CUBA STREET CHURCH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 148, 24 May 1934, Page 9

CUBA STREET CHURCH.

CELEBRATION OP REOPENING. For the Methodist residents of the city memories of the old time “tea meeting” were recalled last evening, when in celebration of the reopening of the Cuba Street Church after the effecting of repairs between 150 and 200 people foregathered for tea and, later, a concert provided by the choir of St. Paul’s Church. The proceedings opened at 6 o’clock with the tea, which was served at a number of big tables, and so large was the attendance that relays had to be arranged. It was a very pleasant gathering and was followed by a period of community singing of old hymns in the church under the baton of Mr H. T. Pitcher, with Miss It. Simmons at the organ. At about 7.30 all again met in the Sunday school hall for the concert programme, which continued until about 10.30 and proved highly enjoyable. Before the proceedings commenced, Rev. H. L. Richards, minister of the church, welcomed those present and thanked the St. Paul’s members for their support and the choir for their help. It had been about 10 years since a similar gathering had been held (when the new church was opened) and after the lapse it was good to revive the custom.

A vigorous address was -delivered by Rev. A. N. Scotter, 8.A., of St. Paul’s, chairman of the Hawke’s BayManawatu District of the Church. He said it was pleasing that the building was now stronger than ever. The congregation formed a vital portion of Methodism and the Church there was well-known throughout the Connexion for its good work. For 1800 years it had been said that “the Church today is not as good as it was yesterday” and it did have its problems at present, which should bring out the best. The congregation.jnade the minister to as great an extent as the reverse was true, and Mr Scotter stressed the need for harmony and the shouldering of burdens by the members, allowing the minister to perforin the work to which lie was called—to preach. From the time of Pentecost there had existed the danger of the minister having too many responsibilities, and the call was to the office-bearers to sharo the work. Mr Scotter said that great things.had been done at Cuba Street, and appealed for a continuance of the same spirit. , r n n During the programme Mr b. b. Hancox, secretary of the trust, explained the financial position. The repairs had cost £370, and the sum of £lB5 had come by direct subscription, more being received gradually. However until the noxt trust appeal was duo ’the amount of £155 had to be found for ordinary expenditure, £3o being in hand. Mr Hancox appealed for help and at the same time expressed pleasure at the fine support given by the young people’s organisations. The following was the programme presented, Mr A. J. Trogurtha conducting the choir and Miss M. Muirhead officiating at the piano Choir, “Lead Kindly Light,” “Hymn to Music” ; pianoforte duet, Misses M. Muirhead and N. Tregurtha; vocal solos, Miss G. Cameron, “Pipes of Pan,” “Dainty Damoselle, ’ “Danny Bov”; vocal solos, Mr H. Woodhouse, “Minstrel Song,” “Oberon in Fairyland”; violin solos, Miss F. Howley; vocal solos, Miss I. Clark, “Angus, My Own”; “Star O Mine”; Harmony Four, “The Rosary,” “God Spirit”; choir, “Sing, O Heavens ; ’cello solos, Miss G. McKenzie; vocal solo, Miss G. Laurenson, Slumber Song” ; vocal solo, Mr H. Blackwood, “Macushla”; duet, Misses Laurenson and Clark, “I Wish I were 'A Imy Bird”; choir, “Hear My 1 rayer, “Wings of a Dove,” “The Glory of the Lord,” Owing to the length of the programme encores were not permitted towards the conclusion. The gathering, before the proceedings closed passed votes of appieciation to all who had prepared the tea, to the choir, and the St. Paul s members for their support.