PRIMITIVE METHODIST ANNIVERSARY

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2151, 11 February 1880, Page 2

PRIMITIVE METHODIST ANNIVERSARY

The Sunday School Anniversary of the Primitive Methodist Church was celebrated last evening, by a soiree in the Oddfellows Hall, followed by a public meeting in the church. About 120 persons patronised the tea tables, which were presided over by Mesdamcs Holland and Whitford, and Misses Dumbcll, Cockroft, Thornton, Reid, Glasson, Prancis, and Whittaker (2.) The caterers, was Messrs Witt and Sunderland and their pastry programme was efficiently carried out. The Rev. Mr Dumbcll presided at the public meeting. Besides keeping every one in good humor by his epigrammatic sallies, he delivered, a felicitous introductory address in which ho pointed out the deep interest wdiich he took in the Sunday School as a teacher, and the usefulness of Sunday Schools as auxiliaries to the Church. Mr J, Amos the Secretary read the annual report which showed that the school had 137 scholars and 18 teachers on its roll, and that the finances were in a healthy condition. The report also paid a fitting tribute to the memory of certain teachers who had been removed from the ranks of the institution by death. The Rev., Mr Simmouds delivered an address on the importance of religious education, or soul culture, pointing out that in its ennobling effects it transcended every other form of education. The Rev. Mr Smith, of Ashburton, and Mr Saddler, of Geraldine, were introduced as “New Chums,”‘and although the former lingered tediously on his vowels and the latter dropped his H’s, and carefully gathered them up again, they delivered effective addresses. Mr Smith referred to the capacity of the human animal for mental or moral progress, and Mr Saddler dwelt on the influence of individual example and habit on society generally. An excellent address on methods of teaching, by the Rev Mr Hallowes, whose easy, fluent delivery, and simple language commanded the attention of everyone, concluded the speechifying. The intellectual repast was diversified by well rendered recitations—some of which were original—contributed by the Misses Rogers, Maggie Thornton, Whittaker, Griffiths, Legga.lt, Anderson, and Master Griffiths. Mr S. T. Stansell presided at the American organ, and several hymns were rendered effectively at intervals, Mr J. Griffiths conducting the singing. The customary votes of thanks concluded the proceedings. To-day the children were entertained at a picnic in Mr Harris’ paddock, North street.