St. Andrew’s Church Celebrates Its Jubilee

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6991, 17 August 1929, Page 6

St. Andrew’s Church Celebrates Its Jubilee

PROGRESS OF FIFTY YEARS Early History of Palmerston North Recalled The jubilee of St- Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Palmerston North is being celebrated to-morrow, when special services will be conducted by Right Rev. Professor William Hewitson, B.A. Moderator of the New Zealand Presbyterian General Assembly. The early history of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.is fraught with much interest. The church saw the beginning of Palmerston North, and has progressed with the town. It saw the struggles of the pioneers carving a modern town out of the primeval forest, and has followed the fortunes of Palmerston North, until to-day it is one of the important cities cf the Dominion. St. Andrew’s helped to encourage the early settlers in their struggles, and has seen those efforts crowned with success.

In 1872, the Rev. James Patterson, of Wellington, Rev. J. Duncan, of Foxton, Mr. Peter Stewart, and others in Palmerston North, entered into negotiations for the purchase of a site for a church, with the result that a section was bought. The following is a copy of tho heading of the subscription list, with the names of the subscribers: Two acres and a-half (town sections No 3. 157 and 75) have been purchased for site for church and manse in connection with the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand at Palmerston North, Manawatu. Those desirous of aiding in paying off the amount advanced for the above purpose, viz., £35, will please subscribe their names. When the amount is Taised, the land will be vested in trustees for the above-named purpose:— Peter Stewart, John Dalrymplc, James Linton, Thos. McKenzie, David Hughey, John S. Perrin, John Marshall, Thos. Kirkwood, B. Reredon, E. L. Charker, Kelly, Hans Olsen, Wm. Waugh, John Gibaut, Alfred Smith, M. AV. Holt, Alfred Grammer, John Burney, Sdward Reredon, Harry Brogers, John Wilkins, Chas. Waters, Henry Stedman, Wm > Cuming, Rex. James Duncan. First Service in Sawmill. The first service in Palmerston North was conducted by the Rev. Elmslie, of Wanganui, in Mr. Peter Manson’s sawmill. This was in the spring of

tor), Rev. James Doull, of Bulls, am Rev. John Ross, of Turakina. Mr. Doull and Mr. Ross seconded, “That the following names be entered on the Communion roll”: Alexander Ferguson, Charlotte Ferguson, Thomas Manson, Mrs. Manson, Mrs. Jones, George Bruce, Thomas Caverhill, Mrs. Caverhill, Mr. Thacker, Mrs. Thacker, Mr. Morton, Mrs. Morton, George Miller, Mrs. Miller, John Nairn, Mrs. Nairn, Alexander Munro, Mrs. Munro, Wm. Munro, Mrs. Innes, A. M. Wright, Mary D. AVright, Abra- ' ham Honore, Kenneth McKenzie, Mrs. McKenzie, Murdoch Mathieson, David H. Guthrie, Mrs. Guthrie, Peter Stewart, Mrs. Stewart, John Reid, Mrs. Reid. This constituted the first roll of St. Andrew’s congregation—a roll of 32. It was decided at that meeting also: “That at an early date an election of elders should be held.” As the result of that election, the following gentlemen were ordained as elders, on the 2nd of November, 1881: Messrs Alexander Ferguson, AVm. Munro, M. Mathieson, and P. Stewart. Mr. Fer- ' guson was appointed as session clerk. First Ministers. For thirteen years the congregation remained under the ministry of Rev. Wright, and grew both in numbers and in influence. Mr. Wright’s resigna- ; tion took effect on the 31st of January, ' 1892, and Mr. and Mrs. Wright left

-1872, and the service is thus described by Mr. Lindsay Buick in ‘‘Old Manawatu”: “The first notes of praise to break from the throats of these pilgrim fathers were those of that sublime psalm, ‘All people that on earth do dwell/ and they sang it with an earnestness that made the rafters ring and the echoes reverberate away in the woods.” After describing the short service, the writer concludes: “Such was the first religious service held in Palmerston North. Devoid of ritual, of pomp, and ceremonial, it was nevertheless full of fervent devotion. It was a communion with Invisible Perfection without the aid of high altars or rich vestments, or long aisles to inspire the mind and stimulate the soul. It was also the pious outpourings of simple hearts, who believed with a simple faith the gracious promise: ‘Wherever two or three ore gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.’ ” From this time religious services were held frequently, by the Rev. Duncan, of Foxton, and by Mr. Roberi McGregor, a student for the ministry, who worked the surrounding district w*ith Foil ding as centre. Mr. McGregor took charge in 1875, and continued to hold services in the school house until 1878, when the first church was" built in Church street. This building is the one now used as a Sunday school. In that year, Rev. A. M. Wright, from Waikato, took temporary charge, and was ordained and inducted as permanent minister in 1879. At first, as is usual in such a charge, the congregation was under the care of a temporary session, among whom were Rev. J. Ross, of Turakina, Rev. J. Doull, of Bulls, and Mr. Stevcnsdn, of Bulls. An interesting minute of that session is as follows: —At a meeting of the temporary ltirk, session of Palmerston North, held at Turakina on the 23rd August, ISSI. there were present the Rev. A. M. Wright (Modera-

tor l(incoln., in Canterbury, accompanied by the good wishes of all who knew them and had been associated with them in the beginnings of our church. At a meeting of the congregation held on the I4th March, 1892, Rev. Wm. Thomson, M.A., was called as minister, and was ordained by the Presbytery of Wanganui on the 18th of May. Early in his ministry, Mr. Thomson urged the need of a new church, and the present building was erected by Mr. A. R. Munro, in 1893, and opened by Rev. James Patterson, of Wellington. After a ministry of eight years, Mr. Thomson resigned in 1899. The close of the century was rather a stormy period in the history of the Church. The congregation split into two, one worshipping in St. Andrew’s, the other in a hall in Main street. However, in July, 1900, the two congregations decided to unite, and to call as minister Rev. James Chisholm, who for a time had been in charge of the Main street congregation. Mr. Chis.holm was inducted on the 29th August, 1900. The membership of the church at this time was 224. Mr. Chisholm remained in charge for a year, when he resigned, and Rev. Isaac Jolly, M.A., was chosen as minister, and commenced his ministry on the 3rd of July, 1901. Mr. Jolly was minister for nine years, leaving for Auckland in February, 1910. Mr. Jolly’s ministry was marked by much growth in the church, both spiritually and materially. The commuhicant members in 1901 were 167, and in 1910 there were 391 names npon the roll. The work among the young people of the church was always dear .t.o Mr. Jolly, who conducted a Sunday afternoon Bible class of young men and women, the attendance at winch ranged between 60 and 100. An improvement worthy of special mention v.-as the installation of a pipe organ in 1906-07. This was accomplished largely through the influence and gen-

erosity of Mr. A. J. Graham, who for so many years has led the music of the congregation. On the removal to Auckland of Mr. Jolly, a call was given to Rev. Alex. Doull, M.A., son of Rev. James Doull, of Bulls, whose name figures frequently in the early records of the church. Mr. Doull was inducted on July 6th, 1910. The first Deaconess, Sister Grace Ross, was appointed in 1908, and continued until 1912. Sister Constance Shaw was appointed in February, 1913, and continued until 1917. The influence of the gracious personalities of these women is still felt in the life of the congregation. Sister Olive Hereus was appointed in 1925, and is still carrying out a valued and helpful ministry amongst young and old. Among the notable events during the Rev. Doull's ministry was the building in 1913, of St. David’s church, at Terrace End, which remained as a mission charge under St. Andrew’s until it became a separate charge under Rev. J. H. Bredin. Continued Progress. The membership of St. Andrew’s in 1910 was 253, and at the end of Mr. Doull's ministry was 343. The highest number reached was 422, in 1919. This, of course, fell when St. David’s became a separate charge. Mr. Doull, owing to ill-health, retired in 1922, and after a severe illness passed away in 1923. AVith his death there was removed a beloved minister, one who left a lasting impression upon St. Andrew’s, upon the town and district, and upon the whole church of New Zealand. Rev. George T. Brown, M.A., of Masterton, the present minister, was inducted in 1922, and during his ministry the church has progressed rapidly in attendance, membership, and influence. The membership, despite frequent purgings, has soared to over 500, tho largest, we have ever known. On June 17th, 1923, the Memorial hall, containing Young AVomen’s Bible Class rooms and primary Sunday school, was opened. This hall was built as a lasting memorial to the men of St. Andrew’s who gave their lives in the Great AVar for King and Country. Another recent event of outstanding importance was the establishment of St. Andrew’s outfields as a homo mission station, under Mr. J. H. AVilson, as the first: missionary. The present home charge is Rev. AV. Grundy;splendid service, building this district brief history of the church it. possible to mention the nantoVof all who have worked for To all of these the succes|si-qf- : pH:‘cturch has been due,

and only lack of space prevents ado quate recognition being given to them. With regard to the Avomen’s work, the past reports give details as to work that has been done. With chai--acteristic modesty, however, they give little indication as to the identity of the workers. Despite this veil of silence, it is impossible to conceal the long years of faithful service that have been rendered by such dfcvoted women as Mrs. Parker Smith, Mrs. G. J. Scott, Mrs. Glendinning, and Mrs. Aitchison. There must, of course, be many ethers well worthy of special reference who have rendered faithful service, but have succeeded in concealing their identity. Youth of the Church. The work amongst the youth has al ways been a prominent feature in St. Andrew's, Palmerston North, and the congregation has been faithfully and honourably served by the men and women who have put their hand to this task. Amongst the Sunday school superintendents have been the following: Messrs I'alla, Matthew Henry, George Grant, J. E. Vernon, J. S. Munro, E. D. Opie, E. C. Campbell, P. Mathicson, J. Wallace, D W. Low, and Bev. G. T. Brown Until the year 1910 a large combined bible class was conducted by the Minister, but in that year it became separated into classes under various leaders Amongst those whose names have been prominent as leaders have been Mr. D. W. Low, Miss Jessie Chapman, Miss Agnes Chapman, the several Deaconesses, Mr. J. C. Young, Mr. E. H. Crab, Miss Sorlcy, Miss Bland, and Miss Jean Young. The Sunday school has within recent years been worked on the departmental or decentralised principle, having three distinct departments, the primary, the junior, and the senior. The junior or main department, comprising the children from standards two to six, is at present in the trained

and capable hands of Mrs. G. T. Brown, ably assisted by a strong and enthusiastic staff of secretaries and teachers. The Young People’s Bible Class work has had a somewhat undulating career, but at the present time it seems to be in a more promising condition than it has ever been before. There are in operation no less than seven Bible Classes, each capably staffed, with a total membership of .100. This is in addition to a senior Sunday School (practically a Bible class division), established in 1922, under the superintendency of Mr. J. C. Young and Mrs. Aitchison, and now under the care of Mr. J. J. Whitohead and Mrs. Aitchison. The primary department had for many years the expert care of Miss F. Govan. Latterly the work has been capably carried on by Miss Jean Curio. In 1911 an infant school was opened in Bourko street, for the benefit of the little ones who could not come as far as St. Andrew’s. Miss K. Billons established this branch. It was later carried on by Miss J. Young. In 1913 this branch was transferred to a hall in Cuba street, and became a complete school under the superintendency of Mr. C. Emmett, later Mr. A. H. Mills, and then Mr. J. J. Whitehead took charge, and to-day the school is meeting in Lombard street hall, under the care of Mr. L. Noedl and an efficient staff of teachers. Pillars of the Church. Among others who have helped the church in the past, and have passed away, are the following:—R. Mathieson, D. Mathieson, D. H. Guthrie (afterwards the Hon. D. H. Guthrie), A. P. Webster, Geo. Grant (Session clerk, local preacher and S.S. superintendent), A. Honore, J. E. Vernon (Session clerk and S.S. superintendent), F. D. Opie (S.S. superintended"®), S. Law, C. Snow, W. McVean, C. Kelly, T, Ross, and T. G. Graham, Elders; R. Gardiner, W. Rutherfurd, R. S. Barry, G. J. Scott (choirmaster and life deacon), James Mirk (killed in action in France), and H. Keys, managers. Besides these, there are a number who have served the church long and faithfully who are fortunately able to rejoice in the consummation of this jubilee. There are also many who, though in no prominent or official way, have lived their life, and served their Lord, and have done much, by the simple consistency of a Godly life, to commend their Master to others, and so to build up the Kingdom of Christ in this place, and to establish this congregation of His people. Their names may never appear upon the minutes of any proceedings, yet in the Lord’s book of remembrance they will not bo denied an honoured place. Service cf Praise. Generally it may be said that throughout the years of service of praise at St. Andrew’s has been led by a capable choir, and that good congregational singing has been a feature of our services. In 1892, services were held in the old church, the late Mr. G. J. Scott being choirmaster, and M]r. Hyde Parker (now deceased)", organist. Shortly after Mr. A. J. Graham’s arrival in Palmerston North, he undertook the .duties of organist, and held the position for many years, under the late Messrs. G. J. Scott and John Bett as choirmaster. Both these gentlemen were enthusiastic workers, and by their musicianship maintained a high standard in the beautiful work of rendering praise unto God. Excellent services were rendered in thoso days by such good souls as Mrs. Litchfield (soprano), Mrs. Reader (contralto), Mr. T. Attwood, senr. (tenor), Mr. Turner (bass), and many others who have since joined “The Choir Invisible” in that “Great Beyond” where “transplanted human worth shall bloom to profit throughout the mighty ages of Eternity.” Mr. A. J. Graham, while organist, saw visions and dreamed dreams of what might yet be accomplished, and'he not only set his heart upon a pipo organ, but largely helped to materialise that desire by generously contributing the small honorarium he received as organist towards the organ fund. In 1905, prior to the installation of the pipe organ, the late Mr. John Sidford was appointed organist, and was the first to preside over the now instrument. Upon his resignation, valuable service was rendered by Mr. J. C. Lane and Mr. Markland, until the appointment in 1909 of Mr. C. W. Naylor, a professional organist of considerable ability and wide experience in the art of choir training. Shortly after thi; appointment, improvements were effected to the organ at a cost of £l6O. Mr. Naylor resigned in 1912, and Mr. A. J. Graham agreed again to take the position temporarily. Since that period, the work of tho choir has been carried on with varying degrees of success. The world-wide war seriously affected tho membership on tho men’s side, by reason of tho numbers who loft for the front. Of those, two made the supremo sacrifice, Mr. Robert Bett, who died of wounds, and Mr. W. H. Kinnear, who was killed i» action. In 1921 the choir was re-organised, and during the succeeding five years attained its highest degree of efficiency. It w r as indeed a choir wffiich any organist might bo proud, its leadership of the praise of the church, and its rendering of special anthems, greatly enhancing the Sunday services. During the past two years or so, tho transfer of members to other towns, the entry of others into matrimony, and the call of home duties, has affected the membership very considerably. There are now, however, evidences of an increased desire on the part of our young people to come forwmrd to assist in this valuable adjunct to public worship.