PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1819, 22 November 1888, Page 2

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. GERALDINE.

The annual tea meeting in connection with the anniversary of the above Church took place in the church on Monday evening, and was in every way a decided success. The tables, upon which a substantial and inviting tea had been spread, were presided over by Mesdames Pizzey, Kennington, Wallack, Sutherland, G. Fronting, Fly, and Bates, assisted by Miss Bates (2) and Frude. Two sittings had to be held to allow of the large number of visitors partaking of tea. At the public meeting held afterwards, the church was crowded. Mr W. Postlethwaite occupied the chair, and on the platform were the Eevs. E. S. Bunn (Temuka), G. Barclay (Geraldine), Archibald (Geraldine), and W. J. Dean (Geraldine).

The Chairman having been introduced by the Eev. Mr Dean, the choir, under the leadership of Mr 0, E. Sherratt, rendered the anthem “ Angels’ Chorus.” Prayer was then offered by the Eev. Mr Bunn. Anthem, “ Open the Beautiful Gates,”

The Chairman, in addressing the meeting, expressed the pleasure he felt at being there that evening and seeing upon the platform the representatives of the various Churches in Geraldine. He referred to the many differences that formerly existed between the sections of the Church, and the pleasure be felt that these broad lines of distinction were being gradually effaced. He thought that there was one thing that claimed the,

earnest attention of them all—namely, the Sunday Schools. With the present system of education, and religion shut out of schools, there was plenty of work to be done by the Sunday School teachers —in fact, almost more than could be done. Things were didecent now to what they were years ago, and if the children were to grow up in the same way ns their fathers and mothers it would rest with the Churches to a great extent to give them that education which was so much neglected- by the State. He would not detain them longer, but would thank them for the honor they had done him in asking hifn to preside that evening, and would ask Mr Huffey, as Treasurer, to read his report. The report showed that the amount of the overdraft at the bank was £35 5s 6d, which was considered fairly satisfactory. The proceeds of the present anniversary it was hoped would still further reduce the amount. Mr Huffey said that some people blamed them for not taking other means to raise funds besides the yearly anniversary. He might say that the stewards never bad taken other measures to raise funds, and he did not think they would have to in the future. He thought from the appearance of things that evening that the proceeds of that anniversary would put them in a more favorable position. He thought it was about time to leave off crying about bad times and depression, and to trust that good times i were in store. With regard to making a collection that night, some had been, and some had not been, in favor of it, and the stewards had yielded to the majority—and hence the collection. Anthem, “ Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” The Rev. G. Barclay said he was not quite clear from the report read as to whether the £35 5s 6d overdraft mentioned by Mr Huffey represented the whole indebtedness of the Church or whether there were other liabilities on other accounts. [lt was explained that a further sum of £BO was owing upon the stipend fund.] He congratulated the stewards upon their financial position. He was always glad when progress was made in the Church of Christ. Ho did not apeak of the Church as any particular section or denomination. He considered the narrow and bigoted sections into which the Church had been split up in the past were intolerable. The great and essential basis of jjthe Church was Christ and His work. He thought they should all take a deep interest in the great spiritual conflict that was going on in the world. They had great and useful institutions for the spread of education, of science, etc., but the highest and noblest institution of all was the Church of Christ. This, above all others, was doing the most for the world—for individuals and societies, and for the peace and honor and progress of mankind. Some people now-a-days said they could afford to do without the Church—that morality would not suffer, and that civilisation would go on all the same without the Churches—but he need hardly say that that was a sentiment with which he entirely' disagreed. This opinion was not corroborated by the history of those nations that never had Christianity and those that Christianity had hut lightly touched. He referred them to those nations where this state of things had prevailed. Another thing was that religion always produced the highest and noblest type of men and women. That was acknowledged on all hands. He instanced such men as Moses, Paul, Augustine, Calvin, Luther, Knox, Wesley, and others. He reminded his hearers that it required a very great deal of work and ’ anxiety to carry on the work of the Church, and trusted that Mr Dean would receive from his congregation the assistance he required. He had been acquainted with all the Primitive Methodist ministers stationed at Geraldine, and he thought Mr Dean was one of the very best ministers that had ever been stationed there. He trusted his labors would be of great benefit to the congregation and district generally. (Applause). Mr F. Griffin made his first dihut before a Geraldine audience with the solo “ He Wipes the Tear from Every Eye,” with which he was very successful.

The Rev. B. B. Bunn, who spoke next, expressed the pleasure he felt at the evidence of unanimity existing amongst the ministers of Geraliine. He was glad to be there that evening, and to hear that they were in such a good financial position. He urged upon his hearers to support their minister in every way—if any person spoke ill of him to immediately reprove them, and in this way and otherwise to strengthen his hands. If some such course as this were adopted it would do away with a deal of jangling in the Churches. He reminded his heaters that, although the overdraft was only set down at £35, they were not, therefore, to pat less J in the collection plate than their usual 2s 6d or ss. (Laughter.) Soma people only put in 3d. He said shame on them, He pointed out that the racecourse, the theatre, and every other amusement, was patronised most liberally, but the Churches were reduced to all sorts of expedients to raise funds to carry on, simply owing to the niggardly contributions of their * members. He thought it was a shameand disgrace to professing Christians, that a, theatrical troupe or circus.

should be able to come into a town and carry away in one night more than the Churches got in twelve months. He pointed out that the niggardly spirit of giving was a most pernicious one, and was a very serious thing. They were laying the foundation of this great nation, and if they gave threepenny pieces their children would give pennies. He reminded them that if they went to a tradesman for goods every item they purchased was marked down. They got nothing for nothing. But they often went to Church without a penny, and it their minister acted as the tradesman, and sent in his bill for all that he gave them, the £35 would soon be wiped off. Often when rising from a bed ot sickness they went to church, and out of the fulness of a grateful heart managed to squeeze out a threepenny piece. If ill, they would spend every penny they had on the doctor tor the purpose of recovering their health, while the diver of All Good was neglected. Mr Bunn spoke for a considerable time, and was frequently applauded. He urged upon the members to be whole-souled and united in pushing on the work of the Church, and to assist their minister by every means in their power in his arduous duties. Anthem by the choir. Mr Archibald next addressed the meeting, his remarks being directed more especially to the younger portion of the audience, upon whom he urged the more general adoption of domestic pets, and a cultivation of more kindness to dumb animals. He gave several instances of the sagacity, kindness, sense of humor, etc., exhibited by animals and birds. Miss Dean, who was in splendid ' voice, contributed the solo “Remember Now thy Creator.” Anthem, “Hear the Angels.” Mr C. McKenzie briefly addressed the meeting, expressing the kindly feeling he entertained towards the Primitive Methodist Church at Geraldine, and wishing them every success in their work. The Eev. Mr Dean proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies who had assisted with the tea, the chairman, the speakers, the members of the choir, and all those who had assisted in making the gathering the success it had proved. Mr Maslin briefly seconded the proposition, which was carried by acclamation. . The Chairman m acknowledging the vote, expressed the pleasure he had experienced in being there that evening. Anthem, “ king of the Lamb.” Mr Barclay proposed a vote of thanks to the Eev. Mr Dean for his assistance in connection with the gathering, and afterwards pronounced the benediction. As the audience left the church the choir sang the anthem “ God be with yvou till we meet again.”