What God Hath Wrought by T. Ralph Benny
Wesley Historial Society (NZ) Publication # 19(4)
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What God Hath Wrought by T. Ralph Benny
Contents
Foreword
1-THE FIRST TEN YEARS
2-THE FIRST CHURCH
3-THE FIRST PARSONAGE
4-THE CIRCUIT GROWS UP
5-THE NEW CHURCH
6-THE TRAGIC YEARS
7-PROGRESS AND DEPRESSION
8-THE JUBILEE HALL
9-THE LAST PERIOD
10-MATAURA
11-CONCLUSION
Appendix
(1) THE THIRD PARSONAGE
(2) THE NEW ORGAN
(3) QUEENSTOWN
List of Circuit Ministers
List of Circuit Stewards
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FOREWORD
I am aware that this story might have been written more adequately by others. That it
has not been, is my sole reason for attempting such a project. In a brief survey, it has
not been possible to mention everything that has happened, but sufficient has been
included to give a picture of the drama, romance, successes and failures, which
constitute the story of life. If anything of importance has been omitted I ask your
pardon.
I have endeavoured to present the facts as they are: either recorded, or told to me by
eye witnesses. In so doing I have tried not to make too much of success, nor to hide
failure, but see both as events through which the hand of God is revealed.
Unfortunately, this work has taken longer than was expected - for this I apologise,
especially to those who have patiently waited for its appearing.
My thanks are due to Ex-Principal Hames and Mr T. Sweeney, M.A., Dip. Ed., for
help in preparing the manuscript; to Mesdames S. Brayley and N. Silcock for typing
it; and to Mr J. F. McArthur, Editor of the Mataura Ensign, for allowing me free
access to the old editions of his paper, and for use of some of the blocks. My thanks,
also, to those who so generously provided the finance to guarantee this publication
reasonable success.
T. RALPH BENNY
New Plymouth , February, 1963.
CHAPTER 1
THE FIRST TEN YEARS
The history of Methodism in the Eastern Southland District began when Gore, as we
know it today, consisted of two small communities with fewer than 100 people —
Gordon, on the east bank of the Mataura River, and Longford, on the west.
Longford was known for the long ford required to cross the river prior to the building
of the railway bridge in 1875. The ford began from a point just above the junction of
the Waikaka Stream and the Mataura River, to approximately where the abattoirs now
stand. Although Longford was officially changed to Gore as early as 1862 (after
Governor Gore-Brown had just completed his term of office) it was many years before
the name was finally accepted by the local residents, who treated it very much as a
joke.
In 1879, when the railway was completed between Dunedin and Invercargill, settlers
from other parts of New Zealand and overseas began to make their way south, many
of them settling around Gore. So the Rev. R. S. Bunn, minister of Leet Street
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Wesleyan Church, Invercargill, decided the time had come for someone to represent
his church in this area, and sent Mr C. Smith, a young Home Missionary from New
South Wales. He did not stay long, as he found the climate too severe, and returned to
his homeland.
Gore 1878
While in Gore he conducted his services in Gordon, in McKay's Hall, Nelson Street,
as did the Presbyterians, until their church was built in 1881. This hall no longer
exists, but at that time was one of the most important buildings in the community. The
Longford services were held in the billiards room of the Railway Hotel (which stood
across the Waimea Railway Line in Medway Street, opposite the Triangle) and in
Green's Hall, where now stands the Southland Tavern. The Presbyterian services were
held in the gaol which stood in the Triangle.
Mr Smith was followed by another Home Missionary, Mr J. Taylor, who remained for
over a year, until he was moved to the North Island. He was a popular young man, and
was able to develop sufficient enthusiasm amongst the congregation for them to want
to erect their own church. So, in 1880, a site was purchased on the south side of
Mersey Street, near the river, for the sum of £30. As the Gore Society was still under
the supervision of Leet Street Church, the trustees for this property were mostly
Invercargill men. Messrs Geo. Trew, Joseph Hawkins, R. Wesney, Sen. (Dunedin), R.
Wesney, Jun., Joseph Morley, farmer (Wyndham), and D. Gilbert (Gore).
These men acted on behalf of the Gore church until 1890, but remained guarantors
until 1900. On Mr Taylor's removal, Gore was left without an agent for about 18
months.
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The Old Church is Mersey Street as it was in 1963.
A further impetus was given to the town when on July 31, 1880, the Waimea Railway
Line was opened at a cost of £37,825 14s 8d. Gore became the junction of the two
lines then built, so the settlement increased in size correspondingly. Eighteen months
later, records show there were nearly 50 Methodists in the town.
At the time the above developments were taking place, the Tapanui Circuit established
in 1878, and comprising Tapanui, Glenkenich and Kelso, was not developing as
expected. The timber trade, on which the area was established was beginning to die
out and at the time nothing had taken its place. Many efforts had been made to put the
circuit into better shape, but for all that the position deteriorated. So, in 1883,
Conference resolved to add Gore to the circuit, and change the name to Gore and
Tapanui Circuit. From the records it would appear Tapanui was never happy about
this move, believing Gore would be a further drain on their slender finances. It is
interesting to note, that to test Gore's reaction to this move Tapanui asked Gore to pay
forthwith the sum of £8, being the balance owing on the minister's horse, as
henceforth the horse would be used on behalf of the Gore people. As might be
expected, Gore jibbed at the demand and withheld payment for some months.
As well as amalgamating Gore and Tapanui, Conference changed the locality of the
minister's residence to Gore. This was because up to that time, Tapanui had not
fulfilled its obligation to provide a parsonage, and could not see its way clear to do so.
This removal of the minister from Tapanui was the beginning of the end of Methodist
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work in that area. Already the Presbyterian Church was being established and many of
the people were happier to attend there. Although this amalgamation was the most
obvious thing to do, it tended to create as many problems as it solved. The result was
that the two ends of the circuit never really pulled together. In the following year
Tapanui asked for a Home Missionary of its own. Gore did not approve. The next year
the request was repeated, and Gore sustained it, providing Tapanui took full
responsibility for his stipend. For all this time, Gore was wanting to be independent of
a Home Mission grant, while Tapanui wanted its independence from Gore. Surprising
as it appears, Tapanui was granted its request and a Mr Murray was sent. But for all
this, it was only a matter of time before Methodism died out in Tapanui while Gore
became an independent circuit.
To implement the change in the newly-constituted circuit of Gore and Tapanui,
Conference appointed the Rev. J. Newman Buttle in 1883. He conducted his first
service on April 15 in the same McKay's Hall as did Mr Smith four years earlier. On
the following Monday week, a congregational meeting was held in the same hall (five
people were present) and Messrs A. Martin and D. Gilbert were appointed as the first
Society Stewards. Services were also conducted by Mr Buttle in Simpson's Auction
Rooms in Gordon, and in the Courthouse and Temperance Hall in Longford.
Mr AndrewMartin, the first Society Steward.
After the railway line to Dunedin had been opened, many thought Pukerau would
become an important settlement. So services were commenced in 1883 in the local
hall and a Sunday School opened in 1884 with 20 children. In an effort to establish
this work, an energetic and far-seeing person in Mr Wm. Mears gave to the church a
quarter of an acre in the township. The gift was greatly appreciated at the time,
although it was never used, for the high hopes concerning Pukerau never eventuated.
The church held this property until 1937 when it was sold for £10.
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About the same time Mr Mears erected a cottage and stable on part of the vacant
church site in Mersey Street, and this became the dwelling for the minister for seven
years until the first parsonage was built in 1890. It was known as "Wesley Cottage"
and cost £16 17s 6d.
The First Parsonage on the corner William and Ardwick Streets as was in 1963
In the same year as services were commenced at Pukerau, they were also held in
Wyndham and Waipahi during a week-night. For all that these were well attended, and
it was not long before it was requested they be held on a Sunday. Mataura and Te
Tipua also wanted services, but it was quite beyond the minister to attend to all these
needs of a rapidly-developing area, with only the railway or a horse as a means of
transport. However, one Sunday service a quarter was given to both Wyndham and
Mataura.
Added to the development of the north and south was that of the Waimea Plains in the
west. The townships of Mandeville, Riversdale and Lumsden were beginning to grow.
The Quarterly Meeting, eager to have Methodism established in these places,
immediately set about to secure church sites. In 1885 a 3-8 acre site was bought
between West Road and Portland Street, Mandeville, for £15. The money was
borrowed from the Church Building and Loan Fund, on condition it be repaid in five
years. The church still holds this section.
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Croydon and Otaraia Districts were opening up at this time, and they, too, asked for
services. The minister, although young and enthusiastic was not able to cope with so
many requests. It was decided then, that as Tapanui now had its Home Missionary, the
time had come for Gore to be made a, separate circuit. The District Committee
endorsed the Quarterly Meeting's decision that the Gore Circuit be constituted, and
that it consist of Gore, Pukerau, Waipahi, Mandeville, Otaraia, Mataura, Wyndham
and Croydon.
Conference approved the recommendation, and Tapanui became a Home Mission
Station. With the responsibility of Tapanui gone, the minister at Gore was able to give
undivided attention to the new boundaries. Monthly services were held in all the
above places and also a week-night service at Charlton.
Although this was a period of expansion, it was also a period of financial strain, and,
as was the custom in those days when the circuit could not meet its commitments, the
minister went without his stipend. When Mr Buttle left, the circuit was in arrears to
him for £108 11s 8d, but the circuit's troubles were matched by this young man's
generosity for he cancelled the debt and left his successor a clean balance sheet. The
generosity of this action is the more creditable when we learn his annual stipend was
only £150. However, the young minister's example was not forgotten, for in the next
year, when the Rev. B. F. Rothwell was minister, with finances back to normal and the
circuit free from the responsibility of Tapanui, the Quarterly Meeting resolved not to
ask for a Home Mission Grant that year, believing it could meet its own financial
commitments. One can only imagine what it must have meant to the circuit to be free
from this financial hurdle. On the other hand, all credit must be given to the circuit of
only 51 members in their attempt to make financial ends meet, for they were difficult
times. During the next two years in which Mr Rothwell was minister, many efforts
were made towards self support, but the odds were against them and he, too, left with
a circuit deficit of nearly £60. His successor, the Rev. Joseph Blight, when he left in
1889, also left behind his unpaid stipend in the form of a loan without prejudice
amounting to £44 12s 3d.
These years between 1883 and 1890 were by far the most difficult the circuit has had.
This is understandable when it is realised they were years during which the circuit was
being hewn out of hard primitive conditions. The circuit had nothing to go by, no plan
to follow, except faith in a loving God. Because it was impossible to see far ahead,
much of the work that was begun could just as well have been left undone. Sunday
services were started that could not be sustained. Often they lapsed after a few
months. Further, the work of the circuit was left to a very small loyal band of helpers.
During these years, such men as Messrs Andrew Martin, Joseph Baker, David Dewar,
W. Collins and D. Gilbert rank highest. For the first five years the quarterly meeting
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consisted of three men — Baker, Martin and Collins, and on these three, lay the whole
responsibility of running the infant circuit, with a host of teething troubles. All credit
must be given to them, even if many of their resolutions were afterwards found to be
ill considered. Lesser men would have cracked under the strain. In fact many did. The
first Sunday School Superintendent, Mr S. Stevens, lasted three months. The first
Tapanui nomination for circuit steward, Mr G. McFarlane, did likewise. In 1883 Mr J.
Baker, who was a local preacher and had come to reside in Gore, attended his first
quarterly meeting, was welcomed by the minister and immediately given the office of
circuit steward. He was in an almost impossible situation, yet, he made something of it
and held the office with distinction. Fortunately most of these men were local
preachers who were able to assist the minister in serving the spiritual needs of a
widely scattered circuit, and through their services they influenced many others to take
an interest in the growing church.
Mr and Mrs. D. Dewar – “The Church was their lives.”
The real success of the circuit at this time must be attributed largely to the ministers,
especially to the Revs. J. N. Buttle and B. F. Rothwell. In a letter from the Rev. P. W.
Fairclough, of Invercargill, to Mr Buttle, April 11, 1883, he says to him: "You are not
a man to be down in the mouth over a, trifle, I know. So I look to see your preliminary
difficulties soon melt away. If you can make a circuit of Gore you will do a good work
and raise yourself a monument."
His successor, Mr Rothwell, was an Irishman of strong physique and an excellent
horseman. Whereas his predecessor, wherever possible, took the train and his
successor rode in a buggy, Mr Rothwell travelled on the saddle. For this reason he was
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able to cover greater distances in lesser time, which at that stage was important for the
circuit.
At his last quarterly meeting in the circuit the following appreciation is inserted in the
minutes: "That this meeting expresses its devout thankfulness to God for the measure
of success that has attended Mr Rothwell's labours while in the circuit, its appreciation
of his sterling qualities as a Christian Minister and citizen, also its pleasure in knowing
that the dif-ferent religious institutions of the town recognised those qualities in the
manner they have done, which is a grateful tribute to the services rendered to the
community by him while in Gore.—March 29, 1887."
Both these men later became President of the Conference.
But in spite of the good work and energy expended, progress was slow. The work of
expansion under Mr Buttle was never properly consolidated and one by one the
preaching places began to be dropped from the plan; Charlton in 1886, Mataura and
Pukerau in 1887, and Otaraia in 1889. It was with a deep sense of disappointment that
this had to be done although some of these places were re-opened years later. The only
outpost that showed any response was Waipahi, and in 1886 there was talk of erecting
a church there. Had it not been for the financial problems of the circuit, this in all
probability would have been done.
In 1886 the circuit was responsible for supplying a furnished parsonage and taking an
ordained minister. This, however, was completely beyond it and for the next four
years it asked to be relieved of this responsibility. In the meantime every effort was
made to create an interest in the erection of the parsonage by holding bazaars and
soirees (more commonly known as tea meetings). Many sites were considered, but
nothing was actually done until 1889 when a section on the corner of William and
Ardwick Streets was purchased for £35 from Thomas Green. With the purchase of this
section, the circuit was intent on erecting the building as soon as possible, and in April
of that year it was decided to have the parsonage built in time to take an ordained
minister the following April. The quarterly meeting was formed as a Parsonage
Arrangements Committee until a properly constituted Trust was established early in
the following year.
With the establishment of this Trust, a change in the attitude of the circuit was
immediately noticeable, and, amongst other things, a horse was bought for the
minister's use. Except for the one used when the circuit was part of Tapanui, the
minister had to provide his own, and the circuit contributed £1 7s 6d a quarter for its
upkeep.
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In this spirit of anticipation and expectancy ended the first 10 years of Methodism. It
was a decade of difficult circumstances matched with the high resolve of devout and
energetic men. One could hardly say the circuit had developed a sense of belonging;
that was yet to come. But, having cut its first teeth, it had learned from its mistakes
and, therefore, was in a position to know what not to do. Yet in spite of the past, many
of the mistakes were repeated, for mistakes die hard. Nevertheless, the lessons learned
paved the way for a consolidated and integrated circuit as it exists today.
CHAPTER 2
THE FIRST CHURCH
With the transfer of the superintendency of the circuit from Tapanui to Gore, the
establishment of a church became imperative. Wesley Cottage, the bachelor minister's
residence was most unsuitable as the headquarters of a growing church. The public
halls around the town were adequate for the needs of the congregation, but they were
becoming more and more in demand. Furthermore, conference having placed its
confidence in Gore as head of the circuit, had stimulated the Gore people to an
awareness of their responsibility in maintaining a healthy, growing church life.
Already there were 10 members on the Gore Society roll, eight adherents and 40
children in the Sunday School.
So in January, 1884, the minister, the Rev. J. N. Buttle, paid a special visit to
Invercargill to call together the Trustees of the Gore section in Mersey Street, with a
view to setting up a building committee in Gore. The Trustees approved of the
committee and wisely appointed men in Gore to this task. They were Messrs W. J.
Collins, Andrew Martin, Joseph Baker (Secretary and Treasurer), John R. Stevens,
David Gilbert (who resigned at the next meeting) and William Wilson.
Plans and specifications were drawn up for a very modest wooden building seating
approximately 150 persons. After several alterations and suggestions to comply with
Church Building and Loan Fund requirements, tenders were called for its erection.
Subsequently, four tenders were received from £192 10s to £255. Finally the tender of
William Wills for £214 was accepted.
Although by present-day prices the cost of the church appears ridiculously low, the
trustees had only £50 in hand and a promise of £100 for seven years from the Church
Building and Loan Fund. In order to meet the balance the trustees canvassed the
people during the erection of the building and raised the sum of £49.
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The church was opened on Sunday, 4th May and the celebrations continued
throughout the week until the following Sunday. The preacher at the opening services
was the Rev. J. Berry, of Trinity Church, Dunedin, who came on the condition that
one of the preachers in Gore took his services in the city. The collections for the
opening day were £7 9s 6d. During the week a tea meeting was held which realized
£11 19s.
With the opening of the church, Mr J. Baker kindly lent a small organ. Prior to this, all
the singing was unaccompanied. Now with an organ in the church a new field of
service was open — viz, a choir. So with Miss Howells as the first organist and Mr A.
Palmer as the first choirmaster, there was inaugurated what was later to become one of
the best choirs in Southland and Otago.
To meet the loan repayments of the new church of £14 6s per year the trustees decided
to charge a pew rent. The scale of charges was as follows:—
1 sitting - - - 2/- per quarter
2 sittings - - - 4/- per quarter
3 sittings - - - 5/- per quarter
4 sittings - - - 6/3 per quarter
Full Seats - - - 25/- per year
It was hoped that this rent would more than meet the repayments. In fact, it met about
half of them. So that throughout the years until the loan was wiped out, other sources
of income had to be found mainly by a special collection on Church Anniversary
Sunday, which during these years amounted to a yearly average of £9. In September,
1891, the church debt was finally paid and the trustees and the church people in
general felt the lifting of a burden. For so long as the debt remained, very little could
be done to maintain the property which, after seven years, required attention. Little
wonder that on payment of the debt the members of the church celebrated a month of
self-denial and the proceeds of the effort went towards repainting and repairing the
building.
When the church was built it was lit, like most other buildings, with kerosene lamps.
But, in 1889, Mr John Watt, a tinsmith and sheet-metal worker, who worked in what
he called his "cave", the building in which the "Self Help" grocery shop is now
housed, began to operate a gas lighting plant in the town. This plant was set up in the
Borough yards in Oldham Street, and utilized water and fat which was converted into
gas. Although the light thus produced was superior in many ways to the kerosene
lamps it was never a paying proposition, for the fat clogged up the pipes and the
company operated only from November, 1890, to July, 1891, when it was forced to
close down.
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Believing this lighting scheme to be a permanently vast improvement on the common
kerosene lamp, the trustees had it installed in the church in January, having paid the
sum of £15 for the first year's supply. In July it was necessary to revert to the lamps.
This, however, was not to last for long. For towards the end of 1893 there was set up
in the town the Gore Electric Light Syndicate, headed by Mr Woodhouse, a Dunedin
Solicitor, and a Mr Postlethwaite, an engineer of Mataura. The Syndicate installed a
generator on the same site as the old gas plant and supplied electricity to the Borough.
In July, 1895, the Board of Trustees considered installing the electric light in the
church and, after having consulted a Mr Ramsay, an electrician, it was put in in
October. Seven lights were installed for the cost of £7 and the lighting charge was a
guarantee of 12/- per month. Through this action the church had the distinction of
being the first Methodist Church in New Zealand to be lit by electricity.
At the turn of the century the population of Gore was almost double that of 10 years
earlier, and the church and facilities in Mersey Street were grossly overtaxed. The
Sunday School was suffering for the want of adequate space, so it was decided that as
soon as possible another church must be built. When the new church was in sight the
old building was rented to Mr G. B. Paterson in August, 1908, on condition that the
church should have as much use of the building as possible for the next six months. It
was finally sold to Mrs R. L. Christie in July, 1909, for £300.
CHAPTER 3
THE FIRST PARSONAGE
According to New Zealand Methodist Law, a newly constituted circuit is obliged after
four years to provide a suitably furnished parsonage for a married minister. If it is
unable to fulfil this obligation, Conference may relieve it for a year, or more. Many
circuits, even of more recent time, have been relieved in this way. However, such a
position, although at the time it provides financial relief, does not build up the
corporate strength of the church, for by failing to provide for a minister, his wife and
family, the spiritual life and fellowship of the church lacks that cohesion which is
centred around the parsonage.
As was stated earlier, Gore was in this position in 1886. Because of the financial
position, brought about through the closing of so many preaching places, and the debt
on the church that was only two years old, the circuit was not in a position to launch
out on a scheme that would further jeopardize the finances of the church, even
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although, ultimately, the circuit would benefit from it. So for each year for the next
four years the circuit asked to be relieved of its obligations.
But in spite of not being able to meet its obligations the circuit was never happy about
the position, for Gore was grow-ng. So was the circuit. In 1887 there were 61
members on the roll and 81 children in the Sunday School. A parsonage was a
necessity. Yet because of the financial position, it was an impossibility. And the fact
that in 1889 it was decided to erect a parsonage the following year speaks volumes for
the faith of the church at that time.
In 1889 the Quarterly Meeting resolved itself into a Parsonage Building Committee
until such time as a properly constituted Parsonage Trust was formed. This was done
on January 6, 1890. Those appointed were Joseph Baker, Watchmaker, Gore; Andrew
Martin, Journalist, Gore; Wm. Joseph Collins, Farmer, Chatton; John Gilder, Farmer,
Gore; Jabez Allott, Farmer, Gore; David Dewar, Compositor, Gore; John Dewar,
Gore; William Wilson, Gore; Christopher Woodyatt, Draper, Gore; George Trew,
Ironmonger, Gore; and William Henry Henderson, Gore. Mr D. Gilbert, who was one
of the original trustees appointed in 1880 along with the Invercargill men was
appointed Secretary-Treasurer, with Mr Woodyatt as his assistant.
Immediately a parsonage fund was established and the Rev. Mr Taylor offered to
canvass for subscriptions. Within a month he had received donations and promises to
the value of £120 2s 6d. With this encouraging beginning the trustees set to work to
prepare plans. Little did they know of what lay ahead of them before the house was
built and finally paid for. The first plans for a six-roomed dwelling with stall, stable
and buggy shed combined, had the house facing in the wrong direction, and too small.
So the architect was asked to prepare new plans and a meeting was called for a
fortnight later to discuss the alterations. When the meeting had assembled, Mr Willis
(the architect) sent word that he would not furnish a new plan and refused to have
anything further to do with the Trust. The meeting had no option but to adjourn.
Eventually plans were drawn up and tenders were called. In the meantime two offers
of homes were made to the Trust, one in Gordon — a five-roomed house and stable on
¼-acre land for £250; the other a six-roomed house and stable on ¼-acre for £330.
Both offers were declined.
Four tenders were received for the parsonage. Prices ranging from £323 18s to £402
9s. The lowest tender from Mr A. C. Johnston was received but only by a slender vote.
Then immediately Mr Baker rose in the meeting and declared he was against
involving the church in such a large debt, and thereupon resigned and left the meeting.
It would appear there was a strong division in the Trust over the erection of the house.
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The continual grind of financial worry blights the faith of the best of men so that
rather than go ahead they prefer to mark time. The story is the same in every age.
What to do for the best is not easy to discover. The trustees well understood how Mr
Baker felt, and looking back over the years, it would appear one or two others were
tempted to do the same thing. Before the next trust meeting Mr D. Gilbert, the
Secretary and the only local foundation trustee, also tendered his resignation.
So confused was the issue about the parsonage that at the next meeting the accepted
tender was rescinded and the tenderer was asked to submit plans for a house costing
approximately £240. When the alterations were received, once again they were not
accepted. He was then offered thirty shillings to prepare a new set of plans and
specifications for a house and stable for approximately the above figure. Finally, a set
of plans was approved and the tenderers who had submitted a price for the original
house were asked to submit one for the new plan. Latham and Cumberbeach were
successful and their price was £257. To meet the payment, £100 was borrowed from
the Church Building and Loan Fund.
Because of the straitened financial conditions, the quarterly meeting in a fit of
depression ruled that the parsonage be not furnished. What they expected the new
minister to do is anybody's guess. Fortunately, the Rev. Mr Taylor who had been
living in a rented house and who was moving at the end of the church year, offered to
sell his furniture to the church for £40. The Trust considered this was very reasonable.
The offer was accepted and £15 was paid as part payment. The balance was not paid
until some time later. The parsonage was opened late in the year 1890, and the new
minister, the Rev. C. Abernethy, moved into it. But although the church had a
parsonage and could look with pride at what had been done, nevertheless, all the
difficulties connected with it were far from being over. The £100 mortgage hung
around the necks of the trustees like a mill stone. Often the repayments were in
arrears, and in those days the penalty was a 10 per cent. surcharge on all overdue
accounts. For the next 10 years the trustees struggled to fulfil their commitments and
in 1901 the debt was liquidated.
Two years later it was considered advisable to quit the property in favour of one in
which both parsonage and church could be close together. The church, now 20 years
old, was becoming more and more inconvenient. Further, there was no room on the
section for expansion. So in August, 1904, the property on the corner of Irk and
Fairfield Streets, consisting of 1 rood 18.3 perches, was purchased from Mrs F. S.
Douglas for £750. Although the house was erected in 1883 it was considered to be
suitable for a parsonage for it had six rooms. At the side of the house, and at the back,
was adequate ground for church extension work. The minister, the Rev. J. A. Hosking,
moved into it immediately.
On January 25, 1905, the old parsonage was sold to Mrs L. F. Horn for £500.
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CHAPTER 4
THE CIRCUIT GROWS UP 1890 - 1912
The formative years of any church are difficult because a church is essentially a group
of people united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ. It is a congregation of people
that has become a family. Such a condition does not mature over-night. It has to
develop through the process of sharing and struggling together. A circuit is a group of
such churches which, as well as seeing the individual as a member of the
congregational family, also sees the total congregation as a member of a larger family
of churches in the area. This grouping of congregations into the larger family of the
circuit is distinctive to Methodism and has been largely responsible for its strength.
It is likely then that if the growth of a church takes time the growth of a circuit will
take longer. The initial years of Methodism are often prolonged and difficult. This
period of a circuit's existence could be more correctly described as a mission, where
the minister goes from place to place as an itinerant preacher. Once he has worked his
way around the circuit he starts all over again.
Gore was no exception. In the first years of the circuit's history, the minister visited
Gore, Tapanui, Kelso, Mataura, Otaraia, Waipahi, Pukerau, Croydon and Charlton.
But one could hardly refer to this area as a circuit, first, because there was little
interest for the people of one area by those of another, and secondly, because many of
these preaching places did not have a keenly interested congregation. In some of the
places services of worship were maintained only through the interest of one or two
people. For example, in 1886 there was a Sunday School at Charlton with 30 children
on the roll. Later in the year the Superintendent left the district and the school closed
for lack of leadership. However, it was re-opened in 1889 with a roll of 36 under the
leadership of Mr J. Allott, who had moved in from Te Tipua, and Mr Ward. At the
same time most encouraging services were held there in the residence of a Mrs
Thomas. She too left, and because it did not occur to anyone else to offer their home,
services were discontinued. They were recommenced in 1889, there being 50 persons
present on that occasion.
However, by the end of the first decade, much had been done to develop a sense of
community in the circuit. With a church in Gore nearly free of debt and a parsonage in
view, the circuit entered the second stage of its existence, the stage which could be
called its "coming of age" and which was to last for the best part of 20 years,
culminating with the erection of the new church in Irk Street in 1909.
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Throughout the first 10 years, services in the Gore district had been held at Waipahi,
Arthurton, Pukerau, Croydon, Charlton, Mandeville, Mataura, Te Tipua, Wyndham
and Otaraia. At the commencement of the second decade the preaching places were
only Gore, Waipahi and Arthurton. Although the apparent size of the circuit was
somewhat reduced, yet the circuit was numerically stronger. Whereas there were only
23 members in 1883, there were 61 in 1890, five of these being at Waipahi and six at
Arthurton. With the reduction of the number of preaching places to three, it was easier
for these three places to be welded into a circuit. Waipahi, as it has been seen, was
always a promising place, although it must always be recognized that many of those
who supported the church were not Methodists. Furthermore, the church served a
community in which there was no denominational consciousness. But once this
conscious-ness developed it was not long before the community was split. In 1895 the
Presbyterian Church was built at Waipahi and its opening marked the beginning of the
end of Methodism there. Services were reduced to once a month and at the end of
1897 they ceased. In 1902 there was a request to re-open them but it was not
sustained.
Although hampered by financial worries, the church in Gore in 1890 was beginning to
grow very quickly and was having a big influence on the growing town. This
influence was due to three things of which the first was the quality of the ministers. In
the first decade, probationers had been sent and, although young and energetic, they
were inexperienced in church management. Now with the parsonage erected, older
and more mature men were appointed. Secondly, the quality of the laity. The people
who made the church, as well as being devout Chris-tian people who took their
religion seriously, were also folk who took their civic affairs seriously, and so held the
respect of the community at large. Such people as Mr and Mrs A. Martin (Mr Martin
was both Councillor and Mayor), Mr and Mrs D. Dewar, Mr and Mrs J. Baker, to
mention only a very few, were strong and virile personalities. An impression is gained
of these people from the fact that in 1894 when Mr D. Gilbert was Superintendent of
the Sunday School, there were 108 children on the roll, while the population of Gore
was about 1750. The third factor, and by no means the least, was "The Choir". The
Gore Methodist Choir, founded by Mr and Mrs A. Palmer in 1884, was under the
directorship of Mr E. G. McPherson, who, although a very temperamental man, was
essentially a choirmaster and organist of outstanding merit. Sacred and secular music
was his life, and he was privileged to have plenty of talent to work on. So keen was he
for the choir to sing during the evening service that the custom developed of singing
three anthems — after the collection, after the sermon, and at the end. Because the
services were too long, the quarterly meeting ruled in 1892 that there be only one
anthem.
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The Gore Methodist Choir outside the church in 1886. The Rev. B. F. Rothwell is on the left.
With such a choir as this it was no wonder that many people not interested in
attending church would crowd on the footpath outside the church on a fine evening
just to hear it sing. Besides singing in church, the choir presented up to six concerts a
year in the Town Hall. In fact it became the custom for the choir to be asked to give a
public concert, if, and when money was required. So highly did the church rank its
choir and choirmaster that he was paid an honorarium of £14 per annum. Record has it
that at one time the Trust was not in a position to pay him his dues, so forthwith he
resigned. The Trust hurriedly met, and approved of his holding a public concert and
taking the whole of the proceeds himself. The concert was held and he withdrew his
resignation — he must have been satisfied.
In July, 1895, Mr McPherson left Gore for Wyndham to commence a newspaper there
and, because of the high esteem in which he was held in the town, there was given to
him a Grand Farewell Benefit Concert under the patronage of the Mayor, Councillors
and leading citizens of this town. Although the night was very cold, there was a good
attendance. At the end of the concert the Rev. W. Tinsley presented Mr McPherson
with a marble clock.
With these three factors at work, the life of the circuit was consolidated and the people
settled down to reality. For example, in 1885 the circuit decided to be independent of
any financial assistance from the Home Mission Department. But in spite of the high
hopes of being independent, several ministers had to go without their full stipend
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before the circuit realised that, no matter how great the desire to be self-supporting, it
was not possible at the time. So, in 1891, the circuit swallowed its pride and asked for
a very generous grant of £30 per year, which was given. This assistance was continued
until 1908, when once again the circuit decided to be independent. But this time not
before Conference was thanked for having helped in the time of need. At the end of
1889 the envelope system for church finance was instituted and Messrs Baker and
Gilbert were appointed the first Treasurers of this method of church finance. For
several years it did not work satisfactorily, but finances did improve. The important
thing, however, was that it helped to develop a church consciousness. At the same
time as the envelope system was introduced, the circuit appointed Mr Joseph Baker as
the circuit's first representative to the annual Conference. Since the days when Gore
was part of the Tapanui circuit, no representative had been sent and then it was
generally a Tapanui person.
About this time Riversdale, Balfour and Lumsden began to develop very quickly
under the promotion of the New Zealand Agricultural Company, and it was expected
that these surveyed townships would develop into sizeable towns. Already services
had commenced at Riversdale, although they never developed very much and ceased
in 1893, and at Wendon in 1890 (these also did not continue for long). Nevertheless,
the minister at the time, the Rev. R. Taylor, visualised along with many others, a
prosperous Methodist Church in each of these centres. So, working on his own
initiative, he approached the Company and was fortunate enough to receive for the
price of the transfer only, two quarter-acre sections on the corner of Liverpool and
Devon Streets in Riversdale, and two half-acre sections on the corner of Forest and
Garden Streets in Lumsden.
As these two townships did not develop as was expected of them, the sections were
never used, so, in 1957, the Riversdale sections were sold for £200, the Lumsden
sections being retained as there is every indication that of all the townships on the
Waimea Plains, Lumsden might approximate to what was anticipated of it 70 years
ago.
Although the early nineties marked the beginning of the circuit's consolidation, it was
also a period of hard grind. With the coming of each new minister there was a hope in
the circuit that it would be out of the woods in a very short time. No sooner had the
minister settled than the circuit placed on record the great work that had taken place
since his arrival. But within two or three years strained relationships and
misunderstandings between minister and quarterly board, often over finance, were
resolved only after the minister had credited the circuit with his unpaid stipend and
then left.
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Looking back over the years the sense of uncertainty that existed in the minds of so
many ministers had an adverse effect on the laymen. Records show there was often a
heated argument between laity and minister and between laity and laity. Threats of
resignation were not only common to the Board of Trustees, but also to the Quarterly
Board as well, and often amongst those who had served the church the longest. These
disputes were never treated lightly. For the church recognized it was a church and not
just an organization where only the fittest survived the battle. Every possible means
was used to bring about a reconciliation, and it is to the credit of the church that both
minister and laity waited upon each other to iron out the differences, and often a hurt
member was brought back into the church.
In 1900 services were recommenced at Mataura and, for the first time on record,
women were elected as representatives to the Quarterly Meeting. They were
Mesdames Moss and Wellbrook from Mataura, Mesdames Reeve, Dewar and Miss
Shepherd from Gore. Whether or not it was the result of this female intrusion into this
local high court of the church we shall never know, but from that time onwards the
meetings were never the same. Whereas before they had been always held in the
church and then in the parsonage when it was built, now they were held in one
another's homes. Record has it that it was sometimes after 11 p.m. before supper was
served, and from reports there did not always appear to be very much business on the
agenda.
The old Tea Meeting or Soiree, was fast dying out and its place was taken by the
Drawing Room evening, and the week-night meeting for study. Just before the end of
the century, the Quarterly Meeting resolved to ask the minister to commence a
Theological Class during the week, for church members. We have no indication how
successful this venture was.
It is sufficient to say that the spiritual life of the circuit was improving and it was
evident to many. So much so, that there has been placed on record the thankfulness of
the Quarterly Meeting to Almighty God for the improved spiritual tone — January,
1902. And for the first time on record the financial statement showed a true credit
balance. It was only £3, but it was enough to make the Quarterly Board members sing
the "Doxology". From that time onwards, the circuit went ahead at a steady pace and,
except for a few minor matters, it was beginning to see success. The Arthurton
Society, which was established in 1886, still refused to take up a collection at its services, being content to make a quarterly contribution to the sustentation fund. Even
after the Quarterly Board had sent repeated deputations, the people remained firm, and
never once in the history of its 20 years of afternoon services was a collec-tion taken
up. Mandeville, although never having a large congregation, always had a faithful one.
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It was commenced by the Rev. B. F. Rothwell in 1885, and in 1887 a Sunday School
was started, with Mr E. Fisher as Superintendent. For a few years services were held
at Pyramid, but they reverted to Mandeville and were continued until 1910.
The chief cause of concern at this time, 1902, was the condi-ion of the Gore Trust
properties. True, the church and parsonage had been cleared of debt, but in the
meantime they had slipped into bad condition, and were in need of repair. So
concerned was the circuit about the state of the buildings, that at the September
Quarterly Meeting of that year, when a letter was received from the President of
Conference concerning the raising of the minister's stipend, it was resolved not to act
until something had first been done to the properties. However, the story has a sequel.
When the Rev. H. Beggs, who was minister at the time, was about to leave Gore for
his next appointment, the Quarterly Meeting, after having expressed their thanks to
him for his services, resolved to give him the credit balance of the quarter. Although it
was very small, nevertheless this equalizing of finances was a faithful gesture,
showing the appreciation of the church members, not only to Mr Beggs, but also to all
those ministers who in former years had done the same thing for the circuit. It is
pleasing to note that two years later, when there were two increases in stipend, both
were unanimously approved, and at the same time an additional £2 per quarter was
given to the minister for travelling.
In the decade between 1896-1906 the population of Gore increased by over 1000, with
the result that there was a corresponding increase in church membership from 54 to
87. This increase made all the difference between a struggling and hesitant church and
one that was confident. So that during the early years of the 1900's it was possible to
speak in terms of a new church. Already the congregations were too large for the
existing building and the Sunday School was hampered by lack of adequate facilities.
So that for a time, both were held in the Town Hall. The monthly service at Charlton
was increased to fortnightly, and a Bible Class of over 30 members met regularly
every Sunday in Gore. The choir, under the direction of Messrs Higgins, Mayo and
Barren since 1897, was still a strong part of the church life.
The circuit had consolidated, the struggle of former years was being rewarded, and the
people were beginning to see that their faith had not been in vain. Although there were
difficulties ahead, the pattern of church life had been established, and the circuit had
developed its distinctive qualities which have endured until the present time.
This maturity of the circuit was finally expressed in the erection of the new church in
1909, and furthermore, when in that same year, it invited for the first time the District
General Synod.
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CHAPTER 5
THE NEW CHURCH
In 1884 when the first church was built, it was designed to meet the needs of a town
with fewer than 1000 people. The early records state it accommodated 150 persons.
How these were seated in a building measuring 24ft x 36ft and at the same time
provide for an aisle, a pulpit, and a choir, remains a mystery. As the windows were
built fairly close to the ground, one imagines that latecomers must have been content
to view proceedings from the outside.
By 1903, the population of Gore had increased three fold, and the church membership
had increased from 33 to 72, with a corresponding increase in the Sunday School roll.
It was evident, therefore, the building was too small for the congregation.
Furthermore, the minister at that time was the Rev. Hugh Beggs, who was a most
popular figure in the town and an excellent preacher. Because the church was not able
to accommodate all those who came to hear him of a Sunday evening, it was decided,
in April, 1903, to hold the evening services in the Town Hall. These services were
most popular and, night after night, the hall was packed. However, such a situation
could not continue indefinitely. A new church was needed quickly. In September of
that year, the Board of Trustees decided to look around for a new site, more central,
and with more room for future expansion, so the property on the corner of Irk and
Fairfield Streets was purchased for £750. To pay for this section £350 was borrowed,
interest free, from the Church Building and Loan Fund for 10 years. The balance was
made up from the sale of the old parsonage.
At the same time as the property was bought, the Trustees began to investigate the
response to a proposal for a new church. People were thrilled with the idea. So keen
were they, that within 12 months a subscription list was opened and £200 was
immediately promised. With this enthusiasm in the air the Board of Trustees
considered the type of building most suitable for the growing church.
After much consideration it was decided to erect a building similar to the then
Methodist Church in Teviot Street, South Invercargill. (This church was more
commonly known as St. Paul's and after 1913 it was sold to the Church of Christ.) An
architect (Mr E. R. Wilson) was engaged to submit the plans.
The congregation, having decided to erect a church that would be a credit to the town,
asked the architect to design a building on pretentious lines. But it recognized that it
might not be possible to finance such a building immediately, and asked him to submit
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a design for a building which, when only partly finished, would nevertheless look
complete. This he did. Unfortunately, the only plan of this church was destroyed in the
fire which gutted the S.S. Hall and church vestry in 1957.
The building was 60ft x 30ft, with two transepts in the south end, making the church
45ft wide at that point. The northwest corner, where the present entrance is, was to be
a tower with a spire 100ft high. The main entrance was to be on the east side. In the
roof there were four ventilating louvres (these were demolished when the roof was
retiled in 1954).
Inside the church there was to be a gallery in the north end to hold 56 persons. In the
south end an organ loft. The pulpit in the south-east corner finished with four "stop
chambered" standards, having turned tops and moulded rails and turned balusters.
There was to be a communion rail, 21 arched windows with lead lights and a cross at
the north end, while the choir was to be seated in a semi-circle along the south wall.
There were to be two lift x 8ft vestries at the back. The building was to accommodate
about 500 persons. The expected price of the building was not under £1900.
Although both trustees and congregation had every hope that they would be able to
finance such a building, common sense prevailed; for at the time, all the money in
hand was the £275, being the net proceeds from the sale of the old church and £200 in
promises. Before such a building could be financed, the trustees decided to canvass
the district for further amounts and hold an effort or two, so there was set up a very
active working committee to see what could be done. A canvass was made of
Arthurton, Mandeville, Brydone, Charlton and Croydon as well as Gore. Two
members of the Trust went to each of the country districts, and eight men were sent
around Gore. In 1907 a sale of work was held and £140 was made.
Early in 1908, it was seen that if a new church was to be erected on the 25th
anniversary of the old one, it would have to be a modified form of the abovesubmitted plan. Both trust and circuit were of the opinion £1200 would be the
maximum amount they could afford at the moment. Many of the members were
insistent that a tower and spire were to be desired, so a letter was sent to the Church
Building and Loan Fund Committee requesting an increase in the promised amount of
£350 for the erection of a spire. The reply was that £350 was the maximum amount,
and then only providing no spire was built
We might think the committee rather hard, but it needs to be remembered that only
four years earlier a similar amount had been borrowed from the same source, and had
then not been paid back in full. Had the trustees been granted the £550 they asked, the
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total indebtedness at that time would have been approximately £750, which was a lot
of money in those days.
With only £1200 to spend, the architect submitted the suggestion that the original plan
be accepted in principle and that the church should go ahead and erect 50ft of the
nave, leaving out the transepts and the tower, and making a temporary entrance where
the tower would be, with no entrance on the east side. On the south, a temporary
wooden wall could be built and only one vestry, 18ft x 8ft. If such a scheme as this
was begun, it would be an easy thing to finish the building at a later date, when money
came to hand. Little did the Board of Trustees think, when they accepted this
suggestion, that this partly-finished church was to be, for all intents and purposes, the
completed church and that congregations would come and go years afterwards, never
knowing but that the church they worshipped in was anything else but completed.
With the proposed modifications fully agreed to, tenders for the erection of the church
were called in November, 1908. Even then the trustees were of the opinion that the
dearly wanted tower and spire, which was to be the dominant feature of the town
would be erected in the very near future. So that, in calling for tenders there were to be
two quotes, one including a wooden temporary porch, and the other a brick. The
difference in price between the two quotes from the six tenders received was on the
average £30 only. With so little difference between having a wooden or brick porch
the trustees decided to have a brick one. Fifty years later we are grateful for their
wisdom. When tenders for the erection of the church were received the prices ranged
from £1087 to £1906. Because of a mistake in calculation, the tenderer to whom the
job was given declined to accept it. At a subsequent meeting it was given to Mr O.
Kelly, whose price was £1149. Mr Kelly had engaged Mr H. Stephenson to do the
brickwork, and so the first church of permanent material in Gore was erected.
Before tenders were called it was realised that more money would be needed for the
church when it was eventually built. So that, as early as June of that year, there was
set in operation the machinery for a "Monster Olde Englishe Fayre" to be held for four
days in the Town Hall from May 5, 1909. Some idea of the undertaking can be gauged
from the fact that, as well as having a Secretary and a Treasurer, there were also three
assistant secretaries. In order to provide every person with an opportunity to help in
this effort, there was specially established a young Women's Guild and a young Men's
Guild. These were in addition to the already established Ladies' Guild. Each guild
elected two representatives to the management committee of the Fair. Admission was
set at 6d for everyone.
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In all, 1375 people attended the Fair, which was opened by Mr A. H. MacGibbon, the
Mayor. After it was all over on the Saturday night, over £170 had been taken and,
although tired, everybody was well satisfied.
With work on the new church commencing at the beginning of December,
arrangements were made at the beginning of January for the foundation stone laying
on Wednesday, February 17 at 2.30 p.m., and a grand banquet in the Town Hall in the
evening.
Because of the importance of the new church in the town, it was decided to ask the
Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, to be present at the ceremony and lay the stone.
Unfortunately, he was not able to be present, but agreed if the Trustees were willing to
ask the Hon. Geo. Fowlds (Minister of Education) to act in his stead. The Trustees
were willing.
For the occasion a platform was erected in Irk Street in front of the church on which
sat the official party: The Rev. W. Slade (Central Mission, Dunedin, Chairman of
Otago-South-land Synod), the Hon. G. Fowlds, the Rev. G. T. Marshall (Otautau), the
Rev. A. Gray (Presbyterian Church) and Mr C. J. Anderson, M.P. (Mataura).
The ceremony commenced with the singing of the Old Hundredth. Then the Rev. Mr
Marshall led in prayer. After his opening remarks, the chairman called upon the Hon.
G. Fowlds to lay the stone, a plain slab of granite with the year 1909 on it. This he did.
Addressing the assembly, he apologised for the absence of the Prime Minister, then
went on to speak about the church, how the spirit of the church had made possible all
the reform that Governments were expected to do, and that it was the church which
had initiated the movement for human liberty and freedom.
The next speaker was Mr C. J. Anderson, who said that compared with religion,
politics were trivial, and went on to mention that wherever there were Methodists
there was enthusiasm, that this was evident all over the Dominion, and he made
reference to the Methodist Church being the first church in Otago when it was
established by the Rev. J. Watkin in 1840.
The Rev. A. Gray, after congratulating the Minister, Officers and Members of the
Church referred to the present building as an embodiment of the idea that the soul was
calling out for God — a living God. He added that he hoped the Methodists would
help the Presbyterians in the erection of their own brick church when that day came.
(Little did he imagine it would not be until 50 years later.)
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The last speaker was the architect, Mr Wilson, who detailed what the church would
look like when complete, an oblong building 50ft x 30ft and 32ft high from the floor,
having two aisles. The walls would be supported by 16 buttresses, and entrance would
be gained by five concrete steps leading in from Irk Street. After the speeches a
collection was taken, realizing £13 10s.
In the evening the Banquet was held in the Town Hall, the ladies supplying both the
food and the decorations in the hall. Amongst those present were the chairman of the
district, His Worship the Mayor (Mr A. H. MacGibbon), the Member for Mataura, Mr
A. S. Malcolm, the Member for Clutha, the Rev. Mr Gray and visiting Methodist
Ministers from Southland.
During the evening toasts were proposed to the Legislature by Mr E. C. Smith, and
replied to by Mr Anderson; to the Southland Methodist Ministers' Council by the Rev.
A. Gray; and replied to by the Rev. A. Mitchell, Leet Street, Invercargill; to Gore by
Mr Andrew Martin and replied to by the Mayor.
It is interesting to recall that in the course of one of the speeches during the evening,
Mr J. M. Barren, who was also one of the Borough Councillors, remarked that action
required more than words and that if the Methodists could erect such a church as had
been outlined by the architect, then it was time the ratepayers built a suitable Town
Hall. The hall he referred to was destroyed by fire, within one month of 50 years from
the time he spoke those words.
On Sunday, the 6th June, the church was finished and ready for opening. The services
were conducted by the Chairman, the Rev. W. Slade. It was an exceedingly cold and
boisterous day so that the congregation in the morning was only fair. The minister
preached from 1 Chronicles Chapter 22, verse 5. In the afternoon, there was a
children's gathering which Mr Slade presided over. In the evening there was a good
congregation, as it was customary in those days for the evening congregations to be
the larger. Mr Slade once again conducted the service, taking as his text Acts: Chapter
16 verse 25. In the course of his sermon he said the new building was the new home of
Methodism and hoped it would have a successful career. It did not depend on the
ministers that a church should be successful but on the members of the church. The
evening anthem sung by the choir and conducted by Mr J. M. Barren, with Miss
Dewar at the organ was Gloria in Excelsis from 12th Mass. It is noted that quite
unbeknown to anyone, the same anthem was sung by the evening choir, conducted by
Mr W. T. Pethick with Mrs W. Carter at the organ, on the occasion of the 50th
anniversary of the opening of the church in 1959. The collections for the opening day
were £8 8s 10d.
With the completion of the church the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Trustees
released a financial statement:
£ s. d.
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Sale of Old Church
...... ...... ...... ......
Donations
...... ...... ...... ...... ......
Sale of Work (1907)
...... ...... ...... ......
Old English Fair
...... ...... ...... ......
Princess Chrysanthemum
...... ...... ......
Girls' Guild
......
......
......
......
......
Sunday School
...... ...... ...... ...... ......
Stone Laying Ceremony ..... ...... ...... ......
Interest P.O.S.B.
...... ...... ...... ...... ......
Opening Sunday Collections
...... ...... ......
Promises
...... ...... ...... ...... ......
Deficit
......
......
......
......
......
275 0 0
273 16 6
140 0 0
170 0 0
30 8 0
13 10 0
500
13 10 3
15 16 7
8 8 10
175 17 6
173 2 4
£1300 0 0
Cost of Church, Furnishings, etc., etc.
......
1300 0 0
£1300 0 0
The most disappointing thing after the erection of the church was that when the
Trustees went to collect the promises amounting to approximately £170, over 90 per
cent. of them were never honoured so that they were forced to borrow nearly £350.
With this debt over their heads, the Trustees could not think in terms of a magnificent
spire. By the time the debt was paid the situation had changed. New Zealand had no
time to think of such luxuries for every nerve and fibre was directed to fighting in the
First World War.
The Church as it appeared in 1909, with the Parsonage beside it.
No history of the building of the church would be complete unless mention was made
of the man who, more than anybody else was responsible for the erection of the
building. He was Mr G. B. Paterson, Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Trustees.
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Elected as a Trustee in 1903, he was made Secretary-Treasurer at the same meeting
and honourably held this position until 1915. To him was given the vision of the new
church and the strength and will to see it built. During the years of preparation he
carried the heaviest responsibility in the administrative and organizational side. Being
a successful businessman, he put his well-tested methods to work for the church, and,
as well as working hard, he gave generously of his money.
On his resigning from office, the following minute was inserted in the Trust records
15th February, 1915:—
That this meeting receives with deep regret the resignation of Mr G. B. Paterson
as Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the church property,
consequent upon his removal to Queenstown. The meeting desires to place on
record its appreciation of the fidelity and ability with which he has discharged
the duties of his office and of the generous help he has always given to the Trust
funds. It recognizes that the possession of our present handsome church property
is due in large measure to the exercise of his foresight and business acumen on
behalf of the church he has so long served with loyal and loving devotion.
Mr. G. B. Patterson
The man responsible for the Church.
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CHAPTER 6
THE TRAGIC YEARS 1913-1923
With the opening of the Church in 1909, it might have been expected the future would
be easier. The circuit had matured. Gore was growing, so was Mataura. During the
next four years there was every sign of a prosperous future. In 1911, the Rev. M. A.
Rugby Pratt was appointed to the circuit. He was keen and energetic and was able to
capitalize on the growing prosperity of his charge, which consisted of 92 members and
105 children in the Gore Sunday School.
He commenced a Club for boys and girls which met in the church, and before he left
in 1915 he had raised the attendance to 71. He also commenced a Wesley Club for
young men and women, which had a membership of 47. In 1912 the young people's
Bible Class was too large for one person to handle, so it was divided into a young
men's and young women's, with Mrs E. C. Smith as its first leader of the young
women's. In the same year the Methodist Women's Missionary Union Auxiliary was
commenced and the choir, although strong in the past, was even stronger. Mr J. M.
Barron, who had taken over the choir in 1905 had done an excellent job. He retired in
1912 and Mr W. Shepard was appointed in his place. Unfortunately Mr Shepard was
not able to carry on for more than 12 months so Mr O. E. Champtaloup was appointed.
Financially the circuit was strong, and from time to time donations were sent to
struggling circuits throughout the Dominion as a gesture of goodwill. The strength of
the church at this time can be gauged from the fact that between 1911-1914, the
membership increased from 92 to 112. At the same time 51 members removed from
Gore to other towns. This increase is all the more impressive when it is considered
that during these years the population of Gore increased by 80 only. Furthermore, the
circuit was not unaware of its prosperity, which it deeply appreciated, and a minute to
this effect is recorded on 9th July, 1912. However, this condition was not to last for
long. For from 1913 to 1923 the circuit was to pass through some very deep waters.
That it emerged in 1923 is adequate evidence that unseen, yet ever present amidst all
the difficulties was God, Who having brought it through the trials of the first 10 years
was to take it through another similar period.
This period, which has been called the tragic years, began at the end of March, 1913,
with the big flood. At this time it had been raining continuously for nearly 36 hours
and there was plenty of water lying around. As was expected the Mataura River was
running high, but no one thought much about it. So, with an easy mind, the residents
of Gore and Mataura went to sleep on Friday night, 28th. Even those who were awake
at midnight were unaware that anything was wrong, and that within five hours disaster
would strike the town.
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At 5 a.m. residents in the centre of Gore were awakened by the ringing of the fire bell
and those in the North End by the letting off of detonators. No one really knew what it
was all about and record has it that many, thinking it a fire, turned over in their beds
and went to sleep again. It was only the roaring noise of the river sweeping down on
the town that finally roused the people to the danger they were in. The disaster,
coming as it did as a complete surprise, caught almost everyone ill-prepared. Within
20 minutes the water burst over the railway line and embankment and flooded the
town. Some people had not time even to get dressed, let alone save anything. By 9
a.m. there was five feet of water swirling through the town between Main and
Ardwick Streets. Fortunately there was no loss of life. Had the disaster struck in
darkness the situation would have been much worse. However, in the grey light of
dawn, people made their way to safety.
In the middle of this deluge stood the church, not four years old, and the parsonage
alongside it. Soon water was rushing in one end and out the other. Fortunately Mr
Pratt and his wife managed to act quickly enough, and much of the parsonage
furniture was stacked above the high water line, although the interior of the house was
badly flood stained and had to be renovated throughout at a cost of £17 18s. The
church must always stand in debt to Mr Pratt for his foresight in safeguarding the
church records. It is known he deposited the earliest records in safe custody, but
whether this was done before or after the flood is not known. However, all the records
are intact because of what he did. Without his action the earlier part of this history
could never have been written.
When the flood subsided, as it did in the next three or four days, it left behind inches
of silt and mud which took days to clean. Until the church was ready for use, services
were held in the Gore Main School which had escaped the flood by a few feet.
However, willing hands that were not otherwise engaged in clearing up their own
homes, set to work on the church and had it cleaned up as tidily as possible. The most
unfortunate loss in the flood was the organ. This was ruined, and although an offer
was made to have it repaired, it was considered not worthwhile. So a new one was
purchased at the cost of £68 2s 8d. It was installed, free of debt, just two months after
the flood. In order to raise the money, the choir put on a special concert, a special
appeal was made to the young people of the church, and Mr R. W. McCreath
approached some of the people in Invercargill Church who at the time of the flood had
expressed their sympathy.
Considering the damage to the building and the inconvenience, the work of the church
went remarkably smoothly. By the end of June things were nearly back to normal.
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The next blow which struck the church was one that involved every church. Within 15
months of tidying up after the flood, New Zealand was at war, and before this
holocaust was ended 36 young men from the church (many of whom were keen, active
leaders) enlisted in the First Expeditionary Force.
With the coming of the war, the church suffered a setback from which it never really
recovered. When the war was ended, conditions had changed out of all recognition.
One of the first things to be disbanded was the Wesley Club in 1915. Then the choir,
which had been the pride of the church for nearly 30 years, lost many of its members,
and before the war was over it was reduced to a handful of people with no permanent
choirmaster.
The backbone of the church during these years was the Ladies' Guild. Often with only
a few members to do the work, it carried on. When other departments of the church
were unable to meet their responsibilities, the Ladies' Guild rose to the occasion.
There was a stability in the Guild that was not always shown elsewhere, and for that
reason the church felt confident in relying on it.
In 1915 Mr Pratt was appointed to Hastings, and the circuit invited the Minister from
Reefton, but because of his health he was not able to come. The Rev. N. Turner was
appointed and it was hoped that the strong lead Mr Pratt had given would also be
exercised by Mr Turner. Unfortunately this was not the case, and at the end of the year
he left.
He was followed by the Rev. G. Mann who, although a tall man (6ft 2in) was not
strong. Prior to his coming to Gore he had had two breakdowns in health and a third
came during his second year in the circuit. In his third year it was necessary for him to
undergo an operation which, although successful, left him very weak. He was
discharged from hospital at the end of September, 1918.
At this time many of the troops from overseas were returning home, for the war was
almost finished. With their return they brought back an influenza virus that was almost
as deadly as the bullets they used in their rifles. An epidemic broke out in the camps,
which spread throughout New Zealand killing hundreds. Gore was no exception. So
serious was it in the town that an emergency hospital was set up at the racecourse. At
one time there were 55 people in it.
Volunteer staff worked night and day going the rounds of houses, bringing relief and
comfort to those afflicted, while in the Town Hall a disinfectant depot was set up. The
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telephone exchange had to work shortened hours through lack of staff, and this only
tended to complicate matters all the more.
Many notable citizens of the town died in the epidemic. The first was the editor of the
Mataura Ensign, and the second was Mr Mann. He passed away shortly before 8 p.m.
on Saturday night, October 26; he was 50 years of age. As it was Labour Day
weekend when he passed away, he was not buried until the Tuesday afternoon, with
Military honours, having been a chaplain to the forces. His funeral was conducted by
the Rev. A. Peters, of Invercargill.
His death was another serious blow to the circuit, for he was beginning to tie together
many of the loose ends of the church life. Having gained the confidence of the people,
he was able to encourage and comfort them during the war, as many other ministers
could never have done. For this reason the circuit was looking in confidence to him
for the future.
The war, the death of Mr Mann and the epidemic, together with the disintegrated
church life was haying its effect on the people. Whereas in 1912 the church had been
virile and active, now it was lethargic, and many members were indifferent to their
responsibilities. Finances which had been comparatively good, were once again
becoming a problem, so that it was necessary to ask for a Home Mission Grant in
1921. In 1920 tensions were high. On one occasion the Quarterly Meeting had to be
adjourned because only three members turned up. The faithful workers were feeling
the strain of things, and for 12 months they all resigned in the hope it would induce
others to; take a more active interest in the church. It did not. The extra responsibility
fell on the minister, so the old faithfuls were back again.
This feeling of frustration was also having an effect upon the ministers. Both the Revs.
R. Liddell and F. J. Parker stayed two years only, which meant that during this time
very little headway was made. So serious was the position that the Sunday School was
down to 30 children in 1923. Finances were as bad as ever and a grant of £45 was
asked for. In 1921 it was suggested that Gore take charge of the Edendale Circuit. The
reply was similar to that expressed nearly 40 years before when Tapanui asked for a
Home Missionary — Yes, provided no extra financial strain be placed on the circuit.
So Edendale elected to remain independent. In the same year Charlton was dropped
from the preaching plan. For nearly 40 years services had been conducted there, but
now, with modern transport and the development of Mataura, it was considered
redundant. The history of the Charlton services, were it written, would make an
interesting story. Sufficient is it to say the church is greatly indebted to those who,
through the years maintained the services, especially the loyal band of local preachers
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who, Sunday by Sunday, conducted the services when the minister was unable to be
there.
On this note the chapter on the "Tragic Years" is brought to a close. With the coming
of the next minister, the Rev. W. H. Hocking in 1923, the sun began to shine once
again, and the life of the church began to quicken.
CHAPTER 7
PROGRESS AND DEPRESSION 1923 - 1936
Although the 1914-18 War had caused much sorrow to many nations, not least to our
own, which lost 15,000 of her sons, nevertheless outwardly for us here in New
Zealand things went on very much as usual. Our foodstuffs and primary products still
found a ready market overseas, so by 1923 things were back to normal. Businesses
were developing and the daily papers were advertising the latest motor cars for sale, of
.which there was a good selection. There were the Overlands, Whippets, and
Hupmobiles now long out of production, and the best of them could be bought for
£200 to £400. The radio also was beginning to make its appearance in the homes, even
although the reception was often so bad that one was never sure whether the noise
through the speaker was music or static. The cylindrical gramophone record had
given place to the pressed disc of today, and many families were acquiring a
reasonably good selection of them.
It was at this time that the Rev. W. H. Hocking came to Gore from Roxburgh, where
he had exercised a very successful ministry. Although the membership of the circuit
was 117, it was in debt to the sum of £70. The stipend paid was only £225, which was
£25 less than the minimum, and, as well, an annual grant of £45 was received from the
Home Mission Department. The Sunday School Roll was 35, and there was no Bible
Class. Such a state of affairs would not have encouraged any minister on his arrival.
One feature, however, that brought some measure of relief was the formation of the
Ladies' Guild at Mataura in 1922. This group of women had a capacity to make
money, and at the end of the first year's effort they netted £68. One can imagine the
appreciation of the Quarterly Meeting when half this amount was handed over to help
liquidate the circuit debt. Mr Hocking was quick to see the immediate response to the
work of the Guild and, using his drive and initiative, began to organise other group
efforts. Both he and his wife organised concerts, which, from the records, were most
favourably received at Gore and Mataura. As well as supplementing the circuit
income, they welded the members of the congregations together, increased its
potential for fellowship, and showed, above all else, that although the circuit was
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down, there was no need for it to stay there. As a preacher Mr Hocking appealed to
men, and the Quarterly Meeting records its appreciation of the number of men at the
services. Such enthusiasm soon achieved results, and by April, 1924, just 12 months
after his arrival, the Circuit Debt was wiped out. Later in the year it was resolved not
to apply for any further assistance from the Home Mission Department as it was
confidently felt the circuit could now stand on its own feet.
The increased life of the church brought with it increased difficulties, particularly with
regards to accommodation. As yet the church building was all that was available,
although constant pressure was being brought to bear for a Sunday School Hall. In
1924 a senior Bible Class had been started with 22, while the Wesley Club had
increased its members to 24, and all the time the Sunday School was growing. So
cramped were they for room that the Quarterly Meeting asked the Trustees to enlarge
the vestry at the back of the church. For some reason or other this was never done.
With the circuit quickly returning to its former strength, finances and problems of how
to balance an impossible budget were no longer so important, so the Quarterly
Meeting began to think about other things, not the least being that the Foreign Mission
Department arrange its income from circuits on an allocation basis — a principle
finally adopted some years later. In 1925 a committee was set up to investigate the
possibility of combining the circuit and trust accounts. This system of finance,
together with that of the Foreign Mission Department as above, was an attempt to
organize all the church finance on a kind of budget system. For some reason nothing
was ever done. Had it worked, however, it would have pioneered a field which was to
be Connexionally endorsed nearly 40 years later.
However, not all the deliberations of the high court of the circuit had such foresight,
for on several occasions it unanimously resolved to ask Conference to abolish what
was then the Young People's Department, which was later to become the Youth
Department, and now is the Department of Christian Education. One can only imagine
the smiles on the "faces of the church fathers when this request came before them. No
doubt the Quarterly Meeting had its reasons for this suggestion. Added to this concern
for the welfare of the church at large went a similar concern for the minister. In
January, 1925, he was given £5 to have a holiday — a meagre amount nowadays, but
then, sufficient for a fortnight's living. While he was away the supply preachers had
their full fare paid from Dunedin and Invercargill. Whether such a gesture was
considered out of order will never be known, for it was not repeated.
In 1926 the matter of re-opening services at Pukerau was considered. The idea was
that local preachers would conduct the Mataura services to free the minister to travel
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to Pukerau, but after further consideration it was decided not to proceed with the
scheme and from that time onwards no attempt has been made to re-open Methodist
services in that township.
In the same year Mr E. C. Smith resigned as Sunday School Superintendent, having
served in this capacity for 25 years. During his term of office he had seen many
changes in the Sunday School. When he took over in 1901 the roll was 62 with seven
teachers, and it rose to 108 before he was able to find additional permanent
accommodation with the erection of the new church in 1909. Through the war years
he saw it disappear from 117 to 83 and down to 29 in 1922. When he retired it had
risen again to 76. Always he had hoped during his term of office that the Sunday
School Hall would be built, but it was not to be. However, within two years, he had
the honour of opening it. His successor was Mr G. H. Anderson.
In 1927 Mr Hocking removed from Gore and was replaced by the Rev. J. Featherston.
Whereas the former minister was a young man in his second circuit since ordination,
the latter arrived in his second circuit before retirement. Finding Gore had a too
rigorous climate, he remained two years only. Coming as he did after a vigorous and
energetic man, it was not easy for Mr Featherston to fit into the established pattern of
the circuit life. He found the work at Mataura especially arduous, because he
possessed no car. To offset this Mr R. W. McCreath made available his firm's car
every weekend and at such other times as was necessary. For all this the work at
Mataura declined, so much so that in January, 1928, the Quarterly Meeting expressed
its concern at the poor attendances at worship. This fact is confirmed in the private
diary of that year of the late Mrs T. Kubala, which the writer has been privileged to
read. On many occasions it has been recorded how few were at church, and not
infrequently (especially during the winter months) Mr and Mrs Kubala and the
minister were the only persons present. On these occasions no service was held, so all
three returned to the Kubala home for afternoon tea.
Although Mr Featherston's term as minister was in no wise distinctive, nevertheless,
he reaped some of the harvest sown by his predecessor. In July, 1928, he was able to
open the badly needed Sunday School Hall, with the result that the Youth work of the
church went ahead in leaps and bounds.
Unfortunately this opening was shrouded in sorrow. On Sunday, 1st July, only 10 days
before, Mr Henry Shepard, who was Circuit Steward, had died in church at the
evening service, at the age of 70. The first hymn was being sung when he collapsed,
and-he died immediately. Mr Featherston, sensing the tension at the time, immediately
concluded the service and the congregation retired.
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Towards the end of his ministry Mr Featherston was to see the first effects of the
"Great Depression" which was to grip the economy of this country and others like a
vice. Before it passed, this depression was to make many see and taste the bitter
ruthlessness of a capitalist system gone wrong. The prosperity of only five years
before was to vanish almost overnight, so that men everywhere were not only
unemployed but also destitute. Not the least to be affected by this was the church
finance, which suffered severely. Ministers throughout the Connexion suffered as did
everyone else. Stipends were reduced so drastically that in some places ministers had
to be content with as little as two-thirds of it, and then to wait long after the end of the
month to be paid.
In 1929, the Rev. A. M. Costain came to the circuit which, like so many others, was
suffering from lack of money. Added to its difficulties was the problem of the exodus
of so many members. From 1929 to 1931 the roll dropped from 105 to 89. The reason
is not apparent, but whatever it was, the result was the same. The saving feature of the
day was the Choir. As at the beginning of the century, it was used to pull the circuit
out of debt. Concerts were arranged in the town and country. Admission was 1/6. The
result — the circuit carried on. In 1932 the "Depression" was at its worst, and, with
the roll down to 86, the Quarterly Meeting reluctantly decided to disconnect the
parsonage telephone to save the cost of the rental. We today might think this a
desperate measure. Perhaps it was just that. One thing that was not reduced was the
travel-ling allowance. Even although it was only £10 a year it was fully paid, largely
because Messrs E. C. Smith and R. W. McCreath agreed to pay one quarter of the
amount.
The shortage of money in the church was no indication that Christian standards were
neglected. It was not apathy but genuine hardship which prevented people from giving
in large measure, for much of the giving was sacrificial. If ever the history of the
depression is written, the story will never be complete unless mention is made of the
contribution of church communities throughout the Dominion, in their effort to bring
relief to those worse off than themselves. In April, 1931, an appeal was received for
assistance to repair the earthquake damage in Hawkes Bay. Unfortunately the request
coincided with the annual appeal for the Home and Maori Missions. The Quarterly
Meeting was in a quandary to know how best to handle this situation. It decided under
the circumstances to postpone the earthquake canvass for a fortnight to allow the
Mission canvass to get under way. When it was concluded nearly £20 was handed in.
By the end of 1933 the circuit finances were improving, so it was possible to restore
the parsonage telephone. But the Connexional finances were still in a very bad way.
Both the Home and Foreign Mission Departments were in an extremely serious
position. So desperate were they, that Conference was alarmed, and strongly told the
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church that unless more money was forthcoming, it would have to walk out from parts
of the field. Fortunately this did not have to be done, although it was a severe strain on
the Departments. There is recorded in the annual report of the Home Mission
Department in the following year these words . . .
"To hold our ground when everything is being severely tested is an
accomplishment, and to advance is a greater cause for thanksgiving, and in both
these aspects we can record a degree of encouragement. Life goes on ... so that
we renew our certainty today of the necessity and fruitfulness of our task."
It was this spirit of determination, both at the circuit and connexional level, that
carried the church on during those critical years when not only were finances difficult
but the morale of a large section of the community was low.
Fortunately for the circuit, it was cushioned against the worst features of the
depression, for it did not have within it the large mass of unemployed as did the cities.
The decision to erect the Mataura Church served as a fillip to flagging spirits, and by
the time the church was opened the worst of the depression was over.
CHAPTER 8
THE JUBILEE HALL
The problem of a Sunday School Hall emerged in 1904, for in that year a special
request was made to the Quarterly Meeting to relieve the accommodation problem in
the Sunday School. The exact roll in this year is not known, as the records for the
Sunday School between 1902-1906 have not been kept. It is known, however, that the
roll in 1902 was 87, and increased to 107 by 1906.
When this request was brought forward no one knew what the answer to the problem
was to be. Little did people think that within four years the church would be sold and
that the Sunday School would be held in the Town Hall. So a committee was set up to
look into the accommodation problem, but there was very little it could do. Temporary
relief was afforded when the afternoon services at Mataura were suspended for a few
years and the minister was able to devote his afternoons to the Sunday School. It was
not until they had no alternative but to use the Town Hall, that any measure of relief
was afforded.
After the church was built the Sunday School requested, and was granted, the use of
the church in 1910. This was more adequate than the Town Hall. However, in 1913,
with both Sunday School and Bible Classes again on the increase, it was thought it
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might be necessary to use both the church and the Hall. It was not done and the Town
Hall was not used again until the Church Hall was destroyed by fire in 1957.
During the war years, and immediately afterwards, the idea of a Church Hall was
partly forgotten. In 1919 the Ladies' Guild specially requested the Quarterly Board to
seriously consider a hall. Mesdames Liddel and Joyce were deputed to wait upon the
Board and to advise it that the ladies were willing to hold a sale in August and create a
Hall Fund. The sale was held and, after disbursing £20 to Missions, £22 14s 3d was
placed in the Hall Fund. Then, in January, 1925, another request was made by a
deputation from the Sunday School asking that further consideration be given to the
matter. The deputation was favourably received and a committee was set up consisting
of Messrs G. H. Anderson, H. R. Robertson, C. Hargest, R. W. McCreath (Secretary),
A. Clearwater and E. C. Smith, with the Rev. W. Hocking as Chairman. The
Committee met and brought down a recommendation for a Hall costing approximately
£600, together with an outline of how the money could be raised. The report was
approved and representatives from the Senior Bible Class, Ladies' Guild, Wesley Club
and congregation were added to the above Committee.
It was then resolved to hold a "Canadian Fair" in the Town Hall to supplement the
foundation fund of 1919. So, as in 1908, the whole church was geared for the effort,
and when it was over the result exceeded all expectations—£203 net.
For this Fair on Friday and Saturday, September 18th to 19th, the Town Hall was
effectively decorated to give the impression of a Canadian Snow Scene. In the absence
of the Mayor, Mr D. L. Poppelwell, it was opened by Mr J. Brownlie, the Deputy
Mayor. Public interest was sustained throughout and there were plenty of amusements
to keep the people actively interested.
With such a successful effort the church was in the mood to push on with the project.
The Ladies' Guild had promised their continued support, and the Sunday School
children were raising money for some of the furnishings. Because of various
difficulties, it was not until 18 months later that anything else was done.
In February, 1927, Mr Adam Speden was asked to submit the plans for the proposed
building. This he did. The plans were for a building in double brick (76ft x 24ft), with
a main hall (55ft x 24ft), an infant room or parlour (12ft x 24ft), and a kitchen (9ft x
14ft).
With the completion of the plans, and the Church Building and Loan Fund Board
satisfied, tenders were called. They varied between £1200 and £929. As this was
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higher than was expected, the Trustees were of the opinion the whole church must
give its approval of such a venture. For this purpose a Congregational Meeting was
called on September 16, 1927, when it was resolved that when £150 in subscriptions
and promises was in sight the contract should be signed with the lowest tenderer,
Messrs W. Taylor and Sleeman, of Mataura. The meeting was quite confident that,
with approximately one-third of the cost of the building in hand, the balance would be
forthcoming. Further, the Church Building and Loan Fund Board had offered the loan
of £350 interest free, with quarterly repayments of £11 7s 6d. At the same time
arrangements were made with the bank for a temporary loan of £650 at 6A per cent. to
finance the scheme. Messrs E. C. Smith and R. W. McCreath were authorized to
solicit subscriptions for the building. This they did. The £150 was soon promised and
the contract was signed. The debt on the Hall was liquidated in 1942.
The foundation stone laying ceremony was arranged for Sunday, at 3 p.m. on March
18, 1928. The day was beautifully fine and a large crowd gathered for the occasion.
Those present on the platform were: The Revs. J. Featherston (Minister), A. McBean
(Invercargill), N. Burgess (Ministers' Association), Mr J. Brownlie (Deputy Mayor),
and Mr A. Martin (Senior Trustee). The ceremony was opened by an anthem, "O Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness", sung by the Choir, conducted by Mr G. F.
Mirams. The Rev. J. Featherston then led in prayer and read the Scripture. Then the
Sunday School children sang "Tell Me The Stories Of Jesus".
The contractors finished the hall in time for the official opening on Wednesday
evening, July 11, 1928. When the hall was completed for approximately £1100, Mr
and Mrs E. C. Smith donated a piano, Mr J. B. Shacklock a small "Hot Dogge" stove
for the infant room, and 39 backed forms were purchased from the Princess Theatre
for £25.
The key of the Hall was handed to Mr E. C. Smith who briefly said it had been nearly
50 years since Methodism had been established in that town and that that hall had
been erected as a Jubilee Thanksgiving, and would be known as the "Jubilee Hall". He
then opened the hall and led the people in. Mrs G. F. Mirams, in charge of the Infant
Department of the Sunday School, unlocked the door leading into the infant room. She
gave a brief address on Sunday School work and announced that the children had
collected sufficient money with which to present to the Hall, an organ and three dozen
infant chairs.
The Hall was then dedicated by the Chairman of the Dis-trict, the Rev. H. E.
Bellhouse. Others who were present and spoke were the Revs. E. P. Blamires
(Secretary Methodist Young People's Department), the Rev. J. Paddison (Ministers'
Association), and the Mayor, Mr D. McDougall.
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On the following Sunday, special services were held in the church, the guest preacher
being the Rev. E. P. Blamires.
On July 31, the first concert was held in the new Hall, admission being 1/6. An
excellent programme was given by the Choir assisted by outside friends, to an almost
capacity house. The Junior Choir also assisted with two numbers. Unfortunately the
records of the takings have been lost, but it is known the building fund received a
good boost from these efforts.
On August 10-11, the church held a Jubilee Sale in the Town Hall. Although not
nearly so pretentious as that held in 1925, nevertheless it was a great success. The
amount raised is not known. The sale was opened by the Mayor. During Friday
evening, the Gore Brass Band played a preliminary programme of music outside the
Town Hall. The Sale, which had been mainly organized by the Ladies' Guild,
concluded on Saturday evening.
The Hall stood for five days off 29 years. Then on Monday morning, 6th July, 1957, it
was completely burnt out. Only a portion of the floor and most of the walls remained
intact. The reason for the fire is not known. However, it is thought it began from
spontaneous combustion in a heap of floor sanding dust thrown out into a lean-to on
the north side of the Hall. Whatever the cause, it commenced in this lean-to and broke
through to the inside of the Hall. At the same time, the fire partly destroyed the vestry
on the south side of the church. Before the fire was noticed at about 4 a.m., it had a
tremendous hold on the building, so the brigade could do no more than prevent it from
spreading into the church.
The full insurance on the buildings and effects (£3131) was collected and immediately
plans for rebuilding were set in hand. The contract was given to Messrs O'Connell and
McKewen Ltd., of Dunedin, for the Hall (£2790 7s 2d) and the Vestry (£149). The
Hall was re-opened on Wednesday, October 23, with a social evening. For seating, 60
stackabuilt chairs were bought for 31/10 each, in place of the forms that were
destroyed. Some of these were donated by persons, and the Sunday School gave £10
towards them. Both the original piano and the organ were lost in the fire, but the
generosity at the time of the opening of the Hall was equally matched on this
occasion. Mrs A. L. Trusler who, as a girl, remembered the Rev. J. N. Buttle, and
joined the church during the ministry of the Rev. B. F. Rothwell, donated a piano. Mr
and Mrs C. Hannabus, of Mataura, gave the organ.
Any church would be pleased to own the Jubilee Hall as it is at the present time, and it
is a fitting memorial to those pioneers who would have loved to have had it in their
day but could not.
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CHAPTER 9
THE LAST PERIOD 1936 - 60
Naturally the most recent period of any historical survey such as this, is less romantic
than the others. This is because so many of the incidents and situations surrounding
this period are familiar. Furthermore, they are seen less against the background of
their day, than through the personalities who were in large measure responsible for
creating them. Nevertheless, if the history is to be complete, such events need to be
recorded even if they cannot be adequately interpreted.
This period from 1936-1960 covers great changes. Two factors contribute to this.
First, the Second World War; and secondly, the rapid development of a new scientific
and economic approach to both religious and secular life. So different is our pattern of
church life from that of 30 years ago that one hesitates to guess what the future will
bring by way of change. Great developments have taken place in the general pattern of
church worship, church finance and architecture, to mention a few only. Church
finance is now based on entirely new methods, comparable to those used in business,
and architecture has taken wings into the future, so that we are building churches
which our fathers and our grandfathers were incapable of dreaming about.
Furthermore, the community's attitude to the church has changed. No longer are
churches packed to the doors of a Sunday evening. Even the best of preachers fail to
hold a fraction of the congregations they once used to.
All these changes which affected the general life of the church in this country have
influenced the Gore Circuit. Added to this general effect were domestic problems
brought about by the death of so many of the church's foundation members and by the
general decay of so much of the church properties. We could describe this period of
the life of the circuit as one of readjustment, in which a younger generation takes over
the reins from an older one and, with the same faith, journeys on under the guidance
of God.
*****
The period opens with the coming of the Rev. A. T. Kent in 1936. Having completed
his first appointment as an ordained minister at Greendale, he came in the strength of
his youthful ministry and immediately set about to make good the years "the locusts
had eaten". For within the circuit there were many problems to be faced.
Congregations were very small, especially at night. The choir was short of a conductor
and so had slipped badly. Finances were just holding their own. The Sunday School
Hall was still in debt, and the parsonage in Irk Street was urgently in need of
replacement. Added to these initial problems, was the outbreak of war in 1939 and the
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consequent loss in male leadership. The bright feature was that the Mataura Church
would be paid off within 12 months.
Mr Kent tackled these problems realistically, although there were times when he
wondered where he was going. However, as he told the Quarterly Meeting, he would
not lose heart; and he kept his word. The result was that before he left, the circuit was
greatly indebted to him for his able leadership. So much so, that it placed on record its
appreciation of his patient and loyal work. True, the services were not very much
better, so that the next ministers were faced with the same problems, but no stone was
left unturned in an attempt to bring people to church. He was largely responsible for
the purchase of the new parsonage in William Street in 1937, and in 1938 he reopened services at Croydon, which continued for 11 years until the local school in
which they were held was removed. In 1938 a Boys' Brigade Company was formed
under the leadership of Mr Lambeth. It commenced with 10 boys and increased to 14
in the next year. Unfortunately the war wrecked the company. In 1940 Mr Lambeth
went to camp and the company was taken over by Mr A. J. Clearwater, then later by
Mr G. Duck-worth. By 1946, since so many of the senior boys were unable to attend
regularly and no officers could be found to command the company, it was forced to
close down. Since then, Methodist Boys have attended the company in connection
with St. Andrew's Church. What remaining gymnastic equipment of the company
escaped the fire in 1957, was sold to the Gore High School.
In 1939 a Life Boys' Team was started with 17 boys under the leadership of Miss R.
Treloar (now Mrs I. Paterson, of Mataura). This, too, was later disbanded through lack
of leadership.
Mr Kent was followed by the Rev. J. M. Blight in 1940. During his term, he faced the
full impact of trying to keep a church going without adequate youthful lay assistance.
Added to this was the problem of indaquate finances. Prices were beginning to rise,
but the level of church income remained constant. In order that he might receive his
rise in stipend, it was deducted from his travelling. Such practise is to be deplored, but
unfortunately, it has happened too often through-out the connexion. In 1941 the
church roof began to show signs of wear so that it had to be repaired. Finance was the
major problem, so only temporary repairs were possible. These so-called repairs were
attended to periodically for the next 13 years, until it was essential to have the
building re-roofed and at no little inconvenience.
In 1945 Mr Blight moved to Christchurch and was followed by the Rev. R. Day, who
remained two years. During his term the church received no little assistance, from the
dissolution of the Congregational Church, and the subsequent transfer of some of its
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members to ours. This church had been established in Gore as early as 1892, helped
through a splinter movement in the local Presbyterian Church. The church building
was erected in Irwell Street. Throughout the latter years, however, the congregation
found it increasingly difficult to support an independent cause. So negotiations were
set in train with the Methodist Church to hold experimental combined services. As
these proved most acceptable to both sides, it was decided, after taking into
consideration other factors, to close the Congregational Church in 1945. The building
was sold to the Gore Pipe Band, and the congregation divided between the Methodist
and Presbyterian Churches. This influx of new members served our congregation well,
some transferring their membership to us, while others preferred to remain
independent. But whatever the position each member adopted, none can testify
otherwise, than to the loyalty of this newly adopted congregation. Within a few weeks,
the newcomers were an integral part of our church.
In 1947 the Rev. R. Day was succeeded by the Rev. J. S. Waite, who stayed one year
only. He in turn was followed by the Rev. R. G. Bell. On his arrival the circuit
membership was 92, but before he left four years later, it had risen to 117. This
increase is indicative of a renewed growth which commenced within the circuit at that
time, and has continued up till now. It must always be understood, however, that
Methodism will never be numerically strong in Eastern Southland, being outnumbered 10 to one in Gore and 15 to one in Mataura by the Presbyterian Church.
Furthermore, within the compass of the Methodist Circuit centred on Gore, there are
15 Presbyterian Parishes. This being the case, the strength of the circuit must be
gauged not by numbers alone, but by the strength of a distinctive witness within the
community. That some ministers have appreciated this has resulted in our church
gaining good public relations with the community at large, and so benefiting not only
itself but the community as well.
The initial regrowth within the life of the church at this time was partly through the
return into church life of many of those who earlier had enlisted in the services and
were fortunate enough to escape death. At the same time, the town of Gore began to
develop a little more quickly in the western section, so that our church obtained its
percentage of the increase in population.
In fact, this development prompted the Quarterly Meeting to look for another section.
So the following year, the Board of Trustees enquired into suitable sites for a new
church, and by 1953 had one selected and bought. It cost £160 and comprised a little
under half an acre, situated on the west side of Robertson Street just south of the
Kitchener Street intersection. At the time of purchase, it was thought there was a
possibility of building a Sunday School Hall on it in the near future. This, however,
has not eventuated, one reason being the loss by fire of the hall in central Gore in
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1957, but more so because of the erection of Calvin Presbyterian Church, a few
hundred yards down the street. At the moment the future of this section is uncertain.
Because of the need for many necessary major expenses about this time the Trust
finances were somewhat strained. In order to meet this, a large two-day Fair was
organized in 1951 in which all the church was involved. Although successful, it could
not compare with those run on such a grandiose scale earlier in the century. In all,
£337 was raised.
Gore Methodist Church in 1961
Mention has already been made that this period in the circuit's life was one in which
older men handed to younger men the reins of office. In 1949, Mr G. H. Anderson
retired from the Superintendency of the Sunday School, having taken over from Mr E.
S. Smith in 1926. His retirement brought to an end nearly 23 years of continuous
association with the school. Mr Anderson and Mr Smith had between them, served
this section of the church for nearly 50 years, a record any church should be proud of.
Although Mr Anderson retired from the superintendency, he continued to take an
active interest in the Sunday School, and was always available for assistance when
called upon.
Then, in April, 1950, Mr R. W. McCreath retired as Circuit Steward after 31 years of
office, and, two months later, his co-steward for 16 years, Mr A. J. Clearwater, passed
away rather suddenly. The loss of these two men especially, brought to an abrupt end
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much of the established leadership in the circuit. Mr McCreath had continued to
exercise much of his long-established insight almost up to the time of his death in
1959. He was replaced by Mr W. G. Coventry, and Mr Clearwater by Mr O. B. Dey,
who is still in office.
The Rev. J. R. Hall followed Mr Bell in 1952. At the time of his appointment 1o the
circuit, he had just been received as a probationer of our church, having completed a
term at Bluff in the capacity of a Home Missionary. Because of his status, the
supervision of the circuit was under the control of the Chairman of the District and the
Invercargill ministers, who regularly visited the circuit and chaired the Quarterly
Meetings. During his term the Gore Church was re-roofed in 1954. At the same time
the original louvres were removed, the Minister's Vestry built, the Communion Rail
installed, and alterations made in the sanctuary in 1955.
In 1956 the author was appointed to Gore from Port Chalmers and remained for six
years.
GORE TRUSTEES, 1961—Back Row: W. A. Garrick, H. L. Longworth, W. M. Briggs, O. B. Dey,
W. T. Pethick, W. G. Coventry, C. A. Allott.
Front Row: O. Bryant, F. E. Whitty, G. W. Allott, The Rev. T. R. Benny, G. H. Anderson and W. H.
Briggs.
Absent: L. V. Anderson and E. J. Silcock.
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CHAPTER 10
MATAURA
Of all the preaching places that have been opened in the Circuit, from Waipahi to
Brydone, and from Riversdale to Otaraia, Mataura is the only one remaining. This is
because of all the places which were surveyed in the hope they would develop,
Mataura is the only one that has done anything like what was expected of it. For this
reason it is essential something be said about it and the distinctive life of the church in
that town.
The word "Mataura" in Maori means "reddish", although it is not known exactly how
the river on which the town is built came to have this name. The author has had
correspondence with Mr Herries Beattie (an authority on the history of Eastern
Southland), who states that the word is not uncommon in other Polynesian Islands,
and that, like the names Aparima and Rarotoka, might have been given in memory of
the Maoris' former land.
Mr Beattie also states that his friend, W. H. S. Roberts, who wrote so much about
Maori nomenclature, crossed this river as early as 1856. He noticed how different it
was from the Clutha which was called Mata-au "surface current". The Mataura had
many rapids, reflected the sun light, and was called Mata ura—"surface shining".
Apart from these two suggestions there appears to be no other explanation why the
river has this name.
The district was well known by the Maoris for its flax and raupo with which to build
themselves whares and make baskets for the Kana Kana or lampreys which were to be
caught on the rocks at the falls. Three miles south at Tuturau the native reserve recalls
the last battle, which took place on that spot between the North and South Island
Maoris in December, 1836, when the North Islanders were defeated.
The township of Mataura developed before Gore, as it was situated at a narrow ford at
the river along the main route from Dunedin to Invercargill, which passed through
Clinton, Kuriwao, Otaraia and Ferndale. Because of the importance of this ford, the
Provincial Council had erected at it a ferry and accommodation house. The charges for
the ferry were 6d per man, horses Is, women and children free. In 1858 a wooden
trussed bridge was built across the top of the falls. It was 4 to 5 feet wide and 3 feet
above the water. Little wonder it lasted three years only, and was washed away. After
that, travellers had to ford the river, and unfortunately this was done at the cost of
many lives. Then, in 1868, a suspension bridge was built below the falls. This was
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well designed, being 14 feet wide, 119 feet long, costing £2782 7s 9d. It lasted until
the present bridge in Bridge Street was erected in 1939.
The importance of this ford can be gauged from the fact, that all traffic from Dunedin
to Invercargill or Kingston had to cross it. When gold was discovered in 1863 and
Queenstown was the largest town in the province apart from Dunedin, pack horses,
bullock waggons and coaches, all crossed the Mataura River at this point, then made
their way north through Gore. It is said that the main road in those days went through
what is now the Gore Community Centre.
As well as serving as a communications centre, the township afforded an opportunity
for settlers to open up the fertile Mataura Valley. These people came south from
Dunedin and north from Invercargill, and before long, farms were quickly developing
all over the district.
The centrality of Mataura made it suitable for the establishment of industry. So, in
1875, an Invercargill Syndicate erected the first paper mill, which in a year or two was
almost washed away. Then, in 1887, the Freezing Works commenced. The original
slaughterhouse was a building of 51 feet by 17 feet, the foundations of which can still
be seen about 100 yards to the left of the main road in Mr I. D. Dodds' property at
Middlevale. From here the 500 to 800 carcases which were killed each day were
trucked along a private tramway to the freezing chamber near where the existing
works are built. In 1891 the Dairy Factory was opened for the making of cheese,
farmers receiving 3d per gallon for their milk.
With the establishment of Mataura, there also developed the township of Wyndham.
Soon Methodist families began to settle in these areas. In Wyndham in 1879, a Mr
Robert Dodds gave a quarter acre section in Ferry Street for the erection of a church.
By 1883 there were sufficient Methodists in these two places to commence services,
Wyndham at the end of that year, and Mataura early in the next.
Services, which were monthly at Mataura were held in the first primary school which
stood at the back of the existing Presbyterian Church. Later it was destroyed by fire.
The fee for the school was 2/- per service. At that time there were nine church
members in the area. They were Mr and Mrs Jabez Allott, Mr and Mrs J. Bigwood, Mr
and Mrs Saul Sleeman, the Misses Jane and Minnie Bigwood, and a Mrs Suce. Mr and
Mrs Allott were living at the time at Te Tipua, and when services were commenced,
promised 10/- per quarter towards the church funds. The first quarter's collections at
these services amounted to 13/9.
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For two years these services were very popular, and all the time Mataura was growing.
So, in 1886, the Rev. B. F. Rothwell increased the services to once a fortnight, and
found in so doing the congregations were most encouraging. So encouraging were
they that a Congregational Meeting was held, with the intention of establishing a
church, and the appointment of permanent stewards, Mr J. Bigwood being elected the
first Society Steward.
Unfortunately the popularity of these services resulted mainly from the personality of
the Minister, and when Mr Rothwell left the next year, his successor, the Rev. J.
Blight, was not able to hold the interest of the congregation, so that the services were
dropped and the attention of the Minister was devoted to the Sunday School in Gore.
The story continues in 1900 with the coming of the Rev. Hugh Beggs as Minister.
Already it has been noted how this popular preacher made it necessary for services to
be held in the Gore Town Hall because the church was too small to contain the
congregation. No sooner had he come into the district, than the people of Mataura
wanted him to hold services. This time they were held in McGregor's Hall, a wooden
building which, before it was burned down, stood in Forth Street, where now stands
the old Bridge Street Hotel Annexe. As in Gore, so in Mataura. This virile preacher
drew large crowds to his fortnightly afternoon services. Not only Methodists, but
others as well, went to hear him. There are still living today, some of those who as
children went with their parents to these services. Even now the forcefulness of his
preaching and the rapt attention of the congregation is vividly recalled by these folk.
Mr Beggs' impact on the community was striking. He had the happy art of getting
people to do things they had never done before. He was able to get representatives
from Mataura to go to the Quarterly Meeting in Gore, and had elected the first and
only Circuit Steward from Mataura, Mr A. E. Moss, in 1901. In the same year, he
arranged the first and if not the last, then one of the very few Circuit Garden Parties at
the Moss residence.
In 1904 Mr Beggs left Gore, and as in 1887, after Mr Rothwell left, his successor, the
Rev. H. L. Blamires, was not able to carry on the work, so once again the services
were discontinued.
With no Methodist services in Mataura, it meant that those who lived further south
could have no Methodist service unless they travelled to Charlton. In order to avoid
this, Mr J. Camp-bell, of Brydone, asked for services to be held at his place.
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The Quarterly Meeting obliged and services were commenced in the March quarter,
1906. They continued until August, 1908, when through transport difficulty, it was
considered better to recommence the service at Mataura. In October, 1908, monthly
services commenced again in the Mataura School, and from that time to the present
they have continued uninterrupted. The Society Steward at the recommencement was
Mr T. Kelly.
By 1910 the Rev. W. Greenslade, with the assistance of local preachers, had built up a
regular and encouraging congregation, the result being that services were held
fortnightly. In July the same year, a committee was set up to investigate the
purchasing of a suitable section on which to build a church. Mr E. C. Smith offered
the church two in Oakland Street for £77 10s, or one of them for £40. One was
bought, comprising 36.8 perches, on which the church now stands. The money for the
section was raised by donations from the congregation.
The rapidly growing life of the church in Gore between 1910-13 had a counterpart at
Mataura, for as well as purchasing the above section, the Quarterly Meeting resolved
to make the town a Home Mission Station under the supervision of Gore, with a
suitable Home Mission grant of £60 per year.
It was at this stage that Mr Greenslade left Gore, and his successor, the Rev. M. A. R.
Pratt, carried on. He had not long been in the circuit when he commenced weekly
afternoon ser-vices, and established the first Mataura Board of Trustees. They were
Messrs John James Griffiths, Daniel Bennett, George Bigwood, Ralph Bigwood,
Thomas Wheeler, Charles John Benson, Charles William Benson (all of Mataura), and
George Barr Paterson, Andrew Martin, Ethelbert Cann Smith (all of Gore), and John
Campbell (Brydone).
The next year, with the membership at 23, it was decided to investigate the possibility
of erecting a church. The idea of creating Mataura a Home Mission Station was held
over, while the matter of the church building was more fully considered. In order to
establish the building fund, the March Quarterly Meeting, 1913, resolved to set aside
10 per cent. of the Mataura collections and donations as they came to hand, and to
hold them in trust. This system remained in force until 1937 when the church was
finally paid for.
As in Gore, so in Mataura, the prosperity of the time was short lived, for with the
coming of the 1914-18 war, the high hopes of the congregation were dashed. This was
a deep sense of disappointment to many, who felt that the erection of a church would
have consolidated the gains that had already been made.
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It was not until 1922 that the question of a church was raised again. In this year the
Ladies' Guild was formed. Half their income was to go to the circuit and parsonage,
and the other half to the Building Fund. Although at this time the church was still
feeling the effects of the war, nevertheless the idea of a church was constantly kept in
mind, and the Building Fund was steadily growing. Furthermore, the envelope system
was commenced and Miss Wright and Mr Peck were authorized to canvass for
subscribers.
Then, in 1932, three factors emerged which made the building of the church a
necessity:—
The first was the purchasing in June of the old Mataura School by the
Presbyterian Church. The old Presbyterian wooden church was past its
usefulness, and the old brick Mataura School just across the road, could, with
alterations and additions, be made into a suitable place for worship. This
business deal necessitated the Methodists having to find alternative
accommodation. The Oddfellows' Hall was engaged, although it was most
unsatisfactory, for often it had to be cleaned up fit for worship after a Saturday
night party or celebration.
The second thing was that the life of the church was on the increase.
Congregations were growing, and the thought was in the minds of some, that
there would shortly be a return to those conditions prior to the war, even though
the country was in the grip of an economic depression.
Thirdly, there was the economic situation, which the Trustees considered could
be capitalized upon. The Government at that time was offering a subsidy to firms
and commit-tees who would erect new buildings or add to what they had, so as
to find work for the vast number of unemployed at that time, the subsidy being
proportioned to the cost of the erection.
In August, 1933, Mr Watson Rhodes was asked to prepare plans for a suitable Church
Hall, similar to the Presbyterian Church at Brydone. When completed tenders were
called. There were five in all, ranging in price from £520 to £424. The lowest tender
of Mr C. H. Rose was accepted, and the church was begun immediately. By the time
work had begun, the last day for application for the Government subsidy had expired.
However, Mr E. C. Smith approached the Government Office concerned, and had the
application approved, much to the relief of the Trustees. The foundation stone laying
ceremony took place on Sunday, March 4, 1934. Fortunately the weather was fine,
although there was a cold westerly wind.
In all, about 100 persons were present at the ceremony which was conducted by the
Minister, the Rev. H. C. Orchard. Singing was led by the Gore Choir with Miss W.
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Gresham at the organ. Two anthems were sung by the Choir, "Not Unto Us", and
"Break Forth Into Joy", and the congregational hymns were "O Worship The King"
and "Jesu, Lover Of My Soul".
The Mataura Church in 1961
Mr Arthur Coombes, one of the trustees, spoke during the ceremony, saying that the
congregation had looked forward to this day for many years and that on this occasion
never had their feelings been so highly inspired. He urged that the united efforts of
everyone be directed towards eliminating the financial responsibility of the erection of
the new church. He also reminded the congregation that Mataura had a reputation for
finishing what it had begun.
After briefly outlining the work of Methodism in the district, the Minister laid the
foundation stone, which was simply inscribed:
"This stone was laid by Rev. H. C. Orchard,
March 4, 1934."
Taking as his text, Psalm 122, v. 1, he stated how these words had inspired many, and
were inscribed over the entrance of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. He pointed out
how memory played such an important part in worship, and through its associations
bonds of fellowship were created amongst the members of the congregation. Because
of the memory of the ser-vices held in Mataura down the years, and the associations
yet to be in the future, the price of the erection of the church was well worth it all.
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The final prayer was offered by the Rev. D. McNeur of the Presbyterian Church, and
the benediction was pronounced by Lieutenant Lomas of the Salvation Army.
The official opening of the church took place on May 9, 1934, at 2.30 p.m. The
ceremony opened with the hymn "All People That On Earth Do Dwell". The Rev. H.
E. Bellhouse from Dunedin read the lesson, and Mr D. McClymont, a Presbyterian
Home Missionary at Brydone, offered prayer. Mr Orchard then handed a silver key to
Mrs Walter Terry, and asked her to open the church. Mrs Terry was given this honour
as she had been associated with the Mataura Church since the recommencement of
services in 1908, and prior to that, when her father asked for services to be held at his
place in Brydone,
The service in the church opened with the singing of the hymn "O For A Thousand
Tongues To Sing", led by the Gore Choir, which also sang the anthem "We Praise
Thee, O God". Mr G. E. Mirams, who had been choirmaster at Gore, came down
especially from Port Chalmers to act as organist and choirmaster for this occasion.
The dedicatory prayer was offered by the Rev. E. B. Chambers, of Invercargill.
Special thanks were given to Mr T. Kubala, who, as Secretary of the Board of
Trustees, had given hours of time to seeing that everything about the building was of
the best. In recognition of his services he was presented with a silver and steel key of
the church.
The opening address was delivered by the Rev. C. H. Olds, B.A., of Trinity Church,
Dunedin (Chairman of the District). Speaking on St. Matthew, Chapter 16, verse 13,
he commended the personal sacrifice required and the lofty ideals of the congregation
resulting in the establishment of the Church at Mataura.
The service concluded with the singing of "Abide With Me".
The evening service was conducted by the Minister, and during the service Mr
Agnew, on behalf of the Orange Lodge of the Wyndham and Gore Districts, presented
the church with a pulpit chair. In accepting it, Mr Orchard remarked that it was to be
hoped that many a weary preacher travelling along life's road would find comfort and
inspiration in it. Looking back over the years, one can well appreciate the generosity
of this gesture, but hardly the size of the chair, for it occupies more than half the pulpit
space. Many a preacher freely moving about has been painfully reminded on the shins
of the existence of the Orange Lodge.
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The address in the service was delivered by the Rev. H. E. Bellhouse, who pointed out
how refreshing it was to find a new church being built and finished at a time of grave
economic difficulties. Today, he went on to say, was a day in which the popularity of
the church was declining, illustrated by Sunday excursions by train and car. Such
neglect of responsibilities to God spelled ultimate decline and decay of civilisation.
The collections for the day amounted to over £30.
On the Wednesday, a Social gathering was held, the charge for admission being 1/-.
During this gathering the Rev. H. E. Bellhouse spoke again and the Gore Choir
rendered a programme of music. The opening celebrations on the following Sunday,
13th May, consisted of an afternoon service at 2.30, conducted by Mr Bellhouse, and
an evening service at 7 p.m., conducted by the Minister.
With the erection of the church, the Methodist cause was consolidated. Having a
building to call their own; not only gave the congregation a growing confidence, but
also permitted it to extend itself within the community, and in the circuit as a whole.
In July of that year, the first Quarterly Meeting was held in the church, and in October
the Sunday School was started. Although there were only five children present on the
first day, the Superintendent, Mr J. R. Dodds, thought this not too few to continue.
Through his untiring efforts he built up the Sunday School and remained as
Superintendent until his untimely death in 1946, when it was taken over by Mrs T.
Kubala, and then by Mr A. M. Thompson in 1949.
Although the church is in effect both a church and a hall, it has always been
considered more of a church. Only on very few occasions has it been used for games
and socials, and even then, no matter how legitimate the cause, the congregation has
always been harassed with feelings of desecration.
In 1958, the afternoon service, which had been held from the time when services first
began in Mataura, were changed to 9.30 a.m. This change brought with it difficulties
in connection with the Sunday School which had also been held in the morning. The
children wanted to continue morning Sunday School, and the wisest thing was to hold
it in conjunction with the morning service. This immediately created accommodation
problems, and so the Trustees began to look for additional property. At that time the
Salvation Army had withdrawn their officers from Mataura, and their hall in Carlyle
Street was not being used. An approach was made to buy the property and use the hall
for our Sunday School. Had the property been purchased, it would not have been an
ideal set up as the two properties would have been 400 yards apart. However, by June,
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1960, no agreement had been reached, so it was decided to ask Mr W. T. Pethick, of
Gore, to draft plans for a church building to be added at right angles at the back of the
existing building, the idea being that the present church would become the Sunday
School Hall. When the plans were completed, both the congregation and the Trustees
were unanimous that the financial commitment was too much. So, reluctantly, the
scheme was deferred, but not solved, for it was becoming more and more evident that
with the increasing numbers in the Sunday School, it was impossible to continue
without some other accommodation. Then, in October, 1961, a small cottage became
available for removal. When the Trustees inspected it on McChlery Bros.' property
between Mataura and Waimumu, they agreed to purchase it and have it removed. So it
was purchased, removed, re-erected, and ready for the opening of Sunday School in
1962.
CONCLUSION
The story of Methodism in the Gore District has been written, but for all that it has not
been told. This can never be done, for the story is not one of events, often
misinterpreted, strung together in the form of a booklet such as this. Rather it is the
work of God, using the frailty of human flesh to declare His love to men. For this
reason, the story often appears ridiculous when put on paper, as so often the details are
centred around contradictions and meaningless paradoxes as when the stupidest things
are crowned with success.
Furthermore, any story of the work of God must be and always is centred around
"faith", and as this can never be explained but only lived, any account of it is no. more
than an interpretation of its results.
No one can ever adequately record the life of Andrew Martin, who served his church
for 51 years. He was conscientious beyond degree, in everything he did, always busy,
but never too busy to put his God and his church first.
Or Robert McCreath, who was Circuit Steward for 34 years, first at Leet Street,
Invercargill, then in Gore. He was known as an austere man, often hard in his
judgment, and shrewd in business, so that he continually appeared to think in terms of
money. Yet he was faithful to his church, attending conferences and Synods without
number and giving generously of his wealth.
Or John Hargest, a dapper little grocer, later turned farmer, who knew sorrow if any
man did, yet thought nothing of cycling on Sunday afternoons year after year along
the dusty road to Charlton to conduct services. He was always busy attending to other
people's needs before his own, so that death claimed him at the early age of 49.
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Or David and Elizabeth Dewar, who sang together in the choir for nearly 40 years
until blindness overtook them. Their home was a trysting place for ministers, where
understanding and affection were always shown them amidst many circuit problems.
Or E. C. Smith, a successful solicitor, who tended to act as though everything he did
for the church was a business trans-action. Yet this same man continued as Sunday
School Superintendent without a Sunday School Hall for quarter of a century, and as
Secretary of the Trust for 15 years.
Or Geo. H. Anderson, who married into Methodism and has remained with us all his
life. Faithful beyond measure, the friend of every minister and whose Christian
gentleness has ^meliorated many difficult personal situations.
One can write of Bert Clearwater and his sister, Annie Kubala; of G. B. Paterson,
whose untiring efforts when Secretary of the Trust gave us the present Gore Church;
of J. R. Dodds whose untiring services to Mataura Methodism so abruptly concluded,
are almost forgotten; and others too numerous to mention. All these people were
different, yet all had one thing in common. They were chosen by God as vessels for
the establishment of Methodism in and around Gore.
The story of the church surrounds the lives of all these people, their hopes and fears,
aspirations and disappointments. Yet the story is more than that. For it must take into
consideration human relationships, sometimes in the raw and at other times well
refined, acting in faith, that where men cannot see to go God will guide.
The story is thrilling as the facts reveal, and if this does nothing more than inspire
others to throw their weight into the struggle on the side of God, it will not have been
written in vain.
APPENDIX 1
THE THIRD PARSONAGE
This property was bought in 1937 and is still in use. Situated at 5 William Street on a
quarter of an acre of land, the house was built in 1909 by Mr G. W. Allott, one of the
present trustees. The section was surveyed in 1895 and registered under the name of
Miss Jane Anderson, who transferred it to John F. Densem, who had the house
erected. In 1912 it was sold to Mrs E. H. Durham, and when she died in 1929 was
bought by the Baptist Church for a manse. The trustees took possession of it on
December 22, 1937, for £820.
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The Parsonage, 5 William Street.
It was bought not before time, for the old parsonage was showing signs of wear, being
54 years old and having passed through the flood in 1913.
At the time of purchase, some members of the Board of Trustees strongly favoured
building a new parsonage, and this suggestion received favourable consideration from
a section of the congregation. With this thought in mind, exploratory investigations
were set in train and the Church Building and Loan Fund was approached for plans.
As they were unable to oblige, the builder of the recently-erected St. Peter's parsonage
in Invercargill was approached and his plans studied.
In the meantime, another section of the Trust, favoured purchasing the present
property. The advantage was that it would be possible to retain the old parsonage and
use it as a source of revenue to meet loan repayments on the new, and so end up by
owning two properties in place of one. The cost of the two schemes was almost the
same, as certain alterations would need to be made in the new parsonage, and
renovations carried out in the old before it could be let. The overall scheme for both
would cost approximately £1100.
To meet this amount the following proposal was put forward:—
Loan from Southland Building Society £500
Through special appeal from circuit
£100
Monies from Queenstown properties £500
£1100
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The purchase of the William Street property eventually gained favour and, at a
meeting on 10th August, 1937, it was unanimously decided to purchase the Baptist
Manse. It must be said in all fairness that both Mr E. C. Smith and Mr R. W.
McCreath, who championed the alternative opinions, did not attend this meeting.
At the time of purchase the action that was taken would appear to have had advantages
over the alternative. For retaining the Irk Street house has assured the Trust of a
regular income, which has enabled it to meet its rates and insurances which are over
£100 per year. On reflection it is apparent that the scheme also had many
disadvantages. For today, 20 years later, the church owns two old properties, both of
which require constant attention. In 1940, the Rev. M. Blight had to erect a car shed at
William Street, and this in turn was replaced by one in permanent material in 1961. A
small bed-room had to be built off a side verandah in 1946, and in 1960 over £200
was spent in altering the kitchen and bathroom.
No sooner had the mortgage been paid off the new parsonage in 1951 than it was
necessary to borrow another £500 to renovate more thoroughly the Irk Street house,
and before this amount was paid off another £200 was spent to convert the house into
two flats in 1957. The money for this was made available through a generous sale
price for the property at Riversdale.
The advantage in now retaining the Irk Street property is that the church owns a very
valuable section right on the edge of the commercial area. The question arises as to
whether it can afford to utilize this property to the best advantage, for any undertaking
will require capital.
APPENDIX 2
THE NEW ORGAN
In 1946 the organ which was purchased after the flood in 1913 was beginning to show
signs of wear. The Trustees decided that if at all possible it should be sold and a new
one bought. However, at that time, finances were stretched to capacity so that nothing
could be done. This being the position, Mrs A. L. Trusler gave £50 as a foundation
fund for a new organ, hoping that others might be persuaded to do likewise.
Unfortunately they were not.
In 1947, the Quarterly Meeting, while fully appreciating the position of the Trust,
asked that something urgent be done. So the Trustees had little option but to set up a
committee to look into things. After several investigations, it was decided to have the
old organ repaired, and an electric blower installed in it. When this had been done, it
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was still very little better, and within 12 months additional repairs were necessary.
This condition continued until 1953, when choir and congregation were unanimous
that whatever else might happen, the present condition of the organ could not
continue. So once again it went into the workshop, this time it cost £67 10s. To meet
this expense Mrs Trusler donated an additional £20 and gave approval for her initial
donation to be used for the balance.
The repairs that were effected, and paid for, were in the long run far from satisfactory,
although they enabled the organ to be used a little longer. Within three years it needed
further repairs. So another committee was set up to enquire into full details of a
suitable new instrument. After a very thorough investigation it reported that any
suitable instrument would cost at least £1000. At that time the Trustees were not able
to consider it, having just been faced with the loss of the Sunday School Hall through
fire. So once again the matter was shelved.
Then, in 1959, it was agreed to use the 75th Church Anniversary as an opportunity to
establish a foundation fund for a new organ. £500 was set as the figure, although £190
only was subscribed. The reason for this poor response, was felt to be the lack of a
definite proposal. Early in 1961 the matter was raised again, and at a congregational
meeting it was agreed to purchase a suitable electronic organ not exceeding £1400,
and to open a subscription list.
Finally a Baldwin organ was decided upon costing a little under £1000. When the
order was placed in July, 1961, word was received from the agents that the
manufacturers had produced and slightly larger model than the one ordered and, as
they were anxious to have this new model in the country, offered it to the Trust at the
same price as the one ordered, providing it was agreed to lend it for a few weeks for
advertising. The Trust agreed, as the price of this instrument was £65 more.
The action of the Trustees was justified, for before the organ was installed, more than
enough had been subscribed to meet the cost. The balance was put into a special
maintenance and organ renewal account. The new instrument was dedicated at a
special service in a packed church on Wednesday evening, October 18, 1961. The
organist was Mrs W. A. Carter and the choirmaster Mr W. T. Pethick. After the
dedication, Mr R. Cowley, organist at First Church, Invercargill, gave a recital. Those
who heard it endorsed the action in purchasing it, for at last the church had an
instrument worthy of the memory of those who offered praise to God in the name of
Methodism during the last 80 years of its existence in Gore.
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APPENDIX 3
QUEENSTOWN
From 1923 to 1937 the Queenstown Church property was under the management of
the Gore Board of Trustees, so it is fitting that a few words be said about the earlier
history of our church in this town.
Wesleyan Methodism in Queenstown dates from 1863, when a tent was erected in the
camp of the gold diggers. Unfortunately this was in a bad spot for our church. For
when the surveyors came to mark out the town, the tent was seen to be in the middle
of the main street. Services after that were shared with the Presbyterians in a tin hut.
Until 1886 they were con-ducted by visiting ministers and laymen who came from as
far away as Dunedin and Invercargill. The journey from the former city took four
days, via Mataura and Gore.
In 1886 the Rev. J. Blight was appointed as the first resident Home Missionary and,
after serving 12 months, he moved to Gore, and his place taken by the Rev. B. F.
Rothwell, who had previously been in Gore. By 1890 a Mr Pascoe had given the
church a section on which to build, and shortly after, the building was put up for £284.
With the erection of the building, the liabilities of the church increased while the size
of the congregation decreased, and repayment monies borrowed from the Church
Building and Loan Fund were more and more in arrears, so that each year very special
efforts were needed to meet the commitments. Even as early as 1892, in spite of the
gallant efforts of the minister and two trustees, the church was 12 months in arrears.
So desperate were they for finance that a pleading letter for leniency was sent off to
Christchurch, asking the Loan Fund not to press the claim, as the church would do its
best in the springtime. The Rev. W. Morley, who was Treasurer of the Loan Fund at
the time, and not unaccustomed to receiving such letters, promptly replied he wanted
the money, which amounted to £30. The reply which was looked upon by the Trust as
a form of ultimatum, caused no little confusion within the ranks so that they
immediately set to, and held a soiree to help meet the demand. However, the pleas of
the Trustees went not unheard in Christchurch. For, shortly afterwards, advice was
received that a certain gentleman up there would donate £5 towards the debt providing
the Trustees would find an equal amount. At the meeting in which the letter was
received, they immediately found £4.
For some reason now lost in antiquity, the church must have a bell and a belfrey. No
doubt this was the dream of some well intentioned brother, who felt the cause of
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Methodism would become more audible if not visible if a bell was installed. In 1896
the belfrey was erected and the bell hung—the total cost being as under:—
Bell
......
......
......
£11 14 0
Erection of Belfrey ...... ......
19 12 0
Freight
......
......
0 7 6
£31 13 6
To meet this cost special concerts were arranged and a private loan of £25 was raised.
Such an expense seems hardly warranted in the light of facts as seen today. For
Methodism was never strong, and within a few years it was seen that the church would
have to close up. In an attempt to try to keep the small congregation together, a young
Home Missionary by the name of Fawcett was sent in 1903. The young man worked
hard and we are told he rang the bell lustily prior to the services. Yet, for all the
energy thus expended, he might just as well have saved his strength, for it did little
more than add to the many other sounds on a "Whakatipuan Sunday". Thus
Methodism came to an end for many years in Queenstown.
In the meantime, the Salvation Army had commenced holding meetings and had no
regular suitable place in which to meet. So with the church now vacant, permission
was granted them the use of it for 5/- per week, to take effect from 9th May, 1913.
For the next 10 years there were sufficient Methodist men around Queenstown to
administer the property, but by 1923 the situation had altered, and the Chairman of the
District asked the Gore Trustees to take charge and administer the accounts. When the
books were handed over there was £101 to the credit of the church, and by 1937, when
the church was sold to its users for £251, there was £286, making a total of £537. On
completion of the sale it became the only Salvation Army Meeting Place of its kind in
the country possessing a belfry and a bell.
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MINISTERS WHO HAVE SERVED WITHIN THE CIRCUIT
GORE AND TAPANUI CIRCUIT
The Rev. J. N. Buttle-1883-85
The Rev. B. F. Rothwell-1885-86
GORE CIRCUIT
The Rev. B. F. Rothwell-1886-87
The Rev. Joseph Blight-1887-89
The Rev. R. Taylor --1889-90
The Rev. C. Abernethy-1890-93
The Rev. W. Tinsley --1893-96
The Rev. J. G. W. Ellis-1896-99
The Rev. J. D. Jory --1899-1900
The Rev. Hugh Beggs --1900-03
The Rev. H. L. Blamires-1903-04
The Rev. J. A. Hosking-1904-08
The Rev. William Greenslade-1908-11
The Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt-1911-16
The Rev. Nicholas Turner-1916-17
The Rev. G. H. Mann --1917-October, 1918
The Rev. F. Harris (supply)-1918-April, 1919
The Rev. R. J. Liddell --1919-21
The Rev. F. J. Parker --1921-23
The Rev. Wm. H. Hocking-1923-27
The Rev. J. Featherston-1927-29
The Rev. Alf. M. Costain-1929-32
The Rev. H. C. Orchard-1932-36
The Rev. A. T. Kent --1936-40
The Rev. J. M. Blight --1940-45
The Rev. R. Day --1945-47
The Rev. J. S. Waite --1947-48
The Rev. R. G. Bell --1948-51
The Rev. J. H. Hall --1952-55
The Rev. T. Ralph Benny-1956-61
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LIST OF CIRCUIT STEWARDS
GORE AND TAPANUI CIRCUIT
1883—Messrs McFarlane and Crawford.
1884— „ McFarlane and J. Baker.
1885— „ W. J. Collins and J. Baker.
GORE CIRCUIT
1886—Messrs W. J. Collins and D. Gilbert.
1889— „ W. J. Collins and A. Martin.
1890— „ D. Gilbert and D. Dewar.
1892— „ D. Gilbert and J. Allott.
1896— „ D. Dewar and J. Allott.
1898— „ J. Baker and W. J. Collins.
1899— „ J. Allott and W. J. Collins.
1901— „ J. Allott and A. E. Moss.
1902— „ J. Allott and D. Dewar.
1904— ,, J. P. Every and D. Dewar.
1907— „ J. P. Every and J. Hargest.
1911— „ J. P. Every and A. Martin.
1912— ,, G. B. Paterson and A. Martin.
1913— „ G. B. Paterson and R. W. McCreath.
1914— „ J. Hargest and R. W. McCreath.
1916— „ J. Hargest and F. T. Port.
1917— „ J. Hargest and J. P. Every.
1920— „ H. R. Robertson and J. P. Every.
1921— „ H. R. Robertson and J. E. Frost.
1922— „ H. R. Robertson and R. W. McCreath.
1927— „ H. Shepard and R. W. McCreath.
1928— „ A. Martin and R. W. McCreath.
1934— „ A. J. Clearwater and R. W. McCreath.
1950— „ O. B. Dey and W. G. Coventry.
1956— „ O. B. Dey and 0. Bryant.
1959_ „ O. B. Dey and W. H. Briggs.
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