OPAWA METHODIST CHURCH

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11731, 22 June 1916, Page 6

OPAWA METHODIST CHURCH

The ninth anniversary of the Opawa Methodist Church was celebrated on Sunday last, when special sermons were delivered by the Rev John Harris, of Greendale, in the morning, the Rev A. C. Lawry, president, of conference, in the afternoon, and Rev ~\Y. Laycock in the evening. There v. oro good congregations. The singing was led by a strong choir conducted by Mr F. Bennett. and with Mr "W. Gillinc as organist. The well-attended animal tea was presided over by ladies of the congregation. The Rev . Laycock was chairman of the. after meeting and gave an .address o % n "Loyalty.' Mr E. Johnson, who presented a satisfactory report and balance-sheet, inade fitting reference to the twelve young men of the church who bad heard the Empire's call and bad gone to tho front, Deep sympathy was oxpressed for Mr and Mrs Steven m the loss of their son. Private William Steven, on Gallipoli. The balance-sheet was considered satisfactory, showing an advance of £4-4 10s on the year's workings. The Rev W. J. Williams gave, an excellent address on "The Reality and Value of Christian Experience." Several ladies and crentlemen and the church choir rendered a splendid iv ■ - gramme bf anthems, solos and recitations. The lay preachers of the church were cordially thanked for their hivaluahle services during the year. The National Anthem and Benediction brought to a .close m successful anniversary fmictio^.