Gore NEW CHURCH AT MANDEVILLE

Southland Times, Issue 23047, 14 November 1936, Page 18

Gore NEW CHURCH AT MANDEVILLE

Foundation Stone Laid

The work of years by the Mandeville Presbyterians was crowned with success yesterday when the foundation stone of the new church was laid. In the early days of the district ideas were entertained as to building a church, but it was not until the late Mr Peter McLeod, sen., gave a section adjacent to the Anglican Church that a real stimulus was given to the community to labour for their ideals. Unfortunately circumstances were unfavourable for the carrying out of the plans and the section had to be sold. Mr McLeod generously offered another site a few years later and a canvass of the district was made. This produced a sum of £139 as a nucleus of the building fund which was augmented by a handsome gift of £lOO from the late Mr Duncan McKinnon. The district residents were prompted to further efforts and the resuit was so encouraging that it was decided to go ahead with the building scheme, the contract price for which was £630. Tlie synod grant and special collections from the congregation will enable the building to be opened free of debt. The architect is Mr W. A. McCaw (Invercargill), while the successful tenderer was Mr O. G. Johnston (Invercargill). On Thursday the construction work having reached the stage when the foundation stone could be laid, the ceremony was held before a large gathering. The Rev. W. G. Hannah, in whose parish Mandeville is situated, was associated with the Rev. G. D. Falconer (Moderator of the Presbytery), the Rev. J. Newlands (Riversdale) and the Rev. W. W. Powell (vicar of the Holy Trinity Church Gore). The church, which will tie substantially built of brick, is opposite the school and will afford accommodation for some GO people. The vestibule, vestry and interior of ihe church proper will be finished in fibrous plaster with a figured pine dado. According to the contract it will be ready for consecration before Christmas. The service, which followed the prescribed form, opened with prayer by the Rev. W. W. Powell, (he hymn “All People that on Earth do Dwell,” and a scripture reading by the Rev. J. Newlands. An inspiring address was delivered by the Rev. G. D. Falconer in which he stated that when the Mandeville section was first offered 20 years ago, the people were in a sense establishing a church in the wilderness and in the intervening years until the building had become an accomplished fact they had been tried, instructed and trained. The laying’of the foundation was entrusted to Mrs J. H. McLeod to whom was presented a silver trowel by the architect. RETURNED SOLDIERS’ EXECUTIVE. The executive of the Gore Returned Soldiers’ Association met in the club rooms on Thursday evening to discuss the arrangements for the forthcoming reunion. Mr A. C. Steel (president) occupied the chair and the following attended: Messrs J. McDonald, P. R. Stewart, A. L. McDowel, T. Fyfe, S. Patterson, M. Green, F. M. Murray, C. M. Wilson, E. J. Columb, W. D. Shelton, J. Adams and G. L. Gerken (secretary). Leave of absence was granted to Messrs McQueen and Rusbridge. A vote of condolence and sympathy was passed with Mr G. Williamson. Five new members were elected to the association. The secretary reported that the financial membership now stood at 367 compared with 355 last meeting night and 326 at the same period last year. The secretary was instructed to write thanking the Dunedin Association for its gift of the sketches of Gallipoli by Sapper Moore-Jones and for its offer to have them framed. Mr D. L. Poppelwell forwarded three pictures to hang in the new club rooms, and the gift was received with thanks. PERSONAL. Miss Jean Batten will visit Gore next Thursday and will make a personal appearance at the Gore Regent Theatre. ANNUAL REUNION. The Gore Returned Soldiers’ Association will hold its annual reunion in the club’s new social hall next Saturday. In the past this reunion hits proved one of the most popular of its kind in Southland and this year should be no exception. An added attraction to the musical programme will be a short “stunt,” produced by Mr T. Fyfe. Returned soldiers from all parts of Southland are expected to be present on this gala occasion. WOMEN’S INSTITUTE. At the half-yearly council meeting of the Eastern Southland Federation of Women’s Institutes there was a large attendance of delegates and members. Mrs E. G. Wilson, president was in the chair and extended a co r dial welcome to all. It was decided after some discussion to abandon the idea of holding a show next winter. A roll call for ideas to take the place of a show to raise money for the federation brought forth many bright ideas including a garden party, folk dancing, choral competition, drama festival and historical pageant. After, a long discussion it was decided that institutes raise funds in their own districts. The visit of Mrs A. Watt was discussed and it was decided that the institute entertain Mrs Watt and Miss Smart, her secretary, to a luncheon on their arrival from Dunedin at noon on Tuesday, December 1. The arrangements were left in the hands of the executive. Mrs J. Copland gave a delightful travel talk on her recent tour of the British Isles. Mrs Wilson expressed the appreciation of the members at the close of Mrs Copland’s address.