ST. PAUL’S CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 293, 8 November 1934, Page 2

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.

The diamond jubilee celebrations of St. Paul’s Methodist Sunday School were concluded yesterday. From the early afternoon until well on towards midnight there was a spirit of gladness in evidence, all present seeming to catch the feeling that the staff, teachers and scholars alike, were spreading ; glad of course that they were associated with a Sunday school with such a splendid history of Christian endeavour behind it.

Tile tea in the afternoon seemed to be a record so far as attendance goes. A merry band •of helpers were kept busy for some hours attending to the wants of a large crowd, including many visitors and old boys of the Sunday school. In the evening there was again a large attendance. Rev. A. N. Scotter presided. The programme was unique in many respects.. Though lengthy, there was not a dull moment, and the audience did not stint their approval of the items rendered by the performers, from the primary department to the senior Rible classes.

The surprise of the evening came with the unveiling of two portraits (given by anonymous donors) of two outstanding in the school’s history, Messrs G. H. Bennett and G. H. Stiles (present superintendent).. The former holds the fine record of 22 years’ continuous service in office as superintendent; Mr Styles following close with 13 years, and it is hoped many more yet to come. Neither of the two superintendents had the least idea of what was coming, and each was asked in turn to unveil the portrait of the other. After musical honours had been accorded them, both suitably re plied. Two more portraits now adorn the schools walls and they will be valued. It was a great day for the scholars and the presentation was a fitting conclusion to the jubilee celebrations. Mr W. J. Spooner (a past superintendent) was present At a fitting juncture in the unveiling ceremony appropriate recitations and solos were rendered by Masters Len Shailer and Peter McConnan and Miss Mary Baker. All were warmly applauded. The following contributed to the programme : Primary department under Misses G. Laurenson and E. Scotter, Nursery rhymes; Girls’ intermediate Bible class, “The Young Maids of Lee”; Miss Helsby’s class, “The Cook and the Sailors” ; Miss Cunninghfime’s class, action song, “Fancy Dress Ball”; Mr Gooch’s class, “Schooldays”; Mr Dixon’s class, “Shopping”; Miss I. Clarke’s class, playette, “Detention” ; Mrs G. H. Bycroft’s class, mono’ogue; “Little Bit of Love,” Amy Baker; Mr J. H. Hancock’s class, Sir A. Bycroft and Scouts, sketch, “The Biters'Bit” ; Mr H. Lock’s surprise item; Mr King, ventriloquist; teachers’ item; Mr King ella’s Lost Slipper,” arranged by Miss E. Scotter; senior girls, “Abracadabra,” a singing game arranged by Miss Jones; solo. Master John Cunninghame. The distribution of prizes followed the concert to conclude the function. The decorations and stage management were splendidly carried out by Mr L. Bvcroft. A huge jubilee cake made and presented to' the school by Mr and Mrs H. ‘Whitehead was cut and distributed during the tea celebrations.