METHODIST CHURCH RENOVATED

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25924, 3 October 1949, Page 2

METHODIST CHURCH RENOVATED

THANKSGIVING SERVICES AT DURHAM STREET Special thanksgiving services were held yesterday, which was world commuiiion Sunday, in the Durham Street Methodist Church, to mark the completion of renovation and reconstruction work on the church. One of the oldest churches in Canterbury «and sometimes referred to as “the Cathedral of New Zealand Methodism.” it has had £lO,OOO spent on it since it was extensively damaged by fire in May. 1945. An improved new organ console has been installed, the seating has been remodelled and extended, the interior has been redecorated, and more than £lOOO has been spent on exterior improvements. The sanctuary, vestibule, towers, entrances, church hall and kit-, chen have all been improved. A new minister’s vestry has been built and work has begun on a side chapel within the sanctuary which will form a memorial to the fallen of both wars. There were large congregations at tpe Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in the morning, and for the evening service. The superintendent minister (the Rev. Raymond Dudley) took both •services. Under the choirmaster (Mr W. Melville Lawry) the choir sang special thanksgiving music in the evening. Many visitors to the church from outlying districts were welcomed after the evening service at a social function by Mr Dudley.