Methodist Mission Plans “Friendship House”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29843, 8 June 1962, Page 17

Methodist Mission Plans “Friendship House”

A house next to the Methodist Central Mission’s offices in Cambridge terrace has been bought by the mission for £6OOO, and when internal reconstruction is finished will be known as Friendship House. Among the branches of the church’s work which will be extended with the use of the house is the coffee club, which now meets on Sunday evenings and is planned to open during some week nights. The superintendent of the mission (the Rev. W. E. Falkingham) said that the coffee club was held at present in the mission’s offices. The new building

woujd be connected to the offices by a covered way, and the existing kitchen would be used. The internal walls of the house had been removed, and the area of about 40ft '. by 30ft would form the main halt There would be a milk-bar in one corner. The ultimate plan. Mr Falkingham said, was to build a hall which stretched from the offices to the church, two houses away. . The small cottage next to the house being converted hadalso been bought About 100 young persons, many of whom were not connected with the church.. attended the coffee club. The quart percolator used at the beginning had now been replaced with a two-gallon commercial drip-type con- ’, tainer, Mr Falkingham said. Other church work which % would be extended because of the greater space available included the sporting clubs of the mission, and the holding of socials and dances. It was possible that the J Darby and Joan Club, which - now meets monthly, would meet oftener. During the day. Friendship House might provide cups of tea for some elderly persons. An appeal for items amounting to £12.380 had been sent to city businessmen by the mission. It included £6OOO for the house. £560 for the internal reconstruction and £5OO for furnishings. The other large item was £5300 for the provision of new staff quarters at the Rehua Maori Apprentices’ Hostel, which now accommodates 45 boys.