Methodist Church Anniversary.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4398, 15 April 1909, Page 3

Methodist Church Anniversary.

Last Sunday was the occasion of the Anniversary of the above Church, i , t-h 0 f*ct of it also being the Rev. J. Dukes’ farewell services added greatly to the importance of the meetings. The Rev. gentleman delivered two interesting addresses —the morning service dealing especially with the Resurrection of Our Lord. The singing of appropriate hymns and anthems by the choir added greatly to the impressiveness of the occasion. Both services were well attended, the collections for thu day being devoted to the paying off of the small debt on the Church. On Tuesday evening the Anniversary services were concluded by the usual tea meeting and entertainment. The tea meeting was wel 1 patronised by old and young. The jneeting in the church after the tea 5 * . was greatly enjoyed by all. Mr W. S. Allen presided, and the pulpit was occupied by several visiting clergymen and friends. A very interesting programme was presented consisting of solos, quartettes, and anthems by the choir. The speakers during the evening were Rev. Blair and Messrs Bridgman, Allen and Boon. All made reference to the departure of the Rev. Mr Dukes from Te Aroha, and expressed their genuine regret at losing a man who was undoubtedly true to his convictions and who did not fail to raise his protest against evil in any shape or form. A pleasing feature . of the even trig was a presentation made on behalf of the Ladies’ Guild, the Sunday School and choir, the recipient, Miss Roget, has been an energetic worker in all these departments of church work. The presentation was made by Mr Geo. Sherlock, choirmaster. At the close of the meeting Mr Dukes feelingly replied to the kindly remarks made by the various speakers and took the opportunity of Ba jing farewell to his congregation. Mr and Mrs Dukes and Miss ■s'Roget leave for their new circuit by this morning’s express.