MOSGIEL BAPTISTS

Evening Star, Issue 25004, 25 October 1943, Page 4

MOSGIEL BAPTISTS

DIAMOND JUEILEE CELEBRATED

With functions from Saturday afternoon until this evening, the sixtieth anniversary of the Mosgiel Baptist Church is being celebrated. These functions opened on Saturday afternoon in the school grounds, when a very successful garden party was held. At 6 p.m. there was a banquet, and later in the evening a social in the-Church Hall." Yesterday, three special jubilee services were held, and to-day a picnic, tonight the final function will bo ' The Past in Pictures," when photographs of many incidents and people in the life of the church will be screened. The church records show that the congregation first met in 1883 in the house 0.. Mr Arthur Drakley, but before long a church to seat 120''had been erected. The preachers were Messrs William Ings and Chas. Wis. A school report in 1885 shows how the congregation had increased, as the school roll had reached 100 with 13 teachers. The first minister arrived in 1895, and regular services have been held right down •the years. At one time a branch Sunday school existed in Riccarton, East Taieri. In 1912 the old church was turned into a parish hall, and a brick structure—the present one —erected The following is a list of pastors who have ministered to the congregation since 1895:—Rev. F. W. Boreham, D.t>. (18951906) ; Rev. E. H. Hobday (1907-1909) ; Rev. P. H. Radford (1909-1912): Rev. F. McDonald (1912-1915); Rev, T. H. Eccersall (1915-1918) ; Rev. R. Robertson (1918-1920); Rev, E. R. Weston (1921-1924) ;-Rev. R. Robertson (1924-1928); Rev. W. E. Lambert (1929-1933): Rev. F. L. Smart (19331937); Rev. E. P. Y. Simpson (1938-1941); Rev. Alan Findlay (1941-1942); and Rev. J. H. Nielsen is the present pastor. The late. Mr H. D. Bedford occupied the pulpit- on Sundays from Rev. Boreliam's departure till Mr Hobday's arrival. Rev. H. (i. Goring, president of the Baptist Union, presided over the majority of the celebrations. He was ably assisted by Pastor J. H. Neilsen. The Mayor nf Mosgiel (Mr W. "P. Hartstonge) attended the official opening, and conveyed greetings on behalf nf the citizens. Music was supplied by the Taieri Highland Pipe Band. There was a " roll call '' and groups were photographed. The ladies provided afternoon, tea. - - ~

There was a good attendance in the evening, both at the banquet and the social. At these appropriate toasts were honoured, and items rendered by the choir and friends. Greetings .were read by Miss Owens from former ministers and members now resident, away frcm Mosgiel. Some were from members who had worshipped in the church more than half a century ago. A pleasant little ceremony occurred at the banquet. Mrs Robert son, widow of a former minister, .who had journeyed, frr.in Auckland for Ihe pcrasinn was specially welcomed awl presented with a floral spray. A similar gift was made to Mrs Stevenson, the oldest member of the congregation. Portion of Ihe evening was occupied by recount in? rpiiiinisciioes of years gone liy, a part cf the proceedings both amusing and interesting. Tribute wns paid to these who who had given service throughout the years to the various nativities in the life of the. congregation. The nits were expressed to one and all for help rendered, to make the celebrations successful, especially to Miss Owens, who had acted as organiser.

The interior of the church had been redecorated for the jubilee, and much praise was bestowed on the. contractor and his staff for the crrving out of the work.