1

2

Foreword 140 years ago Wesleyan Methodism came to Te Awamutu.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the building on the Te Awamutu site, 261 Bank Street.

Congregations from Pirongia and Otorohanga have joined with Te Awamutu to form one congregation, and one parish

If the building could speak what wonderful stories it could tell, from earnest young preachers to the antics of small children, to the melodious tones from choirs and congregation.

We look back and give thanks for those who dared to dream dreams and share visions.

We give thanks for those who went through endless fundraising to make dreams come true.

We give thanks for those who spent many hours doing the labour to create the building and those who gave of time and talents in the inner furbishing of the Church.

We give thanks for those who made/gave furniture to be placed in the Church, often in memory of loved ones.

No church is complete without a worshipping, loving, caring and welcoming congregation whose life is both within the Church and community of Te Awamutu.

Rev. Jo Durrant September 2015

Editorial The purpose of this booklet is not to tell the story of the Methodist involvement in Te Awamutu and its surrounds. This booklet’s purpose is to outline briefly the history of the current Worship Centre, its development and usage. However, a brief over view of the Te Awamutu Parish may assist the reader to understand the arrival, the purpose and the achievements of Methodism in Te Awamutu. This will be outlined first of all, after which the history of the “bricks and mortar” of the Parish Worship Centre will be the main feature of this publication.

In the interest of historical accuracy all quotations from past publications have been reproduced exactly as published. These quotations are contained in framed printings throughout this booklet.

Many have assisted in the publication of this booklet and their input is acknowledged with grateful thanks. Special thanks to the staff at the Te Awamutu Museum and the Methodist Archives in Auckland for the use of their facilities and information.

Robin Astridge QSM November 2015

3

A History of the Early Te Awamutu Parish

Methodism in the Waipa area began when Rev. Thomas Buddle was appointed to the Maori Mission at Te Kopua, and arrived there with his wife in 1841. The Mission was situated on the banks of the Waipa River, barely 11 kilometres from Te Awamutu (by a straight line!). This appointment had an influence on the military and families stationed in the Te Awamutu and Pirongia centres. Late 1845 Rev. George Buttle was appointed to Te Kopua Mission and in 1857 his wife, Jane, died and was buried at the Mission. Her tombstone is still at the site. 1862 saw Rev. Alexander Reid appointed at Te Kopua. The New Zealand Wars in 1863 caused the withdrawal of Rev. Reid from the Mission which did continue under Maori Ministers and Catechists.

Rev. Reid, in the same year, worked among the soldiers stationed on the then frontier until 1864 when Rev John Rishworth was appointed as Chaplain to the Forces in Waikato.

1867 saw the establishment of the Waikato and Waipa Circuit with Joseph Berry being appointed, based in Hamilton.

Te Kopua site 2015

Rev. William Morley in his epic The History of Methodism in New Zealand (1900) states:

“If the Cambridge Circuit is somewhat contracted, Hamilton and Te Awamutu is so large as to be unwieldy. For one minister effectively to work a circuit in which there are four churches and twenty preaching places, the furthest being forty miles apart, and to give pastoral attention to the 170 members.and 720 hearers scattered over this vast area, is obviously impossible.”

Further in the entry re the Hamilton and Te Awamutu Circuit Morley writes:

4

“At Te Awamutu the church was built in the early days of Waikato Methodism. At that time there were quite a number of active church members residing there - Messrs. Wilson, Glass, Hunter, The Gibsons, Bosankos, and others. For a time it was exceedingly prosperous. This led to its being made, as stated already, the head of a circuit embracing Alexandra, Kihikihi, and other places. But the removal of members and low prices of produce prevented the progress expected, and it was rejoined to Hamilton in 1891. Thus the parsonage site there has never been utilised, although we understand a sum of money is held for the purpose of erecting a house…………… Its distance from Hamilton has since prevented its receiving the attention which it needs……………

Thus began the growth and the extension of the Methodist cause in Te Awamutu.,

Development of the Worship Centre

In the Beginning

The development of the Methodist Church property began in Te Awamutu during the year 1870 when Lot 73 in the village of Te Awamutu was purchased for the sum of £10 ($20). In 1875 a church of wood (40 x 20 feet) was built to seat 80 people. Methodist Conference minutes of 1877 give the Church dimensions as 30 x 20 feet, at a cost of £130 ($260) opening with a debt of £30 ($60).

This Church served the Te Awamutu Circuit until 1915

By 1913 the inadequacies of this wooden Church for a burgeoning congregation showed that a new building was required. A special meeting was called:

5

This meeting must have proved positive as the willingness of the Congregation to pursue fundraising for the new Church became obvious with the following article (and similar advertisements) appearing in the Waipa Post, Te Awamutu’s newspaper:

A genuine unreserved sale of gifts will be held in the Town Hall at 8 o’clock on Wednesday evening, December 16th. The gifts comprise a large assortment of pot plants, vegetables, chaff, poultry, lambs, Christmas hams, etc., and a quantity of plain and useful articles made by the Methodist Ladies’ Guild. Proceeds are in aid of the new Methodist Church, but the trustees have decided to donate 20 per cent of the profits to the Belgian Relief Fund. Mr Lawson has kindly agreed to conduct the sale free of commission. Goods will be on view during the day.

(The reference to the Belgian Relief Fund was a result of the First World War breaking out in July 1914 by Germany invading Belgium. A local Belgian Relief Fund Committee had been set up to provide funds for that Country).

There must have been many meetings, some successful and others not. A letter dated 16 January 1914 was received from the Methodist Church and Loan Fund stating:

“The Monthly meeting of the Church Building and Loan Fund (CB&LF) was held last evening when matters relating to the proposed new church at Te Awamutu were considered……………. After full consideration of the whole scheme the Committee resolved as follows:- That gratification be expressed at the endeavours made by the Trustees towards Methodist Church improvements and extensions at Te Awamutu, and the

6

Committee has much pleasure in giving general approval of the proposals now submitted.”

However, the letter continued pointing out that the required two-thirds local raised funds had not been achieved and the CB&LF could not sanction the proposal to go ahead until this target was reached.

A further CB&LF letter, dated 20 February 1914, gave a final qualified sanction for the new Te Awamutu Church to be built:

“In accordance with the decision of a former meeting of the Committee a letter was sent to the Rev. G. W. J. Spence asking him to make enquiries with regard to the prospect of Te Awamutu Methodism, and to advise ‘the Committee with regards to the new Church. The Conimittee has received and considered his reply with the result that it sanctions the erection of the Church at Te Awamutu according to the plan submitted, subject to the modifications suggested in a previous letter, providing that the two-thirds of the total cost be raised by the time the Church is opened…………. ‘

Meetings and fund raising activities must have continued steadily and a sufficient amount raised to call tenders. At a Trust meeting on 31 July (1914? as the year was not noted in the actual minutes) the tenders received were listed and it was recorded:

“The tenders being beyond the means available none was accepted, but, it was decided to reduce the size of the building (without altering the design) to seat not less than 180 & to call for alternate tenders, with & without vestries. Tenders to be in no later than Tuesday Aug. 4th.

The matter of the new Church must have been treated with some alacrity because on 7 August 1914 the following item appeared in the Waipa Post: -

Revised tenders for the new Methodist Church and vestries have been received, the lowest being £1241, from Messrs Abernethy and Gray, which has been unconditionally accepted. Directly the trustees have completed preliminary arrangements, Mr de Ridder (the architect) will speed the work along. The common and pressed bricks used will all be local manufacture, and their quality and appearance displayed to full advantage through the truly early English style of architecture of the new building.

It would appear that the architect, Mr de Ridder was a man of his word! From the Trustees’ minutes of 8 September 1914 it was moved:-

“That building start and two foundation stones be laid:”

The successful tender was by Abernethy & Gray

7

The motion was followed by an advertisement and an article in the Waipa Post newspaper on 30 October 1914 advising of the laying of two foundation stones of the new Church, to which the public were invited.

Wednesday next will not only be a great day in the history of local Methodism, but will also mark another step in the progress of Te Awamutu. On that day the marble foundation stone of the handsome brick church which is being erected, will be placed in position. The honour of laying of the stones has been conferred on Mrs A Gibson and Mr E. Bridgman, the oldest members of the church. The Rev. J. G. W. Spence, chairman of the district, visiting and local clergymen, and representatives of public bodies, and, if possible, Mr J.A. Young, M.P., will be present. Music will be supplied by the choir, and afternoon tea provided by the ladies of the congregation . A collection will be taken up in aid of the Building Fund …………………

The day was to conclude with a concert in the Town Hall.

From the Waipa Post 6th November 1914:-

NEW METHODIST CHURCH LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONES

On Wednesday the function in connection with the laying of the foundation stones of the new Methodist Church in Te Awamutu took place in the presence of a large gathering. Bunting was hung from a portion of the partly-erected building, together with banners bearing the words, “God save the King.” The Rev. J. G. W. Spence, Chairman of the District, presided, while on the platform were the Revs. J. Olphert, D. J. Shaw, F.W. Clarke and Hon Kakuere.

The proceedings were opened by the singing of a hymn by the choir, followed by prayer and the reading of a portion of Scripture.

In his opening remarks the chairman said he took it as a great honour to be asked to preside that afternoon. People had come to look upon the erection of a temple as one of very high importance, not only to those directly concerned, but as affecting the whole community, and the destroying of an edifice erected for the purpose of worship is regarded as a calamity upon the whole world. The speaker instanced the recent destruction of cathedrals by the Germans……………..

8

Laying of the Foundation Stones 4th November 1914.

Another Waipa Post article stated:-

Both Mrs Gibson and Mr Bridgman were presented with suitably engraved mallets in commemoration of the occasion. The foundation stones are of blue veined marble, 18 x l4in each, with the following inscription: “This stone was laid by Mrs A. Gibson, Nov. 4, 1914” and ‘This stone was laid by Mr E. Bridgman Nov. 4, 1914.”

(The article concluded with the words):

Mr. Olphert, on behalf of the trustees of the church, thanked all those who had assisted during the day, and the performers who contributed towards the success of the evening’s entertainment.

Foundation Stones as of September 2015.

9

The building of the new Church progressed well and just prior to its dedication the following report appeared in the Waipa Post (12 February 1915).

The new church is built of grey, pressed, and special local-made bricks, with artificial stone dressings in the pinnacles and buttresses and in the block lettering of the inscription, “Methodist Church, A.D. 1915,” under the large central three-light window. Wrought-iron scroll art work is introduced in the finals, bands, etc., so as to relieve the interior elevation, which is further enhanced by a panelled boundary wall of front, en4rely in brick. The church inside is 40ft 6in long by 28ft wide and 30ft high, having two double-vestibuled entrances at the front and a back entrance. Accommodation is provided for 208 persons. The two vestries for the minister and the trustees can form one large room about 28ft by 12ft by means of folding doors. There is a lavatory to each vestry, and ample cupboard accommodation for all church requisites. The early English style of architecture is followed in the interior as well as on the exterior, there being a fine open roof, platform, pulpit, recess, screens, and stained glass; also in the choir space and general seating, which are all to full size and other drawings of the architect (Mr R. P. de Ridder, M.A.A., of Te Awamutu). Everything displays the pointed arches and other geometrical and moulding characteristics and proportions of that particular style. Even the silvered lettering on blue ground of the text, “Christ, the Power of God and the Wisdom of God,” is Gothic. Acetylene lighting is installed throughout the church, school, and parsonage. Every possible provision is made for the comfort of worshippers by largely automatic ventilation, the fanlight inlets being .worked by the simple handling of ends of vertical rods. The seating is provided with hat rails, book boards, communion cup holders, and umbrella and stick holders, while the emergency seats are hinged and so arranged that all brackets under can be drawn out or put in at once. The architect has graciously acted as his own clerk of works, and avoided extras on the original contract of £1141, including bricks, etc., provided by the trustees and friends. Messrs. Abernethy and Gray were the sole contractors, but they sub-let the brickwork to Mr Stanley, the plumbing to Mr Battson, the painting to Mr De Coek, and the ironwork to Messrs Teddy and Sons (all local men), who, with others, deserve highest praise.

Mr Stanley, bricklayer, certainly earned his money laying the bricks! Note the following number of bricks purchased for the Church!

10

11

On 5 February 1915 the following Public Notice was inserted in the Waipa Post newspaper:

NEW METHODIST CHURCH

DEDICATORY SERVICE By REV. PRESIDENT SERPELL On Wednesday, February 10,

at 2.30p.m. Collection for Building Fund Public Tea in Schoolroom at 8 p.m. To be followed by a

Thanksgiving Meeting Sacred Solos, Quartettes, Anthems,

Bright Brief Addresses, etc.

TICKETS for Tea & Meeting, 1/6

Thus on Wednesday 10 February 1915 the new Te Awamutu Methodist Church was ready for consecration and worship by members of that congregation!

Church builders – Abernathy and Gray, and bricklayers – E.J.Stanley on completion of the Church 1915.

12

CONSECRATION & OPENING 10 February 1915

This significant/historical event for the Methodi congregation of Te Awamutu was fully covered the Waipa Post newspaper edition of 12 February 1915.

METHODISM OPENING OF NEW CHURCH

AT TE AWAMUTU

There was a large congregation at the opening service in connection with the new Methodist Church, which took place on Wednesday afternoon. The official opening was conducted by the Rev. S. J. Serpell, who, in a few words of welcome, said he looked upon it as his duty, as the president of the Conference, to be present. He then declared the building open for public worship, and gave an invitation to all those present. The reverend gentleman said he would be wanting in courtesy if he failed to offer a word of congratulation to all who had been in any way connected with the erection and completion of such a splendid church. He paid a high tribute to the architect for the excellent design, and to the builders and decorators for the manner in which they had carried out their work. After 30 years experience in connection with opening ceremonies, he had not seen a more beautiful architectural design. He could not offer a criticism. The church would be a distinct gain to the town, and he hoped that the object for which the church was built would be fully realised. As President of the Conference he honestly and heartily complimented them. The preacher took for his text, “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed amongst us.” - Luke 1 - 1. In the course of an eloquent and impressive sermon the speaker referred to the purposes for which the church had been raised, and called attention to the great fundamental truths which were believed among them, and in regard to which they were bound to testify. Their objective was not the world’s suffering, but the world’s sin. Without sin there was no doctrine of atonement, and as preachers it was part and parcel of their duty to testify to the fact of human sin. Another fact which they must surely believe was the divine revelation of God, and reasons were given for believing that the Bible was a divine revelation. It was because it gives proof of its divine origin by the purity and beneficial results that are achieved by it wherever and by whom the truth is received and believed. It was the only thing that would uplift mankind. Instances were quoted of the good work done by Mr Dan Crawford in South Africa, and Samuel Marsden in New Zealand, whose power for good was the Bible, and there was no other book so inspired. Results were obtained not by the trader but by the missionary. Another fact was the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. His wonderful power while on earth was recognised, which bore witness to the fact that He was no ordinary person. Orators had studied His methods. Scientists had recognised that a solution of the problems was only to be found in His teachings. Another fact was the power of Jesus Christ

13

and the Gospel to those by whom it is believed. The Apostle Paul had testified to the Gospel as the power of God unto salvation. All nations to which the gospel had been preached had been raised to a higher level. These were some of the things which were surely believed among them, and he prayed that the divine truths would be testified by them. At the conclusion of the service the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered, a large number remaining. At the tea, which was provided in the old church, there was a fair gathering. The public meeting which followed, was held in the new building, which was crowded. The Rev. S.J. Serpell occupied the chair, and in congratulating the members on the magnificent building they had erected, said he would always have a good word to say in its favour when his opinion was asked. He thought it a perfect model, and no fault could be found by him. He could not emphasise to forcibly the absolute necessity of too earnest prayer. They must not depend too much on the preaching, but to pray earnestly. The Rev. Beattie, of Te Kuiti, offered his congratulations to the congregation on the progress of the church. He was in hopes that the people of Te Kuiti would have been able to have erected a new church, but he was sorry to say that they had not yet made a start. The Rev. J. Olphert apologised for the absence of Revs. F. W. Clarke and D. J. A. Shaw. He thanked the working bees who had done such good work in connection with the church. The total cost of the building, exclusive of furnishing, would be £1,581 5s 7d. Towards this they had raised a loan of £700. Donations had been given to the amount of £622 8s 3d. To defray the cost they required £800. There were promises of some £100 yet to be collected. The following special donations were given: Communion service, Mr and Mrs Payne oak pulpit chair, Mr Middlebrook ; communion table, Mrs S Rickit ; linoleum, Mrs Kerr; 3 door mats, Mr T. Wood ; vestry table, Mr Tremain ; table cover, Friend ; 6 chairs, Mr Mills ; 3 chairs, Friend ; carpet for pulpit, Rev. J. Olphert; epergne, Mr G. W. Mairs. The collection taken up during the afternoon amounted to about £7. The tea was provided by the ladies and friends of the congregation. During the evening songs were contributed by Mesdames Poolman (2), Ireland, Misses Olphert, and Dil; Messrs Fredric and Carson. The accompanists were Mesdames Archibald and Poolman and Mr Fredric. A number of anthems were rendered by the choir, under the baton of Mr W. H. Poolman.

A similar, shorter report was also contained in “The New Zealand Methodist Times” of 3 April 1914

Thus began the continuing life of the Te Awamutu Methodist Church building which has not only served the Parish well but also the Te Awamutu Community, as it fulfils its life within that town.

14

Te Awamutu Methodist Church and Complex – September 2015.

Te Awamutu Methodist Church Since 1915

Whilst the Church continues to serve its congregation in the familiar basic 1915 appearance some significant changes have taken place over the one hundred years since its dedication.

In the 15 April 1916 issue of The New Zealand Methodist Times the following report appeared:Te Awamutu

The Rev J. Dawson made a special trip from Wellington to conduct the first anniversary services of the new church on February 13. Good congregations, hearty singing and inspiring sermons gladdened the hearts of our faithful workers. On Wednesday, February 15, a sacred concert in the church, followed by refreshments in the school room, took the place of the customary tea and public meeting. A very fine programme was enjoyed by a large audience. The Rev J. Olphert gave the financial statement, which showed that the church, including furnishings and acetylene lighting plant, had cost £1686 8s 6d. During the year £80 12s 6d had been spent on improvements, interest and lighting, and cleaning, making a total expenditure of £1767 is. Towards this amount the sum of £879 8s 5d had been raised by subscriptions and special efforts, leaving a debt of £887 12s 7d.

Over the following years this debt was settled and minor improvements and maintenance carried out (e.g. the acetylene lighting system was replaced as we now enjoy the marvel of electric lighting!). The entrances were altered to be more useable and allow for better access and public flow.

15

During the 1960s an unsympathetic extension was made to the north wall by extending the church floor space in that direction. No doubt the design was constrained by the funding available as the design was practical but was not particularly attractive looking or useful and in its later years was used very much as an overflow seating area.

Early in this century a fund raising effort, and proceeds from the sale of the Pirongia and Otorohanga churches, saw major improvements to the rear and interior of the Church - both for practical and eye appeal purposes. The 1960s extension was demolished and rebuilt entirely in keeping with the original 1915 appearance. The rear entrances to the Church were also demolished and a link created to the Bryant Hall by the creation of a new lounge, a Church Office, hallway and two toilets. New heating by heat pumps was installed for the comfort of the occupants. An up to date sound system was installed which has added versatility to the use of the building. The rededication of the Church in June 2010 was at a service led by the President Rev. Alan Upson.

The modernised Church should have served well into its second century BUT:

In 2011 a devastating earthquake struck the Christchurch region causing major damage and loss of life, affecting many Methodist Parishes. As a result of a survey of all Methodist properties the century old church in Te Awamutu was found not to be up to the required legal earthquake proof standard.

There is a significant question mark regarding the future of the Te Awamutu Methodist Church at the time of the writing of this publication.

16

Providing Music for a Century

There appears to be no record of what instruments were used for the early part of the Church’s life but one can assume there would have been a piano and/or manual organ used. In 1951 an ambition of the congregation came to fruition with the installation of a pipe organ:

After many years the aim of the Te Awamutu Methodist Church was to have a pipe organ installed. A member of the congregation Mr D. M. Glass whilst on holiday In England, heard that such an organ was available. He secured an option upon it which was agreed to and accepted by the Church Trustees. The organ was a hotch-potch of various organs “knocked about a bit” in the English wartime Blitz. Mostly the organ was that which once resounded through the Wallasey Town Hall, the other parts came from other organs in the same area, namely LiverpooL

From:- Rose Petals for God, David Paul Lydford.

The organ was built mainly by Henry Willis and Sons of Liverpool and was installed in the Church, by Mr G.S. Gibson (Auckland). It was commissioned on 25 June 1951 at the regular service, which was followed by a recital in the afternoon by Mr Henry Cook of Hamilton.

The Willis Pipe Organ

The organ served the Church until 1981 when an extensive overhaul became necessary in order for the organ to be used in the future.

17

The supplier’s invoice for the Willis Pipe Organ.

18

After consideration it was decided that a new Allen Digital Computer Organ be purchased that year and installed. This instrument, along with a Welmar piano, continues to be used in the Church.

Allen Digital Computer Organ and invoice – 2015.

19

Allen Organ and the Welmar Piano.

Kaleidoscope of Photos – September 2015

The pipe organ had been in the recess in which the cross is mounted.

20

Interior Views

21

Original Pew.

Presbyters Who served in this Church Building

1915 to 2015

J.Olphert 1914/16 S. Henderson 1917/22 H. White 1923/25 C.M. Roberts 1926/27 (also W.J. Enticott) W. Wills 1928/32 A.E. Jefferson 1933/36 H. Spencer 1937/42 H.C. Orchard 1943/46 A. Jolly 1947/51 D. Haylock 1952/54 (On the death of D. Haylock Bill Abbott for 5 months) L.A.G. Brooks 1955/59 J. Churchill 1960/63 W.J. Morrison 1964/68 D.H. Ansell 1969/77 W.F. Cable 1978/84 B.W. Neal 1985/89 Rona Collins 1990/92 Gloria Zanders 1993/97 I. Millar 1998 R. Short 1999/2001 Marcia Hardy 2002/04 Maureen Calman 2005/15 Jo Durrant 2015/current

22

Buildings on Site

1870—Wooden Church. Demolished 1940. (Site used for Bryant Hall in 1941).

1915—Brick Church. Still used by the Parish as a worship centre.

1941—Bryant Hall. Still used by the Parish as a hall, available for hire by the Community.

1954—Brick Sunday School Block. Demolished early 2000s as structurally unsound.

23

Parsonages

1912-13—Rough caste concrete house. Demolished 1967 for new Parsonage.

1968—Brick with aluminium joinery. Rented 2001. Sold soon after.

24

Bibliography:-

Newspapers:- Waipa Post issues 1914/16, The New Zealand Methodist Times 1915 Touchstone, September 2015

Publications:Rose Petals for God, David Paul Lydford, 1991, Te Awamutu Methodist Parish, Memories (Compiler Ngaire Phillips), The History of Methodism in New Zealand, William Morley, 1900

25

TE AWAMUTU METHODISTS

COMMEMORATED 100 YEARS

OF THEIR

CHURCH BUILDING WEEKEND 17 & 18 October 2015

On 10th February 1915 the newly built Methodist Church in Te Awamutu was dedicated (a Wednesday afternoon). This Church replaced an earlier wooden building of 1875 which had become to small for the growing congregation. The decision to build the Church was initially made at a special meeting of the Church and Parsonage Trust of the Methodist Church, Te Awamutu, held on 23rd January 1913. Later, Abernathy and Gray’s tender was accepted, two foundation stones were laid in November 1914 and in early February 1915 the new Church was complete.

The Te Awamutu Methodist Church was dedicated and opened by the President of Conference, Rev. S. J. Serpell. In 1915 the minister of the Te Awamutu Circut was Rev. J. Olpert.

The purpose of this booklet is to show something of the 100th commemorations held over the weekend of 17 & 18 October 2015. The commemorations of the 100th were “overdue” as the Parish, on 10th February 2015, was undergoing a change in presbyter and there was a delay in investigating the exact date of the dedication of the Church. Investigation revealed the anniversary date was 10th February - very early in the year and this caught the Parish by surprise! A centenary committee was formed and the decision made to hold the 100th commemoration during October 2015.

This is a brief record of the 100th commemoration weekend.

Robin Astridge QSM November 2015

26

From This 1915:

To This 2015:

27

The Te Awamutu Parish Council formed a sub-committee to organise and oversee the 100th commemorations. The sub-committee comprised of four members below; Jill Shaw (Convenor), Peter Robertson, Ngarie Phillips and Robin Astridge (below).

This committee met on various occasions and planned the weekend’s events. Ngarie prepared publicity items for both the Te Awamutu Courier newspaper and Touchstone; Peter planned displays for the weekend; Robin planned a commemorative booklet and the luncheon catering; whilst Jill oversaw the whole project and carried out all the other mundane planning matters that such an event requires!

In conjunction with the Parish Council the date was set - the weekend of 17th & 18th October 2015.

With the approval of both committees the plan was that on Saturday, 17th October, there would be an informal afternoon tea at which there would be time for reminiscing and viewing the pictorial displays. Sunday, 18th October, a formal Service would be followed by a catered luncheon, then official speeches, cake cutting and closing with afternoon tea.

28

Saturday, Informal Afternoon Tea, 17th October 2015

Approximately 30 people arrived at Bryant Hall where they were welcomed by MC, Robin Astridge. Everyone then chatted among themselves and viewed the pictorial displays that had been prepared by Peter Robertson, assisted by Bev. Bayly. A continuous “power point” display remained running throughout the afternoon also, which showed the development and use of the Te Awamutu Church over the past 100 years.

May Hall arrived in Colin Pinkerton’s vintage Buick car!

Murray Higham & Colleen Cullen view a display

Many others pour over displayed items After much talking and reminiscing the gathering was called to order and a more formal format for the afternoon commenced, giving those in attendance the chance to speak about their involvement and observations with the Church building.

29

We gathered together – Then we remembered. Some who spoke: Helen Empson

David Glass Colin Hall

Ngaire Phillips

30

Our oldest attendees Garth and Ruth Cullen spoke also

We then gathered in the new Lounge (added 2010 between the Church and the Bryant Hall) for afternoon tea before the afternoon closed.

31

Sunday, Commemorative service and Luncheon, 18th October 2015.

The Parish gathered for the Commemorative Service.

The Service commenced with Rev. Joy Durrant (our Presbyter) who welcomed, not only those in attendance, but our special visitors, President Rev. Tovia Amua, Vice-President Dr. Arapera (Bella) Ngaha and local Synod Superintendant Rev. Susan Thompson.

During the celebratory service our VP, Bella, spoke on the broad history of Methodism in New Zealand whilst President Tovia delivered the sermon reminding us of both our past and present functions as a congregation. Synod Superintendant, Rev. Susan in our final prayer gave thanks for the past activities and asked for guidance for our future.

The choir, under the leadership of June Higham, ended a memorable service by singing a blessing to all, May You Always Have a Song in Your Heart

32

In full voice! Left: Peter Robertson

In full voice! Robin Astridge

The final act—Murray Higham cutting the celebratory cake

The floral displays that enhanced and livened our venues for the weekend were a tribute to Brice Herbert ‘s skill

33

President Tovia speaking after the luncheon. (Rev. Jo Durrant, Te Awamutu in foreground)

After the departure of the President and party, Jill Shaw read a number of messages of apology and good wishes to the gathering from those who were unable to attend.

Robin Astridge gave a talk on the arrival of Methodism, in the form of Wesleyan Missionaries, both to New Zealand and in particular to the Waipa District. He pointed out that in Te Awamutu Methodists made significant capital progress in times of conflict! Wesleyan Missionaries arrived in Te Awamutu as chaplains, who came with the military forces during the Land Wars of 1864. The building centenary that we celebrated was built during World War 1.

Peter Robertson then gave a short talk on the present state of our buildings. He pointed out that both Bryant Hall and the wall of the Church, facing Bank Street, will require earthquake strengthening as a result of a survey carried after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

The commemorations concluded with Murray Higham cutting a celebratory cake,

Thanks to those who organised the weekend and the obligatory afternoon teas, enabling the Parish to mark a significant milestone in its history

34

A Kaleidoscope

35

36