HASTINGS METHODIST CHURCH

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 216, 26 August 1927, Page 9

HASTINGS METHODIST CHURCH

ANNIVERBITY OP YOUNG MEN ’b INSTITUTE.

The Wesley Hall last evening pre sen ted a very gay appearance wnen a lurg gathering sat down to tea, the occasion being the 21st anniversary oi the Methudiiri Young Men's institute The room and tables were tastefully decorated in the class col ours (yellow and black), A large birthday cake, suitably inscriuud formed the centre piece of the huge tables. The guests of honour were the leaders unu foundation menibei’B oi the class, about a dozen of whom were present, lhe Rev. ±. Copeland presided, ana in turn called upon the past leaders to address the gathering

Mr A. G. Hulbert who had with Mrs Hulbert, journeyed from Motuuka to attend the celebration, was the leader when the class was forme'! 21 years ago. He’on rising to speak was greeted with hearty applause, and called upon the “old boys” to stand. About a dozen responded. Mr Hulbert then went on to relate the difficulties and experiences which he and Mi F. J. Gibbs, as the first secretary, had io encounter in gutting the building erected the funds collected, and the class started, it was a mutter for thanksgiving that in the good Providence of God the work started 21 years ago had been so ably and successfully carried on. j

Mr G. W. Venables who succeeded Mr Hulbert in the leadership of the class congratulated the M.i.M.l. in their cominng of age, and spoke words of encouragement Lv those who were now shouldering the responsi bility ot training the youths of the church for future citizenship. Mr R. Doubleday, who for a period ot 16 years had been their leader, feelingly spoke of tne times of stress xpeneneed during the war, and men tiond with pride the part playeu by those members who had gone lorth in the service of Empire, four of whom had made the supreme sacrifice. Mr F. J. Gibbs replied on bohali of the class, welcoming the former leaders.

Letters of congratulation were read by Mr P.Loach from many past members who were unable to be present. Mr J. Fear on behalf of the Baptist and Presbyterian Classes, offered concratulations, as did also Mr Horn,, re presenting the Methodist Hawke’s Bay Union. During the social evening which followed musical items were renderd by the Misses Gibbs (2), Stowe and Messrs Jones, Bryant, Tonkin and the Rev F. Copeland.

The anniversary will be further celebrated on Sunday next, when special services will be conducted both morning and evening, in Wesley Church.