contents historical/14(1,2... · concerning an article on early southland methodism for the...

Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956

Contents

1. THE COMING OF THE MISSIONARY.

2. THE YEARS OF TRANSFORMATION.

3. THE MOTHER CHURCH-INVERCARGILL CENTRAL METHODIST

CHURCH. (and OTATARA , LONGBUSH)

4. THE EDENDALE-WYNDHAM-MORTON MAINS CIRCUIT.

5. THE ST. PETER'S CIRCUIT. (and CLIFTON, NEWFIELD)

6. THE BLUFF CIRCUIT: SOUTHLAND'S OLDEST METHODIST DISTRICT.

7. THE WESTERN SOUTHLAND METHODIST DISTRICT. ( RIVERTON,

NIGHTCAPS, OTAUTAU, WINTON, APARIMA, WAIAU, TUATAPERE, OHAI )

8. THE GORE CIRCUIT. (and MATAURA)



FOREWORD

For this Centennial Year of Southland, I had dreamed dreams of a History of

Methodism, worthy of her contribution to the life of the community. When it

appeared, through pressure of work, that my dreams were not to be translated into

reality, the way was suddenly opened.

Frank Glen, a Student of Trinity Theological College, back home in Invercargill for

the long vacation, had already been in touch with the Editor of the "Methodist Times"

concerning an article on early Southland Methodism for the Connexional Paper. He

immediately consented to gather information for a fuller survey, and set about his task

forthwith. I feel certain that every possible moment of his vacation, when not working

for a city firm or preparing for his weekly preaching appointment at Edendale, he

talked and wrote "History"! He interviewed aged pioneers and writers of Southland

History; he collected data from Circuit Records and brochures and from Press reports;

he travelled fairly extensively and used my telephone until it cried out for mercy!

This is the result.

The history shows unmistakably that we can take great pride in our Church and its

witness through the years, and that it is continuing to make a very worthy contribution

to the life of the Province.

We congratulate Mr. Glen on the result of his painstaking work, and commend it

heartily to all. It is an achievement of which Frank has good reason to be proud.

May I express appreciation to those who have assisted me with the actual publication

and distribution of this History, and to our regular advertisers in the "Southland

Methodist,'' who, by donating valuable space, have helped to make it possible.

A. R. WITHEFORD.

5 Chapman Street,

Invercargill.



Acknowledgments and Thanks

By the time this booklet is published, I shall have returned to Trinity College and,

therefore, will have missed being able to thank personally people who have helped to

make this work possible. Among them, Mr. F. W. O. Miller, who has viewed the script

and made suggestions. Miss Melva Brass of the St Peter's Circuit for the diligent way

she has corrected my original and for the fine job she has done in re-typing the entire

work. There are many other Circuit Officials from Bluff and Western Southland, while

publications by Miss W. Mitchell, Mr. J. Girvan and the Rev. J. R. Hall have helped

me in preparation. These sources are acknowledged. I must thank the Dunedin Public

Library and the Staff of the Early Settlers' Association in Dunedin for their valuable

help in making records available to me. To the Rev. T. A. Pybus, now retired and

living in Dunedin, my special thanks for his advice and help in the first section, "The

Coming of the Missionary," without which, the book would not be complete. Where

other sources are used, I have acknowledged them in the text.

Finally, my sincere thanks to the Wesley Historical Society (N.Z.) and all who have

encouraged me in this work and to those who have made this publication possible.

February, 1956.

FRANK G. GLEN.



ONE THE COMING OF THE MISSIONARY

METHODISM began in Southland among the Maoris when, in May, 1840, the Rev.

James Watkin, the first pioneer Missionary to the South Island, landed at Waikouaiti.

Watkin had been appointed to this whaling station at the request of the celebrated

Johnnie Jones; who offered to pay the Mission Board in Australia the cost of

establishing a Methodist Mission on his whaling station. Thus it was that the

Methodist Church was the first to be established as an organised Mission in the South

Island.

From his new base Watkin was able to begin a ministry among the 600 Maoris living

in Southland and Otago at that time. The main centre of habitation for these folk in

Southland was Ruapuke Island of about 32 square miles situated in Foveaux Strait

between Bluff and Stewart Island. During this time there were seven small settlements

consisting of about 200 Maoris. There were still smaller Maori settlements at Bluff,

Aparima, Centre Island and at Halfmoon Bay on Stewart Island.

Because of ill-health Watkin was not able to make immediate trips of a Missionary

nature to the South, but he had organised his Mission Station as a school of instruction

for such natives who came under the Gospel challenge. He trained these men and sent

them back to their districts to work among their own people. In this way he was able

to make sure that the Gospel message was spread in an even more effective manner.

Methodism began among the Maoris in Southland with the conversion of Solomon

Pohio, or Horomona Pohio, as his native name has him recorded.

It has been suggested that Solomon first came in contact with Watkin on 19th October,

1840, when four war canoes came from Ruapuke to the new Mission requesting that a

missionary be sent to their Island. They were under the leadership of Tuhawaiki who

has been called "Bloody Jack."1 Much has been written about this native, but it is

sufficient to say that he was always one jump ahead of the white man. Perhaps these

folk were induced to come to the Mission under the false story that the Missioners had

a book that would make all who possessed it immune to bullet or spear.2 Whatever the

reason, they came and were desirous of having a missionary of their own.

During the months that followed, Solomon came under the training of Watkin, and

early in 1842 he was sent back to his own people as the first Methodist Preacher to

Ruapuke Island.3 Thus it was that the Methodist Church was the first to bring the

Gospel to Southland through the medium of this devoted native teacher.4

Solomon came from the chief family of his tribe and played an important part in the

spread of the Gospel in Southland. He was not baptised until June 1843, but the

records show he was working among his people before this. He was much loved by



Watkin who was always keen to receive word of his work and was never tired of

encouraging him in his difficult task.5 Before his conversion, he had distinguished

himself in the historic and bloody battle fought by the Southland Maoris with the

North Island Maoris in 1836 at Tuturau not far from Mataura. His conversion marked

a decline in violence among the natives about Ruapuke.6

So it can be seen that. at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi the Methodist Church

was active in the preaching and training of the Gospel message to the Maori people of

Southland.

Watkin came South some years later to consolidate the already growing influence of

Methodism in the Murihiku area, as Southland was then known. This historic trip was

made in the Schooner "Scotia," owned by Johnnie Jones, who had given such a good

start to the Mission. After the boat had been forced back to Waikouaiti in the first

attempt they set sail again on 24th February, 1844.

The first port of call was at the Bluff, where, on the 28th day of February, 1844, it was

his privilege to preach the first Christian message in Bluff. On the 3rd March he

preached again, this time in both English and Maori, while natives from Ruapuke were

present. Watkin baptised and married both European and Maori couples during his

stay in the Bluff. He further saw the results of some three years' work by some of his

travelling Maori converts and he suggested that it would be wise to send a European

missionary to Bluff "as most of the natives are connected with us"7 as his Journal

relates.

He set sail again, this time for Stewart Island where he hoped to meet about 40 natives

who resided at Kairakau, as Halfmoon Bay was then known.8 After a very

uncomfortable crossing of Foveaux Strait he arrived to find to his joy some of the

fruits of his native workers. Here he married Europeans to Maoris and baptised into

the faith young natives who had been prepared for this Sacrament by Solomon. He

further advanced the work of his workers by preaching the first Methodist service to a

mixed congregation of Maori and European under the trees by the waters of Halfmoon

Bay.

During that same day he again crossed the Strait and anchored off Jacobs River, the

approximate site of Riverton today. Here he found a newly opened school for "Anglo-

New Zealand children" as Watkin describes them. Jacobs River had by the early

1840's far outstripped any other Southern settlement in size, as whaling and sealing

vessels made Riverton a base and port. Watkin found that books were in great demand

and he records "I gave all the assistance I could."9

We have no other Journal record of any other work done in Riverton by Watkin, but

writers of about 1850 have recorded : "Great credit is due to Watkin and Creed (who

followed Watkin) and other members of their Society for their exertions for the



welfare of the natives in the South."10

While we hear of the Methodists being foremost

in their concern and action for the Maori welfare in Riverton,11

it is not too much to

assume that the "other members of their Society" is a reference to native teachers.

Furthermore, during the year 1852 a census was held in the Aparima district and the

Hon. W.Mantell observes that "they all professed to be Wesleyans."12

It is a pity that

our Mission was not able to maintain its work among these people during the difficult

years of the 1860's.

The next year Watkin sailed again, this time to meet his convert and friend Solomon,

who laboured so faithfully on Ruapuke Island. As mentioned above, Solomon was the

first to preach on Ruapuke, yet during this same time Methodist influence had been

brought to the Island from Cloudy Bay in Marlborough where a Methodist Station had

been established by Rev. Samuel Ironside some months after Watkin had settled at

Waikouaiti. Natives who had come under the Christ-ian influence had travelled down

the coast and come as far as Ruapuke Island.13

When Watkin arrived off the coast of Ruapuke he had this sorry circum-stance to

relate: "Now I sorrowfully learned that the anchorage there was unsafe, and I could

not in my conscience urge the owner to peril his vessel. I was therefore obliged to

return without having achieved my principal object. I wrote . . . and sent a letter to

Solomon . . . my principal teacher there, that would lessen his disappointment ... I

must try again shortly."14

When Bishop Selwyn visited Ruapuke Island some few weeks before Watkin's

attempt, he had this to say: "In all I found some natives able to read and one especially

... a very intelligent party . . . under the care of a well-informed teacher ..." The Bishop

does not mention the name of the teacher but as his own native teacher was not

present on the Island we can only assume that this was Solomon.15

It was unfortunate

at this early stage in the mission life of New Zealand that the Church of England

should send their own missionary teacher, one Tamihana, to Ruapuke some three

years after Methodism had begun its work among these folk. Dr. Shortland who

travelled at the same time as the Bishop on Government survey work records this

action caused schism wherever the conflicting Gospel went.16

Even the Bishop records

about Ruapuke: "here as in other places there was too much discussion about Weteri

and Paihai (Wesley and the Church)."17

Tamihana went to Ruapuke some months after Solomon, and left about July, 1843,

and, while passing through Watkin's Mission Station, he preached to a gathering and

Watkin notes with some pleasure that he was a man of sincere Christian graces.

Nevertheless this dual presentation of the Gospel was to cause much friction among

the natives.



The Methodist Church can, however, claim the distinction of presenting the Gospel

first to the native peoples, while the work of Solomon will always remain that of a true

disciple of Christ his Lord and Master.

Watkin, although unable to send another Methodist Missionary to his out-stations

further South, did advise his friend, the Rev. J. F. H. Wohlers, to settle somewhere

there and take the pastoral charge of the Christian community.18

The Rev. Charles Creed was appointed to take the place of Mr. Watkin, who, in May

1844, was called to take charge of a circuit in Wellington. At this time Creed and

Wohlers arrived at Waikouaiti in the same vessel together and had become firm

friends.

During the changeover of the Mission to the charge of Mr. Creed we hear of Maori

folk coming for baptism from Ruapuke, Riverton and Stewart Island. These had been

prepared by the native teachers and were examined by Watkin or Creed before

baptism. This long journey to the place of baptism was indeeed a test of their new

faith.

It has been mentioned that Watkin was keen for Wohlers to settle South among the

native community. This was realised in May, 1844, when Wohlers landed at Ruapuke

with Edward Palmer, a young Methodist from the Mission Station. Palmer gave a

message to the folk there telling them that Mr. Wohlers had come to them from Mr.

Watkin.19

Thus it was that Watkin was now assured that the work of his twenty-six native

teachers and preachers between Waikouaiti and Stewart Island would come under

some fine spiritual leadership. This is what Wohlers records after his arrival on the

Island in regard to the Methodist and Church of England Missions already established

there by the native leaders: "Still what more could be expected at the time? These

forms of Christianity, although still without its spirit had already effected an

astonishingly large amount of good in them. They had already given up cannibalism

and especially all the cruel and gross sins which had formerly existed as something

quite common."20

However, it was not long before the leading Methodist natives on the Island took a

boat and went and complained to Mr. Creed concerning Wohlers' baptism of

Methodists. Mr. Creed told the natives to return and do all they could to help, while

Wohlers knew he could count on the support of the Mission.

Wohlers struggled for some years on the Island without much result and finally retired

for a rest to Mr. Creed's parsonage at the Methodist Mission. Here both men renewed

their friendship which had been kept constant by letters of encouragement from Creed

to Wohlers.21



Refreshed, Wohlers returned, but soon again he was depressed, and, after a later visit

to Nelson, on behalf of his Mission which was German Lutheran, he was married by

the Rev. James Watkin in Wellington and spent his honeymoon with the Creeds at

Waikouaiti. Thus when he returned to his work on Ruapuke he did not go alone. He

then worked through the years to weld together both Methodist and Church of

England elements.22

This he accomplished through the years till there had developed a

Christian community that exercised a great influence on all who lived in the

surrounding district. Wohlers carried on that great and noble work of both Watkin and

Solomon and baptised many a Methodist into the Kingdom, while he guided their

spiritual life. This great Missionary passed to higher service at Stewart Island during

1885. Surely this applies to Wohlers : "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

With the arrival of the Free Church settlers in Otago during 1848, the Maori Mission

work was shared by both Methodist and Presbyterian Churches for some time

although some of the Presbyterian clergy complained that very little had been done for

the Maori folk when they arrived.23

This criticism is unjust as the Methodist Mission

had done all in its power to exert a Christian influence in the South. This had been

done despite the lack of funds and staff, and will always remain a challenge to all who

would follow in like work. It was the lack of funds and man-power that forced the

Mission to give up its work among the Maoris during the 1860's despite the £5000

already expended.24

Added to this there were only about twenty-four Methodists in

Southland and Otago between the years 1850-55 who were Europeans. This compared

with nearly 2000 Free Church folk demonstrates in no small measure the amount of

work for our size that was accomplished.25

Near the turn of the century our Church again took up the work among the Maoris on

our Southern coasts with the appointment of Rev. Neho Himi Papaka-kura in 1904 to

the Southern Maori Mission.26

The Rev. Papakakura had for some time been working

on an undenominational basis in the South among his Maori folk. We find reference to

the taking over of this work by the Methodist Church and later to his Ordination to the

full work of the Ministry.27

Mr. Papakakura can be remembered by the older residents

of Stewart Island who lived as children on The Neck when he made regular visits to

the Maori community there.28

The Mission was based for Southland at Riverton and Colac Bay, where tor a certain

period Mr. Papakakura made his home. He was also responsible for the Deputation

work among the Churches of the South Island and preached on other occasions with

the Rev. Mr. Te Tui, Senior Methodist Maori Minister for the Dominion, at St. Peter's

Church during the time of the Rev. T. A. Pybus.29

Some years after the opening of this Mission, Mr. Papakakura left and toured America

and on his return he did not take up his previous appointment. Thus the work fell into

the usual circuit hands. . .



This then has marked the extent of Methodist work among Maoris in Southland After

the death of Wohlers, the Maori settlements had begun to fade away, caused by the

sickness that they had contracted from the European. Today, Maori work within our

Church is restricted in Southland to annual visits from one or other of our present

Maori Ministers.

Today Ruapuke Island is desolate save for wandering sheep and wild growing flax and

scrub. The present writer has observed while flying over the Island the historic

remains of earthworks and some remaining homes nestling in groves and among trees.

Looking at the Island today, there is little to remind one of the history and toil of those

early years.

At Stewart Island there remains no Methodist witness, although more will be

mentioned with regard to the Methodist work among the settlers there in the Bluff ls

"There are some families who can claim Methodist descent but even they are not in

some cases aware of their early Methodist history. These are mainly those who have

intermarried and can claim Maori descent. Among them are the Topi descendants.

Tione Topi Patuke was trained as a teacher by Watkin30

and later proved rather

unreliable as Wohlers records. It appears that Topi was asked by Mr Wohlers to obtain

some Communion wine while he was on the coast. Later Mr. Wohlers mentioned to

Topi that it was time he as a professed Christian should depart from the drinking habit.

To this Topi replied that he Mr. Wohlers was no different because he had drink in the

Communion. Mr. Wohlers explained in a careful way that the Communion wine was

consecrated and therefore ditterent. To this Topi said he could not see this as he saw

the so called Communion wine came from the same cask as his rum.31

Many Island folk can recall an old Maori who was affectionately called Old Ben

Wesley." His recorded name was John Wesley and his father, Moro Kiekie came from

the Heads at Dunedin. It appears that John Wesley’s father settled at The Neck on

Stewart Island during the late 1850's. Here he is remembered by some as a prayerful

and devoted Christian witness.32

Tradition holds that Wohlers33

baptised Moro

Kiekie's son and perhaps, as we are told that Wohlers could not pronounce the Maori

child's name, he baptised him John Wesley in the knowledge that his father before had

connexion with Creed or Watkin.34

Thus we see today on John Wesley's gravestone

the name of the last loyal descendant of the days of the Maori Missionary.

Methodism has left a mark deep in the early history of Southland. Our claim can be:

"We were first here." Our Church did much to pave the way for the settling of the

white man and gave to the Maori people the beginning of a slow growing Christian

culture.

It was only through lack of funds and manpower that we were forced to discontinue

our Maori work despite the valiant efforts to revive it. This all reflects to the difficult

financial situation that shook our Church in England at this time: the 1860's. However,



many souls were brought into the Kingdom of God, and James Watkin, Charles Creed,

Solomon Pohio, followed by Wohlers, all knew the meaning of Christ's works

recorded in Matthew 28: verse 19—

"Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

References1. "King of the Bluff."—HALL-JONES.

2. Watkin's Journal

3. W. A. McCAW. Records Stewart Island. .

4. "Maori and Missionary."—REV. T. A.

PYBUS.

5. Watkin's Journal.

6. Whalers' Memoirs.


8. “Rakiura” — HOWARD.


10. "Early History of Mission in Otago. —

FAIRCLOUGH.

11. Centenary of Early Riverton.

12. "Maori and Missionary."—REV, T. A.

PYBUS.

13. "Southern Maoriland."—RUGBY

PRATT.



PYBUS.

16. "Early History of Mission in Otago."—

FAIRCLOUGH.

17. "Bishop Selwyn's Journal."

18. Watkin’s Journal. Wohlers' Memoirs.—

REV. T. A. PYBUS.

19. Wohlers' Memoirs. "Maori and

Missionary."— REV. T. A. PYBUS

20. Wohlers' Memoirs.


PYBUS.

22. Wohlers' Memoirs.

23. "History of Free Church Settlement in

Otago."

24. "History of Mission in Otago."-

FAIRCLOUGH

25. "Southland, 1856-67." Document held by

the Early Settlers' Association Dunedin.

26. "Methodist Minutes of Conference”,

1904.

27. "Otago Daily Times," November, 1905.

28. Mrs. Bradshaw. Invercargill..

29. Rev. T. A. Pybus.

30: "Maori and Missionary.”- REV. T. A.

PYBUS.

31. Mr. R. Hicks, Stewart Island.

32. Mrs. Bradshaw, Invercargill.

33. Mrs. Dawson, Leask’s Bay, Stewart

Island.

34. Baptismal Records, Stewart Island.



MINISTERS OF SOUTHLAND and PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE 1956

From left to right:

Top—T. R. Benny (Gore). A. R. Witheford (Central), E. R. Eastwood (Western Southland).

Bottom—J. S. Olds (St. Peter's), Pres. M. A. McDowell (Lower Hutt), D. W. Edmonds (Bluff), W. J.

Cable (North Invercargill).



TWO THE YEARS OF TRANSFORMATION

The period 1845-62 was one of rapid growth. During this time our Church began to

establish itself among the early settlers of Otago-Southland. They were the years when

the Mission work among the Maoris was to cease and the gathering together of the

Methodists among the settlers was to begin.

As Southland was part of Otago Province until 1861, we must then add a word about

the beginning of the work among the Europeans.

The Rev. Mr. Creed preached the first Church service to a gathering of Europeans in

particular in New Edinburgh on 15th September, 1844.1 This was some four years

before the Free Church settlers established themselves in Otago. Later, in December

1845, Creed travelled somewhat the same course in a Missionary journey as Watkin,

in a tour of the South.2

The Methodists were there to greet the arrival of the early settlers aboard the "Philip

Laing" in 1848. The Rev. Mr. Creed preached on the first Sunday even-ing they were

ashore, while Dr. Burns took the morning service. Mr. Creed also provided some

worship for the Anglicans aboard.3

When the "John Wickliffe" anchored in the harbour, Mr. Creed was there again to

greet the Methodists aboard and to assist them with their accommodation problems.

The Methodists in the first settlers were: Mr. T. Ferens, Mr. and Mrs. Moseley, Mr.

and Mrs. Thos. Brebner and Mr. Fry. While all were members in full connexion, Mr.

Ferens was an added advantage to the settlement as he was an accredited Local

Preacher.4 As can be seen with the arrival of Methodists from the Mother Country, the

work that Mr. Creed was already doing among the Maori folk could not receive his

full attention. He could not leave these new settlers without help and care. This he was

able to do only at the cost of his health which declined from this time onward till his

transfer. Mr. Creed arranged for services in Dunedin for both Anglican and the few

Methodists there, the services being held in the local gaol. During May, 1849, Captain

Cargill heard of this arrangement and he was unwise enough to inform Mr. Creed that

as there were only a handful of Methodists in Otago it would be wise for him to leave.

This shows in some way the early feeling for a definite Free Church settlement. Mr.

Creed had the letter published and much was said, but little action taken. The

Methodists remained.5

Mr. Creed's health continued to fail and in 1850 he wrote the Mission Board pleading

for more staff which would enable the Maori and European work to be properly

tackled. There was no action made to his request.6 Mr. Creed served again until 1853,

when, broken in health and pleased to go, he was succeeded by the Rev. William

Kirk.7



Mr. Kirk was a younger man and full of health and he was able to maintain the Maori

work and likewise built the growing Methodist cause around Port Chalmers. However,

the lack of funds was now beginning to be felt by the Mission.8

The Rev. George Stannard was sent to take Mr. Kirk's place in 1857, the year which

showed in the Census figures some 24 Methodists in Otago.9 Mr. Stannard moved the

historic Mission from Waikouaiti to Port Chalmers, as it was now nearer the centre of

population. With the arrival of the first Presbyterian Minister at Port Chalmers in May

1858, Mr. Stannard took up residence at the Native Kaik at Otakau. Before going, he

asked the Methodists at Port Chalmers to support the Rev. Mr. Johnstone, the new

Presbyterian Minister. This they did and Mr. Stannard made several visits to them.10

Mr. Stannard was withdrawn during 1859 and the Mission closed as no further

appointment was made.11

Meanwhile, Southland, which had then a population of about 1500 with Invercargill

having no more than about 400, was proclaimed a Province in 1861.12

Gold was

discovered at Dunstan and further inland, and this brought with it thousands of men

who landed at Bluff and the New River. The Church saw this vast field for winning

new souls for the Kingdom and wisely appointed the first man to the South since the

withdrawal of Mr. Stannard.

The Rev. Isaac Harding was the choice of the Conference and he commenced his task

in March 1862. Methodism had filled the gap of three years, but during those years

much of the ground work done previously had been lost. This then can be regarded as

the direct start of the Methodist work among miners and settlers. Mr. Harding was a

man of hardy stock; he had previous experience of gold rushes, having served his

Church on the gold-fields of Victoria. As a horse-man there were few to equal him.

His Parish stretched from Oamaru to Dunedin, through the diggings at Gabriel's Gully

and Dunstan, up to Queenstown and then on to Invercargill.13

Isaac Harding might

well be called the "John Wesley" of Southland and Otago. It is at this appointment of

Mr. Harding that Methodism begins in Southland among the early settlers.

_______________________________________________________________________________

1. "Before 1848 and after."—D. J. D.

HICKMAN.

2. "Creed's Journal."

3. "Before 1848 and after."—D. J. D.

HICKMAN.

4. Methodist Church Records.

5. "Contributions to the Early History of

New Zealand."—DR. HOCKEN.

6. "Maori and Missionary,"—Rev. T. A.

PYBUS.

7, "History of Otago" and "Creed's

Journal."

8. Lecture Notes: "History of Methodism."—

TRINITY COLLEGE

9. "Southland, 1858-67."—W. H. S.

ROBERTS.

10. "Southland, 1856-67."—W. H. S.

ROBERTS.

11. "The Story of the Southland Church and

Settlement."—Ross.

12. "Cyclopedia of New Zealand, Vol.4

13. "History of Methodism in New Zealand.

— REV. DR. WM. MORLEY.



THREE THE MOTHER CHURCH—

INVERCARGILL

CENTRAL METHODIST

CHURCH

THE GOLD RUSH:

Gold! This was the cry that went up

from the South with the discovery of

gold in Northern Southland and

Central Otago during the early 1860's.

From all parts of New Zealand and the

Globe settlers and prospectors poured

into the province through the Bluff

and New River Harbours. An

indication of the growth in population

is the fact that when Southland was

proclaimed a self-governing Province

in 1861, the population did not exceed

1500 persons. At the height of the

gold-rush, 1863-64, this figure had

risen to well over 9000 people.1

The Wesleyan Conference had

appointed the Rev. Isaac Harding in

1862 as a Circuit rider to both

Southland and Otago.2 Mr. Harding

was the first Methodist minister to

have an actual appointment with

pastoral responsibility for the

European work in both Provinces. Mr.

Harding did not arrive in Invercargill

until May 1863, where he found both

Tay and Dee Streets thickly covered

with the tents of the prospectors and

shacks of the early settlers. The town

had only been surveyed some six

years previously and building had

already forged ahead. To Mr.

Harding's delight he found among the

settlers a small band of Wesleyan

Methodists who were already meeting

together during the week for prayer

and fellowship. Included in the early

fellowship were two local preachers,

Mr. Whiting (a Tasmanian) and Mr. T.

Perkins (a settler from England).3 A

meeting of Methodists was held and

Mr. Harding was able to plan events

for the future. This resulted in a

Church Committee being formed and

Mr. T. Allen, who had arrived in the

settlement in February, 1863, was

appointed the first Secretary. Prayer

meetings were to continue in the home

of Mr. Cameron, an immigrant from

the West Indies, while arrangements

were made for the continuity of

Methodist services in the community.

Mr. Harding preached his first service

on the last Sunday of May, 1863, in a

warehouse on the site which was

occupied by Messrs. Sloan's Boot

Palace, later known as Sloan's

Theatre. Today we know this site as

the present Broad Small's premises.4

This service marked the first

milestone in the establishment of

continuous Wesleyan Methodist

services in the town. Collections were

made at this opening service and the

funds placed in keeping for a future

Church. Mr. Harding then organised a

preaching plan using the services of

the two local preachers. In the

morning, services were held in the old

Courthouse, the present position of the

new Government Buildings under

construction behind the Post Office.

Evening worship was at the

Mechanics' Institute in Conon Street.



The Prayer Meetings continued at Mr.

Cameron's home in Spey Street, while

on other occasions the Presbyterian

School was used.5 Thus it was that

within the week or so that Mr.

Harding spent on his first occasion in

Invercargill, he was able to get the

wheels in motion for the establishment

of the first Wesleyan Methodist

Circuit in Southland.

THE FIRST METHODIST

CHURCH:

Either Mr. Harding or Mr. W. Russell,

a Trustee, obtained a gift of half-an-

acre from Mr. J. T. Thomson, the

Surveyor of the town. This section of

land was on the North Road in the

approximate position of Earnslaw

Street. With this land for a building in

hand, and an increasing building fund,

Mr. Harding was able to continue on

his way through the gold-fields

preaching and gathering faithful

Methodists wherever they could be

found. It was with the aid of Mr.

Harding's foresight and planning that

Methodism today has reached present

proportions in strength and

community service.

First Methodist Church and Parsonage in

Southland.

Erected in 1863 in Dee Street.

The Trust immediately set about the

building of a Chapel, which was

commenced almost as soon as Mr.

Harding had departed. By December

that same year, the building was

completed for the cost of £300 and

with seating for some 200

worshippers. The Chapel was a

humble wooden building with a small

vestry at the rear. Mr. Harding was

present on Christmas Day, 1863, for

the official opening of the Church, and

this was attended by a large body of

people. The same Sunday as the

opening of the Church, or the first

Sunday of the New Year, 1864 - we

are not sure which—saw the

commencement of the Wesleyan

Sunday School. The Superintendent

was Mr. G. S. Crouch, also a

Tasmanian.6



VISITING CLERGY AND

THE PARSONAGE FUND:

The records show that at the opening

of the Church a tea meeting was held

on the 29th December to raise funds,

£69 10s being the total raised. This

was possibly for the new Parsonage

Fund or the removal of any remaining

Church debt. The records do show that

the early Trust did have the immediate

building of a Parsonage in view as a

four-day Bazaar was held in the

buildings of Messrs. Colin Campbell

& Company's Store in December,

1864. This means that within a year of

the establishment of the Church the

Parsonage planning was well ahead,7

Prior to the first appointment to the

Circuit, the Rev. J. Buller visited and

preached at the Church. He was the

second Methodist Minister to the City.

Other than this visit the two local

preachers, Messrs. Whiting and

Perkins were responsible for the

preaching supply.8

THE FIRST WESLEYAN

METHODIST MINISTER:

The Conference of 1864 appointed the

Rev. J. T. Shaw to the North Road

Wesleyan Methodist Church,

Invercargill. Mr. Shaw began his

duties in April of that year. Three

months later the first Quarterly

Meeting was held, those attending

being Messrs. W. Russell, G. Trew, P.

Ayton, T. Perkins, Upjohn, G. Crouch,

Harnett and James Smith.9 The

meeting revealed that there was a

members' roll of 20 in full connexion

with one on trial. The meeting also

discussed the proposed building of a

Parsonage. Besides the many duties

that Mr. Shaw would exercise among

the growing number of worshippers,

his ministry was one of community

service as well. He was for his term of

office in Invercargill one of the School

Examiners for the Annual

Examination held at the Invercargill

Grammar School.10

On other

occasions he, along with the resident

ministers of other denominations, was

called upon to engage in many other

Civic functions as well.

THE GROWING CHURCH

AND EXTENSION:

The following year, 1865, saw the

beginning of extensions amid the

fluctuations of a declining population

and the unsteady financial crisis that

the Provincial Government was

beginning to experience. This was the

result of fewer gold strikes, and the

changing of the digging centre to

Dunedin. This meant that Southland

did not experience the prosperity of

the peak year, 1863.11

Despite these local setbacks, a

Parsonage was built in that year for a

cost of £500, which placed a

considerable strain on the

congregation. The building was

located next to the Church. It was a

large six roomed house with attic and

balcony almost the facsimile of the

first Wesleyan Parsonage erected in

Lyttelton some years before. This



Parsonage served well until 1892,

when it was destroyed by fire.12

The young Church began to reach out,

and preaching places were established

at Bluff, Riverton and West Plains.

The latter was held in the home of Mr.

Fowler. Both Bluff and Riverton were

monthly services, which meant that

the preachers travelled the 25 odd

miles around the Riverton Beach on

horseback. Thus both Bluff and

Riverton can claim to be the oldest

Methodist preaching places in the

Province.

YEARS OF

CONSOLIDATION:

The Rev. R. S. Bunn followed Mr.

Shaw in 1867. This was to be Mr.

Bunn's first appointment to the

Circuit, the latter being 1879. During

his term of office the place of worship

was changed.

The Church in North Road was by

1867 in a position some way from the

centre of population. This had been

caused by a decline in the population

and the consolidation of the building

area. Added to this the congregation

had grown and the Church was found

to be too small and far away from easy

access to the public. Near at hand, in

Leet Street, an Anglican minister had

set up his own Chapel some years

before, but this building had now

fallen into the hands of the bank. This

was purchased by the Trust and

adopted for Methodist use. The

building was capable of seating about

250 persons and had the advantage of

being central to the population. The

North Road Church was closed and

shifted to a position beside the new

Chapel and so became the Sunday

School hall. By the end of 1867 the

Church had won the advantage of the

section in Leet Street and was

represented by two fine wooden

buildings.

The preaching plan had been extended

to include Waikiwi,13

Waikiwi West

and Mavis Bush, which was later

taken over by the Primitive

Methodists,14

and at Invercargill East.

All these services were first held in

private homes or the local school if

one was close at hand. A Church was

built during 1870, either in a growing

suburban area or settled district. The

Chapel was capable of holding about

100 worshippers. This new addition to

the Leet Street Circuit was greeted

with much rejoicing by the folk.

However, as mentioned, the difficult

Provincial Government years forced

population fluctuations, and about

1874, this building was forced to close

and was sold to defray the mortgage

costs.15

Yet regardless of these

setbacks, preachers and worshippers

faithfully strove to proclaim and live

the faith which burned in the hearts of

the early Methodist pioneers.

THE ARRIVAL OF

PRIMITIVE METHODISM:

During the early 19th Century, the

original Methodist Communion had

become divided into a number of

independent, though very similar,



branches. The largest of these

offshoots was the Primitive Methodist

Church.

During the years 1799-1801, some

local preachers were asked by the

Conference to desist from holding

"Camp Meetings." These were

evangelical camps, and were felt to be

undesirable by the Conference. The

Superintendent minister of the Circuit

in which the two men were preaching

had them both removed from the

Quarterly Meeting without their

presence. To us today this would seem

rather intolerant and unjust. Perhaps if

the Superintendent had been more

understanding this might have been

avoided and the whole matter settled.

As it was, these two men left the

Connexion much against their will,

and, as circumstance proved later they

were obliged to form their own

connexion. This was known as the

Primitive Methodist Church.16

We are

happy to relate that both Wesleyan

and Primitive Conferences united

again in New Zealand in 1913 and in

England during 1932. Thus a single

Methodist witness was restored in the

Commonwealth.

On board the Immigrant Ship,

"Adjmere," which arrived at Port

Chalmers in 1864, was Mr. George

Froggatt, a faithful Primitive

Methodist Local Preacher. Mr.

Froggatt settled in Invercargill about

1867 and commenced in the butchery

trade until 1888, when he took up the

auction business.17

He was present at the opening of the

new Church in Leet Street, July, 1867,

but desired to see representation in the

form of his own denomination, the

Primitive Methodist Church.

With this end in view, he purchased a

block of land in Don Street, about

1870 and wrote to his father in

England with a request that he inform

the Mission Board of the opportunity

that existed in the settlement. This

request was sent either late in 1871 or

very early 1872. As a result of the

letter, a minister was sent to

Invercargill to establish Primitive

Methodism.

THE FIRST PRIMITIVE

METHODIST MINISTER:

The Rev. B. J. Westbrooke duly

arrived with a commission to preach

in September, 1872, thus becoming

the first Primitive Methodist Minister

to reside in the Province. On Mr.

Westbrooke's arrival, a Mission was

held in the South Invercargill Town

Hall and good congregations of up to

200 were in regular attendance.18

Services for the small Church

membership were held in private

homes and public buildings until the

completion of the Church.

DON STREET PRIMITIVE

METHODIST CHURCH:

Prior to the building of the Church the

first recorded Quarterly Meeting was

held in June, 1873, when it showed

preaching places at Longbush,

Greenhills and Bluff. The staff of



Local Preachers were Messrs. G.

Froggatt, J. Childs, C. Gibson and

Thomas Perkins, while Mr. George

Froggatt was appointed the first

Circuit Steward. The Church showed

some 12 to 18 members with a large

number of adherants.

Meanwhile the construction of the

Church in Don Street had begun on

the site which Mr. Froggatt had

purchased earlier, and the building

was officially opened for public

worship on 19th November, 1873.

Indeed, it was by far the most

beautiful Christian Church erected in

the town at that time. Present at the

opening were representatives of the

Leet Street Wesleyan Church.

The membership for the year 1874

numbered about 28, while the Sunday

School continued to expand under Mr.

Froggatt's superintendency. Mr.

Froggatt would take a walk about the

town on Sundays gathering all the

youngsters he could find and hustle

them off to the Sunday School.19

He was also a keen collector of the

flock, for example, when immigrants

arrived at the wharf he would be there

to meet and greet them. In this way he

was able to bring whole families into

the care of the Church. He was a

frequent visitor to the old Immigration

Barracks in Tay Street, and in this

way, Messrs. D. J. Service and Ayling

were added to the list of early

leaders.20

The Church expanded in 1875 with

additional services commenced at

Bluff and Greenhills.21

These had

been recommenced by the Primitives

after the Wesleyans had closed their

services. The Rev. William J. Dean

had been appointed to follow Mr.

Westbrooke on 1874, and it was under

Mr. Dean's ministry that the

membership rose to over the 70 mark

in 1878. Added to this, the remaining

debt on the Church buildings had been

completely removed. Within the next

two years extensions had been made

to the Church plan by the building of a

Sunday School Hall and a bell

purchased for the cost of £90. This

bell was hung in the Church belfry

and called the faithful to worship each

Sunday. That same year, 1880, saw

the preaching plan extended to West

Plains. About this time there appears

the names of the foremost workers in

the Don Street Church: Mr. Brandford

as Society Steward, Mr. Ross as the

Church Steward, Mr. Dick as the

Assistant Sunday School

Superintendent. Later Mr. E. B. Jones

was for so many years the

Superintendent of the Sunday School

after Mr. Frog-gatt's retirement. He

also conducted the Choir, which was

renowned throughout the Southland

Province for the fine quality of Church

music.22

THE PRIMITIVE

METHODIST

CONFERENCE,

INVERCARGILL, 1888:

The Primitive Methodist Conference

was held in Invercargill during

February of 1888. At this Conference



Mr. Froggatt was elected the

President. During his term of office,

Mr. Froggatt was also the Mayor of

the Town, while he was instrumental

in the founding of the Widows' Fund

and various other funds which were

part of the Primitive Methodist

Connexion. Again in 1906 the

Conference was held in Invercargill,

when Mr. Bellringer was the

President.

THE YEARS OF

CONSOLIDATION FOR

BOTH CHURCHES:

Both Methodist Churches were

evangelical. This is evident by the

rapid expansion which appears to start

with the opening of Bluff and later

Gore in 1879. The Leet Street

Wesleyan Church was responsible for

the establishment of a Home Mission

Station at Gore, and also at

Arrowtown. Added to these, Leet

Street continued to maintain

increasing services at Riverton,23

while about the 1880's Don Street

extended the preaching plan to

Kennington.24

Both Churches looked to the growing

suburb of Strathearn, or South

Invercargill, as a future field of

mission. The Wesleyan Trust erected a

hall in the area in 1885, but more will

be mentioned about this venture in

connexion with the Wesley Church in

Teviot Street.

Don Street commenced services at

Otatara, while between 1884 and 1886

Leet Street opened 15 more preaching

places, the majority of them not being

permanent, but supplying the need

only of the moment. During these

years of settlement and consolidation,

both Churches had a succession of

fine clergy.

The Rev. R. S. Bunn returned to Leet

Street in 1879, while the Rev. D.

Dutton, F.R.A.S., established a

Temperance Society in the Don Street

Sunday School Hall. His mission

against the liquor traffic is

remembered by the hundreds of

pledges signed by those who were

convinced by his powerful

preaching.25

During 1885 one of Mr. Froggatt's

most able helpers in the early days

passed away. He was Mr. D. J.

Service, and his son Mr. A. Service

was for many years both organist and

choirmaster at Don Street.26

His

grandson, Mr. Stan Service, is well

known to us today at Otatara. With the

appointment of the Rev. James Guy to

Don Street, the Church leapt ahead, as

it was Mr. Guy who made the first

moves for a South Invercargill

Primitive Methodist Mission in

1886.27

This finally led to St. Peter's

Church being built the following year.

The Wesleyans were by this time

thriving in the Southern suburb as

their Hall was one of the few public

buildings open for worship.



ST. PAUL'S WESLEYAN

CHAPEL IS BUILT:

In 1881, the Rev. P. W. Fairclough

was stationed at Leet Street. Mr.

Fairclough was a man of intellectual

gifts, this being evident in the

publications that were written by him.

He was a teaching pastor, and the

Press reports of his term of office are

full of praise for the lectures which he

loved to conduct.28

The Chapel was then falling into a

sorry state. It was already some 17 or

18 years old and had cost the Church a

considerable sum in maintenance. It

was, therefore, decided to replace the

building with something more

permanent.

The following year, a fine brick

Church was completed for the cost of

£1600, with seating for some 480

persons. On the opening date, the first

Sunday in May, 1882, the Rev. J.

Berry of Dunedin, conducted the

opening service,29

and during the

following weeks, Mr. Fairclough

continued a series of Christian

Lectures in the new building to large

numbers of people.30

This new

building became known as St. Pauls'

Wesleyan Church, and many old

memories remain with folk who have

worshipped there. The following years

were full ones for the Church, both in

the increase in numbers and in the

removal of the Church debt.

An indication as to the size of the

Church bazaars of that day, is given

by St. Paul's bazaar held in Messrs.

Todd's Auction Rooms for four days

in May, 1882, a few days after the

opening of the Church. This monster

bazaar realised a total of £370. It can

be seen that things were not done in

any half measure.31

Meanwhile the Parsonage was

beginning to fall into disrepair and

subscriptions were started for a new

building in 1886. That year there was

appointed a second Minister to the

Circuit, the Rev. T. J. Wallis, who

resided at Riverton, this district being

included in the Circuit.32

From 1886 to

1889, the Rev. F. W. Isitt, an ardent

antagonist of the liquor trade, was

Superintendent Minister. His ministry

is noted for his temperance meetings

and enthusiasm in the establishment of

Temperance Societies. His brother, the

Rev. L. Isitt, was later released by the

Conference with permission to enter

Parliament in an effort to support the

National Prohibition Poll. The present

prohibition Magazine, "Vanguard," is

the result of work by Mr. Isitt and his

helpers.33

THE WORK AT DON

STREET:

During this period of developments

Don Street was also enjoying a time of

rich blessing.

During Mr. Guy's ministry a

Preachers' Association was formed

and a time of rewarding revival

followed. Prominent among the

Preachers were W. B. Godfrey, J. P.

Service, G. Clark, R. Crawford, J.

Ward, A. Brandford, T. E. Gazzard,



W. A. Ashley and others.34

During the

latter end of 1887, the St. Peter's

Church was completed and opened,

Mr. Guy playing an important part in

the maintenance of weekly services

there.35

In 1891, extensions were made to the

Sunday School, six class rooms and an

infant room being added to the

building. Both the ministries of the

Rev. J. Sharp and the Rev. Richard

Hall were very fruitful, many names

being added to the members roll by

open profession of faith.36

THE DON STREET CHOIR:

The Choir was known throughout the

entire Province, and was the leading

Choir for many years in Church

music. The members were present at a

special function held by the Rev. Mr.

Fairclough after the opening of St.

Paul's37

and were used to travelling to

distant parts of the Province. During

the time the Rev. R. Raine was

stationed at Don Street, the

congregation grew to such an extent

that additions had to be made to the

building, and the rear wall of the

Church was extended.38

The Choir

was at this period led by Mr. A. S.

Froggatt, and still a faithful

worshipper at the Central Church

today. It was during the leadership of

Mr. Froggatt that the Choir

distinguished itself in gaining 98

points of a possible 100. During Mr.

Froggatt's term of leadership, 1901

onwards, the City never wanted for

good Church music.39

BUILDING OF NEW

PARSONAGE:

The new Parsonage was added to the

Don Street Church buildings in

1905— the first being built in 1875.40

Mr. Raine was the first to occupy the

new home. It was completed for the

cost of about £400 and was situated in

Spey Street.41

THE FINAL EVENTS

PRIOR TO UNION:

As has been demonstrated both

streams of Methodism worked and

worshipped along the same lines. Both

expanded and made a healthy

contribution to the community life of

the Province. It was during the latter

part of the 1890's that the wheels

began to move towards the complete

union of both Methodist elements.42

The years at the end of the century

were full and varied for the St. Paul's

Church The Parsonage had been

destroyed by fire in 1892 and a ten-

roomed home erected in 1894 to

replace it. This building still stands on

the Earnslaw Street corner. The Rev.

S. F. Prior was the first to occupy the

building.

From 1898 until 1901, St. Paul's was

ministered to by the Rev. J. A.

Luxford. Mr. Luxford left the Circuit

to take up his duties as the first

Wesleyan Methodist Chaplain from

New Zealand to the New Zealand

Forces operating in the South African

War. Mr. Luxford arrived near the end

of the campaign, but later served again



as a Chaplain in the First World War.

He, in later years, be-came the Senior

Methodist Chaplain to the Forces and

was honoured with a Royal Award.43

Under this profitable ministry we find

recorded two preaching places, six

local preachers, two class leaders, 132

adult members, 50 junior members,

while the Sunday School had 16

teachers and 142 children on the roll.

Added to this was a large proportion

of adherents which numbered some

600. Despite these impressive figures

the Church was then complaining

about lack of expansion.44

Incandescent lighting was installed in

the Church during 1901, and found to

be most successful.

With the arrival of the Rev. A.

Mitchell, we see a man of fine musical

gifts. It was under his direction that an

organ was installed early in 1905 or

1906.45

The Choir was at that time

under the direction of Mr. J. Taylor.

Among laymen who faithfully served

their Church during this period was

Mr. John Stead, Local Preacher and

Circuit Steward. He had arrived as a

small boy from off the first immigrant

vessel chartered by the Provincial

Government in 1864. This able

layman later served the community in

the Mayoral Chair. Also, William

Stead, his brother, served as a Sunday

School superintendent and trustee,46

while Messrs. C. Brown and G. R.

George were both able Local

Preachers.

WESLEY CHAPEL,

TEVIOT STREET:

Mention has been made of the Hall

built by Leet Street Church in 1885

and of the Service held there. This was

in a growing area of South

Invercargill. Later in the year 1895,

the building was damaged by a great

gale and had to be taken down. This

left a fine Sunday School and not a

few worshippers.47

The Wesleyans,

therefore, did not enter the district

again for some years. Meanwhile, St.

Peter's had been built from Don Street

and a good Methodist witness was

shown.

Sometime early in the turn of the

century, St. Paul's commenced

services again in the suburb, this time

holding them in the South School

building.48

These services extended

and flourished until a beautiful chapel

was built on the corner of Ythan and

Teviot Streets. This was known as the

Wesley Church and the building

opened for public worship in 1907.

The new cause was well attended and

played an important part in the growth

of Methodism in the town. There

remain only very scant records and

little can be recorded concerning the

building and the work. By 1913 the

Church had accepted pastoral and

preaching responsibility for both

Awarua Plains and West Plains

services.49

The Church was dealt a severe blow in

numbers during the First World War,

a blow from which it never recovered.



After the Methodist Union of 1913,

the Church united with St. Peter's in

1920; the building was sold and today

serves as the Invercargill Church of

Christ. The Rev. F. B. Lawrence was

the last minister appointed from 1913

to 1914.

ST. PAUL'S CHOIR:

Like Don Street, St. Paul's was

fortunate in the fine work of its Choir.

For 20 years, Mr. N. T. Pearce

presided at the organ, and good music

was always an outstanding feature of

worship. The Choir has been fortunate

in its Conductors, for, under their

direction, competitions have been won

from as far North as Dunedin. The

work of Messrs. J. J. Wesney, R.

Wesney, jun., J. Hensley, J. Harper, N.

T. Pearce and J. E. Taylor will still be

remembered by some older folk.

Following these men was the work so

well remembered carried out by the

late Dr. Stanley Brown.50

THE YOUTH WORK OF

BOTH CHURCHES:

From the earliest times in the history

of both Don Street and St. Paul's and

North Road Churches, youth work had

taken a foremost part of the Church's

life. Both Churches had flourishing

Sunday Schools numbering about 150

pupils by the turn of the century. The

Superintendents were Mr. E. B. Jones

at Don Street and Mr. J. J. Wesney at

St. Paul's.

The Young Men's Temperance

Movement was always strong in both

Churches and the rallies are

remembered with affection by many.

In the early days of Don Street a

Young Men's and Women's

Fellowship had been formed and were

ably led by the Rev. D. Dutton.51

Mrs.

Perry who laid one of the foundation

stones for the Central Church, was a

daughter of Mr. D. J. Service. She had

for many years led a large Young

Women's Bible Class at Don Street.52

During 1909, a Combined Bible Class

for young men and women met on

Thursday evenings in the Leet Street

Hall, while on Sundays Christian

Endeavour was lead by Miss Cheyne.

The C.E. Movement was strong in

both Churches for many years.53

Mrs.

Prince Bell, then Mrs. Walker, did

yeoman service during those years as

a Band of Hope leader, while in the

following years, Mrs. Stanley Brown

led the Young Women's Bible Class

Movement at Leet Street.54

In

addition, a tennis court was laid on the

Church property in Earnslaw Street

and provided for the sporting need of

the St. Paul's young people.

COMPLETE METHODIST

CHURCH UNION, 6th

FEBRUARY, 1913

It was on this date that the two streams

of Methodism in New Zealand were

united to form what we now know as

the Methodist Church of New

Zealand. This meant that the

Wesleyan and Primitive Conferences

now became one constituted body for

the government of the Church.55

The



effect of this union had far-reaching

consequences for Methodism

throughout Southland. Unfortunately

Mr. George Froggatt of Don Street,

who had always been a keen

protagonist for Methodist union,

passed away in July, 1912. He was to

have represented his Church at the

final Conference the following year.

He was also a member of the Union

Committee. His place was ably taken

by his son, Mr. A. S. Froggatt.56

The

Minister at Don Street at union was

the Rev. Samuel Henderson, while at

Leet Street, the Rev. W. Grigg and the

Rev. Lawrence were in office. This

union brought to the Methodist

Church in New Zealand a greater

witness and a more concentrated

pooling of resources, and the end of

years of separation.

THE BIRTH OF THE

CENTRAL METHODIST

CHURCH:

During the Rev. H. Sharp's term of

office at Don Street in 1920, union

with St. Paul's was completed on the

first Sunday in April. A combined

Quarterly Meeting was formed and the

policy of the Church planned for the

future. For the next three years both

Churches were within one Circuit, and

the Rev. C. H. Olds, B.A., was

appointed as the second man to the

Don Street Church. It was during his

term as Minister that the combined

Quarterly Board decided to rebuild

and direct the Church into the one

building. This was decided after a trial

of morning and evening congregations

meeting alternatively at the two

Churches. It was found impractical to

sell St. Paul's, so it was agreed that in

1923 Don Street should close.

The entire plant was sold for £2,500

and all accounts within the Church

were in credit. The final service was

held on 27th October, 1923. This

marked the end of one of the City's

most loved Churches. The

congregation then transferred to St.

Paul's and the planning continued for

what was to be called the Central

Methodist Church.57

JUBILEE OF METHODISM

IN SOUTHLAND:

This was celebrated during the same

year as union, the services during the

week of celebration being conducted

by the first President of the United

Conference, the Rev. S. Lawry.

During the week a grand concert was

conducted in the Victoria Hall. A hall,

now known as the Orphans' Hall, was

opened the following year and marks

the establishment of the first fifty

years of Methodism in Invercargill. It

was extensively used during the

following years as a Sunday School.

THE BUILDING OF

CENTRAL METHODIST

CHURCH:

At the closing of Don Street, the

Circuit was constituted as the "Central

Methodist Circuit," the first

appointment being the Rev. H. Sharp,

who had worked so well at Don Street.

The added Choir from Don Street was



indeed a source of great blessing and

joy to all that worshipped at St. Paul's.

The Hon. A. F. Hawke, M.L.C.,

donated to the Trust a section of land

on which the Church stands today.

The first building to be erected on the

site was the present two-storied

Sunday School. This was opened in

1926 during the well-remembered

ministry of the Rev. Angus McBean.

By this date the Church at Kennington

and the Jubilee Hall had been sold in

an effort to raise some of the finance

needed to build the new Church.

The Rev. C. H. Olds, who was the last

Minister at Don Street, was the

Superintendent during the difficult

depression years of 1930-33.

The Church, like all other

organisations, found things difficult

and the money that might have come

for the new Church was delayed.

The sale of hundreds of "bricks" for

the Church can be remembered by

many and in this way a large

proportion of the finance was raised.

The Church was finally completed in

October, 1935,

The Dedication Service was

conducted by the Rev. M. A. Rugby-

Pratt, the Connexional Secretary, and

the Superintendent Minister, the Rev.

E. B. Chambers, on 5th October,

1935.

Mrs. A. N. Lindsay then opened the

Church. Mrs. Lindsay was the

daughter of Mr. Robert Wesney who

arrived in Invercargill with his family

in 1863 and whose descendants have

been connected for many years with

the Church.58

Thus it was that Methodism was born

again in the Southland Province with a

history already 95 years old.

The same year St. Paul's was closed

and sold, and another building with

long and treasured associations passed

from the hands of the Church.

The new Church addressed itself well

to the task in hand and during the

following year, 1936, there was rapid

expansion. This took the form of

many organisations: the Ladies' Guild,

Youth Work in the Sunday School,

and Boys' Brigade, while a Methodist

Women's Missionary Auxiliary began

to expand.

The month after the opening of the

Church, the stained glass windows

were dedicated. One was in memory

of George and Priscilla Froggatt, the

pioneer stalwarts of Primitive

Methodism and this was unveiled by

Mr. A. S. Froggatt. The rear window

with the excellent representation of

John Wesley was presented by Mrs.

Myers in memory of her family who

were so well-connected with the early

days of the Church.59



The present Central Church.

THE YEARS OF

PROGRESS:

Following Mr. Chambers came the

Rev. W. Greenslade, and he is

remembered for his forthright

preaching and leadership during the

difficult War years. Mr. Greenslade

was also a Chaplain to the Forces

which were training for overseas

service. These years were taxing and

difficult, but victorious.

The Rev. Robert Thornley is still well

remembered for his worshipful

services and depth of understanding.

Mr. Thornley, last year, was one of

several who represented our Church in

America during the World Council of

Churches Assembly at Evanston.

THE NORTH METHODIST

CHURCH HALL:

In 1940 the need was felt by

Methodist folk living in the growing

Northern Suburb for some form of

service. Provision was made in the

home of Mr. George Nicol for a

weekly Sunday School and this

became the beginning of the present

North Church.60

Mr. Greenslade held

cottage services for some time until

the Surrey Park School was used for

public worship.

Moves were made for the building of

a Centennial Hall and the first section

of the present building was completed

in 1941. The stone-laying took place

in November, 1940.

Mr. Thornley continued services in the

Hall with the appointment of the first

Deaconess to Southland. Sister

Francis Smith then conducted morning

services once a month while Mr.

Thornley supplied the other alternate

week. This then was the beginning of

regular service twice a month in the

North Hall. Sister Francis extended

the work among the younger folk and

is well remembered for her kindness

and understanding.

The present Minister, the Rev. A. R.

Witheford, was responsible for the

final moves in the completion of the

Hall. This was finished and opened

officially on Sunday, 7th December,

1952. The following week was one of

celebration with Sales of Work and a

Youth Concert. Sister Marcia Powell

was the Deaconess in the Circuit at



that time and is well remembered for

her faithful Sunday School and Youth

Work, while among the Church folk

she did sterling work.

APPOINTMENT OF A

SECOND MINISTER:

For the first time since 1923 a second

man was appointed to the Circuit. The

Rev. F. J. K. Baker spent the three

years of his probation in the area and

his place is taken by another during

this Centennial year.

The Rev. W. J. Cable comes from the

Theological College in Auckland in

the second year of his probation. He

will find during his work in the North

end of the Circuit ample scope for

further extension. The vision one day

for North is a Chapel and Parsonage,

so that in the future another separate

Circuit may be born.

THE CIRCUIT

CONTRIBUTION TO THE

CONNEXION:

From the Central Circuit men have

offered themselves for the full time

work. The Rev. Peter Stead was the

first candidate for the Ministry to

come from the Central Circuit and to

complete his training. Mr. Stead is

now minister at Edgeware Road in

Christchurch.

Mr. John Miller is at present serving

in the Mission Field in the Solomon

Islands in the capacity of a joiner on

the building staff. Mr. Miller will be

due for furlough at the end of this

Centennial year.

The present writer is commencing his

second year as a Student of Trinity

Theological College.

Mr. Maurice Gilbert, a Local Preacher

and Bible Class Leader, has been

accepted by the Conference as a Home

Missionary and will take up his

appointment in the historical Circuit at

Waikouaiti in due course. As the years

go by and further growth is

experienced, so more men and women

will offer for the full time work as the

challenge remains constant and the

need always urgent.

THE FAITHFUL

WORSHIPPERS:

This Centennial Year marks the 93rd

year of Methodism in Invercargill and

the 112th year of Methodist contact

with the Southland Province. The

Superintendent Minister, the Rev. A.

R. Witheford, has commenced his

seventh year as our Pastor. This is the

longest recorded for any man in the

Central Circuit. We look forward to a

successful year of celebrations, while

Mr. Witheford will represent our

Denomination in Civic functions and

religious committees in connection

with the Centenary.

Many hundreds of faithful members

and adherents have worked and

laboured as unsung heroes in our

Circuit work in Invercargill. They are

too numerous to mention. They are

succeeded by such faithful workers as



Mr. W. R. Curwen, over 15 years

Sunday School Superintendent, Mr. H.

C. McKenzie, present Circuit Steward

of many years' standing. Likewise Mr.

J. T. Sharp, as Church Treasurer. Mr.

Paul Wesney leads the Senior Choir

and for a number of years officiated at

the organ. Mr. Eric Sharp leads the

Young People's Choir and Miss Hazel

Christie is the present organist. The

late Mr. D. J. Wesney was Vice-

President of the Conference in 1940

and is remembered as a faithful

worker. Mr. and Mrs. Noble gave to

the Church a sum of money into

which the community and Church

have since given further, and this is

for the further extension of our Youth

Work in the form of a Youth Centre

on a donated section next to the

Church. Plans are in hand and the

work progresses. The ladies of the

Circuit who have loyally given time

and service in the Guild are

responsible for so much of the

maintenance of Circuit work. Mrs.

Stanley Brown, who has been

mentioned previously in connection

with Youth Work, has done much to

mould the Bible Class movement. Her

Majesty the Queen was pleased to

recognise her services in the

community as well. Mrs. Jenson has

for years been a faithful Sacramental

Steward, while Society Stewards are

responsible for many small and large

jobs connected with the Sunday

Service.

Mr. Prince Bell, so well known as

Property Steward and among the

youth, continues to work in every way

for the extension of God's Kingdom.

There are so many who are faithful

and all of them are well worthy of

mention, yet it is to the older members

that we owe so much, our folk who

can no longer travel to Divine

Worship. It is to them that we say

"thank you" for the torch of Christian

Truth as we have it in our local

Church today.

To the hundreds of worshippers and

servants of the Church, past and

present, we say "thank you" and pray

that through the years that lie ahead

the Central Circuit may continue to

grow and challenge each decade to

come.

OTATARA PREACHING

PLACE:

During the ministry of the Rev. Chas

E. Ward at Don Street in 1879, we

find the first regular Methodist

services were conducted at Otatara

Bush.61

Otatara Bush was then a small

settlement among manuka scrub and

swamp. The district was accessible

only by the old Bay Road which was

used by the coaches to Riverton, and

along this swampy road many a

horseman received a soaking. Not all

the early preachers went on horseback,

as some are recorded as walking the

10 miles there and back again to the

City.

The first services were held in the

Public School room which had been

built prior to 1878.62

The building was



then about five miles in a Westerly

direction from where the present

Church is situated today. Then the

building was more central to the

population and the early Church

attendances were very good. Mr. W.

Anderson filled the position as the

first District Society Steward. Added

to these duties, he was appointed first

Sunday School Superintendent. Under

the guidance of this stalwart Christian

the Church and Sunday School

flourished. The Sunday School

according to the library roll gives the

approximate figures for regular

attendance at the turn of the century as

about 50 pupils.63

This was during the

latter part of Mr. Anderson's

Superintendency.

Not long after the first services at

Otatara, a mission was held at West

Plains in 1880. This lead to many

remarkable conversions and separate

services began at the home of Mr. W.

Philpott. As the congregation grew it

was decided to hold the services in the

Public School. There Methodism took

its place along with other

denominations that were also

conducting services in the School.64

The services continued here until the

time of the First World War. They

came under the supervision of Wesley

Church for some time,65

but later the

Baptist Church took up the work and

it remains in their care today.

During the ministry of the Rev. D.

Dutton, F.R.A.S., at Don Street, in

1882-85, a staunch enthusiast of the

Otatara preaching place passed to

higher service. He was Mr. W. Brown

and it was his work that finally

established the Methodist Church in

Otatara. For some time lie was

Steward and on occasions filled the

pulpit.66

About this time the Salvation Army

commenced services in the School as

well. This meant a time of co-

operation and united witness and the

gradual growth of the Church in a

community enterprise.

July, 1890, will always be

remembered as a red letter day in the

history of Otatara. A Mission was

commenced at Don Street and carried

across to Otatara. Numbers of the

congregation professed conversion

and a spiritual vigour filled the

Church. The Mission was led by the

Rev. Jas. Guy who, in 1891, was

appointed to Auckland. These dates

appear to conflict with others, but the

present writer has checked documents

left by Mr. Guy himself.67

The present

Society Steward, Mr. D. W. Gordon,

remembers Mr. Guy mounted on a

dark grey horse as he passed on his

pastoral rounds. Mr. Gordon as a

child would hang on to a rope at the

back of the horse and direct Mr. Guy

through the bush to the next

neighbour.

Some fine Local Preachers served the

Church during this time and they are

remembered as Messrs. W. Field,

Service and Godfrey.

The School was purchased by the

Church in 1899 from the Education



Board. This was because a new

building had been erected on the

present school site.68

Much work was needed to change the

building into a Church but the work

was done by local volunteer labour.

The old fire place was closed and a

window put in the rear of the building.

Curtains were added to the interior of

the building, which gave much to the

worship. The pulpit and the present

pews came from Don Street Church

and the building was opened debt

free.69

This would be about April or

May of 1899, though no certain date

can be made.70

Mr. Anderson retired as Steward about

1905, and Mr. Fred Ackers took the

position until Mr. Gordon was elected

in 1932. Thus it is that there have been

only three Society Stewards in the

history of the Otatara Church.

It is interesting to note the method of

transport used by the various ministers

to the Church. The Rev. R. Raine, of

1904-08, came by pony and trap. The

Rev. S. Henderson, during his

ministry of 1913-16, rode on his

bicycle, thus demonstrating the

improvement in the road. The Rev.

Angus McBean, who was responsible

for commencing the Sunday School

again after a lapse of some years,

came by motor-cycle. It might be

mentioned here that Mrs. H. Christie,

of Central Church, was at this time the

Sunday School Superintendent. Most

of the staff of the Sunday School came

from the City at that time. Following

Mr. McBean came the Rev. C. H.

Olds, who is remembered by many.

Mr. Olds was able to use the Stead

Street Bridge, such as it was and is,

and he was the first minister to come

by car.71

During these years the attendances at

the Church were on the decline. This

was due to the purchasing of ground

about the New River by a syndicate

that wished to turn Otatara into a

suburb of Invercargill. The result was

that the settlers moved and the centre

of the population shifted to where it is

today. Services continued at the

Church until 1942, when the Quarterly

Board closed the Church and

commenced worship in the present

School. The Rev. W. Greenslade was

an able minister, and, though at first

the shift made no difference in

numbers, the attendances began to

grow. The Sunday School improved,

while most of the staff came from the

Central Church. The Quarterly Board

decided, after a recommendation in

1948, that the then closed Church be

moved to its present site. This is just

off the main road to the Beach, past

the Golf Links entrance. The ground

had already been prepared, as services

had been transferred from the School

to the local Hall in preparation for the

move.

The section was anything else but

good, but work on the part of the men-

folk has transformed the site to the

present well-kept lawns and neatly

painted Church.

The Church was removed under the

direction of the Rev. Robert Thornley



for a cost of some £500 with extensive

renovations and painting. Thus

Otatara can claim to have the oldest

Methodist Church in Southland, while

it rivals well any other Church

building in Southland or Otago. The

Church is at least 78 years old this

Centennial year. The Church was

opened again by Mrs. D. W. Gordon,

while a crowd of 120 were present.72

Today Otatara Methodist Church is a

community gathering. There are

children of new settlers attending

Sunday School, and members of other

Communions joining in worship. The

Sunday School has a roll of over 60

pupils and the Bible Class 20. Mrs.

Stan. Service is the Superintendent,

while all the staff are from the district.

Mrs. L. E. Henderson leads a growing

Bible Class, but more leaders are

required. Services are held each

Sunday afternoon and the

congregations are continuing to grow.

The 78-year-old Church is still in fair

order of preservation, but before long

new buildings will need to be erected.

The first step is a Youth Hall, which is

being built as a Centennial project.

This is due to be opened on 3rd June

of this year by the Rev. M. A.

McDowell, President of Conference,

and the Rev. A. R. Witheford,

Superintendent of the Circuit.

Youth Hall at Otatara opened and dedicated

by President M. A. McDowell

on 3rd June 1956, after eight weeks of work

by voluntary helpers.

LONGBUSH PREACHING

PLACE:

The first Methodist services at

Longbush began with the

establishment of Primitive Methodism

in Southland. This was in 1872, while

it is recorded that before 1873 services

were held in the area.73

The first

services conducted were mainly by

local preachers and were held in the

homes of the worshippers until the

present school was built. The Church

then had a local centre of worship.

As the Primitive Methodist Church

began to expand in the City of

Invercargill, so the preaching plan

grew. Between 1873 and 1882

Longbush services were extended to

Kennington and with the survey of the

town, a block of land was purchased.

On this site a small Church was

constructed the same year and opened



for worship. Don Street continued to

supply both Longbush and

Kennington until 1888 when the

Kennington work was shared with St.

Peter's.74

Nearer the turn of the century the

preaching district was expanded

further to include Woodlands, the

services being conducted in the

present Town Hall. Thus it was that

between 1895 and 1900 the district

was constituted by the Primitive

Methodist Conference as a Home

Mission Station.75

Longbush can claim to be the oldest

preaching place in that Circuit, and it

remains the sole survivor of the three

today. Mr. Charles Hughes was the

first Steward at Longbush, and he also

occupied the position of Sunday

School Superintendent. The present

position of Steward is held by his son,

Mr. Nelson Hughes. The first Minister

appointed to the Circuit is

remembered as a Mr. Fowles, while a

Mr. Nichol followed. The Rev. Angus

McBean and the Rev. C. H. Olds did a

part of their student training in the

district and later they became

Superintendents of their training

ground76

when they were stationed at

Leet Street. The Minister was resident

in Kennington, where he conducted

the service on the Sunday evening, the

morning at Longbush and the

afternoon at Woodlands.

Prior to the district being constituted a

Home Mission Station, the Rev.

Charles Guy from St. Peter's had

carried on a series of evangelical

meetings in the Kennington Church.

As a result a young man, Mr. Fred

Field, accepted the Christian

Challenge. This resulted in Mr. Field

becoming the first Local Preacher in

the Kennington Church. He was

responsible for the upholding of the

work for many years and served well

his calling.77

The Circuit kept pace until the time of

the Methodist Union. About this time

a "Monster Bazaar" was held in

Woodlands to raise money for the

building of a Church at Longbush. In

all £200 was collected and the money

handed to the Leet Street Trust. Three

years ago, after consultation with the

Church Building and Loan Fund

Committee and the Longbush

worshippers, the money was

transferred to the North Church

Building Fund. There was a proviso

that, if a Church is ever built at

Longbush the Trust will provide a

similar amount of finance. The

Kennington Church flourished until

1920, when the building was sold to

the Presbyterians. This was because

the War had caused gaps in our

Ministerial supply which could not be

filled and smaller places such as this

could not be supplied.78

So ended over

38 years of Methodist Witness at

Kennington.

Today the Longbush services are all

that remain of the three preaching

places. Longbush was the "alpha" and

it is the "omega."

The Sunday School has never been

large, but always loyal, and until a few



years ago, self supporting. Now the

teacher is supplied from the Central

Church. The folk at Longbush remain

faithful and the services enjoy a

regular attendance. Some families

have moved from the district which

has depleted the numbers, but the

"spirit" is healthy and Longbush looks

forward to years of further worship

and service.



1. "Cyclopedia of New Zealand," Vol. 4

(Southland Section. "Southland News"

Centennial Edition, 17th January, 1966.

2. "Centennial Sketches of New Zealand

Methodism. —WILLIAMS "Before 1848 and After," Centennial of Methodist Church, Otago,

by J. D. HICKMAN, for Wesley Historical

Society, Vol. 6, No. 1. 3. History of Methodism in New Zealand," page

498—REV. DR. WM. MORLEY. (It appears

the meeting was before the first Service, then another after).

4. Mr. F. G. Hall- Jones, Southland Historical

Committee. 5. "History of Methodism in New Zealand "—

REV. DR. WM. MORLEY.

6. "History of Methodism in New Zealand."—REV. DR. WM. MORLEY.

7 "Invercargill Times," 27th December, 1864.


9. Souvenir of Opening of Central Church,

1935. This gives added names to meeting. "History of Methodism in New

Zealand."— REV. DR. WM.

MORLEY_Does not include all of above, i.e., Messrs. Grouch and

Harnett.

10. "Invercargill Times," December, 1864. 11. "Historical Southland."-F. G. HALL-

JONES.

12. Souvenir of Opening of Central Church, 1935.

13. "History of Methodism in New Zealand."—

REV. DR. WM. MORLEY. 14. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New

Zealand. -GUY and POTTER.

15. "History of Methodism in New Zealand."— REV. DR. WM. MORLEY.

16. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New

Zealand."—GUY and POTTER.

“History of the Methodist Church”-

PRINCIPAL REV. E. W. HAMES

M.A. 17. "Cyclopedia of New Zealand," Vol. 4

(Southland Section).

18. Rev. T. A. Pybus, retired, Dunedin. 19. From Mr. A. S. Froggatt, son of Mr. George

Froggatt.

20. From Mr. A. S. Froggatt, son of Mr. George

Froggatt.

21. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New Zealand."—GUY and POTTER.


Zealand."—GUY and POTTER. 23. "History of Methodism in New Zealand."—

REV. DR. WM. MORLEY.

24. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New Zealand."—GUY and POTTER.

25. Mr. A. S. Froggatt.

26. Mr. A. S. Froggatt. 27. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New

Zealand."—GUY and POTTER.

28. Press Reports, "Southland Times," May-October, 1882.


REV. DR. WM. MORLEY. 30. "Southland Times," May, 1882.

31. "Southland Times," May, 1882.

32. "The Early Records of Riverton and District." Riverton Centenary, 1937.

33. "Centenary Sketches of New Zealand

Methodism."—WILLIAMS. 34. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New

Zealand."—GUY and POTTER. 35 "Looking Forward," Sixtieth Anniversary of

St. Peter s 1947.

36. -Souvenir'' of Opening of Central Church, 1936.

37. "Southland Times " May 1882

38. "Souvenir" of Opening of Central Church, 1935.

39 Mr A S Froggatt.

40. Publication, Eightieth Anniversary of Invercargill Methodism, Central Church, 1943.

41. Publication, Opening of Centennial Hall,

November, 1940. 42. "Centenary Sketches of New Zealand

Methodism."—WILLIAMS.

43. "Centenary Sketches of New Zealand Method ism."—WILLIAMS.

44. "History of Methodism in New Zealand.' —

REV. DR. WM. MORLEY. 45. Publication, Eightieth Anniversary of

Invercargill Methodism, Central Church, 1943.

. 46. "Cyclopedia of New Zealand," Vol. 4

(Southland Section).


48. Mrs. Prince Bell.




50. "Souvenir" of Opening of Central Church,

1935. 51. "Souvenir" of Opening of Central Church,

1935.


53. St. Paul's Wesleyan Church Report for 1909.

54. "The History of the Methodist Young Women's Bible Class Movement, 1906-27.

55. "Centennial Sketches of New Zealand

Methodism."—WILLIAMS. 56. Mr. A. S. Froggatt.

57. "Souvenir" of Opening of Central Church,

1935. 58. "Southland Times," 7th October, 1935.

59. "The Southern Cross," 30th November,

1935. 60. Publication, Opening of the Centennial Hall,

1941.

61. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism."—GUY AND POTTER.

62. Otatara School Committee Records.

63. Sunday School Roll of Library. 64. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism."—

GUY AND POTTER.


66. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism."—

GUY AND POTTER. 67. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism."—

GUY AND POTTER.


69. Mr. Gordon, Otatara.

70. School Committee Records. 71. Mr. D. W. Gordon, Otatara.

72. "Methodist Times," 14th August, 1948.

73. Souvenir Booklet of Opening of Central Church, 1935.

74. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism,"—

GUY AND POTTER. 75. Miss O. Hughes, daughter of Mr. C.

Hughes.

76. Miss 0. Hughes, daughter of Mr. C. Hughes. 77. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New

Zealand."—GUY AND POTTER.

78. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New Zealand."—GUY AND POTTER.

Other material from Mrs. M. Elliot and Miss O.

Hughes.



FOUR EDENDALE—WYNDHAM— MORTON MAINS CIRCUIT

Before 1905, services had been conducted on odd occasions at Edendale by the

Primitive Methodist Church from Don Street.

During the Ministry of the Rev. R. Raine at Don Street, a Home Mission Supply was

appointed to Edendale to survey the district and commence regular services. Mr. W.

Collenson was the Supply appointed. Under his brief ministry the spade work was

done, which paved the way for the establishment of a Circuit. The first regular service

was held on 28th February, 1905, in the Edendale Town Hall, and the services that

followed were well attended. Unfortunately after only five months' active work in the

district Mr. Collenson was forced to withdraw as he found the strain too much for

him.1

The next appointment was made the same year in the person of the Rev. E. A.

Thompson. Few are left in the district who can recall the early days of Mr.

Thompson's work. Mr. P. A. Botting, now living in retirement, is one of those who

can remember the early foundation years. Mr. Thompson was the first Methodist

Minister to conduct a marriage in Edendale, while Mr. Botting and his first wife were

the happy couple. Mr. Thompson is remembered as a fine rugby player, and in the

Edendale Football Club, he made a fine Christian witness. The early method of

transport was horseback and Mr. Thompson carried on his pastorate by riding his grey

mare around the district.2

Soon it was felt that a separate building should be set aside for worship and a quarter-

acre of land was donated to the Trust by a Mrs. Muir, the local hotel proprietress.3

Plans were drawn and the building commenced during 1906. The foundation stones

were laid by the Rev. R. Raine from Don Street, the Rev. T. A. Pybus from St. Peter's

and the Rev. E. A. Thompson of Edendale. Enclosed in the centre stone is a

"Wyndham Farmer" of that date and a coin of the year 1906.4 The present Church was

opened the following year in February, 1907, at a cost of £374. There attended the

first service over 120 people.5

While the Methodist community continued to grow in Edendale, Mr. Thompson

commenced services at Wyndham. The Wesleyan Methodists from Gore had already

started services prior to Mr. Thompson's arrival but withdrew to leave the area clear.6

These were held in Currie's Buildings and a healthy Sunday School commenced. The

Rev. Joseph Sharp continued these services and during the ministry of the Rev.

George Clement (1912-14) the present Church was erected. The land was donated by

Mrs. Otto Peterson, who was also a foundation member. The Church was erected for a

cost of £100 and the contract carried out by Mr. Lindsay Rankin. Thus it was that the

Circuit now included two promising preaching places.7



The old Parsonage, which was recently sold, was built in 1908 for a cost of £330, the

Rev. J. Sharp being the first to occupy the home. It appears that the home was erected

largely by the help of the Mother Circuit at Don Street. We find recorded in

correspondence some comments regarding the Parsonage written by the Rev. T. A.

Pybus on the occasion when the stained glass window was unveiled to the memory of

Mr. George Froggatt at Central Church. Mr. Pybus writes: "I well remember his

keenness as I with him collected funds for the building of the Edendale Parsonage."8

To Mr. Froggatt must go a large measure of credit for the extension of the financial

side of the Circuit in the early days.

There are practically no early records of the Church apart from what is already

written; this was because so many of the records were destroyed in a fire at Wyndham.

There are today so few of the original worshippers left in the congregation that this

causes a gap in the history. We know that after Methodist Union the district had

several Home Mission appointments and the Circuit was under the care of both Gore

and St. Peter's for some years.9

After the building of the Church at Wyndham the preaching plan was extended to

Morton Mains and Morton Mains South,10

The services are still held at Morton Mains,

Mr. Sheat being the present Circuit Steward. The services at Morton Mains South

were functioning during the Ministry of Mr. Bridgeman, who used his horse and trap

for transport. A Sunday School flourished for some time, but later ceased. Dacre was

also added to the plan for some years, the services being held either in the School or

the Public Hall.

During Mr. Ashworth's Ministry in 1936, further plan extension was made to

Wairekiki. The services were held in the old School which was left intact for the use

of the Church. These were fortnightly, and were shared with the Presbyterians. This

small community was the home Church of Sister Myra Fraser who is now serving in

our Solomon Mission Field. Mr. Ashworth's Ministry is remembered for the revival of

the work in Wyndham and his challenging preaching. The Rev. George Crammond,

now of Milton, was then a Local Preacher in the Edendale Circuit and came from

there as a candidate for the Ministry. The Rev. D. I. A. McDonald, at present home on

furlough from the Solomons, was during his younger years a Bible Class Leader and

Local Preacher in the Circuit. He came from Edendale into the Home Mission work

and from there to the full work of the Ministry.

The last appointment made to Edendale was the Rev. L. E. G. Sharp, who was a man

of delicate health, but of strong Christian faith and Scriptural Gospel. During his term

of office, the Edendale Church was roughcasted and renovated. With the withdrawal

of Mr. Sharp from the work owing to ill-health in 1953, the Circuit became vacant.

The Central Church took over the management of services for one year at Wyndham,

Edendale, Wairekiki and Morton Mains. During the Conference of 1954 the Circuit



was altered to the status of a single probationer, but no appointment was made. By this

time the Central Circuit found it difficult to carry the burden of these additional

services and Wyndham and Wairekiki had to be discontinued. Added to this the

Parsonage was sold, as to keep the building in an unoccupied state meant extra

maintenance costs. The building was already old and in need of repair and these

factors decided the action.

Meanwhile, under the supervision of the Superintendent Minister of Central Circuit,

Edendale has been served by preachers from adjoining Circuits and by students from

the Theological College during the long vacations and much has been done to

maintain the work. The Rev. A. R. Witheford maintains the monthly services at

Morton Mains, and the prospects for the future look brighter.

There are 47 members who remain loyal to the Methodist cause in the Circuit.

Arrangements are in hand for the Rev. W. J. Cable, of Central Circuit, to conduct a

fortnightly service at Edendale and to fulfil certain pastoral obligations. The alternate

fortnightly services will be taken by Local Preachers.

1. Document of Edendale Church History.—MR. E. HUMPHRIES.

2. Mr. P. A. Botting, Edendale.

3. Mr. P. A. Botting. "Southland Times," 1882. 4 and 5. Document of Edendale Church

History.— MR. E. HUMPHRIES.


REV. DR. WM. MORLEY

7. Mrs. William Thompson, sen., Edendale. 8. Letter to Central Church Opening by Rev. T.

A . Pybus. Published in "Southern Cross" of

30th November, 1935. 9. Mr. E. Humphries, Society Steward.

10. Document of Edendale Church History.—

MR.E. HUMPHRIES.

.



FIVE THE ST. PETER'S CIRCUIT

During the year 1886, the Rev. James Guy was appointed to the Don Street Primitive

Methodist Church. On his arrival he was able to perceive that the steadily growing

suburb of Strathern, now South Invercargill, was in need of some Christian witness.

Mr. Guy then asked the Conference that a Missioner be appointed to the district, and

as a result, the Rev. W. Laycock, from Bluff became the Missioner.

The early meetings began in 1887 in the old Georgetown Hall1 and were well

attended. The Church services on Sundays were held in the home of Mr. W. T. Sutton

in Princes Street. At the same time, the Sunday School was commenced by Mr. and

Mrs. Sutton in their home and when the Church was built it was transferred there.2

Unfortunately because of some ministerial oversight, Mr. Layock was not able to give

his entire time to the work of the Mission in Strathern and had to return to his old

Circuit which had been Bluff. This meant a setback to the new Mission, but Mr. Guy

was an able man and was able to assist from Don Street. Week-night meetings were

still continued despite this setback.3

The first portion of the present Church was constructed and opened in 1887, at a cost

of £439. The first Sunday of worship in the Church is recorded as the 8th November,

1887.4 The building included a belfry from which tolled a bell, which had been

generously donated by Messrs. Luke and Sons, Wellington.

The first St. Peter’s Church.



From this date commences the history of St. Peter's Church, though the name

Strathern Church was used at that time. When the Church opened, the already-

mentioned Mr. and Mrs. Sutton brought their Sunday School along with them. Both

these stalwart Christians had been under the Ministry of the famous 19th Century

Preacher, Spurgeon, and reflected well their conviction in their work. In all, 40 pupils

were enrolled that day.

During this year, 1887, services were commenced by this new cause at Rimu in the

Public School room; at McCallum's Bush (a mile or so away from Rimu), and at

Woodend which had been handed over by the Don Street Church. Seaward Bush was

also opened with some success.5

The following year the first ministerial appointment was made by the Conference to

St. Peter's, the Rev. George Clement filling the ministerial needs of the new Church

very well. Mr. Clement had just arrived from England in October of the previous year

and had taken evangelical meetings in the town. His appointment commenced in

January, 1888.

Where new districts are being entered a note of the unruly is sometimes found, and

this was not uncommon in the days of the growth of South Invercargill. The Church

had to suffer from the effects as well, but Mr. John Griffiths was not a man to stand

nonsense. Mr. Griffiths was the first Choirmaster and took his Scripture literally.

When on certain occasions the local roughs would cause some disturbance in the

service he would roundly chase them out with a rawhide rein. His wife was an able

leader in the Guild.

The first Quarterly Meeting held in April, 1888, showed 10 full members and 6 on

trial. Mr. Clement had a full programme of week-night activities. Cottage Prayer

Meetings were in full swing and these helped to bind the new community together.

The second Quarterly Meeting in July, 1888, showed 16 full members and another 6

on trial. The following districts in the interval had been added to the Preaching Plan :

Waimatua Sawmills, Oteramika Road, Tisbury, Seaward Moss and Kamahi. Services

were commenced at Clifton the following year, 1889.6

A Choir was commenced in 1890, the first practice being held on 17th April. The

following were elected: Conductor, The Rev. W. C. Wood; Secretary, Mr. Wm.

Lewis; and as Leader, Mr. Jos. Hawkins. This is an interesting extract from the

minutes dated 24th April, 1890: "Mr. Wood, having received copies of the Service of

Song, 'Nothing to Nobody,' it was run through. Sunday's Hymns were left untouched

(which was no benefit, as being so lately organised, we did not feel quite at home with

the tunes)."7 The next eight years saw a succession of worthy men labouring in the

district, but dark days had begun to descend on the financial aspect of the Church. The

Rev. T. A. Pybus was appointed in 1898. Mr. Pybus is still living in retirement today

in Dunedin and has many happy memories of his fifteen years' ministry in Southland.



He experienced the longest ministry of a Methodist Minister in the history of the

Province.

Mr. Pybus has this to record concerning his arrival in the City, "Upon my arrival to

take up my duties at the Elles Road Church I was met by Mr. George Froggatt. The

Elles Road Church was in those days a financial perplexity, and I was appointed by

Conference to try and solve the problem. Mr. Froggatt, a keen and efficient business

man, gave me his wise advice and help."8

Under Mr. Pybus the Church at Clifton was erected the following year and the

financial strain began to disappear.

Clifton Church, on the way to Bluff.

Until 1904, all the appointments to the Circuit had been single men and they were

boarded out in a private residence. Most of the men lived in the home of Mr. L. Butler

in Elles Road South.9 This arrangement came to a close when a Parsonage was

purchased in 1904. The first Parsonage was the present house next to the Church on

the Elles Road frontage. It was purchased for a sum of £383 and later the section

behind the Church was acquired.

The following year, the Church had its first alterations in the form of extensions, the

additions being where the Choir seats are now. The cost was about £100, while the

Sunday School shell was added for £125. Mr. Pybus married this same year and



became the first to live in the Parsonage. In 1906 Mr. Pybus represented the Primitive

Methodist Church at the Manchester Conference in England and during his absence

the Rev. H. Daniel supplied.10

On the return of Mr. Pybus, a fine pipe organ was installed in the Church for a cost of

£161 14s l0d. This organ has a long and interesting history and is nearly ninety years

old. It can claim to be the oldest organ in any Church in Southland today. Originally it

came from the Secretary of the Church of England in Rome, and later was bought and

brought to New Zealand where it was installed in St. John's Church, Dunedin. When

the notice of sale was announced, both Mr. Pybus and Mr. T. Cushen, sen., went and

inspected the organ and purchased it for St. Peter's. The opening recital was given by

Mr. R. Triste Searell, of Leet Street, on the 19th March, 1908.11

For over thirty years Mr. L. A. Lee gave devoted service while presiding at this organ

and has been a stalwart in the life of the Church. His father, Mr. P. C. Lee, was also an

ardent Church worker, having been a Trustee and given a lifetime of service.

While Mr. Pybus was overseas, he saw a similar Church structure in England like St.

Peter's is today. On his return he decided to set the wheels in motion for the building

of the brick frontage from which eventually a new Church would arise. The contract

was carried out by Mr. P. C. Lee for £800, a further £200 having been donated

towards the improvements. On 17th September, 1911, the official opening took place,

the Rev. Mr. Laycock being the Guest Speaker in the morning. Following the Sunday

services came a week of festivity and music, Mr. W. Dobie being the organist and Mr.

J. F. Crisp the Choirmaster. Mr. Crisp on other occasions had represented the Elles

Road Church at the Dominion Conference.

In 1912 great changes in Methodism began to take place; the various branches of the

Methodist Church were moving towards union and in 1913 Methodist Union was

consummated. With it came the close of the ministry of the Rev. T. A. Pybus.

In 1913 a change came to St. Peter's, when the Rev. G. P. Hunt took charge of the

Circuit. Outstanding events of this period were: The commencement of an

exceptionally fine Sewing Guild for the young ladies organised by Mrs. Hunt and the

inauguration of the Brotherhood, instituted for the purpose of developing and

cementing Christian fellowship amongst the men of the Congregation. Changes

necessarily came during the period of the Great War, 1914-18, but, in spite of difficult

times, the year 1915 saw the establishment of systematic giving per medium of the

envelope method.

During this period also, the return of the Rev. George Clement for a second term of

Ministry was an occasion for rejoicing. In Mr. Clement's second ministry

congregations increased—often overcrowding the building; finances were buoyant;



vigorous spiritual leadership engendered prayerful and practical sup-port from

congregations.

It was about this period during the great influenza epidemic that the Rev. G. W. Blair,

of Knox Church, passed to Higher Service, and Mr. Clement took charge of the

pastoral work of Knox Church in addition to that of his own charge.

After Church Union was consummated, the Leet Street Church officials decided to sell

the Wesleyan Church property at Teviot Street, the congregation to combine with St.

Peter's. The sale of the property was completed, and, in 1920, the union was so

harmoniously and completely effected that no one visiting St. Peter's Church today

would be able to distinguish the two sections. The Rev. P. J. Cossum was the first

Minister of the Combined Church. There were extensive renovations to the Parsonage

at that time, and for a period, Mr. Cossum lived in a cottage down at Kew. He was a

very thoughtful preacher and during the two years he was stationed at St. Peter's, he

exercised a very earnest and sincere ministry.

The Rev. Jonathan H. Haslam, who, in 1935, was elected the President of the

Conference, conducted his inaugural service in April, 1922. The outstanding event of

his Ministry at St. Peter's was the building and opening of the present brick Sunday

School. The sale of the Teviot Street Church property had realised £2600, and this

amount had been definitely earmarked by the Church Building and Loan Fund for the

erection of a new Sunday School. After much consideration it was finally decided to

accept the offer of Messrs. Brown and Lee to build the Sunday School for £2500

leaving £100 for seating, etc., The laying of the foundation stones took place on 3rd

October, 1925, the Rev. J. H. Haslam and Mrs. C. W. Patton performing the

ceremony.

In April, 1926, the Rev. S. Bailey was appointed. During Mr. Bailey's Ministry, the

Sunday School, under the faithful leadership of Mrs. F. Paisley, grew in numbers until

it had the largest roll number of any Sunday School in Invercargill. The membership

of the Bible Classes and the Junior Christian Endeavour also grew apace in those

years. About this time, a Tennis Court and Basketball Court were laid out on the

portion of land at the back of the Church.

A very pleasing and progressive development during Mr. Bailey's term at St. Peter's

was the united services of Methodists and Presbyterians. The congregations of St.

Peter's and Knox Churches combined during December and January of each year.

Organisations that did excellent work during this period were The Bluebirds and the

Southern Star Club, the aim of each being "to give service." It was during Mr. Bailey's

term also that a Girl Guide Company and Brownie Pack, a Boy Scout Troop and Wolf

Cub Pack were formed.



The years 1931 to 1935 of the Rev. O. S. Pearn's ministry were characterised by much

activity on the part of the ladies in bazaar work. Several interesting Fairs were held,

the funds of the Church benefitting considerably thereby. During this period also great

progress was made in Club work, much interest being shown in the gymnasium

classes.

The next forward move was the erection of a new Parsonage. The Trustees inspected

various sites, and at last came to the unanimous decision that the section in Earn

Street, owned by Mrs. T. Cushen, sen., be purchased. This section was valued at £120,

but Mrs. Cushen very generously sold it to the Church for £100. Plans and

specifications of the proposed new Parsonage were submitted by Messrs. Brown and

Lee, and their tender, £950, was accepted, the building to be completed by 11th April,

1936. A Ladies' Furnishing Committee was set up to arrange for the furnishing of the

Parsonage, and when the Rev. G. B. Hinton arrived in April, 1936, he found a brand

new Parsonage all ready and waiting for occupation.

In November, 1937, the Church celebrated its Golden Jubilee. Through the loyalty and

co-operation of the large body of workers, the celebrations proved to be an

outstanding success. The following, is a brief programme as recorded in "The New

Zealand Methodist Times": "The Jubilee Celebrations commenced on Sunday, 17th

November, with the Sunday School Anniversary. The Sunday School Concert was

held the following night revealing good talent and careful training. On Tuesday the

Historic Roll Call and Fellowship Night proved of outstanding interest, especially to

older members who called to mind events and incidents of former days. The Jubilee

Banquet was attended by 230 people. The Rev. G. B. Hinton presided, there being

associated with him some of the foundation members, including the Rev. George

Clement, the first Minister of the Church. The fifty candles were lit by some of the

oldest members, the first by Mrs. Mitchell who also cut the cake. On Thursday, 18th

November, the Choir presented a Musical Playette, 'One Clear Call,' especially written

for the occasion. On Sunday, 21st November, the Jubilee Celebrations were

concluded, when the morning preacher, the Rev. G. Clement, spoke of his great joy at

standing in the same pulpit from which he preached fifty years before at the opening

of the Church."

In 1938 the Church was presented with a Communion Table and Baptismal Font from

Miss Hyde as a memorial to her father.

During the year 1940 Mr. Hinton commenced services on Sunday afternoons in the

School at Tisbury, and in 1941 at Oteramika Road.

The same year, the Trustees of the Oteramika Road Sunday School Hall made a

proposition to the Trustees of St. Peter's Church, offering them a free gift of the

property at Oteramika Road (subsequently removed to High Street), on condition that

they carried on the work for which the Hall was built and dedicated.



This was agreed to and the whole property was handed over to St. Peter's Trust free of

debt. During the five years of the Rev. A. E. Jefferson's ministry many improvements

were carried out and now there is a flourishing Sunday School and regular services are

held. Building of a new Church is to commence soon.

The proposed new church at St. Peter’s.

In April, 1942, the Rev. A. E. Jefferson commenced his ministry which covered the

difficult years of war. Because of external conditions no outstanding material progress

is recorded in this period, but Mr. Jefferson's ministry was one of quiet, unobtrusive

service and sincerity of purpose. The men overseas with whom he corresponded

regularly, the sick and those in trouble all unite to pay their tribute to one who did not

spare himself in his ministry of comfort and understanding.12

Following Mr. Jefferson, the Rev. W. R. Laws made his contribution to the welfare of

the Church. Mr. Laws is well remembered for his sincerity and wealth of Bible

knowledge which his hearers found so convicting and informative.

The Rev. L. C. Clements, now Senior Chaplain to the Prisons Department, is

remembered for his Social Gospel and vigorous ministry. Mr. Clements was well

supported in both the Church and district.



This Centennial Year, the Rev. J. Stanley Olds commenced his ministry at St. Peter's.

Mr. Olds is the son of the Rev. C. H. Olds who was Minister at both Don Street and

Leet Street. The Olds family are not strangers to this Province.

THE FAITHFUL WORKERS:

Mrs. Suckling, nee Miss A Cushen, was the first to go from the Circuit into the full-

time work. She married the Rev. Mr. Suckling and supported her husband in the work

of our Mission in Fiji. Sister Eva Saunders was also a member of St. Peter's and

Riverton Churches and entered Mission work. She is now living with her mother in

Georgetown whilst she goes about on her District Nurse rounds. Sister Olive

Hollands, who is so well known among our Maori workers, also comes from

Invercargill and is a product of the St. Peter's Fellowship. Included among these folk

who have served in the full time work is Miss Noeline Smith who gave one year full

time work in the District Youth Committee and Circuit affairs. She was, therefore, the

first among the Southland Youth to complete a term under the Order of St. Stephen.

Among the Church folk engaged in the work, the Local Preachers of many years'

standing must be remembered. Mr. G. Brown, and earlier, Mr. A McLean, while Mrs.

Garrett is remembered as the first woman Local Preacher in the Circuit. Mr. Brown

also gave years of devoted service to both Sunday School work and Bible Class.

Following in his footsteps came Mr. A. Campbell and for some years later Mr. D. G.

Brown. All have served their Church faithfully, while the staff of Sunday School

teachers have prepared well the youth for the years that lie ahead.

The Choirs, both Senior and Junior Girls, are bringing each Sunday a message in song

which is appreciated by all. They follow in the footsteps of loyal workers. Among the

Circuit Stewards, Mr. W. Mitchell appears to have held office for some ten years

throughout his Church life. Others like Mr. P. C. Lee and Mr. W. Dickson during the

time of Mr. Pybus have been responsible for the welding of the Church into a

fellowship. The members of the Cushen family are well remembered for their untiring

service throughout the years. To the ladies of the Guild and Auxiliary must be passed

a special vote of thanks, for much rests on their work and encouragement. There have

been many hundreds who have worshipped and worked in the years past. To every one

of them we say: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

CLIFTON-NEWFIELD PREACHING PLACES:

The first service conducted for the Methodist Church in Clifton by the Rev. T. H.

Lyon was on Sunday, 28th November, 1889. These were held in the old Public Hall

until the building of the Church.13



The ministry of the Rev. T. A. Pybus at St. Peter's from 1898 to 1913, saw years of

rapid expansion at Clifton. A Church was erected for the sum of £200 and still serves

the community today.14

Many of the older folk in Clifton will re-member the evenings

that Mr. Pybus spent there with his lantern slides. These evenings were an effort to

raise money for the removal of the Circuit overdraft and for the general maintenance

of the work.15

The method of transport that Mr. Pybus used to travel to Clifton was "Shanks' pony,"

with the rare occasion by horse and cart. Mr. Pybus tells the story of how one day he

was walking to the Church and came upon two young boys playing. He watched them

for some time and then asked them what Church they attended. The reply was that

they attended none at all. So Mr. Pybus invited the lads to come with him to the

Sunday School in the Church. Thus it was that one of the boys, Mr. George Brown,

began his faithful service in the Methodist Church. Mr. Brown served well as a Local

Preacher for over 50 years and will always be remembered as a strength in the

district.16

The Sunday School of 1904 had 65 members and 5 teachers, while there were regular

Sunday services.17

Today the Church is still a preaching place of St. Peter's and Local Preachers are

mainly responsible for the services. Some of the folk attending can recall the opening

day of the Church, and Clifton looks forward to further years of faithful ministry to

those in the district.

From the Don Street Primitive Methodist Church the first Local Preachers and Clergy

came to preach the Gospel among the settlers at Mavis Bush during 1875. The

Wesleyan Methodists also had regular services there as well. This was about one mile

past Kennington on the Oteramika Road.18

Later these services spread to Oteramika

proper.

For Oteramika settlement, the St. Peter's Church began services in private homes

about 1887 or 1888, as the district is recorded as a preaching place. It is worthy of

mention that services were commenced about this time at Seaward Bush and later,

Woodend,19

the latter being held in the School,20

Both have since passed from the

Plan.

Thus it was that St. Peter's became in a way partly responsible for the services at

Mavis Bush and at Oteramika about the year 1887, although the Methodist work was

commenced in 1875.

Oteramika was one of the first preaching places which St. Peter's was responsible for.

As the years passed the Church moved into undenominational control and Methodism

withdrew. We have no record of the reason. During 1941, the Trustees of the Church



approached St. Peter's with an invitation to take over the responsibility for both the

building and the preaching work. So Methodism returned to the area and was happy to

accept the invitation.21

This meant the removal of the Church from the property on

which it had been built as the lease had expired.22

There was much difficulty in the removal of the Church to the present site, but

eventually the project was completed. The Rev. A. E. Jefferson was the Minister at St.

Peter's during this period and under his guidance the Sunday School was expanded,

while the services were rewarded with growing attendances.

For the past three years the Rev. F. J. K. Baker, from Central Church, assisted in the

preaching and pastoral work in this new housing area. With the increase of building

our Church has purchased a site of land on which one will read "Methodist Church

Site," which one day we hope to fill. This section is opposite the present Church

which will fulfil the place of a fine Church Hall with the completion of the

forthcoming Church.

A Young People's Club meets each week and the services are well attended; the

prospects are promising.


Zealand."—Guy AND POTTER.

2. Mr. George Brown, Local Preacher,. 3. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New


4. "Looking Backwards," Sixtieth Anniversary Publication of St. Peter's, 1947.—Miss W.

MITCHELL.


MITCHELL.


MITCHELL.

7. Choir Records. 8. "The Southern Cross," 30th November, 1935.

9. Mr. George Brown, Local Preacher.

10. "Looking Backwards," Sixtieth Anniversary

Publication of St. Peter's, 1947.—Miss W.

MITCHELL.


MITCHELL.

12. Where not acknowledged this is an edited

version of "Looking backwards" by Miss W.

MITCHELL. 13. "Looking Backwards," Sixtieth Anniversary


MITCHELL. 14. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New


15. Rev. T. A. Pybus, retired, Dunedin. 16. Rev. T. A. Pybus, retired, Dunedin.

17. "Cyclopedia of New Zealand," Vol. 4

(Southland Section.) 18. Souvenir Publication of Opening of Central

Church, 1935.

19. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New Zealand."—GUY AND POTTER.

20. Rev. T. A. Pybus.

21. "Looking Backwards," Sixtieth Anniversary


MITCHELL. 22. Mr. Harry Craig, late of

Oteramika Road.



SIX THE BLUFF CIRCUIT

SOUTHLAND'S OLDEST METHODIST DISTRICT.

The Bluff Methodist Church is the oldest in the Province and ranks with some of the

earliest in New Zealand Methodist History.

Methodism first found a footing in Bluff with the visit of the Rev. James Watkin from

the Wesleyan Mission Station at Waikouaiti. Watkin arrived in the Whaling Schooner,

"Scotia," on the the 28th February, 1844, and on that day preached to the settlers and

natives at the port.1 Bishop Selwyn had called at the Bluff some weeks earlier and had

conducted a Christian service aboard the vessel in which he was travelling, but he had

not held a service ashore.2 Thus it was that Watkin was the first Missionary to hold a

Christian Service in the actual port. In so doing he was the first European Missionary

to preach to the natives and settlers in Bluff.3

The following week, in March, he again preached, this time in the Maori tongue to the

many natives that had gathered to hear him. Some were from Ruapuke Island and

others from the Mainland. Watkin was able to view in this practical way the work of

his native teachers, and in particular Solomon.4

Watkin desired to see a European Missionary of our denomination settled in Bluff, as

he records in his diary, "most of the natives are connected with us."5 Unfortunately

Methodism was not able to fill this badly needed call. It remained for Wohlers to

finally establish the Maori work, with the encouragement of both Watkin and Creed.

Before Watkin departed, he married some settlers and baptised some of the younger

children, while his message of encouragement was welcomed by all. There is a story

which has come down to us concerning these services that Watkin held in Bluff. Is

appears that the only musical instrument that could be found to assist with the hymns

was an old grinding organ, this meant the organ had to be turned during the service

and all the popular rousing tunes of the day played through before "Rock of Ages"

was finally settled upon.6

We next hear of Bluff with the establishment of Methodism among the settlers in

Invercargill. According to our earliest records it appears that the Rev. J. T. Shaw came

from the North Road Wesleyan Church to Bluff in 1864 and preached once. From that

time onward, the services were maintained by Mr. Thomas Perkins, one of the two

foundation Local Preachers at the North Road Church. Following Mr. Sharp was the

Rev. R. S. Bunn who, in 1867, made some occasional visits to the port. Finally, these

services were discontinued by the North Road Wesleyan Church at the end of 1867.7

The reason for the closing has been lost to us. To the Wesleyan Methodist Church

must go the credit of commencing the work in Bluff, but later it was the Primitive

Methodist Connexion which established a healthy Church Community.



One year after the establishment of Primitive Methodism in Invercargill, services were

commenced in Bluff again. The date is shown on the Don Street Preaching Plan as

about June, 1873. However, between the years 1867 and 1873, the Methodist services

had been maintained independently by the already-mentioned Local Preacher, Mr.

Thomas Perkins. The services were held in the School on alternate Sundays, the other

Sunday being taken by the Anglican Lay Reader, Mr. S. Nichol. Both Mr. Perkins and

Mr. Nichol worked well together for the spiritual benefit of the early settlers in Bluff

for many years.

In September, 1875, a request was received from the principal inhabitants of Bluff to

the Don Street Primitive Methodist Church,8 This request was one asking that this

Church establish religious services in the town. Added to the Bluff folk who made this

request were the settlers from Greenhills. Mr. Westbrooke, who was the Minister at

Don Street during this period, saw the merit in the request and the following year set

about to establish a permanent Methodist Fellowship in Bluff.

With the formation of the Church Fellowship the following year, 1876, the Quarterly

Meeting showed 12 members in full connexion at Bluff and 13 at Greenhills. Thus it

was that the first Christian Church of any denomination was established in the

Community. The dreams of the Rev. James Watkin had been realised though some 31

years later.

When the Rev. Chas. Ward arrived at Don Street in 1878, he was able to perceive that

the community had progressed sufficiently to merit the construction of a Chapel. A

generous donor, Mr. E. Palmer, of Otakia, gave the present quarter-acre section on

which the Church stands today. When it became known that a Church was to be built

in Bluff, the Christian business men of both Invercargill and Bluff supported the

action strongly. It seems by the financial giving the people were relieved to see that

something was being done in the way of Christian witness for the Port Community.

The contributions from Invercargill amounted to £180 (the bulk coming from Don

Street), while £111 5s was raised at Bluff. The building of the Church commenced in

1877 with volunteer labour and the opening service was held on 10th March, 1879.

The total cost of the Chapel was £348 and the building was opened free of debt, while

total assets of Church and site were £498.9

The opening service was conducted by the Rev. James Guy, then of Dunedin. It is

interesting to note that at the opening service some sailors from the ships in port were

persuaded to attend worship. We find that some of these men were "soundly

converted," which illustrates the universal power of the Gospel. During that same

week in March, 1879, some fine evangelical meetings were held in the home of a Mr.

Walter Henderson, sen., who was one of the foundation members of Bluff.

The Church in the early days was of the same Gothic structure which is recognised

today, but a small belfry was over the front gable from which hung a bell which came



from the Ship, "Ann Gambles." This unfortunate vessel had been wrecked on the shore

rocks along the Bluff coast some years before.

Evidence that the Circuit was in good heart is shown by the fact that Messrs. George

Froggatt (Don Street), A. C. Henderson, Thos. Perkins (late of the Wesleyan Church

but who was now giving his whole-hearted support to the sister branch) and D.

Bonthron purchased between them a section of eight acres of land in the centre of

Winton. This they made a gift of to the Connexion. These men were evidently pleased

with what the Church had done for Bluff and wished to see work in other districts

extended.

Youth Work in the form of a Sunday School was commenced by the already

mentioned Mr. Walter Henderson, sen., who, from 1875 until 1889 was

Superintendent. The first Choirmaster was Mr. George Froggatt, jun., later Dr.

Froggatt. This faithful servant was the local chemist and until his departure for

England for further study served the Church well. Following Dr. Froggatt, was Mr. E.

Johnson, the father of the well-known Frank Johnson, who was for over thirty years

the Circuit Steward.

On the first anniversary of the Church, Mr. Thomas Perkins was presented with a gift

from the Church in appreciation of the fine services that he had carried out during the

early years. Some of the older members can still remember when, as children, they

used to see Mr. Perkins arriving on horseback to take the service. Among these is Mrs.

Stewart. She can recall Mr. Perkins calling for dinner at the home of her father, Mr.

William Wilson.

Our Church was, during these years, shared with the Anglican community and the

ecumenical spirit was one of great richness.

During the Southland District Synod of 1882, a request was made to the English

Methodist Conference for the appointment of a second man to the Don Street Circuit,

the second man to reside at Bluff. This request was granted with much pleasure and

the Rev. J. Boothroyd was commissioned to proceed to Bluff direct from the

Theological College. The early cash book of the Circuit shows that the Church paid a

proportion of the fare to each of the new Ministers who came from College in

England. In the case of Mr. Boothroyd, the Circuit granted £25 as part of his passage

money.

On the arrival of Mr. Boothroyd in October, 1882, a large body of people assembled at

the Church for his official welcome. Among them was the already-mentioned Mr.

Nichol, the Anglican Lay Reader. Mr. Nichol spoke on behalf of the Anglican

community and mentioned that as now the first ordained man of God was to reside in

Bluff, he would support his work to the full. This was met with much applause and

from that time onward both congregations met in worship together. This satisfactory



arrangement continued until the Anglicans were able to build their own Chapel. From

the time that Mr. Boothroyd arrived the Methodist Church was the only denomination

to maintain religious services in Bluff until the early 1890's.

After two years' work, Mr. Boothroyd was succeeded by the Rev. W. Laycock, who

later became the first Minister to the early Mission at Strathearn, or St. Peter's. His

ministry was marked by an increase in the Church Roll both at Bluff and Greenhills.

The year 1885 saw the extension to the Church completed. This took the form of the

room at the rear of the existing building. At that time this room was a continuation of

the present Church and included seating for the Choir. The cost of these improvements

was £250, but well worth it, as the Church could now cope with the growing

congregations.

GREENHILLS:

A section of land was donated the following year, 1886, as a building site. The ground

was given by Mr. S. Sullivan, and largely through the efforts of Mr. Laycock and his

congregation the present small Church was erected. When opened it was not free of

debt, but generous giving over the next few months finally removed the debt. One

early Church member related that in the opening days of the Church in Greenhills all

people who were not Roman Catholics were Methodists. The Church still seeks to

serve the community.

The year 1890 saw the commencement of the ministry of the Rev. T. H. Lyon. The

Church at that time had no parsonage and a house was rented for approximately £16 a

year and this arrangement continued until the appointment of the Rev. F. W. Boys.10

In the early part of 1899, Mr. Walter Henderson, sen., donated the section for the

building of the first Methodist Parsonage in Bluff,11

The home was of six rooms and

completed in 1900.12

Meanwhile, the Presbyterians, who had been attending the Methodist Church,

commenced their own services in the Drill Hall during 1895. This meant a loss in

numbers to the congregation, but many remained faithful to their adopted Church.13

The Sunday School in 1900 was in a healthy position and consisted of 84 children and

13 teachers,14

while a keen Christian Endeavour was assisting with the Mission work

of the Circuit,15

It was about this time that Stewart Island was removed from the

Preaching Plan owing to the services being taken over by the Presbyterian Church.

Stewart Island has a fascinating history in connection with our Methodist Church; the

Rev. James Watkin conducted the first Methodist service in Halfmoon Bay in March,

1844.16

With the settlement of the Island later during the Century, a Mr. Jos. Harrison,

a Methodist Local Preacher from Scotland, arrived in 1885. Mr. Harrison helped in the

establishment of the Undenominational Church on the Island, and though this Church



had strong Methodist ties, it was never part of the Connexion. Mr. Harrison was a

strong Gospel preacher and knew his Scripture well, while his sermons carried a

personal challenge. The records show that a Mr. Thompson, also a Local Preacher,

was later connected with the Church.17

The first actual record of Halfmoon Bay as a Preaching Place from Bluff appears in

1895 when collections were acknowledged. We also have records of both the Rev. T.

H. Lyon and the Rev. F. W. Boys taking services in the Stewart Island Church.18

It

appears that these were visits made once a month when the weather permitted a

crossing, and later once a quarter. The final reference to Stewart Island is the year

1899.19

In 1907, services were extended to Stirling Point, at the home of Mr. A. Sinclair.20

This home still stands opposite the gate to the Harbour Board Reserve. Mr. Sinclair

had been connected with Methodism in Bluff from the very earliest days. He had

immigrated from the Shetlands to Bluff in 1865 and gave loyal service to our Church.

His daughter was the late Mrs. S. J. Dawson, who, for many years, served as a faithful

Sunday School teacher and active worker in the Church.21

These services were never

well attended, the average of eight being recorded in 1915. This service was

discontinued in 1932.22

The Members Roll showed 65 in full connexion in 1911, while for the year 1915 these

figures are reported: attendance at worship at Bluff 165, Greenhills 50 and at Stirling

Point 8. This makes a total of 223 attenders and the Membership Roll was 86 with 6

on trial. Since these figures were recorded both Anglican and Presbyterian Churches

have been established, while the population declined during the First World War.

Today the steady population increase means a growing Church.

On 4th April, 1913, the first Minister of the United Methodist Church was appointed

to Bluff. He was the Rev. J. Sharp and he was given added responsibility in addition to

the Circuit work. Mr. Sharp was appointed Chaplain to all Methodists aboard His

Majesty's Vessels of War that called at Bluff, while a little later he was appointed

Immigration Officer when required.23

For the next 16 years the Church remained stable with a succession of worthy men

giving their contribution to the Circuit, the Rev. Moses Ayrton guiding the Church

through the Jubilee Celebrations in May, 1929. The Rev. Angus McBean from Leet

Street conducted the Jubilee Service, while the Leet Street Choir was there to lead the

singing. Present also were some foundation members and they are remembered as Mr.

Walter Henderson, jun., Mr. A. Sinclair, Mrs. Jane Wilson, Mr. Andrew Riddlands

and Mr. John Erasmassen, the latter-named being Sunday School Superintendent for

many years. Both Mr. Riddlands and Mr. Erasmassen were from the Shetlands and

were loyal to their Church.24



The ministry of the Rev. John R. Hall, from 1949 to 1952, is remembered by all in

Bluff. Mr. Hall laid the foundation for a growing Church, while during his ministry

the present Parsonage was purchased. To Mr. Hall must go much credit for the steady

development of the Bluff Church. The Rev. L. J. Gammon, on loan from the

Congregational Union, served as a supply for two years after Mr. Hall and is well

remembered.

With the Centennial Year, the Rev. D. W. Edmonds enters the second year of his

ministry at Bluff. Plans are in progress for the construction of the new Church

building, which is to be erected on the section adjoining the Parsonage. This is an

indication of the forward planning which exists at Bluff. It is hoped that when the new

building is erected it will supply the needs for the next hundred years or more.

Many faithful individuals have worked for the cause in Bluff, the most faithful being

the regular worshippers. Some have held positions of responsibility, among them Mr.

and the late Mrs. G. B. Edginton, who have faithfully served both the Church and

Sunday School for many years, Mrs. D. Stewart, who for over thirty years has

presided at the organ, while Mr. Campbell from Greenhills is well remembered by the

Bluff congregation. Mrs. H. Johnsen has for many years been a stalwart in the life of

the Church and much is owed to her. Mrs. J. Eadie is working as the Sunday School

Superintendent at Bluff, while the position of Superintendent at Greenhills is occupied

by Mrs. J. Bremer, jun. The Bible Class life at Greenhills is one of the highlights of

the Circuit Youth Work and shows much promise.

The name of Mrs. M. McQuarrie is remembered as an active worker in the Church all

her life. She died last June at the age of 96. She was a great old warrior in the Church's

struggles and was greatly loved by all.

Meanwhile the faithful continue to worship and the folk at Bluff and Greenhills look

forward to a fuller one hundred years to come.



The proposed new church at Bluff.


2. Bishop Selwyn's Journal.


PYBUS.

4. Watkin's Journal. 5. Watkin's Journal.

6. "The Unouenched Flame," the Story of the

Presbytenan Church in Southland.—MRS. Mc- DONALD.


Zealand."—GUY AND POTTER. 8. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New


9. The early Church Current Account Book, 1897.

10. Circuit Current Account Book, also Mr. F.

John son. 11. Mr. F. Johnson, Bluff.

12. "Cyclopedia of New Zealand." Vol. 4

(Southland Section.)

13. Mr. F. Johnson, Bluff.

14. "Cyclopedia of New Zealand," Vol 4

(Southland Section). 15. Mr. F. Johnson, Bluff.


17. "Before 1848 and After."—D. J. D. HICKMAN, Wesley Historical Society, Vol.

6, No. 1.

18. Rev. T. A. Pybus, retired, Dunedin. 19. Circuit Current Account Book, 1899.

20. Quarterly Board Records, 1907-08.

21. "Southland Daily News," January, 1956. 22. Circuit Quarterly Board Records.

23. Circuit Quarterly Board Records.

24. "Southland Times," May 1929



SEVEN WESTERN SOUTHLAND

METHODIST DISTRICT

THE present Western Southland Circuit is the largest area of Methodist Witness in the

Province.

This has not always been the case. At the turn of the Century Riverton was a Home

Mission Station with a local Minister in residence. Otautau was separated from

Riverton Circuit in 1904 and became a Circuit with its own local Minister. In 1910 a

Minister was appointed by the Conference to Tuatapere and constituted as the Waiau

Home Mission Station. Nightcaps was a separate Circuit having its own local Minister

since 1914 and was officially granted Home Mission status the following year.

Thus it can be observed that Methodism was represented by four Circuits in the

Western districts by 1915. Today these are all bound into the one constituted Circuit

with the Minister resident at Otautau. For the purposes of the history it will be

necessary for us to take these districts separately and tell their own particular story.

The oldest of these is Riverton. From Riverton the Otautau Circuit grew; from Otautau

came Nightcaps, while from there the Ohai Church was born. Tuatapere began as a

completely new enterprise. Riverton holds, then, a unique place in Southland

Methodism, as the early Church has been responsible for the expansion of our

denomination to almost half the area of the Province.

RIVERTON METHODIST CHURCH:

Methodism first came to Riverton in March, 1844, when the Rev. James Watkin

visited and preached in the settlement. Riverton was by that early date already nine

years old as a populated European settlement.1 The whaling industry had established

itself along the coast and many vessels made Riverton their port of call. Thus Riverton

can claim to be the oldest town in the Southland Province.2

The Rev. James Watkin's visit to Riverton was brief, and on the 14th March, 1844, he

conducted the first Methodist service in the settlement. He was able to assist the

schoolmaster with a newly established school by providing him with books.3

With the establishment of the Circuit in Invercargill, in 1863, monthly services began

in the growing settlement. The date of these is placed about the middle of 1865, the

services being conducted mainly by Local Preachers.4 These men came on horseback

along the old beach road until the coach road was finally built. Thus we see that the

Rev. J. T. Shaw of North Road Wesleyan Church was responsible for the preaching

supply and the growing Methodist community in Riverton. These services were

continued for some years, while the members of the young Church increased.



In 1883, the Rev. Mr. Fairclough and the Rev. Mr. Buttle went on a tour of the

Riverton District and presented to Conference maps and statistics. A year later the

Rev. Dr. Morley and the Rev. W. B. Marten went through the same area and all were

impressed with its possibilities. In 1888, the Rev. F. J. Wallis was appointed to reside

in Riverton, and soon after his arrival preaching stations were opened in Riverton,

Thornbury, Otautau, Wairio, Nightcaps, Oraki and Wreys Bush. The credit of this

advance is largely due to the Rev. W. B. Marten and Mr. G. R. George, an earnest

Local Preacher.

At this period the Methodists met in the Oddfellows' Hall in Green Lane.

CHURCH EXTENSION:

A good site was obtained locally for a Church in 1888, and in 1890 the original part of

the present Church, seating 130 persons, was erected at a cost of £140. The builders

and architects were Messrs. Reid Bros. The opening services were conducted by the

Rev. W. Baumber on 30th July, 1890, and in honour of the year (50 years after the

signing of Waitangi Treaty) it was known as the Jubilee Church. The Minister at this

time was the Rev. S. B. Fellows, who came from England to New Zealand in 1885

and shortly afterwards became a candidate for the Ministry.

At the first Quarterly Meeting of which any record can be found locally, dated 12th

November, 1889, and held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Riverton, there were present: The

Rev. F. Whitmore, Mr. Isitt, Chairman (District Chairman), Rev. S. B. Fellows,

Messrs. Benjamin Bailey, William Richards, William Acton, Richard Greer and

William Kellow. It was reported that there were three Sunday Schools in the Circuit:

Riverton (Mr. Aston, Superintendent), Drummond (Mr. Knocks), Nightcaps (Mr. D.

Sinclair), scholars, 100 ; teachers, 10. Henry Fowler, of Drummond, was elected

Circuit Steward.

The Rev. S. B. Fellows reported that Conference had constituted the Western District

a Home Mission Station under the charge of a probationer and under the name of the

Riverton Circuit, and that it was the first Quarterly Meeting of the Circuit. The

number of members was recorded as 33, there having been 10 removals during the

year. Attendance on public worship numbered 500.

At the conclusion of Mr. Fellow's ministry the membership was returned at 56. The

Sunday School under John Reid was showing a large increase, no numbers being

given.

The next appointment was the Rev. J. Nott, M.A., who served here from 1891 to 1893,

and in 1891 Riverton was made a separate Station. Before it had been part of the

Invercargill Circuit. During Mr. Nott's term we find the Quarterly Meeting consisting

of Messrs. Acton, Greer, Richards and Gibbon and the appointment of Mr. Samuel

Knock as Circuit Steward in place of Mr. Fowler. Mr. Nott was succeeded by the Rev.



T. W. Newbold (1893-95), in whose time the Vestry was added to the Church at a cost

of £30.

In 1895-97, the needs of the Church were supplied by the Rev. J. A. Lochore. During

that time the Church was enlarged at an outlay of £78, the builder being Mr. W. R.

Pankhurst.

THE CHURCH CONSOLIDATES:

The eighth appointment to this Station was that of Amos Reader who occupied the

local pulpit from the latter end of 1900 to April, 1901. The Church at this time seems

to be marking time and not much of interest is recordable. A proposal was made in

October, 1900, to erect a Parsonage in Riverton, the Ministers at this time residing in

various rented houses.

This is the first mention noted of such a proposal which did not eventuate for 12 more

years, in 1913.

July, 1901, saw the advent of the Rev. F. W. Hoys to the Riverton Circuit, and he

remained in charge until October, 1904, when the Station was divided into the Otautau

Circuit and the Riverton-Orepuki Circuit.

January, 1904, records appointment of Mr. J. Richards as Home Missionary at

Riverton, and membership of the Circuit as 100 full members with 7 on trial. 6th April

records the division of the Circuit with membership as follows: River-ton Circuit, 40

and 2 on trial; Otautau Circuit, 64 and 10 on trial. Messrs. T. Borland and Archibald

T. Miller were appointed Circuit Stewards for the Riverton Circuit.

From 1904 to 1909, the Station was under the charge of the Rev. C. A. Foston and the

Preaching Places were Riverton, Waimatuku, Wild Bush, Orepuki, Te Tua,

Papatotara, Clifden (Fridays), Pahia and Colac.

In October, 1911, a Committee was set up to arrange the purchase of a site for a

Parsonage and this was done on 17th May, 1912, for £100.

On 30th July, 1912, the Parsonage in Palmerston Street, was tendered for, the

successful tenderer being Mr. Jas. Green and the price £391 15s.

The years 1916-18 claimed the labours of the Rev. E. Ransom, and May, 1917, saw

the initiation of services at Ermedale. The year 1921 saw the advent of the Rev. H.

Vowell and he continued here until 1924, when he was succeeded by the Rev. H. E.

Haynes, who remained until 1926, when in May he was relieved by the Rev. F. O.

Prosser, who commenced what was to prove to be a record ministry so far as Riverton

was concerned. During Mr. Prosser's term the following improvements to the working

of the Circuit were carried ou :

June, 1927—£161 5s. raised for a motor car.



October, 1927—Church repairs and renovations were carried out.

May, 1928—The telephone was installed in the Parsonage.

December, 1930—Sunday School Hall was acquired at a cost of £255 0s. 6d. and

opened free of debt.

In 1932, Mr. Prosser reported that the final payment had been made in connection

with the Parsonage and that the Church property was now unencumbered.

CONTINUING FAITHFUL SERVICE:

In 1933, the Church at Drummond was removed to Wild Bush and re-erected on a site

opposite the School and by means of voluntary labour, opened free of debt. In April,

1934, the Rev. F. O. Prosser removed to Island Bay and Riverton was raised again to

the full status of a Circuit.5

The Rev. John Churchill who served our Church as a Chaplain in the late War, and

who has now taken up a pastoral charge, is a product of the Riverton Circuit, his home

district being Wild Bush.

The Rev. Wesley Parker followed until 1937. His ministry is remembered for his

influence among the youth and the sporting bodies of the town. Mr. Parker took a keen

interest in the local Football Club and was an active player.

After Mr. Parker, there followed the Rev. J. M. Blight, who is well remembered for

his kind and faithful pastoral ministry. This led to the troubled War years and when

Mr. Blight was removed to a Northern Circuit, the charge became vacant.

Regular supply was maintained locally for some years but as already mentioned, the

district was finally absorbed into the present Western Southland Circuit in 1945-47.6

Methodism has a long and faithful history in Riverton and will continue to forge ahead

only as long as the pioneer spirit remains with the loyal Methodist community of the

town. We look forward to the next hundred years with pride, remembering our Church

history is already one hundred and twelve years old.

NIGHTCAPS CHAPEL:

When Riverton was constituted a Circuit in 1888 Methodist services were commenced

in Nightcaps.

The records show that in May, 1888, the Rev. J. T. Wallis conducted the first service

in the School and about 40 people were in attendance. The work was continued by his

successor, the Rev. S. Fellows. The present Church was opened for worship in 1893

and was the first Church to be built West of Otautau and is therefore the oldest place

of worship in the district. Mrs. E. Grant, sen., was largely responsible for the raising of

the funds for the building of the Church. She canvassed throughout the Wairio, Wreys



Bush, Opio and Nightcaps districts on horseback. The total amount given exceeded

£80 and this was a considerable sum towards the final cost of £120. Mr. W. Reed

donated the present section and the building was largely completed by free labour. On

the same day as the opening of the Church, the late Mr. Jack Grant was baptised and

he later served his Church well. On the First Anniversary of the Church in 1894, the

Rev. T. W. Newbold presented the pulpit Bible. The preachers during this period had

not yet removed to Otautau and had to travel from Riverton to take the service. One of

the earliest Local Preachers, Mr. T. Borland, took his first service in Nightcaps in

September, 1894, and was always welcomed by Nightcaps Methodists. Mr. Borland,

like the Minister, had to travel from his home in Riverton. 1898 saw the appointment

of the first resident Home Missionary, Mr. William Greenslade. On Mr. Greenslade's

removal to College in 1899, the Circuit became vacant.

With the transfer of the Circuit Minister to Otautau in 1898, Nightcaps was better

served and felt more a part of the district fellowship. During the District Synod held in

Dunedin in November, 1905, the Otautau District requested that a Home Missionary

be stationed at Nightcaps.7 This was granted and the year 1907 saw the first resident

Methodist Minister in Nightcaps. The Rev. G. N. Wheaton was given this appointment

and he is still well remembered in the district. Mr. Wheaton used his bicycle for

transport and was not afraid to travel in weather which we, today, would consider too

windy or rough for cycling. He was responsible for opening services held at Etal

Creek once a fortnight in the home of Mrs. Ramsay. These services are remembered

as they were always a community gathering, and absent worshippers were always

asked later to explain their non-appearance.8

Occasional services were commenced at Opio, and they were encouragingly attended.

These later became a permanent station on the Preaching Plan. Mr. Wheaton also

commenced services at Wairaki School, which is now a private home occupied by Mr.

C. Braithwaite. It is correct to say that when these services at Wairaki were

discontinued and commenced at Ohai proper, they were the beginning of the present

Ohai Church. Mr. Wheaton withdrew from the work in 1908 after paving the way for

later developments, and returned to Australia.

The Rev. E. W. Sleep commenced his work in 1908, and was responsible for the

beginning of the Bible Class work. Mr. Sleep was appointed for a second term in

1920.

The Parsonage was built during the Ministry of the Rev. J. E. Weir in the latter part of

1915. The original cost was £397 10s. and £45 for the section. The same year the

Circuit was constituted a separate Home Mission Station. The first Quarterly Meeting

was then conducted in the Parsonage by the Rev. Mr. Ready, the Chairman of the

District, on 5th July of the same year.



Transport about the Circuit was a horse and gig for some Ministers and a two-stalled

stable had been built at the rear of the Parsonage. After the First World War, the

Nightcaps Methodist Church took responsibility for the preaching supply at Ohai.

These were not Methodist services, but on an undenominational basis. They later grew

into the present Methodist Church. These were held in the old Public Hall, now a

billiard room and shop. Mr. Peter Grant, Trustee and Local Preacher of many years'

standing, was responsible for maintaining some of these services.

In 1926, Tuatapere came under the responsibility of Nightcaps and so became part of

the Circuit.

The Rev. H. Dyson, appointed in 1926, bought the first Circuit car and many amusing

stories are connected with this vehicle. Mr. Dyson is remembered for his ability to

raise Church funds, and his connection with Church and community affairs.

The present Senior Methodist Armed Forces Chaplain, the Rev. V. R. Jamieson,

M.B.E., E.D., spent a term of four years in the Circuit and is remembered for his

activity in the football club, while in his Church he gave devoted service.

In 1931, the Rev. J. C. R. Ashworth commenced a fruitful ministry and he is well

remembered throughout the Southland District, having been appointed, in addition, to

Edendale and Bluff Circuits.9

During the late War years both the Methodist and Presbyterian Sunday Schools and

Bible Classes united. The position of the Nightcaps and Ohai Home Mission Station

in 1945 shows on the Preaching Plan: Wairio, one service a month; Opio, one service

a month; Aparima, twice monthly and Ohai with one service each Sunday. During this

year the Parsonage was destroyed by fire and no definite move has been made to build

again. This fact, coupled with the lack of ministerial staffing, has lead to the Circuit

being again included in the Otautau District and it now constituted part of the Western

Southland Circuit

For one year, 1952 Pastor P. Carter was appointed to Ohai-Nightcaps and the results

demonstrated the work that could be done with a second man.

Among the stalwarts of the Circuit mention must be made of the late Mr. James Grant,

both Local Preacher and Circuit Steward for many years and Mr D. Sinclair a Trustee

and faithful worker. The present Trust are Messrs. Annear P. Grant and McKay

(Wairio).

OTAUTAU METHODIST CHURCH:

It appears that Methodism was active as an organised worshipping body in Otautau

before 1898. It was at this date that the resident Methodist Minister from Riverton



moved and settled in Otautau. It appears that the Church had decided to extend further

inland and the only way which both the new area and Riverton could be served was by

this alteration in stationing.10

The records are uncertain as to whether the Rev. Mr. Burrows from Riverton did settle

in Otautau, though reference is found of his presence in the district Then other

documents show no reference to his presence in Riverton at that time.11

We must,

then, attribute the first service held in Otautau to Mr. Burrows some-time after 1898.

The services were originally held in the home of Mr. Thomas Steele on the present

site of the County Buildings. They then transferred to the School for a short time until

the Church was completed and opened in 1902.12

The contract price was £222 10s; the

Synod further sanctioned the purchase of two acres of land at Drummond, the price

being £60. Later, in July 1902, it was decided to build a Church at Drummond on the

same plans as the Aparima Chapel.13

That same year the Circuit Status was altered with the title of Otautau Circuit and

Riverton came under the care of a Home Missionary. Thus two men were working in

the District.

The Rev. F. W. Boys had succeeded Mr. Burrows in 1901 and had been responsible

for the planning and foresight in the organisation of the new Circuit. The Otautau

Parsonage was, until 1904, a rented house opposite the present Church.14

On 6th April, 1904, the Circuit status was again altered, this time to a separate Circuit.

Riverton now became a Home Mission Station, the appointment being the Rev. J.

Richards.

On the separation of the district, the members roll was in a healthy position and shows

Riverton 42 and Otautau 74 members. Mr. Boys remained in Otautau until early 1905,

when his place was taken by the Rev. Wm. Beckett. With Mr. Beckett s arrival he was

able to take up residence in the present Parsonage which had been provided by a

growing Church.

From 1905 onward, until 1944-45, there were always two services each Sunday in the

Church. There may have been odd occasions when this was not so but in general the

services were maintained. Throughout the history of Otautau it is found that the

Church is bound into the extending of Methodist influence in the district. The early

days of the Choir under Mr. Dickson, the local baker, has rich memories for many.

The Bible Class on Sunday afternoons is remembered by older residents when it was

led under the ministry of the Rev. W. Beckett and the Rev. G. T. Marshall.

The work of the Sunday School undertaken by Mrs. Parmenter and helpers does credit

to the growing Sunday School today.



The Rev. S. Bailey is remembered throughout the district for pastoral work. The

means of transport was either on horseback or gig. He was used to making long

journeys through the district by this method of transport. Some of the old Circuit

accounts make interesting reading with the reference to "horse allowance”.

The appointment of the Rev. R. Richards in 1922 showed some change in the

transport. Mr. Richards used a bicycle, no easy means of travel on the roads in those

days.

The transport changed again with the Rev. M. Ayrton, for he used a car from 1926 to

1928.

The Circuit continued to mark time through the years until, in 1945, the whole district

became merged into the one Circuit. The status was then raised to an Ordained

Minister, though Ordained men had served on many occasions within the Circuit.

At first the new arrangement was strange, but as the folk began to feel their way, they

found they were bound into a bigger fellowship and felt part of the larger body of the

Church.

The previous Minister, the Rev. Cliff Keightley, is well remembered by the district

and he now serves as our New Zealand pioneer Missionary in the Highlands of New

Guinea. The present Circuit Minister, the Rev. Eric Eastwood, enters the final year of

his probation and his third in the Circuit. Mr. Eastwood has been active in the

extension of Preaching Places, which are a growing asset to the Church. His work

calls him over long distances and to remote places, while he remains the only

Methodist Minister in the whole of Western Southland.

Among the loyal families in the Otautau Church are the Harringtons and their work

stands as a memorial to their loyalty today. Many others have given a lifetime of

faithful service and to them our Church says thank you. May the Western District

remain and grow as part of the "World Parish."

THE WINTON METHODIST CHURCH:

There is now no Methodist witness in Winton, but for several years a very successful

Church flourished.

Winton first appears in Methodist Records when eight acres of land was purchased by

the Primitive Methodist Church and set aside for the use of the Connexion. Nothing

eventuated through this venture and the land was later sold.

Next we see at the Wesleyan Methodist Synod held in Dunedin in November, 1904,

this resolution: "It was resolved to commence a new Mission Station at Winton, to

comprise Winton, Hillend, Oreti Plains, Heddon Bush, Otapiri, Dipton and Lumsden.

That a grant of £50 be made by this Synod for the first year."15



The following March, 1905, the Rev. W. T. Hooper was appointed to the district and

became the first resident Methodist Minister in Winton. Mr. Hooper later had the

charge of the Riverton District. Later a Church was built and is now part of the

premises of the National Mortgage & Agency Company (of N.Z.) Ltd. of Winton.

Some fine Local Preachers are recorded, among them a Mr. Northwood, while Mr.

Hooper is remembered throughout the district for his preaching. The area was under

the superintendency of the Otautau District.

Owing to staffing shortages after Union, the Church was finally sold and the district

passed from Methodist records. The site realised £150, which was used for the

building of the Ohai Church in 1926.

APARIMA CHAPEL:

This building was erected in 1899 and opened that same year during the month of

September.16

Preaching had, however, been carried on by the Methodist Church some years prior to

this date. The original services were held in the School, while a Sun-day School met

as well. The area originated as a Methodist Preaching Place when Mr. Greenslade

commenced the services in the School. Mr. Greenslade appears to have come from the

Riverton Circuit and later studied at the Wesleyan Prince Albert College for

Missionary work.17

The reason for the establishment of the Church at Aparima was the result of the

transfer of the resident Methodist Minister from Riverton to Otautau in 1898.18

This

placed the Aparima district between both towns and a meeting held in the School

room in 1898 decided to build a Church. That same evening £53 was donated by those

present, while Mr. R. S. James19

donated the section and planning began.

The following year, the Rev. J. A. Luxford opened the Church and the Rev. Mr.

Burrows, the resident Methodist Minister, assisted. Following the official opening, a

large bazaar was held which helped to complete the cost of the Church, which is

recorded as £178 14s. 2d., including incidental expenses.20

The early workers in the

congregation are remembered as Mrs. Campbell, the first Sunday School

Superintendent, and Mrs. H. Dyer, who for many years presided at the organ. The

Trustees were Messrs. R. James, S. James (who arrived at Bluff in 1864 on the

"Edward Thornhill"), J. Carrick, W. Kellow, T. J. Coombes and S. James, jun. The

first Society Steward was Mr. W. T. Lightfoot, an ex-Army man and greatly respected

resident of the district.21

During the First World War years, a Local Preacher, Mr. Gray, filled the pulpit and he

was responsible for much good work.



Aparima has through the years had its ups and downs, but today the district is still

served by this historic chapel. Many of the early farms have been cut up into smaller

sections and other families have moved in; these in the main have been Presbyterian.

Thus today the services are still maintained by the Minister from Otautau. The

Methodist families in the district are proud to have their Church as the worship centre

of the Aparima community.

WAIAU CIRCUIT—TUATAPERE CHAPEL:

Methodism came to this timber milling district at the turn of the Century. Mr.

Harrison, a Methodist Local Preacher, took up residence in the district after

purchasing a farm. Mr. Harrison had been actively connected with the Church in

Christchurch. It is not quite certain who actually conducted the first Methodist service

in the town, but indications point to the work being commenced by Mr. Harrison. His

wife is recorded as the first Methodist Sunday School teacher.22

The district was constituted a separate Wesleyan Home Mission Station in 1909, and

about that time the Rev. James Campbell was appointed the first resident Methodist

Minister in the town. The section where the present Church is situated was donated to

the Trust by Mr. Harrison and building began.23

Mr. Campbell had some experience of

building and he was responsible for the construction of the Church. He had under him

a band of workers and the Church stands as a memorial to their self sacrifice. The

building was opened in 1910 and the first Baptism recorded on 10th May, 1910.

A section was also available for a Parsonage and it remains Trust property today. The

accommodation for the local Minister was a room added to the rear of the Church.

Following Mr. Campbell came the Rev. Mr. Grigg until 1913, while services were

held in some out-stations. This district was served by a group of worthy men, the last

appointment being the Rev. J. C. Draper now of the Auckland District. Mr. Draper

was appointed in 1925. The following year the Tuatapere district was added to the

Nightcaps-Ohai Home Mission Station and services continued until 1929. They were

then discontinued owing to the transport difficulty.25

In April, 1932, the Church was re-opened again and services re-commenced. In

addition, the Church was removed and the following year the building was shifted a

few feet to bring it into alignment with the altered road. The Sunday School was also

commenced again in 1933 and functioned very well.26

Tuatapere has continued to hold its own during the succeeding years and today the

services are well attended. The hopes are high that one day they may again have their

own minister, but meanwhile the faithful Methodists in the area are bound into the

Circuit life of Western Southland. The prospect in members and youth is promising

as the district is growing. This town is the furthest West point in the Province where

a Methodist community is established.



THE OHAI METHODIST CHURCH:

"Although Church services were being held in the Ohai District since 1912, it was not

until 1925 that members and adherents of the Methodist Church conceived the idea of

building their own place of worship. The first move along these lines was made by the

Rev. S. F. Whittlestone, who was stationed at Nightcaps, and who conducted services

in the old Ohai Hall. At a well-attended meeting of the congregation which was

convened at Ohai on 28th May, 1925, the proposals were put forward and a decision

was made to devise ways and means of building a Church. The township was still in

its infancy, there being only a small scattered population."27

One big influence in the

move was the fact of the increasing immigration into the township. Among these

mining families from the North of England came several Methodist families, and they

swelled the ranks of the members already active.28

"Shortly after, the Rev. H. Dyson arrived to take over the Circuit, and he, like his

predecessor, was keen to see the erection of a Church at Ohai. A section was donated

by Mr. and Mrs. S. Mills, an early pioneering couple of the district and devoted

Church people."29

Work then commenced to raise the £600 that was required to build

the Church. The Synod donated £5 to commence the work and the local people began

with bazaars and tea parties. Mr. T. McMillan was elected the first Secretary of the

Trust and was responsible for much good work.

The Rev. Angus McBean from Leet Street brought a Concert Party from the City in an

effort to raise funds, and the former Methodist Church at Winton was sold for £150.

Thus it was through various ways that the £600 became a reality.30

The services of a Mr. Stewart, a builder who had given up his retired life to the

building of Churches throughout the country were engaged and, during the Christmas

Holidays of 1926, a start was made on the building. Records show that on the first day

the following presented themselves on the site: The Rev. H. Dyson, Messrs. R.

Kynaston, J. Henwood, M. Lamb, W. Dover, J. Brooks, J. and W. Elliott and J.

Tanner.

On 9th February, 1927, the foundation stone was laid and in March of the same year

the building was officially opened. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Henwood donated the

Christening Font, and in the week following Jessie Mills was married to Mr. J. Mills.31

Mr. F. W. G. Miller, in his book, "West to the Fiords," has described this Church as

the most beautiful country Methodist Church in the province. There was only one

other built like it in the country.

An organisation which plays an important part in the welfare of the Church is the

Ladies' Guild which, in the early days before the present Church was erected, met at

the residence of Mrs. Mills.



Lay Preachers play an important part in the life of the Church. Much credit must go to

them for coming forward to assist the Church in spreading God's Word. Lay Preachers

who have assisted at Ohai include Messrs. Harrison, L. Hill (Orawia), J. J. McLean, J.

Brooks, M. Lamb (Ohai) and P. Grant (Nightcaps).

The first Sunday School Superintendent was Mr. T. McMillan, the first Organist Mrs.

J. Elliott and the first Trustees Messrs. S. Mills, J. J. McLean, T. McMillan and M.

Lamb.

Those who have occupied the position of Trust Secretary are: T. McMillan (1925-30),

F. Eason (1931-35), Mrs. J. Elliott (1936-38), and W. Elliott (1939).

When the Nightcaps Parsonage was destroyed by fire and no appointment made, Ohai

was in 1945 included in the Western Southland Circuit. This arrangement came into

being during the ministry of the Rev. K. Robinson at Otautau. Services were then

continued at Ohai on a fortnightly basis.

In 1952 the Church celebrated the Jubilee and these memories are still fresh in our

minds. There was a week of celebration which was fitting for the first Church ever

built in the township.

The Church today is in good heart. The Methodist community can claim some 35 to

40 folk and though there is no Sunday School it requires only leadership and the

teachers would be forthcoming. The Church has been painted and members are

enjoying the present ministry of the Rev. E. Eastwood from Otautau.

1. "Maori and Missionary."—REV. T. A. PYBUS.

2. " Records of Early Riverton and District,"

Riverton Centennial Committee publication. 3. Watkin's Journal. See Dunedin Public

Library.

4. Rev. F. 0. Prosser. See "History of Methodist Church id Records of Early Riverton District"

by J. GIRVAN, 1937.

5. An edited re-print of "The History of the Methodist Church" by Mr. F. Girvan. Found in

"Records of Early Riverton and District,"

printed by the Centennial Committee, Riverton, 1937.

6. "West to the Fiords."—F. W. G. MILLER.

Otautau Methodist Church Circuit Records 1945.

7. "Otago Daily Times," November, 1906.

8. Mr. Peter Grant, Local Preacher, Nightcaps. 9. Where not otherwise acknowledged, the

mater ial is found in "45 Years of Methodism in

Nightcaps." An Anniversary Publication, 1933.

10 “Southland Times” 15th September, 1899. 11. "Records of Early Riverton and District."

12. “West to the Fiords,” —F. W. G. MILLER. Mrs. A. Searie, Otautau.

13. "Records of Early Riverton and District."

14. Mrs. A. Searie, Otautau. 15. "Otago Daily Times," 24th November,

1904.

16. "Southland Times," 15th September, 1899. 17. "Southland Times," 15th September, 1899.

18. "Records of Early Riverton and District."

19. "Records of Early Riverton and District." 20. Aparima Cash Book.

21. Cyclopedia of New Zealand," Vol. 4 (South

land Section). 22. Mr. Peter Grant, Local Preacher, Nightcaps.

23. Church Records.

24. Baptismal Records, Waiau Circuit. 25. Forty-fifth Anniversary Publication of

Night- caps Methodism, 1933.



26. Forty-fifth Anniversary Publication of Night

caps Methodism, 1933.

27. "Southland Daily News," 1st April, 1952. 28. Ohai Trust Cash Book.

29. "Southland Daily News," 1st April, 1952.

30. Ohai Trust Cash Book

31. "Southland Daily News," 1st April, 1952.



EIGHT THE GORE CIRCUIT

To the settlement of Gore in 1879 came the first Apostle of Methodism to be

appointed in the area. The town at that time consisted of fewer than 30 buildings while

the population would be less than 200.1

Mr. C. Smith2 (Smyth

3) was appointed by the Home Mission Dept. on the

recommendation of the Rev. R. S. Bunn, who has been mentioned in connection with

Leet Street. Thus we can say that the present Gore Circuit is the direct result of

planning from Leet Street Church. Mr. Smith had served before with the Methodist

Church in New South Wales and was a tried Missioner.4

During his twelve months' stay in Gore he conducted services of worship in the

Railway Hotel Billiard Room and Green's Hall, the site where Holland's Building in

Main Street is situated today. Mr. Smith was not conditioned to the hard Central

Southland Winters and after spending his first in Gore, he declined any further service

there.

The Conference of 1880 approved of the Rev. R. S. Bunn's recommendation that Mr.

J. Taylor be appointed to replace Mr. Smith. Mr. Taylor proved a most suitable

supply, and for the next 15 months he was a tireless worker for the Church. He was a

man gifted in the ability to organise and many of his far-sighted plans have matured

today. Under his ministry a section was purchased for £30 (Dr Morley mentions the land was

donated, this is possible, but the Gore Records have no mention of this.) next to St. Mary's Hall as a

site for the Church. Services were commenced at both Wyndham and Mataura, which

were well attended. Trustees were appointed for the property from residents both in

Gore and Wyndham ; they were Messrs J Dodd (Wyndham), George Trew, Joseph

Hawkins, R. Wesney, sen.. R. Wesney jun., J. Morley (Wyndham) and D. Gilbert.5

Thus it was that by 1881 a Trust and debt-free property with a growing congregation

constituted the Methodist Church in Gore. Mr. Taylor retired from the work early in

1881 as he too found the climate exacting on his health and moved to the North Island.

For the next two years the Circuit remained vacant with the odd visit of Clergy from

Invercargill. The services were from time to time maintained by Local Preachers,

while a new Preaching Place was opened at Pukerau. Here also a section of land was

given to the Church by a Mr. Mears as a future building site. Meanwhile the Pukerau

services were conducted in the Public School.6

There were two events in the history of Gore which caused the Church to grow. The

first was the opening of the Waimea Plains Railway in 1880, and the other the large

estate for settlement by the New Zealand Agricultural Company during 1881-83. All

this encouraged settlement and Gore received its quota, including some sound

Methodists. The Rev. J. D. Murray, who was then the resident Methodist Minister at



Tapanui had for some time kept a fatherly eye on the growing Church. It was only

natural that the Gore folk should look to him as their closest spiritual leader and this

led to an invitation to visit them and lecture at the Good Templars' Hall. As a result of

Mr. Murray's visit the Conference in 1883 constituted both Tapanui and Gore as one

Circuit. This was blessed by the appointment to Gore of the Rev. J. N. Buttle, who

then became the first resident Minister of any denomination to settle there.

Mr. Buttle found his accommodation in a room at the back of the hotel and this

provided his home for some months to follow. His first sermon was delivered to a

well-attended gathering in McNay's Hall situated at East Gore on the third Sunday of

April, 1883.7 Mr. Buttle was encouraged by this and the next evening held a meeting

for the election of Officers at the Good Templars' Hall. Much to his surprise and

disappointment only four people arrived. Fortunately this was not an indication as to

the future of the work and the meeting was held despite the poor attendance. The

election of Officers resulted in Messrs. A. Martin and D. Gilbert being elected as the

first Circuit Stewards. A scheme for the building of a Church was approved and within

six months the construction had begun.

The following year, 1884, on the first Sunday in May, the opening of the Methodist

Chapel was conducted by the Rev. J. Berry of Dunedin. The building was opened for a

cost of £235 13s., which also included a small room added to the Church as

accommodation for a single Minister. This room was known as "Bachelor Hall." With

the opening of the Chapel the Sunday School began to expand. This had been

commenced some months previously and excellent work was done by the first

Superintendent, Mr. A. Martin.

True to Methodist tradition, the Choir began to show signs of being one of the leading

in the district. It was given good leadership by Messrs. Palmer and Macpherson, while

through the years it won high praise. Gore had now become an established cause with

a responsibility for Christian service to the district. Care had to be taken with the new

building and the first Trustees took charge seriously. They were Messrs. D. Gilbert,

W. J. Collins, J. Baker and D. Dewar, with A. Martin as Secretary.

About this time a far-sighted donation of land was made to the Church. The New

Agricultural Company gave to the Trust two sites of land for future buildings. One of

an acre at Lumsden and the other half an acre at Riversdale. However, as the years

went by neither of these sites was made use of by the Church. The reason was that

Methodism was never able to make any permanent settlement in these areas despite

the fact that services were held in both places from time to time. The ones most

remembered are the monthly services held at Lumsden where some Methodist families

had settled.

During the 1886 Conference the district status was altered. Gore was now constituted

a fully-fledged Circuit and set apart from Tapanui. The healthy increase in members



resulted in a Parsonage site being purchased on the corner of Irk and William Streets

in 1890. A home was built and in that same year the Rev. C. Abernethy was the first to

occupy the new building. This had been accomplished for the total cost, including the

section, of £330.

With the appointment of the Rev. H. Beggs there came a distinctive change in the

Methodism of Gore. During these years, 1900-02, the population of Gore rapidly

increased with the result that the Church expanded. Added to this there was the

challenging preaching of Mr. Beggs and as a result of the growth it was decided to

hold some services in the Town Hall. About this time, 1899-1900, the Gore Chapel

was lighted with electric power and became the first Methodist building to achieve

this distinction,8 a The Town Hall, like the Church, soon became too small to contain

all those coming to worship and so we hear of efforts to build a new Chapel. The

Synod records of 1904 show that Gore applied for permission to sell the original

building and section, the money being used to purchase another. This was granted and

the present site was purchased the same year for £750.9

Meanwhile the Sunday School had been served by such leaders as Messrs. E. Smith

and G. Anders who had followed as Superintendents from Mr. A. Martin.

The Choir had by the turn of the Century won provincial honours in both Otago and

Southland. Both Messrs. G. Chantaloup and J. Barren as later Choirmasters led the

Choir in a very fine way.

The present Gore Chapel was opened by the Rev. William Slade on 6th June. 1909.

This was after 18 months of building and the original planning to establish the Church.

The tender price for the work was £1,149 10s. for which Methodism has a most

worshipful Chapel today.

A succession of Ministers followed through the years and in 1911, the Rev. M. A.

Rugby Pratt, a noted historian on Methodist affairs, was appointed. He was elected

later as President of the Conference while he served in the Circuit until the beginning

of the First World War. Another forward move was the Union with the Gore

Congregational Church which linked with our Connexion. This not only meant added

fellowship and spirit to the Church, but brought a contribution of men and women

who added to a united witness in Gore. In 1927 it was found that the Sunday School

facilities were not sufficient to meet the demands for the growing younger community.

This fact allied with a need for greater youth work spurred the Church to further

building. July, 1928, saw the Church Hall at the back of the Chapel completed and

opened for use for a cost of £1,100. The old Parsonage built in 1890 was by 1937 in

bad need of repair. Thus it was that the present Parsonage was purchased, just a few

doors away from the first building. This took place during the ministry of the Rev. A.

T. Kent.



Methodism was guided through the troubled War years of 1939-45 by the Rev. J. M.

Blight, whose ministry was noted for his understanding and friendship.

Last year Gore celebrated its Seventieth Anniversary as one of Eastern Southland's

oldest denominations, while the members look forward to still further years of active

work.

There has been added to the equipment of the Chapel in late years a sound system on

which Sacred recordings are played before the Service. This has made a great

difference to the worship and has been much appreciated.

Through the years many men and women have worked and worshipped in the Gore

Methodist Church. An outstanding example of this is the thirty-seven years as Circuit

Steward given by Mr. R. W. McCreath. Truly this was an indication of loyalty and

service. Two of the original members from the opening days are still living, Mrs.

Andrew Martin and Mrs. David Dewar. Their connection can be traced back to the

early eighties. Yet no history could be complete without the mention of the late Mr. E.

C. Smith, who served so well with the Sunday School, Mr. G. B. Paterson and Mr. A.

J. Clearwater. All of these men have answered the call to service, but the results of

their work remains with us today.

Gore's position in Southland Methodism is important as it marks the last town North

in the Province of our denomination in Southland. It stands today with some 105

members as a monument to the spirit of the early Methodist settlers and will continue

to contribute to the work of the Kingdom of God.

MATAURA PREACHING PLACE:

The town has always been a Preaching Place and part of the Gore Circuit from the

earliest days.

The first services were held during the Ministry of the Missioner, Mr. J. Taylor,

during 1880. These were conducted in either the homes of members or the Public

School. The first Methodist Chapel was opened in Mataura in May, 1934, and is a

building which has much to commend it.10

Mataura is situated some eight miles from

Gore and is in the heart of Presbyterian country, but Methodism has been able to serve

and witness to its scattered members about Mataura.

Mr. A. Thompson, the present Sunday School Superintendent, is a loyal and devoted

Methodist. He assists with the preaching supply from time to time and comes from a

family long connected with Methodism.

Mataura has remained steadfast as a Preaching Place since it was first established,

while such thriving places as Tapanui, Waipahi, Arthurton, Brydone, Glenham and

Wyndham have flourished in the past but have faded to nothing.11

Notable among

these places is Tapanui, which was a Circuit until the 1890's. Now there remains



nothing, as with the decline in the timber trade at the turn of the Century Methodism

was unable to maintain its cause.

In spite of these now vacant Preaching Places so far as Methodism is concerned

Mataura remains and will remain for years to come a hearty out-station of Methodism.

1. "Mataura Ensign," 28th May, 1954.


3. Early Settlers, Knapdale, etc. 4. Early Settlers, Knapdale, etc.


6. "History of Methodism in New Zealand,"—REV. DR. WM. MORLEY.



REV. DR. WM, MORLEY. 9. "Otago Daily Times," November, 1904.



contents historical/14(1,2... · concerning an article on early southland methodism for the...

Documents