FIFTY YEARS’ LIFE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 92, 18 March 1936, Page 11

FIFTY YEARS’ LIFE

ASHHURST METHODISM. THE JUBILEE BANQUET. A cavalcade of fifty years of Methodism in the Ashhurst district was represented in speeches at the Public Hall, Ashhurst, last evening when the climax was reached of the jubilee celebrations in connection with the church, which had its origin in 1886. For fifty years the church has occupied an honoured and influential position in the life of the town, meeting the changing conditions of the years with a vigour that has been characteristic of world-wide Methodism. On March 13, 1886, Rev. R. S. Bunn, the minister of the Palmerston North circuit delivered the first sermons, op the following day. the Foresters’ Hall was the scene of an “old-time tea meeting”. . .So time passed, and last evening those who are left of the early pioneers foregathered with the descendants of those who had passed over to celebrate in characteristic manner tiie attainment of the 50th year of virile life. It was an event in the history or Manawatu Methodism —and beyond for the scores of residents of Ashhurst who assembled to honour those who had laid so faithfully the foundations were augmented by visitors from Pallia tua, Palmerston North, Feilding, Poliangina, and Bunnythorpe. Rev. C. A. Foston, the present, minister of the circuit, presided over the gathering of 200 people, while associated yitli him were Rev. A. N. Scotter, 8.A., the chairman of the Hawke s Bay-Alana watu district, Bev. IT. B. Goertz (Anglican vicar). Rev. C. M. Roberts (Pahiatua), and Hon. J. G. Cobbe. M.P. for Oroua. The earlier portion of the evening was devoted to a banquet, with a toast list. EARLY HISTORY.

The first toast, “The Methodist Church of New Zealand,” was proposed by Mr AV. N. Brewer (circuit steward), who pointed to the excellent foundations that had been laid by the early ministers following the launching of this great Protestant Church by Rev. John AYesley. The experience of these devoted men had been very trying, and the early days of New Zealand Methodism gave cause for laborious work. In 1874 New Zealand was given self-government, in tile Mernodist Church, although the various branches remained separated. The first-, but partial, union came in 1896, but in 1913 the complete union was secured. The Methodist Church had played an important part in the settlement of New Zealand and, with the Anglican Church, had also played a major role in the signing of the Treaty of AVaitangi. Air Scotter, responding to the toast, said that Palmerstonians felt very happy ’in joining with the residents of Ashhurst 'in celebrating the jubilee ot the church. Methodism had illuminated Protestantism and all Christianity since AA 7 esley's heart had b<sen “strangely warmed.” To-day they enjoyed blessings because of the Methodist missionaries and the Church, The members and adherents at Ashhurst were to he praised for their zeal in the cause of the same Church. The circuit fyas one of the most devoted and loyal in the district, asking no financial help " and doing valiant work. On behalf of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, Mr Scotter added, he could say that such devotion was keenly appreciated. He could only wish for them the utmost progress; they could only prosper by the message ot the warmed heart. One of the grandest of the “Oxford Groups” had been that- of the 18tli century in which AVesley figured. _ The genius oi Methodism was pioneering. _ and the power of it was the Holy Spirit. ANGLICAN GREETINGS.

Rev. Mr Goertz, conveying greetings from the Anglican Church, expressed pleasure at being able to attend. Some had doubtless been resident in the district for the whole of the 50 years, and they would be wondering for the future. But faithful work would bring results in its train. The Anglican people extended felications what was Methodism’s gain was also their own in the same cause, though working in different ways. Theirs was a common joy. Pride of place was occupied by a beautifully iced two-tiered cake, made by Mrs J. H. Sumner, and iced by Mr E. Roberts (Feilding). At this juncture Mrs J. C. 'Williamson, the oldest Methodist resident of Aslihurst, inserted a knife in the cake, and Mr T. Searle, a son of one of the early pioneers, made the first cut. Pieces of the cake were distributed among the audience. MEN OF OTHER DAYS.

Mr G. li. Bennett, of Palmerston North, proposed the toast “The Ashhurst Methodist Church” and recalled his long connection with Methodism. He was pleased to see so many old families represented, ior he remembered the first quarterly meeting at St. Paul’s 44 years ago. Mr G. S Rumble and Mr J. T. Kilford (Feilding) were among those present. Occasional quarterly meetings were held at Ashlmrst for the benefit- of the Pohangina people. Recollections of Rev. Mr Bunn were still keen in Mr Bennett’s mind—he had had an Irishman’s humour and “bubbled over” with it at times. The church was then nearer the railway line. There had been some wonderful ministers after Mr Bunn, including Rev. Mr Tinsley, Rev. Mr Keall, Rev. Mr Leigh, ltev. T. R. Richards, Rev. Mr Luxford, Rev. Mr Lawry, Rev. Mr Mader, Rev. Mr Lewis, Rev. Mr Spence, Rev. Mr Boyes, Rev. Mr Cooke, and Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt. The new circuit had nobly risen to tile occasion upon its formation, and had had the service of such local preachers as Messrs J. P. Leary, J. Dixon, Duncan Sinclair, C. Collis, H. Billens, senr., and others. “Their names ought to be written in gold in the churches thev served,” saief Mr Bennett, who also recalled Mr Nutzie among many other workers extending from the earliest times down to the present day. However, the look had to be a forward one. Responding, Mr G. Davenport recalled 33 years’ association with the Ashlmrst Church. The people had given well and worked hard, and lie prophesied a bright future of such a practice continued. The toast, “The Pioneers,” was proposed by Mr T. R. Hodder, who recalled the appointment, in 1886, of the first trustees of the church, including Messrs Grace, Dillon, Leary and Mowlem. In 1889 Mr Hodder had arrived in the district, and ior fifteen consecutive years he and Mr Bennett had been circuit stewards. He could recall Messrs Searle, Rumble, and Kilford as splendid workers, with many others whose names he could not remember. A standard had been set for emulation. Mrs C. C. Thompson, responding, said that she spoke with very _ mixed feelings. She could not but wish that the hand of Time could be turned back. On behalf of those who were left, and with very tender memories of those who had passed, she expressed thanks for the honouring of the toast.

LOCAL PREACHERS. Rev. Mr Foston proposed the toast of “Tlie Local Preachers,” saying

that without these men aggressive work could not be performed. Methodism had evolved a new order of lay workers, and in New Zealand it had been the means of providing an excellent service. In the Ashhurst circuit exactly half the number of services held were taken by local preachers. The Methodist Church held that laymen were equally called to preach with ministers. “AVe honour our lav preachers and value their work,” said Mr Foston.

Air G. Young (Palmerston North), in response, said that he had been preaching in the circuit since 1913, but Air J. H. Fowler and Air H. Dixon (who were present) had been preachers before that time. Air J. P. Leary had been looked upon as “the father of the local preachers,” with always a word of cheer and commendation. Air Duncan Sinclair bad alwavs been associated with Poliangina. Air Passey, senr., had preached a great deal at Home and in New Zealand. Alessrs H. G. A r ivian, H. Billens, R. H. Billens, G. Harris, Emmett, J. G. A’oung, R°v. Arr Jefferson. Alessrs L. Hnydon, AV. Hocking. J. J. Cox, C. Weston, N. Pallesen, C. Woodley, D. Evans, J. H. Harris and others were recalled. To-day the work was being carried on by younger men also mentioned by the speaker. There used to be arduous journeys to Poliangina and Awahou bv bicycle, occupying many hours, while a horse and trap were also employed. Something of the old-time fellowship was missing to-day, Air Young believed. THE LADIES’ AVORIv.

“The Ladies’ Gifikl” was a toast proposed by Air Dunham. As trust secretary he could say that a debt- of gratitude was owing to the ladies for their elaborate preparations in connection 'with the banquet. This was merely one incident in fifty years of service at a variety qf church functions.

Airs L. A. Shaw, in reply, said the work of the Ladies’ Guild had not been an irksome task, but a labour qf love which would be continued in -the future.

Air E. Tnnnicliffe proposed the toast, “The Sunday School and Bible Classes,” stressing the importance of youth work. He was confident that in the future the work would be as faithfully performed under changed conditions as it had heen in the past. From a parents’ point of view he was unite satisfied with the work being done.

Air Dunham (Sunday school superintendent) said, in reply, that fine work was being performed by Air and Airs Foston in the Bible classes; they had earned the affection of the young people. He stressed the fact of the responsibility resting on the home.

OTHER SPEECHES. Air Cobbe, in a short speech, said be was exceedingly pleased to be present. In the early days he had conducted a service in the old church. He had never been a local preacher, however, but had heen a “stop gap.” He related several humorous incidents of the early days. Air Foston paid a very cordial tribute to Air J. H. Sumner for his faithful work as organist over a long period, and on his call Air Sumner's health was drunk with enthusiasm. Air Sumner said he was very appreciative of tho kindly sentiments expressed, but he had enjoyed his sixteen years of labour. Mr Brewer paid a warm tribute to Air and Airs Foston. During the past two years they had performed good work in the circuit. A toast to their health was enthusiastically honoured. In reply, Air Foston said Airs Foston and he were pleased if they gave cause for pleasure. They were very happy in their work. The services on the previous Sunday would remain in his memory as outstanding events in his ministry.

GREETINGS PRESENTED. Greetings received from abs'ent friends were read by Mr as follow: —Mrs Evans, Karori; Mrs Fergie (nee Rumble), Wellington; -Mrs Rowling (nee Rumble), Wanganui; Mrs Kilford, Wanganui; Misses M. and E. Thompson, Mannrewa; Mr H. Billens, Palmerston North; Mrs Sherratt, Te Puke; Mr and Mrs Rowling, Paekakariki; Mr Percy Green, Sydney; Mr Hopkirk, Astihurst; Mr 11. N. Vivian, Wellington; Mr and Mrs Geo. Lovelock, Marton; Mr W. Searle, Kohukohu; Mr and Mrs Watchman, Karori; Mrs Currie, senr., llunnythorpe; Mrs Colson, Waikato; the Lumley family, Wanganui. Messages were also received from the following former ministers: —Revs. Clyde Carr, M.P., Wallace _ Neal, Green Hall, R. E. Fordyce, V . Gatman, C. Duncan, and M. A. Rugby Pratt.

The hall had been beautifully decorated by Mrs O. C. Thompson and Mrs A. Currie, assisted by members of the Ladies’ Guild, and the gay _ scone presented amply rewarded their efforts. Interspersing the list of toasts were items presented as follow, which added greatly to the pleasure of the evening: Quartettes, Mrs W. Peck, Mrs C. 0 Thompson, Mr E. Tunnieliffe, and Mr R. A. Findlay ; Mrs L. Evans, Mrs G. Jackson, Mr Findlay and Mr Tunnicliffe; Messrs H. Bristow. C. G. Dunham. Tunnieliffe, D. Findlay: solos, Mr Bristow, and Mr E. Tunnieliffe. The singing of the Doxology and the pronouncing of the Benediction by Mr Roberts concluded a memorable function. OTHER FUNCTIONS.

On Sunday there was a packed church at both services conducted by Mr Foston. This afternoon the Sunday school children were entertained. On Friday the pioneer members are to be entertained at an afternoon function by the Ladies’ Guild and at night a social is being held by the choir.