BUNNNYTHORPE METHODIST CHURCH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 2, 2 December 1931, Page 8

BUNNNYTHORPE METHODIST CHURCH.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS. Fine weather and good congregations aided tho success of tho • church anniversary celebrations at the Bunnythorpe Methodist Church on Sunday and Tuesday. An augmented choir, under tho baton of Mr W. Eggleton, led tlio singing at tho services, rendered several anthems and contributed most of tho programme at a concert. Miss Mavis Wood-ably presided at tho piano, and Miss' D. Ransom accompanied some of the items. Mr R. Jepsen and Miss Edna Jepsen provided ’cello and violin accompnimento. The preacher was the pastor, Rev. R. E. Fordyce, who spoke in the morning on “The Mutual Relationships of tho Pulpit and tho few,” and at night on “The Stewardships of Life.” The anthems rendered wore “Give Ear 0 Lord,” “My Light," “Praise the Lord O Ye People,” the solo parts being taken by Mr Jackson, Mis 3 Prootor and Mr Foster Crane. A duet was rendered by Mr J. W. and Miss Wood. The anniversary social attracted a good attendance and proved to be a very pleasant event. A fine programme was rendered by the ohoir, and some visiting friends. The pastor presided and wolcomed Rev. J. D. McArthur, who later gave an address, Mr W. N. Brewer and Mr H. Dixon. The chairman spoke in appreciative terms of the amount of fine work which had beon done in and around tho church premises as the result of which the property was looking in good order. Mr Olaf Jepsen and members of the Y.M.B.C. had mown tho lawns, and lator somo of tho same members had assisted members of tho Ladies’ Guild, under the leadership- of Mr 3 Scheidt, in springcleaning the church. Thanks were expressed to Mrs Schoidt and Miss Proctor for the very beautiful floral decorations which they had ao artistically arranged. There were twenty-two at the Communion service hold on Sunday morning, and it was very pleasing to see a number of young people at that servico. The church roll numbers 53, being two less than last year owing to tho deaths of Messrs J. Clevely and J. Fowlor, both of whom had been trustees of tho church. The pastor made mention of the wedding and baptisms in connection with tho church during tho year. He expressed appreciation of the line service rendered by local preachers and motorists who by their faithful help made the maintenance of tho regular services possible. The work of tho Ladies’ Guild, tho Sunday school teachers, the choirmaster, the organist and tho stewards all deserved genuine praise. Mr Fordyce spoke of the happy relationships existing between him and his people and expressed tho hope that thoy might continue. Mr H. Dixon, a former worker :n the church, thanked tho chairman for his words of welcome and for the opportunity of speaking a few words of congratulation on the occasion. The treasurer’s report, which was read by tho chairman on tho unavoidable absence of the treasurer, Mr J. H. Fowler, showed the trust fund to bo in credit to the extont of over £5. „ , . . Rev. Mr McArthur gave a truly inspiring address son “My Debt to My Church,” Tho speaker mentioned that if Christians were more concerned about performing their duties, rather than maintaining their rights in a church, there would be a good deal less trouble. The same was true of nations and the world in general. The real troubles of the world to-day were moral rather than political. On the occasion of this anniversary he advised the adopting of the Chinese New Year customs, that of paying up all debts, and of starting tho new year with a clean sheet. Tho speaker mentioned the difficult times, and said that at such times the church was usually tho first thing from which people withheld their contributions. This action was largely duo to ignorance as to what people really owed the church. A very tolling illustration was used showing’ how a church member had dealt with a man who whined about “the church being always after the money.” The speaker showed that the great charitable organisations usually owed their origin and maintenance to the Christian Church. The heros were challenged to imagine what would happon if the churches were closed and all Christian influences were withdrawn from society. To the church most people owed their finest friendships. It was there they heard the Gospel of Hope. The finest music had its birth in the Christian Church, and it was the church that inspired U 3 with the loftiest ideals of character. Hi 3 address was soulsearching and inspiring. . Mr W. N, Brewer, one of the chief circuit officials, went over from Ashhurst for the occasion, and conveyed greetings from the rest of the circuit. He had intended to speak on tho financial side of circuit work, but curtailed his remarks in view of the address which had been given. At tho conclusion of tho programme, the chairman thanked those who had assisted, and tho audience then adjourned to the Sunday school hall and enjoyed the bountiful supper provided by the Ladies' Guild. The programme was as follows: Anthems, by tho choir; songs, by Mrs Heggie and Mr Jackson; recitations by Misses J. Clevely, A. Pascoo, M. Heggie, and Master R. Jackson.