The centenary of Wesley Church, Taranaki Street, Wellington, New Zealand, 1840-1940 : a brief record of the founding and growth of the Central Methodist Church and circuit

Freeman, Chas. J. (Chas. John), Wright & Carman, Wellington, N.Z., 1941

A WESLEY COLLECT.

"1. Who art our Father in Jesus Christ Thy Sun . we bless Thee and give Thee thanks for the holy ruitful labours of all Thy servants in the Church n, and especially for Thy servant John Wesley. Grant, 1 iiee, unto us in this Wesley Church, the same faith ling grace, the same assurance of Thy forgiving iion for social righteousness, and the same o be made perfect in Thy love, that Thou didst grant ""I" him by Thy Holy Spirit; for the sake of Jesus Christ Thy our. Amen.

the Mamuil of Worship used in Wesley Church.)

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Title: The centenary of Wesley Church, Taranaki Street, Wellington, New Zealand, 1840-1940 : a brief record of the founding and growth of the Central Methodist Church and circuit

Author: Freeman, Chas. J. (Chas. John)

Published: Wright & Carman, Wellington, N.Z., 1941

The Centenary of Wesley Church

Taranaki Street,

Wellington, New Zealand.

1840 - 1940

A Brief Record of the Founding, and Growth of the Central Methodist Church and Circuit.

Compiled at the request of the Centenary Committee by Mr. Chas. J. Freeman.

REV. JOHN ALDRED. The first Methodist Minister appointed to a European Circuit v in New Zealand, Wellington, 1840.

THE SOURCE.

Just over 200 years ago, in a little chapel in Aldersgate Street m London, "a man's heart was strangely warmed" in a way that changed the spiritual and social life of England, and it is to this man we owe the name written large over our Church.

It was he. John Wesley, who, riding the length and breadth of England, gave hope where there was despair, uplifted the down-trodden and vice-ridden, and led the rich and educated to realise their responsibilities. In the towns, and throughout the countryside, classes were set up to educate, to relieve, to study the Word, and to bin.! the members together.

One hundred years passed and his followers in England were numbered by thousands-scarce a village but had Us chapel and its class meeting—these followers lighting their flame from the same torch whence sprang his inspiration. Himself a great missionary, his saying "The world is my parish," was caughl up and passed on by men who went out to strange lands to save the heathen.

At the close of that first century of Methodism, people young and old, rich and poor, commenced thai great stream of contributions that made for the realization of this vision, and New Zealand was well in the forefront among the distant lands to receive benefit in this way.

The mission begun in New Zealand by Rev. Samuel Neigh on June sth, 1823, had. by -May 18th. 1839, covered only the northern part of the North Island ; bin on that date the Rev! John Bewgill Bumby, the recently-appointed Superintendent of the Wesleyan .Mission, with the Rev. John Hobbs, and a number of Christian natives, set out to explore the southern extremity of the North Island, and find what prospects there would be, and what was the most suitable spot For commencing a mission in that vicinity.

MISSIONARIES ARRIVE AT PORT NICHOLSON.

Entering Cook Strait on 7th June, delayed by adverse winds, and anxious to cuter Port Nicholson as soon as possible, the two missionaries, with their accompanying natives, set off in the mission whaleboat and landed on the Pipitea beach in the evening. Here Minarapa Rangi-hatuake, one of the native teachers, was recognised by a relative and the whole party was welcomed. Pitching their tents, they commenced their mission by holding a service with the natives.

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as a good site upon which to si art a sionaries negotiated Tor its acquisition, paying rchandise to the value of fifty shillings.

Rev. John Hobbs describes tin l transaction thus: "Tl i nd we have tabooed at Port Nicholson tream railed Kumutoto to another stream called The Maine of the bluff point in Ihe middle of it is rhe names of the two chiefs who have made gotiations with its are Ko ti-Tawa-rahi and Ngatata, the Te Aro' and the latter on the side of o.'

Kumutoto stream ran into the sea at the foot of Wood-Kai-upoko." or Clay Point, is the corner of and Lambton Quay: the Te Aro stream comes Pi hill Prully down Aro Si aek of the ide of Willis Street, across Abel Smith Crosby Terrace, crosses Cuba Streel al the \.K. Chuznee Street, down Eva Street, crosses the reserve \] odisl Memorial and Fountain and so oui

9th June. 1839, occurred the event which the orial and Fountain coin es. !n the words of Mr. i >n the Sabbath we converted the seaJoeach, opposite principal settlements, into n sanctuary; erected reakwind to shelter the preacher; and colted ■■■ population of the plan', with the exception of as a congregation. Mr. Hobbs had nol service before the rain came down in ts to have dispersed any English audience. bul ioor New Zealanders. unmoved by the pelting of the only intent upon hearing the Word of Truth, the Gospel of our salvation." This was the first known service at Te Aro.

On Friday, Juno 14th, the missionaries departed, leaving behind them six native teachers: Minarapa Rangi-hal wlin took up work al Te Aro; Reihana-Te-T\aroro, who. with and children, was located al Pipitea: More-tara, Ngaroto, Maka. and Hemi and his wife.

THE FIRST CHURCH.

The local natives promised to build a native church immedily. This they did, and by the end of June a raupo church s built a 1 Te Aro on the side of the Te Aro stream, which separated il from the Pa.

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REV. JOHN HOBBS.

REV. JOHN HEWGILL BUMBY.

MINARAPA RANGI-HATUAKE.

REV. JAMES BULLER.

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Dm- cannot speak too highly of these native teachers who ind. Some of them had been slaves, hut their eceived, and the hearts of many of their follow hanged through their faithful work. Minarapa, rently their leader, lived to he a very old man and in his later years related the story of the beginnings of

■ impact of these Christian teachers on their fellow , . ;uch that the ground was well prepared for the igrants. The eft'eel of the spread of the ; amongst the natives of this land was truly wonderful. The more so when one realises that so many, on hearing the -. immediately turned from the cruel, revengeful and barous habits that had been ingrained in them.

Rev. Richard Davies relates that when the members of the Tory landed at Petone on Sunday. 20th September, 1839, being received by the natives with the war dance, they net quietly on the beach by a deputation of natives, and were conducted into the Pa, where they sat down until Divini ■■■ was concluded, which was conducted with ureal irum by a native.

The surgeon of the Tory stated thai "the natives are the St behaved we have yet seen; they have prayers nighl and lich are read by a native instructed by the English ssionaries."

MEETING THE FIRST EMIGRANTS.

In November, 1839, at the request of Mr. Biimby, the Rev. James Buller sel out on his epic journey in order to establish a now station among the Maoris of Port Nicholson. He travelled overland from Kaipara, a two months' journey, and everywhere he found that Maori tribes were building churches, learning to read and eager for religious instruction. He reached Port Nicholson on January 20th, 1840, and next day visited the natives at Te Aro pa. Here he learnt thai Colonel Wakefield bad bought, on behalf of the New Zealand Company. the whole of the land in Port Nicholson, including that set aside by Mr. Bum by as a site for the mission. This purchase had been made over the heads of the Te Aro natives, who had built a chapel and partially built a residence for the expected isionary "on the land." Only two of the six natives who had previously received payment from the missionary accepted the same from (!olonel Wakefield.

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wing day the Aurora (Captain Heale) arrived, bringing the first batch of emigrants to settle here. After gaining permission of the captain, Mr. Buller, on Sunday. 26th January, 1840, preached a sermon aboard the vessel the firsl distinctly Christian European service in Port Nicholson.

In the account of these proceedings to the mission. Mr. Buller noted the prevailing desire of the people to he near a mission station, some being rather fearful of the natives, and he ssed a hope that these emigrants would lie a well-ordered community, and also stressed the importance of an English missionary heme stationed here at such a critical time lor the 10th ol' the natives and the colonists: and hut for the trouble which had arisen over the mission site, felt much disposed to remain himself, hut felt impelled to report to the superintendent first.

METHODISTS ABEIVE.

Though - it lis were yet to pass before a missionary could be sent, the next few boats brought with them a number of Cornish Methodists. These built | ses in Pi >y side mi a shingly bank which was known as Cornish Bow. Among them were Messrs. Udy, a local preacher: Poad, Burt, Cundy, Tucker. Williams am! others. At once they d prayer meetings ami public services mi Sunday afternoons. The numbers were adde the arrival .if .Mr. David Lew is. afterwards to become a prominent Chip ami Mi-. Jenkins, who was subseq yed as a Cateehisl among the Mauris. The Bengal Merchant broughl no additions to tin- Methodisl floek, but in the />»/,'! of Roxburgh were several others, among them the Smiths and Currys. The Adelaide, which did nut arrive before the 6th March, had annum her passengers two useful local preachers .James Swan and Charles Hunl also the Luxford family. Mr. Luxford was the brother of Mesdames Swan and Hunt, and their mother was converted under John Wesley's preaching. They had therefore an hereditary attachment to the Church, which has been well maintained in all the subsequent years. On thi evening of their arrival they attended a prayer meeting held near ''Cornish Row." It was conducted by Mr. Cdy. and the opening hymn was "Come ye thai love the Lord." Messrs. Swan and Hunt threw themselves heartilv into the work.

These services ceased, however, when on 25th May, 1840, Cornish Row was destroyed by fire; and when it was decided to change the site of the town many of these families removed to Thorndon.

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REV. JOHN ALDRED TIIL FIRST SETTLED MINISTER.

the mission was reinforced by the arrival at 3. "I. Buddie, Skevington and Turton, with I the Revs. .1. Aldred. T. Buttle ami <;. Smales, . They had .journeyed from England together iboul eighl months en route. With this muehdition the mission was now able to open up new se to the urgem need of the people in I'ort Nicholson Mr. Bumby's choice tell mi the Rev. John Aldred.

In his own words Mr. Aldred tells how la- -tailed his work in Port Nicholson. "On Christmas day I held two services with . and on Sunday the 27th the same, and in the evening a in English and baptised an infant. mgregation consist,.,l of seven persons. My text was irinthians viii. !>: 'For ye know the grace of our Lord ist, that though lie was rich, yel for your sakes He ior, that ye through His poverty mighl be rich.'

7th February, 1841, we held our firsl class meeting. s were Mrs. W. Sykes, Mrs. I': ter to the Rev. Wholers, Lutheran missionary, Ruapuke . i Miss McCellan I later Mrs. ETeldl ."

Tlic ices were held in the native chapel at Te Aro iequently well attended by both natives and xact location of this chapel is uncertain. Dr. Morley, who had the advantage of knowing many early thai it was built on the cast side of the Te Aro fterwards the public pound stood. This in later days was at the apex of the triangle at the intersection of -civet and Dixon Street, the third side of the triangle being Cuba Street. (In August, 1841, Governor Efobson subscribed £lO towards two public pounds: one al Tc Aro, the other at Kaiwarra.) This would place the sit.- of the Raupo Chapel at approximately the position where the Methodist Memorial and Fountain now are. The mission house and garden which Mr. Aldred found on Ids arrival were also located on this triangle, and explains the reason why Mr. Felton Mathew, the Surveyor-General, at Governor Hobson*s bidding, located the I.' : oon this particular piece of land. As this spot had previously been set aside by the Mew Zealand Company toe a Market Reserve, the Rev. John Whiteley, finding thai a feeling of opposition existed on account of this, wrote to Commissioner Spain and said that it was the wish of the

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Wesleyan body not to provoke opposition, bul to secure the goodwill ol' all. and that for an equally eligible situation and an equal quantity of land, they would have no objection to an exchange should public accommodation require it. So this wonderful site, containing an acre in area, was later exchanged for a quarter of an acre on the western side of Cuba Street with a main frontage to Manners Street. An acre of land on the Terrace, alongside of the Roman Catholic Cemetery Reserve, was ai the same lime granted for a Parsonage Reserve. After tlie fire in IS7!>. the greater part of the reserve in Manners Street was sold, but the corner of Cuba Street and Manners Street is still held by the Wesley Church Trustees, and the income obtained has been used through the years to help finance churches in other circuits and Home and Foreign Mission enterprise. The Parsonage Reserve has hum' since been sold.

The reason for the "tabooing" of such a large area in 183!) lor a Mission Station was largely due to the fart that the missionaries had the welfare of the Maoris al heart: and the taking of an option over the land would proteet thai ari least, for tlie natives. The natives of Te Aro Pa. however, protested that they had not sold to the X.Z. Land Company, and in the end they were granted several acres of land in Manners Streel and Courtcnay Place, which removed the necessity for further protection, and the claim by the Mission for the land illy tabooed was allowed to drop.

A description is given in a letter in November, 1841 : "Mr. Aldred, the VVesleyan Missionary here, conducts the service in the Native language. The chapel is generally full of natives, who listen with great attention. A great many of them have books and they all join in singing the hymns with might and main. The building is a native erection made of poles tied with flax, without a nail being used, and thatched on the roof and sides. 11 is a good deal out of repair and the number of the congregation depends on the state of tlie weather."

According to one who worshipped there: "The congn linn became one of the liveliest that 1 was ever in; in fact, so lively thai neither parson nor people eoidd sit still in the church. At last the nuisance became quite intolerable, and we had to quit."

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THE EXCHANGE.

\1 r. Aldred puts it. "This unfloored building, as tgined, for many reasons was not a comfortable English worshippers," and so the Exchange was 'or services on Sundays. "This," continues Mr. Aldred. "was greatly to our advantage, Eor our congregation lly increased, and the place was soon comfortably filled. Our Wellington Church, from the very beginning, has been -ood singing, and in those early days we had igsl our worshippers some six or eight female voices far e the average. The hearty congregational singing of that '! have never forgotten. "

It is a matter of more than passing interest to know that Ixehange, in which so many Christian services were held, is still standing.* No longer facing the open sea. the tide of progress lias left this precious relic of our past high and dry. hemmed in by commercial buildings and fronting the narrowest of streets. Bui here it is to-day—added to. old and squat, dishevelled and down at the heels—in its heyday the meeting place of the people of the town. Here public meetings were chandise was auctioned, files of papers were perused and Lloyds hooks kept. It was here that Coventor l-'itzroy in 1843 met the natives of Te Aro and final payment was made for the purchase of this city.

' This building is in Bond Street (formerly Old Customhouse Street), and stands between Lombard Street and Cornhill Street.

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One car. picture Parai standing by the glittering silver heaped upon the table, picking up a shilling and exclaiming: 'I ain not satisfied with this: it is hut the price of a loaf of bread or the payment tor a bunch of thistles. I will not have it." Or Mold, as he appealed to His Excellency: '■Let your thoughts be straight and fair: we arc Christians and will not lie deceived. Governor, let your thoughts be straight. You arc appointed to settle all our disputes; you arc on earth, • 'hrist is in heaven, therefore let your thoughts lie just." And we can hear the measured words of the Rev. Samuel Ironside as he sought to persuade the natives, his people, to accept payment for the land. But dearer than all is the memory that here in this humble building our forebears were glad to meet together in Christian fellowship, and that these walls have resounded to their soiius of praise and prayer. These services were held in the afternoon and "the time

arrived," writes Mr. Aldred. "when our people were not satisfied with only the afternoon service in the Exchange, and an evening service was arranged for in whal was called Wade's Saleroom. This room was generously offered to us without charge." Wade's saleroom or store was situated in Lombard Street. It was (dose to the Exchange and also fronted the beach. A 1 this time Te Aro was the eommerc end of the town: several wharves in front of their respective stores were in daily use. Vessels of 70 or 80 tons, loading and unloading, presented "the most bona fide Irasiness-liki : arance of the whole town." Houses and shops were being built and the Flat was fast becoming po]

FIRST QUARTERLY MEETING.

The mission house was nol completed till some five months after Mr. Aldred arrived. Ii was in this mission house September, 1842, that the firsi quarterly eting was held the firsi meeting for organising the societies in the Circuit. In the "History of Methodism" Dr. Morley, who had sources information not now available, states thai "Wellington nol only had the firsi minister, bul was the first formally to organise a Circuil after the English model." The members presenl were the Rev. J. Aldred (in the chair), .Messrs. ('nicy. Jenkins, Lewis. Swan and Hunt. "The chairman reported thai he hj meeting two classes one on Thursday evening and another on Wednesday afternoon. Mr.Caley was authorised to lend a class al Ins In.use on Tinakori Road, where a preaching station was

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nenced; Mr. Lewis, to organise one at his residence ; dr. Hunt at Petone. (Mr. Aldred's first visit to Petone in Sunday, February 18th, 1841.) There were reported In lie five authorised local preachers, viz.: .Messrs. Hunt. Swan. Jenkins. Miller, and J. Harding. Mr. Caley was appointed t Steward. At the first meeting no report of finance was presented. Subsequent entries are of a mixed kind, and cover iety of subjects. In some respects they were aristocratic, for there is an expenditure of 8/- for 2 lbs. of wax candles, and iir 5 lbs. mould ditto. Presumably the former were for the pulpit, and the latter for the congregation. On various the quarterly meeting was not held on account of stormy weather, and for a year the entries arc simply that they were postponed. Evidently the social means of grace were highly prized, for in the first tew entries payment for bread and buns for the Love Feasts regularly occur. Provision Jso made for the Lord's Supper, by three turned plates vo wooden cups being provided. The stewards were very nt men, and not disposed to commit themselves to undue expenditure. At one quarterly meeting four common lamps ordered for the congregation, but owing, we presume, to traitness of funds, the order was withheld. Suggestive lents on the state of affairs commercially appear in the item of 8/- debited as discount on debenture and an LO.U. for dishonoured. What are to-day known as trust accounts ippear regularly in the early entries in the shape of rent rent for the Exchange, 2 quarters, £6/10/0) and in payment for lighting and cleaning. Considerable difficulty was at times experienced in regard to finance. At first the items of income were subscriptions from the classes and the timehonoured quarterly collection."

In February, 1542. Mr. Aldred was transferred to the Nelson district. Writing in 1844, the Hew Walter Lawry described how he and the Rev. Thomas Buddie "had sel aside by the imposition of hands and of prayer the Rev. John Aldred, whose testimony before the congregation was received with delight, as well it might be, as it exhibited one called and chosen and faithful." He took some part in the affairs of the town, collecting on behalf of the sufferers of the tire which occurred in October, 1542. when some 57 houses, a great number of which belonged to the labouring classes, were destroyed and the loss estimated at £15,970. At the public meeting called in the Exchange he said it was the duty of each to aid another

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at all times and under all circumstances, and especially when calamities like the present occurred; he trusted all would do :he utmost of their power; they ought not to be ruled by convenience: they ought to sacrifice some of their comforts and luxuries: now was tile time when they should put (heir shoulders to the wheel lor the relief of their suffering follow townsmen. £3 '2 8 was obtained for the relief of the sufferers from a special collection made by the members of the .Methodist society and congregation.

It was the Rev. John Aldred's lot to return to the district on two subsequent occasions when he resided at the Hutt. And right down through the years we find his name recurring as he spoke at various functions in the district. Born and brought up in the Anglican Church, he was a Methodist by conviction and choice. Untiring, persevering and sympathising, his personal visitations to the members of his flock tended in a great measure to knit together in the bonds of Christian fellowship the members of the society, and he gained a lasting place in the affections of both the settlers and the natives.

REV. GEORGE BUTTLE.

His successor was the Rev. George Buttle, who ministered tor but a few months.

At this time .Mr. .Mayo was appointed Circuit Steward. .Mi-. Lewi- Inning been temporarily transferred.

When .Mr. Aldred left, the society had 40 members with one on trial, but now it was suffering through having no permanent building to worship in. Writing from Nelson in June. 1842, to the Rev. James linker. .Mr. Aldred told how he was troubled by the letters from some i embers of his late congregation. Afraid thai the best congregation in New Zealand was broken up. he appealed to .Mr. Buller that some provision mighl be made for them.

About July. L 843, the Rev. Gideon Smales took over the mission. He was very interested in the welfare of the natives. He was reputed to have advised the natives bury one of their dead within the precincts of Te Aro Pa, and was the subject of much malicious correspondence in the papers owing to his having purchased a quantity id' gunpowder which in his absence up country was placed in safe custody. The explanation was quite reasonable, being thai it was the canisters in which the powder was packed and their cheapness that induced him to make the purchase.

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REV. G SMALES. May-Dec, 1843.

REV. J. BUTTLE. Jan.-May, 1843.

■ 1 REV. S. IRONSIDE. Aug., 1843-1848.

REV. J. WATKIN.

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lie married Miss I'.urn by. the sister of the Rev. John Hewgill I'.limby. It was Miss Buinby who bronchi the firsl three hives of bees to New Zealand.

It is to be noted that up to 1842 purchases for the mission hail been made in Sydney and Hobart Town: but now purchases were made locally, the better part of 61,000 worth of goods having been bought in Port Nicholson during the year.

A NEW CHURCH.

It was during the Rev. Smales' short term that it was resolved to erect a temporary church building. Many of the friends offered to give the labour free of expense, independent of their promised subscriptions to a fund for a chapel on a scale. According to a notice in the "X.Z. Journal," 3rd February, this church was built on the site set aside lor a market reserve. It was opened on Sunday. 13th August, 1843, when the Rev. Gideon Smales preached at the morning service, the Hew John Aldred from Nelson at : '> p.m.. am Fti S. Ironside of Cloudy Bay at li p.m. On the following .Monday a tea was held, admission by ticket only, and hut a limited number of tickets was available. "This building was subsequently enlarged to seat 130 and often double that number wished to attend. It had three narrow' windows on - side, and was originally Hi feet by 22

Mr. Ironside occupied the chair at the following quarterly ng and congratulated the >n having tin chapel completed and opened. It was thankfulness thai we have now a place in which we can hold our private as well as our public means of grace. The membership at this time had risen to fifty. The native membershi] also increasing. The diary of -Mrs. Waters records that ''on the last day of 1843 at II I heard Rev. Samuel Ironside "Christ who is our life" and much enjoyed it. In the i n attended a native Love Peast and fell my soul much drawn nut for the other pool- heathen. Thirty-four spoke, so ready were they to teil what Cod had done for them: it put mi' to sha

REV. SAMUEL IRONSIDE.

Wellington was very fortunate in having such a sterling character ;is the Rev. Samuel Ironside in the distriel in I period of fear and distrust thai followed the Wairau tragedy of 17th June, 1843. His heroic action in immediately setting out in a whalehoal in the face of a furious gale to the scene

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of disaster to assist the survivors and give Christian burial to the fallen, was acknowledged on both sides of Cook Strait, and the settlers of Nelson forwarded to him at Wellington a presentation of D'Oyley's and Mant's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, bound in three volumes, "as a small token of their of the courage and humanity he displayed." He played an important part in inducing the natives to sign the Treaty of Waitangi, and his signature is also on the Treaty.

Samuel Ironside was trusted by the people and the Press al e when many were suspicious of those who had influence the natives. The natives claimed land that the New Zealand Company had portioned out. the settlers- -the innocent party —being the sufferers. The arrival of each boal meanl a influx of people, with a consequent rise in the price of mdities. Every emigrant ship brought out some members of the Methodist society.

In December, 1843. he writes: "Our English cause here is last rising from that cold, heartless state in which it was a few months back. Our chapel, a little box of a place, is two-thirds too small. Of a Sabbath evening more have gone away than could get in (not being able to squeeze in the porch). Would to God that there were more money here, or that our come had it in their power to help us. 11' I had an independent fortune we would build at once; but I have not. and our ids are all poor. In fact, business never was worse. The ■ ants go down to their stores in the morning and spend ■ day either whiling about, or turning over their bonks for perhaps the hundredth time, and then go home. How we are to get a chapel 1 do not know. The society is also increasing; we lately added four members and several others are received on trial. Prejudice is also much on the decline. We have added 20 or 30 members since I came here and expect that God will revive His work even among the New Zealanders, ami that they shall come by thousands into the spiritual church of Christ."

THE GOVERNOR HELPS.

Encouragement, however, came from an unexpected quarter. On January 27th. 1544. His Excellency Governor Fitzroy arrived at Wellington and held a levee at Barrett's Hotel in the afternoon, at which Mr. Ironside was present. "In the short conversation which I had with him on being presented. His Excellency manifested the utniosl kindness. He had seen the Rev. Walter I,awry several times previous to his leaving

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England, expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of tin Wesleyan missionaries, and promised to render them all the assistance in his power. His Excellency -ranted me a private interview on the 31st, and was pleased to ask my opinion on several points of interest to the aborigines, about which he was anxious to have all the information he could. Hi' particularly referred to the late disastrous conflict at Wairau and requested that I would hide nothing from him of which I might be aware, that he might lie the better qualified to decide on the case. His Excellency again said that lie should render us any assistance it was in his power to afford for the erection of chapels or schools. The satisfaction which I felt on this latter point induced me at once to call a meeting of the building committee and see what we could do privately in order to meet the Governor's proposition. The members of the committee were even more sanguine than myself, and it was determined to canvass tin- town at once. The result was money paid. £9O; promised. £5O; promise of labour. £4O; total. £lOO. The building of the size required will cost £5OO to finish it. but we can get the roof on and the doors and windows in for about £320. Now we may safely calculate on getting £2OO here, and the Company's grant and Government assistance will, we trust, enable us to finish the chapel free from debt. At any rate, we have determined not to go further than putting on the roof, till we can do it without leaving a debt on the chapel. Our circumstances beinu' considered so favourable, we have ci tenced operations, relying on the blessiny of Cod. The building which we have commenced is 39 feet by 4S feet, and 22 (cvi in the clear. It is to be of brick, and is calculated to seat 300 persons, however, we suppose 400 will be able to yet in. His Excellency Governor Fitzroy laid the foundation stone of the new chapel. The weather was very unpropitious but a large company attended, both native and English, and the speech of His Excellency was most liberal and kind."

I" the evening a large number, despite the weather, attended a tea in the Exchange.

The building, designed by Mr. R. Stokes, a journalist, was described as one of the most substantial and ornamental buildings in the town. It was thought to be rather high for such a place as Port Nicholson. Vet as the walls were 18 inches thick and the timbers supporting the walls and the roof were proportionately strong, that there would be no fear but thai the building would stand for many years. This chapel was

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buil - south-west corner of Cuba and Manners mission house and garden lay between the chapel and Cuba Street. This was not the original mission house 11 by the natives, though it must have been built before 1X47. The opening services of the Church took place on sth December, 1>44, and a tea and public meeting were held on rhursday. These were well attended, and ording to the newspaper, "the collections, which amounted ly 'Mil. were exceedingly liberal and afforded a good enevolent feeling of the public of Wellington. We have no doubt thai had times been better the sum which was realised would have been doubled."

Dr. Morley states that "up to this time tin- service of pi I by All-. Howe with a clarionet, while .Mr. and .Mrs. Fisher were the chief singers. At this meeting the clarionet ■ reinforced by a piccolo, a bass viol and a violin. From ■ time a change was made, and instead of giving out the hymns two lines at a time, the whole verse was announced. singing was said to have been first-class. About half church was provided with pews—straight backed—and ovided with a lock and key for the seat holders. Tin' Mnder had plain seats without backs, known as free seats. At the end opposite the minister was the singers' gallery. tine was provided by four chandeliers of eighl candle lent the unfortunate who sat underneath did not ice in 'Mhe droppings of the sanctuary."

THE MAORI WORK.

The Maoris were not neglected as to their chapel. The old raupo church built on the Te Aro Flat had been blown down in a very heavy gale. To replace this a new- chapel was built he western corner of Luke's Lane and Manners Street. where the Manners Street branch of the Commercial Bank now- stands. It was opened on Sunday. 14th December. IS4-T Native service to commence at !) a.m. and an English sermon by the Rev. J. Watkin at •'! p.m.

lii January, 1846, the Rev. Samuel Ironside reported thai the native work on the whole was in a healthy state. Our quarterly sacraments at three of the principal places, namely, Wellington, Porirua, and Te Pari Pari, were attended by upwards of TO communicants, with 100 in other places. A new weather-board chapel had been opened at Te Aro Pa. native schools well attended and pupils apt. The native school in

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OPENING PAGE OF BAPTISMAL REGISTER. Commenced December, 27th, 1840. Closed November 7th, 1926. 5,596 entries, including 849 from the Cloudy Bay district. This Register records the Baptism of many Maoris, including a number of Native Chiefs. 31 Natives were Baptised in 1841 and 190 in 1842.

n, he states, "is a tax on our time as we have the whole of it to attend to ourselves, there being no schoolmaster on the tion; yet if the natives are benefited we are content to or." In regard to the English work, he reports that "our large chapel here continues to he well attended. .Many of the ■> respectable citizens have taken sittings in it and they attend the services of the Sabbath regularly; our members are 104. an increase of 20 on flic preceding quarter. Besides our large town chapel, we have two good weather-boarded chapels in the country at five and ten miles distant, which we supply iften as our other engagements will permit. We have imeneed another weather-board chapel in a village seven miles away (Johnsonville), which we hope to occupy in n tth or two. Besides these three chapels we have preaching in three other villages in dwelling houses, and owing to the E local help (only one local preacher in town) our taxed how to supply these places. We each (Mr. Watkin was the other minister) have nine preaching and other [tend in the week, namely, two Maori and two English services on the Sabbath and five others during the week. This is exclusive of the native school, which we have every day from five to half-past six p.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

"Sunday Schools.—There is one containing upwards of 100 irs connected with our town chapel, and three others averaging .'io in each at the country places. Another will lie commenced next Sunday at the Hutt, but our efforts have been and are cramped for want of school books. The ( British I Sunday School Union has just sent a quantity to lie distributed anion"' the various schools in New Zealand. To that Union our warmest thanks are due for their benevolence."

As far as can be ascertained the honour of starting the first Sunday School belonged to Mr. Caley in 1841, though the Rev. John Aldred, in 1890, stated the first Sunday School was eomnced by Mr. Bradshaw and Mr. Bli Allen in Wade's Store in 1842, when a proper roll book was started. Northend fJooder being the first scholar on the roll.*

*Xote. —As the Centenary History of the Sunday School is to be published shortly, references to the School are omitted from this publication.

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THE DAY SCHOOL.

Hn the 22nd April. 1846, a "public meeting of parties interested in the promotion of education was held m the Wesleyan Schoolroom. .Manuel's Street. The Rev. James Watkin presided, and it was resolved thai it appears highly needful that something be done to promote the intellectual, moral and religious improvement of the children in Wellington, especially those of the working classes; that lo further this important object a day school be formed on the most approved principles to be called 'The Wellington Wesleyan Day School' for children of all religious denominations; that I he school be under the managemenl of a committee to consist of a President. Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and twelve others, half of whom shall be members of the Wesleyan Society: that the Superintendent of the Wellington Circuit of the Wesleyan .Mission for the time being be the President, the second preacher be the Vice-President; Win. Fitzherbert, Esq., Treasurer: John Wade. Esq., Secretary: and .Messrs. Caley. Robinson. Waters. Wallace. Houghton, Fisher, Howe, [rving. Lewis, tnglis, Kitchen and Duck be the first Committee.

The school was opened on the Bth June with Mr. Thomas Caley as .Master. The fees were as follows:- Por reading and writing, 4d. per week; for reading, writing and arithmetic, grammar and geography, lid. per week: and the hours of attendance were from 9 to 12 o'clock in the morning and from 2to 4 o'clock in the afternoon. At the end of the year the Master [■eported thai 146 children had been admitted since the commencement of the school. 71 had left through various reasons, and 75 scholars were on the books.

The school did not last long, however. The Rev. James Watkin, writing on 6th September, 1851, said: "A Wesleyan schoolmaster for this town would be a blessing. We had a flourishing school, and pretty well fitted up. but the teacher had better prospects as a tradesman, and left us; since then we have had no school." The minute hook, which has preserved, ends abruptly on 18th November, 1847.

EXTENSION OF THE WORK.

At the September quarterly meeting, 1846, it was resolved thai a distinct society be formed al the River Hull. Bro. Poad to be Society Steward. This must have been rather gratifying in face of the fad that al thai time the position of the settlers

21

the Hlltt was very insecure. Gillespie and his son had been iy natives, who had intruded themselves on the River 16th May "a company of 50 soldiers stati d veve surprised by the natives, just before dayid six killed on the spot."

Amongst them was Bugler Allen, ami Mr. Ironside writes: "The I ad obtained the bugle belonging to the company re; on a calm, still morning, the bugle may be m the hills, playing away as it' to spite and taunt the soldiers. lam sorry to say." he continues, "that many persons their calamities to any cause but tin- righl one. The iiment and the missionaries are. of course, blamed by and the Company by others; whereas the cause is. in my opinion, our irreligion. In the midst of all we labour on through good and evil report, and are cheered with several additions to the society. All the pews in the chapel are let. and more are required. The native congregations are as well mid expect."

In dune. IS4T. satisfaction was recorded that the chapel at Porirua Road had been secured to the Connexion on the ference Plan.

THE KARTHQUAKE.

On the evening of 14th October in the following year ngton was visited by a severe earthquake and another severe the following day. and amongst other buildings a ere destroyed was that of the brick church in .Manners ;. Writing of the event at the time Mr. Ironside said:

••The Tuesday afternoon class was meeting in the mission house, all secure, as they thought, in a room within fiftei tr large chapel, which had been previously injured, and the east wall of which was vibrating over then' heads in a most fearful manner. Through Cod's mercy it remained standing, though perilous to the passenger. I was never so impressed with the almighty power of Clod as when standing in the streets and beholding the large heavy brick buildings toppling over in every direction." Barrack-Sergeanl l.ovell. who had for many years been a local preacher and class leader. was walking past the stores of which he had charge, with two of his little children playing about him. when the earthquake came and they were buried in the ruins of the walls from both sides of the street. They were immediately dim out. but one child had been killed and the father and the other child were

22

BRICK CHURCH AND PARSONAGE, MANNERS STREET. Opened December, 1844. Destroyed by Earthquake October, 1848. Cuba Street is at the bottom left-hand corner. The mound in the right-hand corner was built tor purposes of defence after the Wairau Massacre.

Opened February, 1850. Rebuilt 1867.

badly injured they died later. Rev. James Watkin's family a rrow escape from the shattered (dmpel. On the Sunday lowing .Mr. Ironside mounted a stool near the ruined church - d iii 1 he open a

In appealing for help from the Society in England, Mr. Watkin wrote: "The late convulsions have been rendered a ing to some. They have been led to serious thoughl and. I hope, to repentance. Believers have been quickened in their course, and I think the moral t ■of society in - improved."

ANOTHER rill'RCH

In January, 1849, Rev. Samuel Ironside and .Mr. David cretaries of the Building Committee, called a meeting s a result, by the end of February tenders were let for rection of a new Wesleyan Church. The church was built e site id' the former one. Mr. E. Roberts was the architect Eollowing is its description from the "Spectator." The . in Gothic style, built of framed limber, the outside uted on lath and the inside lined and papered. With in the lancet windows in front, it is 4S feet lone. 30 feet wide and 32 feet high to the apex of the roof, which is The interior has a lofty and cheerful appearance and is up with pews and a row of free seats in the centre. At the end of the building, on a raised step or platform, is the At the west end a gallery has been constructed, the e of which has been appropriated to the choir. The building is capable id' accommodating 300 persons.

The opening services were held on Sunday. 10th February. 1850. After a prayer meeting at 7 a.m.. the Rev. J. Watkin conducted the service at 11 o'clock. The Rev. John Aldred preached in the afternoon from the Gospel of St. John, chapter 7, verses 37 and 38. The Rev. John [nglis of the Reformed Presbyterian Church conducted the evening service. The opening services were continued on the following day when Mr. Woodward preached in the forenoon. A tea, which was the largely attended of any hitherto, and a public meeting, completed the opening ceremonies. Though the building was not quite completed, some £B4O had been expended, of which t714 had already been raised.

REV. JAMES WATKIN

In 1854 the Rev. .lames Watkin, whose health had been indifferent for some time, removed to Sydney. Described

24

WELLINGTON CIRCUIT, WESLEYAN PREACHERS' PLAN.

DECEMBER QUARTER, 1848.

“ Holding fast the faithful word.”—Tin - * i. 9.

QC Quarterly Collection—CC Chapel Collection—C Society Meeting—S Sacrament—T Renewal of Ticket*, t Miaaionary Prayer Meeting.

Quarterly Fast, December 29—Quarterly Meeting, December 27, at Aglionby

N B —The Steward* will be careful to hare the rarion* Sacrament*, Collection*. Ac., announced on the prerious Siihbatli

J. WATKIN, Svjieriufendnil

PriaM •' tk« Sr*cr*Tom OBcr

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as ■ disposition, vivacious in manner and racy in tiart ed as a father among his children and secured the strong attachment of his people.

During the latter pari of Rev. .J. Watkin's ministry his inister was the Pew Charles Creed, who had succeeded M r. Watkin at Waikouaiti. Mr. Creed had previously founded the sion in Taranaki.

Writing from Sydney in I*4o to the Rev. .James Buller, Mr. Watkin said: "Your journey to Port Nicholson was long ■ ous, hut I trust the result will more than compensate amount of toil undergone and dangers braved; hut you name that place as my station and perhaps as yours; would it were to be the case." But Mr. Watkin was destined ins - . to found the first mission in the South Island, then to spend ten years in Port Nicholson, and at last to be succeeded by the man whom he would have loved to have had as a colleague; bill Mr. Bumby said: "Two such men cannot be allowed to be together."

Till-; SECOND EARTHQUAKE.

On 23rd February, is.")."). Wellington experienced another earthquake, and this time the mission In.use was '•ted. Repairs also had to he made to the church. This ery happy start for the Rev. James Buller when in April. .Mr. Lewis, the Circuit Steward, who the meantime had returned to Wellington, sent out an appeal to all members and friends and reminded them that from the foundation of the Society in IS4O t,, 1855. in no tance did its quarterly income from all sources reach £3O, and pointed out how- ureal was their indebtedness to the Weslevan Missionary Society.

In his circuit report of Is.").") Mr. Buller states that the Wellington congregation fluctuated from 100 to 250. Our native cause in the town had by this time languished. On the sale of their lands the majority of the natives had drifted to other districts, and at this time the usual attendance at the .Maori Church, now dilapidated and shattered by earthquakes, was only from ten to twenty. These were ministered to twice on Sunday and frequent visits paid to them during the week. The extent of the work is revealed when one realises that there were only two ministers to serve both the Europeans and Natives in the Circuit: Wellington, Porirua, Waikanae, the Wairarapa and the Hutt.

26

"In L 855, led by the splendid donation of £2OO from .Mr. dames May ;i trustee) probably the first pipe organ used in a Wesleyan Church in New Zealand was obtained, and the clarionet and orchestra superseded."

REY. JAMES BULLER.

The lj,-i .1. Buller, who was Superintendent for five years, was then in his prime, exceptionally strong, methodical, and energetic, an aide preacher, and taking an interest in public affairs, lie made a dec]) impression upon the community. He took an active part in the local criticism of the Education Hill, and during his ministry here His Excellency Governor (hire Browne sought his advice on the conduct of the government paper "The Maori Messenger," and was the recipient of a dispatch from Id Downing Street, an acknowledgment on the pari of Her Majesty's Governmenl for very valuable assistance led to them on the subjeel of administration of native affairs.

In LB6O Mr. Buller was followed by the Rev. John Warren. who was described as a man of rare personal charm, and as a ■her in European Circuits was exceedingly fresh and attractive.

(in the departure of Mr. Warren in 1862 the Rev. John Aldred returned for the next two years as Superintendent Mil ister and was ably helped by the Rev. Joht i . who was thanked at the end of his term of office "for his sound doctrinal and argumentative sermons, which have tended y to the building up of the church and the edification of our people generally."

The Rev. Kaae Harding succeeded the Rev. John Aldred. II as an excellent extemporaneous preacher and exceedingly in earnest.

NEW CHURCH i.N MANNERS STREET.

By this time the Manners street Church was well out of repair; weather-boards were rotting, the hinges were losl from the doors of the pews, and the building was in a shockiiig statt' when in 1867 the Rev. William Kirk arrived. The people \ responded to his appeal for funds for rebuilding. And at noon on Monday, 30th December, 1867, His Honour Dr. Isaac Karl Peatherston, Superintendent of the Province, laid lundation stone on the same site as the old church. His

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LAST AND HANDSOMEST OF THE MANNERS STREET CHURCHES. Opened September, 1868. Destroyed by fire June, 1879. Corner of Cuba Street and the Market to the left. Bethune & Hunter's Saleyard in foreground.

Honour, while stressing that the new building; was long overdue, assured the people that in that building, now no more, he d listened to as aide discourses as he had ever heard in Britain; and brought a thrill to all good Methodists present when he added that rare personal touch by alluding to the I that it was in Dr. Featherston's grandfather's house that .John Wesley made his headquarters when visiting Durham and ■ neighbouring counties, and that he as a youngster had personally known two of the most polished orators of the Methodist Church—Newton ami Theophilus Lessey.* The Rev. William Morley gave a brief history of the church. This was followed in the evening by a tea and a public meeting, over which Dr. Dennett presided.

►Rev. Theophilus Lessey, President of the Wesleyan Conference, preached the valedictory sermon at the service which was attended by the Rev. John Ahlred and his brethren before they England.

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REV. WILLIAM KIRK.

The church, which was a very handsome one. designed by .Mr. Tringham, was opened on 13th September, 1868. The Rev. William Kirk preached from St. Paul's Epistle to the Philippians, chapter 11. verse 16: '-Holding forth the word of life." The Rev. W. Paterson preached in the afternoon and the Rev. ■I. Rigg in the evening. Special anthems were rendered under the baton of Mr. W. Tonks. Jnr. The usual tea and public meeting followed on the Monday night ami the opening services were continued on the next Sunday. The cost of the building was £2,390, of which sum at the time of opening tinamount of £1,090 had been subscribed. The success of this undertaking was due to the energy of the Rev. William Kirk, who personally obtained the greater pari of the contributions. He was born in Epworth and as a child played around the tombstone of the Rev. Samuel Wesley, from which John Wesley preached. He was wry friendly with later the Hon. W. I'.. Rhodes, also born in Ep ml whose grandfather had saved the life of John Weslej at the tit the reetory tire. It is related that he often d to contributi towards a peal of bells for the new church, but the offer declined as it was considered that tl tld not be strong enough. On his death he beque; the Wesleyan Church for educational purposes. This was distributed amongst the Sunday Schools at Dixon Street. Molesworth Street, Adelaide Road, Johnsonville and Ohat

I ntil 1867 the Wairarapa had been ministered to from Wellington. In that year the Rev. J. Rishworth was appointed to reside in fireytown, and in the following year the Wairarapa became a separate Circuit. Previously the pulpits were mostly supplied liy local preachers Mr. Udy al Greytown and Messrs. Jones and Perry in Masterton, and Mr. Cundy, with a quarterly visit from the Wellington minister. The Rev. R. L. V T ickers, third minister in Wellington, who had this branch the Circuit in his special charge, was a man of dash and energy, a splendid horseman, though stories wen Ids reckless riding.

REV. THOMAS BUDDLE.

Mr. Kirk had done splendid won-; during his term of office. Not only had he built a new church, hut many conversions had also taken place; and when in 1870 he was t ransf erred no better successor could have been chosen than the Rev. Thomas

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EARLY MINISTERS. Rev. J. Warren. Rev. R. Bavin. Rev. W. Morley, DD. Rev. I. Harding. Rev. T Buddie. Rev. A. Reid. Rev. W. Kirk. Rev J. Berry. Rev W. Lee.

30

Buddie. A revival took place, the Circuit debt was reduced. Evening services were commenced at Kaiwarra and a site for a church secured. And in L 872 a church was opened in Adelaide Road: a new church was built at Johnsonville; the foundation stone had been laid for a church at Thorndon; the Hull was made a separate Circuit; and membership had increased.

-Mi'. Buddie's co-minister was. tirst Key. G. S. Harper, who h;l '' done -'""1 work in the establishment of the church at Hokitika; and later, the Rev. .1. S. Smalley, who proved an etficieiit labourer both m the pulpit and in (lie home. Mr. Robinson had charge of Porirua, Pahautanui and Horokiwi.

THE BOOK ROOM

At the March quarterly meeting, 1574. the report of a Book Committee appointed at the December meeting was read and it was deeided to form in Wellington a Wesleyan Book Association, by means of which it was hoped that members of the church would be able to get cheaper literature, that a sum of £5O be raised by subscription to be returnable in bob! desired, and that .Messrs. Watt, Goddard, Ralph, .1. Luj Leitch, Russell. Shannon and Dixon be the c ; the sm " of £l5 Ids. was subscribed at the meeting. Books were obtained from England, and the balance sheet of the Association showed some profits, but in June, LBB2, it was decid realise upon the assets.

Rev - ,|)r ' William Morley, later the historian of Methodism m Sew Zealand, followed Mr. Buddie, and the increasing prosperity of the church was lar gl to his greal ability and earnestness. .Material prosperity had. also beet under his superintendence including the disappearance of a heavy deb! and the erection of a parsonage on the Terrace.

rhe Conference of 1876 was held in Wellington and the president for the year, the Rev. James Buller, speaking from the pulpit m the beautiful new church and realising the progress that ha<l been made since his arrival in 1840, was ex claim: "Whal changes have I seen! How far was it from '". v fondesl dreams thai I should see a Conference in \en Zealand, and myself the president!" and recalled how but thirty-six years before, he had pitched his calico lent within ''' Aro p a, 'i tiol on the identical spol on which the church now stood, not far from it.

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REV. ALEXANDER REID.

The president-elect of that year was the Rev. Alexander who was also appointed to the Manners Streel Church. Mi\ Reid had been thoroughly trained at Glasgow, and was sent out in 1848 to take charge of the educational work in the North; and in a letter to Rev. John Whiteley, John Beecham, Secretary to the Wesleyan Mission in England, expressed his high appreciation of his fitness for that type oi work. Mr. Reid was also a missionary whose good work among the natives at a critical time was repeatedly noted by Sir John <o,rst in his book "The Maori King." He is still remembered for his outstanding eloquence as a preacher.

At Mr. Reid's first quarterly meeting in Wellington it was lived that a uniform plan be adopted throughout the circuit of making collections twice on each Sunday and that the plate be carried round to the friends and not placed at the doors.

The record of church collections, started after Mr. David Lewis' appeal in L 855, reveals the fact that as a rule a collection once a month only was made of a Sunday (morning and evening), that there was a quarterly collection in aid of the ty, but the other collections were made for a specific purpose only—Sabbath School. Chapel, Educational, Missionary, and for Aged Ministers. It was not. however, till 1866 thai the collection was regularly made of a Sunday, a plate being nlaced at the door.

During Mr. Reid's ministry, his second minister, Rev. 11. R. Dewsbury. having married, a house was bought in George a parsonage. A section of land in Vogeltown was uted by .Mr. G. Bennett for a church site.

As the organ had seen the besl of its days and was the cans.' of continual complaint and expense, it was decided to procure a new instrument, the trustees present at the meeting subscribing £BO on the spot. The organ gallery was later ipected and a decision conic to as to the size of the organ required. The church had recently been painted and the account of 6191 passed for payment. Owing to their lack of finance the trustees were rather troubled in regard to the George Street house, and it was later decided to sell it. At the same meeting attention was drawn to the fact that the collections wcvv not taken up as they should be in the church gallery and the choir. But, alas, their efforts were all in vain. The painting was fruitless and the organ was never to be required for that church, while their financial worries were In be more than doubled.

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A CONSUMING FIRE.

On Sunday. June loth. 1879, a tire broke out in the Imperial Opera House situated in Manners Street (where now the Regent Theatre stands) immediately opposite the church. An unusually large congregation had just retired ami a prayer meeting was in progress when the sound of the fire bell broughl the meeting to a speedy conclusion. Owing to an insufficienl water supply the firemen were utterly powerless to check the flames. Soon what was described as "the handsomest theatre in New Zealand" was one large mass of fire and the church was doomed to des! rud ion.

The Rev. \Y. J. Williams, who conducted the last service in the church, describes the scene. "A number of willing hands were at work and in a short space of time nearly everything portable in the church was removed to a place of safety. At first it was thought that the schoolroom mighl be savi but tlie sea of tire was rolling across the road with such violence thai all hope of securing any of the church premises disappeared and all that remained was to remove with all speed the Sunday school Library and furniture. The church spire, from its prominent position, was the first to be licked by the flames; from thence the fire spread to thi 'the church; and amid the regrets of thousands of spectators and the tears of many to wdi.au it had been a spiritual home, the fine building was burnt to the ground, and in about two hours after public service, a congregation of about 800 people, and a school of 4011 children, were absolutely homeless."

Renting the Arcade, situated in -Manners Street heU Parish Street and St. Hid Street, a meeting of the congregation was held on the following Wednesday, contributions towards a new church were invited at ed in promises.

Encouraged by this, steps were i lediately taken towards 1 he erection of a new church.

To build in Maimers Streel was oul of the question. L 1 had jusl been included in the brick area, the cost of building in brick was too great, and many, remembering the fate of their church in the 1 s 4>- earthquake, refused to entertain the idea of ever building again in brick; besides, the property bad become extremely valuable as a business -

TARANAKI STREET SITE.

The choice of a site in Taranaki Streel was finally made as being reasonably close to the old church and also as being

3i

ted in a thickly populated part of the town. Here town !45 was purchased for £4,160 from lion. .). Johnstone.

Once more the trustees and the Rev. William Kirk, who oiiths before had commenced his ministry in Wellington for a sec I term, and who had worked so hard for the d the handsome church now- in ruins, put heart and soul into the question of rebuilding. The town was canvassed subscriptions, the old site was cleared and the bricks taken rto the new one. In the meantime. ly school had to be carried on. the old Colonial Hank building was bought for £75 and rebuilt in Taranaki Street for another £4O. Sunday school and Divine services conducted by the local preachers on Sabbath evenings) were also held in this building, which was afterwards shifted to the back of the property, used for tin infant schoolroom, and tit the present time forms part of caretaker's house.

Plans for the new- church were submitted and those of Mr. Thomas Turnbul) were selected, (in tenders being called, that dr. James Wilson was accepted.

THK CORNER STONE.

On Wednesday, 19th November, 1ST!). a 1 5 p.m., the stone was laid by William Hurt Levin, Esq. Within the leaden box which was deposited in an aperture in the foundation stone was the following; document: ''This memorial nf the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Taranaki Street, was laid on Wednesday, the 19th day ot November, by William Unit ienior member of the House of Representatives e City of Wellington. This church was built to replace the church in Manners Street which was destroyed by fire on Sunday evening, June loth. 1879. The Revs. William Kirk and William James Williams, ministers of the Wellington circuit; the Rev. William Kirk (chairman id'the district), and the Rev. William Morley (president ot' the New Zealand Conference), Messrs. David Lewis. William Clark. Charles Edward Luxford, David Kinniburgh, William Tustin. John Fitchett, Joseph Nancarrow, Henry Wrigley, Joe Dixon, George Tiller. ;e Williams. Samuel ('arty. Samuel Danks, John Watt. William Moxham.Thomas Ralph (trustees of the church . Mr. Thomas Turnbull (architect), Mr. .lames Wilson (builder). 'Cast down l>ut not destroyed.' 11. Corinthians. 4th chapter, 9th verse. 'The glory id' this latter house shall he greater than the former, saith the Lord ot' Hosts: ami in this place

34

will 1 give peace, saith the Lord of Hosts.' Haggai, 2nd chapter, 91 hj verse.'

The contents of the box found under the memorial stone of the Maimers Street church were also placed in the box together wilii copies of the circuit plan, daily papers, etc.

In the course of his remarks Mr. Levin said that he especially felt this a most pleasurable duty, as he was a member of another communion, and the events of the day marked an epoch in his life which would not lie speedilv forgotten.

The building was wed in progress by this time.' 5 and any difficulty of borrowing sufficient money to complete was obviated by the raisin- of £4,000 in London at 7%, a cheaper rate than could he obtained here at that time. Within another six months the church was completed, the new organ, which had been ordered before the fire, had arrived and was installed, and gifts were made. .Mr. E. Seagar provided and erected the water engine tor tin- organ; .Mr. Jenness the clock: .Mr. (,'. Tiller eighl collection plates; and Mr. Danks the communion furniture. Mr. Harland was appointed organist and it was ed to name the church "Wesley Church."

GLORY OF TIIH LATTEB HO.USK.

Preceded by a prayer meeting al 7 a.m., the Methodists had their now sanctuary opened on Mare! 14th, 18 Special services were conducted by the Revs. W. Ki 11. I'.. Redstone and W. J. Williams. On Monday even March 15th, the new church was the scene i d organ recital and s: cert, when there wi L,200 persons present. Mr. Angelo Forresl presided at the organ and Mr. S. S. Carty e lucted the choir. The next Sunday the opening services were continued, being conducted by the Rev. Rainsford K.'ivin. and wen- concluded by a tea and public meeting on Tuesday. March X>n\. when the Rev. \V. J. Williams slated that the total outlay in connection with the site, church, org; etc., amounted to about £lO,OOO. To meet this. £1,586 had hi realised in various ways (the insurance on the Manners St:. church was 'J2.OIMI and £6OO on the schoolroom; the loss was estimated to be another £2.500. The insurance was liable to the reduction of £1,350 on mortgage . audi £7OO was expected in fulfilment of promises and £6,000 mighl lie expected on the realisal ion of certain other assets.

The description of the building as given al the time wi The style of architecture is Gothic, and externally the appear-

-.500 had I d locally.

35

ance of the church is massive rather than elegant. Its dimenare: length. 100 ft.; width of front, 60ft.; and height to central finial, 62ft. The principal entrance is by means of a porch, approached by a broad flight of steps, while there is also a smaller entrance on each side of tin main one. Over these side-entrances arc two towers 70ft. high: the towers being square, with high-pitched roof, surmounted with ornamental finials. The building is of totara, with kauri for all inside work, and the roof is of corrugated iron. The interior arrangements of the church are excellent, the scats being semicircular, and the floor sloping from the door towards the rostrum —an arrangement by which every person in the church is brought in full view of the minister. There is si accommodation on the floor of the church for 650, and in the galleries for .'Sot), making 1.001; in all. A neat rostrum is flanked by a spacious organ and choir-gallery. which are commodious vestries. The roof is elliptical, and is divided into panels by heavily-moulded ribs of varnished kauri, which form a striking contrast to the light-tinted roof. There are no less than six means of exit, so that in case of fire the building can be emptied in two minutes.

THE GLORIOUS SUCCESSION.

The preachers on the plan for 1880 were the Rev. William Kirk. Rev. W. J. Williams. Rev. L. Hudson, .Messrs. I). Hall. J. Dixon, T. Ralph, (i. Tiller. ('. Austin. T. Short, E. Tonks, R. Robinson. W. Singer, W. H. Lewis. T. F. Reeve, Hetataka Warihi. S. Stone. W. Price. G. Cell. T. Pratt, P.. Rigg, .1. Shorter.

Rev. \V. J. Williams. Rev. William Kirk's colleague, was transferred the following year, and through length of days was able to relate to this generation in 1930 the doings of those strenuous times. (He died in 1936 in his 90th veat

His successor, Rev. Rainsford Bavin, through ill-health, was unable to take up liis appointment till January, ISS2. In April of that year, on the transfer of the Rev. William Kirk, Mr. Bavin tine Superintendent Minister, and with him was associated the Rev. William Baumber.

Considering it desirable to improve the character of the public services by altering the order of service so as to divide the usual long prayer into two of about ten minutes' duration each, Mr. Bavin moved to that effect. The motion was losl !

36

A band of helpers was formed to minister to the outlying districts and membership increased.

Mr. Bavin was a man of ability and his earnest and successful labours were appreciated. "A big dark man with a beard -loved by the boys- -'our minister.' " His memory has been recently revived, for his son. when Premier of New South Wales, revisited the scenes of his father's labours

Mr Bavin's successor, the Rev. \V. ('. Oliver, a first cousin of (ieneral Cordon, was a delightful man. a lover of nature an 'l as iiuich at home with his microscope as with his rod and gun; a good visitor, abrupt perhaps, but well liked.

His co-minister was Rev. 1.. M. lsitt. an orator and an outstanding fighter in the temperance cause. He afterwards resigned the Ministry and entered Parliament, appointed to the Legislative Council.

In lsso tne p arS onage ~,, t ] l( . Terrace was -,,.1.1 and it resolved to take steps to build one on the Tarai aki Si reel site.

The accepted Tender was £896, including plastering.

In order to encourage regular giving it was decided in 1880 to introduce the envelope system. I; would appeal- that it was not widely used. Mr. lsitt in 1885 tried to popularise the system, but it was abolished the following year.

In l s ~-i the Rev. William Lee was appointed Superintendent Minister.

Apparently up to this time there was no special the children sung in church, for in 1888 it was n hat a hymn from the Sunday School Hymn Hook be sung in the morning service on the understanding thai it did not take the place of the anthem. Bui the trustees badly slipped whi they resolved thai a social meeting he held in the schoolroom on Oood Friday evening at 7 p.m., admission 1/-. Ten days later they saw the error of their ways and the decision was rescinded.

There were now three resident ministers in the town—Revs. VV. I.ee. J. Berry and T. .). Wallis—and in order to avoid overlapping Mr. Lee in 1888 arranged with his colleagues to divide the city into districts, each minister' to he responsible for the pastoral work in his own district.

Mitehelltown and Wadestown wore suggested as districts that niighl he opened for services, and Mr. I'. 11. Rive was the local preacher who firs! conducted services in the Wadestown school in 1889.

37

Mr. l/ee was a fluent speaker, with a splendid memory, self-possession and the power of thinking clearly: he I 'en he was ouiet iii comparison with his co-minister, the Rev. Joseph Berry, who succeeded him. Big in every way. utterly tearless, ready and impressive as a public speaker, lie soon found his way into the hearts and • of tile people. To tlii' delighl of the boys he rode a tricycle to Taranaki Street when living in Newtown.

Till-; JUBILEE.

In 1890, on the occasion of the jubilee of the foundatioi the Colony, the Methodist Chureh. which had played an important part in its development, appealed to its i s as an act of thankfulness ami in recognition of this, to contribute towards a special fund that had for its objects church extension work, ami the Rev. William Morley was appointed Secretary.

In Wesley Chureh the Jubilee was celebrated by holding special services. On Sunday, loth June, 1890. the II service was conducted by the Rev. Rainsford Bavin, and a monster children's gathering was held in t ion, when hymns were rendered. The evening service was conducted by the Rev. W. Morley.

On Monday, at 7.30 p.m., a special service was held for young people, when many repeated the Jubilee Covenant:— "I solemnly promise, God being my helper, and because His great goodness to me, thai 1 will be loyal to the Wesleyan Methodist Church, through which I have received many blessings."

On Tuesday. 17th June, all day meetings were held at 1 1 a.m., 3 p.m., and ending with a grand tea and public meel ing. At the public meeting a paper by the Rev. J. Aldred on the commencement of the Chureh in Wellington was read by the Rev. ('. H. Laws Mr. Aldred had intended coming to Wellington from Christchurch, but at the last moment fell too feeble to attend.

Mr. Morley informed the people present thai during the first fifty years no less than a quarter of a million of money had been raised and spent in the Methodisl world in the Colony. It was decided thai letters he written to the Revs. J. Aldred. S. Ironside and [saac Harding, former pastors in Wellington, congratulating them on being alive to witness the jubilee of the ('hurch.

38

At these meetings many were led to consecrate themselves to the Cod of their fathers. A spirit of liberality also rested upon the people and about rutin vvas promised or given as a freewill offering.

THE SECOND FIFTY YEARS.

Up to this staue the story has been told with some detail because, as the older generation passes on. there is danger of these things being forgotten. What follows is contemporaneous and so is not told with such fulness.

1891-1894.

Rev. J. J. Lewis superintendent minister. Small in stature but large in heart, he was a greal visitor and a lovable man. He always had a kindly word for yotms workers, and wat easily forgotten.

1894-1899,

Rev. William Baumber served I term in Wellington; this time as superintendent. His courteous ways. preaching and visiting made him outstanding as a Taranaki Street minister. He drew large c and his addresses always ended with an appeal.

When he had passed to his greal i collection of New Zealand books, the Baumber Library, was presented to Trinity Methodist Theological College in Auckland as a memorial. The trustees of Wesley Church and of Durham Streel Church each paid £lOO to the Home and Foreign Missions, to be known as the Baumber Memorial Fund—this in memory of Mr. Baumber's wife, an elect

1899-1904

Rev. W. C. Oliver was appointed to Wesley Church ■'■ second term. This period saw an extension of the vomit: people's work in various fields, notably in the establishment of the Tory Street and Aro Streel Missions and also the Sailors' .Mission in connection with the Church.

1904-1908.

The Rev. P. W. Fairclough, who sumo years before had been ordained in Wellington, was appointed to succeed Mr. Oliver. As an orator given the occasion, Paul Fairclough could not be excelled ; an Imperialist, a dramatic render of the Scriptures, a scholar, a first-rate journalist, a great thinker, full of pithj savings, always at home among the stars —bul no

39

11l

WESLEY CHURCH TRUSTEES, 1898. S. B. Clark, W. H. Teasdale, C. D, Macintosh, J. Campbell, J. A. Chisholm, J. Mitchell. H. Crump, G. Williams, G. Tiller, W. Moxham, Rev. W. Baumber, J. Fitchett, H. Brittain, J. H. Helliwell, R. Tingey. W. H. Bennett. G. Godber.

small talk. A hater of shams, a man's man. points from his sermons will long lie remembered. There never will be an Paul Pairclough.

1908-1911.

In the appointment of the Rev. S. .1. Serpell no greater contrast could have been seen. Evangi visiting was his strong point -known to visit bi even: always deeply concerned in regard to thi welfare of his people, he was much liked, especial young.

1911-1920.

11.- was succeeded by the Rev. .1. (i. Chapman, scholar, a great reader, honest and fearless, an original til lern but strongly evangelical, a good preachi visitor. That lie was much appreciated is s< I that he set new bounds to the length of individual minis!:/ Wesley ('hurch.

It was during iiis term that in 1913 aight in McFarlane Street and a new pars With its wonderful view of water, wharves, ship and hills, the Church has provided for its pn with an outlook that should ever be a source of inspiration.

1920-1923.

Rev. H. B. Bellhouse, in his i short stay. for himself in the hearts of many. Alw and thoughtful preacher, his was a carefully-prepared An omnivorous reader, a student with a tenae sane amid the "maddening maze id' things," no years the honoured editor of our connexional jurnal.

1923-1929.

Rev. Clarence Eaton was appointed to Wei having won a great reputation in chargi in Dunedin. He was a very acceptabli evangelical pre;. and his strong desire to bring men to Christ bore good £ His son Owen, who was broughl up in this Church, al the beginning of a brilliant medical career gave himself and finally his life in mission work in ('hina.

1929-1935.

After ten years of successful work in Napier the Rev. T. R. Richards came to Wesley Church, where his reputation as a

41

LATER MINISTERS. Rev. J. J. Lewis. Rev. W. Baumber. Rev. W. C. Oliver. Rev. P. W. Fairclough. Rev. S. J. Serpell. Rev. J. G. Chapman. Rev. H. E. Bellhouse. Rev. C. Eaton. Rev. T. R. Richards.

42

preacher and a pastor were well sustained. His coming brought Mrs. Richards back to her home church, she being a daughter of the Rev. William Lee

1935

Rev. Percy Paris came to Wesley Church from Uunedin. He had been for ten years the Connexional Editor. In 1938 he was inducted in his own church as President of the Conference. The trustees marked the occasion by presenting him with Presidential Robes. Mr. Paris is in his seventh year at Wesley where he is exercising a strong pulpit ministry in the Capital City.

LOCAL PREACHERS.

11 used to be said that aboul one-half of the services held throughout the country each Sunday were conducted by preachers. With such outlying preaching places as Johnsonville. Tawa Flat and Porirua the preacher had to leave home very early. Conducting the 11 a.m. service at Johnsonville he would have to he ready for service at Tawa Plat in the' afternoon and then on to Porirua for the evening service. returning home the same day. Some travelled as much as 53 miles in a day. In a number of cases many of the appointments were arrived at on foot. Such places as Makara. Taitai and Wainui were also regularly visited. Horse hire is i i the items that recur throughout the early minute books: in IXKB expenditure horse hire. D. Hall 1! 10. Tompkins 8/-, Ralph 12/6, Williams £2, Dixon £2 2s. Some horses were hired, some were loaned. One man kept a horse especially for his use on Sunday, and when the horse died he set aside one of the horses from his business, giving it a day's rest on Sal unlay. f< said the horse needed the rest as much as a man did. Seatoun. K'arori. Island Bay. FCaiwarra and Ngaio were regularly visited of a Sabbath on foot.

These preachers were properly accredited and some of I highly cultured. Three such men 46 years ago sal for the Local Preachers' Examination and oni :andidates writing said: "We had a narrow squeak the other night owing to our tendency to heterodoxy. The ministers were on our side. I hcai'. or we mighl have Eared worse. I had no idea you and were so unsettled. I hj othodox after your confessions." All three passed the examination and have seen many years of honoured service.

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SOME LOCAL PREACHERS. H. P. Mourant. W. C. Burd. Enoch Tonks. J. Black. Thomas Ralph. T. E. Corkill.

44

The work of many of the local preachers has not : confined to the outlying districts only, but was acceptable in the city churches.

Entering Weslej Church one Sunday morning a young local preacher was seized upon by the Church Steward and informed thai the Minister had not arrived, although it was known that he had left his home. Would the "local" please occup pulpit untii the minister arrived He agreed to do his best. though the situation was perhaps more than difficult as it was ■ inday of ('hristmas week. The si \<t\ far when the steward, during the sii hymn, entered the pulpit and whispered to the young preacher: "Carry on; he has gone to FCaiwar carried on, and what a splendid sermon that

Charles Hunt was the first local preacher in 'lie district ami. though living a 1 the Unit, was a verj ■ preacher in town. Amongsl the many who have see i ers are Enoch Tonks, I). Hall. 1). Bi Tiller. ('. I-'. Juhl, .1. Black, A. Jolly. \V. 11. Judkins, R. W. ousi . II Pii Id. 11. Crump, T. I hand, 11. Crave, W. C. Burd, 11. \. Holmes. E. J. R dimming, J. Priesl ley, J. R. Burley and E. H. Lomas. late Mr. Thomas Ralph, who was a local preacher Preaching on in \Y were opened there, he preached at the morning t he I (iamond Jubih

CHURCH UNION

I)n April 131 nion of the \\ Church, tin- [ T nited Mi (lie Bible Christian Church took place, and thus were added to Wesley Church a number of members, cl lorn were the Red- . the Kershaws, and the Hatches. There was no faithful preacher than the Rev. 11. B. Redstone; and his brother, Mr. \V. E. Redstone, now ii Tins) anil as Church Steward; and the late Mr. W. A. <; Skinner . Steward for many years. It was not till 1913 thai tin' Union ated with the Primitive .Methodist Church, when later several ebl> Streel Church joi ned our communion.

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MISSION BANDS.

In the days of the Christian Endeavour Movement bands e went three Sundays nights out of four, under the hj of a senior, and conducted seiwiees at the outlying places. In an old housi 10ms of which were made into one) in Holloway Road these bands began what is now our Aro Street Mission, many a local preacher making a start Later tie i eted, and this was rented for the services. Sunday School and Band of Hope were instituted iul Is!):!. These hands of young people took the services at Mitchelltown, Kilhirnie. Karori and Kaiwarra, walking and sinsring well-known hymns and carrying lanierns to lighl the way. Interruption! sometimes took place; stones on the roof, opposition singing, and on one occasion the congregation were fastened in with a rope tied to the door handle and an adjacent fence. The places mentioned above have long been absorbed in other circuits with the exception of Aro Street. The Are Street had was built and a Sister was employed to work there and at Wesley Church. Sister Hazleti later Mrs. Mills! gave splendid service. Other deaconesses Sister Evelyn, Sister May. Sister Annie. Sister Bessie. Sister Florence, Sister Olivt —worked at Are Street through the years, and many excellent workers have also given self-sacrificing service. Special work among the children was carried out by the late Miss 11. Stairmand and helpers. Aro Street was without a Sister for some time. Revs. T. A. Brady, Rev. T. R. Richards and T. W. Vealie taking charge after their retirement from Circuit work, and by faithful service endeared themselves to the people. Sister May returned for a short period and at present Missioner 11. X. Vivian is in charge and good work is being done.

Sister Hazletl was so impressed with the need of a meeting place foe people in the Tory Street area that in 1903 and cottage were purchased and turned into a mission, and splendid foundation work was done. Sister [sabel was appointed in Tory Streel Mission where she found the environment made the work difficult. The Sister did wonders at this place, and was ably supported by many helpers from Wesley Church during her stay. Saving was encouraged amongsl the poor; members of the Saving Club having the amount of money saved subsidised by the Church.

An annual event which was looked forward to by the children of the districl especially, was when the late Miss Kati

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DEACONESSES. Sister Florence. Sister Hailitt. Sister Mary. Sister Bessie. Sister Anne. Sister Isabel.

47

Denton celebrated her natal day by giving a tea party to about 100 of them. Sister Annie followed Sister Isabel and the work went on until 1909, when the Mission was transferred to the Central .Mission Council. The property was subsequently leased to the Baptists and finally sold.

BROOKLYN CHURCH

The first service in Brooklyn was held on 18th June. 1908, and conducted by Rev. J. R. Clark in Fulford's Hall. In order to carry on Church extension a property was bought in Cleveland Street, on which was later built the Church. Tinfoundation stone for the church was laid on 11th August, 1909, by the Mayoress, -Mrs. (Dr.) Newman.

The church was opened and dedicated in 1909 by the Re Thomas Pee, President of the Confen In passing, it is of interest to note that Mrs. Dr. Newman, who performed the ceremony of laying the foundation stone, was the daughter of Dr. Isaac Earl Featherston, who laid the foundation stone of the Manners Street Church in 1867.

LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.

The Literary and Debating Society was for many years of the most helpful and widely known activities connected with Wesley Church. Beginning in May. 1869, as a Bible study class under the Rev. Wm. Kirk, it developed into an organisation for the study of literature and the practice of public speaking and elocution, and became a cultural centre of considerable value to the community. Tts membership was by no means confined to Wesley Church folk. Tt attracted many from other churches, and was able to call to its aid as lecturers some of the city's most prominent men in the realms of literature, science and music. An annual feature for some years was a debate between the team from the Society and one from the Victoria University College.

Prominent amongst its members were Messes, (roddard. W. J. Helyer. E. P. Rishworth. T. Kendall. W. E. Fuller. D. E and J. Beaglehole, J. H. Helliwell. Jas. Oodber, AY. 0. Tustin Robt. Tait, E. L. Burgess, J. IT. Haslam. H. Hurrell, J. W. Carr Miss Harvey and Miss Dix.

MUSIC AT WESLEY CHURCH

From records available it is abundantly clear thai throughout the century Wesley Church has been the centre of musical activities, not only in church work but in the broader sense

48

of civic life. In those early days the Church was the centre of social and cultural organisations, and the music presented by the choir was the best to be heard in the city. Choral singing was not the only class of music fostered, as orchestral works were undertaken by a body of players to whom the joy of musical expression was sufficient reward. All this was handed down from those early Wesleyan settlers who set out from England to commence life afresh in this country, 'these men and women found in music a spiritual uplift, and never tired of singing the songs of Wesley and his followers.

Among the former organists were Mr. James May. Mr. \\ illiam Nicholson, who presided at the organ at the opening of uie [asl Manners Street Church, Miss Buddie, Mr. Manning Warren, and Mr. I-'. Tollman. Mr. ('. 1). Macintosh wa: most outstanding figure as choirmaster in earlier days. He built up a splendid choir and rendered excellent se over ten years. Amongst others are incln led Messrs. W. Moxham. F. Billman, S. S. ('arty. W. E. Waters, W. H-.J. Harland. R. B. Williams and T. Cooper.

In the past 61 years Wesley Church lias had three organists W. .1. Harland, 1880-1911; Henry Wells, 1911-1! H. Temple White, who took up his duties in 1913 and after almosl 28 years continues effectively to lead >ir as organist and choirmaster. To be served so well bj musicians of the standing of W. J. Harland and H. Temple White over a period of 59 years is a remarkable record of devoted ('hrisl ian service.

The records of the choir show that a very large number of Wellington's leading singers not only served their apprenticeship in Wesley Choir, luit in later years, after making their mark in the city, sang lead ng roles in some of thi works presented by the choir.

Since 1913 the history of the choir is wrapped up in the name of H. Temple White, and present members who can look over that period agree that the work of the choir under Mr. White lias he.ii of a consistently high class.

THE ORGAN.

The organ in Wesley Church was buill by the well-known firm of Conacher & Co., Huddersfield, Yorkshire, in 1879. It consisted of two manuals and pedals with 19 speaking slops and 5 couplers, and (i composition pedals.

49

OS

MR. W. J. HARLAND. Organist 1860-1912.

MR. H. TEMPLE WHITE. Organist, 1913-

After having rendered over 20 \ ears' sen ice the organ was reconstructed by Messrs. Norman & Beard, of Norwich, which firm had recently installed the organ in the Wellington Town Hall. Some stops were added, others replaced, and all were re-voiced, additional couplers were pul in. and pneumatic action replaced the old tracker action.

The new- specification, which is the same in-day. comprised -I speaking stops, 7 couplers, tremulant, fa' tint ns in addition tn the ii composition pedals, and a Ureal to I' toe piston.

In 1930 the organ was thoroughly cleaned and the was detached, thereby giving the organisl better contr the choir.

In the opinion of the present orgai not tlie largesl of the Wellington church organs several of three manuals), has the besl variety and sweetness, the softer stops i he effect of 1 he full organ is rich and ■ "broadcasts" well, as the many tribu Zealand testify. Similarly, the organ is ver; recording, as has been proved on o been made of choir and organ.

MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES.

The support hi' Home and Foreign M ■ l>een a prominenl branch of servici a 1 Wes In the early days this work was carried different organisations, ami a; Endeavour Societies played a big pari in suppo Of latter years the Methodisl Women's Missim lias taken up the task, and in 1908 the Wi liary was formed. 'Phi' first meeting was held in Taranaki Street, during the ministry of late Re 1 when Mrs. I.omas was elected presidenl . d .Mrs. T. : secretary. Dr. and Mrs. W. B. Bn Australian missionaries, were pri i The Auxiliary, which al that tin • Wellington citj suburban churches. nmenced with a membership o Mesdames T. < K Stokes and 1.. -I. Clark are i he only membi the original meeting who retain fh< Auxiliary.

II was in 19'Jfi thai a separate Brane Church under the leadership (if Mrs. 'I 1.. J. ('lark as seeretarv. This covered thi reuit, Iml

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zs

WESLEY CHURCH TRUSTEES, 1940. F. W. Jones, J. L. Garrard, T. M. Pacey, B. O. Stokes, G. S. Amos, R, S. Maunder, H. E. Pacey, W. E. Redstone, E. A. Hurley, Rev. P. R. Paris, P. E. Pat-trick, W, E. Howe, R. E. Herron.

since then separate ['.ranches have been formed at Brooklyn, Webb Street am! Aro Street. Splendid work has been done by the women of the church to further interest in Home and foreign Mission enterprise, including of course -Maori Mission work. It is encouraging to note that nearly £lOO was raised last year by the Wesley Auxiliary. Th issionary spirit is kept alive ami is flourishing under the able leadership of its president. }lrs. I-'.. (I. Blamires, with Mrs. B. O. Stokes as secretary.

The active mission work among church members is carried out by the missions committee with Miss Dorna Hodder as secretary and Mr. R. E. Herron as treasurer. Throughout the years members of Wesley Church have always shown sympathy with mission work, and to-day the church is well organised for extending its mission activities.

YOUTH WORK.

One of the bright spots in Wesley Church in this year 1941 is its young people's life: not so large it 'haps as in former years, but in enthusiasm, loyalty to the church, and creative joyous fellowship, contributing something of real a lasting value to the church life as a whole.

Miss draco Will is the present leader of i Bible Class group of 40 members, meeting for Bible study every Sunday morning at 9.45 a.m. After opening' w< the members separate into three groups for their study under group leaders. The members, mostly drawn from va towns in the Dominion, give an energetic and spi interest to tin- whole life of the class, and i programme through the year: social evenings, pi tramps, week-end retreat at annual meeting time.

Hiss Jessie Haines is senior girls, who eagerly identify themselves with Wesley Bible Class life. At 1li(' annual competitions for all the Bible Ch in Wellington. Wesley members have taken a prominent part, and the Bible Class choir lias won the competition for five vears in succession.

Wesley Youth Council, comprised of leaders and officers of the Junior Church and Sunday School and of the Bible Classes. under the chairmanship of the Minister, mei er for ten every second Sunday afternoon in the month. To this time of fellowship visiting young people and nei welcomed.

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THIS CROSS Of solid bronze was the gift of the young people of Wesley Church in thanksgiving for the life, spirit and service of Em. Howe. It was placed on the Communion Table on Sunday, July Bth, 1939.

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Plans are here made for Day of Prayer services. Sunday School Anniversary, and Circuit Youth Rallies, and discussions held on questions of vital importance to the Christian Church.

WESLEY LADIES' GUILD

The ladies of the church in the earl} days used to provide the furnishings for the parsonages, and in order to assist in tins work, and for social intercourse, the ladies met tog< and held a Sewing Meeting. In these Sewing Meetings much good work was actually done and in other v\ made an excellent contribution to the church. In later ;. the W esley Badii s' On Id was formed, whic duties of the Sewing Meeting. The Ouild met in the \ but with added numbers the meeting ■ Church Parlour and the functions became nv new members of tl at home and where Christian enjoyed. The fund- ristmas nited amongsl various charitable ii church. The president is Mrs. \ .Miss Benton.

THE OLDEST MEMBER.

M rs. \Y. J. Helyer holds the disl inctii connected with the church maintaining many years she was organisl to th an active member of the sewing mee ii a in I women of the church made wond upkeep of the parsonages.

ROLL OF HOXOUR.

1914-1918.

A 1 • of the < Ireal War a beautiful R need in the vestibule o i of those who served. The folli sacrifice: Aston, I-'.. Bennett, W. 8.. Bh I-'.. Croydon, A., Orave, 11. \V., Hawkins, I 1. T?.. FCershaw, 11.. Laws, 11.. Maunder, R. B„ Sanson, H K. J., Strong, M. A., Tattle, P. 0.. Young. A. V. unveiled by < leneral Sir (leo. R the ('hurch and Bible ('lass.

1940-1941

Tn connection wil l> thi t he churches in 1 he ('ircuil are on

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E VISITORS.

•gesl seating capacity of any sed for inter-church gatheri se meelings many great rd, including Dr. J. I!. Jr. T. '/.. Koo. Ralph Connor. I rving I tenson, Prof. Albiston,

DEDICATED FOR SERIVCE.

[embers of this ('hurch have ■ service. Amongst these arc : G., Rev. J. 11. llaslam i ex-President of 1 . i'. Randerson, Rev. J. ]•'. e . H. L. Fiebig, Rev. Allan Carr, Rev. Don Allen. ton, M rs. Ballantyne i Miss May I. W. Hurl..!! 11 ieneral Secretary •n Missio:

St. fENARIES.

World-wide Methodism celebrated the John Wesley's Conversion. The Conference ; held in Wesley Church, and its Minister, the s inducted as ['resident. A greal id in the Town Hall, which was the Governor-General and lalway graced the occasion with their presence. ng the speakers were the Governor-General, who delighted all by the revelation of rial knowledge of Lincolnshire especially Epworth; the Righl Honorable the Prime iter, Mr. M. J. Savage, P.C., LL.D.; the Rt. Rev. 11. St. Barbe Hoi I \.. Bishop of Wellington ; the Rev. J. R. BlanI s Presbyterian Church ; and Mr. T. I '. A. Hislop, C.M.G., Mayor of Wellington. Many greetings were received, including one from the Most Rev. J. O'Shea, D.D.. the Roman Catholic Archbishop.

■y of the establishmenl of Methodism in Wellas commemorated on Sunday afternoon, 11th June. 1939, when the city was presented by the trustees of Wesley Church with a memorial consisting of a handsome marble and granite monument suitably inscribed and marking the spol on which the tirsi Christian service was held in Te Aro on

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Sunday. 9th June, L 839, by the Rev. .1. 11. Bumby and the Rev. John Hobbs. With this monumenl and forming part of the memorial is a bronze drinking fountain, and on the nun stone is engraved the accompanying inscription: ''Whoso drinketh of the water thai I shall give him shall nev< John iv. 14.

At the dedication service, which was conducted by •■nt of the Conference, Re\. Angus Meßean, I : presenl a large number of people, including Ministi Crown, Members of Parliament, the I authorities, and representati ther elm; those presenl was the grand-daughter of the Rev. John B and seated with her a grand-daughter of a M first service.

i' ; ■ Rev. A. McHean. assisted by the Revs. P. R : Laurenson and Te Tuhi. formally dedic Worship the Mayor, in accepting the the city, addressed the gathering, and the Ri > P.R.HisI Soc. related the sti ry of the i the founding of the Methodisl Mission

3 i cial serv ices were also held in \Yi - Rugby Pratt preached in the mornii Vlcl >< an in the evening. The pulpit w; - piu pins. mats, taiahas and othi r Mao also on view books of historical ii containing the baptismal enl ry of Ri . Maori choir assisted in the a ften

( in Sunday, 28th January, 1940, \\ esley ('hureh to con Re . Ja es Buller with the firsl s off Petone Beach on Sunday. 26th -I 1840.

At the services the pulpi «as di co ■ by all the shipping c ship model of the .1 urora type l kind! 1 'ourl of the ('entennial Exhibition . T conducted by the Rev. P. R. Paris, ai were present representatives of the • 'ouncil shipping companies, i

In June, 1940, the < 'entennial ea < lovernmenl save a State Reeepl ion in I to ministers, officials and nn in acknowledgmenl of thi missionaries and workers from 1823 on l

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8S

TO MARK THE COMING OF THE MISSIONARIES.

and settlers, and in the founding and shaping of the life of the I (ominion.

In celebrating the 50th year of the erection of the present Wesley Church in 1930 the building was renovated, the ceil and walls were panelled with plaster board and all inwindows replaced with cathedral glass, and the whole interior was redecorated. The seating of the choir was re-arranged, the floor lowered and chairs supplied and the spa side between the organ and the walls was closed in screens and the console of the organ was moved forward. The renovation added greatly to the beauty of the old sa and increased the atmosphere of worship.

COMPASSED ABOUT WITH so I REAT A OF WITNESSES.

Wesley Church has been particular! had through the century a faithful who, for the love of their Master, gave and their means. Outstanding among these are: David L William Clark. William Moxham, John Fit Henry Brittain, George Tiller. George \Vi shaw, George Godber, F. C. Chinchen, W. H < " A \V. H. Skinner. L. J. Clark. .Mrs. VYal Ralph, Mrs. Brittain, Mrs. Dent ;i. Mrs. IT. B. Redi Howes. Chisholms, Kinniburghs Wrigleys, Halls. Dixons, Luxfords, Tustins, Cullers. Pinneys, Tattles. De Eelyers, Kellows, and sen-.- of others thai space forbids us to mention ; am all women who by their presence Sund; quiet but effective help.

You old people, listen again for I Hashes their pictures before you.

You young people, to whom the • heartened and spurred on by the exan , begal us."

Ye unborn, may the future be blessed i consecrated to Christ, and may y fellowship and service of the lives of I paved the way for you and passed on.

In these days the mosl inspi when Wesley Church is filled wit] ■'"?

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REV. PERCY PARIS.

60

women. When the Mother Church gathers her children about her. and the youth of the city and surrounding parts it wore to receive the blessing of those who have gone bi on this youth and its trust in God and world, rests the whole future of man]

On a beautiful October da: enary Mi Ship Triton left the shores into the unknown. Travelling on ii wei en, among whom was one John Aldred, who was on ,] of his journey which was to lead to whose centenary we celebrate this day. A re fluttered in the breeze two large flags. ' >ne bore thi t T i Jack in the corner and below : words "I God in the highest": and on thi imphant exclamation of the dying f< John Wesley. "Thi

Wooden Communion Cups used by the Rev. James Buller.

61

ADDENDUM,

m Sunday, 27th December. 1840, thai the Rev. John as the settled minister in Porl Nicholson, conducted his first service for Europeans. Because now so many people ir the holidays at that time of the year, the Centenary could not be celebrated in December. 1940.

The celebrations are arranged for Sunday, 25th May. 1941, when the preacher at both services will be the Rev. W. A. Hurley. M.A., President of the Conference. On Tuesday, 27th Ma will be an Old Time Tea followed by a Conrsazione. On Thursday, 29th May. there will be a (I rand Musical Festival in the Church by the combined Methodisl iirs of Wellington and Suburban Churches.

"We'll praise Him for all that is past, And trust Him for till that's to come."

Wesley Church wishes to take this opportunity of expressing its thanks to Mr. Taylor and the Alexander Turnbull Library for help in this compilation and for many kindnesses in the past; and thanks are also due to the Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt. Connexional !tary.

62

MINISTERS OF THE CENTRAL CIRCUIT.

Superintendents of the Circuit.

John Aldred 1840-1842

George Buttle 1843

Gideon Smales 1843

Samuel Ironside 1843-1849

James Watkin 1844-1855

John Aldred, H. 1849-1853

Ja.-.ies Bulle, 1855-1860

Charles Creed, H. 1853-1855

J. Innes 1859-1861

R. L. Vicars, G. 1859-1860

John Warren 1860-IB6J

John Aldred 1862-1864

John Crump 1862-1864

Isaac Harding 1864-1867

William J. Watkin 1864-1867

William Kirk 1867-1870

Wiiliam Morley 1867-1868

John S. Rishworth, G. 1867-1868

C. W. Rigg, H. 1868-1870

Thomas Buddie 1870-1873

George S. Harper, H. 1870-1872

William Mc.-ley 18/3-18/6

James S. Srnalley 1872-1874

Alexander Reid 1876-1879

H. R. Dewsbury 1875-1878

William Kirk 1879-1882

W. J. Williams 1878-1881

J. Griffiths 1881-1882

Rainsiord Bavin 1882-1884

William Baumber, T. 1882-1885

f9

William C. Oliver 1884-1887

Leonard M. Isitt,' T. 1885-1888

William Lee 1887-1890

Joseph Berry, N. 1888

T. J. Wallis, T. 1888-1889

Joseph Berry 1890-1891

C. hi. Laws, T. 1889-1891

J. J. Lewis 1891-1894

W. H. Beck, N. 1890-1893

J. G. Chapman, T. . 1892

William Baumber 1894-1899

vv . n. uen, in. iu/v-iu/j Josiah Ward, N. 1894-1896

R. J. Murray, T. .... . 1893-1895

Albert C. Lawry, N. 1897-1898

Albert B. Chappell, T. .... 1896

1899-1904

Thomas F. Jones, T 1897-1901

Paul W. Fairclough 1904-1908

liott, T. 1901-1903

G. S. Cook, T. 1903-1904

James R. Clark, B. 908-1913

H. L. Blamires, T. 1904-1905

Samuel J. Serpell 908-1911

.... 1911-1920

A. Mcßean, T. . 1905-1906

J. H. White, B. 1913-1920

Josiah Ward, B. 20-1924

Harold 920-1923

C. E. Porter, T. . 1906-1908

723-1929

C. R. Taylor, B. . 1924-1926

!^29-1935

J. H. Bailey, B. 1926-1928

O. E. Burton, M.A., W 1935-1940

Percy R. Paris 1935-

Robert Rain. 78-1932

932-1935

B.—Brooklyn.

'935-1940

G.—Wairarapa.

1740-

H.—Hutt.

N.—Newtown.

T.—Thorndon.

W.—Webb Street.

MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS OF WELLINGTON CENTRAL CIRCUIT.

CENTENARY YEAR - - 1940.

CIRCUIT OFFICERS.

BROOKLYN.

Circuit Stewards—Mr. B. O. Stokes and Mr. T. M. Pacey.

Society Stewards—Messrs. H. Baker, E.

E. Upton, C. J. Freeman, B. O.

Walton, W. Mcintosh, J. H. Hender-

WESLEY CHURCH.

son, A. H. Watt, J. N. Thorn.

Representatives to Leaders' and Quar-

Society Stewards—Messrs. E. Bolton, J.

terly Meetings—Miss L. Young, Mr. F.

L. Garrard, G. E. Grantham, R. Horro-

Cresswell, Mr. H. Nicholson

bin, J. C. Falder, J. O. Priestley, J.

Sacramental Stewards—Mrs. V. Bennett and Mrs. T. Reed.

Alcorn, J. S. Reid and H. Ninnes.

* <i-wi ■i l v« *j- ivciu rjuu i i. niiiiicj, Assistant Stewards—Messrs. James Gaustad, Eben Williamson, Alan Low, and Peter Graham.

S.S. Superintendent—Mr. G. Smith.

S.S. Representatives—Mrs. R. Gittings and Miss Doney.

Representatives to Leaders' and Quarterly Meetings—Mrs. W. E. Howe, Mrs. B. O. Stokes, Mrs. H. J. Steptoe, Miss L. Hodder and Messrs. J. Gaustad and G. Laking.

-.-.. Loader—Mr. C. J. Freeman

CO Leader—Miss Balding.

Missions—Secretary, Miss G. Balding; Treasurer, Miss M. Doney.

?~e Stewards—Messrs. C. J. Freeman and W. Mcintosh.

Sacramental Stewards—Mr. R. Horrobin and Miss M. Dix.

Agent "Methodist Times"—Mrs. J. Ralph.

Ladies' Guild—Mrs. Vernon.

Women's Auxiliary—Mrs. R. S. Maunder.

Organist—Mr. Redvers Haymes.

Local Youth Secretary—Mr. A Low, M.A.

I.ndies' Guild—Mrs. S. E. Phipps.

B.C. Leader—Miss G. Will.

Missionary Auxiliary—Mrs. Gilling,

Church Steward—Mr. W. E. Howe.

ARO STREET,

Superintendent of Junior Church and Sunday School—Mrs. G. Laking.

Society Stewards—Messrs. E. Elford and J. Tulloch.

Choirmaster and Organist Mr. H. Temple White.

Sacramental Stewards—Mesdames Moresby, Tulloch and Elm.

Envelope Steward—Mr. K. H. B. Strong. A„„-i "ki-il l:.i T! " Li r- v.,

Representatives to Leaders' and Quarterly Meeting—

Agent "Methodist Times"—Mr. F. W. Jones.

Ladies' Guild—Mrs. Bogren.

Circuit Missions—Secretary, Miss L.

S.S. Superintendent—Miss G. Freeman.

Hodder; Treasurer, Mr. R. Herron.

Organists—Mrs. J. S. Tulloch and Miss Green.

Circuit Reporter—Mr. B. O. Stokes.

64

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