CHURCH JUBILEE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18774, 13 January 1931, Page 8

CHURCH JUBILEE.

CELEBRATIONS AT UPPER PAREORA. The Methodist Church at Upper Pareora celebrated its diamond jubilee during the week-end and yesterday, and the historical occasion was marked by keen interest on the part of residents of the district, as well as by many visitors. On Sunday afternoon a special diamond jubilee service was conducted by the Rev. H. T. Peat, of Timaru, who preached an appropriate sermon. Miss Ruth Chamberlain presided at the organ. The small church was thronged with people, and the vestry had to be commissioned. Jubilee ConcertA diamond jubilee concert and special tea was a great success last night. Over 130 adults and many children sat down to tea, the meal having to be served in relays. The Rev. H. T. Peat, minister of the mother church in Timaru, presided at the concert, and welcomed the large gathering, after which he outlined the work of the Church during the past sixty years. The concert programme was arranged by Mr J. W. Holdgate, choirmaster of Bank Street Church, and the entertainment was of a very high standard. Mrs Withell, junr., presided at the organ. A duet was given by Mrs E. E. Parker and Miss Doris Vogeler, while songs were rendered by Miss Amy Holdgate, Mrs E. E. Parker, Miss Rita Chamberlain, Miss Deris Vogeler, Mr J. W. Holdgate, and the Rev. P. I. Cooke. The main address of the evening was delivered by Mr Maltby Priest, secretary of the Board of Trustees, who quoted from the early minutes, and was thus able to give an accurate historical account of the progress of the church. Congratulations to Upper Pareora Church were extended by the Revs. P. x. Cooke, C. O. Hailwood, and D. Pryor (St. Andrews), Messrs W. G- Irwin, secretary of Trustees of the Mother Church, Bank Street, and Mr C. T. A. Hight (circuit steward). Several telegrams were received. Including messages from Mrs Gilchrist (Timaru), and Mrs Lucy Bardsley and the Jefcoate family (Dunedin). An enthusiastic welcome was accorded four of the first Sunday School scholars of the church —Mrs J. Miller, Mrs M. Priest and Mr and Mrs J. Ward. Mr Ward acknowledged the tribute in a short address. A beautifully decorated jubilee cake was a feature of last night’s celebrations. this being adorned with 60 candles, lit by Mrs M. Priest and Mrs J. Ward. The honour of cutting the cake was conferred on Mrs J. Miller. The proceedings concluded with the singing of the Doxology, and the pronouncement of the Benediction by Mr Peat.