Methodist Church Is Dedicated Before Packed Congregation

Taupo Times, Volume VI, Issue 288, 15 August 1957, Page 1

Methodist Church Is Dedicated Before Packed Congregation

Last Saturday was an historic occasion for local Methodists, since they witnessed the dedication of their new church, a modern, well-appointed huilding in Tuwharetoa Street. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. W. R. Francis, chairman of the South Auckland district of the Methodist Church in New Zealand, before a gathering of 150 people.

Several visitors came from various paris of the North Island. The serviee opened with the singisig of the Doxoiogy, after which Mr M. R. Richards haiidecl the key to Mr Francis, who opened the door and entered the church, which was filled to capacity. Tlie Rev. G, V. Tliomas of Rotorua, welcomed the IMayor, Mr J. E. Story, and Mrs Story, also ministers from r local churcnes. Mr M. K. Drummond, trust secretary, spoke of tlie outstanding voluntary work which had been put into the buikling, as a result of which over £800 had been saved in the cost. ROTORUA HELPERS The huilding was started a little over a year ago, and was flnislied lasl w eek. On several oecasions, no lewer than 30 voUmteers from Rotorua came over to help the local church members witb j cohstruction work. Islr Story congratulated local Metli- j odists upon their achievement, and tbe Rev. 1). R. Madilh for the Presbyteiuan ahd ofher chiu'cbes. offered his warm eongratulations. Mr C. J. Mackay represented the Brethren Assembly. The Rotorua Methodist clioir, conducted by Mr H. Lichtwark and accoiiipanied on tbe piano by Mr If. Blaeklock, sang the antliem "O Saviour

of The World," after which an address was given by Mr Francis. A solo, "IIow Lovely Are Thy Dwellings.' was sung with feeling by Mrs A. H. McGregor. Mrs N. McMahon, at tlie organ, was an able accompanist. After tlie Benediction, an excellent afternoon tea wras served by the Ladies' Guild. ABREAST OF TIMES Both iside and out, the new church is abreast of modern concepts in colour and appointmehts. Outside, it is paiiit.ed in a pate teal shade with white facings. Atop, and in front, is a ruby glass cross, which at night will be illuminated by neon-gas tube?», controlled by a time switeh. It should be seen over many paris of Taupo. The foyer is painted in pale grey and piuk. Inside, the church is decorated ln pastel shades of pearl-grey, pale blur, crocus, pink, and pale green, witli varnished woodwork. Seating comprlses individual fefeel | folding cliairs. There is an up-to-date kitchen. emn- ! pletely equipped with an eleetric boBer, stainless-steel sink and f orui ica | bencli-top. • And the groiinds V Before long the section is to be rotary-Iioed and laid in lawns. Quite naturally, Taupo Methodists are proud of their new church.