CHURCH JUBILEE

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 54, 7 March 1929, Page 15

CHURCH JUBILEE

ST. DAVID'S, UPPER HUTT

The jubilee celebrations in connection with &i. David's Presbyterian Church, Upper Hutt, began on Saturday, afternoon, 23rd February, when a garden party was held in the grounds of Mr. and Mrs. F. Castle, Silverstream. The day was ideal. The ladies of the Silverstream Guild and their helpers worked energetically, and their efforts were rewarded by the depletion of the good things they had provided. VVith their characteristic hospitality the host and hostess had placed their home at the disposal of the people, and afternoon tea was served in rooms made available. Amusements were pro-, vided for the children in a treasure hunt, swimming po^ e t c _ j he g ey Jas M Caw (Lower Hutt) officially opened the function. The financial results proved very satisfactory, and the Silverstream Church building fund will be considerably augmented. Sunday, 24th February, was set apart for a series of special services. The Rev. E. J. Orange (Kilbirnie) was the preacher at the morning service, which was very largely attended. A young people's rally was held in the afternoon. Mr. Vie. French, a former leader of the Upper Hutt Bible Class, was the speaker. A tea was provided at 5.30 p.m., and delegates who came from Kilbirnie for the rally were welcomed. The evening service was conducted by the Moderator of the. Wellington .Presbytery, the Rev. R. J. Howie, and there war a large and appreciative corigregation. On Friday last a social reunion was held in the new Druid's Hall, and this also was a highly successful function. The Rev. G. W. Hunt presided, and there were present the Revs. R. J. Howie and Jas. M'Caw. Apologies were received from the Revs. W. Marshall and R. M. Climie, and Mr. J. Rumgay, former pastors of Upper Hutt. Congratulatory messages were also received from Kilbirnie Kirk Session, Lower Hutt Session, and from the Upper Hutt Methodist Church. Mr. J. 0. Duff (session clerk) gave a most interesting resume of the congregation's past history, and an enjoyable programme, of musical items, recitations, etc., was given. It is of interest to note that two ladies were present at the jubilee social who were present at the opening of the church fifty years ago, and both assisted towards collecting and working for the church building, namely, Mrs. F. Keys and Mrs. R. Butler.

The concluding services were held on Sunday last. Communion was dispensed at the morning service, which was conducted by the Rev. G. W. Hunt, and there was a record attendance. The Rev. John M'Caw, a former pastor, was present. Several former members journeyed a considerable distance to be present, in-

eluding Mrs.' Holmes, 'widow of the late Rev." J. Holmes, Mr. J. P. Blyth (Auckland), and members-of the Clifford family (Levin). Three former organists of the congregation gave their services in connection with the service of praise. Mrs. F. Whitemun, Mrs. E. Gellen, and Mr. J. P. Blyth.

The social reunion concluded with a supper provided by the ladies.