BELL BLOCK CHURCH

Taranaki Daily News, 25 February 1935, Page 10

BELL BLOCK CHURCH

METHODIST GARDEN PARTY. FUNDS FOR RESTORATION. On Saturday afternoon a delightful garden party was held in the grounds of Mrs. Poletti's home on Paraiti Road, the object being to raise funds to effect repairs to the chapel at Bell Block- The garden and lawns were an ideal setting for the gathering with numerous shrubs and trees providing shelter for onlookers. Misses Elsie and Nancy Parkin won the tennis event with Mrs. H. Smillie and V. Oliver second. Other events resulted: Men’s tennis, singles, Mr. D. Vesty 1, Mi". J. Poletti 2; na’’ driving, women, Mrs. N. Rundle 1, J H. Bishop (Fitzroy) 2; Nail driving, Then, Mr. R. Poletti 1, Mr. N. Rundle 2; golf putting, Miss Pam Sanders 1, Mr. J, Jeffery 2; stepping the chain, Miss Peggy Rundle and Mr. D. McLeay. Mr. J. Jeffery was in charge of the numerous children's races held during the afternoon. The well filled stalls in the shade of the trees were . supervised by Mrs. B. Holmes and Miss Poletti (ice cream and sweets)’ and' Mrs. B. Sampson and. Mrs. N. Rundle (produce). During tea, which was served out of doors, the Rev. J. D. Grocdtt, Methodist mihistet for the circuit, thanked Mrs. Poletti and family for the use of their beautiful grounds and also those who attended helping to make the afternoon each a success. He explained that the function, organised entirely by local supporters of the Methodist Church, friends, .and well-wishers, .was held to raise funds for the' renovation of the Methodist Church at Bell Block. This building was quite historic, it being the oldest Methodist building in Taranaki. An effort was being made to restore the appsarance of it. This building was erected in 1885 and used as a primary school and then as a Sunday school and church. He mentioned that with the coming of the school reunion in the district, many pioneers and older residents of. the district would have pleasant menioriQs in connection with their 'old church. It was hdped that the proceeds from the afternoon would help to. improve and make the building more presentable to the eye. - The Rev. F. Copeland also thanked Mrs. Poletti and family, and spoke in similar terms of the church and its workDuring the afternoon the sum of . £lO including cash donations was received. Mrs. J. Ashley is visiting relatives at Kaponga. , . . Mrs. T. H. Western is spending a holiday at Auckland.