Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 Our Story Wesley Methodist Church Fitzgerald Avenue, Christchurch 1866 - 1966

Contents Foreword A Conducted Tour of Holy Ground Travail 1866-1889 Young, Strong, and Free, 1890-1912 Head of the Family, 1913-1963 Keyhole Glimpses Devoted Families Visiting the Poor at Christmas, 1906 Bible Class, 1912 Rider of the Black Horse, 1918 The Source of all Evil, 1915 Scouting Turning Tide Some Church Officers Ministers Deaconesses Organists and Choirmasters Sunday School Superintendents and Secretaries Ladies' Guild Presidents and Secretaries.

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 FOREWORD The purpose of this little book is to help old members of Wesley Church to recall the cherished days of the past and to introduce new members and friends to the goodly heritage which they have received from those who have gone before them. The book does not set out to be an official history, duly audited and found correct; rather its aim is more modest. To give a read-able outline of 100 years of congregational life, and to highlight some of the 'good times', is all it seeks to achieve. Many people, ministers included, who have laboured faithfully at Wesley may not be mentioned. This is no mark of disrespect. There are some big gaps in the records, which up to the time of publication have not been filled. It may be that lack of records has led to such an omission. On the other hand, it is my desire to present the achievements of the congregation rather than of particular individuals—for the congregation is the people of God. I am indebted to friends who have located old Minute Books and put them into my hands. I am also grateful to the Connexional Office for access to the early Church papers, and to the unknown reporters who, prior to 1913, kept the Connexional paper supplied with lively accounts of a vigorous church growing to its full strength. Special thanks are due to the Rev E. P. Blamires whose helpful correspondence has largely contributed to the sections entitled "Rider of the Black Horse" and "The Source of all Evil." To Miss Gilling who has typed most of the manuscript and to Mr R. J. Fowler who has corrected it for publication, thanks are also due for painstaking services. In the course of its history Wesley Church has gone by several names, viz. Avonside Wesleyan, Worcester Street, East Belt, Fitzgerald Avenue Methodist and Wesley. Do not be dismayed. All refer to the same congregation, and if this is kept in mind when reading the booklet, confusion, if not irritation, will be avoided.

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 A Conducted Tour on Holy Ground If succeeding generations have eyes that understand, buildings and monuments are a treasured heritage from the past. It is fitting then, that upon such an occasion as the centennial of a Church we should go on a conducted tour of the property and let it speak to us of the story that is written into its walls. The site of the Church and the cottages behind them were bought in 1879, for £700. Three years previously the adjoining section on Fitzgerald Avenue (where the brick Sunday School hall and the Kensington Courts stand) had been purchased for £600, but because a Church must have visibility the corner section was deemed most desirable for the Church. To-day with noisy traffic going along both Fitzgerald Avenue and Worcester Street the choice may have been made otherwise, yet the Church itself is clearly visible, and the size of the building speaks of the vision and enterprise of the people who undertook its erection. The shell of the building with pulpit and pews and possibly the choir stalls was opened on January 22, 1882 at a cost of £2800, of which £1000 had been raised by subscriptions, and £980 by a bazaar. There was a debt of £820 at the time of the opening. This was owed to the Church Building and Loan Fund, so that behind this ambitious venture the Connexion as a whole stood giving blessing and financial support. Before we go inside, let us look at the stonework on the outside of the Church. Right beside the entrance is the foundation stone laid in 1881. Usually a foundation stone tells us much more, but this one gives the bare date. Actually the foundation stone was laid on the 19th July. 1881, by J. Gapes. Esq., Mayor of Christchurch, and the builder was James Goss. In a cavity behind the stone is a sealed bottle containing a parchment on which is inscribed the names of the Mayor, the ladies who laid the three memorial stones, the names of the Circuit ministers, the trustees, architect, builder, copies of the Wesleyan, the Press, and the Lyttelton Times, a plan of the Circuit, and specimens of the current coins of the realm. Quite a bottle! The "memorial stones" are to be found at the base of the first three buttresses on the Worcester Street frontage. Like the foundation stone, the memorial stones are cryptic to the point of being mysterious. For a long time the incised letters "MS" have been an enigma to all. These three stones were laid by Mesdames Ritchie on behalf of the congregation (Mrs Ritchie was on one of the first Four Ships); Mouldy, on behalf of the Trust; Miss Martin on behalf of the Sunday School. The Rev. Wm. Baumber presented each of these ladies with an elegantly bound copy of the Bible and Wesleyan Hymnbook as a memorial of the occasion. At least 500 people were present, among those taking part were the Revs. W. Baumber (minister of East Belt), J. Gillam (Assistant at Durham Street), J. Aldred (first Methodist minister appointed to Canterbury), J. Taylor (Chairman of the District). James Buller (Supernumerary), J. Crewes (Bible Christian Church). and Charles Dalleston (Oxford Terrace Baptist Church). Miss Danks presided at the harmonium. Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 If you look up the walls of the building there are pieces of ornamental stonework which are in marked contrast to the plainness of the stones laid on the 19th July. To the eye of faith there is really a sermon in stone here. See the rose? It symbolizes the birth of Christ. See the rose just on the right above the doorway? It symbolizes the birth of Christ. And the daisy just to the left of it? It means innocence. And the grapes at the sides of the Avenue windows? They stand for the wine of the new covenant. See the pomegranate at the lower ends of the arch above the doorway? They stand for fertility, the hope of resurrection to eternal life, and because it has many seeds in one fruit, it is said to resemble the Church. You see the oak leaf and acorns? It represents faith and endurance. In all there is the story of our salvation by Jesus Christ who called into being the Church which lives by faith in Him and is required to endure to the end. Perhaps that is rather fanciful for I am assured by a good architect friend that there is no intentional symbolism in the stone-work! On each side of the door are two pillars, like the two that stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. The right hand one was called 'Jachin' (which means 'He shall establish') and the left hand one was named 'Boaz' (which means 'In it is strength'). So these twin pillars stand at the door of Wesley Church. They remind us that we too, are entering a holy place; that in God is our strength; that He will establish His Kingdom. At the top of each pillar is some ornamental stonework representing, my architect friend says, the acanthus plant which in classical architecture symbolizes the heavenly gardens. And who in worship has not like our first parent, walked with God in the garden in the cool of the evening? Before we go inside we may as well glance at the foundation stone of the Sunday School. It is much more concerned with people. The names of all the notables at the laying of this foundation stone are well inscribed upon it. Behind the stone also lies a bottle containing the following records: The names of the ministers in the Circuit, the names of the Trustees and the Sunday School Teachers of the Church, a copy of the year's Annual Conference Minutes and copies of that morning's Press and Times, together with an account of the ceremony. The architects were Messrs England Brothers, and the builder Mr Henry Green. Over the previous five years the Sunday School roll had increased by 100 to a total of 415 children, with an average attendance of 323! Imagine it!—no wonder the gallery was used for the Infants and the vestry between the two entrance porches of the Church for the Beginners, and the Bible Class met in the Stewards vestry! But let us go inside the Church. The general layout of the Church is that of a 'preaching place' with a central pulpit overshadowing the Communion table and clearly visible from even the remotest part of the gallery. At the time Wesley was built, Methodism had not quite come to see Preaching and Sacrament in balance, so we get the impression of an auditorium. The pews are fitted even into the corners at the sides of the pulpit. In all, the floor provided 450 sittings, and the congregations were such that not a seat was unnecessary. Indeed Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 from the beginning it was expected that a gallery would be added and in 1885 gallery sittings for an additional 320 people were added without increasing the debt, and at the modest cost of £300. What a sight it must have been to see Wesley packed with up to 700 people for evening worship. Today the gallery is rarely used. Once the eastern recess resounded with the songs and the marching feet of Mr Pugh's infant class and then, in the sudden silence, he kept the children entranced with stories magically told. Now those voices are mostly silent and the galleries remind us of the cloud of witnesses who watch the sort of fist we make of continuing the work they began. The names of some of the mighty men of the past appear on plaques on the wall, together with a short account of their record. They are but a few of those who worshipped and toiled in this place. The first pipe organ was installed in 1883. What make it was is unknown, but since it cost £140 (with no addition added to the Church debt!) it may be safely assumed that it was a modest pipe organ. It accompanied choral and congregational praise for twenty-five years and was eventually replaced in 1908 by the present instrument at a cost of £510, again without increasing the Church debt. The builder was Mr N. T. Pearce whose family was deeply involved in the life of Wesley Church and whose firm was well known. In the opinion of many, the rich mellow tone of this instrument makes it the best Methodist organ in the city. This speaks eloquently of the care and love that the builder put into his work for the Church he loved. On January 16, 1908. Mr Wilfred Coulson A.T.C.L. of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, gave the opening recital which was composed of the following pieces, selected to show the range of the instrument— Lemare's Gavotte Moderne Mendelssohn's Sonata No. 2 A March on a Theme of Handel Schubert's Traumerei Hallelujah Chorus The vocal numbers, 'Come, Gentle Night' by Miss Alcorn, and 'It is enough' (Elijah) and 'Abide With Me' (Liddle) by Mr George Moret also greatly delighted the large congregation. The choir galleries seat about 70 people comfortably. At the moment they are unused—except for when the combined Circuit choirs sing excerpts from "The Messiah" to a full Church! And then the scenes of the past come strangely alive, and the former glory glows again for a time with blessing upon each worshipping head. Just to the left of the sanctuary is the lectern which was originally used in the St. Asaph Street Primitive Methodist Church. This Church stood where Andrews and Pearson's now stands and was demolished in 1964 although the building ceased to be used as a place of worship about the time that Methodist Union took place in 1913. At that time some of the families went to Linwood, some to Woolston and some came to East Belt, among them the Browns, Leadleys and the Kents. Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 The lectern was made and presented to the Church by Messrs Brown and Leadley who had recently arrived from England. Tradition has it that in its former home, penitents often knelt in front of this lectern and found peace with God. The same had happened at Wesley, and it was fitting that this lovely piece of carved furniture should find a home at Wesley when the congregations blended. Just to the right of the pulpit, by the minister's vestry door is what we now call the "memorial corner." The stands for the baptismal font and the memorial album were made from old kauri Sunday School seats by Mr Desmond McCracken, a former boys' club leader at Wesley. For many years photographs of people and events were stored in the steward's vestry, until the Trustees decided to remove the frames and mount them in an album in the Memorial Corner. In their own way they also tell of things that have happened here and of people who have been prominent in the work of the Church. The Roll of Honour on the wall tells its own tragic story, and perhaps indicates something of the abounding young men's life in the Church—and of course, where there are young men, there will be young women too. In the sanctuary now stands a mahogany communion table and matching chairs. These are the gift of the Trustees of Wesley Church, Taranaki Street, Wellington, who were seeking a suitable home for them, after the renovation and refurnishing of Taranaki Street interior, had made them superfluous. Strangely enough the Taranaki Street Trustees who moved and seconded the resolution of gift were two past members of Wesley! From 1895 there was widespread controversy in the Church over the use of the common cup in the communion service. Six years later the separate cups came into use at Wesley. The three-tier trays now in use date from August 1901. The silver plates for the communion bread probably belonged to the original common cup communion set. While the common cups had to be brought into occasional use, after 1901, it is regrettable that there is now no trace of them. Formerly a set of four brass offering plates given by Mrs Lamb, were in use in ordinary worship. These, too, have disappeared—stolen. We shall go over to the Sunday School. On this site the old wooden 'School-Church' stood. When the brick school was opened in 1903, the old wooden 'School-Church' was removed to join the back of the school to the back of the Church, and at the time of its removal was divided into six class rooms. The Hall itself is 67ft x 33ft and cost £1700 of which £700 was given, £400 was available from the old "Ferry Road" Parsonage, and approximately £500 remained as a debt. The foundation stone was laid by H. F. Wigram, Esq the Mayor of Christchurch on 20th November 1902. The opening of the Sunday School greatly eased the inconvenience of housing the large number of children attending. But by 1916 even this was quite inadequate. The 30 member Young Men's Bible Class met in the 'low, unattractive, poorly ventilated room' (now called the "Stewards' vestry"); the primary Department used the "gallery of the Church, which is quite unsuitable for marching exercises and general carrying out of modern methods adopted by the Department"; the Beginners Department met in the vestry between the porches, a Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 room soon overcrowded with "no provision for ventilation when the doors are closed, consequently the atmosphere becomes unbearable and prejudicial to the health of the little ones."

Being the Golden Jubilee year of the Sunday School, 1916 was made a year of appeal for providing more adequate youth facilities. The envisaged scheme was ambitious. "The only feasible scheme suggested, appears to be that of demolishing the old building at the rear of the brick portion of the School, and erecting a two story building in its place, and plans of this proposal submitted will provide the urgently needed accommodation. The estimated cost of this scheme is some £800, of this required amount there is in trust about £150," reads the Jubilee Souvenir brochure. On account of World War I and its aftermath of change in the Church, this vision never matured in its proposed form. Not until 1926, a decade later, was the old "School- Church" (built in 1876) that had served so well, replaced by the kitchen, lounge, and two class rooms that form the wing off the Hall. In the meantime, costs had risen, and instead of a double storey building costing £800, a single storey building was added costing £1,022, and a debt of £487 remained. To carry out this addition, part of the parsonage back yard was used and in 1927 the old parsonage was sold and the present one purchased. The old parsonage extensively remodelled is what is now known as "Kensington Flats". It was built in 1886 and consisted of eleven rooms, and cost £600, the total amount remaining as a debt for some time. The first occupants were the Rev. G. and Mrs Bond who was the second minister in the Circuit. When sold, the old parsonage realised £850 which went towards the purchase price of £2.000 of the present one, situated just across the road from the Church. This house has been extensively altered in the past year or two, and is a comfortable home for the parsonage family. Built originally for one who was Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 reputed to be a bookmaker, it has now been converted to holier uses and more lawful activities. In all, Wesley has known two bursts of building activity— that which led to the building of the Church and its facilities, and that which led to the provision of adequate youth facilities. By 1886 the Church, galleries, first organ, wooden "School- Church" and first parsonage were all complete at a cost of £5,140 for land and buildings—excluding the cost of the Avonside Wesleyan School at the "Bank"—an achievement of twenty years from the first beginnings. Between 1886 and 1927, when the properties as we now know them were completed, the Hall, new organ, present parsonage, kitchen, lounge and wing of class rooms were built or acquired at a cost of £4,382. In full the people of Wesley found something like £10,000 for the present buildings and their antecedents. Today's costs would be wildly in excess of this figure. Here vision and enterprise blended. Here are the outward facilities raised to meet urgent needs. Here is something of the price our forbears were prepared to pay to meet their own spiritual needs, and to take to others the good news of the grace of God, and by God's blessing, these bricks and mortar became for many none other than the house of God and the gate of heaven. Tread lightly, my friends, the spirits of just men are around us, and the place is holy ground.

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 Travail— 1866-1890 In the later 1860's Christchurch was a market town that drew its importance from being the centre of a district growing in wealth and importance. There were many other small market towns lying further out—Rangiora, Amberley, Leeston—and clusters of small houses huddled around a few shops, as at St. Albans, Papanui, Riccarton. But Christchurch boasted the newly erected Provincial Council Chambers, a glory of the Province; a cathedral —without vestries, tower and many of the lovely memorials on its walls; head churches of several denominations—Durham Street, St. Andrews and St. Pauls, and a bevy of Anglican churches that catered for the people who lived on the growing frontier of the city that still could confine most of its people within the four 'Belts' of the city. The Avon wound its weary way from Riccarton to Shag Rock and shipping drew in at the Steam wharf at Ferrymead to unload its goods on to the steam train that towed passengers and goods into the newly erected railway station at the southern end of the city. Avonside was a nondescript name for a nondescript district which came to be regarded as that area which lay between the East Town Belt and that road where Stan Moore had his shop and about which a few dwellings clustered. Several large houses stood in this area, and a group of homes lay along the river bank round Hanmer Street, but for the most part, tussock flats with a few small rounded hillocks lay open to sun and wind. In this small Avonside district Methodist work began in 1866 when Mr Stephen Harper, a member of Durham Street Church, gathered together a few scholars, including his own children, in his own home 'Avon Villa' in Hanmer Street, to begin a Sunday School. For six months the school continued in his home, but an increasing number of children attending required a larger meeting place. Mr Petrie had just built a four roomed house in Hanmer Street, and not needing the front room rented it to Mr Harper for Is 6d a week, and the school was held here until towards the close of 1867 when an increasing roll again required larger premises. On what was then known as the 'Bank'—a sand bank adjacent to the River Avon at the corner of Hanmer Street, there stood a small building surrounded by broom, flax, tussocks, and nigger-heads, built and used by the Church of England prior to the erection of the Avonside Church. This building was deemed suitable for the purpose of the school, and arrangements were made to purchase it. Mr Harper appealed to the Durham Street congregation for assistance, and they agreed to pay half the cost of purchase. By a big effort Mr Harper and his scholars collected the remainder. In 1869 there was a £40 mortgage. The building was a very plain one and so were the fittings. Seating accommodation was forms without backs, a table served for pulpit and desk. tallow candles fixed to crossed pieces of wood suspended from the roof by cords served for lighting at night time; singing was started by obtaining the key-note with a tuning fork. Improvements came, however, with the passing of time, and the Avonside Wesleyan School, as it was then called, continued to prosper with the occupancy of the larger buildings. Several helpers joined Mr Harper in carrying on the school, and Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 from the minutes of a teachers' meeting held on June 9th, 1868, we learn the following teachers were present:—Mesdames Free and Hopper, Miss Berry, Messrs Harper, Stanley, Cornck, Campbell, Fairbourne. Some months later appear the names of Mrs Ritchie and Messrs Degaris, Brooker, Cannon H. Wilkinson, N. Marton and Ward with the name of the Rev. W. C. Oliver as Chairman. During this same year, 1868, Mr Harper relinquished personal responsibility for the school and wisely handed over to the growing staff responsibility for its own acts in association with the newly formed Canterbury Sunday School Union. While the Sunday School was mounting in strength, among the children, spiritual work among the adults also went on. Such Methodist people as lived in the area attended Durham Street Church, but in the Quarter ended 30th September, 1866, a Class Meeting was registered in the Circuit Schedule with three members and one on trial, under the leadership of 'Brother Jones'. In December 1867 Mr Wilkinson became Leader, and the membership stood at 7, and presently increased to 11. In 1871 the Leadership of the Class was again changed, Mr Flavel taking charge, and the time of meeting was changed to Sunday. About this time, 1867, services of worship were commenced. These would no doubt, coincide with the purchase of the school on the 'Bank'. At first services were held morning and evening, but in 1870 the evening service was discontinued, and a year later the Preachers' Meeting resolved to close the morning service also. Yet the Preachers' Meeting was certain that Methodist services should be rooted in the district, and several of the preachers resident in the vicinity were deputed to look out for a suitable site on the East Town Belt for the erection of a place of worship. Those present at this meeting were Messrs Flavel, Dewsbury, Connal, Garlick, Fairclough, F. Dewsbury, Calvert, Hiddleston, Cannon and Dawson with Rev. A. R. Fitchett as chairman. While worship was discontinued it was probably Messrs Flavel and Cannon who located the site on which the present Sunday School and the old parsonage stand. By 1873 the Avonside Wesleyan School was becoming too small for the 'Bank' and a move was made to a building in Worcester Street known as 'Baxter's Hall' or the 'Dancing Academy' which was rented and used for Sunday School purposes for three years. Services were recommenced in this building but discontinued for the summer months of 1875-6. In the meantime the men requested to locate a suitable site on which to organise Methodist work in this part of Christchurch, had found and purchased a site 110 feet by 132 feet—the site of the present Sunday School hall and the old parsonage, 173 Fitzgerald Avenue. On it a 'school-church' 45ft 6in by 22ft was built at a cost of £600, the debt remaining being £157 10s. On April 9th, Dr. Morley, on his first Sunday in the Circuit, preached the opening sermon from Psalm XXIV, verses 5 and 6, in the afternoon at 3, the Rev. W. Lee took the 'Scholars' Service', and the evening worship was conducted by the Rev. J. Crump. In spite of a pouring wet day, attendances were good. For some time Wesley Church was described as a 'Chapel of ease' to Durham Street. Most of the Trustees were Durham Street people, and the Wesley congregation had not been weaned from dependence upon the mother Church. Nevertheless it was now about to grow in strength. In 1879 the corner section, Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 adjoining the site on which the new wooden Church school-church had been built, was purchased for £700, the interest on this amount being met by the rental of the two cottages which stood at the back of the section on Worcester Street.

With the acquisition of this property, a strong sense of local responsibility and a sense of belonging together, grew up around the modest 'school-church'. Twenty adults were meeting in two classes: twelve teachers staffed a school of one hundred and thirty-five scholars. Mr Harper had given up the superintendency of the Sunday School in 1874 but continued to be associated with Mr Nicholas Martin who gave 10 years' service, and in 1884 Mr J. Sherris began his superintendency of the School which was to last for 26 years. There was little grading of the school in those days. The Primary Department was separated from the Main School, but the teenagers continued to meet with the children. From 1884-1902 Mr Pugh had charge of the Primary Department, relinquishing the position only when he left East Belt Church. After the erection of the present church his class clambered up the stairs and met in the alcove on the Fitzgerald Avenue end of the Church. There their hymns were sung, their stories told, and apparently the discipline must have been good for no legs or arms were broken. Certainly the sun streamed upon them in that sunny corner and perhaps after being enchanted with Mr Pugh's stories of Jesus, going home was like the descent from the Mount of Transfiguration. An outstanding feature of the period leading up to 1890 was the activity displayed in connection with the Temperance Cause. A Band of Hope with a strong membership existed, and its welfare was looked after by a strong committee from the Sunday School staff. The meetings were looked forward to with intense interest and the Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 forceful addresses of Mr J. T. Smith and the homely chats of Mrs Ritchie were long remembered by boys and girls long since grown to manhood and womanhood. There also children learned confidence in appearing before others as Jack Sanders. Hattie Lowe, Annie Rowe, Annie Shaw, and many others recited or sang their pieces to the delight of their friends or proud parents. At the opening of the 'School-Church', Miss Hannah Danks played the harmonium and by 1890 she had given twelve years service as Church organist. Three years after the review of this period closes, her services were gratefully recognised by the Church. At the home of Mr W. Harris, 'Pine Villa' in Worcester Street, tea was set out for fifty people. After all had freely regaled themselves in the late afternoon sunshine, speeches of appreciation were made, and after Miss Danks' father replied, the party climbed into the waiting carriages and drove to New Brighton to walk on the sands! (Note:—Miss Danks continued to make a valuable contribution to the music of the Church until 1904. and was given two other tokens of appreciation: in 1900, a gold brooch with three diamonds, and in 1902, a purse of sovereigns.) The membership of the church had risen to 90 by 1892. The Sunday School roll stood at 288. The leadership was strong and forward-looking. The future was full of hope. Truly, a section of Durham Street had been transplanted into Fitzgerald Avenue, and was growing strongly.

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 1890-1913: "Young; Strong; and Free” As the century ended and the new one began, the district around Wesley Church was rapidly changing. The Outlook described it as a 'fast growing and popular suburb.' A look at the building map of Christchurch for 1900 shows that there were many large homes set in spacious gardens in the area. In the Church publication, it is recorded that a garden party was held at Sorenson's and time was spent playing croquet, tennis and bowls! And when the Thanksgiving Service was held after the epidemic of 1918, it was held on the lawn of a house, the section of which to-day includes practically the whole frontage of Fitzgerald Avenue from Worcester to Gloucester Streets. Not all dwellings were of these spacious dimensions, but a number were, and with the influx of influential people into this 'fast growing and popular suburb,' the East Belt Church came to its full strength. Among those who came into the district and associated with the Church at this time were the C. S. Howards, Kippenbergers, Thompsons, W. H. Seeds, Kidsons, W. Lillys, the Gilmours, Goodmans, Craddocks, and Smiths. Services were held morning and evenings and the choir which was growing in strength and musical accomplishment, and occasionally presented special music after Church. June 18, 1893 was such an occasion when four anthems, two duets, two solos and a violin solo were presented to the delight of the congregation. Among the senior young people of the Sunday School there were feelings that they were too old for the Sabbath School, and a desire was expressed for some kind of independent movement. This was met partly by the forming of a Young Men's Guild in 1892 whose Patron was the Rev. L. M. Isitt, President Mr Randerson, Vice-President Mr J. H. Thompson, and Secretary Mr A. Wright. The young women also had a class, and their first leader, as far as can be traced, was Miss Craddock who left the district in 1895. There was an air of seriousness and desire for improving themselves among the young people of this time, and the discussions of the Mutual Improvement Society moved on a high plane. One evening was given to presenting papers on Shakespeare. Miss Craddock presented one on 'Henry V as a Soldier;' Miss Howard The Life of Shakespeare,' Mr Kippenberger 'The Stories of Shakespeare'; others contributing in the same vein. (Feb. 11, 1892.) Upon this sedate, high-minded, devoted congregation living in a fast-growing and popular suburb, burst the era of revival which was mounting within the life of the Church at large. In 1894 the Rev Thomas Cook came to Christchurch and conducted a series of evangelistic meetings in the city. Such was the impact of this at East Belt that the Christian Endeavour which had begun in March. 1893, had grown to 80 members in 1895. (N.Z. Meth. 24/3/1895.) Two years later, 1897, the Rev. D. O'Connell was preaching on 'Power for Service' to a rally of Christian Endeavourers. 'It was a most solemn service, and an impressive sight to see hundreds of young men and young women, and old ones too, rise to their feet in response to the evangelist's call for entire consecration to Jesus Christ for missionary or other Christian service.' It was at such a Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 time as this that the Rev. C .H. (later Dr.) Laws came to Wesley Church as second minister in the Durham Street Circuit. Coming to Christchurch meant the return to a University centre, which greatly pleased Mr Laws because of the opportunity thus afforded to further his scientific studies. But increasing pressure of work within the Church, and a conviction that his work was to preach the gospel, led him to a Biblical study of power, the supreme equipment that God has provided for His people. This was his own inner preparation for what was to follow. At his welcome social, he told a story about a Yorkshire bus. To board this bus the traveller had the option of paying for either a first, second or third class ticket. All passengers entered the bus and sat just where they wished and in equal comfort—for there were no first, second or third class compartments. As the bus rumbled out of town and into the country the traveller pondered why three charges should be made to ride on this bus in which all passengers were treated in exactly the same manner. Shortly his question was answered. The bus came to the foot of a hill and groaned to a stop. 'First class passengers sit where you are' called the driver. 'Second class passengers, get out and walk. Third class passengers, get out and shove.' "I want you all to be third class passengers" concluded Mr Laws. Shortly after this two men called on him one Saturday night and offered to do anything he assigned them to further the work of the Church. Being himself inwardly prepared and having the willing support of a team of laymen, and a Leaders Meeting prepared to "get out and shove," Mr Laws launched a mission with the full support of all his officials. This was how Dr. Laws described his first ministry at 'East Belt'from 1899 until 1903. The Mission began with a week of prayer, culminating in a special Communion Service. Then came the series of special evangelistic services. In preaching Dr. Laws emphasis was on the development of the Christian life and experience. In a 'Convention' held at this time, his subjects were 'The Eve of Conquest,' 'The Carnal Mind,' 'The Self Cry of Despair,' 'God's Answer of Hope,' 'The Spirit Filled Life,' 'Let Go Faith,' 'What God Meant Religion To Be.' The Church sittings were full at 6 p.m. Chairs crowded the aisles, and even after the service, the congregation hung about the Church doors as if loath to go home. But no one method was used in winning people for Christ. Apart from preaching of the highest order, certain folk were approached in personal interview. Others were approached by letter. Men's meetings were held. The Bible Classes were approached as a group. Sometimes, after service, the men remained while the remainder of the congregation dispersed. To these groups such public figures as T. E. Taylor of Prohibition renown, Mr Bedford of Dunedin and Parliamentary prominence, was brought to East Belt, or a team such as Dr. Orchard Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 and the Rev. Gray of Oxford Terrace Baptist Church would speak on 'Men's Morals,' 'Impurity' and 'The Way of Escape' respectively. The whole series concluded with Holy Communion and the Covenant Service in 1901. 80 attended in spite of snow and rain. The impact of this movement of the Spirit upon all sections of the congregation was remarkable. In all, something like a hundred conversions were registered during this period. Some of them were striking. One man came forward to the enquiry room, and as he passed the minister, pressed into his hand a packet '" containing £10 of which he had defrauded another, and asked for it to be refunded. Another man left the meeting with the resolve to be reconciled to his brother. The Junior Christian Endeavour numbered 70 members. A weekly Bible Class of 50- 60 persons replaced the usual week-night preaching service, and in this, conversions took place, and the air of expectancy prevailed. Miss Falks had a Junior Class of 60 at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Mr Collier had a young men's class of from 20 to 30 from the Mission. The Sunday School roll stood at 415 with an average attendance of 323. Some of the young men organized cottage prayer meetings; others formed themselves into a band and went on to the streets on late shopping night singing and preaching. Others went into private homes doing the same thing, and from this time such well known names as R. B. Tinsley, C. H. Olds, C. B. Jordan and Alex Allen heard the call to preach and entered the ranks of the Methodist Ministry. The influence of this work was widespread, and no doubt influenced the formation of the Bible Class Union in 1904—and from about this point the Christian Endeavour movement wanes while the Bible Class waxes. The Ladies Guild was born about this time. In 1902, it had 50 members under the leadership of Mrs W. Lilley (President), Mesdames W. Cooke and Hewlett (Secretaries) and Mrs C. S. Howard (Treasurer). And shortly afterwards, about 1908, the Scouts movement was encouraged at East Belt to help conserve and develop young Christian manhood. So pressing was the need for accommodation for the many activities, especially among the youth, that the present brick hall was opened in 1903, and the organ installed in 1908. Wesley was loath to see Mr Laws move away. He had spent five years at Wesley, and that was the maximum term allowed a minister in those days. For the final service the Church was crowded to capacity. Some sat on the pulpit steps. Some even sat in the pulpit. 'The days at East Belt,' says the Doctor in later life, 'were after my own heart, but I never saw another such work in my ministry. I have hoped for a like result elsewhere and preached for souls—but in vain. I believe that more was going on than my poor heart knew but often did my soul cry out for visible fruit.' After a ministry of considerable success in Dunedin Mr Laws returned to Wesley from 1909 to 1911. Evangelistic services backed by a male voice choir of 60 voices, were held. Welcome teas were commenced to which newcomers to the church were welcomed, or prospective Christians were invited by friends. Prayer meetings of forty people were held. The Brotherhood Movement was inaugurated and was attended by Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 up to 200 men. Twelve Lay Pastors were dedicated to their work in 1912. 'I met with no success like that of my former pastorate. The folk were loyal and I preached earnestly, but the Spirit did not work in the same way, both to my disappointment, and I think to that of my people,' said Dr. Laws later. In fairness, it should be said that Dr. Laws was at East Belt for only three years before being transferred to Durham Street. It is hard from this distance to sense the mounting expectancy in the hearts of the people of that day, or to imagine the power of the preacher's utterance. We hear distant stories of when the Church was full—and folk say 'that was not in my time,' and 'it was before mine too.' It was really not a time so much, as an era, in which the old forms of Church policy were being burst and a great amount of experimentation was done to find new forms to carry on the work of the Spirit who had burst in upon them. Many people associated these days with the name of the Rev. C. H. Laws. His ministry was set in this era of a movement of the Spirit, and he was ready and willing to work with it. Under him, Wesley had all the strengths of a suburban church. Grown to its full stature, its membership outstripped that of Durham Street. It possessed the mature spiritual leadership of men of community stature. It was high noon at Wesley. It was young. It was strong. It was free.

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 Head of The Family 1913-1963 Nineteen thirteen was a momentous year for N.Z. Methodism. In it the Primitive and Wesleyan Methodists united to become the Methodist Church of N.Z. The same year N.Z. Methodism separated from Australia to become an independent Conference and Wesley Church was at its full strength. In the rearrangement of circuit boundaries which followed union, Wesley became the head of a family of Churches, comprising Linwood, Richmond, Shirley, New Brighton and Marshlands that became known as the Christchurch East Circuit. This was a proud position for a strong Church, and the Superintendent of the Circuit was more like the bishop of a small diocese than the pastor to a particular congregation. As Superintendent minister he was on many of the connexional committees based on Christchurch, and of the eleven ministers who have served Wesley Church since 1913, six have become Presidents of Conference, and two of the remaining four have been Chairman of the District during their residence at Wesley. (This does not include the name of the Rev. W. Greenslade who, as President-Elect, was not able to assume office because of illness). Superintendents and Pastors The Rev. W. A. Sinclair was the first Superintendent appointed to the Christchurch East Circuit. He was born in Christchurch and fulfilled a ministry remarkable for its variety and scope. For twelve years he was in City Missions; eleven years in Circuits; one as acting principal of the Theological College; fourteen years in charge of the Foreign Mission Department. He was chairman of the North Canterbury District and in the year immediately after he left Wesley was elected President of the Conference. Mr. Sinclair was followed by the Rev. E. P. Blamires who at that time was the youngest minister appointed to Wesley. Mr. Blamires was the son of an Australian parsonage from which four of the nine children entered the Methodist ministry. He served in Circuits from 1900 until 1922 when he was appointed to the Youth Department in which he remained until 1939. He became President in 1936, and since retirement in 1944 has taken an active part in organizing Home and Family Weeks throughout the Dominion, and in this work has become a recognized authority. From 1921 until 1926 the Rev. E. D. Patchett, another Canterbury man, was stationed at Wesley. Mr. Patchett also became President in 1931 and spent nineteen of his forty years of ministry as Chairman of the District in which he was stationed. The Rev. William Greenslade began his ministry at Wesley in 1927. Having already been Chairman of the District in Nelson and Wellington, he was appointed to the same office in North Canterbury and had been designated President for the Conference of 1931. Before being able to assume office he was stricken by illness from which, after fifteen months of suffering, he died. The Rev. Edward Drake took Mr. Greenslade's place. He was reared in Primitive Methodism and was President of the Primitive Methodist Church. He took a leading part in the union discussions which culminated in the Union of 1913 and in the united Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 Church was Chairman of three Districts, Secretary of the Conference for three years and President in 1920. He was a good preacher and pastor, and ardent leader in the Prohibition cause. H. L. Fiebig also came to Wesley as a younger man, and was at Wesley from 1936 until 1940. Mr Fiebig subsequently returned to Christchurch as Connexional Secretary in 1946, remaining in that position until he retired in 1964. In 1952 Mr. Fiebig assumed the Presidential chair. From 1940 until 1944 the Rev. J. H. Allen was Superintendent of the Circuit and Chairman of the District. In 1952 he became President of Conference and, like the Rev. W. Greenslade, has given a son to the ministry of the Church. The Rev. W. H. Greenslade was a son of the parsonage who came back to the Church in which his father had formerly served. The Second World War was just over, and with a 'Back to the Belt' policy, Mr. Greenslade sought to renew the former strength of Wesley, but the current of events was strongly against him. In 1947 the Rev. V. R. Jamieson came to Wesley and commenced one of the longest Circuit ministries in the Methodist Church in New Zealand up to that time. All the post war changes in the city were taking place during this period but with undaunted courage these were met, and through this long ministry for many years of which he was Chairman of the District, 'Roy' Jamieson gave a strong and steady lead to the Church. In 1960 the Rev. H. G. Brown commenced a four-year ministry beginning the renovation of the properties, faithfully performing the pastoral office, and carrying out his duties as Chairman of the District. Since 1964 the minister of Wesley Church has also been the Warden of the Deaconess Order.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE Almost immediately after the Christchurch East Circuit was formed, the first World War commenced to dislocate the life of the nation and the Church. Through five long years the young men from Wesley went to the War. Scores joined up, and 27 made the supreme sacrifice. Many who went away full of idealism returned never to play an active part in the Church again. After the Great War was the 'Great Depression' and in 1939 the Second World War engulfed the Church again, with a further blunting of idealism. Hard upon the Second World War, Christchurch—like many other major New Zealand cities—entered upon a phase of rapid expansion and industrialization. The lower end of Fitzgerald Avenue up to Cashel and Essex Streets was zoned for industrial purposes. Homes began to disappear. Where children once played, lorries lumbered backwards and forwards with their merchandise or raw materials, and the smuts of factory chimneys began to settle grimily upon all beneath them. Families began to move to more agreeable suburbs. Young people from the Bible Classes married and swelled the congregations of new housing areas. And the hearts of some have grown cold. Statistics coldly tell their own story. Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 Year Membership Year Membership 1913 321 1960 93 1920 288 1962 78 1940 267 1963 75 1940 175 1964 72 1950 109 1965 69 This steady decline in adult membership since 1913, and the rapid decline in the numbers of young people associated with the Church since the commencement of the Second World War, have led to a progressive weakening of the Church. The 'radiant days of the Most High' have departed so far as crowded congregations are concerned, and some, overlooking the sacrifices of the faithful remnant and the changing nature of residences in the district, question the worthwhile continuance of the work from the present site. Nevertheless many of those who shared the vitality of the pre-War days lived on into the changed ethos of the post World War I era. Local Preachers had often to watch their theological P's and Q's for Trustees of the 'old school' took very seriously their right to exclude from the pulpit preachers who expounded doctrine contrary to the Methodist position. One Local Preacher was holding forth in all sincerity when a distinguished member of the congregation rose to his feet and pointing at the preacher, called out 'That is not Methodist teaching,' and walked out leaving the poor preacher fumbling with his notes and trying to pick up the threads of his discourse as best he could! Wesley continued to be a preaching place but had lost its attractive power, yet the friendships, the ideals kindled in many lives, and the faithful work done in increasingly difficult circuit circumstances of the devotion of its people. As the numbers attending worship dwindled, the financial burden on the few has grown heavier. Urgent renovations had to be postponed for too long. Leadership tended to be loaded on to a few people, yet during this period of decreasing membership the Stewardship Programme was initiated under the leadership of three laymen, Messrs J. T. Eitoft, K. W. Stacey and W. Yeatman. Already these men had learned something of the art of visiting m a Visitation Evangelism programme, and were determined to improve the financial position of the Church. It was a most successful venture and one in which the minister took absolutely no part except for attending one or two meetings when the canvass was being organised. The framework of this venture is still operative to-day. While this was carried through upon lay initiative, the venture in Visitation Evangelism was undertaken under the leadership of the Rev. V. R. Jamieson. Visitors were selected and a concentrated effort was made to reach the parents of Sunday School scholars and Bible Class members. Believing that the acknowledgement of God's authority over man, and obedience to it, restores God's image in man brings peace to heart and world, the six pairs of visitors met four nights a week after work, Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 had the evening meal prepared by the ladies of the Church and after prayer in the Church set out to visit homes which had been previously notified of the visit. That week's visitation brought in 30 new members, some of whom are still active in the Church and others are active in churches to which they have been transferred. One older couple with an only child said 'Yes, for the sake of our child this is the least we can do to set an example.' A widow said afterwards, 'This has made a wonderful difference at work; it taught me that God hears and answers prayer.' A lady said 'I would love to be a member of the Church; if you think I am good enough and will accept me, I will gladly sign the act of commitment.' A father who had never been to the church before came on the Sunday after the visit, hand in hand with his two children. Several things stand out. The visitation was a success in every way. The visitors became so keen that they asked for more, and for several years a Visitation Campaign became an annual event and always with success. Not many of those who responded have fallen by the wayside: some have died in the faith; others are the sound core of membership to-day. Since 1960 considerable attention has been devoted to the condition of the church properties. In 1962 the Church exterior was sealed against moisture and painted, inside and out. The Sunday School Hall was painted in 1963; in 1964 extensive alterations and renovations were carried out at the Parsonage. The minister's vestry was redecorated in 1966, and the Sunday School wing has been painted for the first time since it was built! Much of this work has been done by the voluntary labour of a small team of men of the congregation. Today the buildings are used regularly for worship, Sunday School and Bible Class activities, and for the Ace of Clubs youth club. For our own use much smaller facilities would be quite adequate, but the buildings are used also by the Synod Standing Committee for its regular meetings, and by two badminton clubs which meet during the winter months. From 1937 a Men's Fellowship met monthly but this was discontinued in 1943, and for eleven seasons an indoor bowling club met with considerable success, but it too gradually declined and in 1963 went into recess for lack of membership. The days of bustling activity are past, yet the worship of the Church continues and the young are taught. The Connexional Budget is met in full, and always has been. Men care lovingly for properties. Women visit, and sew, and collect on street corners for worthy causes. Young people meet in Bible Class and canvass from door to door for Corso and the Children's Homes Appeal. Teachers diligently impart the Christian faith to their classes and can win the "C" Grade Sunday School Examinations. Worthy causes of one kind and another are supported. All this is no longer on the grand scale, but still it goes on and the Connexion and the Kingdom would be poorer without it.

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 WITH TWO HANDS At this point records fail and adequate tribute to the service rendered to the Church by the Ladies Guild is difficult to pay. Although Minute Books are scarce, the women of the congregation were active in the service of the Church as far back as 1881. When the men determined to build a worthy church, the women added to the subscriptions worth £1000, an almost equal amount by their industry. When the new Church was opened it was reported that £980 had been raised by a bazaar! And Church people know that a bazaar is largely the women's effort. During the first ministry of the Rev. C. H. Laws a Ladies Guild was formally organized, Mrs. Laws becoming the first President in 1903. As the years passed fairs of all kinds were organized—Rainbow Fairs, Spring Fairs, Barrow Fairs (at which all saleable goods were displayed on decorated and canopied wheel-barrows) etc.—and many works of mercy and charity supported. In the Jubilee Year, 1932, the officers of the Ladies Guild are reported as: President, Mrs. S. Orchard, Secretary, Mrs. Marriott. Treasurer, Mrs. Roberts. Vice Presidents Mesdames Greene, Lamb, Drake and Seed, with a membership of thirty. After the Sunday School class rooms had been paid for, the Ladies took over the flower show which, in a district of stately homes and well cultivated gardens, appealed strongly. Of more recent years local support for the Flower Show has waned, and continues only as an annual Fair. To-day the work of the Women's Fellowship—the new name for the Ladies Guild and Missionary Auxiliary—continues. The Afternoon Fellowship acts as hostess to other women's groups in the Circuit once a year, organizes an annual Fair for which a small band of women perform herculean tasks of baking, sewing aprons, garments and knickknacks, while the men take charge of the produce and white elephant stalls. In addition the women maintain a roster for cleaning the church and providing floral decorations for worship. For the former the women are paid by the Trust, and generously use their funds for necessary maintenance of furnishings at the Church and parsonage. A number of excellent women have led the Ladies Guild and the Women's Fellowships at Wesley. Unfortunately the list of Presidents and Secretaries is far from complete. It is hoped that early records will eventually come to hand so that the deeds of the unknown warriors of this branch of the Church work may be more adequately recorded. To-day the Afternoon Fellowship meets under the leadership of Mrs. B. D. Strong, President; Mrs. R. McGrath, Secretary; Mrs. R. Hibbert, Treasurer. A Young Wives' Fellowship meets in the evening under the leadership of Mrs. W. A. Chambers.

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 WORK AMONG YOUTH. Until the outbreak of World War II there was considerable activity among the youth connected with Wesley Church, as the following table for Sunday School and Bible Classes show. But since World War II the former strength has never been regained. Youth Returns Bible Classes Year No. Teachers No. Scholars Young Men Young Women 1913 31 345 1920 27 225 21 12 1930 18 267 6 9 1940 14 71 21 17 1950 12 95 7 3 1960 8 44 9 9 1961 5 29 11 9 1962 4 20 3 5 1963 4 18 2 4 1964 3 30 12 1965 20 14 1966 25 16 From 1912 until 1943 Mr. Mark Kershaw was Superintendent of the School, a record of 31 years of continuous and faithful service. A man beloved by those he worked with and by those he taught, Mr Kershaw saw the School in its strength, and began to see the change that was coming over the district and its effect on the School to which he had devoted so much of his life.

M. Kershaw Not only has regular instruction been given upon Sundays, but efforts were constantly made to link the young people with the Church and deepen their Christian experience. Between the two World Wars the Young Worshippers League, the Junior Christian Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 Endeavour and the Wesley Guild which had a member-ship of 60 in 1925 all operated, up to the outbreak of World War II.

The Sunday School Staff in 1916 Some of the week-night activities, such as the Debating Club in 1914, the Teheakoa Club in 1932, the Sunshine League in 1937 and the Bluebirds in 1931-33, died in infancy. Others were more permanent. The Boy Scouts which had been revived in 1917 with 25 members continued until 1938 when it sought new premises. Just before it moved there were 52 Scouts and Cubs on its books. The Girl Guides had been established in 1931 but ceased to meet at Wesley in 1938 when the Scouts did. In 1939 the Boys Brigade was begun, ran for three years, suffered from lack of leadership during World War II and was eventually replaced by a Boys' Club under the leadership of Mr. Des. McCracken. The Lifeboys, however, grew to a strength of 40 members in 1942 and continued to meet until 1947. Up to 1939 young people could select from the rich variety of activities—Wesley Guild, Young Worshippers League, Junior Christian Endeavour, Sunshine League, Scouts or Cubs, Guides or Brownies, Boys Brigade and Lifeboys in addition to Sunday School and Bible Class, and all of these activities had a reasonable prosperity. In the immediate post War period efforts were made to rehabilitate youth work. During the short ministry of the Rev. W. H. Greenslade, the Wesley Badminton Club was formed and still flourishes today, and in 1947 Miss Shirley Jamieson took over the Girls' Life Brigade which had commenced the previous year, and under her able leadership flourished until 1960 when through the removal of leaders and an inability to replace them, both the G.L.B. and the Cadets went into recess. In the 1950's family homes began to disappear and flats to take their place. There were frequent changes in Sunday School staffing, and the Sunday School, and youth work generally, began to decline quickly. From 1950 to 1960 the Sunday School dropped from 95 to 44 scholars, and week night activities have never achieved the number and variety of the years between the wars. Today there are 25 children in the Sunday Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 School and 16 in the Bible Classes. Under Mr J. F. H. Burborough and Miss V. M. Douglas the Main School and the Primary Department continue, while the Bible Classes are led by Mr. Derek Miskell, Miss Jocelyn Gilling and the minister. Wesley Badminton Club flourishes with a membership of 38 drawn mostly from Methodist Churches in different parts of the city, and the younger people have the 'Ace of Clubs' which from 1964 has met on Friday evenings for a varied programme of badminton, bowls, table tennis, parlour games and occasional trips to places of interest. The Sound of Singing Any Church possessing a strong, well-disciplined choir led by a sympathetic choirmaster who works with the minister, has a treasure indeed. New avenues of service open up to members, worship becomes richer and more varied and the devotion of the soul is set singing melodies that are never forgotten. Such a choir Wesley had before the onset of city changes wrought havoc in its midst. The earliest records available show that a choir was in existence in 1893. Apart from that we know nothing of it. The first organist was Miss Hannah Danks, already mentioned for outstanding service over many years. The first choirmaster discovered to date is Mr. J. A. Flesher who retired in 1898 and was presented with a gold watch. In the Rev. C. H. Laws second ministry there is record of a male choir of 60 voices, but whether this was drawn only from Wesley, or was drawn from sister Churches in the Circuit, is not known. However, the choir reached its late autumn richness and glory under the leadership of Messrs A. M. Owen (organist) and J. Chaplin (choirmaster) in the period from 1926 to 1938, at which latter time there were thirty-five members in the choir. These two men worked happily together over many years and under them the choir reached a peak of usefulness. In the 1930's these two men could draw upon the top talent in the city and support it with choral strength. In the tenor line were Messrs G. Butland, E. Lancaster, E. Douglas, R. Hibbert, Jack Stuart, Albert Barker, Cliff Green, H. N. Thorpe, L. King, T. Armstrong, H. Chaplin. Among the basses were the magnificent Sherris voices, Messrs. J. H. Sherris, R. H. Sherris. A. Sherris, Will Sherris and C. G. Goode, I. O. Shepard, A. Rounthwaite, F. Vinnicomb. The contralto line was composed of Mrs J W. Palk. Mrs. Rickard. Mrs. Goode, Nancy Gibson, Mrs Rounthwaite, Rene Armitage, Thelma Rickard, Miss Thomas. Among the sopranos were Miss Wilson, Dolly Hale, Sue Orchard, Gwen Hooper, Miss Steel, Mrs S. Seed, Misses Steel, D. M. Jackman, Dixon, Vinnicombe, Bessie Olds, Yoeman, Ruth Walsey, Sally Lancaster, Hetty Armstrong, Misses Butland, Osborne, Hay, French, Mrs Rouse and Mrs Hay. For special occasions the choir was supplemented from other choirs in the Circuit—a practice which continued well into the 1950's. On these occasions such people as Clarice Cooper, Valerie Pepler, Ailsa Nicholl, Madame Gower Burns (soprano), Mrs Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 Nelson Kerr, Mrs J. W. Palk, Anita Ledsham. Nellie Lowe (contralto), Ernest Rogers, Hugh Blakely (tenor), and A. S. Bell, W. J. Spratt, J. Filer, Rex Harrison, Robert Lake (bass), have led the solo work, and not infrequently these occasions were broadcast from station 3YA. On one such occasion a North Island listener wanted to know who the excellent boy soprano was who sang 'O. for the wings of a dove.' It was Madame Gower Burns who at 65 still had a boy-soprano purity of tone. Among the cantatas presented in this way, that is on a combined choir basis with visiting soloists of outstanding merit, were excerpts from "The Messiah," "The Galilean," "The Story of Music. "The Holy Temple," "The World's Redemption." "The Holy City." Indeed this was an annual fixture known as the Music Festival. On one of these occasions the choir was practising assiduously under the leadership of a visiting choir-master-organist, who had been pointing out the necessity of clear cut pause at a certain point. The point was laboured while two sopranos were deeply engrossed in furtive conversation behind music scores. 'Now, try again,' came the command, and away went the choir in full cry right up to the crucial pause. There was dead silence—broken only by the gallant soprano who had been oblivious to all but her furtive conversation. 'How's that for a fine solo!' snapped the irate organist much to the embarrassment of the offender. In 1938 both of the men who had led so conspicuously relinquished office. This began a period of unsettlement which was accentuated by World War II. With the return of peace and under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Will. Hutchens the choir built up to a strength of 32 members, and excerpts of the Messiah were presented again, but already the district around Wesley was changing, and as the membership grew less, the choir diminished and was finally disbanded in 1963. The first obligation of the choir was always regarded as the weekly worship of God, and at special seasons in the Christian year suitable music was provided. Until the choir disbanded four broadcast services a year were relayed from Wesley Church, and in 1942 Wesley, with other choirs from the Circuit, led singing at the Ordination Service of Conference. Good causes were liberally helped as when the choir manned the cake stall for the Barrow Fairs, or Flower Shows, or as when the choir joined with Richmond to put on 'Merrie England' to benefit the Patriotic Fund, or a concert was given to help raise funds for the Presbyterian Church at Templeton. Beside all this were the informal times when the choir went out picnicking, or organized socials among its members, or entertained the church members to raise money for new hymn books, or hearing that Mrs. Andrews was ill, went around and sang Christmas carols to the patient and her husband for a happy hour. Many good musicians have used their gifts at Wesley, and many, like the choir, have passed on, but the sound of singing will never die for the worship of God is man's true end, and when heaven breaks it will be with the fanfare of trumpets and the praise of angelic choirs and the sound of voices of just men made perfect, lifted up in song. Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966

WESLEY CHURCH LEADERS, 1966 Back row: Messrs H. J. Crew, B. P. Harris, P. Brown (organist), J. F. Burborough, R. Panckhurst. Middle row: Messrs H. A. Fletcher, R. Hibbert, Mesdames R. McGrath, R. Hibbert, Mr T. W. Armstrong. Front row: Mrs H. A. Fletcher, Mr R. J. Fowler (Secretary of the Trust Board) Rev. W. A. Chambers, Mrs B. D. Strong (Secretary of the Leaders Meeting) Miss V. M. Douglas, Miss C. Kent. Absent: Misses A. and O. King, Mrs W. A. Chambers, Mr L. R. Gray.

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 Keyhole Glimpses DEVOTED FAMILIES Many devoted families were worshipping at Wesley in the period up to the Second World War, although by that time Wesley was rapidly ceasing to be a family Church in the suburban sense. Yet prior to this period many lovely homes—some in architectural splendour, many in devotional beauty—gave strength to Wesley. Among many were the Sherris's with a family of stalwart sons, all in the Church, and largely forming the bass section of the choir; the Kings with a family of daughters effective in every good work; the Brewins with a quartette of gifted girls of whom Dorothy married the Rev. Oswald Burnet and Muriel trained well in Y.W.C.A. work; the Orchard families well known in medical circles in the city; Pearces of organ building fame, the Seeds, Harris's, Armstrongs, Lambs, Dixons, Werrens, Barkers, Kents, 'Dolf Smiths. Hewlett's, Wilsons, Douglas, Dales, and Leadley's and many others whose names no doubt are written in 'the Lamb's Book of Life.' The Olds family was exceptional for size and devotion. Mr Olds was a railway workman and with his wife, lived at 5 Haast Street, and there raised a family of five sons and seven daughters. The home was hallowed by family prayer, and the church pew always filled, father sitting nearest the aisle and at times when particularly carried away in the praise of God, stepped into the aisle to better give voice to his feelings. In this home was nourished the young C. H. Olds, E. 'Tommy' Olds, both of whom became Presidents of the Methodist Conference, and Sister Constance Olds who in 1919, was the first Methodist Deaconess to enter overseas missionary work. Other members of the family have given lifelong service to the Methodist Church as distinguished laymen, and their children are following in their steps. Others also entered into the wider leadership of the Church. Among these were R. B. Tinsley who also occupied the Presidential chair of the New Zealand Methodist Conference; Samuel Werren for many years a loved minister and Chairman of the District; A. L. Cannon who joined the China Inland Mission in 1908, and eventually completed his ministry in Australia; Alexander Allen, a young minister full of promise who gave his life in World War I; Bert Thompson who went to America and for many years was minister of a Congregational Church in Los Angeles; C. Randerson who entered the Presbyterian ministry in this country; Miss Lilley also known as Sister Elsie who as a Deaconess, served the Church and went to India in 1903; Arthur Kent who is still in the active ministry in New Zealand. At the time of their leaving Wesley, no doubt each of these would have been greatly missed and his place hard to fill, but who would think that the work of the Kingdom would have been better served had they stayed at home? Each has been a gift to the wider Church and an investment in Methodism which Wesley made which has yielded dividends in lives influenced and won for Christ not only in this country but in lands as distant as China and the United States of America. So works God's leaven.

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 VISITING THE POOR ON CHRISTMAS EVE 1906

This year we were able to go to work without much trouble, having the experience of the year before and a number of poor on hand. As funds were not coming in very freely, and those that sent parcels last year were not able to do so again, the Rev. W. Ready consented to make an appeal from the pulpit, to which the people responded most liberally. Bundles of old clothes, cakes, green peas, gooseberries, a gooseberry pie, plum pudding, four or five joints of meat, and an ox tongue and l0lb of tea, were among the things sent. Then we had £1 16s in cash, a part of which was spent on toys.

One woman had written to Nurse Maude and asked if she could not send anything else, would she send some toys for the children (this letter was handed over to us). Then a letter was received from a woman, in which she said her little girl was looking forward for Mother Christmas to bring her a doll. We gave her one last year, but some other child had taken it; so a promise was given her to bring her another this Christmas. We managed to buy the toys wholesale. On the Saturday afternoon some young ladies went to the Sunday School (where everything had been left) and made out parcels for each family . . . 10 or 11 in all. Then two of them delivered some of them at those places which were within walking distance. The others were placed in a trap, and we had so many of them that we thought the trap would hardly hold them all. There were cabbages in the front, cabbages at the back, the cabbages hanging out behind. There were legs of mutton and joints of beef under our feet, and one of us had to nurse the gooseberry pie. We went to Richmond, Papanui, Edgeware Road, and as far south as St. Asaph Street. We were glad to find one woman in not quite such bad circumstances as last year, for when we offered her meat and grocery orders, she said they could do without meat, if we could give her an order for milk instead, as she had a baby four months old. Then another woman (who had to make rag mats to help keep herself and five children) has her husband back from prison, and he is able to earn their bread. We visited another house where the husband is paralysed. I had often thought I should like to see him. I asked the woman once if he ever saw visitors. She said "Sometimes" but gave me to understand that he was too dirty and not fit to be seen. When we came to their place one of us went in to ask the woman to come out. It happened she was not at home, but the old man heard the knocking, and called "Come in!" The invitation was promptly accepted. As the visitor was telling her experience the old lady came along; she was delighted to see us; I took her in a small parcel and some eggs. I put the parcel on the table and before she had time to stop me I turned to the bedroom and said "I'm going to take the eggs in here." I did not see quite such a sight as I had often pictured (for she had told me his bedclothes were often covered with blood), but it was bad enough. Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 It was shockingly dirty, and the poor old man was covered with rags. The smell of the room was so repugnant that I had to keep my handkerchief over the mouth and nose, and thought if they did not soon stop talking I should faint for want of fresh, air. When I did get out the poor old woman threw her arms around me and kissed me. I really don't know which I preferred, to be kissed or to stay in that bedroom; though I certainly appreciated the feeling which prompted it. One place we found it necessary to call at after the other two had been there, as we wanted to leave something which they had forgotten. We found the people had already got into some of the clothes that had been sent to them, and were out giving them an airing. This home we visited the previous Christmas and asked them if they had any meat. They told us they had just put on a bone to make soup for Christmas Day, but had no bread. We left them a leg of lamb and a grocery order. Is of which they spent on coal. The next place to be visited was Salisbury Grove. I had not been to this place since last Christmas, and wondered if the same people lived there still; I soon found that they did, for when I beckoned to a little boy at the back of the house he came running round, his face beaming with pleasure, crying out "I know, I know." I asked him when he had seen me before. "Last Christmas," he said. Then children came from all directions, especially when they saw toys. When I had distributed nearly every-thing, a little girl about 11 came and asked me if I had anything for her. I had not, so I told her to get into the trap and I would get her something, for I was then going to pay a grocery order. She told me there were six in their family, so, as I had some cash left, I got something for each. When I drove back the street seemed full of children. They knew what I had gone for, and one and all rushed to the comer where the little girls lived. I was simply besieged. A young woman came out of the house, and as I had some children's clothes left, I gave them to her, then she asked me if I had anything for an old woman that lived in the house and had to be kept. I left her a grocery order, and as it was getting dark, I made for home feeling very happy for my day's outing, and thanking God for using us to help brighten the homes of a few of His creatures. (The Outlook. 3.2.1906.) BIBLE CLASS—1912 The annual football match between Durham Street and East Belt Bible Classes took place in Hagley Park on Saturday, Sept. 14. The weather was fine, and an enthusiastic band of ladies and gentlemen witnessed the match, and encouraged the players with vigorous 'barracking'. There was splendid play shown on both sides, notably by the East Belt 'forwards' and the Durham Street 'backs'. Mr C. W. Barrell acted as referee, and the game resulted in a win for Durham Street by 15 points to 6. In the evening the event was celebrated by a sumptuous banquet held in the Durham Street schoolroom, the Rev. C. H. Laws presiding. Besides a light hearted crowd of young men, there were present, the Revs. W. A. Sinclair, A. N. Scotter, S. Lawry, C. H. Olds, and A. H. Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 Scriven. The toasts which were honoured with enthusiasm, included the King, N.Z Parliament, the Winners, the Losers, the Ladies, the Methodist Church, our Guests, Sports and Pastimes, the Press, the Bachelors, the Bible Class Union, and Next Year's Match. Musi-cal and elocutionary items, were given during the evening, which was finally brought to a close by the singing of Auld Lang Syne. A special and very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the little band of young ladies who so generously worked for the banquet, and made the preparations. (The Outlook, 21.9.1912.) The Rider of the Black Horse - 1918 Few of the older generation do not look back to 1918 without very mixed feelings. That year was the year of victory after five weary years of war. That year was also the year when the black horse of death swept over the land inflicting in a short time, greater ravages than the death toll of war for the same short period of time. The epidemic struck swiftly. One Saturday afternoon, the Rev. E. P. Blamires called at 53 houses in Gloucester Street between Fitzgerald Avenue and Stanmore Road, and found influenza in 50 of them. On Monday, the Mayor of Christchurch, Mr Holland, convened a meeting at the Council Chambers to fight the scourge. Public meetings (this included public worship) were suspended: in various parts of the city were set up fumigation chambers through which office and factory workers were marshalled through in single file to inhale the fumes that kept the plague at bay: the sick needing help were advised to place a long white card in the front window and help would be sent as soon as possible; and every day a vehicle passed down the street calling on houses which had a coffin to be taken away. At the public meeting convened by the Mayor, the East Belt schoolroom was offered, with many others around the city, as a depot from which help could be given to the surrounding people. Mr Blamires was appointed chairman and the next morning the depot opened with a quickly-enlisted staff of eighty who came from Wesley and other churches, as well as from the community at large. There were 2,000 homes to be visited daily. There was a team of professional and voluntary nurses; an office team for records and correspondence, supervised by Miss Menzies of the Christchurch East school; another team manned the kitchen; the Boy Scouts ran messages. Doctors in Christchurch were terribly busy. Dr. Sandston was allocated to the East Belt depot for one hour per day only. To him were given only the names of patients whom the nursing team considered in urgent need; the remainder were cared for by the nursing team and supplied with fresh fruit and vegetables as soon as they became convalescent. Funerals were so numerous that ministers were stationed at Linwood cemetery by rota, and when the minister of one denomination was late for his rota, the minister of another would substitute. In the course of such intensive, voluntary service strange things come to light also, as when Miss Menzies, in the interests of a particular patient, encroached upon the kitchen for a medicine and thinking she had found it, gave the sick the bottle of paste Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 used by the Boy Scouts for labels! No wonder the patient com-plained the next morning 'Oh, Miss Menzies, I keeps 'eaving.' The Scouts duly replaced the bottle of paste with a label on it! After three weeks the scourge was beaten, and in the open air in the spacious and beautiful garden directly opposite Wesley Church (now occupied by several houses including the parsonage) a thanksgiving service was held. Over 200 people attended. When the final meeting was called by the Mayor, the great desire to perpetuate the spirit of friendly co-operation was voiced on every hand. Some advocated a new organization for the purpose, but it was generally felt that such a spirit cannot be organized but must arise in the service of all who love to meet the needs of all who suffer. In such an emergency Wesley Church was not lacking. The Source of all Evil Wesley Church had spent wisely and with vision so that its buildings were an excellent facility for a vast work. It had passed through the palmy days of full to overcrowded services; it had given to the wider connexion some of its best young men who were to become Presidents of Conference; it had been blessed with men and women of spiritual and social concern whose impact on the city still lingers. But it seemed to be uncritically assumed that if the minister filled the Church the debts would be paid automatically. Hence in 1913, upon the arrival of the Rev. E. P. Blamires as Superintendent of the newly constituted Christchurch East Circuit, a long standing Church debt of £1300 remained, as a challenge to the preacher to fill the church! The Ladies Guild were tired of rowing against the financial tide by organising the annual bazaar to raise £100 due for interest! In compassion for the ladies, the minister suggested to the Trustees that the women should be relieved, and the congregation be asked to give £100 at the Church Anniversary. 'They will never do it,' said some. The collection count was £109. Little did any think that at the next Anniversary the minister would be asking for £2,000! to abolish the debt and to build some class rooms! For some years now we have had Annual Members Meetings when reports of the Trust Board, Youth Committees etc. are presented, and when Church Officers for the ensuing year are elected. In the days before Annual Members Meetings, Mr Blamires used to hold 'Roll Calls,' usually held half yearly. At these meetings the roll of members was called, each member was expected to answer by name at the calling of the roll, or if absent, to send an apology and greeting. At this time there were 300 members at Wesley. Now, at one of the Circuit Quarterly meetings, when Shirley was being congratulated upon its fund-raising efforts for a new Church in spite of war time conditions, Mrs Lamb quietly asked whether East Belt could not raise funds and dispose of its debt. Mr Blamires replied that he hoped by the next Quarterly Meeting to have something to report. Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 Believing that some of the congregation would give a good lead to any such move, the minister interviewed several and secured promises, and then asked the Trustees to aim for £2,000 to be paid in instalments within three years, for the Church Anniversary. You can imagine the reaction! But when assured that it could not be a failure because he already knew of £800 that would be forthcoming, the Trust Board agreed and began to enjoy the prospect. The whole matter was brought before a Roll Call Meeting and thus interest was widened and co-operation secured. The total announced on Anniversary Day was £1725. In due time all the promises were fulfilled, and in the ministry of the Rev. E. D. Patchett who succeeded Mr Blamires, the title deeds were handed over to the Church. Remarkable as such an achievement was, it wiped out a debt but put only a little into a fund for much needed buildings. A different system of finance was required to meet commitments as they arose, and it was not until the Rev. V. R. Jamieson introduced the principle of Christian Stewardship to the Wesley congregation that such has been possible. Since then, Wesley has been able to meet all its financial commitments at the correct time, although opportunities for special giving are still made at the time of the Church Anniversary and Harvest Thanksgiving. Scouting Scouting was a movement new to New Zealand in 1908, but some of the East Belt people saw its possibilities for good among the young men (and women) of the district and by 1909—if not the previous year—a troop had been formed under the leadership of the senior Bible Class Leader Mr. H. S. J. Goodman and Mr. E. T. Olds. Among those who were in this very early Canterbury troop were Frank Olds who was a Tenderfoot in February 1909, Bill Olds. Leo Borrows, Cedric Green, —. Timbrell (bugler), —. Gordon, Wilf and Harold Ready. On March 14, The Outlook of 1909 reports that a Church parade was held at the East Belt Church. There was a good attendance of Scouts representing East Belt, Woodend, Good Templars and West Christchurch troops. The troops were under the control of Major Cosgrove, Master Mallach and Scoutmaster Goodman. The service was also attended by the Girl Scouts connected with the East Belt Church. 'The Rev. William Ready conducted the service and preached a practical sermon on the words "The Angel which hath redeemed me from all evil bless the lads". He also read to the congregation the Scout oath, motto and law of the movement, and said they would be fine manly men, and produce a sterling type of Christian manhood. There was a large attendance of the public and the service was greatly appreciated by all present.' In those days there were no Wolf Cubs as there are to-day. To help provide something for the younger boys Major Cosgrove wrote a textbook and organized groups for the younger boys whom he called Bull Pups. On the first Sunday after the Bull Pups had been formed at East Belt, a Church parade was held and the leader and boys, in time honoured fashion, filled the front seats of the Church. Recognizing the importance of the occasion the minister extended an official welcome to the new group. 'We are very Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 glad to have with us this morning the members of the newly formed junior section of the Boy Scout Movement called the "Bull Pups", and with their Pup Master'. (Perhaps he should have said the Pup Master and the young hounds!) As to-day, camps were held from time to time, and Frank Olds tells of the East Belt troop camping among the sandhills at New Brighton where Baker Street now is. The Bible Class was encamped at Rawhiti domain, and the Sydenham Scouts were nearby. Known for their toughness the Sydenham Scouts were much to be feared especially when word was sent over to the East Belt scouts that they were to be raided. Fearing the worst, the East Belt boys invited the Bible Class to come into residence with them, which they did, and so offset by numbers the feared physical strength of the Sydenham boys. When E. T. Olds went into College for theological training, the Scout Troop seems to have disintegrated from lack of leader-ship, and not until 1917 was it reformed. At that stage there were few boys over ten years of age in the Sunday School. The Rev. E. P. Blamires put the idea of forming a Scout Troop to Frank Olds, then only eighteen years of age. He accepted, and received his warrant in June, 1917; promptly recruited Keith Dyer who had recently come from Geraldine and was a patrol leader; and shortly there were three classes of intermediate boys in the Sunday School instead of one! And who can tell of the continuing influence of this troop? Frank Olds has been a lay preacher for many years in Christchurch. Keith Dyer is now Scout Commissioner in the Rotorua District, and Cedric Green has been Circuit Steward in the Pahiatua Circuit. The Scouts continued to meet at Wesley until 1938 when they found a new home, but still to-day some of the leaders worship and hold office at Wesley. Mr Jo Crew is Assistant Scout Master with the Avonside Troop; Miss Linda Crew is the Lady Cub Mas-ter at Avonside; Stephen Crew Cub Instructor. Until recently Mr Tony Lester was Scout Commissioner for the Rata District, and Mr Bob Fowler is Group Scout Master at St Christophers.

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 "Turning Tide" At the conclusion of the ministry of Rev. H. G. Brown in 1963, an arrangement was entered into with the Deaconess Board whereby the Warden of the Deaconess Order might reside in the Wesley parsonage and serve part time at Wesley and part time as Warden of the Order. This arrangement has obtained up to the present time although it is expected that the arrangement will be reviewed when any changes are made in the location of the Deaconess training institution. While some had doubts about such an arrangement, it was an arrangement mutually suitable to those concerned and in the long run perhaps, will be seen as a transition stage in which the mission of Wesley Church was rediscovered. The diminishing membership is cause for concern, and it would have been almost impossible for the work to continue with-out the faithful support of those families that have long been associated with Wesley but now live in the remoter parts of the city. In the meantime the inner city area is changing quickly. It is a familiar sight to see an ample old house being converted into flats, or to see another being demolished to be replaced by ownership flats. From Fitzgerald Avenue to Linwood in the east and to Warrington Street in the north, this kind of change is taking place. With such changes, the population of the district will not diminish but rather increase, and Wesley Church may find itself in the midst of a larger population than ever before. Here is a challenge to the Church. If we truly believe that in the soul of every man is a hunger for God, then to pull up our roots from this locality is to deny the faith which we profess. Experiments in ways and means of bridging the gap between Church and flat-dwellers will have to be made, and it is in this direction that thinking must be turned. It may well be that the day of the 'suburban Church' in this area is past. It was glorious and rich in its contribution to the wider life of the Church and in its service to this community. For this we thank God. In some ways the kind of Church Wesley becomes will be shaped by the district in which it is set. If it is surrounded by flats, then the kind of people it will be composed of will be the kind of people who live in the flats. If there are retired people living there, there will be retired people in the Church. If there are business couples, business people will be in the Church. If there are students flatting together, then some of these will be in the Church. If there are young marrieds saving up to build a home of their own, then for a time young marrieds will be with us. What seems almost certain is that children are not welcome to flat owners nor do most parents desire to bring up their children in such cramped quarters. Therefore it seems certain that few children will be in the locality. The congregation will be lop-sided by suburban standards. If all this is true then Wesley will be composed of older people, retired people, business people, young marrieds, and a sprinkling of students although their number will grow less as the university and Teachers College are finally established at Ham. Whatever kind of people make up the community, it is to those people that the Church must primarily minister, and as it effectively ministers to them, of them the congregation will be composed. Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 This is a time of uncertainty and change. For fifty years the tide has been ebbing. Now it is almost low tide—perhaps it is just beginning to turn. To meet the needs of the inner city population, is our task. This is the challenge God has given us. We may shrink from it and wish our ways lay in more familiar paths, but we dare not shirk it. Rather should we listen to the saints. 'Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.' 1 Corinthians 15/58.

Wesley Church, Fitzgerald Avenue, Christchurch

Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 MINISTERS AT FITZGERALD AVENUE 1867 A. Reid 1870 A. R. Fitchett 1872 W. B. Marten 1873-74 G.Bond 1875 J. Berry 1877 W. Worker 1878 J. A. Luxford 1879-80 Wm. Baumber 1882 W. Tinsley 1884 G. Bond 1887 W. J. Williams 1890 W. C. Oliver 1891 L. M. Isitt 1897 J. Orchard 1899 C. H. Laws 1904 W. Ready 1909 C. H. Laws 1912 W. A. Sinclair 1913 W. A. Sinclair 1917 E. P. Blamires 1921 E. D. Patchett 1927 W. Greenslade 1931 E. Drake 1936 H. L. Feibig 1940 J. H. Allen 1945 W. H. Greenslade 1947 V. R. Jamieson 1960 H. G. Brown 1964 W. A. Chambers DEACONESSES 1912-1915 Sister Ruth Fawcett 1917-18 Sister Annie Tocker 1920 Sister Beatrice Sparrow ORGANISTS AND CHOIRMASTERS OF WESLEY CHURCH Organists: Choirmasters 1878 Miss Hannah Danks 1898 Mr J. A. Flesher 1905 Miss Coleman 1899 Mr Gamble Mr Percy Brown 1901 Mr W. Sherris Mr A. M. Owen 1908 Mr A. Borrows 1926 Mr Chaplin Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 1938 Mr R. H. Sherris, Choirmaster-Organist 1940 Miss S. Veitch and 1941 Mr W. K. Hutchins Mr R. H. Sherris Relieving Mr E. Douglas 1941 Miss J. Armstrong and l943 Mr E. Douglas Miss S. Veitch 1944 Mrs J. A. Stewart 1945 Miss J. Armstrong 1945 Mr W. F. Blacklock 1948 Miss J. Bielby 1948 Mr W. K. Hutchins 1951 Mr J. B. Cummack 1951 Mr Wm. Mann (temporary appointment) 1951 Mr J. B. Cummack, Choirmaster-Organist 1953 Mr Brian Jamieson Mr Norman Johns 1955 Mr Brian Jamieson 1954 Mr R. Hibbert (temporary) 1961 Mr Paul Brown 1956 Mr J. E. Davies 1964 Mr Paul Brown 1958 Mr W. Hudson Mr John Patchett 1959 Mr R. Hibbert 1964 Choir in recess SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS AND SECRETARIES 1866 Mr Stephen Harper 1868 Mr John Cannon 1874 Mr Nicholas Martin Stephen Harper 1884 Mr J. Sherris C. Wright 1887 Mr Richard Collier H.N.Martin 1891 Mr J. Sherris C. A. Newman 1906 Mr H. Chapman W. J. Collier 1911 Mr Clarence Shadford F. Thompson 1912 Mr H.Chapman and Mr M. Kershaw W. Sherris 1916 Mr Mark Kershaw A. R. Sherris 1943 Vacant 1952 R. Jamieson 1944 Mr E. Muller 1956 Miss S. Jamieson 1949 Mr L. Walsh 1960 Miss M. Stacey 1954 Mr Campbell 1965 Miss A. Gouffe 1956 Mrs I. Creighton 1961 Mr Dryden 1962 Mr D. Goode 1963 Mr J. F. H. Burborough PRESIDENTS AND SECRETARIES OF THE WESLEY LADIES' GUILD President Secretary 1893 Mrs C. H. Laws 1932 Mrs A. S. Orchard Mrs W. G. Marriott 1939 Mrs E. R. Inwood Mrs Moss 1941 Mrs J. Stewart 1943 Mrs J. H. Allen Our Story – Wesley Church Fitzgerald Ave. Christchurch by W.A.Chambers 1966 1945 Mrs A. Philpott 1948 Mrs V. R. Jamieson 1949 Mrs Hay Mrs R. Hibbert Mrs A. Philpott 1950 Mrs Angus 1951 Mrs B. D. Strong 1952 Mrs Creighton 1953 Mrs Gray 1954 Mrs V. R. Jamieson 1955 Mrs R. Hibbert Mrs I. M. Creighton 1956 Mrs H. A. Fletcher Mrs V. R. Jamieson 1957 Mrs Rapley 1958 Mrs W. Wallis 1960 Mrs R. McGrath 1961 1962 Mrs H. A. Fletcher 1964 Mrs B. D. Strong Mrs B. D. Strong