GREYTOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 November 1940, Page 7

GREYTOWN

METHODIST CHURCH SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. ("Times-Age” Special.) The Odd Fellows' Hall was filled on Monday evening when a banquet was held to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Grey town Methodist Church. The Rev. J. A. Daglish, ol Carterton, presided and there were 160 persons present. Visitors were in attendance from Eketahuna, Carterton, Featherston, Masterton, Wellington and Trentham. A special feature of the gathering was a cake with a replica of the church made of icing, which was placed on the cake. Mr A. Haigh explained that the lighting of the candles would be divided into 10 periods. He then called on Miss Beth Saywell to light the first candle, covering the first period of ten years. She represented the Udy family, the pioneers of the first church. Mrs John Willis, of Pahiatua, lit the second candle, she being one of the first children to attend the church. Mrs J. Bailey, Eketahuna, lit the third candle, and Mrs A. Haigh the fourth candle, she representing the Robinson family. Her great-grandfather was the' first superintendent. Mrs E. J. Haigh lit the fifth candle. Her father, Mr William Poad, was the second superintendent. Mrs M. Greathead, in memory of Misses Maud Haigh and Whincop, who were devoted church workers, lit the sixth candle. Mrs Harold Roberts lit the seventh candle. She is a daughter of the late Mr James Farley who was for many years a tower of strength to the church. Mrs A. Ross, a keen and energetic worker of today, lit the eighth candle, representing her. seven-ty-first year in the activities of the church. Mrs Sadler, president of the Ladies’ Guild, lit the last four candles. She represented the future generation. Master Mervyn Rees was asked to blow the last candle out. He represented the young workers in the life of the church today. Mrs J. Eaton, the oldest member of the church present at the gathering, then cut the cake.

In conveying greetings from Carterton Mr Daglish said “Well done, Greytown” for the splendid banquet they had so ably arranged. The Greytown Methodist Church was the first church established in the Wairarapa and he was pleased to join in their celebrations. He then sang the solo “Beyond the Hills of Time.” Canon Sykes, Vicar of St. Luke's Anglican Church, thanked the members of the church for the invitation extended to himself and his family to be present. He conveyed hearty greetings and good wishes. He felt sure that the large gathering would put spirit and hope into the young ministers of today.

Canon Sykes said that he always admired the Methodist Church for the manner in which it made use of its lay preachers. The Rev. H. Bloomfield conveyed greetings from the Presbyterian Church, and expressed the hope that the work of the Methodist Church would long continue to prosper. The Mayor (Mr A. W. Horton) said that the church was the custodian of great ideas and the place for man’s return to God. He felt sure that on the firm foundation laid in the past the church would continue to prosper. Mr Ben Roberts, M.P., said that people today were living in a period when spiritual values counted. He extended greetings and congratulations from the Government. He hoped the future would be bright for those associated with the church. The toast of "The King” was then honoured. Mrs Harold Farley rendered the solo “Rose of my Heart.” Mr Mayson, the present Minister of the church, read greetings received, from past ministers of the church —the Revs. Leslie Neal, A. M. Costain, D. T. King, and Cecil R. Taylor. An apology was received from the Rev. H. S. Kings, Masterton. The Rev. J. Gosnell, of Thorndon, brought greetings from Wellington. He said that he had happy recollections of Greytown, especially the many Harvest Festivals. The Rev. Knowles Smith said that he had attented their 60th and 70th anniversaries and he was proud to join in this 75th celebration. The Rev J. E. Harkness, who is now in the Trentham Camp, expressed his pleasure at beiiig able to take part in the anniversary. Mr A. Haigh presented a statement of the church finances which were now in credit. Mr Haigh paid a tribute to the great work Mr Harkness had carried on for the Greytown church. Mr Harold Bailey sang the solo “Three Wishes.” Mr J. Bailey, of Eketahuna, and one time Young Peoples Superintendent, expressed his thanks for the invitation to be present. Mr W. H. Sadler, of Tauherenikau, on behalf of the local preachers, conveyed his sincere congratulations. Mr C. Haigh. of Wellington, was the official accompanist for the gathering. Mr A. Haigh thanked all those who had helped to make the occasion such a success. He made special mention of the Ladies' Guild and the Choir. A vote of thanks was accorded the chairman.

The Doxology was sung and the Benediction was pronounced by Mr Mayson, thus bringing a memorable occasion to a close. LEAGUE OF MOTHERS ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY. Under ideal weather conditions the League of Mothers held their annual garden party in Mr and Mrs W. Kir P's garden, West Street, yesterday afternoon. Mrs Bull (president) expressed sympathy with Mrs T. Orr in the loss of her husband, members standing in silence as a mark of respect. Mrs Bull expressed sympathy with Mrs G. Robinson, who is at present indisposed. Mesdames H. Rees and R. Vile were

welcomed back after having been absent from recent meetings. Mrs A. W. Horton (Mayoress) presented Mrs Knell with a posy which had been made by Mrs E. Richards. The choir sang “John Peel,” "There were three merry Travellers" and "Carry me back to old Virginny.” There were several competitions held during the afternoon. Mrs A. Nichols was the winner of the ball and string race. Mrs R. Ingley won the golf putting. and Mrs F. Nichols the croquet ladder. On the call of Mrs Bull members gave Mrs Knell three hearty cheers for the use of her garden. Afternoon tea was provided. The singing of the League closing hymn and National Anthem brought a very enjoyable gathering to a close. Euchre Party. Considering other attractions there was a' fair attendance at the euchre party held at Mrs Tui Morgan's residence on Monday evening. The proceeds (£2 3s 6d) are to be donated to the Christmas cheer fund for the inmates of Buchanan Home.

The prizes which were donated by Mrs M. Bouzaid. were won as follows: —Ladies: Mrs Benseman; men, Mr Stuart; consolation prizes, Mrs Best and Mr Gregor. The hidden number, the prize for which was donated by Mr Tui Morgan, was won by Mrs Oakey. ■ Supper was served by the ladies and Mr and Mrs Morgan were thanked for their hospitality. Swimming Club Meeting. The annual meeting of the Greytown Swimming Club will be held in the Crown Theatre this evening.