NEW METHODIST CHURCH

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28541, 21 March 1958, Page 17

NEW METHODIST CHURCH

Greendale Ceremony Tomorrow

A new Methodist Church at Greendale, to replace the old wooden building which has been in use for 84 years, will be opened tomorrow by the president of the Methodist Church of New Zealand (the Rev. Dr. D. O. Williams), who is at present making his first official visit to Christchurch. The first Methodist services in the area were held in 1872 in the home of Mr G. Rudd, and two years later a building 30 feet by 17 feet was erected at a total cost of £263 Bs. The length of the building was later extended by eight feet and a vestry was added. An early photograph of the area shows that at that time there was hardly a tree in sight on the plains. It is notaole that two services have been held in this church on each Sunday throughout the whole period with the exception only of occasions when the congregations combined with others. The name of Sir Sidney Holland appears among the names of persons who have been baptised in the church.

The first minister of the parish, Mr Philip 'Hill, began his ministry as a local preacher at Greendale in 1873 and by the time the new church was opened in 1874 the membership was 229. The present minister is the Rev. L. Gibson.

The new building is of concrete and while of modern design and appearance it has sufficient suggejion of gothic shape to retain a fink with previous generations. The interior is finished with oak furniture and a rich red carpet. The cost of the building was £5500.

The service of opening and dedication will begin at 2 p.m.