HAWERA METHODIST CHURCH

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 26 September 1933, Page 7

HAWERA METHODIST CHURCH

ANNIVERSARY SOCIAL

REPORTS QX YEAR’S ACTIVITIES The congregation and all departments of the Hawera Methodist Church were largely represented at the church anniversary social hall in the Sunday School Hall last evening, when reports of activities during the past 12 months were presented and a programme of entertainment- contributed. The Rev. Basil Metson occupied the chair and proceedings opened with congregational singing and devotional exercises. In the course of his address 1 to church members Mr Metson said these anniversary services were an outstanding event in the history of the church, when members could look back and take pride in their work. The church had an important part to- play in the community and speakers representing women’s departments of church activity would be asked to report to the congregation on progress made during the year. Mr. Metson welcomed those present and mentioned that the attendance was fully representative. There were two church members present, who were at the opening of the church over 50 years ago, one being Mrs. R. J. Squire and the other Mr. W. A’Court.

In her report on the activities of the Home Mission department. Mrs J. Mills said she felt a great pride in the work of that loyal band of men and women who were carrying the ■Gospel into the backblocks of our country with 1 a courage and enthusiasm that aroused admiration. Pride also was felt in the work of the Sisters and Deaconesses who gave ungrudgingly and . did not spare themselves in their work amongst European and Maori, people. Mrs Mills referred to the visit of the Rev. A. J. Seamer and his Maori Mission party and stated that accommodation would be required for the party of approximately, nine members. Mr. T. J. Hurrel-1 gave’ the report on the Sunday schools and made brief reference to the church jubilee, mentioning that it is now 57 years since the opening of the church. He mentioned that when he came to Hawera some 33 years ago conditions in the town and in the church were much different from what they were to-day. The church was to be congratulated, he said, on the progress at had made in that time. Personally it gave him the greatest pleasure to be associated' with the work in the Sunday schools, for any effort that was made was more than repaid, if not in the immediate future then in the later life of the pupils. Membership was as follows: Hawera Sunday school 114 scholars j and 13 officials'; Hawera Young Men’s i Bible Glass, 17 on the roll; Normanby [ (Mr T. Taylor, superintendent), 35 on | roll; Tawhiti (Mr. H. Whitlock), 25 on j roll : Ohawe (Mr J. W. Archhold), 25 j on roll; Ohangai (Miss Hill and Miss j Oressey). 16 on roll. | Miss Glare Squire gave & report or , the Young Women’s Bible Class- and said that the year’s average attendance had been good. During the year six members bad joined the church. Combined meetings with the young men’s class had been held on Mothers’ Day and Day of Prayer. These had been much appreciated and' had created rrood feeling between the various classes. Evening meetings held during the vear had been very helpful and she thanked all who had allowed, the u.se of tlieir homes for such gatherings. The Haeremai Club, a young people s organisation in its first year of existence had been a real success. Miss Squire also spoke of the good influence of the various rallies, camps and union meetings held during the year. Mi* Metson referred t»o the fa-ct that the Taranaki Union Bible Glass camp would be held at Hawera. this year, also that the union executive wouldbe transferred to Hawera next year. The Yew Plymouth classes had held it for five years, previous to which Hawerabad held it for five years, having actuallv formed the original executive. Miss P. Bates reported on the .various women’s activities. The main duty of a Ladies’ Guild was to superintend and finance arrangements at the parsonage when ministers were , changing circuits, also other and varied' duties which they accented responsibility. The Women’s- Missionery Auxiliary was celebrating its 21st birthday. The local society donated £7O a year to support missioners in the Solomon Islands also the Native Maori Mission. The union operated extensively in its work throughout the Dominion and altogether raised annually some £2600. Its motto was “Women’s Work lor Women.” IVluch good work was’. being done by the nurses and sisters in obscurity in the backblocks without any limelight whatever. Miss Bates gave greetings from the various women s organisations' to the gathering. Mrs. R. J. Squire, who joined the church 53 years ago this month, said that the building now used as the Sunday school was the church of those days. Mrs Squire gave some very interesting reminiscences of the early days and referred *to i>lic ‘fact ’tlia’fc i}li6 Ladies’ Sewing Guild met at a house where the “Hawera- Star” office now stands. In those days the . Hawera church was in the Patea circuit. On behalf of the church trustees, Mr E. Dixon gave a report of the financial position and of the . work done during the year. Despite the hard times' and thanks to revenue derived from the rose and sweet pea. show and contributions from various sources, the t-.rustee* were able to “balance the budget.” He paid tribute to Mrs E. J Yen rburv’s splendid work during the vear in collecting quarterly subscriptions in lieu of the pew rente, also to

Mr and Mrs Yearbury for organising the “diminishing teas,” which had been a fruitful source of revenue and to the Haeremai Club- for its help. Mr * Dixon also made special reference .to the work of Mr Metson since coming to Hawera, and said that the church had made a very wise choice of minister. Thanks were extended to the choir, to the conductor (Mr. H. C. j. Fox), to Mrs F. King (organist), do Mrs H. Baker (assisting organist), to the church stewards and to all who had worked in any capacity during the year. ~ , Mr. Metson regretted that Mr and Mrs H. Townsley were not present; and mentioned that they were leaving for Wellington shortly. The programme of entertainment was contributed to by. Miss F. Best (song), Mr. Metson (recitation) and Mr and Mrs McEwen of Normanby (songs). Thanks were conveyed to the Rev. John lugs who conducted the afternoon service on Sunday.