100 Years Of Methodism At Kaiapoi Celebrated

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28133, 23 November 1956, Page 7

100 Years Of Methodism At Kaiapoi Celebrated

The long history of Methodism in Kaiapoi, which goes back beyond the arrival of the first white * settlers in the district, will be commemorated when the Kaiapoi Methodist Church begins a week of centenary celebrations tomorrow. On that day former members of the circuit will reunite at the Sunday school hall and will later hear a programme given by the Durham street Methodist Church Choir.

Special services will be 'held in the church on Sunday, at which the preachers will be .the Rev. Dr. W. G. Slade and the Rev. Dr. Raymond Dudley, president of the Methodist Conference. On Monda;/ a centennial banquet will be held in the Sunday school and on Tuesday a concert will be given by Sunday school pupils. The Dean of Christchurch (the Very Rev. Martin Sullivan) will preach at a United Thanksgiving service on Wednesday and the celebrations will conclude on the next Sunday with a Sunday school anniversary. The development of the Methodist Church in Kaiapoi is closely linked with the history of North Canterbury. It could be said to have begun with the establishment of Wesleyan Missions among the Maoris on the West Coast, some of whom later moved to Tuahiwi. It is recorded that in 1851, 18 Maoris were baptised by the Rev. James Watkins in Kaiapoi. Some of the earliest, names connected with Kaiapoi Methodism include James Baker and his wife. Sarah, who landed at Lyttelton in 1850 They came to in 1853 and lived in a sod house somewhere near Otaki street. Class meetings were held in Mr Baker’s house and in 1953 the first regular service began there, at which the preacher was the Rev. John Aldred. The first service took place during a severe snowstorm.

Kaiapoi thus became a part of the old High Street Methodist circuit and services continued in Mr Baker’s house for settlers on the south side of the river, and at the house of Mr J. Jones, near Ranfurly street, for those living on the north side. The Maori population had its own services conducted by Mr Aldred, who reported in 1855 that “there are now several church members at Kaiapoi and the village needs more attention.”

In 1858 another minister, the Rev. W. Rowse, was appointed to assist Mr Aldred, and steps were taken to establish a methodist church in Kaiapoi The erection of the first church and

its opening on Easter Day, 1860, was an important day in the lives of the early Methodist people of the district. This church was built on the site now occupied by the present Sunday school. It cost £7OO to build and was apparently not a very substantial building as it was said to have rocked badly in the north-westerly gales. The clergy at the opening were Mr Aldred and the Rev. T. R. Fisher. The first organist was Mr Isaac Walton, who held the position for 20 years. In June, 1870. a move was made to erect a new church on a new site in Kaiapoi. Costing £650 to build, this church was opened .with a debt of £2OO owing on it. The old church was to survive another 12 years and was used during that period as a Sunday school. At that time the circuit comprised Kaiapoi, Woodend, Rangiora. Southbrook, Mandeville, Ashley Downs and later, Leithfield. The superintendent of the circuit was the Rev. W Beck, who had been appointed in the previous year.

By 1879 the parsonage had been built and extended, an organ installed in the church and senior and junior choirs were active. Membership had decreased to 53.

Woodend was united with Kaiapoi in 1886 and new churches opened at Sefton and Amberley. The number of pupils at Sunday schools in the circuit had increased to 480 with 49 teachers. The circuit had been reduced several times during the first 25 years of its existence and by 1913 it comprised Kaiapoi. Clarkville, and Coutts Island. These boundaries remained for the next 40 years.

One of the most conspicuous achievements of Methodism in Kaiapoi was the inauguration in January, 1914, of a Morning Star Brigade. It began with 70 members and was intended mainly to encourage, children to attend worship. It continued to flourish for 40 years. By December, 1917, the circuit was able to invite the Rev. William Ready to be its minister, and he proved to be a colourful superintendent of the church.

The first move to build a new church was made in 1920, and the initiative for developing the idea was urged on by the trustees. However, the trustees were cautious, and the post-war inflationary boom was not thought to be the most suitable time for the building of a new church. Nothing further was done till 1925, when Mr Melville Lawry was authorised to draw up plans for a church to seat 300 persons. When the plans were finally presented in 1932 the cost was found to be too high and alternative plans were sought. The scheme lapsed for a time, till in 1954 a further plan was produced and a contract was let to a local builder, Mr W. C. Tourell, for a contract price of £1785. The, last service was held in the historic old church on April 22, 1934, when the preacher was the Rev. Clarence Eaton. The dismantling of the building was undertaken, and the old weather vane which was reclaimed now sits on top of the tower of the present church. Changes have been made in recent years. A service is now held at East Eyreton every two months, but the services at Swannanoa have been discontinued, and it is proposed to demolish the church. The Ohoka Society is still very active, and services are held every Sunday evening. Membersihp of the circuit now comprises 170 adults, r and the Sunday schools and Bible classes are well supported.