After a Hundred Years.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 170572, 3 August 1921, Page 5

After a Hundred Years.

METHODISM IN NEW ZEALAND. MEETING IN TIMARU. It lias been said that “hearts i»ill be strangely warmed” by reading the centenary volume written in connexion with the centenary ol : the Methodist Church in New Zealand. Certainly they wore so warmed last night, when at a meeting in Wesley Hall, the llev A. C. Lawry delivered an eloquent address on “Our First Century,” and was supported by the Rev W. Laycock. The Rev W. A. Hay presided, and there was an audience which wasl all .attention to the thrilling story which' was unfolded in the record of one hundred years of missionary heroism, evangelistic successes, and constructive Christianity. The chairman explained the object of the meeting, and paid a glowing tribute to Methodism, and to its supporters of the past 100 years for their toils and sacrifices, and triumphs. The Rev A. C. Lawry began by offering his best thanks to all who were aiding the movement, specially mentioning the editor of the “Herald” for the.'very admirable article he had written 1 " and published on Monday last. The speaker went on to tell in most interest style the story of Methodism in New Zealand, and' then outlined the objects of the centenary thanksgiving fund, the aim being to raise £40,000, made up as follows:—Supernumerary fund £8500; Theological College £8000; church, building and loan fund £8000; foreign missions £5000; Wesley Training College £3000; memorial church at Kaeo £1500; Local Preachers’ Association £1000; home missionaries retiring fund £500; working expenses £ISOO. The speaker told in graphic style the work of the pioneer missionaries in this country, and said that there was reason to dwell with gratitude on the heroic past, and to turn with firm resolve to the opening of the second century of work in the great cause. He pictured the savagery among the .Maoris which the pioneers of Methodism had to face in order to carry their message, the untold hardships which thev had so courageously faced, .and said that the voice of their undaunted predecessors spoke to them across the century and inspired them with tajth and courage to continue the work which had berm so well begun. To Methodists belonged the honour of haying preached the first Christian sermon in New Zealand, and they rightly counted it a great honour. Their message and work bad had a. great, influence for good in the life of the Dominion, and that influence and work must he extended and continued with even greater vigour than in the past, as a thank offering to God for the tray He had led them and the success with which He had crowned their work; and prompted also by the love and admiration which they had for those who had preceded them in their noble and self-sacrificing labours. it was intended now to raise such a fund as would enable them to carry on in the most- efficient way. Alrendv £15,500 had been promised, and people were giving, not in the expectation of

7J or 8 per cent, but from a sense of love and duty and gratitude to God. If those who had not yet given were an generous as those who had already subscribed there was no doubt but that the sum aimed at would be exceeded. Mr George Bowron had given £2OOO, and •several had made three figure promises. But the smallest contributions wore welcome, and many were making sacrifices in order to become participants in this great forward movement which was being inaugurated. (Applause). The Rev W. Laycock followed with an earnest appeal in support of his duty, as he said “to poke the centenary fire,” a task which he performed well.

At the close of the addresfi.es a considerable sum was subscribed in the hall, and the meeting closed .with a. hearty vote of thanks to the. visitors. During the evening vocal items were pleasingly given by Miss Priest, Messrs: •J. E. Chiles. F. Matthews, and R. Hoklgate, Miss Norrish presiding at the piano.