WAITARA METHODIST CHURCH

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1932, Page 3

WAITARA METHODIST CHURCH

NEW MINISTER INDUCTED. * The new Methodist minister at Waitara, the Rev. W. B. Cuming, and the missioner for North Taranaki, Mr. Skuse, participated in an induction ceremony at Waitara on Friday night, when they were given charge of their particular work in the North Taranaki district. The principal portion of' the service was conducted by the Rev. Clarence Eaton, of New Plymouth, and he was assisted by the Rev. Thos. Skuse, of Stratford, and the Rev. R. B. Gosnell, of Fitzroy. The proceedings opened with the hymn, “We Love the Place of God,” followed by an invocation and prayer by the Rev. C. Eaton and another hymn, “The Church’s One Foundation.” Thereafter there was further prayer in which were embodied a petition for a blessing on the church and “on these Thy servants who are to labour in this community.” The Rev. Thos. Skuse read selected portions of Scripture bearing on the work of the ministry, and an appropriate hymn preceded the presentation of the new ministers by the church stewards, the Rev. W. B. Cuming being presented by Mr. J. L. Wilson and Missioner Skuse by Mr. Ingham. The Rev. Mr. Eaton said it had been the custom to greet new ministers with a welcome social, but conference had decreed there should be something more. Hence the service. The ministers having made the obligations, the right hand of fellowship was extended to them, and a prayer followed. The Rev.. R. B. Gosuell addressed'the congregation, saying it was a pleasure to him to join with the people he had been associated with in welcoming the Rev. W. B. Cuming and Missioner Skuse, who came to a district rich in. tradition, and with its history closely connected with Methodism over a period of 80 or 90 years. The descendants of the first local preacher were still with them in New Plymouth, and all would remember that the grand old man Whitely gave his life for God and the Maoris amongst whom he laboured. The Rev. C. Eaton addressed the newly inducted ministers, saying he rejoiced with them in their appointments, and he went on to speak on their special calling. The Rev. Cuming said he wanted to help the people to whom he was sent, and he trusted that in his ministry in Waitara he would be a blessing to many. The service closed with the pronouncement of the Benediction and with the Doxology. A social afterwards was largely attended. Welcoming speeches were made, musical item/* were contributed, and supper was served.