METHODISM IN MORNINGTON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21264, 19 February 1931, Page 3

METHODISM IN MORNINGTON

It was a day of small things when the Mornington Methodist Sunday school began its existence; —a few children gathered about a devoted teacher in a private house. That was in the early seventies. The attendance soon overflowed the house, and the old public school in Meadow street, now used as a library, was secured. In 1876 the Methodist Church, the first in the suburb, was erected, and for several years children of all denominations came together there for Sunday school. The writer’s earliest recollection of the school was when “ Father ” M‘Lean, as he was called, was superintendent. This was in 1877. Mr M'Lean. resided at Caversham, and thrice on Sundays he made the trip up the hill. Giants were they in those days; a tramp of eight or 10 miles to a preaching appointment being quite in the accepted order of things. Mr M'Lean was succeeded by Mr A. B. Matthews, who lived at West Dunedin, as it was then called. Here he built two rooms on to the front of bis house, and opened in them a fruit and confectionery shop. A memorable day among the children of the neighbourhood was that opening day. The three Matthews’ boys had collected all the empty collar boxes on which they could lay their hands. These were with sweets and displayed in the window “ Thou shalt not covet,” taught Mr Matthews on the Sunday, but what girl Or boy could do anything but covet before > such an alluring display? That old shop in Eglinton road is still "going strong” in the same line of business, but its appointments and display are a little more sophisticated than in those early days. The next superintendent, Mr George Tennet, had a pleasing voice, and laid stress upon the singing of the scholars. His successor, Mr Lind, was also an enthusiast in this branch of the work, but, as far as his own efforts were concerned, with most distressing effect. “ Shafi Wc gather at the River ” was his masterpiece. Out of tune, out of time, and fortissimo — it was worse than a buzz-saw or a brokenwinded hurdy-gurdy. Yet he, like Mr Tennet, was a devout man, and mightily in earnest. The brothers Holgate, “ Jos ” and “ Tom,” came next in this godly succession. Both were gifted singers and enthusiastic exponents of the tonic sol-fa system. The latter formed a choir of senior scholars who took part regularly in the monthly Blue Ribbon temperance meetings. Notably attractive also was the singing of the children under his leadership at the Sunday school anniversaries. From 1888 to 1902 Mr Thomas West was the honoured and loved superintendent, and he was worthily succeeded by Mr J. Lowden. Church and Sunday school were rich through these years in the ministry of gifted helpers such as Messrs C. A. Smith, a rarely choice spirit; T. Holgate, W. H. Scott, and J. Dawson, and heavy was the loss when these were taken, one close upon the other, by death. The Sunday school picnics of those earlier years, held on Boxing Day, seem in retrospect to be much more exciting than in these days of excursions by train and bus. Headed by the church brass band, and with banners gaily unfurled, the scholars marched in procession, singing as they went, to some level green in the Kaikorai Valley or Montecillo, or Mitchell’s paddock on Clyde Hill. A notable contestant in the sports at one of these early gatherings was the Rev. 8. Lawry. At putting the shot, or the hop, step, and jump, he was as vehement and successful as he was in his zealous spiritual activities. That was over 50 years ago. Mr Lawry, though-not able to raise much of a sprint nowadays, is still a spiritual athlete, and will be a nirablewitted and ready-tongued member of the Methodist Conference meeting in Dunedin this week. Mention should be made of later developments in -the Mornington Methodist Sunday school life. In 1918 Mr J. P. Simon was elected superintendent, and gave whole-souled devotion to the work until compelled by failing health to resign in 1925. Mr C. 11. M'Lean carried on the good work with fidelity for several years. Twelve months ago Mr A. H. Reed was induced to step into the vacant leadership, and, under his inspiring influence, the school has eclipsed all past records, and moves on towards greater achievement.

For some years past the work has been handicapped on account of its antiquated and delapidated premises. Recently, however, an ornate, spacious, and wellplanned building has been erected. The official opening and dedication of this new school will take place on Saturday next. The gathering will be presided over by the president of the Methodist Conference. The dedicatory address will be given by Principal C. H. Laws, 8.A., D.D., and Mr A. 11. Reed, superintendent of the Sunday school, will also speak. Interesting features of the service will be the unveiling of a commemorative tablet, and of an artistic, stained-glass window representation of Christ calling the fishermen of Galilee to become His followers. Several former ministers of the church will assist in the dedicatory service. Teachers and office-bearers are eagerly looking forward to the enhanced opportunities for effective service presented by these splendid premises. J- U.