MANGAPAI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Northern Advocate, 25 June 1937, Page 3

MANGAPAI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Seventy-Fifth Anniversary

I. The hall at Mangapai was well filled -With people on Wednesday, June 23rd, when a re-union, in the form of a soiree and concert was held to celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in Mangapai.

The. three tables, beautifully decorated and laden with good things, occupied the whole floor of the hall, and were presided over by Mr. Melville. Grace was sung at the commencement of the tea. .

At the conclusion Mr. Melville read a large number of apologies from previous missioners of Mangapai, and from many old friends. One from Mrs. Miller, Senior, who was at the opening of the Church, was especially iptefesting. Rev, Geo. Budd had conveyed the greetings . of the Mission Committee by letter.

Rev. Bull, who Was present, spoke on behalf of the Anglican community, and thanked the committee for inviting > him to this function, remarking that though each church had different traditions to live up to, he felt that they could work along parallel • lines for the one common cause.

Mr. Brown (Titoki) was the next speaker, and he conveyed the greetings of the whole of his parish to the Mangapai people. He also mentioned Mr. McFadgen, who many years ago, preached at Mangapai, Rafter walking on to ’Karamea and thence to Tangiteroria to take services, Mr; Brown urged the young people to uphold the traditions of the Church.

Mesdames P. Carter and Hill spoke a few words, Mrs, Carter on behalf of her mother; i(Mrs. Miller), and Mrs. Hill in happy vein, remarking that there were three Anglicans on the original committee of the church.

Mr. F. Jones, in a happy speech, gave reminiscences of some of the missioners’ troubles when learning to ride, aind later when learning to drive a motor car. "Candle Lighting. ; : ;At this stage Mrs, M. M. Thomson •and Mr. Jas. Walker were called upon to light the seventy-five candles on a beautiful cake (the work of Mrs. , JVehzlick). After' Mrs. Hill had Mown out the candles, Mesdames Exley and B. Finlay son and Miss M: Thomson cut the cake, i This ended the first half of the evening’s entertainment. | After the tables had been cleared away the concert programme commenced.

■ Rev. HcFarlane (Waipu), was chairman and at intervals between the items entertained with humorous stories and genial conversation. ;> Rev. W. Elliott conveyed greetings from North Auckland Presbytery, mentioning the grand work done by .t&e pioneers, and expressing hope that

the young people would continue with the same spirit. The Rev. Lamb, of the Manaia Presbyterian parish, also spoke in a happy manner. History of the Church. Mr. Alcock then gave some of the history of the church as follows; —* At a meeting held at the residence of Mr. Wm. Harrison, on October 22nd, 1860, it was decided to erect a building to be used for church and school. On May 10th, 1862, at a general meeting of the congregation, the first committee was formed: Messrs. Thos. Hunter, Thos. Cunningham, John McCullough, Donaldson and Duncan James, For three years Mr. C. Osborne conducted services. On November 4th, 1883, it was decided to get a harmonium in order to have music in the church. Mr. Harrison, who had been taking the services, consented to carry on until some one was available. On April 2nd, 1887, Mr. Campbell was asked to officiate at the services. From December 2nd, 1891, ‘services were supplied from Waipu, Rev.. Jones officiating at first Communion on December 4th, 1897. Rev. Roby, of Whangarei, from July 6th, 1898, served the district. Mr. McFadgen (Home Missioner) held his first service on March 10th, 1904. On May 3rd, 1905, it was decided to build a new church, | and on October 25th the new church ! was opened by Rev. Dr. Bruce (who also opened the first building). The manse was also built about this time. Mention was made of the wonderful work and generosity of the late Mr. Wm, Harrison, who gave part of the land and several sums of money to assist the church. Mr. Palmer took charge in 1909, and since then the following have been the missioners: Messrs., Boot, Fountain, Stewart, Lament, McGregor (who was assisted by the late Mr> T: H., Jones), Martin, Yule, Byrt, Wilde and at present the district is served by Mr. E. J.‘ Melville. Menion was made of Mrs. Bullians, who recently celebrated her ninetieth, birthday, and who was present at the opening of the church seventy-five years- ago. ' '

Concert Programme,’ A fine programme was presented by the following artists:— Mesdames Fry, Brown, Dunlop and Miss Edwards (vqcal solos), Mrs. Inkster (elocution), Mrs. Brown and Miss McLeod (vocal duet),' Master Albert Harvey (pianoforte -solo),’ Misses Girlie Ormandy (sword dance), Iris Walters (Highland Fling), Mona Finlayson (Irish Jig). The handing round of supper concluded a most memorable occasion.