’TIS 60 YEARS AGO

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3129, 10 June 1942, Page 5

’TIS 60 YEARS AGO

FIRST METHODIST CHURCH

PAEROA DIAMOND JUBILEE SERVICES TO BE HELD SUNDAY An event of intei’est, no doubt, to many in the community is the celebration this week-end of the Diamond Jubilee of the Paeroa Methodist Church, which was opened for worship 60 years, ago—on June 4, 1882 — being built at a cost of £3Bl, and with a membership of 64. As all the land in the district c at the time was held by the Maoris only a leasehold title could then be secured but by negotiation with the native owners and through the kindly offices of the original lessees, Messrs Jackson and Russell, the section was eventually obtained. The initiative in establishing a Methodist church in Paeroa was largely taken by the late Rev. Dr. J. T. Pinfold, who had been appointed a short time before by the Dominion Conference to labour in the district, and who was instrumental in creating the first Methodist circuit in the Paeroa district. But organised Methodist effort had begun even before Mr Pinfold’s advent, chiefly through the interest of the late Mr John Phillips, who in I’BBl procured the help, at irregular intervals, of “local” (lay) preachers from Thames, the first services, presumably, being held in private homes. When a church was originally built, Mr Phillips became a foundation trustee, his co-trustees being Messrs Wm. Tetley, Thomas Kitchen, John Phillips Jnr., John Bramley and Thomas. Jackson. Golden Jubilee functions were held ten years ago, in June, 1932, the Sunday services being conducted by the late Rev. 'S. Griffiths, in the unavoidable absence, through sickness, of Dr. Pinfold. The preacher on the jubilee occasion had first preached in Paeroa about 31 years previously. The theme of one of Mr Griffith's jubilee sermons —an exposition of the 103rd. Psalm—is still gratefully remembered by some of his hearers of that date.

A public celebration was held in the Centenary Hall, and among those attending was the late Mrs F. A. B. Cameron, a daughter of the late Mr John Phillips, and the only surviving foundation member, in 1932, of the original church. A bouquet was presented by Miss Margaret Bateup, daughter of the Rev. F. Bateup, to Mrs Cameron, to whom also was assigned the privilege of cutting the birthday cake.

Greetings were received from former members, ministers and ministers’ widows.

Other features of the celebrations included a youth rally on the Sunday afternoon, and a week-night concert by. a party from Waikino. The celebrations this week-end will comprise a public gathering in the church on Saturday afternoon, June 13, followed by tea in the Masonic Hall; Sunday services conducted by a former minister, the Rev. G. F. Stockwell; and a youth rally on Sunday afternoon, June 14. The co-operation of the public in these commemorative events will be cordially welcomed.