CHURCH HALL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 676, 31 October 1933, Page 6

CHURCH HALL

opened at reporoa SERYICEABLE BUILDING A CHILDREN'S GIFT THE "BREAK OF DAY" FUND Reporoa was the scene of unusual interest on Friday afternoon of last week when local residents, Maori mission workers and visitors gathered for th'e opening and dedication of 'the Preshyterian Church' Hall. The event was a very important one in the history of Reporoa and one of very special interest to the Sunday ' School children of the New Zealand Preshyterian Church for it was their gift that made the erection of the hall possible. The Sunday School children are the proud possessors of an ex-cellent little missionary magazine known as "The Break of Day" and every Christmas the children contribute towards a "Break of Day" gift and the money thus realised is given t0 some special branch of missionary work. Last year their "Break of Day " gift of £325 was given for the erection of the Mission Hall at Reporoa. Needless to say the Reporoa residents were exceedingly grateful and immediately responded by raising locally the sum of £62 7s 6d. To this sum may be added £17 10s for material and the free labour of generous helpers. During the service on Friday afternoon a further gift of £2 was received from the R'atana Church and £3 from the 'Ngati Tahu and Ngati (Wihaoa tribes. A "Useful Building The church, which is a serviceable and neat structure, is' 29 by 19 feet with an entrance porch and a classroom at the rear 6 by 19 feet. Though the building is Preshyterian, Anglican service will also be conducted there by the representatives of the Anglican clergy. Official Opening The service which was most impressive was conducted by. the editor of the "Break of Day" magazine, Rev. James Aitken, M(.A., who officially opened the building for the worship of God. Mr. Aitken was assisted by Rev. J. G. Laughton, assistantsuperintendent of Home and Maori Missions, Mr. Hemi Nikora, Rev. J. C. Young*, B.A., and the Venerablc Archdeacon F. W. Chatterton. Miss M. Wilson, the missionary in charge was also present. Great credit is due to Rev. J. G. Laughton wh0 has superintended the erection indefatigably in the interests of the Maori people. Mr. Laughton delivered a sermonette in Maori. At the close of the service several items were rendered and afternoon tea was served Iby the ladies.