HASTINGS METHODIST CHURCH.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 251, 26 September 1912, Page 3

HASTINGS METHODIST CHURCH.

A HANDSOME STRUCTURE.

The new Methodist Church at Hastings, which is to be dedicated at 2 p.m. to-morrow by the Rev. W. Ready, president of the New Zealand Conference, is decidedly an architectural acquisition to the town. The building, which is well proportioned and designed on Gothic lines, is constructed of brick, with the exterior rendered in cement plaster, and top finishing of buff coloured rough cast. The tower at the northern end adds dignity and charm to the building. There are two double entrance doors Co the main body cf the church —one in the tower, and one in the centre of the front elevation, whilst separate doors load to the vestries and transept. The whole of the roofs are

covered with Marseilles roofing tiles, and ornamental ridge crestings. The inside is well lighted with five large and seven smaller windows, the tracery work in the large windows being a special feature. All the windows are glazed with beautifully designed leaded lights. In the large window at the east end of the church is seen a beautiful pictorial stained glass window, the centre panel being taken from Holman Hunt’s fam- . us picture, entitled, "The Light of the World.” The window is a gift from one of the members qf the church. "The whole of the leaded light work throughout was executed by Mr. R. Martin of Wellington. The interior of the building is finished in Keen’s cement plaster, the openings relieved with Gothic moulded arches, producing a very pleasing effect. The ceiling is covered with 4in. lining, the centre portion being diagonally strapped with 4in. by 4in. dark stained beams, and an advantage has been gained by sloping the floor 2ft. from back of church to rostrum. The inside measurements of the building are: —

Main body 72ft. 39i’t.. vestibule (>ft. wide and full width of building, tower 12ft. by 12ft. A transept if seen at the southern end, which adds to the size of the building by 26ft. bv 10ft.

The choir is well arranged at the end of church, on raised gallery ir semicircular form and the rostrum if p.aced to the loft front of choir. A chamber has been provided at rear of choir for a pipe organ, the spaec for this being 18ft. by 12ft. The choir and ministers vestries are placed conveniently on side of church, having easy access to both the rostrum and choir. The seating accommodation is for 400, including choir seats which will accommodate 34.

The building is supplied with elec trie light, the work of irstailing the light being done by the Hastings Borough Council, al a co.'.t of ;£’7O. The present electric fittings are temporary, the proper fittings, which have been specially ordered frt>m England, being due to arrive in about four weeks’ time. The building is wed ventilated with patent wall ventilators, the ceiling being pierced with ornamental scrolls whilst in the

main roof are placed four ventilating dormers.

The building was designed by Mr. Albert Garnett, architect, of Hastings, and it reflects great credit on his professional ability. The new structure displays first class workmanship throughout, and the contractor, Mr. T. Styles has been highly complimented on this fact. The whole of the joinery work was carried out in Mr. Style’s shop, the brick and plaster work being sub-let to Messrs. Duncan and Abbott. Mr. J. Fear carried out the plumbing work, and Messrs. R. Burden and Sons the painting. The contract price was £3078.