KAIAPOI METHODIST CHURCH.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10263, 4 February 1899, Page 9

KAIAPOI METHODIST CHURCH.

The re-opening of the Kaiapoi Methodist Church was made the occasion of a social and musical reunion on Thursday evening. The tea tables were supplied by Mrs Baker, aenr., Mr Isaac f Wilson, Miss Sims, and Mesdames R. Coup and W. Weston,' in the Sunday school room, and there was a large attendance. The public meeting was held in the church and the Rev. P. W. Fairolough presided. Mr Isaac Wilson, in an interesting address, deferred to the early days of the district. He pointed out that in the early times there was much hard drinking, and it was then considered to be no bar to church membership if a man was even known to be a •regular drinker. Referring to the early •Methodists, he said that Mr J. Broughton 2*s the first local preacher to hold service at Kaiapoi in Mr James Baker's kitchen. The preacher used to walk from Christchurch to hold service at Kaiapoi in the morning, and walk back to Christchurch, reaching home towards midnight. In 1867 it was resolved by the trustees that no more money should be expended on the old church, but that the funds should be invested towards a new building, the stewards offering to give 15 per cent, on the same. The late Mr J. Rutland was architect and Messrs Wright and Smith contractors for the present church, which was opened in 1870. | Mr R. Evans gave a statement of the financial affairs of the church. The Rev. D. McNicoll speaking, of the j dnnk question said he would never forget | after a long and hot excursion with- tne chain between Ashburton and Rakaia. a, little later enjoying a shandy gaff which tasted like nectar. He thought in this connection the Primitive Methodists had carried ! a resolution which was too sweeping. He I detested drinking as an abomination, but I the effect of prohibition in that form he I believed would be unwise. The Rev. H. Bull also gave an address, and Mr R. Evans, on behalf of the choir, then presented Mr G. H. Blackwell, ex choirmaster, with a richly illuminated and framed address, which referred to his having held the position since 1875. Scores of young persons had come under Mr Blackwell's influence with the happiest result* to

the Church. Mr R. Blakcicy, organist, o; behalf of the choir, presented a large photograph o[ the choir in a traino similar ty luat enclosing the address. Mr Blackwell suitably returned thanks, and in replying referied" to nis long experience., dating lrom 1863, when the late Key. J. Buller invited him to take a clv*_ in the Sunday school. Various votes of thanks were passed, and the proceedings terminated by singing the " Hallelujah " chorus. ' The pieces sung during the evening were —"Angels ever bright and lair" and "U Divine llcdeemer,'' channiugiy given by Mrs C. M. Brooke ; -• O" thou that tellest," sweetly suny by Miss Fairclough;" Galilee,'' Mr J. Johnson and tho choir ; ■■ Gloria," " ijanctus," " Lilt up your heads," the choruses b-.ing led by Mr J. H. Black«voil. Mr K. Blakeley presided at the organ with his wellknown ability.