PITT-STREET METHODIST CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 136, 9 June 1911, Page 6

PITT-STREET METHODIST CHURCH.

RE-OPENING SERVICE. The extensive alterations to the Pittstreet Methodist Church, which were initiated over six months ago, are now complete, and after an interval of six weeks, during which the Sunday services have been held in the King's Theatre, the church was re-opened this afternoon, when the new organ, the second largest in Auckland, was opened by Mr 3. G. Winstone, and the six windows, which have been filled with stained glass in memory of prominent members of the congregation, were also unveiled. The improvements to the church, with the exception of the windows, have been carried out at the expense of the congregation, a special fund having been raised for the purpose. Some time ago the outside walls of the building were covered with stucco, much improving the general appearance. The organ, which formerly stood in the gallery over the main door, was removed, and is being re-erected in the new Methodist Church at Epsom. The new organ, which has been built by Mr. Croft, of Auckland, at a contract price of £1140, is situated at the other end of the church, and is probably the most complete in the city, and in point of size is only inferior to that of St. ! Mary's Cathedral, Parnell. The wind is supplied by an electrically-driven twophase fan blower of an entirely new pattern. The installation of the instrument has necessitated the erection of a new pulpit, the wood-work of which has been carried out by Mr. Page, of Kingsland, in excellent taste. A certain amount of carving has been introduced, and always with good effect. The whole is finished in a dark stain to harmonise with the organ front, which has a handsome appearance with its well arranged rows of silver pipes. The new windows are tho work of Messrs. Herbert and Sons, of i Shorthvnd-street, and are of a simple decorative design letting in plenty of light. The west window was filled with colourered glass some time ago, and now the other eight windows have been filled also, six being respectively in memory of Messrs. Richard Arthur, Joseph Craig, John Hosldng, J. L. Wilson, W. S. Wilson, and George Garrett'.

The service this afternoon was well attended, the pulpit being occupied by the Rev. W. Ready, and an appropriate address was delivered by the Rev. W. Sin- , clair. After the official opening of the new organ by Mrs. Winstoile, the windows were unveiled respectively by Mrs. Arthur. Mrs. Craig, Mr. White, Mr. W. D. Buttle, Mr. F. W. Ws'lson, and Mrs. Garrett. Special hymns were sung, and subsequently a recital was given on the j magnificent new organ. This evening a public meeting will be held in the church, when addresses will be given by the Revs. jA. C. Lawry, W. A. Hay, and* W. Ready.