CENTRAL MISSION TO CELEBRATE 57 YEARS OF SERVICE

Evening Star, Issue 26137, 26 June 1947, Page 10

CENTRAL MISSION TO CELEBRATE 57 YEARS OF SERVICE

This week-end marks the fiftyseventh anniversary of the Methodist Central Alission. The work was founded by that virile preacher and able administrator, the late William Ready. Air Ready began his work by preaching in the open air in the Octagon. Great crowds came to hear him, and many of them gathered in the Oddfellows Hall. Rattray street, where he conducted his first service indoors. The congregation grew larger and a move was made to the King’s Theatre in Dowling street, and later to the Garrison Hall. The Rev. W. A. Sinclair succeeded Air Ready, and it was during his time that the Garrison Hall proved too small. It was his successor, the ReV. AV. Slade, an able Christian statesman, who recognised the urgent need of a permanent building. He eventually purchased the present site in the Octagon, and built what was known later as the Octagou Hall. Since that time the Revs. AV. AValker, C. Eaton, and G. B. Hinton have served at the mission; The present superintendent, the Rev. Leslie B. Neale, under whose leadership the Central Alission Eventide Homes and Hospital have been erected, has served the mission and the community for the past 16 years. Three years ago a progressive step was taken when a second ordained minister was appointed in the person bf the Rev. H. Whitfield. The present assistant superintendent is the Rev. W. E. Falkingham. Another forward step made this year was the appointment of Sister Margaret as mission deaconess. The present secretary-treasurer of the mission. Air H. H. Johnson, has been an officer for 33 years, and has held his present position since 1920. FUTURE PROGRESS. Extensive constructional work has been going on during the last year at the Company Bay home. A 35-bed' hospital has been established, a caretaker’s home erected, and at the present time the foundations are being laid for a nurse’s home, in addition arrangements are being made to purchase a farm of approximately 130 acres adjoining the present property. Future plans are now being considered for the erection of a six-story building on the present site in the Octagon as an administrative centre for the social service work of the mission, a youth centre, and a centre for community service in the form of a cafeteria, reading wiooms, lounges, men’s and women’s social rooms, etc. During the last 57 years the work of the Central Alission has grown tremendously, and in future it will be extended in even greater proportions. The fifty-seventh anniversary will be commemorated by special services bn Sunday, when the Rev. D. Hickman, of St. Kilda, will conduct the morning service, and the Revs. L. B. Neale and \\ r . E. Falkingham will conduct the evening service. The celebrations will be continued in the Concert Chamber on Alonday evening, when a Alnori party from Otakou and Karitane will entertain. The Central Mission Choir will also sing various items.