Jubilee of Methodism

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 65, 18 March 1936, Page 5

Jubilee of Methodism

Ashhurst Church Centre of Celebrations

BANQUET- GUESTS DRAWN FROM DISTANT PARTS

A year of jubilee in Methodism in the Manawatu was commemorated at Ashhurst last evening, when the town hall was the scene of a splendid banquet. It was on March 13, ISSG, that tho church work at Ashhurst was opened from the Palmerston North circuit, and the function last night was largely devoted to reminiscences of the eventful intervening years. There were two hundred guests present, including, as well as many of the old identities and those still active in tho circuit, visitors from the Methodist churches of Palmerston North, Fcilding, and further afield. Rev. Foston read to the gathering messages of goodwill and good cheer from former members of tho Methodist community in Ashhurst, exiled now to various parts of New Zealand, and even Australia. Several former ministers also communicated greetings. Of these ono was Rev. Clyde Carr, ALP. A special welcome was extended to Mr J. G. C'obbe, member for the Oroua electorate.

After the honouring of the lloya! toast, Mr W. N. Brewer proposed that of the Methodist Church of New Zea land. It was in ISIS, 24 years after the death of John Wesley, that Samuel Leigh visited Australia, and six years later he missioned to New Zealand. After his departure the mission was carried on by devoted men, who had many trials to face, including the peril of cannibalism and the antagonism of dissolute whites. However, the work prospered, and in 1574 tho Methodist Church of New Zealand received self-government, obtaining independence from the Australian Conference. A union of the various Methodist orders theu became imperative, and after a great advance in IS9G this was finally accomplished in 19J3, since when a united front had been presented. Methodism had achieved great things during its 121 years of activity in New Zealand, in the colonisation of which it had assisted greatly. In a quarter of a century the church had progressed until it now had -160 churches, GOO other preaching places, 200 ministers, 10 deaconesses, 800 local preachers, 23.000 members, 30,000 children in its Sunday schools, and 75,000 attendants at public worship. Such was the attainment of the past; surely the prospect for the future was a golden one. Replying to the toast, Rev. A. N. Sootier, of St. Paul's, Palmerston North, referred to the historical birth of Methodism with the illuminating work of John Wesley. Great thanks were due by the church of to-day to those missioners of tho early days, who were so zealous in their labours. Mr Sootier paid a tribute to the zeal and devotion of the adherents of the Ashhurst - Bunnythorpe circuit. As chairman of the district, he could say that this diminutive circuit was one of the most loyal and devoted in the district. .Tt was giving devout service through its three churches, and the New Zealand .Methodist Church was well aware of its faith. Mr Scotter expressed hopes for the future welfare of the Ashhurst church. An Anglican Tribute Rev. 11. B. Goertz, Angican vicar of Ashhurst, paid a brieC tribute to those whose work was being commemorated on tliis occasion. Home had been in the district throughout the period uud sometimes they were dismayed when they wondered who would carry the standard when finally they had to relinquish it. But none w:us indispen sable, the work was greater than the workers. The Anglican fraternity extended its most cordial greetings on the jubilee, and wishes for future advances. The gains of one denomination were those of another. Ashhurst had been most fortunate in tho champions of Methodism who had served it. The Church i.i Ashhurst "The Ashhurst. Methodist Church” was tho toast reposed in Mr G. 11. Bennett, who said that honour could be only the result of his long cornice, lion with Ashhurst Methodism. Lt was good to see so many of the "old faithfuls” present, those who had borne the burden of long years. Associations with tlio people of Ashhurst had always been of a most happy nature, said the speaker, who claimed keen recollections of llie Ashhurst church, goiug back to the days of the inaugurating minister, Rev. Bunn, tuij bis devoted successors. They had been a wonderful band, and among thorn Revs. Tinsley, Kcail and Lawrv were conspicuous. Mr Bennett recalled a long succession of ministers and their labours, up to and beyond the constitution of Ashhurst-Bunnythorpc as a separate circuit. The decision then taken had been well justified by the vigour and determination displayed in recent years. The circuit had been largely served by the local preachers of Palmerston North, a venerable band whose names were worthy of being written in gold in every church. They had shown great self-sacrifice in their labours, which had not been without reward and fruition. The church had animated many with a true Christian spirit, yet there was an even greater work for the future. Tho past was not sufficient to live in.

Tho response was made by Mr G. Davenport, who has seen 33 years of church service in Ashhurst. While he remained in Ashhurst he would see the church through and stick to it. It had progressed in the past and would in the future; there was no church liner than that in Ashhurst. Honour the Pioneers

The first trustees of Ashhurst Church, opeued in 188 G, e Messrs. Mowlcm, Grace, Leary and Dillon, said'Mr. T. R. Hodder, in proposing the toast of “Tho Pioneers.” Ho himself has been for 47 years active in Manawatu Methodism, and from an

intimate acquaintance with the pioneers he was able to pay an intimate tribute to their stalwart work. Most of them, and most of the' first worshippers, had now passed to their assured rewards. The heritage of the pioneers was both a privilege and a responsibilty; the young folk of to-day should be prepared to take up their task and go forward in the service of the Church. The names of tho original members should be inscribed in every church, said Mr. Hoddcr, who referred to the project of a district memorial on top of Alt. Stewart. Thanks were returned by Airs. C. C. Thompson, “a descendant,” ou behalf of the pioneers who had gone before aim who were still in their midst. It was a great regret that the hands of time could not turn back so that all might have shared the joy of jubilee, said Mrs. Thompson, The church could scarcely survive without its lay preachers, declared Rev. Foston, in paying a tribute to the local preachers. Tn Ashhurst-Bunny-thorpc they did half the work; every Sunday there were six services to be conducted, and of theso the minister took throe and flic local preachers three. Their preaching was equally valid, and ns a devoted band tho local preachers, often men who toiled with their hands, gave great sacrifices of time to serve the spiritual needs of their fellows.

The response was made by Air. G. Young, who recalled the rare fellowship that inspired the locals in their toils in more arduous days of cycle and trap transport. Nowadays motor-curs made local preaching less fatiguing, but there was somehow less of tho' intimate friendship once held between local preachers and the people. A tribute on behalf of the church officers to the ladies’ guild, was paid by Mr. C. G. Dunham, who emphasised the great zeal with which the ladies had worked to assure the success ot. the function that evening, let that was but one instance of 50 years’ service, given generously and without stint. They were ministering unto (lie carrying ou and fulfilment of the work of Christ. Airs. 1,. A. till aw made the response.

iMr. E. Tunnieliffo proposed the toast of tho (Sunday (School and Bible Classes, “ the source of the future church.” There was little doubt that in tho spirit the work of Christ would bo carried on in the iuturc as tearlessly as in the past, even though times and methods changed. Parents were well satisfied with the way in which the teachers were instructing their child-

VCII. Mr. C. G. Dunham, Sunday School Superintendent, made the response. The work, he said, became a pleasure and never a duly. Mr. Cobbo expressed his pleasure at being at the function, and recalled that lie once preached a service in Ashhurst. He ..as never a local preacher, merely a “stop-gap.” He recalled tbc humour of tho early service days. A special toast was accorded the organist, Mr. J. H. Sumner, who made appreciative acknowledgement. Rev. and Mvs. Poston were also accorded a toast in recognition of their leadership of the church during more than two years in the circuit. In acknowledgement of the toast (proposed by Mr. Brewer) Mr. Foston paid a tribute to the constant help he had received from his wife. He also described the Sunday services as being outstanding in his life’s ministry. That in itself was sufficient reward. Jubilee Cake Tho jubilee cake was made by Mrs. J. H. Sumner, and her handiwork was much admired. Tho icing was artistically carried out by Mr. E. Roberts. When the time came for cutting the cake, the knife was plunged by Mrs. J. C. Williamson, who is the oldest Methodist resident of the district. Tho cutting of the cake was then carried

out by Mr. Tom Searle, sou of a pioneer of the district. The decorations of the hall, comprising floral sprays and beautiful taible vases of blooms, had been carried out by Mrs. C. C. Thompson and Mrs. A. Currie, assisted by members of the ladies’ guild. There were many compliments paid to the efficient organisation of tho banquet, which was largely tho work of tho ladies’ guild and other indefatiguable workers