PRIMITIVE METHODISM.

Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13296, 27 May 1907, Page 6

PRIMITIVE METHODISM.

CENTENARY, MEETINGS. The Primitive Methodists of Timaru yv.->-t'_r.l'ay celebrated the centenary of the foundation of their Connexion, by. an opt-n-uir Gospel meeting, such as led to that foundation a hundred years ago. Needless to say itc was a meeting with mipy differences from its original, which was held on a hillside, and its congregation were mr.-.ilv miners. Yesterday's was held on Caroline Bay, under a Band Rotunda, with the aid of a trained ehoir and an organ, and the congregation was 150 or so of townspeople, well-dressed and not particularly interested in the proceedings. Several hymns and anthems were .sung by the choir, and evangelistic addressee were given by Messrs Chiles and Boothroyd and Rev. J. Olphert. There were not many allusions to the event thus commemorated, the speakers following on the lines 01 purpose laid down by those who I'd the historic gathering on Moor Cop. Mr Boothroyd referred to ;i. few things that have come into being in tlie last hundred years or so. some of the now familiar facilities of transport and communication, and the religions and civilising influences of the Sunday School. Missionary < tfort, the Bible Society, and the Primitive Methodist Connection. Rev. J. Olphert gave a well-knit address on the work of Christ as revealer of the fatherhood r.f God, an address noteworthy for its up-to-dateness of tone and illustration. A small collection was taken up for the church funds. The afternoon was warm and sunny 01: the Bay and so far suitable for the meeting, but a moderate sea on top of a high tide that- brought the surf line near th • 1 rvtunda ■somewhnt drowned the singing and tlw speakere' voices. A special sermon on the Spnrgeons, apt— ..nri:ir» to the centenary, was preached !>y Mr Olplteri. in tliM church at tilt* evoni;;ir r.-'i'vice