PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Southland Times, Issue 22299, 14 April 1934, Page 9

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

HEDGEHOPE-MABEL DISTRICT. SILVER JUBILEE. The silver jubilee of the Presbyterian Church was held in the Hedge-hope-Mabel district on Sunday and Monday last. The services were conducted by the Rev. R. A. Chisholm, of Ranfurly, at Hedgehope, Glencoe and Mabel Bush. At each of the services there were several visitors (ex-resi-dents). A feature was the services rendered by visiting ex-members. At Mabel Mrs Bragg (Invercargill) officated at the organ and Mr and Mrs Bragg sang a duet. At Hedgehope Mr W. Macdonald (Lochiel) assisted in taking up the offertory. Mr Chisholm was the first missionary in charge of the home mission station after it was taken off the Woodlands parish in 1909, and during his stay the manse was built. He left in 1911 to enter the Theological Hall, Dunedin. On Monday evening the Hedgehope Hall was well filled and people sat down to tea at 7.15. The stage at the back was made to represent a drawing room, furniture and carpet being loaned by Mrs G. Seattor. In the middle of the stage was a beautiful two-tiered cake in lemon and green icing. The cake was made by Mrs W. Young, Glencoe. The chair was taken by the Rev. J. C. Mill (Browns), the moderator of the charge, supported by the Rev. R. A. Chisholm (the guest of the evening), the Rev. A. L. Miller (Oreti) and Mr A. A. C. Lion, the present missionary. The 25 candles were lighted by Mrs Campbell, of Mabel, who is the oldest resident member. Mrs Lion was then asked to cut the cake. Miss C. Macdonald handed Mesdames Lion and Leebody bouquets from the ladies of the congregation on the occasion of the anniversary of their weddings, which happened to be that date (April 9). Mrs Lion responded on behalf of Mrs Leebody and herself. The programme was then proceeded with. The chairman’s opening remarks were helpful and encouraging, his theme being “The Bond of Love.” The programme was as follows: Pianoforte solo, Mrs A. Waddell; song, Miss Brown; song, Miss Jean Waddell; violin solo, Mr E. Norris; recitation, Mr Robson; song, Mr Watt. Mr Miller conveyed best wishes from his congregation and also from the Presbytery. Mr Lion introduced Mr Chisholm as the “Lion of the evening.” Mr Chisholm thanked the people and Mr Lion for the welcome and expressed good wishes for the local church’s future. He recalled many incidents of 25 years ago, some of which were news to even the older members. Mr Graham thanked the speakers and read apologies from a great number of old identities, and in making an appeal for the local church, mentioned a lamb drive culminating in the harvest thanksgiving service early next month. Mr Lion thanked all for their presence and valuable help. This ended a memorable week in the history of the Presbyterian Church of the district. The candles represented previous ministers: the Revs. R. A. Chisholm (3), H. E. Rutledge (3), C. Brierly (3), G. Wallace (3), R. B. Hill (6), D. Yeates (1), W. Hetherington (3), A. A. C. Lion (3)*