OLD FOLK GATHER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 236, 5 October 1936, Page 3

OLD FOLK GATHER.

PITT STREET CHURCH.

METHODISTS CELEBRATE.

SEVENTIETH AKNJVERSA-BY.

The seventieth anniversary of the Pitt Street Methodist Church was celebrated by the holding of special services on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday afternoon some 300 veterans attended a gathering at the church, when addresses were given by tiie minister, the Rev. E. T. Olds, and the Rev. Dr. H. Ranston, principal of the Methodist Theological College. The chairman was Mr. J. W. Shackelford, the senior member of the Church trustees.

At the conclusion of Saturday's addresses a bouquet was presented to Mrs. E. Russ, the oldest woman member, aged 90, and to the oldest male member, Mr. Wellesley Cox, was presented a box of handkerchiefs. Among those present were several who had witnessed the laying of the foundation stone of f,he church 70 years ago. The occasion also marked the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Methodism in Auckland, and this was mentioned by the speakers at the special services held yesterday.

The Rev. A. C. Nelson, of Beresfonl Street Congregational Church, was the preacher yesterday morning. He took as his text, "And they carried the Ark of God in a new cart." referring to the instructions given by Moses and the people's violation of the method laid down for the removal of the vessel. From this he drew a comparison of the need for paying attention to the laws and commands laid down for man s benefit and of the folly and loss resulting from disregard for God's laws. A Sunday school and young people 5 gathering was addressed in the afternoon by the Rev. E. P. Blamires, president of the Methodist Conference, who emphasised how one generation after another was taking part in the relay race of life, being given the responsibility of running so far with the torch and then of handing it on, witli its flame just as bright, to the next generation. Changing Systems of To-day. At the evening service, Mr. Olds spoke of the unchanging Christ and His message in the of today. ° Man had to be prepared to let one system go and grasp something better." Special music was used at each service and the church was packed in each case. The celebrations will be continued until next Sunday. On Wednesday there will be a reunion tea meeting for all members of the Church, and this will be followed by a 70th anniversary demonstration, when the chairman will be Mr. H. B. Halstead. a Church trustee, and the speaker the Rev. E. D. Patcliett. chairman of the district. A young people's social gathering will be held on Saturday and on Sunday the celebrations will conclude with special services. The Rev. Dr. Alexander Hodge will be the speaker in the morning and Mr. Olds in tlie evening.