MODERATOR’S VISIT

Franklin Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 44, 20 April 1942, Page 2

MODERATOR’S VISIT

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

CELEBRATIONS AT DRURY

NEW HALL DEDICATED

Friday last marked a very notable and inspiring series of evening gatherings in the Drury Presbyterian Church. The guest of honour for the occasion was the Right Rev. John Davie, of Masterton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, who attended and took a prominent part in the ceremonies.

At 7.30 p.m. a reception to the Distinguished visitor was presided over by the Rev. A. A. Armstrong, minister of the parish, who welcomed the Moderator who was then invited to proceed with the dedication and opening of the fine new hall, vestry and kitchen recently completed under the contract of Messrs McEntee (builder) and Kemp (painter). Congratulations Extended

The Moderator heartily congratulated the Drury minister and congregation upon their splendid achievement and advance in Christian service. It was especially creditable that the buildings were being opened free of debt, the Drury people contributing generously to meet the cost of over £3OO.

The dedication service was impressively carried out with praise and prayer and the building declared open to the glory of God and its good work. The large gathering then retired to the church when the Moderator delivered an eloquent and inspiring address to a packed congregation, taking for his subject “The Day of Dedication,” as revealed by the appeals of even our political and social leaders who are now calling on the church for a great spiritual contribution at this time of crisis. The Moderator emphasised that the Campaign for Christian Order required first of all quality of character and appealed to all to accept tne challenge and opportunities of today for the advance of Christ’s Kingdom.

A special offering for the building fund was received. A Social Evening

Following the service in the church, a social hour was spent in the new hall, when a happy gathering heard congratulatory messages from the Moderator of the Presbytery, the Rev. F. E. H. Paton, Mr J. W. Robinson, representing the board of managers of the parish, Mr W. Brooks, who reported progress for the Drury Church Committee. The Minister and Mrs Armstrong were specially thanked by the committee for their effective leadership and great help given in carrying out and completing the great improvements. Miss June Wilcox sang ‘‘Bless This House” and an encore, Mrs Hope accompanying. Miss Mavis Morrison acted as organist for the devotional services and the Minister assisted as Chaplain to the Moderator of the Assembly.

A pleasing feature of the gatherings was the presence of representatives from other churches and friends from as far back as Paparata. After a sumptuous supper these long-to-be-remembered gatherings concluded with the singing of the Doxology and “Auld Lang Syne.”

VISIT TO PUKEKOHE

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, the Right Reverend John Davie, was a visitor to Pukekohe yesterday. and preached in St. James Church last evening, to a large congregation. After the service a social hour and refreshments were enjoyed.