PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH ANNIVERSARY TEA MEETING.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1685, 12 January 1888, Page 4

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH ANNIVERSARY TEA MEETING.

The anniversary tea meeting in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church, Temuka, was held on Tuesday evening. A first-class repast was provided by lady members of the congregation, and it is a matter of regret that the attendance at the tea was hardly so large as usual The Church was tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers, and presented a very pretty appearance. Mr J. Epps, the Secretary, spared no pains in arranging for the comfort of the visitors. The tables were presided over by Mesdames Metson, Bryant and Airey, with several assistants, and their hospitable duties were carried ®ut to perfection. After the tables bad been cleared the usual congregational gathering took place, and the attendance having in the meantime considerably increased, the Church was well filled. The chair was taken bv Mr J. Metson, and the Revs. Bean and T. E. J ones occupied seats on the rostrum. Mrs Airey very efficiently presided at the harmonium and there was a capital choir. After a hymn had been sung the Chairman in a few words referred to the object of their meeting, and invited Mr J. Epps, the Secretary, to make his annual report. Mr Epps read the report, which appeared to be satisfactory inasmuch as the Church had not fallen into arrears. There still remained, however, some little debt to be wiped off, and this he trusted would be done with a little exertion. The general depression had made the work more difficult than usual, but he was pleased that on the whole the efforts of the trpstees had been successful.

After another hymn had been sung the Chairman invited Mr W. Smith to address the meeting, which he did in a very neat and forcible speech, congratulating members of the congregation upon having the privilege of Mr Jones’s ministrations at the anniversary services, and also upon the evident interest that had been taken in them. He spoke of the advance in .settlement that was taking place in (Re immediate neighborhood of Re Church, and hoped chat us rapid strides would he made in spiritual matters. He concluded with a fervid appeal to them to work together for the advancement of their Church. M r Smith’s remarks were very favorably received.

Hymn 352 was then sung, after which Mrs Airey and Mr Bryant played a duet (harmonium and cornet), which was heartily applauded. Captain Kissell, of the Salvation Army, was then called upon, and in responding apologised for not being present earlier, as it always gave him the greatest pleasure to assist all who were engaged in the great work - of salvation. He made a practical and forcible speech, urging the congregation to individual efforts in spiritual matters. The example of a good life was of more effect than the labors of the ministers.

Hymn 293 having been sung, the Eev. T. E. Jones, who on rising received quite an ovation, alluded after a few preliminary remarks to the question of spiritual unity. Without it he claimed that no effectual progress could be made. There was a tendency towards division among the churches which must be combated against. Mr Stead had said, and with great truth, that the world was spiritually starving on account of inconsistency of professing Christians. There was a want of breadth among them, and it would be well when all could meet upon a common platform. His own platform was a broad one. He came whenever he saw his labor could be of avail, and he would be glad to see their own Church in a united condition and they could then set a good example to others. He illustrated the jealousy of different communities by the parable of the prodigal son, and spoke of the strong feeling of sympathy that existed among various religious bodies in his own country. He would have been glad to have seen the Methodist body there in larger numbers that evening, and considered that they should have been present. He then made an eloquent appeal to them to work together for the common good of religion, and to help themselves as they also desired assistance. He was afraid that there was a degree of coldness coming over them that wanted shaking off, and this could be done if they pulled well together. He was glad to see that the causes of temperance and purity were advancing, and paid an eloquent compliment to the press for the assistance they had given towards the work. In conclusion he besought a blessing upon the labors of their minister and the trustees and workers for the Church. Mr Jones’s address was listened to with evident pleasure, and at its conclusion was applauded. The Chairman in a few well chosen remarks referred to the last speaker’s address, which he felt sure had been properly appreciated. With regard to the general condition of their Church,although they had not received a large amount of sympathy, still he felt sure they would be* able to pull through successfully. A collection was then made, after which hymn 395 was sung.

The Eev. Mr Dean said that he would not detain them long. The former speakers had given them excellent advice, and during the Sunday services they had doubtless been much edified. He gave a brief resume of the addresses of the previous speakers and urged his hearers to note the various points that had been insisted upon. The barrier between the churches was a mountain of ice, which the Sun of Eighteousness would soon dispel, and he personally had every confidence in the future prosperity of the Church. In conclusion he moved a hearty vote of thanks to the organist and choir for their services, to Mrs Airey for the use of the harmonium, to the ladies who provided the tea, and to Mr Jones for his address.

The votes of thanks were carried by acclamation.

Mr Jones proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman, who had ably fulfilled his duties. This was 'carried and hymn 381 having been sung the proceedings concluded with the pronouncing of the Benediction.

Last evening another tea meeting was held, the admission to which was J the low price of sixpence. It was > well attended.

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