KAIKORAI PRESBYTERIANS

Evening Star, Issue 20055, 21 December 1928, Page 8

KAIKORAI PRESBYTERIANS

CHURCH'S DIAMOND JUBILEE During the week, December 9 to December 16, the • Kaikorai Presbyterian Church celebrated its diamond jubilee. Tho weather conditions were far from favourable, and must, have kept many from attending the concert in the Roslyu Theatre,, and the oldtime soiree in the Sunday School Hall, but, notwithstanding this, the whole series of meetings passed off most successfully. On Sunday, December 9, both the services in the church wore taken by tho Rev. J. W. M'Kenzic, of Port Chalmers, who delivered two inspiring and encouraging addresses to appreciative congregations. On Tuesday, December 11, u grand concert was held in the Roslyu Theatre. On Wednesday evening, the pre-com-munion'service was conducted by the Minister, the Rev. J. Douglas Smith, 8.A., who admitted ten new members. An old-time soiree and social gathering was held in the Sunday/' School Hall on Thursday evening, when the weather again turned out very wet. Tea was served, by the ladies of the church. The Moderator read a number of messages from friends, conveying hearty greetings and good wishes for the continued progress of.the congregation. Among these were the Rev. ;r.;.R. M. Sutherland, who ministered in Hie church for. forty years, and the Rev. W. R- Hutchison, who succeeded Mr Sutherland. Regret was felt at the' absence of Professor Hewitson, Moderator of Assembly, whose - duties called him elsewhere; also at the absence of His Worship tho Mayor (Mr W. B. Taverner), who was engaged m parliamentary business., and of Mr IV. Paterson, of the Early Settlers’ Association. The Moderator of Dunedin Presbytery conveyed the congratulations and good .wishes of that body, and the Rev. Raymond Richards spoke for .the ‘sister churches. Mr James Taylor,' of Roslyu, spoke _ of the early days of the church in Kaikorai. Mr J. W. Todd’s lantern slides were a source of much, interest, and recalled many of the early associations of -the church «*nl the district, A special feature of tho evening was tho monster birthday cake made by Mr William Taylor, and given to the church free of cost.' The cake, was 'modelled to represent the old building, which had served, tho congregation for so many years as a church. It was studded with sixty candles, and 'great' interest was shown in the lighting of these candles by representatives of the successive ' ministers of the parish.' Mesdames D. Y. Millar, J. Robertson," and M. Porter then proceeded to cut and distribute the cake, the proceeds from the sale of which go to swell the jubilee offering. Musical items were given by the choir, under the baton of Mr J. IT. Mathson, and by the Rev. J. D. Smith and Mrs. Sutherland. Family worship concluded a very enjoyable evening. On Saturday afternoon the Sunday school scholars were entertained at a party, and in the evening the Bible classes had their social. On Sunday afternoon the jubilee communion service was conducted by the minister. About 250 communicants participated—the greatest, number recorded at : a communion service in Kaikorai. During the service, Miss Gardiner, tho oldest member, unveiled a brass tablet, erected in the church to ■ mark the forty years’ ministry of the Rev. R: R. M. Sutherland. Ten new members were admitted, and welcomed by the minister and session. The gift offering taken up at the services during the day amounted to £.230 12s 2d, to -which will ho added tho net proceeds' of the concert and soiree. •