PRESBYTERIAN JUBILEE

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 379, 28 May 1918, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN JUBILEE

(Continued from page 1)

The.Pukekohe Presbyterian jubilee celebration waa continued last evening when a social was held in the Premier -Hall. There was a large attendance, representative o! all the churches in Pukekohe. The Rev S Nixon presided. Among those supporting him on the platform were the Hon J. G, W. Aitken, M.L.C., the Revs Isaac Jolly (Auckland), W. Butterworth (Moderator of the Auckland Presbytery), F. Hales (Papakura), and F. J. Martin (Methodist, Pukekohe). After ; the singing of the National Anthem the orchestra, under the control of Mr J. Hindman, rendered a selection of music.

The chairman, in his opening remaTks, mentioned that he regarded it as an honour to preside over a gathering on such an auspicious occasion, namely the jubilee of their church. The Ministers who had preceded him were men of strong character and he felt that he failed when he considered the high ideals which a minister had to live up to. He was indeed pleased to see in that assembly representatives of all the churches in Pukekohe (applause). He trusted that spirit would increase and he hoped that before long there would be a union of the churches (applause). The Rev W. Butterworth (Tuaj kau), in conveying the best wishes of itheTuakau Church, congratulated the Pukekohe Church on the progress made and recalled the fact that at one time Tuakau formed part of the Pukekohe district. Referring to the work of the past fifty years he asked his hearers to think of the many lives that had been influenced and trained in the christian faith. Whilst thankful for the past he hoped that God's blessing would be with them in the future.

The Hon J. G. W. Aitken, in offering his congratulations on the attainment of the jubilee, gave some interesting figures with regard to the progress of the Presbyterian Church during the past ten years. He trusted that their Pastor (Rev S. Nixon), Mrs Nixon and family would continue to have every happihefiiin carrying on the work in Pukekohe and thst the church would receive every blessing.

As the Minister of the Pukekohe Methodist Churchy the Rev J. F. . Martin, offered his congratulations. Heaaidthathe recognised that his church shared in their successes and trusted that at no distant date unity of the. churches would be an accomplished fact (Applause). The Rev I. Jolly CAuckland) spoke on the wide catholicity of the Presbyterian Church,, which he said was a church of progress and liberty, and reviewed the work carried on in various parts of the world by their church.

The Rev F. Hales (Papakura) said that just as the Empire called for three things, viz., faith, fire (meaning thereby whole-hearted enthusiasm) and funds, so the church needed those things to carry on her work in the future.

As ore of the few surviving persons that took part in the opening of the Pukekohe Church in 1868 Mr Macdopald, now living at Takapuna, also spoke and . related many of his expediences of. the early days in Pukekohe.

Supper was "then served by the ladies of the church and a collection <was taken up towards the reduction of the debt on the manse.

: * At the close of the proceedings Mr E. Allan proposed a hearty vote of thanks to all those who had assisted .towards*the success of the gathering arid had in various : ways rendered valuable help. This was carried by acclamation.

: During the evening songs were rendered by Mrs Waddell and Mr A. Young; a quartet was contributed by Messrs A. Young, J. Roulston, G. Blake and W: T. Jones; and Mr A. Lakeman gave a recitation. The Kev W. F. Findlay, now of Fortrose, Southland, who acted as minister in Pukekohe 1888-1901, yesterday wired to the Rev 8. Nixon as follows-"Jubilee greetings to all friends. Honour to the pioneer heroes. • Hearty congratulations to congregation. Best wishes for con- j tinued success in the Master's work." j