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The original publication details are as follows:
Title: Knox Church, Dunedin : 1860-1910 Jubilee Souvenir 1860-1910
Published: Govt. Printer, Wellington, N.Z., 1886
KNOX CHURCH AND MANSE.
History of Knox Church.
May, 1860, to May, L9lO.
<| FOREWORD. |
IF'l'V YEARS! A long time in the eyes of youth : a short time to those the years of whose lives are Hearing or have passed the appointed three score years and ten ; nothing in the sight of Him to whom a thousand years are but as yesterday when it is past and as a watch in the night !
In the life history of Otago (which, as a settlement, numbers only sixty-two years), a space of half a century hulks largely, and it is from this aspect that we must view the history of our church. Its origin was in the early days, when as yet the settlement was in its primitive, puritan simplicity, before the discovery of gold and the consequent inrush of the ' new iniquity," which at one time threatened to swamp the "'old identity." It says much for the vigour of the first settlers and the race from which they sprung that they should have stamped their character so strongly on tin settlement that it survived all the stress and turmoil of the early gold-digging days, and remained essentially Scotch and Presbyterian.
What a difference fifty years have made in the lives and habits of most of the people of Otago, and especially of the towns. In those days railways, tramways, electric lights, telephones, bicycles, motor cars, asphalt paths and roads, and the hundred and one things which to-day are considered essential or, in vulgar parlance, " up-to-date," were unknown main- of them had not even been invented.
Inside the homes few people had kitchen ranges or grates, or hot and cold water laid on. The water came from the roof, or from an adjacent well or creek, and the cooking was done over the open
6
\:\ ll] KNOX I HURCH.
wood-fire, and the baking in camp ovens. The loads were primitive. Where they crossed swampy ground, or where traffic was at all heavy, they were metalled ; elsewhere they were mostly unmade, and, except on the main streets and thoroughfares, they were frequently all but impassable for many months of the year.
The schools were primitive, and based on the old Scotch model, and in them the Bible formed a daily part of the study of all the youth. High Schools and University were things unknown in Otago.
The natural surroundings were little modified by the hand of man. The bush came down in places to the very -treet and road lines. It was lull ol rare and delicate ferns and mosses, tangled with supple-jacks, and vocal with the songs of mis and korimal Kakas ami pigeons, parrakeets, canaries, native robins, and many another bird never seen near the settlements to-day were abundant. More-porks and bats peopled the evening air. There were no sparrows, blackbirds, thrushes, goldfinches, starlings, or other introduced birds : no rabbits in the open land : no trout in the streams, only kokopuru, eels, anil crayfish. dorse, broom, elderberry, and other plants now classed as "noxious weeds" were unknown outside of hedges and gardens.
There was plenty of social intercourse among the people, but there were no theatres or music halls, and few outside entertainments. These thing- came with the goldfields rush, hut in 1860 the population of some 2,600 souls depended on itself for amusement and entertainment. There was no hungry crowding out at nights for amusements outside the home. The home and family life was consequently deeper, sounder, and truer than it is in most homes to-day.
Communication with the Old Country was mostly by sailing ships, and answers to letters could not be expected in much less than seven months. Steamers were few and small. The day of ocean-liners was not dreamed of. Communication by land was equally slow. It was largely on foot or on horseback, for there were very few through toads.
Fifty years have wrought marvellous changes, not only in the surroundings, but in the homes and customs of the people. Life to-day is more rapid and mercurial than of old, and many things are considered essential winch in those days were either unthought of or would have been thought of as unnecessary luxuries. Men and women were much more self-dependent than is the case to-day, for they had to be largely then own tradespeople ; and they could not depend on the numerous ready-made articles which to-day make people so helpless in emergent ies.
OLD MANSE
7
HISTORY OF KNI >\ CHURCH
In matters spiritual there was much less freedom and liberty of thought than is now found essential, and orthodoxy was rampant and inclined to be narrow. Good Presbyterians knew their Bibles and their " carritches." They also knew the doctrines and of their church, and could wax eloquent on the subject of the Disruption. To-day the Catechism and the grounds of the Presbyterian faith are a terra incognita to the majority of the voting people, and the knowledge of the Bible is mostly rather superficial. Yet the Word of God stands firm and unassailable, and the eternal truths of the Christian religion remain clear and open as ever ; and day by day, week by week, these bring peace and joy and hope to millions of hearts which are reaching out to Cod and Ills C
Fifty years have changed the externals of many lives almost out of recognition ; they cannot change the heart of man, which has the same needs in all time ; and they cannot change the heart of God, who is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever
REV. DR. STUART
HISTORICAL.
IE history of the Presbyterian Church in Otago is coincident with that of the settlement. The Rev. Thomas Burns, the first minister, arrived at Port Chalmers on 11th April, 1848, and for nine years that Rof the First Church was the only Presbyterian congation in Dunedin. In the succeeding ten years other ministers were settled throughout Otago, so that at the time the history ot ■ox Church begins there were six fully ordained charges in the igo Church.
As late as 1857, when there were some 2, 600 people resident in and around Dunedin, a very large proportion of whom v. Presbyterians, there was still only one church for persons of that demonination. Put a number of persons —Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Methodists, and others -had begun to meet together for public worship under the spiritual leadership of the Rev. Mr. Jeffreys, an English Congregational minister, in the Mechanics' Institute, which stood where Cargill's Monument now stands. This small body of worshippers increased to such an extent that it thought desirable to weld it into a distinct congregation, and. as the health of their temporary pastor was not equal to the task of taking charge of a church, it was further resolved to obtain a minister from the Old Country. This was the genesis of Knox Church, ami the broad, catholic spirit which characterised the founders and first members of the congregation has remained with it through all these intervening years.
The storv of the church has been so fully told in Dr. Ilislop's '' History of Knox Church," published in 1892, that only a bare summary of facts need be given here.
ards the end of 1858 the movement already referred to had progressed so satisfactorily that the new congregation had set up committees to obtain a minister, and to secure land and erect a church on it. A commission was sent to Scotland, with the result that the Rev. Donald McNaughton Stuart, minister of the Presbyterian Church of Falstone, in Northumberland, was selected as the new minister. The men who worked for this end in Dunedin were men of praver ; they looked for a heavenly-minded, experienced, able, and godly minister, and their prayers were answered.
11l
HISTORY OF KNOX ( HURCH
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart with their three sons arrived in Otago on 27th January, 1860. Meanwhile, great energy had been exei< in getting a church and manse. Mr. John Hyde Harris presented Khalf acre at the corner of Great King and Frederick Sti where the Sunday School now stands, and on this was built a wooden church to seat 578 persons, the contract price being ,£1,997 10s. I he name " Knox Church " was suggested by Mr. 1 [arris himself. The manse site of three-quarters of an acre. near the corner of George and Pitt Streets, was purchased for '_. 37 10s., and old manse (still standing in Foi bury Road, where it re-erected by its purch in 1 s l »'i was built at a The new church was opened for public ship on May 6th, 1 860. June 17th the first Communion Service was held, about 300 members participating, Captain C'argill and Mr. John Gillies officia as elders.
MR. JOHN HYDE HARRIS
It is interesting to remember that in those days in public worship the i in sat during the singing, and stood during prayer. [t was also the custom to hold the Communion 01 quarter, but specially to characterise the half-yearly Communions ■ March and September, the Sunday being set apart as a ver ty, and very special services were held on the Thursday (\ as termed " Fast I »a> ") ami Friday pie. eding, and on the M Uowing the Communion Sei \ a es. The Thursday and the M Id as holy days, with morning and evening sen ii es : bul ~ inrush of population, consequent on the discovery ol isscil into ordinary holidays, and. as the mass of the peop it attach an) special religious signifi ance to them, the I Church wisely resolved to discontinue their observan change came aboul 1872, and since that date the churches : theii Communion celebrations once a quarter, and sel ling in lie- we I pn i eding foi a preparatory
The church was opened in May, and was burdened with a .lfhi ot 'l.iiiis. At the first congregational meeting, held on June
VICINITY OF CHURCH, 1861.
12
20th, 87 of the members present subscribed £"614 for the reduction of this debt. At the same meeting it was resolved that a congregational prayer meeting should be held weekly, and that sittings in the church should be let at a rate to be fixed by the I 'eacons' Court.
In July. 1860, the first office-bearers were elected, -. iz.: Elders: Captain William Cargill, Messrs. John Gillies (afterwards appointed n Clerk), John Hyde Harris. George Hepburn. James Wilkie, and the Rev. Robert Hood ; Deacons : Messrs. Edward Bowes Cargill, Thomas Bannatyne Gillies, Charles Henry Kettle, John Logan, Robert Short 'afterwards appointed
CAPTAIN CARGILL
HISTORY OF KNOX CHURCH
MR. AND MRS. JOHN GILLIES
Clerk of the Court I, and Chas. 1 lenry Street. Captain Cargill died on Aug. 6th, before the induction of the newlyelected elders took place.
Captain William C one of the fit . riders of the church, was perhaps the most important man in the eai ly da j settlement, and was tl Superintendent of the Pro- \ in. r. Elected elder in July. ifter a very short illness, on August 11th, the day fixed for his induction. His son. Mr. Edward Bowes Cargill, was one of the first el deai ' ms, and was. after an absence from Dunedin of some years, elected an elder in 1871, tl position which he held till his death in 1904.
HISTORY OF KNOX CHURCH
Mr. John Gillies was the man who took the most active pan in founding Knox Church, u as one of its most active and useful supporters, and was an and Session clerk for the first eleven years of its existence. A man of the highest character, of excellent education, of great ability and administrative force, he rendered most important sei to Presbyterianism in Otago, and to the cause of education
Mr. John I [yde I [arris, the donor of the site of the original church, and on which the present Sabbath School stands. was one of the first elders of the congregation, a position which he held till his resi lion in 1870. Mrs. Harris was a daughter of Captain
MR JAMES WILKIE. SEN
u
MR. GEORGE HEPBURN
Cargill, and the family is still represented in the congregation by Mrs. McMaster.
Mr. Geo. Hepburn was one of the commissioners appointed in 1859 to superintend the erection of the church, and was one of the first elected elders in 1860, a position which he retained till his death in . A man of much public activity, he was also an ideal elder, taking a keen interest in the secular and sac red education of the young people, visiting the sicl<. and doing noble work for the church in the district where he lived. He is still represented in the congregation by his grandson, Mr. W. I). Stewart.
Mr. James Wilkie was a member of the committee set up in 1858 to found the new-
14
church and to secure a minister for it. In 1860, he was elected one of the first elders, iet and unassuming man, he was, at the same time, of a very generous and sympathetic disposition, and was most helpful to all who were in need. Ile was actively associated with all charitable work in 1 lunedin up to the time of his death in I His only son. James, joined the church when quite a young man, and was a deacon from 1881 nil Ins death in He is still worthily represented in the congregation by his witlow anil two daughters.
The Rev. Robert I ' was also one of the committee formed in [B5B to secure a minister, and was one of the ■ elected ehW=. a position
MR C. H. KETTLE.
HISTi IRY <il KNOX CHURCH.
REV ROBT. HOOD.
which he retained till when he joined the newlyformed Kaikorai Church, and became identified with it the remaining three yeai his life. He was a sympathetic, guileless man of holy life, who did a great deal in the early days of the settlement to help the establishment of religious ordinances throughout ()tagO.
Mr. (has. 1 1. Kettle, a very early settler in New Zealand, was chief surveyor for the Otago settlement. Th not resident in Dunedin when the liisi st< i»s weie taken to found Knox ('hutch, he retm ned to town in 1860, and was anion;-; the lust ell us. a position he held until ins early death two years
HISTORy OF KNOX CHURCH
15
later. A man of great earnestness and quiet force of character, it was said of him that "his whole life was a distinct embodiment of practical Christianity." His family is still represented in the congregation by his daughter, Mrs. John Roberts. One of Ins grand- . Mr. George Roberts, was a deacon from 1899 till his early ami lamented death in 1
Mr. John Logan was one of the six deacons elected in 1860, and remained a member of the Court till 1873.
Mr. Robert Short, also elected a deacon in 1860, was the first clerk of the Deacons' Court, and held the office for four years, nhe resigned. In 1874 he was again elected a deacon, and in 1881 became an elder. In 1885 he left Dunedin to reside in the try.
Mr. Charles 11. Street. another of the first band oi deacons elected in 1860, and the first treasurer of the church, took an active part in the founding of the congregation. Ile was elected an elder in 1862, and remained a member of the higher Court till his resignation in 1872. Soon after the opening of the Sabbath School. Mr. John Gillies, the first superintendent, retired from the position on ac count of the pressure of other church duties, and Mr. Street was elected to the position, which he held till 1874.
Mr. T. I-!. Gillies, who became lattr a Judge of the Supreme Court, was one of Icommissionei s appointed to superintend the ction of the church and man H cons.
MR CHAS H. STREET
The new office-bearers resolved to meet at least once a month, and this rule has been given effect to ever since.
On May 13th, a week after the opening of the church, the Sabbath School was opened, and of the original sixteen teachers nine were ladies. This fair proportion of sexes in the teaching staff has not been maintained in more recent years.
Almost at the very commencement of his ministry the first Bible Class in the congregation was commenced by Mr. Stuart.
16
HISTORY Dl KNOX CHURCH
It was held at 9.45 a.m.. and was attended by a large number of young men and women. In those days people turned out at reasonable hours on the Sunday mornings ; they did not lie abed as so many young men do now in these days of organised Saturday sports. 'The hours for Divine Service were 11 a.m. and I p.m., the Sabbath School meeting at the close of the afternoon service.
One of the most distinctive features of the Free Church of Scotland, formed at the famous Disruption in 1843, was the establishment of a Sustentation Fund, and this institution was transplanted to Otago along with other distinctive Free Church usages. For the first complete year of its existence the church contributed {.315 to this Fund, an amount which was increased year by year till 1875, after which it fell off.
In September, 1860, the church proving too small for the congregation which worshipped in it, the Deacons' Conn n give abut 340 additional sittings, thus seating capacity up to l M.s. 'This addition cost ■
Two years after her a viz. on April Mis. Stuart died, to the ii grief of all who kne her. She was a woman o great sweetness of characte and disposition, of deep piet\ and sound, vigorous commoi sense. Her loss incalcu ably great to her husband an children was keenly felt b the whole community.
Towards the close of I s ' the afternoon service of wor ship was altered to an evenin one, the reason for this hein (l) the growing important of the Sabbath School, the it ci ease and usefulness of whic was much checked, espe< in the winter months, by th afternoon service; (2) th great increase in the numbe of young men in the town iei dering it at least desirable that an opportunity (which did not the exist) should be afforded them of profitably spending then S evenings, which, in many cases, would be spent in unprofitable if nc sinful pursuits; (31 the relief which would be afforded to the ministe longer interval between the services, added to tin- opportunity -bed him of occasionally addressing the Sabbath School childrei
MRS. STUART
lll> li i\<\ HI KNOX CHI R( II
MR. H. GILBERT
It was perhaps owing to this proposed church extension that no steps were taken during 1864 to obtain a successor to Mr. Gilbert, but as the scheme for the new Valley Church did not progress, the Session, in the following year, engaged the Rev. Petei Anderson as Home Missionary. By visiting the outlying districts, doing the work of a City Missionary, and preaching on alternate Sundays at Wakari and N.E. Valley, he materially lightened the bur den of Mr. Stuart's ministerial labours.
17
One result of this change was that the Sabbath School attendance increased from 21 teachers and 100 pupils to 30 teachers and 1 75 pupils. During 1863, 1 [ome Missii hi work was carried on by Ah. 11. Gilbert, who visited and conducted services in Wakari, Brockville, Maori Hill, and N.E. Valley.* It was resolved, during this year, to proceed with the erection of a new church in N.E. Valley, and employ an additional minister, so as to relieve Mr. Stuart of this rapidly increasing portion of his charge.'
REV. PETER ANDERSON.
• Mr. Gilbert continued his work in connection with Knox Church till November he became the Bethel Union Missionary at Port Chain flt is rather singular that tl was not carried into effect till 1883, when
18
HISTORY ')! KNOX CHURCH
In this year USb4J the class-room, which cost about .6400, vas erected. This room, till its demolition in 1 901, was the scene >f many an interesting meeting. The weekly prayer-meeting, the Minister's Bible Class, the Ladies' Association, the Literary and Debating Society, the Choir all met here regularly, as well as other lodies connected with the church.
The year 1865 witnessed some new developments. One was the establishment, by the Deacons' Court, of evening classes in North Dnnedin School, later known as the Old Stone School.' These classes were carried on by Mr. Robert Stout 'now Sii Robert Stout. Chief-Justice of N.Z. and Mr. I). Ross, and were Utended by about 70 pupils. Mr. Stuart had done similar work in the Old Country, with very satisfactory results, am was strongly impressed with the educational importance o such an institution. Mr. John (afterwards Dr.) Hislop and Mr Robert (iillies wen: associated witli the minister in the establish I nient of these classes. Late on this work was taken U[ by tie Caledonian Society and still later by the 'lech nical Classes Association also initiated by Knox Chinch men.
Another interesting movement was the institution of a "Young Men's Asso< iation for Mutual Improvement," the first committee consisting of Messrs. W. T. Glasgow, Robt. Gillies, and Robt. Chisholm. Later on this Assi I iation merged in the Literary and Debating Society, an institution which had a very useful career for many years, and which was largely instrumental in establishing the Congregational I ,ibrary. At the outset it had 42 members.
MR. W. T. GLASGOW.
Every year the church grew in numbers, so that in 1866 eighty-two persons were admitted to its fellowship for the first time, and sixty-four by certificate. The average attendance at the quarterly Communions was about four hundred. The following paragraph, written in the Report for 1866, shows more eloquently than any detailed explanation could do, how very far in religious freedom (or, according to smne. religious laxity) the church lias
19
HISTORY "I KNOX CHURCH
lied : "Your Session have had to deal with four cases of discipline, and there js reason to hope that the persons concerned have been brought to a right sense of their errors, repented o their miis, and have returned to the Lord." During tins year the Synod ed to maintain at least one Missionary in the New Hebrides, Cnox Church contributed £"2O 10s. 6d. towards this object.
In the Annual Report for 1867 it is stated that: "Very soon after the church was opened it was found to be 100 small, and a large addition was made to it; and also some alterations were made on the original church. The church and manse grounds have been enclosed, a (lass room has been erected, anc sundry other necessary improvements were made These things cost upwards SO that the congregation has paid upwards >OO for the church am manse since the first i gational meeting was held and that over and besides maintaining a Missionary for several years : making numerous collections for ob jects not connected with the congregation: and paying all the other necessary expense- connected with the church; and now. in seven and a-half years, we are free to start anew in tin- work ol the Lord."
REV. JAMES CHISHOLM
In June, 1862, the debt amounted to <T1,150 ; by December. 1864, it' was reduced to ';i>3-!, by 1865 to £"371, by 1866 to {,160, and before the end of the next year it had been completely discharged. The spiritual activity of a church cannot be gauged by us money contributions, but when the hearts of its members are bent on the extension of Christ's kingdom, they will not long allow themselves to be hampered in their work by a burden of debt.
On sth December. 1867, the Rev. Peter Anderson, the second missionary of the congregation, died after some months of illi "Diligent in his Master's work, lie proved himself a workman not needing to be ashamed, labouring to the full extent of his physical ability." In the following March, the Rev. James Chisholm, then a divinity student, was appointed missionary, labouring chiefly in
20
HISTORY OF KNO
the N.E. Valley; but owing to the necessity of prosecuting his studies, this appointment was resigned by Mr. Chisholm before the close ol the yeai.
Meanwhile, though the erection of a church in the N.E. Valley was still delayed, other churches and charges had been established, thus relieving Mr. Stuart and Knox Church Session of part of the large outfield. In 1868, the Kaikorai Church was opened under the ministry of the Rev. W. Alves, and in the following year North Dunedin Church was started as a separate congregation, worshipping in the North Dunedin Drill Shed, though the church was not built till a year or two later.
MR. R. A. LAWSON
During 1869, the idea of building a new church was first mooted in the Church Courts, but owing to a severe financial depression through which the Colony passed in the following year, 0.0 action was taken till 1871. At a meeting of the congregation, held in May of that year to consider the proposal, Building and Collecting Committees were set up, and it was resolved to build a new church with one thousand sittings, to cost £5,000. In course of a few days, subscriptions amounting to close on £"3,1 had been reported. It was also decided, subject to the consent of Mr. Harris, the donor of the original church site, to acquire a new site, and the miner section of Pitt and George Streets was secured ■ 550. Competitive plan- were called for, and, out of seventeen sent in, that of Mr. David Ross was selected, and he was appointed architect. Tenders were invited in October, 1872, and that of Messrs. Roach & Martin, for £"6,818, was accepted. On 25th November, the foundation stone was laid by Dr. Stuart. Unfortunately a difference of opinion arose between the architect and the Building Committee in regard to the appointment of an Inspector of Works, and, as the former would not meet the Committee in any way, the contract was annulled. No progress whatever was made "during 1873, the dispute unhappily ending in a law-suit, in which, however, the action of the Building Committee wa- entirely upheld. Early in the following year the erection ot the church was proceeded with on a new design prepared by Mr.
HISTORY of KNOX CHURCH
1\
R. A. Lawson, the architect whose buildings (First Church, Town Hall, Boys' High School, etc.) have done so much to beautify Dunedin. The names of the Building Committee are worthy of preservation. They were Messrs. W. N. Plair (convener). E. P. Cargill, J. T. Mackerras, Gilbert Matheson, and George Turnbull. Mr. Matheson was treasurer until his departure on a visit to the Old Country, when Mr. Waller Hislop was appointed in his place. The new church was completed and opened for service on .November 6th. 1876, the preachers on the occasion being—forenoon, Rev. Dr. Salmond ; afternoon, Rev. A. P. Todd: evening, Rev. Win. Will. The collection for the day amounted to £ih 1 1 7s. ,sd. In the month of March, a bazaar to augment the Building fund was held in the University Hall (now the Stock Exchange), and realised the handsome sum of 14s. 7d. The total cost of the edifice up to the end of the year was over £\ 7,750, and of this sum < 9,385 remained as a liability- a very different figure from the humble £"5,000 contemplated five years before.
To go back a little in the history. In 1872, the minister had conferred on him by his Alma Mater, the University of St. Andrews, the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, and, in congratulating him. the congregation expressed the fervent " trust that he may long be spared to enjoy the honourable title of Dr. Stuart, of Knox Church."
In the same year, a notable change was made in the constitution of the Deacons' Court. Previous to this, the office had a permanent one. terminable only by resignation, deposition, or death : but it was now decided that the office shotdd be held for three years only, one-third of the members retiring annually ; tl however, being eligible for re-election.
I he change involved is really far more significant than ap| on the fare of it. It shows an attitude towards I; thel of faith or morals, which was not prevalent only a decade or two before, when it was a common and usual thing to cite all offenders before the Session, and there admonish or correct them. The new attitude was not to deal with such cases as might prove scandals to the church, but to provide a means whereby those in office could be quietly dropped out if it was desirable to do so. The law could not be^ changed in regard to the Session, for elders aie elected for life — once an elder always an elder." subject, of course, to the three ways, already designated, in which their office cotdd be terminated ; but there was no law of the kind applicable to the Diaconate, and so the new regulation provides a way of - from what may sometimes be an undesirable situation.
In 1873, a change was made in the conduct of public worship by the introduction of the English Presbyterian Hymn Hook. Previous to this, the congregation had used "The Psalms of David in Metre, and the Translations and Paraphrases in Verse," as
> >
HISTORY OF KNOX < HURCH
I'"'!' ' hurch ol Scotland; the la Draining many ol our most beautiful and cherished hymns. The question was denied by the votes of the col. but was evident]'. idered very seriously, as onlj 206 members and 55 adherents d for, and ,\ members and 19 adherents against the alteral A few of the minoritj I ihe change I which took effect on January Ist, 1874), and left the church to join other congregations. I!ut as the sa ame originally from the il was a general church matter, and not merely i real. It : ol time when all but oi i came to use hymns.
In 1874, Mi. ('. 11. Street, who had been for nearly fi years superintendent of the Sabbath School, resigned his | Kiticipation of a visit to 1 i mntry. For some time bi retirement, he had advocated the engagement ol a superin ■ who should devote a considerable portion of his til Sabbath School work. This suggestion was favourably entertainec it was ultimately i<■)tain itional missionary who should assist the minister in Ins pastoral work. and particularly devote himself to the religious instrui mth of tin- ch Mi. Duncan Wright, who had had extensive expi I iw and Cm-it as a 1 [ome d for this work, and with his family arrive edin in No 1874. Mr. Wrighl tered on Ins duties at thi ginning of the follow ing laboured with mm I d from Ills positii onarv in Di but retained the su deni 5 Sabbath :>1 till 1880, when 1 I™\Z™T Original ordained an elder in .869 :n\ to the eldership again and ie membership of the Court till he left Dunedin for Austral;. 9», Returning I i I lunedin in Mission i md was re elected an eldei Chun hj m
MR. DUNCAN WRIGHT
23
HISTORY i'l KNOX CHURCH
The work of the congregation progressed quietly for the next tin ee years, all the organisations of the church seeming to have got a new lease of vigour owing to the opening ol the new church. A good deal of work was carried on in the outfield, but one area of this department that of Ravensbourne and Rothesay — was separated in 1876, and established as a distinct charge. It was - une years, however, before it ceased to lean on Knox Church for assistan
In the commencement of 1878, l>r. Stuart made a special effort to supplement the instruction of the young people of the congregation in Biblical knowledge by beginning a series of catechetical lessons on Sunday evenings. This method of instruction had met with marked success in the Old Country in former days, but was hardly suited to modern conditions. The children were gathered in the body of the new church, and were called on to take an active part in the service. The portion of Scripture which served as the lesson was read over, sometimes by one of the elders, then commented upon by 1 >r. Stuart (often in very racy and amusing style), who called on the children to read passages S ripture, and to answer questions. These catechetical services were continued for several years, and created a good deal of interest both within and outside the church. The experiment was only finally discontinued in 1890.
The debt on the church had been reduced by the end of 1877 to £"8,700 : by 1878 to £"6,81 1 ; but in 1879, a year of considerable financial depression in the Colony, it only fell another ' 159. \'■. December, 1880, it still stood at .'.,'6,240, and at the close ol at £"5,721.
Dui . in response to a feeling long entertained by members of the congregation that the work entailed on 1 )r. Stuart was far too heavy for any one man to cope with, an effort was made to obtain an assistant minister, and a Commission was set up for that purpose in the Old Country. Evidently the conditions laid down were not acceptable to candidates, for the effort was not successful.
In the following year [ l^_ ; '. the question of introducing instrumental music into the service of the church was raised, and a vote of t: regation, taken in the month of August, showed that 388 members and 174 adherents were in favour of the char and 99 members and 11 adherents against it. The debt on the church was being steadily reduced, bul it still stood at £"5,422 at the close of the year, and at .'.5.14.5 at the close of 1883. Under the circumstances the introduction of instrumental music was a somewhat bold step on the part of the i in, bul there was practical unanimity on the subject, for those who voted against the proposal gradually fell into line with the rest, and when the change was finally consummated it was found that no objectors remained.
24
HISTI »RY <il KNOX CHURCH.
\ i ommittee was set up m I 883 to lake the ne< essary steps toget an organ, and to make the required alterations in the church. In the original design of the church, provision was made for an organ recess, but unfortunately this was ruled out by some upsetting influence, and the church was completed with a dead wall at the north end. To make room for the instrument it was found necessary to i arry the galleries round so as to meet in front of the window. One result of this alteration was. no doubt. to improve the appearance of the building, but, on the other hand, it has raised almost insuperable difficulties in the way of successful congregational sinning ever since. No choir divided as that of Knox Church i- can be so effective as it would be if massed, but no plan has yet been devised by which that massing could be mplished without an expenditure of money which the congregation will not face.
In 1883, the organ was ordered from Messrs. Lewis and Co., of London ; it was erected in the following year, and was first used in public worship on August 3rd, 1884. The first organist of the church, Mr. Arthur J. Barth,' was a musician to his fingertips; and it was largely owing to his great tact, and his tasteful and exquisite manipulation of the fine instrument at his disposal, that the change proved so grateful to the congregation. The cost of the instrument and the necessary alterations to the church amounted to £\, 723, of which sum £l2b was paid by the end of the year. The total debt on the church on December 31st, 1884, stood at By the close of 1886, it was reduced to £\,M2.
MR. A. J. BARTH
VThe years 1885 86 were years of quiet, steady work in the ingreK ation, but the question of giving much-needed 1 the minister caused the office-bearers a al of anxiety, as his ,„,,„,, and strength were not equal to the heavy demands , upon them. But Dr. Stuart was one of those extraord. v ,„ )U)US men whom it was difficult to help, Relieved of one burden, he seemed to have the faculty ol taking on others. In addition to the verj duties imposed on him in c
J5
HISTI >l<\ OF KNOX CHUR( II
with the largi congregation ol Knox Church, he was a kind of Presbyterian Bishop in the community, and took charge to a considerable extent of much work foi the whole church. Their the
public of Dunedin looked upon him as a sort of father-confessor to all in trouble, and this (juite irrespective of church connection. Protestants and Catholics, Jews and people who had no religious
26
HISTORY Dl KNOX < iIC i<< IJ
beliefs whatever, joined at least in one common faith, that when they were in difficulty or trouble the man to apply to wa- Dr. Stuart. Then hi- wa- Chairman ol the High Schools Hoard of Governors and Chancelloi ol the I niversity of Otago, both of which positions entailed much work and responsibility. Vet his congregation did not want to see him resign either of these positions, for it was felt that his tenure of them was an honour both to the Presbyterian Church of Otago and to Knox Church in particular. Truly a difficult man to relieve.
Early in 1887, the Session set up a Committee of Supply to relieve Dr. Stuart of at least one of Ins Sunday services, and they were also able to secure Mr. Duncan Wright's services for three or four months. By this means some of the pressure of the work was relieved temporarily.
I low strong and numerous the congregation was. both at tins time and since the opening of the new church, may be gauged by the fact that foi some years not a single -eat was unlet, and there was a great unsatisfied demand for extra sittings.
On December 31st, 1887, the debt stood at £"3,789. Year by year the revenue had exceeded the expenditure.
The question of Dr. Stuart's health was the foremost one in the minds of Knox Church people in the beginning of 1888, and it was with intense satisfaction that the congregation learned that a way out of the difficulty of Ins getting the required rest opened out m April. Mrs. John Ross, foi many years a member of the congregation, but then resident in London, wrote out suggesting that Dr. Stuart should take a trip to the Home Country. The idea at once adopted by her husband and by Mr. and Mrs. Robert dining, and they pressed upon Dr. Stuart the otter of a pas to Britain and hark again. Yielding to the representations and solicitations of his office-bearers and friends, he accepted the generous offer. A congregational meeting was held on May 3rd, at which the arrangements made by the Church Courts tor Dr. Stuart's furlough and lor carrying on the work during Ins alienee were heartily approved of. On May 30th, Dr. Stuart left Dunedin for Lyttelton, and sailed next day for London m the S.S. Kaik accompanied by his dear friends Mr. and Mrs. Glendim , extremely happy one. A- Dr. Stuart himsell the result of it all was "much enjoyment, and restoration to a measure ol health tar greater than either my physicians or 1 tured to anticipate. I shall never forget tte attentions 1 received on the voyage from Mr. and M.- Glendimng, or the welcome 1 received from Mi. and Mrs. Ross on my arrival in 1 .ondon."
Durin ■ Dr. Stuart's absence the Rev. J. H. Cameron took the createi pan of the church work, both pulpit supply and pastoral visitation The Rev. Dr. Dunlop was appointed interim Moderator
HIS r< IR\ -IF KNi IX CHURCH
27
28
HISTORY (il KNOX CHURI II
of the Session and Deacons' Court, while the Minister's Bible Class was conducted by Dr. Hislop and .Mr. (, M. Thomson. During h] s voyage Hume Dr. Stuart wrote a letter to the congregation which contained such an excellent epitome of the former history of the church that it is not necessary to apologise for the insertion here of the following extia< t :
Ihe I raver Meeting is the first-born of our congregational institutions. It was begun the week the church was opened, and weekly all down it has been held with scarcely a lapse. I know lh:lt manv oi V° u ;ire prevented from attending by family and other duties ; stdl. a fair representation of the congregation "has always delighted to meet m the class-room every Thursday for praise and prayer. I assured my friend and substitute. Mr. Cameron that at this exercise he would be loyally supported by Messrs. Rennie lorrance. Wright, Fraser, A. Cameron, and others, and that he would find the re-union at once delightful and refreshing. To me our Prayer Meeting has always been 'a feast of fat things full of marrow, ol wines on the lees well refined.' I crave for it your prayer always, and your presence as often as possible.
J he Sabbath School was the second of our congregational institutions. It met the next Sabbath after the opening of the church, under the superintendency of Mr. Gillies : but. as it was felt that he was over-burdened, Mr. Street took his place, and f< r many years discharged the duties of superintendent with unfailing courtesy and regularity. You know that the school of to-da; most efficiently conducted in both its departments by Messrs. Keith and White and their noble band of teachers, f never fail to assure them of your assistance to make it, if ; till more efficient.
'The Albany Street School had its first location in the large room of Air. John Grant's house, and under his superintendency. \\ hen the accommodation became too limited, our Deacons' Court erected plain quarters for it in Albany Street, and. when it became necessary to shift, the Court, without hesitation, erected suitable premises in Union Street. These and our other schools, by their labours in the cause of Scriptural education, have made us as a congregation their debtors. I ask as a favour that Messrs. Keith and White convey to their teachers and scholars the assurance of my love and prayers; that Messrs. Jenkins and Dalgleish given similar assurance to the staff and scholars of Albanj ■ hool • M i W. T. Todd to the staff and scholars of Mount Cargill School : Mr. Chisholm to the friends at Wbare Flat; and Messrs. Harlow and Hutchison to those of Leith Valley. Once and again have 1 recalled with delight the kind words addressed to me by Mr. Hogg on behali of the Committee on my last visit to the Valley. S of you know that my friend Mr. Gardner was compelled by a sharp illness to give up the Pine Hill service and Sabbath School. How glad would I be il two of om active young men were to v< lut
PICNIC GROUP OF SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE “ EIGHTIE
30
CH
ive him thi for a year. As nothing sible which is 11 |ui liope to hear that th e will be supplied. Friends, let me beg of you to remembei tl >f the church, and, as such, have a claim on your prayers and sympathy.
["he Ministi ' e Class is as old as the church. I ning it lias been largely attended. In my heart it hj next the pulpit. I have given its members, in my own way, if Biblical kni and Christian experience 1 have gathered. When I take a look over the congregation old members of the class meet my eye in almost every ne as officebearers and many as Christian workers. 1 cannot tell you what joy I felt when Dr. 1 I 1 me that he and Mr. G. M. Tl had arranged to conduct the class during he taking as his subject the heroic faith and love of the first Christians, and Mr. Thomson thi of lessons which I had iixed on for the men and women of the church, allow me to urge you knowledge of Divine things by attending the morning class now in the hands of I. 1 I isl ip and Mr. Thomson, the afternoon class so ably lducted by Mr. Chisholm.
Our founders, before the congregation was organised, assured the Presbytery that the new congregation would be, from the outset, self-sup-porting and aid-giving. The promise has been faithfully kept. The Sustentation Fund has, for many years, been under the direction of Mr. Mackerras, who is fully persuaded of its value as our greatest and best church extension agency. Let me crave you to show our deacons and collectors charged with its ingathering that your contributions, great or small, are not made grudgingly ‘or of necessity, but willingly.’’
MR. J. T. MACKERRAS
"The Church of Otago was missionary from its coram ment. You all know that our congregation made missions, II an< ] Foreign a plank in its constitution. When population po in U pon us in the early days of the diggings, w< succession the valuable of Mr. Gilbert, the Rev. Mr.
31
HISTI IRY li| KNOX CHURCH
Anderson, and. at a later period, those of Mr. Wright ami Mrs. Welsh. Nor did our expenditure in any respei t diminish our contribution;- to either philanthropy or Foreign Missions. As our missionary operations embrace at present the Maori, 'the heat hen Chinee' within our bounds, and the New Hebrides, regularity in our contributions becomes necessary : but, as our Missionary Assi n iation has Mr. Edmund Smith, the son of a missionary, for its president, we may feel confident that the greatest object of a church's existeni e will not be allowed to drift out ol sight.
"Our Ladies' Association, which does its work wisely Hood-will. Under the direction of Mrs. Grant, Mis. Gl Mrs. Wilkie, and their devoted sisters in the Lord, you may rest assured that the funds you place at their disposal will be wisely dispensed. When I have occasion to visit the Association, 1 never e to counsel them to look- to you tor support in theii ministry.
MRS. WELSH
''The Young Women's Society, under the presidency ol Mrs, ircely had time to make good its claim I sympathy. It started with a double function. It personal i tilture of its members, but specially their training in works of faith and labours of love. Your good-will is secured when I tell you that it looks out for those children who are left to : the streets on Sabbath afternoons in order to place them under tin influence of the Sabbath School. Give this, the youngest of out congregational institutions, a place in your prayers.
" For the Literary and I >ebating ask your sympathy. It was founded long ago by tl Robert Gillies, as was also the Congregational Library, v I deem valuable and deserving of a mure generous support than it has of late received. lam glad to be able to say that the is rendering excellent service to an important branch ol An evening in its rooms is as e as it is instructi
32
HISTORY OF KNI IX CHURCH
"The Choir has established it~ claim to the regard of the church by its services to the noble exercise ol praise. I wonder whether the congregation generally knows that in our hitgives an evening a week to musical practice. lam hoping that you will institute an annual festival in oi .our gratitude to its members who add so much to the beauty ol if praise in the congregation. I tor one God for our Choir and their Christian labours.
"The Sabbath Morning Fellowship Meeting lias my good-will and sympathy. When I enter the pulpit the thought is to me inspiring that in an adjoining vestry several of our young men give a part of their hour of prayer to supplication to God for a on my presentation of the Gospel. I remember one Sunday morning when 1 was moved to the depths of my soul by the declaration of a boy who came up to me in the street saying, as he looked me in the face. ' Doctor, I pray for you.'and then hopped i the bird in my garden after delighting me with it- irol. Having the prayers of our young men and children. I feel as if I could do any work' which the Lord is pleased to require at my hands."
This long extract does more than give information on the history of the Church, and of those whom Dr. Stuart felt ■ helping to cany on its work. It shows the fine, generous, and enthusiastic spirit ol the minister. As he rejoiced in the comfort and freedom from anxiety which his holiday was bringing to him, his heart went back over the way in which he and his people had been led in the past, and he was able to look forward with hope and idence to whatever the future might bring forth.
On Decembei 3rd, 1888, Dr. Stuart reached Dunedin once more aftei his short but much enjoyed furlough ot six months. His return was hurried on account ol the serious illness of his your son Donald. His reception by the congregation was memorable on mt of its whole-hearted enthusiasm But it was not by Knox Church alone that he was welcomed, a- the address ed to him slated and the daily press repeated, it was the citizen Dunedin and the settlers throughout 0 nerally who shared the feeling ol satisfaction at his safe return and the hope that he would be long spared in health and strength to carry on Ins active ministration in tins community.
At the close of l Mr. Waltei Hislop, treasurer of the IVi ons' Court, was able to report that £"1,000 had Keen pai the in ii tgage on the church, thus reducing the debt to j 3,1
The blow which the minister had dreaded fell on him on 12th [anuary, 1 889, when his son. Donald M. Stuart, after a loi was called away. " Ihe ■ >rrow which filled the manse was felt by all the congregation, whose prayers were heartily offered for the bereaved fathei. widow, and < hildi
33
HISTORY Ol KNOX CHURCH
Tow middle of the year, the an old and valued member in Mr. Alexander Rennie, who died on June 2nd. Mr. Rennie was an old settler who bad come to Dunedin in 1850, and who by sheer grit and uprightness of character had gained a high position in thi iw-colonists. After a residence first in Dunedin and then in West Taieri, In- returned to town in 1869, joined Knox Church, and was elected a deacon the same year. In LB7l, he became an elder, and was a most active worker in the church. His rugged, stalwart figure was well known in the church, ami as Chairman of the Benevolent Institution foi twenty years he was highly n iy the whole community.
During Dr. Stuart's absence, bis office-bearers and moie intimate friends had considered the necessity of providing pet manent ass his pulpit and pastoral work, and had brought under the notice of the coi ity of obtaining a suitable colleague for him. The proposal was approved by the Presbyter)' and Synod, and on February 7th. 1889, the task of selecting a suitable gentleman as co-pastor was entrusted to a Commissi in in the Home Country. The memorandum sent Home to these gentlemen set forth such a standard for the man to be ted that several persons on reading it expressed the belief that Knox Church was demanding a combination of high qualifications which it would be difficult if not impossible for the Commissioners to sei ure. The wife of one of the office-bearers said to her husband, ' What length of time have you given the Commissioners to zet a man sneciallv made for vou ? ' "
I Itimately, however, their choice was fixed unanimouslj the Rev. Alexander Pringle Davidson, M.A., Minister of the hj Church, St. Fergus, Aberdeenshire, and that gentleman, accepted the appointment, arrived in Dunedin with his newlywedded bride on April Mr. Davidson came with very highest credentials as a Christian minister, and in addition to his qualifications as a preacher and pastor, which especially led to his selection, he had distinguished himself as a theological wri and a Scandinavian scholar.
Inducted as co pastor of Knox Church on April 30tl received a irdial welcome from t: :i at a conversazione held on May 2nd, and occupied the pulpit for I first time on May 4th. At its meeting, in the following month, the Session passed a resolution in which they thanked the Pulpit Supply Committee, and especially Mr. Edmund Smith, il vener, for the verj which, in d " their devout thank! uh ireat 1 lead of the Church foi the restoration of Dr. Sti gratifying measure of health and strength, and for the harmony that has characterised Mr. Davidsi
il
>!; V (IF KNI ).\ CHURCH.
REV A. P. DAVIDSON. MA
The appointment of Mr. Davidson "greatly quickened the desire of the office-bearers to relieve the Church Fund of the whole of the remaining debt, and, early in 1890, Mr. Andrew Cameron, a member ol the Session, undertook to initiate and carry through a scheme foi the total extinction of the debt 0) " by the end of the year 1891. At the conversazione to welcome Mr. Davidson, Dr. Stuart was able to announce that the sum ol had been subscribed, and by the end ol the year the whole amount had been
HISTORY <>l KNOX CHURCH
35
promised, and fl,3oo"paid. On receipt of this joyful news the Deacons' Court asked Dr. Hislop, who had already, at the time ol ening of the new church, written a Memoir of the Church, nplete his story of the congregation with a view to its publication.
ETlie year 1891 passed somewhat uneventfully, all the inions of the church being now fully sustained and the work quietly but steadily. Among the large band ot woikeis. some passed away to their rest, including two of the elders, Messrs. 11. Kirkpatrick and Wm. Douglas, and Mr. James W'ilkie. esteemed member "^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ of the I )eacons' Cout t.
Another valued member and elder, Mr. John Reith, who for twenty - nine years had served the church in several relations, but especially as teacher and superintendent of the Main Sabbath School and as a worker in the outfield,” was called to fill an important position in Wellington. The Session, in receiving his resignation, noted these services and also bore testimony to his work as “the originator of the Teachers’ Class for the study of the lessons, teacher of the first Bible Class that met on Sabbath afternoon, and founder of the Gift Day Festival. . . . His family followed his example in devotion to the congregation and its institutions.”
MR. JOHN REITH
It is matter for congratulation that Mr. Keith is still in vigorous health, and is still active in church work in Wellington ind it urhood.
At the close of the year, Mr. Cameron was able to report that the whole amount of the debt on the chur 0, had been paid
Despite the fact that a very considerable portion of the burden of the pastoral and pulpit work was taken by Mr. Davidson during the next two years, the health of the senior pastor, Dr. Stuart, continued to be far from satisfactory. On January _ ; \s<-)5, he was seized with illness which laid him aside for some time. Thanks to his strong constitution and the i areful attendance of his medical adviser, Dr. Coughtrey, he was able, after a few weeks, to
36
11l- HURCH
Mr. and Mrs. Glendining as a ■fully and did.
All thro his health remain* irious, '"it m without air. >f the non or it! ad. Early in 'ion. Mi. I )avidson, -ition 1 'i. Stuart. Immediately on the anni . ,i n ted bj ion and t ' . vvith the Nothing can it, hj ide up from the oi ••""l le deputation - only report that " whi : Mr. Davidson, we believe that no good would result from any fui attempt I ere with the course which he has decided to
At national n i Id on March 27th, I I, and Mr. Davidson's resignation was formally ry. lie shortly after retui otland, accompanied by the love and I the many friends he had n His i e four years of his pastorate were many and great, and his » ■ among : and very table character. lli> serm marked by depth and fervour, and were characterised by their high literary quality.
The terminati i-partnership no doubt told unfavourably on Dr. Stuart's health, which failed rapidly during the early months of 1894. Still, with indomitabli . and in spite of great suffering and i ikness, he lab isiting the sii k and the dying, while his own footsteps wen fast i towards the grave. But early in April even his tble spirit could not carry him through his work, and he had to resign himself to inaction. Two or three weel of his parishioners herself in the grip of the disease which carried her i ifter was being slowly driven round the drive in the Town Belt, hei carriage passed that ol Dr. Stuart standing in a seltered baj where he was ei joying the Neithei sufferei was strong enough to speak to the othi d only ily wave a farewell salutation, for it was the last time that was able to be out.
On Saturday, May 12th, 1894, Dr. Stuart passed away, and the announcement of his death created a feeling ol intense sadness throughout the whole community. As was stated at the I
in-. r< >k\ (i] KNi >\ ( HUKCH.
■
DR, STUART’S STUDY,
HISTi )R\ iIF KNi IX CHI
38
was the most widely known and universally respei : Otago lia Q, and especially by the young people of the congregation it will be hereafti ave known him. For thirty-four years he went in and out among his people, familiar with its individuals and welcome in all its bum: a sharer in the joys and yet more often in the sorrows of bis floi k. But his was no grudging sympathy ; he bore the burdens of i de his church, and was recognised as a friend and comforter by men of all creeds and denominations, and by Christians and heathen alike." A great personality, a man of <,<reat force of character and of originality, who had already made tin in in the vastly wider but more crowded held of the Old Country, his opportunity i ame to him when he accepted the spiritual charge of a new ( hur< hin a new kind. Ile had .a broad and open mind, read adapt itself to new conditions and to make the - and the growth of Knox Church to the uniq <n which it came to py as the largest and m ist influential Presbyteriai ition in tin i Hemisphere was due. in ureal pait. to the gi man who was for thirty-four years its first minister.
Dr. Stuart was charitable in his judgments beyond most men, even to those who were most hostile and had wronged him. His sympathy was deep and sincere, and he spared himself no trouble and no pain in seeking to minister to those who were in want of help. Many a time, when his own heart was crying out for sympathy, he was bearing the burdens of others, who little realised the sonows of their comforter. Truly a great man, who, with the strength of a giant and the simple heart of a child, realised in a large degree the spirit of his Master. His great power came, not so much because he was a preacher of the Word, but because he lived the life. His death removed from Otago one who set his mark deeply on the institutions of the country, and on the lives and characters of its people. He worked to the last, striving to do his duty— , ■ ■ t .
His funeral the largest ever seen in New ZealandI lace on Wednesday, 16th May. S taken to erei I a suitable memorial within tl took the form of a stained glass window to be placed in the south end ol the church.
On April 3rd, during Dr. Stuart's illness, a Committee ol the Session was set up pulpit supply, and this was i in agreement with the Rev. Mr. ( aims, ol Ballarat, wh ervices of a number of clergymen ol the Victorian Church to K ive monthly supply. The first of these gentlemen I pulpit was the Rev. William Hewitson, 8.A., ol Brunswick, who preached in the month of June. On June 21st, a congregational
“ ’Twas but one step tor those victorious leet From their day’s walk into the golden street.”
S9
HISTORY OF KNOX CHI Ri II
■ting was held to take steps to till the vacancy, and a large mittee of office-bearers and members was set up to act in this ln Supply Committee appointee the Rev. Evan Bissett to tli ral charge of the con gregation, a duty which hj discharged to the great satis faction of all with whom hj came into contact. However in November, Mr. Bissett accepted a call to Woodlands Church, and the Session appointed Mr. James A. Somei ville, M.A., to the pastora charge of the congregatioi Mr. Somerville laboured ti June, 1896 (when he wa called to Waihola '. with n acceptance among the people and was particularly sic ful with the young. I Minister's Bible Class tinder his able leadership I ■ber 150 members, am good work-.
REV. J. A. SOMERVILLE. MA
Throughout 1894 and the early part of the following year, the pulpit was supplied by a succession of able clergymen from the Victorian Church, but meanwhile the question of obtaining a succer-- >r to Dr. Stuart was exercising the congregation. On April 9th, l* I JS. a meeting of the congregation was held to nominations, and it was resolved by a unanimous vote to call Rev. Win. Hewitson. The call was duly accepted, and .Mr. ami Mrs. Hewitson arrived in Dunedin on July 6th. The inducl took place on July 9th, the new minister preached for the first time on the 14th. and wa ition at a gigantic : meeting held in the Garrison Ilall on the 19th.
Mr. Hewitson is a Dative of Smythsdale, in Victi received his early education at the Ballarat High S al years in business, he and in due course graduated as I!.A. lie then passed through the Theological Hall as a student of Ormond College, and, o; ing hj gyman, he d to service in the i rian Church, Brunswick. Heri rved foi seven and a half years, two and a half ; int and five as colleague of the Kev. Mr. McVie.
11l
HIST* IRY OF K\i IX CHURCH
REV. PROFESSOR HLWITSON B.A
11
HISTORY OF KNOX CHURCH
Mr. Hewitson's settlement as pastor of Knox Church gave great satisfaction throughout the congregation, and this fei grew in strength as he came more into touch with the organisations of the church. The Prayer Meeting in particular was very largely attended, and the spiritual character of the minister's public ranees, and his careful attention to the visitation of the sick and dying, helped to knit him to his people with a strong bond. All through the vacancy there had been a strong spirit of loyalty to church manifested throughout the congregation, and this was reflected aftei his settlement in main' ways ; among others by the fact that every sitting in the church was taken.
I This 5 ear, I sll 5, saw iy changes in the personel he congregation, and many is were made in the ranks its workers. Mrs. mi. who had been president the I ,adies' Assi n iation ; , John Campbell, a member the Deacons' Court for iv years: Mr. Wm. Simp- . a deacon and - id a Sabbath School teacher: Mr. John Borrie, the lond clerk of in sucsion to Mr. John (iillies : . Edmund Smith, and Mr. imas Park were all reved by death, thi ned within a day of each while the services of Mr. Clement White, who had been an elder since l.ss-l. anj who had for sixteen years acted as head of the Primary De] ment of the Sabbath School, were lost to the congregation tinhis departure to West Australia.
MR. JOHN BORRIE
Mr. Edmund Smith was long known and highly res] the Factor of the Presbyterian Church of Outgo and Soutl He was a deacon and an elder for many years, the Deacons' Court. He was one of the founders and president of the Missionary Association. His relatioi congregation was a most intimate one, and in manj ed the church faithfully and zealously. He ■ nearly a month before the arrival of the Rev. Mr. I whose call to the church he had warmK he had hoped to welcome as its second ministi
42
111-
nith, >n for the past
Mr. :chofficer the rao.-t characl in the church, and was a most :ed man. ted and earnest, and was appreciated II in the ::on. . M. Park. 1 to the deaconship in iieen clerk of since
MR EDMUND SMITH-
Mr. Robert Allan was appointed church-officer in n to Mr. Park, and made himself invaluable to all the organ and dili-
In July, a tablet f the ladies of thi . ition in memory of the late minister was placed in the north wall of the church, that erected to Mrs. Stuart.
In [896, the que and making additions tc bath School were undei [esired the latter work to take ; i 'at, while , e C ould cans on in the old manse, the work .„,„„.. the young was hampered by the decayed stal uildn„ in which it was conducted. But ufthorised bj i d meeting, held on Maj ipend
MR. THOMAS PARK
13
HISTORY OF KNOX CHI
on a new manse, and for additions to the Sabbath School building. The former work was put in hand, the old manse being sold for removal, and put up by its purchaser at St. Clair. But the Court found that the money voted for the Sabbath ! would not prove sufficient for what required to be done, so the whole question was delayed for a lime.
The new manse was formally opened on 31st March. l v,| 7. and proved in every way a worthy appendage to the beautiful chuivli. It cost a little over
In this \ear, also, the beautiful stained glass south window, placed as a memorial to the late I >r. Stuart, was completed. The cost was met by subscriptions from the members of the congregation, but the credit of the work was mainly due to Mr. R. Glendining, one of the elders, who also contributed ely to the required fund.
■ Among other changes ..a- the passing M issionai y Association, which became a branch of the Presbyterian Womi Missionary Association. Mr. Hewitson's interest m Foreign Mission work, and his p >sitii in as convener ol the church's Mission Committee, led to a great increase of vigour in this department of the congregation's work.
MR. R. GLENDIMNG.
The following yeai was memorable in connection with the Jubilee of the Otago Church and settlement, and a spe< ial service was held in Knox Church on Anniversary Day, Man I
On June 22nd, a very interesting ceremony, in vvhi Church was deeply interested, took place in the Triangle in the presence of many hundreds of the citizens of Dunedin. A statue of the late Rev. I )r. Stuart. ere< ted by public subscription, was hi by his devoted friend. Mrs. R. Glendining. The event called forth a heartfelt eulogy from the press of the ( olonj in memory of one whose career was " fruitful in blessings, spiritual and temporal, to this city and province, of which the memory will bi nduring even than the bronze in which his well-beloved featui delineated."
14
HISTORY i)l KN( IX < HURCH
B A committee up in 1898 to consider the question o inting an assistant to the minister, as it was recognised tha ,'ork was far too heavy for one man to i arry out satisfactorily Mr. the question post poned for a time, as hj particularly anxiou of th Sunday School buildin placed on a proper foot But in the follow ing year n wit the Re John i M.A., w; appointed assistant. M ie had an • i as a student of gre; ■ he was ;■ . and proved a •Merit worker. I'nfo tunately, Ins healtl way in 19110, and he wa obliged to resign a |
REV. JOHN COLLIE, MA
which he had filled with much satisfaction to the congri tion. After a period of rest. Mi'. Collie's health had so fai improved that he was able to to Crookston, whei i Hies to do good work as a minister of the gospel.
\!iii ai :■■ si hemes had been suggested foi pairing and adding to thi church foi Sabbath Si purposes, it was finally decided in 1899 to erei i a new bui'lding altogether, and a subscription list was op for tin- purpose. During the 1899) the sum i was i illei ted, and ■ 900 more
HON W. D STEWART
45
HISTORY OF KNOX (111 RCH
promised a noble sum, considering that the congregation also subscribed £"1,072 to the Jubilee Fund of the Church of Otago and Southland.
In November, 1899, the Hon. W. I). Stewart, M.L.C., w; called to his rest. He was elected a deacon in L 869, and an elde ™ 1874. Within the congregation he did excellent work as a office-bearer, as a Sabbath School teacher, and as a wise counsel m many a time of difficulty. But his interests and labours wer not merely congregational and parochial : he sat frequently as member of the Synod and served on its various committees. H also took an active interest in public life and sat in the House < Representatives as one of the members for Dunedin. At the tim of his death he was a member of the Legislative Council. He still represented in the congregation by his son. Mr. \Y. Down Stewart, a well-known solicitor and, at present, a member of th Council.
In April, 1900, the Rev. D. M. Pryor, 8.A., was appointed to the position of assistant to the minister. He quickly made his influence felt in the congregation, and his work in the pulpit and in the outfield was much appreciated. But, unfortunately, he contracted phthisis, and, after a gallant struggle against the on-coming weakness, was obliged to resign the position before the close of the year. In March of the following year, he passed away after much suffering. Though directly connected but a short time with the church, he made a deep impression on all with whom he came into contact.
REV. D, M. PRYOR. B.A
The idea of building a new Sabbath School was not carried into effect during 1900 on account of the great advance m the price of building materials that year, but the building fund stood at /1,43j at the close of the year. At the same time the debt on the church was ,{,"1,337.
Since the commencement of Mr. Hewitson's pastorate, the work of the church in all its diversified departments had gone on
*l6
ill KNOX < I
progressing satisfactorily, so that the office-bearers were able to record at the close of 1901 that in “our case the prayer of the Psalmist has been largely answered :
“ Peace be within thy walls, And prosperity within thy palaces.”
On May 24th of that year, Mr. Colin M< Kenzie Gordon, who had i ion Clerk foi nearly twei ears, i ailed away suddenly. I lis death created the sincerest w in the congregation, to whom he had endeared himby his beautiful Christian < haracter and his wort faith and labours of love. I le "had a high standai conduit. and combined formity thereto with perfect courtesy towards other men. in such a way as to make fellowship with him a stimulus and pleasure. ... His zeal extending to the minutest details of the duties of his ( : was covered by a personal un;hat did much ■ to promote and maintain the H •■ with which Cod 1 lly blessed oui congregation." As a memorial of their api lion of his character and eminent services, the congregation placed a suitable headstone on his grave in the Southern ' i witli the characteristic and appropriate text: "I am amoi :th."
MR COI.IN M GORDON
During 1901, Mr. R. Glendining added another to the many benefactions he had conferred on Knox Church by renovating the whole of the interior of the church at his own expense. At the same time the Deacons’ Court repaired it externally.
The debt on the church at the close of the year amounted to /1.682.
Xhe yeai 190 ! was another memorable year in the history ol hurch. The plans of the new Sunday School, drawn out by Mr. P. Y. Wales, wi Deacons' Court in the preceding October, and the worl< was at once put in hand by the Building Committee. The foundation stone was laid by Mis. rt Glendining on 18th December, 1901, and the present handnew building was opened in September,
r
HISTORY OF KNOX CHI RCH
NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL.
1902, with all appropriate ceremony. The total cost of the school -. of which the sum of £l,~ '-'7 was contributed before the .mnletion of the structure.
Since Mr. Pryor s re nation, Mr. Hewitson bad laboured in the congregation without any permanent assistance, and the strain was proving too heavy to be continued. But in June, l l Mr. W. T. Ti dd, who had laid the congregation under a deep debt of gratitude by many years of self-sacrificing and enthusiastic laboui superintendent of the Sabbath School, resigned his position in the firm of Messrs. Mui Roberts & Co., and acci; that of assistant in 1 Church.
Mr. Todd occupied this position with much acceptance to the congregation, and with great relief to Mr. tson, till April, 1907, when he was called to the
REV W T. TODD
is
|RY ll] KNOX CHI
Middlemarch, where he is still happily placed. He c mtinued his worl< as head of the Sabbath School all those years, and, at the same tune, did much of the pastoral work of the conon, the latter being especially heavy during a great part of llewitson was absent on his ti ip round the world. Mr. Todd's name will long be held in afl ite remembrani e by the many hundreds of teachers and pupils who came under his benign influence during his twenty seven years of a< tive service in the Sabbath School.
Mr. Hewitson's health necessitated a respite from official work from October. 1902, to January, 1903, when he returned from his holiday invigorated and refreshed.
Still another change was made in L 902 by the appointment of a deaconess t<
SISTER MftRY
MR. E. B. CARGILL
' in the charitable work of the congregation. As a result of inquiries, the position was offered to and accepted by Miss Mary McQueen, of Melbourne, who came over early in July, and at once commenced work among the poor, the aged, and the sick, in conjunction with the Ladies' iation. For five years Sister Mary laboured with devotion and patient kindliness among the sorrowful and the needy. Quiet and unobtrusive to a degree, she was not heard of much outside of her sphere of woi k. but to all who knew her and what she did. her life-
I"
HISTORY OK KNOX ( II I'M I!
has been an inspiration. In June. l l| H7. she was appointed matron of the Presbyterian Orphans ition she was eminently fitted to fill, and she took with her into her labours the hearty good-will and prayers of the congregation.
At the close of 1902 the net indebtedness of Knox Church was and by the close of the following year it was '. 5.,5<>.
The years L 903 and 1904 were comparatively uneventful, but in the latter the two oldest members of the Session. Mr. Edward Bowes Cargill and Dr. John Hislop were called to their rest.
Mr. Cargill was a member of the first Deacons’ Court of the church, having been ordained in 1860. Two years later he was elected an elder, but in 1868 he transferred for a time to the newlyformed congregation of St. Andrew’s. In 1871, he rejoined Knox Church Session, on which he served for thirty-three years. At the time of his death (August 9th, 1904) he was senior elder of the church. He often represented the congregation in the Presbytery and Synod, and was for many years joint-convener of the Theological Hall Committee. “ His long life was marked by an undeviating rect tude, exuberant hopefulness, and a generous enthusiasm in everything that affected the welfare of others. He rendered valuable service to the community as member of the Provincial Conncil, Vice-Chancellor of the University, and Mayor of our city. His character was nourished by a habit of secret prayerfulness, a simple faith in God, and a growing hope of immortality.”
Dr. Hislop died on May 19th, 1904, full of years and • honours. He arrived in the Colony in 1856, and was for a time resident in East Taieri as school teacher. I n 1865, he was elected a deacon, and, in the following year, elder in Knox Church ; but he was originally ordained an elder in the Old Country in 1847.
DR HIS LOP.
50
•.1 KM IX i HURCH
Trained at the Normal School and the University of Edinburgh, he was .abed b\ I .eminent of OtagO to frame and build up the educal in of the province. In bS77, lie left , Church for a time, having been transferred to Wellington as secretary of the Education Department of the Colony. On his retirement from that important position he returned to Dunedin, and. in 1886, was re-elected to the eldership. In I the request of the nets, he wrote a mi Knox Church, which he amplified and brought down to date in 1892 in the " History of Knox Church, Dunedin," a « . iiich summarised all the main fact-- of the past thirty-three years, and .asis of tiii- information contained in this Jubilee Memoir. Hi- life abounded in good works, and in good service to immunity.
In tl i. Mi. Hewitson was granted, by the of absence to visit the Home Country, and to f pan of the mission work which our church was carrying on. He and Ml tson left on November 14th, and visited India and Palestine. Landing in Southern Europe, they spent a pleasant lime in Italy, thi d Europe via Switzerland, and after a somewhat prolonged visit to Britain, they went over to America and the conditions prevailing in the United States. The return home was made by way of the 1 'acific, and. aftei a year's absence, the travellers returned refreshed and strengthened from their holiday. On 15th November, I they wi ned by a meeting of the congregation.
During Mr. Hewitson' e, the pastoral work of the church was carried on by Mr. W. T. Todd, assist iter Mary, while the pulpit was ably supplied by ministers ot the \ ictorian Church.
. i i February 19th, 1905, Mr. A. J. Barth, the first the church, died after a very brief illness. He ; himsell firmly in the affection and esteem of the congregation, not only by his great taste and judgment in the manipulation of the in, but also by the loving spirit which characterised all his family relations, lie had been for nearly twenty-one years organist of the church.
The vacancy was temporarily filled by Mr. Leslie Williams while step- were being taken to obtain an organist and choirmaster. (>ut of a number of applicants for the position, Mr. W. Paget < '.ale. F.G.C.M., F.\ .CM., was selected, and entered on Ins duties in the middle of the year. M is questionable if any organist who has ~laved on Knox Church organ could excel Mr. Gale in his mastery 0 f t he instrument ; his manipulation is remarkably fine. L'ndei his vigorous leadership, the choir has attained din and a proficieni y not foi mei 1} reached.
HISTOID I'l KNi IX CHI RCH
51
IV. the beginning of 1905, there passed away an old member cer in Knox Church who had formerly a very close tion with it. Mr. Robert Dalgleish was elected an eldi 6, and he served the church in that capacity till 1880. ws on instrumental music were, however, very pronounced, :n he found that the congregation was committed to i '1 lit- fill- I connection with the church ami j -t Church. When the latter congregation also decidei oduce instrumental music into tin ir sen ire he returned t< irch, but did not re-enter the court. Ilis chief interest la «bbath School work, to which he devoted himself whole-heartedly, irtly after the school was opened in N.E. Vail, ing stall. In LB7l, he transferred his work to Pelichet May. ami continued to laboui tl ere a- a teacher till when he became superintendent, an office which he filled til time of his death. 1 luring all his lon- period of nearly forty years' faithful serve ■ im missed his attendance at tic his will he left it a legacy of £"100.
In August of this year, Ml. R( b< it Allan, who had been church i ffii ei for fifteen years, resigned Ins pi to take up his residence in Centra] (>tago. He had proved a most efficient and const ii ntious officer, and his loss was felt by the congregation : but their regret was tempered by the fact that the change has proved most ficial to his health.
Mi. Thomas Neill was appointed church-officer in his place, and has shown himself a worthy successor.
The church debt on ; >. Mood at M I >uring the chun li ; ending June 30th, I of the oldest office-bearers in the church passed away. Mr.
MR. W. P. GALE
I Win. Hutchison, originally ined an elder in 1856, was for sixteen years an elder in x Church. He had, during a long and arduous life, de\ hj tune and thought to the moral and social betterment fellow-men. He brought to all his work- a mind unusually v. stored, and a pen of more than ordinal cid fluency." Mr.
HISTORY OF KNOX CHURCH.
52
the Infant d at Knox ts and the ermitted. Mr. )f -Nature's r in the church, eemed for
to the congrega- : | was and proved himself Hill, where he and on its being con-
•.tending the services, and partly by ■ which his brother, Mr. K. Chisholm is still an
MR R. CHISHOLM
. Mr. Daniel Smith, ai a.iv. He was elected a deacon in was not heard in
HISTOR\ OF KNOX CHURCH
SISTER LAURA
tunately, the invaluable services of Miss Laura Reid—a daughter of the < hurch, who had for years devoted herself to the work of an honorary deaconess were ely given. The church recognised her splendid work appointing her to the posiTowards the end of the year the question of obtaining a suitable assistant to the minister was seriously considered by tlie Session, and the Rev. Jas. \Y. Shaw, M.A.. who had just completed his theological course, was appointed to the position.
53
the church courts, he was one ol those conscientious, zealous workers who performed all s of his position with thoroi For years he maintained a native worker in the Mission Field, and great interest in all branches of the church's work-.
Throughout a great part of owing to Mr. \Y. T. I i idd's resignation and his transfer to Middlemarch, Mr. I [ewitson can ied on the woi k ■ I the church unaided. Sister Mary's connection with the work of the < < mgregali<in ceased in June, but, for-
REV J W. SHAW M A
■ Mr. Shaw is a native of Dunedin, where he was born on eptember 17th, 1883. He was educated at the 111 School from I ind at the Boys' High School from to 1901. He was Dux of the School in 1900, and, in the same year, gained a Junior University Scholarship. Proceedine to the
54
HISTORY I] I N'i IX CHURCH
Otago University, he graduated B.A. in 1904, and won a Senior Scholarship in English and Freni hj. Ihe following year he took his M.A.. with First Class Honours in the sat his I niversity career, he was president of the Christian Union, •nt ol the Students' Association, editor of the " University Review," and was selected in 1905 as the Otago nominee for the Rhodes Scholarship. He entered the al Had in and was a student there till the end of 1 Stuarl Prizeman in Church History, and took' First Class H
Mr. Shaw has more than realised the high expectations formed ol him. In all departments of w>i Bible (lass, with its literals' and athlel ■ iries, assisting in the Sunday School, and conducting the Stuart Hall Mission -he has shown distinct efficiency. His fine natural abilities, his industry, and his sympathetic vision of the spun . : life and the chinch will make him every year a more useful servant of our Master.
During . i movement was commenced to pay oil part at least of the debt on the c hurch. In Mao bearers dei idrd to ask the congregation to make an effort to e\: debt before the Jubilee ol the congregation in 1910, and commenced by subscribing themselves the sum A committee was ... mainly l>v the efforts of one ol the elders, Mr. Alexander Hamilton (since removed to Riverton), and by the middle of 1908 about ( 1,400 was subscribed. Since Mr. Hamilton's departure, the active work of the Debt Reduction Committee has been taken up by Mr. Gi rgi Duncan. On June 30th, l l 'ds. t| )e net in ness of the congregation was '_ 1,079, against which the sum of ' 154 had been collected and paid into the Savings I sink'.
The end of 1908 witnessed the second great change in the church in the resignation of Mr. Hewitson, on the occasion ol his call by the General Assembly of the church to the i pol Knox I iHi ge. The call was so unanii Mr. Hewitson for this important position was so univi that the congregation could 01 with re regret. At a meeting held on November 16th, a i expressive of the congregation's appreciati e of nearly fourteen years, of the wisdom which characterised his counsels, the high ideals of life and duty which he set before the regation, his solicitude and sympathy towards all who were in distress, of the affectionate regard in which he Wl the sincere regret of the i ongregation at the close of Ins pastorate, was carried unanimously. Mr. Hewitson preached lor the last tins iniiiistei of Knox Church on Sunday, 13th I' his nation took effect as from 31st I >e< en b
It is safe to assert that the Assembly's choice has been fully justified. Mr. Hewitson's health has benefited b) the change, and
HISTI >UV OF KNOX CHI RCH
55
Knox College is full to the doors. arers a Dunedin that, during the vacancy, Mr. Hewitson should be appointed moderator, and this was agreed to. Steps were at once taken to obtain a su< tnd several clergymen were invited to occupy the pulpit. Meanwhile, Mr. Shaw, assisted hv I.:1111a. lahourt'd ti; overcome the pastoral work of the congregation, and, tc give suitable help in this di rec 11 on, Miss M u Simpson, who had vei \ d through the Dunedin Training In and shown herself eminentlj qualified for the work. ted as de 1
SISTER MARGARET
generously donated by Mr. John
Early in 1908, Mr. VValti : 1 [islop, who had ai ti sion clerk since Mr. C. McK. (ii,i Iness, and this has continued to incapacitate him from work. As - lurch treasurer since 1875 till the work n up by Mr. J. M. E. Garrow in 1904, Mr. Waltei Hislop has rendered valuable gregation, and the sj mpathy of all who know him lias gone
et was ordained in 1 v and, at the same time, Sister Laura was ordained as honorary d ear one s s. Ihe whole of the funds necessary for carrying on Sister Marl's work have been
MR. WALTER HISLOP
56
out to him and his family in their pr< il i tble. It is interesting to note that three generation-, of this family have been i iffii e - beat i our i iti in. viz. : 1 >i. John I 1 i slop. Mr. Walter tnd Mr. J. S. I 1
Mr. P. G. Pryde, who has been a dea and clerk of the I >eai i ins' Court from 1 s "*o till his lion to th has for the past two and a half years been ai l lie also did similar during and after Mr. Waltei I [islop's visit n Mr. Pryde the Courts have few executivi more interested and ze tl< ius.
HISTORY <M KNOX CHURCH
MR P. G. PRYDE.
lln I Mr. J. A. 'orrance in 1908 and of Dr. John Dunlop early in » wellnown and greatly esteemed elders were called to their rest. Mr. 'orrance arrived in Dunedin some time after the discovery of the oldfields, his first engagement being with the printing depai of the Evening Slur.
His bent was, however, religious and benevolent work, and his appointment as gaol chaplain and afterwards as agent of the Patients’ and Prisoners’ Aid Society provided an ample field for the exercise of his philanthropy. A man of simple yet profound faith, tactful and sensible in his ministry among the sinful and distressed, he ever strove to be influenced by the example of Him who had compassion
MR. J. A. TORRANCE
57
[ISTORY OF KN<>\ CHURCH
on the ignorant and on them that are tinned out ol the way. His ordination to the eldership took place in 1874. He has left to Ins family "the priceless legacy of a good name and a heritage oi worthy dei
Dr. Dunlop was an elder of our church since April, 1888, and, whenever required, was ever ready to rendei service in the pulpit, in pastoral visitation, or at funerals. He was a man of ripe p. but was pre-eminent in the department of knowledge he was selected to impart to the students of our Theological Hall. Alter the death of Dr. Stuart, he helped, as Moderator, to pilot our gregation in safety and peace through the troubled waters of a long vacancy in the pastorate. His knowledge and his wise Christian counsel have been a tower of strength to our congregation in times of difficulty.
At a congregational meeting, held on the 18th August. 1909, presided over by the Rev. Professor Hewitson, it was unanimously I to call to the pastorate of the church the Rev. Robert Evan . M.A., of Petersham, Sydney. The call was signed by 674 members and 67 adherents, and, on _Mst September, the Dunedin tery decided to sustain it and accordingly forwarded it to the Sydney Presbytery for presentation to Mr. I >avies. In due course, Mr. I )avies accepted the call, and, on Saturday, the nth November, he and his wife arrived in Dunedin, his induction taking place on the following Wednesday evening. Mr. Davies was born at Mold. North Wales, within a few miles of the ancient city of Chester, uly education wa i at Akin Grammar School, Mold. after which he had some training in commercial life. He later returned to his old school to prepare for university work, and. in ntered the University College of Aberystwyth- a constituent College of the University of Wales. Here he graduated I!.A. in i thence he proceeded to Christ's College, Cambridge (amongst whose alumni may be mentioned Milton, I'aley. ami Charles Darwin). He was awarded the Gell Hebrew Prize in 1900, took a high place in the Theological Tripos in graduated I'..A. i year. During a visit to the Home Country in 1906 he obtained his M.A. dee
In Augusl .inducted to the Presbyterian Church of Petersham, Sydney. N.S.W., where he remained till called to Knox Church. For some time he was lecturer in New Testament logy at St. Andrew's College, Sydney.
A eting, on the L2th November, was arranged as a welcome to the new minister and his wife, and as a farewell to the old. The School Hall, whii hj was crowded, was beautifully - with flowers and flags. Addresses of welcome were delivered by the chairman (Professor Hewitson), by the Rev. James Chisholm on behalf of the Presbytery, and by Mr. Duncan Wright and the
58
HISTORY Ol KNOX CHURCH
REV. R. E DAVIES. M A
59
HISTORY O] KNI '\ CHURCH.
Rev. J. 7. ion. At a suil break in the programme, Professor Hewitson, on behall of the Indies of the congregation, said that in ;i few days Mis. Davies would recen e a gift of a dining table, which was in emu se of m: facture, and that they now desired him to present to Mi. Davies, in their name, a large study table of American oak. In the course of his remarks. Pre ifess ii 1 tewits in ex--ed his thankful: that the tion had emerged from its critical experience undivided. Th was not a rag of a parts-, and Mr. Davies started ministry without a rival in the affections of his people. On behalf of himself and fife, Mr. Davies thanked the congregation for their gifts and the kind they had extended to them. He believed he must centn his efforts on the work of the pulpit, and hoped his work would permit him spend the early part of the day in his study. He in the heyday of life, and believed that his best was yet to be. He trusted to be privili . >rk in their mi many years. He realised the magnitude of the responsibilities he had undertaken, but was accustomed to look to a source that was infinite.
MRS DAVIES
The Rev. J. W. Shaw then presented to Professor Hew an illuminated add iy all the office-bearers on behalf of ition, expri ntiments of the sin. erest respi goodwill towards him, and their regret at the termination of his tte, marked as it had been by I ial relations between minister and people. Accompanying the address was a cheque for one hundred guineas, and with I of the ; tation Mr. - d the congregation desired to assoi late the name of Mrs. li in token of their appreciation of her devotion to all the highest interests of the chui hj. Gifts of jewellery were also made to the Misses Rule, Hewitson, who had been well-springs of enthusiasm in the church life and work.
60
111 l"K"i nl KNOX CHURCH
I rofessor Hewitson thanked Mr. Shaw for many things most 5" ' oUsly . s P° k « n bv him '" Presenting the congregation's gift'. 1 '<• committed the congregation to the i are of their new pastor with the prayer that their best days and most useful were yet ahead
1 he meeting was of the heartiest and most enthusiastic nature and provided a happy inauguration to Mr. Davies' ministry He has now been among us lor six months, and gives every evid, that in its third ministei Knox Church will find a worthy successor t" the godly and able men who have in past days broken to its people the bread of life. Already he has impressed the congregation by his direct and earnest presentation of spiritual truths by his devoted attention to the pastoral work, and by his manifestly sincere sympathy with all who need the comfort and consolation of the Gospel of Jesus ( bust.
Ci INCLUSION
1 he above narrativi an eventful petiod in the history of this congregation. Beginnings are always interesting, but where such are followed by a strong and vigorous development they are doubly so. We look back across these intervening s to those early pioneers with a sense of gratitude to God. ere men of heroic soul, great daring, and exceptional capacity. 1 heir difficulties were great, but they met them with a buoyancy of spirit which sprang from a religious life that was a> bright and fresh as the morning dew. We reverence their simple faith, -a faith unmoved by rationalistic questionings, and undimmed by the dark materialism which pervades our national life to-dav. in common with that of other lands. We remember with pride their enthusiasm, foresight, and religion-, zeal ; and we do not forget their victories over difficulties well nigh insuperable.
What of the future ?
I his question will be answered by the present generation, particularly the younger members of it. It is our privilege to be able to pay honour to those men and women who laboured so faithfully in this congregation : it behoves us to prove ourselves worthy to succeed them. They had problems peculiar to their own day, while we have ours, which are none the less difficult, durability to meet such will prove our fitness to follow them.
I here is a real danger lest the younger generation may forget their ancestry and their traditions. To neglect such would deprive ourselves of that which is essential to our progress. There can be no true development which is out of sympathy with the past. It is hoped that the Jubilee celebrations may inspire our young to such an extent that they will determine to carry forward the work so auspiciously commenced, ami so successfully continued up to the present.
1,1
HISTI >KY (U- KNOX (111 Kill
'The outlook to day differs widely from that of fifty years ago. Our problems are not the same ; methods o! work have changed. Hut the needs of the heart are the same. The form in which the Truth is presented may have changed with the times, but the stance remains unchanged, belonging as it docs "to those things innot be shaken." Men still need Divine forgiveness, and are conscious that none can redeem them from their sins but lie who "came that we might have life more abundantly."
Then- are many who will read these pages with a yearning desire, as memories are quickened and old scenes are brought to light again, but we rejoice to know that the Head of the Church is the same, yea, "the same yesterday, to-day, and forever."
JOHN ROBERTS C M G
62
HISTORY •.1 KNox CHURCH
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
Clerks of Session.
John Gillii s, 1
John Muni,'. 1871 1874 :
1875-1880.
Colin McKenzie Gordon,
1874 : 188
Walter Hislop, 1901, still in
office.
Patrick Gunn Pryde (act-
mg), 1908, still in office.
MR S M. PARK
Clerks o) Deacons' Court.
Robert Short,
Edmund Smith, 18
Golin McKenzie Gordon. 1872-
1874.
Win. T. (ilasgow, 1 s', : -
< ieorge Malcolm I
386.
Patrick Gunn Pryde,
1900.
Samuel Morgan Park.
MR J. S. HISLOP
still in oi
Chinch Treasurers.
Chas. 11. Street, I
Waltei I [islop, 187 i
James M. E. Garrow, 1901-1904.
John S. I [islop, 1904, still in office.
65
HISTORY iH KNOX CHURCH
History of the Church Organisations.
I lOME MISSIONS.
During the early years of the church's history, the work in the outfield of necessity bulked large in the Session's deliberations. In May. 1862, the responsibility of a district stretching from Ravens bourne to Whare Flat, and including Mount Cargill, Pine Hill. North-East Valley, and Leith Valley, in addition to the field lying close at hand, necessitated the appointment of a missionary oi catechist, as he was termed. Mr. H. Gilbert and the Rev. Petei Anderson were engaged for this special work, and, on the death of the latter. Mr. James Chisholm (afterwards minister of Milton, Palmerston North, and Roslyn) acted as missionary for a few months. The formation of churches in North Dunedin and Kaikorai Valley relieved Knox Church of a considerable portion of the outfields work. But still the needs of those in isolated parts pressed heavily on the church Courts. In 1873, Mr. Duncan \\ right was appointed missionary. A service was opened in Pelichet Bay School-house, which Mr. Wright still conducts with much success. On Mr. Wright's retirement, Dr. Stuart maintained the services and the visiting in the remoter districts with the assistance of a number of devoted laymen.
Whare Flat. From 1875 until 1894, when this district was transferred to the North Taieri charge, Mr. Chisholm was the mainstay of the work in Whare Flat, the Rev. Dr. Bannerman and Mr. I leaney. of the Kaikorai Church, co-operating with him.
Pine Hill. Pine Hill services owe everything to Dr. Stuart, who conducted tl rvices, and to Mr. R. S. Gardnei and his sister, Miss C. Gardner. From 1882 until 1888, Mr. Gardner supplied this district with regular ordinances. In 1894, he opened his hot: i \ ice. Since then he has done an excellent work, both in preaching and in visiting, only advancing years causing him to relinquish his post. In the periods of Mi. Gardner's e, the work was (arried on by the members of the Young Men's Fellowship Union. Knox Church still has charge of the Pine I lill servi
Ravensbourne. The work in tins district was relinquished when Ihe Ravensbourne-Rothesay formed.
• I
HISTORY ol KNOX CHURCH
l.i-.iiii Valley. When a public school ■.. a service was commenced in this district. Dr. Stuart. Dr. Hislop, is. Mackerras, Harlow, and Hutchison lent invaluable tance. In 1886, the arrangements were in full id an attendance of 40 was no uncommon occurrence. Mr. Andrew Hogg was the moving spun locally. At first, Knox Church was responsible once a month ; for a short period North Dunedin Church had full control ; but, later, the work came back into the hands of Knox Church. Dr. Dunlop conducted Communion services regularly, and Mr. (iardner was also identified for a considerable time with the work here, both as preacher and as visitor. The attendances have fallen off of late through the departure or death of many of the most loyal local supporters of the work.
MOUNT CARGILL. In 1882, Mr. John Keith commenced a fortnightly service in this remote district. Then Mr. D. held the fort for 18 months. In 1888, Mr. W. T. Todd took oh ; assisted by the Fellowship Union. In 1896, Mount Cargill became a part of the Purakanui Home Mission Charge, under the Fort Chalmers Session.
Evangelistic Mission. In 1891, at the suggestion of Mr. Dymock, a Sabbath evening service was inaugurated in the old church. Dr. Dunlop was especially prominent in the work. The Young Women's Society visited the adjoining district, and a good congregation was soon gathered, [n 1894, several joined the full membership of the church as a result of these meetings. Mr. W. T. Todd. Rev. E. A. A-xelsen, and the Young Men's Bible ( all had the chief part in the Mission at different periods. In the Rev. J. \\ . Shaw look charge, and since then the services have been conducted with .meat success, Stuart Hall being tilled every Sabbath evening. The Mission is one of the feeders of the main church, and numbers enter the full membership through this agency. In connection with this work, Sister Mary and Miss L. Reid (now Sister Laura) instituted a Mothers' Meeting in 19 S ster Laura is now in charge of this most sue essful and helpful organisation.
A I limie Missions Committee, organised in 1897, with the Rev. W. Hewitson as chairman, and Mr. W. I). Main tary, controlled for several years this branch of the church's activity.
LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY
In July, 1865, the Deacons' Court appointed Messrs. \V. I. Glasgow, R. Chisholm, and R. Gillies a committee to take the pre liminary steps foi the formation ol a Young Men's Associatioi Mutual Improvement in connection with the church and tion, and a month afterwards such a society was formed, with Dr.
65
[ISTOR'i OJ KNi >\ i 111 101 l
Stuart as president and Mr. R. Gillies as vice-president. rhis association met fortnightly, ami was e\ idently a \ ei y live bods ■ f° r > in the following year, they raised £"5O lor the purchase of a suitable library, and the amount was supplemented by a grant ol like value from the 1 >eacons' Court. This was the origin of the Congregational Library, which Dr. Stuart cherished so much. Tin- first library commiti -ted of Messrs. Glasgow, Gillies, and J. (afterwards Dr.) llislop. Mr. Glasgow was. till quite recently, head of the ( ustoms Department of the Dominion, and is now once more resilient in Dunedin. Among tin- active workers of the society in 1867 were Messrs. James Wilkie and Thomas Hislop, the latter (Hon. T. \Y. Hislop) still living in Wellington.
The Literary and Debating Society, owing to the continual accession of new members, maintained its early reputation through ars. A Magazine, contributed lv. übers, was read at regular intervals. The society laps ■■ A new society was formed in 1909 by the members of the Young Men's Bible Class.
THE CONGREGATIONAL LIBRARY
The Congregational Library, established, as stated above, in '> by the I 'ebating Society co-operating with the I i urt, has since then been a prominent feature of the church. New books were added from time to time, and qualified volun were always available for the post of librarian. Mr. \\ .T. Glasgow was the first to occupj this position. At the time of the opening ot the new church, there v. volumes in the library. In the library was multiplied several-fold by the addition of the library Dr. Stuart. Nearlj volumes were added through Dr. Stuart's bequest, and, in addition, '.10(1 was left towards the chase of suitable bookcases and accommodation. The library now has its abode in the Sunday School buildings : of however, it has not been patronised as it deserves.
SERVICE OF PRAISE.
In the early years of the church the singing was led precentor, whose chief qualify ations were the possession of a sufficiently powerful voice and of a certain amount of musical knowledge. It was not always an easy matter to keep the congregation up to the mark in either time or huh;. \nother duty ol precentor was to make certain public pronoum .it the Sunday services, such as giving notice of various mi ) be held, and especially to read the banns of marriage.
66
HISTORY I'l KNI IX i HURCH
The first precentor, Mr. W. McLelland, was appointed in 1860, and held the office for about a year, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. Alex. Stewart. In December, 1863, Mr. Stewart resigned on account of pressure of other work, and Mr. A. Graham was appointed and held the position for about a year. He having iigned, Mr. Robert Francis was engaged in 1865, and he opened lass for sacred music on Thursday evenings after the prayer eting. The annual report for 1871 notices with gratification le manifest improvement which has taken place in the service of ig." Two years later the use of a new psalmody, " Psalms and mns," sun tioned by the Synod, was introduced into the c a fresh stimulus to the congregational singing. had early formed a choir, and was assisted by a large number of the young people of the church. In l s 7>> Mr. Fi I id the precentorship, and the Deacons' Court advertised foi ssor, but before any appointment was made Mr. G. M. omson volunteered his services free of remuneration, and his ■i. which was equivalent to a 21ft of £"5O per annum. Practices were held on Monday evenings, and a strong lir was formed. Mr. Thomson held the office for a year, but his having been pointed by the 1 'ro\ incial ivernment to the charge the 1 ligh School Rectory, was unable to continue ■ work, and Mr. William aser was elected precentor 1877 by thi 1 the lion. The choir in ■ new church was located if the pulpit on the or. Mr. Prasei left foi elbourne in the following ar. and Mr. W. G. Innes is appointed to the vacant ■sition, which lie held till ;82. In that year Mr. A. . Braik was appointed ecentor by a unanimous ,te of the ' ion.
the introdu I" the organ in 188 \. aftei careful testing of the feeling It 111■ roni;n'M.iti"n. I new as inaugurated. Most of those opposing the mnovatioi with the majority. Mr. John R I A harge of the arrange™k in Eneland. Mr. V J. Barth was app t, with
MR A M BRAIK
HISTORY OF KNOX CHI Kill
67
Mr. Braik as instructor of sa.red music. In 1885 "Church was adopted, though in the transition period both book were used.
Mr. I ii.uk established singing classes in [BB4, to help the • praise in church and Sunday school. Two i lasses were formed an adult and a juvenile. The adult class had mi members; : I into senior and junior, had 200 m a: '. In addition, a Sunday school choir of 25 led the singing on lay afternoons. In the combined classes numbered 445 members. Mr. Braik resigned in 1895. but was appointed in to the position of choirmaster. The choir progressed rapidly under his able management, and in Mini there were 90 names on the roll. Mr. Braik resigned in I9o4,though be led the singing in the Sunday school for several years after. Mr. A. J. Barth, who had resumed the dual position of organist and choirmaster, died on February 19th, 1905. "From the day that the organ was first used in public worship hi n church organist, and his excellent and tasteful manipulation of the instrument, coupled with his judicious subordination of it to the spirit of the se ntributed largely to rt and edification of all who took part in public worship." Mr - w - p < F.G.C.M., F.V.C.M., was appointed to the position, and at on. d himself as a master of his instrument and an admirable conductor. Under his leadership 1 • has maintained its numbers and increased its enthusiasm and ability. At :nt the membership of the choir is 67, with a Sunday attendance of
THE SUSTENTATION FUND.
Deacons' Court at its second meeting, in me for the establishment and collection of the this respect the (parent I i Chin - Hand. The amount raised during the rema & rs * yeai but in the following (full) year it reai irliest recorded treasurer (in 1866) was Mr. . followed in to this fund rose fairly steadil . ■ ■ : ' p;l they ■3l]i to 1875, when the; high-water mark with Mr. A. Scoullar v. treasurer of the fund in held office till 1881. Tin annual contribution during Mr. Scoullar's term of offi In 1882 Mr. J. T. Mackerras took charge of the fund. I twenty-one year- Mr. Mackerras rendered yeoman service to Icongregation and the Otago church as a whole. He retiied I the treasurership m [904. Since that date Mr. J. C. II dges and Mr. \\ . I). Main have ai Mr. D. Barron took the i nip ,„ 19 total amount contributed to this fund by Knox Chun hj is
68
HISTORY OF KNOX ( HURI 11.
FOREIGN MISSIONS
■ln I : ,ii(xl resolved to maintain at least one missionary the New Hebrides, and contributions towards this object were de by the Sabbath schools of £2O 10s. 6d. Year by year the Sabbath schools continued to contribute considerable sums towards this object, but the work was not distinctly organised as a congregational object till July, 1869, when a Missionary Association I formed, with Mr. Edmund Smith as president, Mrs. Gla reasurer, and a committee consisting of Mesdames J. Bi [islop, and Mackerras, and Messrs. J. Gillies, Gunn, and Rennie. he following year the body i'd over ' Ino in addition iver tributed by the schools. In 1871 the committee included the na of Mesdames (iordon, Main, and (i. Grant. In the following year Miss Mc( ilashan (still a member of our church and resident in I talmai ewan i became an active memb committee. In 1 873 Mr. C. McK. Gordon was elected president, and among the committee were Mesdames Welsh and Walter Guthrie. In this year the Synod ded to appoint a second missionary in the New I [eb- ;, and also to appoint a student to learn the Chinese language and work among the Chinese immigrants. Many ladies, whose names were household words in those (lavs, served on the committee and did good service, including Mesd . ■ th, Wilkie, sen.. Wallace. J. Hislop, W. I'. Stewart, J. B Young, and T. Moodie. In 1881 the Session deculed that the work of collecting for missions should be allocated among the elders, to be undertaken either in person or by their frii I luiine the fust fifteen years of its existence the association did [lent work, its mainstay during all that period being its getic secretary, Mis. Glasgow, herself the widow of a missionary. It i-. a matter for great rejoicing that Mis. Glasgow, ti burdened with the weigh! of many years, i-- still a regular attendant livine service. No woman m lie' i him hj has done noblei work in many ways than she has done
MRS. GLASGOW
69
HISTORV OF KNOX CHURCH
Rlt was soon found that the new method of collecting « inticipated. The Missionary Association, at the request of the Session, in 1885 again undertook the responsibility of collectinn for foreign missions. At once missionary subscriptions began to mount, and the Session recorded its special gratitude to the association. Mi. Edmund Smith was president till 1888, when the ladies decided to appoint all their office-bearers from among the members of the association. Mrs. Keith held the chief office in 1889 and 1890. Mrs. Gordon in 1891 was appointed president, and was re-elected every year until, in 1897, the Missionary Association ceased to exist. The association had done splendid work, and had been served through all its history by women of
A branch of the P.W.M.U. was established . with Mrs. 1 fewitson as president. A meeting was held every month for special work in connection with missions. A branch association was established m Roslyn in 19(11). Mrs. Hewitson was in every respect an ideal president. An intense interest in mission work was fostered by n meetings for prayer and study of the mission fields and difficulties, and definite work for those in the forefront of the fight. Boxes were prepared and sent regularly to India, China, and the New Hebrides. The collecting of subscriptions was zealously undertaken until, in 1908, the envelope system was adopted. In 1905 highwater mark- was reached, with a total of £"549 ( i s . lod. 'll amount contributed by Knox Church to foreign mission-.
MRS. HEWITSON
PRAYER MF.l'.l INC..
Ihe week-night service has been held without a break since the opening of the church. The attendance has varied - sometimes soaring to 200, sometimes falling as low as 4l . 1 1 addition, for many years a special week of prayer was a prominent part of the church life.
70
HISTi >k\ IH ; KNOX CHI
SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
In 1871, the office-bearers dei ided to give a si liolarship ol a \ ear for the encouragement of persons intending to study for the ministry." 'The successful candidate was Mr. John Ferguson, of Tokomairiro, now the Right Rev. John Ferguson, ministei of St. Stephen's, Sydney, and Moderator of the Australian Church, in 1873, it was derided to contribute to the Scholarship Fund instead of providing a Knox Church Scholarship. In 1900, the Knox Church Office bearers' Scholarship, valued at 50 guineas a for two years, was offered for competition among intending candi r the ministry of the church. The following won the Scholarship : Rev. A. J. Thompson, 8.A., 8.D., ol Masterton; K.-\. I>. li. Scott, of Onehunga; and Rev. A. <". W. Stand M .A., iil Kelburne, \\ ellington.
LADIES' ASSOCIATION.
In the Ann:. Ilowing paragraph appears : As the funds for the reliel ol our . verj iry ike steps for increasing rhe Deao ins' Court rejoices to know that many members of the church have a iai e foi :he pi ior in their neighbourhood, and help them." Apparently, a com I was formed to distrithis Relief Fund, but iih praiseworthy modesty ieir names never appealed i the annual reports of the Early in 1879, several of the ladies of the ingregation formed them■lves into an association foi isiting and relie\ mil; mii." thus taking up the niies which had been periimed foi several years by ie Relief Committee
tFoi years the ladies ol c association faithfully lul 1885, Mrs. Welsh was appointed Bible-woman and agent of e association. For three years she laboured successfully in
MRS. GEO. GRANT
;i
HISTORY O] KNOX CHURCH
this work, resigning in Inns on her removal to South Africa. The members then undertook the superintendence of the pool relief funds. The town and suburbs wen- divided into districts, and ladies were given the oversight of them. In 1889, there were l" s cases of relief, which in every instance was distributed with the greatest care. Mrs. Glasgow was president from ]s7 1 ' to 1883; Mrs Salmond in 1883 and 1884. In 1885, Mrs. Geo. Grant was app linted to the chief office of the ass iciation, and held it till, in 1895, Mis. Hewitson took the reins. On the departure of Mrs. Hewitson to Knox College, Mrs. J. C. Thomson was elected president, and still hold- office. During recent years Mesdames Pryde, Mann, John Duthie, Gibson, and Gordon have been closely iated with the work, and their names should be gratefully remembered. Mrs. Pryde has Idled the office of secretary for the past 15 years. The association would Carlyle's congratulations as an institution that has no history only the record of Christian . >r God's less fortunate children faithfully and earnestly performed.
YOUNG WOMEN'S SOCIETY.
This society was established in 188/ with 45 members. The fe^t4 0 al U nVryou S n^ CtionS L " T ° eXte ' U ' ed nen of the congregation, and to find out in what way they can best make their lives useful to those about them. having special regard to children." Mrs. ']'. Mo (die was elected president at thi meeting of the society, and ie till her death in 07. Through all its early irs. Mrs. Moodie guided the iety faithfully and capably. sr's is the name that will vavs rise into cons ss when the society is inclined.
The work of this organisation had from the beginning a twofold significance. was the social side and the |.ctical side. The latter was 'ays prominent. Dorcas rk was enthusiastically
MRS. T. MOODIE
HISTI >RY il] KNOX CHI R( II
72
undertaken, with Miss Hutchison as Dot ecretary. Members visited the Children's Ward in the Hospital, and gave Christmas teas to the poor children round our doors. Glasgow was appointed president in 1907, and still controls the work of tic The membership in 1909 was The society supports two orphan girls in Madras, and in a variety of ways lives fully up to the high ideals set before it in the constitution.
THE SABBATH SCHOOLS.
I.—Main Schooi
The Sabbath School was opened on May 13th, 1860. Its first superintendent was Mr. John Gillies, and the staff of teachers consisted of Mrs. D. M. Stuart, Mrs. Macgoun, Miss Brown (Mrs. T. Moodie), Miss E. Brown (Mrs. Herdman, now living in InverII), Miss Gillies 'Mis. Macrae), Miss Logan 'Mrs. Berwick), Miss Macgoun (Mrs. Boot, --till resident in Dunedin . Miss Revell m Dr. Stuart always looked on as one of the founders of Knox Church), Miss Purdie, Messrs. R. S. Allen, S. Cioker, F. W. falconer, Robert Gillies, Geo. Hepburn. T. Moodie, and Alex. Stewart I now senior elder of the church).
After a few months' work, Mr. John Gillies retired from the superintendeni y on ai count of over-pressure of work, and Mr. C. H. Street was appointed. There is no record of the number of pupils in attendance, but the report for 1863 states that the average was one hundred, and the number of teachers twenty-one, including one librarian. In that year, the change of the second church service from the afternoon to the evening caused the Sabbath School to increase very much, and by the end of the year the average attendwas 173. and of teachers thirty. By 1865, the number of pupils averaged 200 : two years later it was 230, with a teaching staff of 32. The names of the staff included Messrs. Ferguson, W. D. Stewart, Keith. J. Chisholm, R. Chisholm, Scoular, and \. Stewart. Mrs. Glasgow, Misses Hepburn, Prictor, Allan, |. Allan, Smith. Wilson, and Glasgow. Year by year the nun : i rept up, there being an average attendance of -'45 (maximum, in 1868, divided into sixteen classes of girls, and fourteen of boys ; and of 300 to 325 in 1869. Among the new teachers this year were Miss Ilislop (Mrs. Macdonald), and Messrs. Harlow, W. Hislop, and his. Wilkie. In 1871, there were 345 pupils in average attendance, with a staff of 54 teachers and 3 librarians. Among the new names were Miss Grant (afterwards Mrs. Whitson), Miss si,,, lair 'Mrs. [as. Wilkie), Misses M., A., and N. Wilson, Mi Gilbert Anderson, Gardner, Hedges, Mackerras, C. White, and D. Wright.
73
HISTORY OF KNOX CHURCH
In 1874, the school had increased us average attendance to 480, and a new feature was introduced by the very young children being formed into a separate class and taught in the (lass room. I'he infant room was plated under the charge of Mr. David Ferguson (who had been elected an elder in the same year) and Miss Gourley (now Mrs. 11. Wadie), and the attendance was about 120.
\t the end of this year Mr. Street resigned his position as superintendent, in view of a projected visit to the Old Country, and Mr. Duncan Wright was elected in his place. The attendance in 1875 averaged 550, and in the following year 590. It continued to rise, and in 1880 the number on the roll was 754. with an average attendance of 649. Early in that year Mr. Wright obliged, by pressure of other duties, to resign his charge after five years of valuable work, and the vacancy was filled by the election of Dr. Win. Macdonald rector of the Boys' High School) and Mr. W. B. I low as joint-superintendents. About 50 teachers gave their services. In 1 88 >, Mr. Harlow acted as sole superintendent. He was succeeded in 1883 by Mr. John Keith. In 1- . Mr. W.T. Todd was appointed deputy - superintendent. Mr. Reith resigned in 1890, leaving to his successor a school of 700 children and 60 teachers. He had performed his duties with great ability and enthusiasm. Mr. \\ . T. Todd was appointed superintendent, wit! Mr. R. D. Sutherland as deputy. Under Mr. Todd, the made steady progress. In the last year of his regime then 825 scholars on the roll, and 86 teachers in the various branches lhe impress of his personality is still on the school, and the present organisation is to a large extent his gift to the church.
DR WM. MACDONALD
In 1881, Mr. C. White an elder of the church, took in hand the primary department. With a devoted hand of helpers, he controlled this important branch of the work until 1895. At this date, Miss Wilson, the present superintendent of the Primary School, was appointed. She has laboured with the greatest energy
7 1
HISTORY Ol KNOX CHURCH
and tact, and with conspicuous success. Her record of 42 year< of continuous serv.ce as a teacher in our Sunday School is indeed a noDle one.
In 904 a further reorganisation of Sunday School work led the classification of scholars into three divisions-the Main School, the Intermediate, and the Primary. Mr R I) Sutherland was elected superintendent of the Intermediate Division which receives the more advanced members of the Primary School and brings them up to the darcl of the Main School.
I he appointment of the Rev. W. T. Todd to Middlemarch m L 907 again created a vacancy: fortunately Mr. David Todd was prevailed upon to accede to the unanimous request of the teachers, and was duly ordained to the high office of superintendent. The best traditions of the school have been maintained, and his enthusiastic devotion has set the standard for high conceptions and a strenuous performance of duty.
In all branches of the school work the church has always been served by men and women of highest capacity, untiring zeal, and lofty
MR DAVID TODD.
11. Pelichet Bai
I'his school first met in the residence of Mr. fohn Grant, of \tliol Place, but the date of its opening is not recorded. Mr. Grant was elected deacon in 1865, and an elder in the following year Associated with him was Mr. F. W. Falconer, who was also ele deacon in L 865, and elder in 1866. Soon after its opening a school house was erected od a Corporation section in Albany Street and this was attended in 1865 by forty scholars, which was as many as the loom could hold. Two years later seven teachers were in attendance. The work was carried on under these cramped conditions till IS7 I. when a new building erected in Union Street by the Deacons' Court at a cost of £"80 was utilised, and was at on, ecrowded by about seventy scholars. Mi. Grant was assisted by ten teachers. In 1881, aftei lon- and faithful service, Mr. Grant resigned his
75
HISTORY OF KNOX CHURCH
76
HISTI >\<\ I)l KNOX CHURI I
position as superintendent, and Mr. W. G. Jenkins, who had worked with him for some years, was elected to the vacancy. In 1888 Mi. Dalgleish undertook the control of this branch of the school. He was succeeded in 1905 by Mr. G. I'. Mollison. Mr. R. Dickison was superintendent in 1906, and Mr. E. hj. Mirams in 1907. In 1908 Mr. John Gray, an elder of the church, was appointed, and still directs the work of this thickly populated district.
111. — North-East Valley
I his school was opened early in the ' sixties," but the dal not recorded. In 1865 there were seven teachers on its stall viz.. Mr. and Mis. Colie, Misses Strain and Hunter, and Messrs. Veale, Eaton, and Duncan. Two years later there were about fifty scholars. In Mo 1 * Mr. Dalgleish became superintendent, but the attendance had fallen to about thirty, probably owing to the establishment of a new church in North Dunedin. It was due to this cause that the school was finally given up in 1871.
I \. Ravensbournb
Mr. John Tennant, a former deacon of Knox Church, who had gone to live at Ravensbourne, organised a Sabbath school there in 1876, and this was carried on in connection with the parent church for three years. In 1879 Ravensbourne and Rothesay wenformed into a new ministerial charge, and the Sabbath school was continued under the new auspices.
V. Pine Hill
In 1881 Mr. R. S. < iai dner (one of the early deacons, and •• 1881 an elder of the church) was schoolmaster at Pine Hill, and with a praiseworthy zeal he opened a Sabbath school in the district. He was assisted by three other teachers, and the attendance in 1882 averaged forty. Mr. Gardner was compelled by ill-health to discontinue the supervision of this work, but volunteers manfully filled the breach. In 1893 Mr. G. L. Stewart was in charge. Mr. I . became superintendent in 1894, and continued in otfice until 1909 Mr. Spoor then assumed command, and still controls the hillside school.
VI. WAKARI
This school was opened by Mr. Geo. Hepburn, one of the Inst elders of the church, apparently in the early " fifties," for it was shortly alter his arrival in Dunedin in 1850 that he took up his residence at the Halfway Bush. In 1865 Mr. D. McLauchlan was associated with him as a teacher.
VII. Mitni Cargill.
In 1881 Mr. Inhii Reith, who had done good service foi many years in the Mam School and the Senior Bible Class, started a
77
11 IS 11 )R\ Ol KNOX CHI 101 l
Sabbath school in the Mount Cargill Schoolhouse, and was assisted by four teachers. The attendance in 1882 averaged forty-three. In LBB6 Mr. W. T. Todd became superintendent, assisted by the schoolmistress, Miss Moir, who was in full charge from 1889. Miss Gunn in 1893 undertook the work, anil maintained it until, in 1898, the district passed out of our control.
BIBLE CLASSES
The Minister's Bible Class was opened in 1860. It was held every Sabbath morning at 9.45, and was attended (in 1863) by about forty young men and women. It was an institution very dear to Dr. Stuart's heart, and one to the successful carrying on of which he attached great importance. In 1871 the attendance averaged fifty. This valuable class, which was one of the feeders of the active membershipof the church, was carried on regularly for many years. In 1879 it was attended by eighty young people, ami it was a true Bible ;s, the studies being drawn always from some portion or other of Holy Scripture. In 188] it had fifty-six young men and fifty-three young women on its roll, with an average attendance of seventy-five. Twenty-six of its members joined the church that year; lit teen became Sabbath school teachers and two librarians. The class grew with the development of the church. In 1884 there were 150 names on the roll. Dr. Ilislop and Mr. G. M. Thomson took charge during Dr. Smart's visit to Great Britain in LBBB. Rev. A. P. Davidson took over the supervision of the class, which then numbered over 160, on his appointment as colleague. During tht vacancy following the death of Dr. Stuart, Rev. John Ryley and Rev. J. A. Somerville acted as leaders at different periods. The class was discontinued in 18'
Afternoon Bible Classes.— In 1877 the senior boys in the Sabbath School were formed into a Bible Class under Mr. John Reith. In LBBl Mr. Robert Chisholm became leader, and the membership was widened to include both young men and young women. At this date thirty men and twenty women were in attendance. Two years later there were eighty-five names on the roll. For many years this class was a feature of the church's work. It had wide sympathies, and contributed generously to mission work. A Sewing Class, conducted by Miss Smith, assisted by the lady members of the Bible Class, was established in 1893, and was long a splendid avenue for the practical expression ol the desire to help the poorer folks that iived in the vicinity of the church.
A reorganisation of young people's work in 1896, prompted by the desire to bring the Bible Classes and the Sunday Si hool into line and to maintain the continuity of the Sunday work, led to the
78
HISTORY <)1 KNOX CHURCH
formation of a Senior School in addition to the departments already existing. Mr. Chisholm was the first superintendent. The Senior School met in the new church, and consisted of five Bible classes.
In 1898, Mr. Chisholm withdrew after 18 years’ invaluable service as leader. Mr. T. P. Webber became superintendent of the Senior School in 1899, and Mr. John Gray in 1901.
The division of the young men and the young women into separate i lasses followed the formation of the Senior School. Mrs. Hewitson then laid the foundation of her splendid Women's Class, and Mis-e- Rodger, Moore, and Grant, and Mr. W. I). Mam also became Bible Class leaders. The Senior School ceased to exist as a separate organisation in 1901, but the Bible Classes have continued to flourish. Miss Sutherland, Mrs. Blackie, and Miss Mathison, in 1906 and 1907, became leaders of successful Young Women's ('lasses, in addition to classes already existing. Miss J. Stevenson and Sister Margaret (who succeeded Mrs. Hewitson) were also added to the stall.
In 1904, Mr. I). Todd undertook the leadership of a Boy-' Class. On his appointment to the superintendentship in 1907, Mr. J. 11. Lang look charge. This class is now the .Senior Young Men- Class, under the Rev. J. W. Shaw.
Mr. John Gray for several years conducted the Senior Young Men's Class. In 1904 there was a membership of 36, and in 1905 it had risen to 50. In 1908, after a prosperous career extending over some years, this class was disbanded. A Junior Young Men's Class was established in 1909, and, under Mr. Magnus Johnson. shows every promise of a long and
A Minister's Bible Class, in conjunction with a Literature Society, was organised in 1899, meeting fortnightly on Tuesda\ evenings. Rev. Mr. Hewitson also conducted with much success a i ombined class for the study of literature, which met three times a 5 eai.
The Bible Classes are all integral parts of the Sunday School, and take part in the opening exercises of the school every Sunday afternoon.
TEMPERANCE WORK
In 1880, an association was formed in the church foi the promotion of temperance and the inculcation of its teachings among the young. Mr. R. Chisholm (its first president), Messrs. Manly, \ Wright, Henry, and Aitken were among its most active workers. Its membership was over 80, rising to 140 in the following year. 11, ]BB !, the name was changed from Temperance Society to "I he Welcome-All Total Abstinence Society," and it- nun i hed
7 <3
HISTORY 111 KNI A CHI Rl H
]„ connection with it a Band of Hope was formed, also with I members. In the following year the combined societies .lumbered 778 members, and 1884 saw a combined membership o 905. The twin societies continued to flourish till 1890, when all reference to them drops out of the annual it-ports.
FELLOWSHIP UNION
\ Young Men's Bible Class, promoted for the fostering ot a warmer and more kindly feeling of Christian fellowship among the voting men of the congregation through devotional meetings, stud> of Si liptllle secution of Christian work," was established in Isunder the title " You Men's Fellowship Union.' The hour of meeting wa: o'clock on Sunday mornings. A special devotional service was held on Communion Sundays before the morning service. In 18 ( )2, ladies were admitted to the meetings. Mi. G. M. Thorn became president in 1 ! and was still in office when the union disbanded in I In addition to the morning meetings, the niemb threw themselves enthusias tically into church wink. Supply of outstations as Pine Hill and Leith Valley -is only one instance ot the help the union gave to the church. The bellowship Union was, during thi the church.
MR G M THOMSON MP.. F.L S
MEN'S GUILD.
Two separate organisations have borne this title. In 1903, all the men's work of the congregation was organised into a guild, with Mr. G. M. Thomson as president. The senior branch comprised the Fellowship Union and the Debating Society, the junior branch the Men's Bible Class and the Senior Boys' Club. The guild had a short life.
80
HISTORY <>l KN( >\ i Ml R( H.
• ~i n , 190 ?' a special meeting for the men of the church was inst.tu.ted with Mr. I». Wallace as president. Regula, meeting were held ,„ Stuart Mall. The social aim predominated The guild which is st.ll nourishing, has fully justified its existence Mr. U. Wallace, who was again president in 1909, and Mr R president for 1910, hav troWed its operations
CHRISTIAN BAND.
A Christian Band was established in 1893, with fortnightly meetings. In 1895, the membership had reached 64. In I I-and adopted the name and constitution of the Christian En, movement. During the last year of its existence as a Christian Hand there were 11 members of the senior branch a.id 55 of the umior, with an auxiliary Endeavour Society in Leith Valley with 14 members. 'I he late Miss A. Alexander was leader in 1907-8 Sister Margaret has been in charge since 19C9. In addition to the regular meetings, this society has done admirable work through the '' l ~!'"' V "' ' " lt;i ~'' ,neeti »gs with the aged, and has contributed substantially to mission work-.
81
HIS I". >RY 111 KM >\ CHURCH
List of Elders of KNOX CHURCH DUNEDIN
From the Constitution of the Session in 1860 to May, 1910.
82
HISTORY OF KN( IX CHI
LIST OF ELDERS Continued
83
HISTORY HI KNOX I 111 Rl II
giet of peacons 01 KNOX CHURCH, DUNEDIN
From the ( onslitution ol the Deacons *■ ourl m 1860 to April, 1910.
SI
HISTORY OF KNOX CHURCH
LIST OF DEACONS ( ontinued
85
HISTORY OF KNOX CHI Rl H
LIST OF DEACONS- Continued.
86
11l -1 ' )R\ I'l KM)\ CHURCH
87
HISTI IK'S il] KNI IX i 111 l.'i I I
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/books/ALMA1910-9917504593502836-Knox-Church--Dunedin---1860-1910
Bibliographic details
APA: (1910). Knox Church, Dunedin : 1860-1910 Jubilee Souvenir 1860-1910. R.J. Stark & Co.
Chicago: Knox Church, Dunedin : 1860-1910 Jubilee Souvenir 1860-1910. Dunedin, N.Z.: R.J. Stark & Co., 1910.
MLA: Knox Church, Dunedin : 1860-1910 Jubilee Souvenir 1860-1910. R.J. Stark & Co., 1910.
Word Count
22,891
Knox Church, Dunedin : 1860-1910 Jubilee Souvenir 1860-1910 R.J. Stark & Co., Dunedin, N.Z., 1910
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