Paparoa Methodist 75th. Anniversary

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1937, Page 12

Paparoa Methodist 75th. Anniversary

Jt will be many years before the celebrations in connection with the 7Cth anniversary of the foundation of the Methodist Church in Paparca are forgotten by the community in whose life the Church plays such a leading part. The series of functions were opened with a special, service on Sunday, 21st inst., commemorating the foundation of the Church in 1867. On the Monday, a concert party entertained the whole district, wtnie a public banquet on the Wednesday proved one of the most enjoyable functions held in Paparoa for some time. The programme concluded, with a Youth rally on Friday evening, a children’s day on Saturday, and a special thanksgiving service in church on Sunday. YOUTH RALLY, Undoubtedly the highlight of the whole week was the Youth rally in the Jubilee Hall, which was packed for the occasion, on Friday evening. It proved to be one of the most original and entertaining evenings ever staged in Paparoa. It was the intention of the organisers, all of whom were members of the North Auckland Methodist Bible Class Movement, to present to the audience, in a series of short sketches, an outline of life in Bible Class camps, and Winter Study schools. They succeeded beyond their wildest expectations, and although some of the scenes were burlesque, the audience was impressed with the sincerity of the students in the more serious and sacred sketches. It is safe to say that the repetition of Friday’s function at other centres would mean a quickening of public interest in the Bible Class Movement, and an increase in membership at camps and study circles. Prior to the opening of the programme, opportunity was taken by the Rev. Gordon Parker to introduce the Rev. E. P. Blamires, Youth Organiser for the Methodist Church, who had travelled over 800 miles to attend the function.

In replying, the Rev. Blamires said the various Youth organisations in New Zealand had a total membership of over 36,000.

Entertaining and Progressive

The opening item was a short oneact play, “The Dear Departed,” staged by members of the Matakohe Bible Class. The players, who all gave a very creditable showing, were Mrs G. Peake, Miss A. Manly, Miss Elva Leaf, and Messrs. N. Leafe, A. Ball and E. Erne.

Bible Class camp life was next portrayed in three realistic and hilariously burlesqued sketches. Several sketches of life in winter schools were next staged in rapid succession. The scenes were both grave and gay, with the intention of illustrating both sides of student life.

Following were two extravaganzas showing the gayer side of study circle life. The initial number portrayed the arrival in Northland per “Clipper ship” of foreign royalties, who were crowned “King and Queen of Northland” by the “Chief of Mareretu” and the “Mayor of Matakohe.” The honours, appropriate to them, were conferred upon several individuals in the audience, who were convulsed with mirth during the proceedings.

A clever exhibition of tap dancing by Mrs M. Cole, while the Revs. G. Parker and A. Sanft burlesqued a Russian ballet dance in the background, ; was the star “turn” of the evening. Both participants revealed in a haka at the end, hitherto unsuspected qualities as vaudeville artists. “The Old Rugged Cross.” The concluding item, a tableau depicting “The Old Rugged Cross,” was staged in a manner befitting the solemnity'of the subject. A bevy of girls arrayed in simple white gowns grouped themselves in appropriate attitudes around the Cross, while voices softly sang the haunting melody of “The Old Rugged Gross.” A clever lighting arrangement made the scene one of sheer beauty tlfat was enhanced by the reverent attitudes of the participants and the hushed audience. The representative nature of the rally can be gained from the knowledge that players in the various sketches came from Port Albert, Ruawai, and Dargaville, while the Whangarei contingent comprised practically the whole of the Northland Bible Class Executive. While supper was being served, short addresses wore given by Messrs. J. Hills, district organiser for the Young Men's Bible Class, and Mr H. Bunby, a member of the Northland Executive. CHILDREN S DAY, Saturday was Children’s Day. and the outing was enjoyed with all the rnst. and carefree abandon of childhood days. Following the conclusion cf a short programme of sports events, Santa Claus arrived in a lorry with a Christmas tree loaded with gifts for every child. There were few children in the district absent from the throng. The distribution of gifts, fruit and afternoon tea for both children and adults, contributed towards a glorious day, and proved a fitting finale to the entertainment side of the celebrations programme.

The climax to the week’s events was reached on Sunday, when the Rev. Blamires conducted special thanksgiving services at the Methodist Church in Paparoa.