Fairburns’ Wesley Bicentenary Celebrations

Northern Advocate, 27 May 1938, Page 2

Fairburns’ Wesley Bicentenary Celebrations

An impressive service, conducted by the Rev. Harris Whitfield, of Kaitaia. was held in the Faichurns’ Church in connection with the Methodist celebrations on Tuesday evening. The meeting commenced at 5.30 p.m. with a tea provided by the ladies of the church. Approximately 50 members and friends sat down to tea and' stayed on to the later meeting. The Rev. Harris Whitfield preached a telling sermon with the life and experiences of John Wesley as a background. The speaker brought his address to a climax by issuing a challenge to present day Christians to catch afresh the personal spirit of the early Methodist, movement and to adept Wesley’s slogan of “The World for Christ.” A feature of the service was dho singing cf hymns written by. Charles Wesley and the spirit of the celebrations was maintained by the rendering of solos by the Rev. Harris Whitfield. who sang “Take my life and let it be”; Mr. F. Macdermott, “Calvary,” and Mrs. Carton, who sang “The Stranger of Galilee.’’ Mi*. Bruce, Fester was organist. The arranged' service concluded) with the reading by Mr. Rhys Williams of an extract from John Wesley's diary recounting the experience of his conversion at that hour 200 years ago. A testimony meeting lasting until 10 p.m. concluded the celebrations. The occasion was also used to mark the birthday of the Fairburns Bible Class, which was inaugurated 10 years ago on May 28. Various speakers emphasised the progress of the movement and spoke of the value it proved: in establishing a vital link between youth and the church.