The Minister and Officers invite former Members and Friends to attend the Services and Meetings to he held by the Congregation in celebration of the

Transcription

1 The Minister and Officers invite former Members and Friends to attend the Services and Meetings to he held by the Congregation in celebration of the long record of Methodist Witness for God in the Thorudon District October Grant us. Lord, the grace of Remembrance, and then we shall know but one better thing. the remembrance of Grace. Ancient Prayer. 1

2 Our Father, by whose servants our house was built of old, Whose hand hath crowned her children with blessings manifold, For thine unfailing mercies far-strewn along our way, Wit/i all who passed before us, we praise Thy name today. Before us and beside us, still holden in Thine hand, A cloud unseen of witness, our elder comrades stand: One family, unbroken, we join, with one acclaim, 1 One heart, one voice uplifting, to glorify Thy name. 2

3 HISTORICAL SNAPSHOTS OF METHODISM IN THORNDON On June 7th, 1839, Revs. John Hewgill Bumby and John Hobbs, accompanied by a score of Christian Natives from the Wesleyan Mission station at Mangungu, Bay of Islands. arrived at Port Nicholson on the Hokianga. Adverse winds retarded the vessel at the heads so the Missionaries, with their Native retinue negotiated the channel in the Mission whaleboat and landed on Pipitea beach in the evening. Here they pitched their tents and John Hobbs records that that night Friday. June 7th. 1839, they commenced their mission by holding service with the Natives. Next day they negotiated for the acquirement of a mission site, and paid a deposit of merchandise valued at fifty shillings. On Sunday, 9th June, at Te Aro Pa. John Hobbs expounded the first principles of the Christian religion to a company of about one hundred local natives, being the first white man who had ever preached to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When the two founders of Christianity at Port Nicholson departed on June 14th, they left behind six Native teachers... Reihana-Te-Karoro, with his wife and children, being located at Pipitea. (Pamphlet by Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt re Christian Beginnings in Wellington.) Brick Church and Parsonage, Manners Street, looking towards The Terrace. Opened December, Destroyed by earthquake, October References to early Churches in Wellington are contained in Dr. Morley s History of Methodism. From this source we learn that a party of Cornish settlers came on the 3

4 Duke of Roxburgh, arriving on February 8th, Among these were Messrs. Hart Udy, a Local Preacher, Thomas Poad, Josiah Tucker, Chas. Cunday (Cundy). The simple dwellings they built were known as Cornishrow. Prayer meetings were held among themselves. When these houses were burnt down, they removed to Thorndon. A large Maori whare situated on Pipitea Point was utilised as a Church. They kept together until on December 23rd, 1840, the first Methodist Minister appointed to Wellington, the Rev. John Aldred, arrived. The Natives had built a raupo Church at Te Aro following the visit of Revs. Bumby and Hobbs and this was used by both Maoris and Europeans under Rev. Aidred. On the oldest plan extant of services, Wellington Circuit, December quarter, 1848, the above laymen appear as prayer leaders. Places on the plan are Wellington (Manners Street). Aglionby (Hutt), Porirua Road (Johnsonville), Thorndon. Karori, Wainui-o-mata and Taita. THORNDON CHAPEL An independent Congregationalist Chapel existed in Thorndon, probably in Murphy Street, and was used by Methodists. The Spectator and Guardian of October, 1844 has the following notice: The above Chapel was opened according to announcement on Sunday last, the 13th instant. Though small, it is neat and commodious, and when completed will be an ornament to that part of the town. The Rev. J. Macfarlane (Scotch Presbyterian Church) conducted the devotional service of the morning, and Mr. Woodward (Congregational) preached. In the afternoon the Rev. S. Ironside (Wesleyan) conducted the service and preached, and Mr. Woodward in the evening. It gave us much pleasure to observe, both on that day and on the following evening, the perfect unanimity of feeling that prevails amongst the various ministers... In the N.Z. Spectator of 10/1/1846 there is the report of a meeting of Sunday School teachers in the Thorndon Chapel being attended by Revs. J. Watkin and S. Ironside and Mr. J. Woodward, when it was decided to form a Sunday School Union for New Zealand. This Chapel. along with the Wesleyan Church, Manners Street, was destroyed by the earthquake in October, It appears that it was rebuilt only to be destroyed in 1855 by another earthquake, after which services were held in the home of Mr. W J. Hall. The Primitive Methodist Church was established in Wellington in The Rev. Robert ard had been labouring singlehanded at New Plymouth for about two years. when Rev. H. Green arrived from England to assist in the work of the Mission. Four months later, Mr. Ward visited the rising settlement at Port Nicholson. Arriving in the Government brig Victoria before sundown on Friday, January 22nd. 1847, he found hotel lodgings for the night, and visited Rev. J. Watkin, the Wesleyan Minister, in the morning and was very kindly received, the Rev. Ironside joining them a few 4

5 minutes later. Three open air services were conducted on Sunday, January 24th, and such work continued until March 5th at Te Aro Flat, Karori, Hutt, Porirua Road and Thorndon Flat. Mr. Ward then returned to New Plymouth by boat to continue the work there, while Rev, and Mrs. Green embarked on the same boat to take up the task at Port Nicholson. A site was secured in Sydney Street for 105. Within a few months a mud Church was erected which was destroyed by the great earthquake of The succession of earthquakes caused great fear among the inhabitants, some of whom requested the Governor to appoint a day for fasting and prayer. 5

6 Religious services were held at mid-day in the open air, many persons seeking the comforts of religion. The mud Church was replaced in three weeks by a plain weather- board building, towards which the Governor contributed a donation, and highly commended the members for their zeal in so soon replacing the wrecked sanctuary. Rev. Green continued until 1857, being succeeded by Rev. Joshua and Mrs. Smith. In 1868 Rev. Robert Ward was appointed to Wellington and Churches were shortly afterwards erected in Sydney Street and Webb Street. (Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New Zealand, Guy and Potter, p. 82.) Sydney Street Primitive Methodist Church. The second Church, built 1858, later enlarged. Corner of Parsonage shown on the left. (Site opposite Tivoli Theatre.) The history of the Church in Molesworth Street began on May 22nd, when, at a meeting in the Manners Street Church it was resolved that a Wesleyan Methodist Church he erected in Thorndon. The members of the Wellington Methodist Educational Trust, plus Messrs. Bowater, Moxham, Elliott, VVatt, Kirk, Goddard and Isaac, constituted the Building Committee. Mr. Watt was elected Secretary, Mr. Lewis Treasurer, and Mr. Tringham Architect. The Rev. T. Buddle presided. The Church was opened for Worship on Sunday, December 20th, that year, having cost 1,000 to build. It appears that no living witness of that joyous event remains. But we can imagine the happiness of the people called Methodists as they came on 6

7 foot, horse or trap, in their families, to rejoice together and praise God in His Sanctuary. As the years unfolded a strong, devoted congregation gathered for worship. The Union of the Primitive and Wesleyan Churches in 1913 led to the joining of the Sydney Street congregation with that of Molesworth Street, thereby giving new vigour to the work. The present membership of fifty includes three ladies who link us with the first decade. Mrs. Mary Sampson, who is now in her ninety-fifth year and able to attend worship. joined the Church as a bride about eighteen months after the opening. Miss Grace Drake, whose parents were among the original members, still takes an active part, especially in the floral arrangements. Mrs. J. McNab s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dickson, became active members towards the end of this period. Space does not permit mention of the succession of faithful men and women who have served as Trustees, Circuit Stewards, Society Officers, Choirmasters and Choir Members. Sunday School and Youth Workers and Elect Ladies of the Church. A few months after the opening of the Church a Sunday School was commenced. The present Hall was erected late in 1878 and Youth Work has been continued therein since that time, with fruitful results beyond measure, but seen in the Christian characters of many among us today. Young Men and Women have passed through the Bible Classes and taken an active part in the Methodist Youth Department work. For a short time the old parsonage was used as a Young Men s Hostel ( ), known as Epworth House. but difficulties created by war and staff led to property realizations. However, young men from many parts of New Zealand shared in and were enriched by the fellowship of the Church. The Roll of Ministers who have served at Thorndon is: Revs. T. Buddle, W. Morley. J. S. Smalley. J. J. Lewis, A. Reed, H. B. Dewsbury. W. J. Williams. W. Kirk. R. Bavin. W. Baumber. W. C. Oliver. L. M. Isitt, T. J. Wallis, C. H. Laws, R. J. Murray. J. G. Chapman, A. B. Chappell, T. F. Jones, W. J. Elliott. A. N. Scotter, H. L. Blamires, C. Porter. (All these while Thorndon was attached to Wellington Central Circuit.) After its constitution as a separate Circuit: Revs. C. Porter, T. Fee, C. H. Olds (Supply), G. S. Cook, A. Reader, C. C. Harrison, W. Greenslade. E. D. Patchett, H. J. Odell, J. Richards, R. B. Gosnell, T. H. Carr. B. H. Allen (Supply) and the present Minister. C. E. Dickens. The Thorndon District has been changing from residential o commercial during the last decade and new suburbs have become ihe family centres. This has led to changes in the Church organization so that Thorndon is now only part of the Wellington West Circuit and the Parsonage properties were disposed of in 1943, no new residence yet being obtained. Nevertheless the worth of the cause abides in smaller dimensions 7

8 than earlier days. and there is still need for the Methodist Witness among the dwellers in apartments and flats in the area. The congregation is small, but conscious of its usefulness to God still; the Sunday School numbers only forty, but a vital and needful work is maintained; there is a Bible Class roll of twenty-four, many of whom would otherwise not be under Christian influence. So we give thanks to God for the seventy-five years of service the present Church has rendered, and dedicate it and ourselves to the faithful maintenance of God s Work in the future. COMMEMORATION & THANKSGIVING October, 1947 SUNDAY, 5th WORLD COMMUNION DAY Services of Preparation and reception of Jubilee Thankoffering. SATURDAY, 11th GRAND JUBILEE BANQUET Commencing at 6 p.m., in the Hall. Guest Speaker: REV. H. W. PAYNE. SUNDAY, 12th THANKSGIVING SERVICES 11 a.m. REV. W. A. BURLEY, M.A., Chairman of the Wellington District. 7 p.m. REV. C. E. DICKENS. WEDNESDAY, 15th JUBILEE RE-UNION Programme commences at 8 p.m. Display of Historic Records, Photographs, etc., arranged by MR. C. FREEMAN. Music by the Northland Methodist Choir. Guest Speaker: REV. W. H. GREEN5LADE. FRIDAY, 17th CHILDREN S PARTY Arranged by the Local Youth Council. SUNDAY, 19th COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES At 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Conducted by a former Minister, REV. H. J. ODELL. Holy Communion in the Evening will conclude the celebration. 8