STRATFORD MANSE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 313, 19 December 1936, Page 5

STRATFORD MANSE

OPENING CEREMONY. Door Opened By Mrs. John Petrie. The new Manse for the Stratford Presbyterian Church was opened at a ceremony to-day. The building is a two-storey, eight-roomed house adjoining the old Manse, now 32 years old. Substantial donations from the Rev. J. Paterson and Mrs. Paterson have enabled the Presbytery to build the Manse somewhat larger than was at first intended. Nearly a hundred people were present. The Rev. J. Paterson said that, the fact that £i6l9 had already been collected from the congregation spoke well for the generosity of the people and the energy of the Manse committee. An arrangement, had been made whereby the whole of the debt could be paid off within 20 years. By means of garden parties and other efforts they would probably be able to clear the debt in a much shorter time. In congratulating Dr. Doris Gordon as chairman of the Manse committee, the Rev. Paterson said that they already had plans in hand for renovating the church. The Rev. H. B. Burnett, Moderaator, spoke on behalf of the Taranaki Presbytery, and the Rev. K. J. McFarlane offered good wishes on behalf of the other congregations of Stratford. The door was opened by Mrs. John Petrie.