TRINITY CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28920, 13 June 1959, Page 15

TRINITY CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

Constitution In 1864

The Trinity Congregational Church wiH celebrate its ninetyfifth anniversary tomorrow. The church was formally constituted in February, 1864, with a membership of 45, after three years of planning by a few persons who had been Congregationalists in England. The present building was opened in 1875. It has many well-designed features—the interior woodwork; the stained glass windows in the eastern wall, which were a contribution from early members of the church; and the organ.

Much work has been done by the congregation for appeals in time of need. When news of the disaster in Niue arrived, a contribution of £5O was immediately sent,- and later another of the same amount.

Money-raising efforts were discontinued in 1940, and it was decided to rely on weekly offerings and the annual thanksgiving offering. Since then about £9700 has been collected. The last thanksgiving day offering amounted to more than £5OO. From these amounts at least 10 per cent, is offered to other organisations. The London Missionary Society is one of the main recipients of the church’s contributions. In 1957 more than £3OOO was given to the society. The church runs regular Sunday services for Pacific Islanders in New Zealand. The Rev. M. R. Hodder and the Rev. Pepi Nokise, from Wellington, conduct the services, which about 60 Islanders attend regularly. Tomorrow morning a combined service for Islanders and Europeans will be held. The constant demand for church halls prompted the construction abopt six years ago of the Trinity Hall, which has accommodation for'about 200 people. Although the church is not situated in a residential area, regular Bible study evenings and Sunday school classes are conducted. Through the efforts of the Sunday school teachers the Congregational Youth Fellowship was formed. Anniversary services tomorrow will be conducted by the secretary of the National Council of Churches (the Rev. Alan Brash) in the morning, and by Mr Henry Sturge in the evening. An anniversary supper and concert will be held in the Trinity Hall on Monday evening.