Methodist Church Stone Laying at Mamaku.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43336, 11 June 1908, Page 2

Methodist Church Stone Laying at Mamaku.

The Upper Thames Methodisl CHurch circuit extends from Waihi to Marnaku, and on Saturday last the memorial stone of a new church was laid by James Trounson Esq. . The stone —the gift of Mr Parkin • son, of Auckland, was a beautiful piece of Italian marble, with suitable inscription, and the mallet was the gift of Mr George Devey, of .Te Aroha. It was a very interesting production, made from a fine piece of Laburnum wood grown in Te

Aroha, with pear wood handle. It was turned and polished by the donor, and much appreciated by the recipient. The weather on Saturday was very cold, but the district was well represented. The Rev. J. Dukes (superintendent) presided at the cetemony* and was supported by the Rev. Keck, of Rotorua, and Mr Leach, each

giving suitable addressee. After Mr Trounson had declared the stone well and truly laid in the name of the Holy Trinity. He said that no greater honour could be conferred upon him than asking him to lay the stone. He congratulated the friends on the sacrifices they must have made to raise sucn a large sum of money, and he prayed for the. crowning ble'sing of Almighty God. A collection of £lO was taken up at the stone laying, and the Benediction closed the proceedings. In the evening a public tea meet-

ing was held in the Hail, and afterwards an excellent concert was given, f. which will materially augment the funds. ~ At the close of the concert theaudience unanimously desired the Rev. J. Dukes to convey the best thanks of the community to W. 8. Allen, Esq. for .the help he has given

to the undertaking. . ? The church is in course of erection: 1 in the centre of the township not far » from the Post Office, and the builders are Messrs Souster Bros. The cost, including seating and lamps will be £173, towards which amouht £153 has already been raised. The church will be opened for Divine Worship by the Rev. G Bond on July sth. ■ a It is intended to allow the Presby -. terians the use of the buildjgg one Sunday in each month, Anglicans should appiicati| made. J|PPPk