OLD ST. ANDREWS’

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 35, 4 May 1927, Page 11

OLD ST. ANDREWS’

ADHERENTS’ MEMORIES TO SERVICE WITH LANTERNS The days when worshippers came to evening service at St. Andrew’s, mother church of Auckland Presbyterianism, armed with lanterns, were recalled by Mrs. J. McKail Geddes at a meeting in St. Andrew’s Hall last night. Friends and old parishioners chatted over the early history of their historic church, at the suggestion of the minister, Rev. J. Lamb Harvey. Also present was the Rev. James Aitken, M.A., Moderator-elect of the General Assembly. Mrs. Geddes also remembered when St. Andrew’s was lighted with candles. She recalled how Miss Andrews. a member of the congregation, who lived at Tamaki in the arly days, trudged regularly to service, and never missed a communion celebration. Mr. Duncan Macpherson, described by the chairman as “the grand old man of Auckland Presbyterianism,” told how on one occasion the minister, the Rev. A. Carrick, objected to the holding of a fancy dress ball to assist the funds of the church. Mr. James McDonald, of Takapuna, who was christened by the Rev. A. W. Panton, the first minister, was present. Speakers included the Moderator of Auckland Presbytery, Rev. J. A. Thomson: Rev. S. A. Goldstein, and air. A. J. Entrican, who brought fraternal greetings from the sister charge of St. James’s. Miss Phyllis Gribbin, Miss Adelaide Taylor, and Mr. R. G. Peter contributed to the musical programme.