METHODISM IN OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23044, 21 November 1936, Page 27

METHODISM IN OTAGO

CENTENARY IN 1940 PROPOSED CELEBRATIONS Reference to the fact that the centenary of Methodism in Otago would fall in 1940 was made at the annual synod of the Otago and Southland District Synod of the Methodist Church at Invercargill on Hiursday. when a brief historical sketch on “ Otakou Harbour and the First Christian Mission " was submitted by the Rev T. A. Pybus. Mr Watkin arrived at Karitane on May 16, 1840, states the report, and established in these parts not only the first Methodist Church, but the first Christian mission in the South Island Otakou was a main part of the mission. The Otakou Peninsula at that time possessed the largest Maori population south of the Waitaki River There were three kaikas on the peninsula. Ruatitiko, Tahakopa and Omati, and in these localities services were commenced. At the beginning. Weller’s whaling store at Omati was used. This building served until a church was erected at Ruatitiko and another at Tahakopa. Mi Watkin was ably assisted by his Native teachers, who conducted services daily. The names of the local chiefs whom he trained and appointed were Hoani Weteri Korako, Tiare Korako, Weteri Te Kahu, Matui and Merekihereka Hape. The chief Korako built a church and school in his kaika. Tahakopa. and maintained the daily services. The pioneer missionaries were the Revs. J. Watkin, Charles Creed. William Kirk and George Stannard. It was during the residence of Mr Stannard at Ruatitiko that the sand drifts began to submerge Jhe kaika, and in due time obliged the people to remove to Omati. The whole of the village site and the church are buried beneath the sand. The great chief Taiaroa, at that time under the tuition of Mr Stannard. embraced the Christian faith. He, with the consent of Karetai and the tribe, set apart 10 acres, of land as a Native Mission Reserve, whereon, under the direction of Mr Stannard, the present church was erected. The 10 acres embraced the church, school and ancient burial ground. The church is now in a bad state of decay and beyond repair. As Omati is the only portion left of the original mission we feel it fitting that a memorial church should be erected in connection with the centenary of the Methodist Church in the South Island. No services other than our own are held at Otakou, and the Native people are with us in the effort. It is quite understood that the building must be Methodist property. We feel that we have a duty towards the descendants of Taiafoa, Karetai Korako. Kahu and the Native people as a whole, who have been so loyal to our church. Another matter which must be kept in mind is that the Otakou beaches are a favourite seaside resort for the people of Dunedin, and the spiritual needs of the people must be met. The locality where Mr Watkin landeo in 1840 was Waikouaiti. now known as Karitane. The present town of Waikouaiti has no connection with the original mission, as the Methodist Church there was not opened till 1870 After considerable deliberation, a committee set up to discuss the matter submitted the following recommendations to synod, which were adopted:— (a) The erection of a memorial church at Otakou Heads as a preeminently fitting way of marking the great historical event. (b) The establishment of a centenary fund for the consolidation and development of the work of the church throughout the several districts of the South Island.