CHURCH JUBILEE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 21, 6 November 1935, Page 6

CHURCH JUBILEE

FLEMINGTON PRESBYTERIANS.

HIGH TEA AND CONCERT HELD.

CONCLUSION OF CELEBRATIONS

The jubilee celebrations of the Flemington Presbyterian Church were brought to a very successful conclusion last evening, when a tea and concert were held. There was an attendance of about 250 people. High tea was served in the Flemington school by ladies of the congregation. The tables were artistically arranged and a feature of the decorative scheme was the three-tier jubilee oake made by Mrs J. Stevenson. The 50 candles were lit by Mesdames R. Gilmour and W. J. Anderson, were extinguished by June Stevenson and Betty Blee, and the cake was cut by Mrs W. J. Taylor. A concert programme was later presented in the church. Messrs C. W. Anderson and J.. Johnston were in charge of the arrangements and the concert party was organised by Mr V. W. Russell. The programme was as follows: Piano duets ; Misses M. Watt and .L. Petrie; song, Mr M. MacMillan ; piano solo, Miss M. Sutherland ; song, Mrs D. A. Lawson; yiolin solos, Dr. N. E. H. Fulton; song, Mr G. d’Auvergne; piano solo, Miss A. Ruddock; song, Mrs A. T. Smith; humorous recitation, Mr C‘. E. Moller; duet, Mesdames Smith and Lawson; piano duet, Misses M. Sutherland and Watt. The Very Rev. George Miller, of Christchurch, a former minister of St. Andrew’s Church, Ashburton, delivered an appropriate jubilee address. The Rev. MacLaclilan introduced the speaker. He said the titles Right Reverend and Very Reverend were confusing to some people. The former referred to Moderators of the General Assembly, andi the latter to ex-Modei-ators. He, however, did not think oi Mr Miller as a Church dignitary alone hut as a faithful friend whose kindly wisdom he had known personally for many years. Mr Miller, ho said, had as a slogan “Better wear out than rust out,” and was still a wonueriuJ man with young and old. Mr Miller, in speaking of the succession of faithful ministers, mentioned the Rev. J. Skinner, who was a man honoured of God and man, one of whose sons was present at the function. He referred to the Rev. W, Marshall, who had a long and valued ministry ot IB years. The speaker also knew the present minister, the Rev. Mr MacLaclilan, as a student in Dunedin, and at ins parish of Waikaka Valley, Gore Mr Miller spoke of the future outlook. “Let yesterday’s victories inspire us to-day for greater things to-morrow, he said. “The influence of those who are loyal and consistent churchmen is very far-reaching. I have, as minister in days gone by of St. Andrew s Church, Ashburton, known most people in Flemington, and I know thenquality. Let them make Christ the sure foundation, as in the past, and loyally attend and support the Church of their fathers, and God will m many ways bless this and succeeding generations.” , Mr Miller’s remarks were followed with keen interest from start to finish by the congregation. Mr MacLaclilan, on behalf oi the Session, deacons and congregation, thanked Mr and Mrs S. P. Taylor for the gift of a handsome altar-built communion table, and Mr and Mrs R. Gumour for the gift of finely-panelled communion chairs for the sanctuary. The work of Mr W. J. Anderson in having the ornamental church gates renovated, the fence painted, and for his capable oversight of accommodation during the ceremonies was also recognised. Among a number of congratulatory messages received were those from the Rev. R. S. Watson (Ashburton) and the Rev. J. A. Childs (Timvald Anglican Church). Mr R. Gilmour surveyed the progress of the church since its inception.

Supper and a social hour brought to a close the 50th anniversary celebrations of one of the pioneer Presbyterian churches of Mid-Canterbury. * On tlie motion of Mr S. P. Taylor, votes of thanks were accorded all who had assisted in the celebrations, paiticular mention being made of the work of the secretary (Mr K. Taylor).