MANAKAU METHODIST CHURCH.

Otaki Mail, 3 January 1919, Page 3

MANAKAU METHODIST CHURCH.

I * "a splendid UP-TO-DATE f STRUCTURE. TO BEpPENED~ON~ SUNDAY NEXT. The iow Methodist Church at Manakau, erected to replace the building destroyed by a mysterious fire on March 12th last, is a credit to Methodism, to Manakau', and to the builder (Mr A. Kofoecl). The new building, 45ffc x 22ft is of reinforced concrete, on a new principle, and is of handsome design, with :i nice ornamental spire, and is a distinct acquisition to the Manakau (township.. The Manakau people have every reason to be-proud of their new church. When the old building was destroyed, the ManaUau Methodists determined to erect an edifice worthy of the place, and, owing to the prevalence of Arcs, it was resolved to construct the new building in concrete. Owing to the high cost of building material, etc., the undertaking has been a heavy one, but the Manakau people have tackled the proposition hopefully, and have received cordial support throughout the district. The scarcity of building materials has delayed the completion of. the church, but the structure is now finished, and will be formally, opened on Sunday next. In modem structures reinforced con.crete has predominated all other building materials, owing chiefly to its durability, its iire-resisting qualities, strength, ami its ndn to penetrating temperatures. The recently constructed Methodist Church at Manakau is built on the above principle, j being probably the first of its kind in ■. the island. Unlike the usual method of boxing with timber, the walls are cased in with two-inch concrete slabs pressed j out in a machine, whieh'makes a roekfaced external surface and internal smooth. After the wall is constructed on the. full-carry principle, the centre is filled in with steel rods and concrete, grouted to a homogeneous mass, which prevents all moisture penetrating. The slabs are keyed to the centre core by means of dovetails. The. external sides .'ire lirst coloured then pointed in ; black-joints, which gives the building | its solid, rock-faced stone appearance, j The windows are of coloured glass— , umber and wine-coloured. The. interior j is finished throughout in heart of riuiu. ] oiled and finished flat. The pews are I of the-solid back pattern, and are sub- j stantial and most, comfortable. The platform is built, iti conjunction with | the partition, which, separates the ves- | try, the whole being mounted on castors, and can be adjusted to suit requirements. An ornamental spire, 10ft in height, ' adds considerably to the appearance of j the building, which is of handsome do- j sign. Mr A. Kofocd, who designed and j supervised the erection of the church, I built by day labour, is entitled to much , credit for the excellent result of his : labours. The church will be formally opened . on Sunday next, as advertised, when the j Kov. ,T. H. Haslam, of Levin, will con- ; duct (he morning service, and Rev. Hed- | ley White (Otaki) that in the evening at 7.15. Ou Wednesday evening next, i January Sth, a public gathering will be | held in honour of the occasion, when the Rev. E. Drake (chairman of the Wei- j liugton District) will be present. At j this function a number of short addresses will be given, together with musical items, supper, etc.