CHURCH DIAMOND JUBILEE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22355, 19 March 1938, Page 23

CHURCH DIAMOND JUBILEE

SYDENHAM METHODIST CHARGE

EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS TO BUILDING

The diamond jubilee of the Sydenham Methodist Church will be marked by the reopening to-morrow of the church, which has been closed for two months for extensive interior renovations. The Rev. Percy Pimis. president t>l Vrie Zaatod dist Conference, will conduct both services, that in the evening being broadcast. The opening of the'church will begin the diamond jubilee celebrations.

The church, originally known os the Colombo road Wesleyan Church, was formed from two other churches, one in Waltham and one in Harper street. Each of these carried on for 10 years until they were absorbed by the new building. The growth of Sydenham had been carefully watched by the Durham Street Methodist Church, and at an opportune moment, the officials of the church, with vision and strategy, chose the present site, on one of the main city highways. The foundation stone was laid in 1877 by Mrs G. Gould and the building was opened for worship on February 3, 1878. The Rev Mr Fitchett and the Rev. Mr Mwiey preached special sermons to large congregations. The cost of the church, was £2650, of which only one-fifth remained as debt. Mr J- Cumberworth. then in charge of the public school, watched the progress of the building with the greatest interest. The growth erf the congregation was so rapid that a gallery, proviskm for which had been made in the original plans, was erected almost immediately for £550. The superintendent, the Rev. J. S. Smalley, and the Her. Dr. Elmslie conducted the services. Since that day the church lias flourished.

Distinguished Ministers

The pulpit has been occupied by some of the leading ministers of New Zealand Methodism and the i huah has been supported by able and prominent laymen. Ten of the ministers, most of whom are dead, have been elected to the presidency of the Conference. During the ministry of tbe Rev. Mr Keall the Sunday School was erected fra: £6OO. to seat 3001 The Rev. H. Bull had distinguished gifts, and filled almost every position the church had to offer. Other outstanding men were the Rev. J. Crump and tbe Rev. J. S. Rishworth. No minister left a greater influence, or was more affectionately remembered than the Rev. L. M. Isitt. He was minister at Sydenham for three years. No man had a greater command of the young. He freely associated with them in tennis, cricket, and boxing, and in 1889 he built a gymnasium at a cost of £7OO, for the young men. A prominent city layman said recently that he had never known a gymnasium better equipped. While in Sydenham. Mr Isitt came to the front in the fight for temperance. Associating himself with his brother, the Rev. Frank Icitt. and Mr T. £. Taylor, he soon distinguished himself as an orator of great power. Continuing his campaign in Gnat Britain, he was everywhere hailed with the same enthusiasm, the English press paying tribute to him as one of the greatest speakers heard for many years. After his retirement from political life he sometimes returned to his former pulpit and always drew large congregations. The Sydenham Methodist Church was the first to send a medical missionary to the Solomon Islands. Or. E. Sayers. He distinguished himself in the London School of Tropical Medicine and did great work in tbe Western Solomons.

Prominent Lay Workers

Prominent lay, workers include Mr J. Cumberworth, Mr J. WHford Smith. Mr Shierlaw, Mr Matthew HalL Mr W. Marks, and Mr Hillens. Mr J. Dalton was active in the choir and the musical side of the church for nearly 50 years. Mrs Scott was an evangelist sought throughout the Dominion. Mrs J. S. Smalley, the first wife at the Manse, who shared the evangelistic fervour of her husband, is living in Edinburgh, and has sent a message of greeting for the jubOee. The interior renovations just completed and costing between £4OO and £SOO are the result of nine months of hard work by the minister and congregation. It was the aim of the trustees to raise the whole sum required, so that the church might remain free of debt. The work and colour scheme have had the oversight of Mr Melville La wry. All interior walls and the ceiling have been repainted, and all pews and woodwork revamished. This, with the furnishings and everything designed to enhance the beauty of worship. made the church one of the most attractive. Built of solid stone, it seals more than 600 people. Of Gothic design, it stands as a monument to the faith and vision of the founders and will be of service for many years.