PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 8 July 1924, Page 4

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

MANAIA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS. A correspondent writes-. —Times have changed in churches as in other things. The records of 40 years ago—Presbyterian services began in Manaia in 1884—show that in several respects things are not as they were. The Presbyterians of those days must have been great singers. When the church was opened, throe services were held and 29 hymns and anthems were used—an average of nearly 10 to a service, and just double the number now usually used. Before the church was built, the congregation used to meet in. the courthouse—a very desirable association of the law with religion. Tt is not recorded whether anv of the members made, appearances there on other days than Sundays. There is a tradition that the first Presbyterian service in Manaia was held in an hotel. Certainly the office-bearers on occasion used to hold their meetings there, and one of the prominent members was the licensee. When tenders were called for the building of the church, the specifications were to be found at the hotel. Perhaps the greatest difference is to be found in the means of communication. The mud-splashed 1 gigs and horses of old times have given place to the car and tar-sealed roads. Present day Presbyterians are celebrating the 40th anniversary in fitting manner in the Manaia Town Hall on Julv 9. Proceedings commence with Divine worship at 2.30 p.m.. tea at 5.30. followed by a grand social in the evening. Several ministers from other parts of the province are expected to bo present, and it is hoped that all Presbyterians connected with the church will attend the celebrations.