Mail), E. Orchard (Christchurch), also from the Eevs. T. A. Joughin (Auckland), M. A. Rugby Pratt (Christchurch), W. H. E. Abbey (Melbourne), T. W. Featherston (New Plymouth), A. M. Costain (Wellington), G. H. Peterson (Taumarunui), R. E. Fordyce (Sanson), and E. W. Hames, M.A. (Auckland). One of the above wrote:— ‘ ‘ The choir in those days could sing, with Mr John Bennetts as leader, and Miss Grover and Miss Lucy Toms at the organ. It was nothing to have two hours’ choir practice on a winter’s night, ■and some of the members had to ride on horseback to the top of Coal Creek, and others drive to Dumbarton afterwards.”

An anonymous message contained the following: “How we practised, and how our mothers baked and worked for our annual ‘bun worry’ as our brothers called it. I recall all the seats in the Coal Creek Church that were occupied every Sunday.. .Commencing at the top of the flat were Mr and Mrs John Tamblyn, Mr and Mrs M. Manuel, Mr Frank Setters, Mr and Mrs S. Uren, Mrs Bennetts, and Mr and Mrs H. Toms. Then staying to the old Roxburgh Church evening service there were Mr and Mrs Bloxham, Mr and Mrs Watson, Mr and Mrs Grover, Mr and Mrs George, Mr and Mrs Haughton, Mr and Mrs White, Mr land Mrs M. Campbell, and others too numerous to mention. I can recollect on many occasions how several, rather to the annoyance of our much respected conductor, took time and tune into their own hands, regardless Of the baton. But they were good, faithful followers all, who will live in my memory as an influence for good.”

Mr F. A. Laloli moved a hearty vote of thanks and appreciation to the Rev. Mr Jordan for the way in which he has presided over the proceedings. Carried by acclamation. The proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem. THE EARLY DAYS MR T. P. MICHELLE’S TRIBUTE Among the letters read at the Methodist celebrations was (this one from Mr T. P. Michelle: Mr Chairman and dear friends: Let me first of all express my keen disappointment at not being able to be present with you to assist in doing honour to the worthy pioneers of our beloved church which was established in Roxburgh and the surrounding district in 1863.

The Church and the Christian work which they commenced is a lasting monument to their energy and forethought. In those early days there were no motor cars; very few horses, some bullocks, but shanks’ pony was no doubt the chief means of getting about. Yet nothing daunted their determination- to establish the work of God in our midst. How well they succeeded is for us to judge, and I am sure that all present at this meeting will agree that the labours of the early pioneers were not in vain. They proved themselves good and faithful servants in this work.

Roxburgh was the established centre of the far-flung circuit which extended as far as Clyde to the north and Potters and Switzers to the west.

Associated with the stalwarts of Methodism- in those early days were members of our sister church —the Presbyterian, and in this connection we recall such names as Messrs M. Elliot; K. Kirkwood, snr., and K. Kirkwood, jnr., and John JKjinaston. But although energy was plentiful money was scarce. We find from the minutes that, in some years, barely £IOO was raised,.

The Christian zeal of these splendid men and women of early Roxburgh can be seen when we realise that the establishment of a place for Christian worship was foremost in their thoughts as soon >as their own humble dwellings of sods and thatch, or wattle and daub had been erected. And it was not long before the number of children in the community had so increased that Sunday schools were needed. In ia report of a quarterly meeting held in 1876, we read that there were then two Sunday schools, nine teachers, and 90 scholars. That seams to have been the peak as far as numbers were concerned, but for many years from 60 to 90 pupils were on the Sunday school rolls. Judging from reports of quarterly meetings held during those days, the discussions centred (mainly around the question: “What can be done to promote the work of God in the

district?” And this alone shows the people’s earnestness in their work for the Master. As far as can be seen. Mr R. G. Watson was the onlg son who ; with his father 2