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Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 1
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)
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 2
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.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 3
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.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 4
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 5
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 6
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.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 7
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 8
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. . .
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 9
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,
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 10
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.
7. Watkin's Journal.
8. “Rakiura” — HOWARD.
9. Watkin's Journal.
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.
14. Watkin's Journal.
15. "Maori and Missionary."—REV. T. A.
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.
21. "Maori and Missionary."—REV. T. A.
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.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 11
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).
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 12
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 13
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.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 14
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.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 15
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 16
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 17
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,
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 18
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 19
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 20
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.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 21
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,
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 22
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 23
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.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 24
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 25
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 26
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 27
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 28
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 29
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 30
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 31
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 32
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 33
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 34
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.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 35
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.
8. "History of Methodism in New Zealand."—REV. DR. WM. MORLEY.
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.
22. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New
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.
29. "History of Methodism in New Zealand."—
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).
47. "History of Methodism in New Zealand."—REV. DR. WM. MORLEY.
48. Mrs. Prince Bell.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 36
49. "Southland Times," May, 1913.
50. "Souvenir" of Opening of Central Church,
1935. 51. "Souvenir" of Opening of Central Church,
1935.
52. "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.
65. "Southland Times," May, 1913.
66. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism."—
GUY AND POTTER. 67. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism."—
GUY AND POTTER.
68. "Souvenir" of Opening of Central Church, 1935.
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.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 37
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
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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
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 39
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.
6. "History of Methodism in New Zealand."—
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.
.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 40
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.
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 41
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.
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 42
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
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 43
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;
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 44
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.
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 45
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.
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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.
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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
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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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 49
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.
1. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New
Zealand."—Guy AND POTTER.
2. Mr. George Brown, Local Preacher,. 3. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New
Zealand."—GUY AND POTTER.
4. "Looking Backwards," Sixtieth Anniversary Publication of St. Peter's, 1947.—Miss W.
MITCHELL.
5. "Looking Backwards," Sixtieth Anniversary Publication of St. Peter's, 1947.—Miss W.
MITCHELL.
6. "Looking Backwards," Sixtieth Anniversary Publication of St. Peter's, 1947.—Miss W.
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.
11. "Looking Backwards," Sixtieth Anniversary Publication of St. Peter's, 1947.—Miss W.
MITCHELL.
12. Where not acknowledged this is an edited
version of "Looking backwards" by Miss W.
MITCHELL. 13. "Looking Backwards," Sixtieth Anniversary
Publication of St. Peter's, 1947.—Miss W.
MITCHELL. 14. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New
Zealand."—GUY AND POTTER.
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
Publication of St. Peter's, 1947.—Miss W.
MITCHELL. 22. Mr. Harry Craig, late of
Oteramika Road.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 50
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.
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 51
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 52
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 53
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 54
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 55
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.
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 56
The proposed new church at Bluff.
1. Watkin's Journal.
2. Bishop Selwyn's Journal.
3. "Maori and Missionary."—REV. T. A.
PYBUS.
4. Watkin's Journal. 5. Watkin's Journal.
6. "The Unouenched Flame," the Story of the
Presbytenan Church in Southland.—MRS. Mc- DONALD.
7. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New
Zealand."—GUY AND POTTER. 8. "Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New
Zealand."—GUY AND POTTER.
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.
16. Watkin's Journal.
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
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 57
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.
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 58
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.
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 59
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.
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 60
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
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 61
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.
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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
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 63
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.
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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
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 65
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.
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 66
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.
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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.
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 68
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.
Methodism in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 69
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.
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 70
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
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 71
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
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 72
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 in Southland by Frank C. Glen
Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 73
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
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Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #14 (1&2) 1956 Page 74
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.
2. "Mataura Ensign," 28th May, 1954.
3. Early Settlers, Knapdale, etc. 4. Early Settlers, Knapdale, etc.
5. "Mataura Ensign," 28th May, 1954.
6. "History of Methodism in New Zealand,"—REV. DR. WM. MORLEY.
7. "Mataura Ensign," 28th May, 1954.
8. "History of Methodism in New Zealand."—
REV. DR. WM, MORLEY. 9. "Otago Daily Times," November, 1904.
10. "Mataura Ensign," 28th May, 1954.
11. "History of Methodism in New Zealand."—REV. DR. WM. MORLEY.