TUATAPERE NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22728, 2 November 1935, Page 19

TUATAPERE NOTES

METHODIST CHURCH JUBILEE. (From Our Correspondent.) During Labour week-end the Tuatapere Methodist Church celebrated the 25th anniversary of the opening of the church. On Sunday morning and evening appropriate jubilee services were conducted by the Rev. Wesley Parker, of Riverton.

On Wednesday evening the jubilee celebrations were continued witli a tea in the church. On the centre table, pride of place was given to the beautifully decorated cake make by Miss Eva Harrison, adorned with a miniature church cleverly fashioned in the shape of the local church and twenty-five candles which were lighted by three pioneer members of the church, Mesdames McLean, R. Smith and A. Millar. The ceremony of cutting the cake was performed by Mrs Grey, one of the earliest church members. Her daughter, Mrs E. Young, spoke a few words on her behalf.

After tea had been partaken of, an enjoyable evening was spent with singing of hytnns, items and speeches, the Rev. Malcolm (Otautau), occupying the chair. The first speaker was the fiev. Parkec (Riyecten), spoke PS

the Methodist Church, referred to the strength of the church to-day, and stated that numerically they were the largest Protestant Church in the world, and outlined the growth of the Methodist Church from its infancy to its magnitude to-day. Mr McLean (Ohai) spoke of the pioneer days of Tuatapere before the building of the church, and in reminiscent strain, recalled many interesting happenings in the earlier history of the church. Other speakers were, the Ministry (the Rev. C. Robinson, Nightcaps); “Home Missionary,” (the Rev. J. C. Ashworth, Edendale); “Local Preachers” (Mr A. Millar); “S.S. Teachers and Scholars” (Mr U. Harrison); “Congregation” (Mr Harrison, sen.); “Presbyterian Church” (the Rev. Thomson); “Anglican Church” (Mr C. Cottam). Items were given by Miss Joyce (Riverton) song, Mrs Malcolm (Otautau) recitation, Miss Cousin (Riverton) song. At the conclusion of the speeches the chairman, the Rev. Malcolm, read congratulatory messages from former ministers and friends who were unable to be present for the celebrations. The Rev. Malcolm pronounced the benediction which concluded the jubilee celebrations and represents the passing of a milestone in the history of Tuatapere. Personal. Mr J. C. Hammond (Oamaru), a former stationmaster in Tuatapere, was a visitor to the township during Labour week-end. Mrs Robson (Invercargill), spent a few days with her daughter, Mrs D. O’Leary. Mrs Cochrane (Invercargill), was a visitor to Tuatapere for the Methodist Jubilee and was the guest of Mr and Mrs A. Rilstone. t Mr N. Young (Invercargill), spent labour week-end in Tuatapere. Mr and Mrs K. Smith (Invercargill), were visitors to Tuatapere for the jubilee celebrations. Miss G. Sutherland was the guest of Mr and Mrs W. Glendinning for Labour week-end. Mrs T. Ballantyne is spending a short holiday at Roslyn Bush. Mr and Mrs D. Rodgers, jun., have returned from their annual holiday spent in Timaru and West Coast. Mrs F. Guise is spending a few days in Riverton.

Mrs Batersby (Edendale), is the guest of Mrs G. Higgins.