CENTENARY PLANS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 287, 31 August 1935, Page 10

CENTENARY PLANS

Congregation Looks Ahead ST. ANDREW’S MEETING When Wellington celebrates its centenary in 1940, the occasion will be one for a dual observance on the part of the congregation of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, The Terrace. This is the oldest Presbyterian church in the district and its centenary also falls five years hence. At the church annual meeting held on Thursday night, the Rev. A. B. Kilroy, presiding, Mr. H. D. Grocott suggested that preliminary organisation of the church’s centenary celebrations should be undertaken.

Mr. C. D. Morpeth said that St. Andrew’s was tlie only Presbyterian church in New Zealand that received its charter direct from the great Church of Scotland. St. Andrew’s was founded on the shores of Britannia, now Petone, by tlie Rev. J. Macfarlane in 1840. Later it was shifted to the shores of Wellington and stood in Lambton Quay on a site approximately that now occupied by Whiteombe and Tombs. The first building known as St. Andrew’s Church was opened in Lainbton Quay on January 7, 1844. Afterward the church was removed to the present site on-The Terrace. The Rev. D. Calder suggested tliat the celebrations should include a pilgrimage to and service at the spot on the Petone foreshore where the first service was held. Mr. J. Armour Thomson (session clerk) said he was gathering material for an historical booklet. It was decided to set up a committee to make preliminary inquiries andreport to the next annual meeting. Problems of Finance. Reviewing the past year, Mr. Kilroy said it had been an eventful one for the congregation, but not one of smooth pleasure. The church had financial problems, and the time had come when they should face up to their seriousness. St. Andrew’s had to face the peculiar problems of a city church. It jvas very different from a church in the suburbs that was surrounded by a growing district. In presenting tlie report of tlie session, Mr. Grocott said it showed that excellent work had been done in all departments. Tlie women of the congregation had done sterling work in providing children’s clothing, etc., and making useful gifts for those in need. Mr. Morpeth said that St. Andrew’s was a church without a parish, but it was still in a strong and commanding position in that it was so close to Parliament Buildings and was attended by many members of Parliament. “Strength and Power,” The Rev. D. Calder said that the report showed St. Andrew’s to be a church of great strength and power, and “one of the strong, healthy, splendid parishes of the Dominion.” Mr. Kilroy mentioned that certain aids to hearing had been installed in the church, and the cost of the system was £6l/10/-. The system was found to lie most successful. The board of managers was reelected with the addition of Messrs. T. P. Hanna. J. Kennedy and J. G. C. MacKenzie. Mr. J. W. Jack resigned from the position of honorary auditor, owing to pressure of work and tlie question of the appointment of his successor was left to tlie board of managers.