DIAMOND JUBILEE

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 71, Issue 6140, 24 September 1945, Page 2

DIAMOND JUBILEE

KIHIKIHI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MEMORABLE CELEBRATIONS During the week-end the Presbyterian community of Kihikihi turned back the pages of their history to sixty years ago when they celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of their Church. It is significant that in the colonisation of New Zealand, as with all other parts of the far-flung Empire, communities were not long esablished before the settlers erected altars to their God and at those altars found the peace, grace and help that alone comes from the Great Father of all, no matter by what denomination they call themselves. Queen Victoria was once asked by. a visiting foreign potentate what was the secret of the Empire’s greatness, and she turned to a nearby table and picked up a Bible, and said: “That’s the cause of my Empire’s greatness.” Even the most sceptical cannot deny that the Christianly piety of the pioneers played an important part in laying the foundations of the land that the people inherit to-day; The Presbytertan folk of Kihikihi were not behind their kinsfolk in other parts of New Zealand in quickly seeing to it that the Kirk their forebears loved so dearly was erected in their midst. That tabernacle was burned down in 1923 and from the ashes arose the present solid building, as solid as the faith of those who worship therein.

It was the establishment of Presbyterianism in the district that was so fittingly celebrated on Saturday and Sunday. It was hoped that the weather would remain fine, and while it gave cause for anxiety at times, it did not rain.

Saturday was devoted to the social side of the celebrations and the first ceremony was held in the Manse grounds when on Saturday afternoon a garden party was held. The grounds, with their beautiful flowers, an indication that the Lady of the Manse was a keen and skilled gardener, were ideal for the purpose and there many old friends who worshipped together in the far-off days renewed those friendships. Friends and happy little groups were seen in animated conversation and one caught the words “Do you remember?” and off they would go, re-telling and re-living various of the early pioneering days. There was no set programme beyond the bountiful and appetising afternoon tea and it required no such programme to make the function a truly successful one.

During afternoon tea, the Minister, the Rev. K. L. Warren, M.A., briefly but sincerely welcomed the guests and on behalf of Mrs Warren and himself offered them the freedom of the Manse.

Visitors were present from far and near and among the early members of the Church who journeyed afar to be present were Rev. and Mrs W. T. Brabyn, Mairangi Bay; Mrs and Miss Ross, Avondale; Mr and Mirs G. R. McGhie, Epsom; Mr and Mrs Cowley and Miss Cowley, Te Aroha. Mrs Schwarz, Matamata; Mr R. IL Sutherland, Remuera; Mr and Mrs Cowan, Miss Ambrose, Mercury Island; Sister Grace Entrican, Grey Lynn; Mr Robert H. Cowan, Auckland; Mr J. T. Cowan, Pukekohe; Rev. Mr Shilton, Belmont; Mr Orakau Kay, Mt. Eden; Miss Farlle, Avondale; Mj?s Hollinshead, Frankton Junction; Able Seaman Horman, laterly returned from overseas.

It was late in the afternoon that the Garden Party ended to give way for the confer! and social held in the Town Hall in the evening. There was a large and representative attendance. The hall was very artistically decorated, greenery, white cherry blossoms and flags being used effectively. In addition, to those noted above, those present were Revs. H. G. Gilbert (St. Andrew’s Church, Hamilton; H. C. Orchard (representing Te Awamutu Ministers’ Association); Mr Maunder (chairman Kihikihi Town Board), and Mrs Maunder; Mr A. E. Bryant (president of the Te Awamutu branch of the Farmers’ Union). Mr G. Donaldson presided. Apologies for unavoidable absence, congratulations and best wishes were tendered on behalf of Mr T. C. Brash (Moderator), Lower Hutt; the Very Rev. George Budd, Devonport; Rev. D. N. McDiarmid, Auckland; Rev. J. Haslop, Te Aroha; Rev. Hitchcock,’ Cambridge; Rev. and Mrs Entrican, Mt. Albert; Rev. and Mrs J. M. Stewart, Bulls; Rev. W. J. M. Berry, Opunake; Rev. and Mrs Weit, Brighton, Otago; Rev. and Mrs H. L. Corrie, Ngangatahi; Mjr John Armstrong, Auckland; Mr Haywood Armstrong, Te Mata. Mrs Butcher, Wellington; Mrs Dinneen, Remuera; Mrs Day, Mt. Albert; Mrs Ellis, Hunterville; Mr and Mrs Franklin, Pukekohe; Mr and Mrs R. C. Grist, Remuera; Mr and Mrs J. A. Grist, Whangarei; Mr Forbes Gordon, St. Helier’s; Mr and Mrs J. Howie, Porirua; Mrs Hall, Epsom; Mr and Mrs Kirkland, Te Papapa; Mr and Mrs McGail, Aramoha; Mrs Ponter, Grey Lynh; Mr and Mrs Richardson, Onehunga; Mr and Mrs Stephenson, Mt. Eden; Mr and Mrs Topp, Kingseat; Mr and Mrs Waugh, Te Aroha; Mr Yule, Te Kuiti; Mrs N. C. Sutherland, Matamata; Mr and Mrs H. Sutherland, Matamata; Mr H. R. Cowan, Ellerslie; Mrs J. D. Palmer, Mt. Albert; Mr and Mrs Henderson, Kio Kio; Mr and Mrs Turner, Manurewa; Mr and Mrs Lawrie, Whangarei. The proceedings very fittingly opened with the singing of the Doxology, followed by a period of silence for those of the congregation who had made the Supreme Sacrifice for King and country. The musical programme opened with the Te Awamutu Choir singing “In This Hour of Softened Splendour” and “Who Will O’er the Downs so Free,” followed by the duets “I’ll Walk Beside You” and “Annie Laurie” very pleasantly sung by Miss I. Younie and Mr C. J. Flay. J The Rev. H. G. Gilbert then conveyed the congratulations and best wishes of the Waikato Presbytery to the church. In the course of eloquent address, Mr Gilbert paid a tribute to the early worshippers and went on to say that the next 60 years of history would bring greater things. Greater tasks would face the Christian Church. The speaker recalled the statements made over the years that the church was doomed, but the church had accepted that challenge and proved that it was not dead and was worth trying out. Even should another war

come, it would not mean .the end of civilisation as some said it would. He trusted the church would grow in strength to the glory of God and for the future of the district.. Mr Gilbert closed by reciting “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and wishing them all God’s blessing in the future. Rev. H. C. Orchard conveyed the best wishes and congratulations of the * Ministers’ Association and said it had • been his privilege and pleasure to help the Presbyterian Church in Te Awamutu while their Minister was overseas. It was a great privilege to be in the Christian Church and to meet Christian peoiple. The church was meeting a tremendous challenge and, as he looked on. a cross that was i embodied in a flag above him, it j reminded him that it signified sacrifice and service. Those who were Christians must render service and be prepared to make sacrifices. The church helped those in the hours of need and Mr Orchard. went on to speak of the part the church had to play in the rehabilitation of returned men into civil life. He wished them all God’s richest blessing. Mr Orchard concluded by paying a tribute to the Rev. Mr Warren and he appealed co the congregation to support him in every way.

Mr Claude Rae then sang “Glorious Devon” most acceptably. Mr A. Maunder, chairman, of the Town Board, said he was honoured at speaking at the function on behalf of Mrs Maunder and himself and he thanked the committee for the invitation to be present. He had gone to Sunday School in the old church. The teacher was Mr Bridgman, who was really a Methodist. He wished the church every success in the future.

Mr Mandeno, of the Te Awamutu Session of the “Mother Church,” said it was a pleasure to be able to join with them and he congratulated them on the happy occasion and extended to them best wishes and trusted they would go on from strength to strength. It was a source of pride and joy to Te Awamutu that their fledgling was able to leave the nest and go out on its own. Mr Mandeno recalled tlie early days when his grandfather used to go out on his long walks accompanied by his dog. Mr G. H. McGhie, speaking on behalf of past members and office bearers, said he was one of six who recalled being in the old church and he thanked God for being spared to live through the years of the Presbyterian Church in the district. It afforded him pleasure to see the progress made in the 60 years and he trusted they would go onward and upward as a famous politician once said. He recalled ringing the bell of the old church 50 years ago and he remembered the district when there were no settlers over the Puniu River. Services were popular in those early days, many walked to Te Awamutu to attend church and he was sure that not many would do so to-day. Miss A. Nelson sang “Funiculi Funicula’’ very attractively. Sister Grace Entrican spoke on behalf of the women of the past and she expressed pleasure at rejoicing with them on the attainment of such an important milestone in their history. Sister Grace spoke of the perils of uselessnefe and said working Christians were wanted and she appealed to them not to be critical of the Minister and his work in the pulpit but to loyally support him. Rev. W. T. Brabyn, on behalf of the past Ministers, said that when he came to Kihikihi 26 years ago there were four motor cars in the district, but horses and gigs were much in evidence. He paid a tribute to the office bearers and recounted several stories that created much laughter. “God be with you and bless you, is my message,” concluded Mr Brabyn. Mr Reid gave an elocutionary item, “Siloquy of a Chicken on Leaving His Shell” most entertainingly. Rev. K. L. Warren, M.A., welcomed them all, old friends and new. It was an occasion for thanksgiving and re-dedication. In referring to the proposed Memorial and Thanksgiving Sunday School Hall, Mr Warren said in his mind he aimed at getting £lOOO. To date they had raised £879 and had in addition almost £lOO in hand. He was pleased and proud of that response for it was a united appeal to Presbyterians. He thanked all who had assisted to make the celebrations a success and all who had assisted paying a tribute to the part played by Mrs W. Stewart.

A play, “The Beauty Doctor,” was cleverly presented and created much merriment. Those taking part were Mesdames Rae, Knox Clarke, Gunn, Bailley, and Edgecumbe, and Miss I. Younie. Mrs Knox Clarke was an efficient accompanist.

A beautiful two-tiered jubilee cake, presented by Mrs H. Kay, was then produced, Mrs Cowley lighting the candles, Miss Ross blowing them out, and Mrs McGhie cutting the cake, each operation being performed amidst applause. A supper on an ample and appetising scale was provided. A roll call of the various activities of the church was answered by representatives and each group as they arose were given a hearty round of applause. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem concluded a most enjoyable and successful function. The Committees As can be imagined, the successful celebration of such an important and outstanding function as a Diamond Jubilee entails a great deal of preliminary organisation and work. It also entails much work and attention during the actual functions and the largo committee of ladies and gentlemen who were responsible for the Kihikihi celebrations spared no efforts to make them the success they were. The committee consisted of Mesdames Warren, Selby, Eyre, G. McGhie, J. Anderson, H. Kay, Nicholas, W. Taylor, Murdoch, Going, L. Vincent, J. A. Reid, A. Betts, C. McDonald, L. Wyllie, Messrs A. Watson, H. Kay, G. Donaldson, G. R. McGhie, A. Cullen, H. Wyllie, A| S. Wyllie, W. McGhie, J. Sutherland, G. G. Lawrie, W. Taylor, A. Murdoch,' J. Kay, John Jamieson, W. Stewart, J. Short, S. Barrett, C. H. Walker, L. Vincent, Miss Rena Watson, Miss Marjory Anderson, and Mr Bruce Anderson representing the youth of the church. Mr W. Stewart was the organising secretary and a special tribute has to be paid to him for his work in connection with the celebrations. The Rev. K. L. Warren was the convener of the joint committee and he was an inspiring leader. The convener of the Records Committee was Mr G. McGhie; social Com-

niittee convener, Mr W. Stewart; Hospitality Committee convener, Mrs J. Anderson. Publicity Commitee convener, Mr G. Lawrie; Finance Committee convener, Mr G. Donaldson.