Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #6(1) 1948 Page 1

Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

1.—THE SPAN OF A CENTURY 1848-1948 - One Hundred Years: Though it is given to very few; individuals to attain the century mark, in the life of a nation it is but a comparatively short span, but just as during the first five, ten, or even twenty years of our life, we experience more growth and change than during the whole of the rest of life, so the first century of a cause, community or nation undergoes, as a rule, a far greater development than, any other similar period of its history. What is the significance of 1848? It was in March and April of that year that the ships "John Wickliffe" and "Philip Laing" arrived in the Otago harbour, bringing the immigrants for the settlement of "New Edinburgh," a scheme devised to settle the southern portion of the South Island with good Scots—men and women who, having struggled for their faith, brought with them their hard-won freedom to worship God as they desired. We admire the hardy pioneers of those days and rejoice in the Heritage they gave us—a heritage that has established firm the roots of their church in this land. Congratulations At this juncture we would offer to our Presbyterian friends our very sincere congratulations upon the completion of 100 years of Christian service, and on this Centennial occasion, wish for them the fullest measure of God's blessing in their labours during the years which lie ahead. The history of the Presbyterian Church and that of the Methodist Church in Otago is closely intertwined. In the Methodist, "Watkins-Creed Memorial Church" at Port Chalmers, is an interesting and, to the uninformed, an illuminating tablet. It reads as follows—- TO COMMEMORATE The arrival of the Methodist on board the Pioneer ship, John Wickliff 662 tons, which arrived at Port Chalmers on March 23, 1848. They were met by the Rev. Charles Creed, who welcomed them to their new home.

"Methodists on board the "John Wickliffe"! Were they not all Presbyterians?" I hear you say. No, there were the Monsons Mr T. Ferens, Mr and Mrs Moseley, Mr and Mrs Thos Brebner, Mr Fry and others. All these folk named were members in full connexion with the Wesleyan Methodist Church whilst one of them, Mr Ferens, was a fully-accredited local preacher. Other passengers were adherents.

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Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

The Beginnings of Methodism in Otago Our story to be fully told must go back almost eight years to the arrival of the Rev. James and Mrs Watkin and family in the ship "Regia" on May 16, 1840, at Waikouaiti, now known as Karitane. The next day, Sunday, Mr Watkin conducted the first Christian service in the South Island, and of that service writes : "This day I held a service in English which was fairly well attended. Some of the agriculturists were sent down here by Mr Jones, and a considerable number of natives. I opened my commission in New Zealand by preaching from the old- fashioned text, 1 Timothy 1:15; 'This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.' The attention was great. May the word spoken not have been in vain." It is not the purpose of this booklet to go into all the detailed, history of this phase of Methodism in Otago. Suffice it to say that the Rev. Jas, Watkin, 34 years of age at this time, was not new to missionary work, having spent seven years in Tonga. Indeed his pamphlet "Pity Poor Fee-Jee," written during his residence in the Friendly Islands, was not only the means of inspiring the German missionary Rev. J. F. H. Wohlers, to spend more than 40 years among the Maoris on the Island of Ruapuke, between the Bluff and Stewart Island, but has been described as "one of the most precious and fruitful bits of missionary literature ever given to the world." There were several factors which influenced Mr Watkin to come to New Zealand. For health reasons he had to leave Tonga, so he went to Australia. It was during his brief ministry there that he came in contact with some South Island Maori Chiefs who requested him to come to their district and commence Christian work. Mr John Jones, whose whaling station was at Waikouaiti, added his own request and, finally, the decision of the Missionary authorities to establish a station in the South Island, led to Mr Watkin's appointment. In this enterprise we would not forget the heroic Mrs Watkin, who ably seconded her husband in the great task. It is interesting to note that the first baptism recorded is dated "June 7, 1840: Jane Betsy, daughter of Edwin Palmer," Superintendent of the whaling station at Waikouaiti. The first marriage is recorded on January 27, ,1841, the contracting parties being James Spencer and Mart Kauri. The place of residence of the bridegroom is given as Bluff.

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Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

During January, 1844, Bishop Selwyn of the Anglican Mission, made his first visit south and was the guest of the Rev. J. Watkin for two days, when, at Mr Watkin's request, he addressed and catechised the natives. THE WORK CONTINUES In June, 1844, the Rev. James Watkin was succeeded by the Rev. Charles Creed, another experienced missionary, then 32 years of age, who remained for over nine years. Mr Creed not only continued the work commenced by his predecessor, but also advanced the cause wherever possible. It was during Mr Creed's ministry that the development look place concerning the establishment of a Scots settlement in Otago, and the site chosen was on the shores of the Otago Harbour, especially that portion at the head of the harbour itself. This site was to become the "New Edinburgh." The advance agent of the New Zealand Company, which acquired the land, was Mr F. Tuckett, with whom the Rev. Chas. Creed had sailed in the "Deborah" from Taranaki, his previous station. Mr Tuckett and Mr Creed became very friendly, for Mr Creed records in his diary on more than one occasion, "Stayed the night with Mr Tuckett." The First Christian Service in "New Edinburgh" On September 15, 1844, the Rev. Charles Creed conducted what is recognised to be the first Christian European service in "New Edinburgh" (now Dunedin). Apart from the reference in his diary, we have no information whatever. However, the diary is definite. After giving the date, September 15, 1844, and his location as Otakou the record reads— At 2p.m. I married three couples, after which I preached again to the people. 1 then left for New Edinburgh, walked four miles, crossed over in a boat and preached to a few Europeans. Spent the evening with Mr Tuckett. Thus the first Christian European service was conducted by the Rev. Charles Creed within the boundaries of the future Dunedin if not within the city area itself. This was almost four years before the arrival of the pioneer ships. The first record of a burial in New- Edinburgh is dated October 29 of the same year. It reads: "Buried poor Campbell," whilst under the same date is the record of the baptism of "Patric, son of Robert Park, Civil Engineer, and of Mary Ann, his wife"—the first baptism in the new settlement. In Travels Often The Rev. Charles Creed travelled extensively. On September 22, 1845, accompanied by three Maori guides, he set out by boat for Banks Peninsula. The places visited were Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #6(1) 1948 Page 4

Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

Akaroa, Port Levy, Pigeon Bay, Port Cooper (Lyttelton), Rapaki and, indeed, all the native settlements, in which he conducted ser-vices Mr Creed explored, on foot, the site of the present city of Christchurch and, returning, visited Temuka, Timaru and all the Kaiks en route, reaching Waikouaiti on October 24, to find all well at the Mission Station. In December of the same year, he proceeded south, visiting Riverton, Ruapuke and Stewart Islands, supervising and heartening in their labours a large band of native teachers. Visit of Governor Grey Under date of February 18, 1848, there is recorded a visit of Governor and Lady Grey and suite, to the site of New Edinburgh. The accomplishment of such a visit was a more difficult task then than today, when our present Governor-General could have morning tea in Wellington and afternoon tea, or even late lunch, in Dunedin quite easily. Otago Emerges The settlement of Otago begins with the arrival at Koputai (Port Chalmers) on March 23, 1848, of the immigrant ship "John Wickliffe." As has already been stated, the Rev. Charles Creed was there to welcome these new arrivals, amongst whom were the Methodists mentioned earlier, and also the Rev. T. D. Nicholson, a minister of the Free Church of Scotland, whose destination was Nelson. It is to the credit of this minister that he conducted the first Presbyterian service in New Edinburgh, on Bell Hill. When the "Philip Laing" arrived with the second draft of immigrants on April 15, 1848, Mr Creed was again at the landing stage. On this ship was the Rev. Thomas Burns, later Dr Burns, the first Presbyterian Minister appointed to Otago. On the following Sunday, in the Barracks, Mr Burns conducted the morning service and Mr Creed the evening service at 6.30 p.m. Thereafter, Mr Creed conducted periodic services in Dunedin for Anglicans and others who did not attend Dr Burns' Church. These services were held in the Courthouse. Thus Charles Creed witnessed and was closely associated with the beginnings of the Otago Province. Another Leader Takes Charge On January 3, 1854, Mr Creed was succeeded by the Rev. William Kirk, who spent almost four years of zealous service in Otago. Mr Kirk also had done missionary work in the North Island. He records having walked, again, and again, from the Wanganui River to Taupo, also from Wanganui to Wellington and back, but he said that the Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #6(1) 1948 Page 5

Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman journeys were child's play compared with the dangers and difficulties of his walks in Otago. Mrs Kirk, too, had had a long missionary experience, her father being the Rev. John Hobbs who commenced his missionary career at Kaeo, Whangaroa, on August 6, 1823. Mrs Kirk was an accomplished Maori scholar who won the goodwill of all and, particularly, the confidence and esteem of the Maori women. The Rev. Wm. Kirk, in addition to his Maori work, frequently conducted European services. The services at Port Chalmers were conducted in the Presbyterian church, kindly , loaned by Dr Burns, as the building in which Mr Creed had commenced services was by this time too small for the congregations, and the Presbyterian Church was vacant-at the time. Before long, however, a new Methodist church was built at Port Chalmers, Mr Kirk conducting the opening services on October 21, 1855. The Fourth Appointment The next missionary was the Rev. George Stannard, who succeeded Mr Kirk in November 1857. Two developments took place during his term of service. One was the baptism and reception into Church Membership, on confession of faith, of the chief Taiaroa and his wife Karorina. The ceremony took place in the Ruatitiko Church before a crowded congregation of Maoris and Europeans. The other was the advent of a number of local preachers, which enabled Methodist services to be conducted more frequently at Dunedin and Port Chalmers. Local Preachers Play Their Part As already mentioned, the "John Wickliffe" brought Mr. Thomas Ferens, a Methodist local preacher from Durham, England. He joined Mr Creed at Waikouaiti as Day School teacher for Maori half-caste, and European children on the station, as well as assisting by conducting services, and was thus the first local preacher in Otago. Mr Creed desired him to become a missionary, to which he was agreeable, but, owing to a falling off of the missionary income in England, the Mission Board would not agree to the appointment of any additional agents. Mr Ferens ultimately took up land in North Otago where he was prominent in the establishment of Methodism in Oamaru. Another local preacher, Mr J. Wright, arrived with his wife in 1857 from England. Finding some Methodist families, he commenced services in the home of a Mr Sandland in North East Valley, where the initial Class Meeting was also held. Among the Class members was George Pow, another local preacher. The following year, Messrs C. Duke, Morris and Hammond. arrived, all of whom were local preachers.

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Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

It was with the aid of these men that the Rev. George Stannard maintained the services at Dunedin and Port Chalmers and it was they who held the fort from 1859 to 1862 when, following the transfer of Mr Stannard, no ministerial appointment was made. However, in June, following upon the discovery of gold at Gabriel's Gulley, the population began to increase rapidly, and the appointment of a minister for European work became imperative.

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Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

II—GOLD AND THE GOSPEL The discovery of gold changed the outlook of Dunedin and of Otago generally, from that of a quiet commercial and agricultural town and province, predominantly populated by Scots folk, to that of a district of intense mining activity, and inhabited by nationals of many countries. In the Christian sphere, not only did the Methodists of Otago desire reinforcements, but the Presbyterian Church also , sent an urgent appeal to the Home Church for five additional ministers to help cope with the influx of the miners to the diggings. Thus it was in January, 1862, that the Rev. James Buller of Christchurch, Chairman of the District, visited Otago and spent several weeks in a flying survey. He visited the gold-fields and commenced services, the work there being sustained and extended by zealous local preachers among the miners. On January 29, at a meeting of Wesleyans held in the Courthouse, Mr Buller urged the erection of a church in Dunedin. He reminded the gathering that Mr E. Lee of West Taieri, some time before, had given a site on Bell Hill at the top of Dowling Street steps, and that a minister, the Rev. Isaac Harding, would arrive from Auckland in six week's time. An energetic committee was appointed and the church scheme definitely launched. An Apostle of Methodism The Rev. Isaac Harding and family arrived by the S.S. "Airedale" on March 18/1862. In "The Otago Colonist" of March 22, the following advertisement appeared— "The Rev. Isaac Harding, Wesleyan Minister, will preach in the Athenaeum on Sabbath at 11 and 6. N.B. Residence: Elm Row, Dunedin. Communications can be left with Messrs Fisher and Green, Princes Street." Mr Fisher was the Superintendent of the first Methodist Sunday School in Dunedin, the school being held probably in the house of Mr Wilkinson at what was then Pelichet Bay, but where Anzac Avenue now runs. A Second Agent Mr Vickers, as second preacher arrived about a month later, and after some weeks proceeded to Tuapeka where Mr Cooke provided him with a free house, the circuit finding £150 per year in addition. It is interesting to note that the first Quarterly Meeting fixed the stipend of the Superintendent, Rev. Isaac Harding, at £350. The society of Dunedin consisted of one class of 30 members who met on Sunday mornings with Mr Henry Cooke as leader. Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #6(1) 1948 Page 8

Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

The Rev. I. Harding preached regularly in the mornings, first in the Athenaeum, later in the Courthouse, to about 200 of a congregation, and in the evenings to double that number in Knox Church. Somewhere about this time a Canvas Church was erected on a site at the top of Stafford Street, near the junction with Melville Street, but it does not seem to have been used to any great degree. A monster tea meeting was held in Dr Burns' Church on Easter Monday and the crowd was so great that it had to be taken in relays. At the after-meeting, Dr. Burns occupied the chair and expressed his "joy and thankfulness at the founding of the Wesleyan Church in Otago and the advent of a suitable staff of ministers to assist in meeting the spiritual need of the vast tide of population that, for the last ten months, had been rolling in on these shores." Dr. D. M. Stuart also addressed the gathering. He welcomed the Wesleyan ministers to their great work and bade them Godspeed. In his address the Rev. Isaac Harding said: "I trust that we shall all endeavour to establish Christianity on a firm basis here, and impress upon the people the necessity of attending to their eternal welfare. I hope that the Wesleyans will prove equal to the task that they have undertaken. . . . I consider that the outlook for religion here is very encouraging, and I pray that God will make us strong in duty, and extend His Kingdom." Mr Neils, a gentleman, from the diggings, said that they did not want money, they had plenty of that—but they wanted ministers to tel1 men that there was something more precious than gold. In such an atmosphere of good fellowship Mr Harding commenced his ministry in Dunedin. The Church on Bell Hill, Dunedin, was opened on July 14, 1862. The Rev. D. M. Stuart preached in the morning, Dr. Burns in the afternoon and the Rev. I. Harding at night. Methodism Among the Miners The Rev. Isaac Harding first visited the Dunstan in 1862. He says: "The Sabbath at both towns," (presumably Clyde and Alexandra) "was awfully profane, and drinking, swearing and fighting shared the attention with trade and labour of all sorts. After two or three visits chapels were built of stone, covered with iron, and at the lower town" (Alexandra) "about 30 members met in class for a short time, till the river rose and the 'Hogburn Rush' (Naseby) took nearly

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all the Wesleyans, only two remaining, and neither local preacher nor congregation was left behind." He goes on to say that he is satisfied that a good circuit could be raised "in the Dunstan district which is this day" (1864) "60 miles from any Protestant Minister." Laymen Assist Two Laymen assisted the Rev. I. Harding here, Messrs Henry Bloxham, later the veteran local preacher of Roxburgh, and a Scottish Methodist named Jamieson. These two men conducted services both at Clyde and at Alexandra. Writing in later years of those days, Mr Bloxham says— "The Rev. Isaac Harding visited Tuapeka, Alexandra, Clyde, Queenstown and Hyde, to my personal knowledge, in 1862 and all those places were in the Dunedin Circuit." Telling of a service conducted at Alexandra, where the previous Sunday, with a barrel for his pulpit, Mr Harding attempted to preach, but had been thwarted by persistent, though friendly, interjections, Mr Bloxham says— "We had no interruptions and the service seemed to be appreciated." He also tells of a service conducted with his friend Jamieson at Clyde. When they arrived there some were playing football, others cricket, and many were busy card- playing. Instrumental music was in evidence—concertinas, violins, banjos, etc. Every shop was open. After locating a terrace from which to preach they commenced to sing the hymn— "O for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer's praise, The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace! "

Soon a congregation gathered and though the men were unshaven and clad in rough miners' clothes, yet a time of rich blessing followed. Mr Bloxham concludes— "Well does the preacher remember the many who came forth and thanked him for the service and the enjoyable time spent together. Many of these were local preachers who had come with the throng from Victoria to search for gold in the bed and on the banks of the Molyneux. Similar services each Lord's Day, weather permitting, were conducted by local preachers belonging to the Methodist Church, along the banks of the great river at the following places to my knowledge: Dunstan, Manuherika, Tevoit, Benger Flat, all then in the Dunedin Circuit."

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Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

THE LAKES DISTRICT The Rev. Isaac Harding first visited the Wakatipu district in May 1863, service being held in the Royal Theatre on the Sunday morning, when 70 persons were present. At the Arrow in the evening, 200 assembled. At Arrowtown a large building was purchased at a cost of £150, but unfortunately it was blown down before delivery could be taken. However, the people were not discouraged and soon erected, another and Mr Edwin Palmer was engaged as the preacher. Here, it seems, the diggings failed and heavy floods drove off most of the people, so that hardly any congregation was left .and Mr Palmer removed to reside at Queenstown. "Here," Mr Harding records, "is a good chapel of wood to seat about 200 persons, and a swell room for the preacher. There is also a chapel at Shotover, four miles from the town." He continues, "There are about 30 members at Wakatipu and the district is 70 miles from any minister of any denomination." The Tuapeka Area The Tuapeka district was, not overlooked by this pioneer preacher, of which he records: "I have preached on week evenings at Gabriel's to 60 persons; at Wetherstones to 200; and at Lawrence to 220; places only two and three miles apart. Waitahuna is ten miles distant and Waipori is 12 miles, while the Clutha and the Woolshed, the latter having a congregation of 120, are within 30 miles. Lawrence is the place for a minister to reside." At Tokomairiro (Milton) "Preaching has been held some-times as convenient in the Hall" and that about 50 persons come who "have a little money in the Bank toward a Chapel.'" Pioneering in Invercargill After having ridden, round by the Lakes, the Rev Mr Harding conducted services at Invercargill in a warehouse in Dee Street on the last Sunday of May, 1863. A collection was made towards a Church building. Afterwards two services were con- ducted each Sunday, in, the morning in the Courthouse and in the evening in the Mechanic's Institute in Conan Street. These services were conducted by Mr Whiting, a local preacher from Tasmania. A church to seat 200 persons was erected for_£250 to £300 on a site of half-an-acre of land on the North Road, the gift of Mr Thompson, the surveyor. This church was opened by the Rev. Isaac Harding on Christmas Day, and at a Tea Meeting held on December 29, the proceeds amounted to £69/10/-. Prior to the arrival of the first minister, the Rev. J. Buller, Chairman of the District, visited the place when he preached to and encouraged the small band of workers. Otherwise the services were conducted by the local preachers, chiefly Messrs. Whiting and Perkins. Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #6(1) 1948 Page 11

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The first minister appointed was the Rev. J. T. Shaw, who became the Circuit Superintendent in April, 1864. North of Dunedin: In his Memoranda, Mr. Harding tells us that at Waikouaiti, "the chapel will seat 150 and that there and at Goodwood and the surrounding district the services are supplied by a local preacher, Mr. Chambers, but a man set apart is required." Oamaru: Next to Dunedin, Oamaru is the oldest Circuit in Otago. The first Methodist service was held in the Schoolroom on the evening of March 10. 1863, by the Rev. I. Harding. Mr. T. Ferens whose work at Waikouaiti has already been mentioned and who was now a run-holder at Stotfold, 23 miles out of the town, ably assisted in the inauguration of Methodism in the Oamaru district. The morning service had been held at his residence at Stotfold. No time was lost in organisation and a month later, during a second visit, Mr. Harding proposed that Mr. Flamank, a local preacher expected from Victoria, should be engaged as Home Missionary. Suitable arrangements were made and he was on the ground three weeks afterwards. With the aid of Mr Ferens services were held every Sunday evening in the town. Services were also held at Otepopo, Stotfold, Clifton Falls, Emsland and other places. A church was erected in Hall Street, and opened on April 2 1864. On account of Mr. Harding's unexpected removal to Wellington, the senior Circuit Steward, Mr. M. Calvert, preached in the morning, Mr. T. Ferens in the afternoon and Mr. Flamank in the evening. Mr Harding leaves a record, written just prior to his departure for the North Island, in which he says:— "The Oamaru district is very important, supporting Mr. Flamank, having 40 members and fair congregations. We have two half acres of land paid for by subscription in Oamaru. Cost £50. Now worth much more. A good stone church now complete.” Oamaru has had a chequered history, but today is an active Circuit, with three churches and approximately 150 members in full connexion.

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Greater Dunedin: In this same record, Mr Harding speaks of "Murray Mill, just out of Dunedin, where a small chapel is to be erected. There is a prospect of a congregation of perhaps 50 to 100. At Caversham, the other side of Dunedin, there is a small piece of ground given by Mr Feger. The deed is not complete. At Broad Bay, ten miles from Dunedin, up the Bay, and four miles from Port Chalmers, a good congregation might be gained. An acre of land is offered by Mr Bacon there." In this Memoranda, written for his successor in 1864, Mr: Harding leaves on record that altogether there were twenty-four sections of land secured, or offered, for the Wesleyan Church All these sections are fully described and their locations recorded. In a Nota Bene to the Memoranda he refers to these properties in relation to his transfer to Wellington He says:— "It. is a matter of keen regret to me that in consequence of my abrupt and unexpected removal from this new and wide field of labour, I am unable, for want of time and funds, to get so many of the lands secured. Had I been allowed to remain another year, these and other properties would have been made sure and the funds obtained to pay the law expenses; or even if I had had three months notice, much might have been done—but having no expectation of removing till the draft of stations came from Conference, I was overtaken in a state altogether unprepared for leaving and hence the unfinished slate of these Deeds, Gifts, and other matters." Lack of space precludes further detail, but it is interesting to note that the Circuit Stewards of the Otago Circuit in April, 1864 were Messrs. M. Calvert, of George Street, Dunedin, and T. Ferens, of Oamaru; that the membership totalled, as far as was known, 235, the Sunday School scholars 210, and the attendance on public worship 2,680. A Tribute to Mr. Harding: From what has been outlined in the preceding pages, we realise that Methodism owes a great debt to the Rev. Isaac Harding. "He was a man of fine presence, a good preacher a great horseman, and an excellent companion, possessing a healthy sense of humour." "He was the Methodist apostle of Otago," wrote the late Rev. Paul W. Fairclough. "He journeyed north to Oamaru and inland to Hyde. He went up to Lawrence and through

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Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman all the Rushes in that region, then up the river through Teviot (Roxburgh) and Dunstan (Clyde) and up the Kawarau to Arrow and Queenstown; thence he made for Invercargill and arranged for services and then home. He wants to be minister to the whole of Otago, grumbled a Dunedin man. His Plan of the Otago and Southland Circuit is itself a monument to the man. Such was Isaac Harding—a true bishop, but our ingenious system removed him at the end of two years." The Second Minister Appointed: The second appointment to Dunedin was that of the Rev. John Aldred, a man of different temperament altogether from the Rev. Isaac Harding. He is described as "gentle and unobtrusive, but a sympathetic and devoted pastor, loved by the people and unremitting in toil." Mr. Aldred fulfilled a very useful and arduous ministry for three years, but the long rides and the financial anxieties told on his not too robust constitution, causing his retirement to Christchurch on superannuation, where, for many years he was known and loved for his interest in philanthropic work. It was during Mr. Aldred's ministry that Oamaru became a separate Circuit, with the Rev. W. Cannell as the first minister. Mr. Flamank, the Home Missionary, continued to be employed as well, but his headquarters were transferred to Waikouaiti. Another Change in Leadership In 1867, the Rev. A. R. Fitchett was appointed. Later he joined the Anglican Church and ultimately became Dean Fitchett. His son is the present Bishop of Dunedin. Mr. Fitchett was a man of exceptional gifts, and was the moving spirit behind the erection of the present Trinity Church, the foundation stone of which was laid on August 25, 1869. The church itself was opened on July 10, 1870, just eight years after the erection of the original church.

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III.—METHODISM EXPANDS Space does not allow for a detailed history over the years. Suffice it to say that the work was established throughout Otago and Southland before the end of the century. The following is only a very brief summary of the extension work. Invercargill: Mention has already been made of the pioneering work of the Rev. 1. Harding in 1863, and of the opening of the first Wesleyan Church in December of that year. This location, however, was not suitable, being away from the centre of population. A church in Leet Street, built as an independent church by an Anglican minister, had fallen into the hands of the Bank. This was purchased and opened in July, 1867. Also the church in, North Road was removed to this site and used as a Sunday School. Fifteen years later the church was rebuilt in brick, on the same site, and for over 40 years was a centre of Methodist activity. In 1872, Primitive Methodism was established in Invercargill, the prime mover being Mr George Froggatt, whose name is still honoured. The first minister was the Rev. J. B. Westbrooke, who came in September of that year. The services were first held in the old theatre, but on November 19, 1873 the Primitive Methodist Church in Don Street was opened! After Methodist Union, the two branches of Methodism continued to function as separate Circuits until 1920, when the union of the Don Street and Leet Street churches as one Circuit, made possible greater service to the city. A further step was taken when both congregations united in building the present Central Methodist. Church in Yarrow Street. This church was opened in 1935, and the beautiful stained glass windows, on either side of the church are memorials to both the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist pioneer families. An active work is being carried on and a scheme is in hand to build a Memorial Community Centre, to bring into the social and physical life of the community the influence of the church. The Central Circuit also cares for work in North Invercargill, where a Church Hall is erected, and also at Otatara, where the old church is being shifted, to a new site to meet the growing needs of the district. Invercargill (St. Peters): This cause was established by the Primitive Methodist Church, and was known as Invercargill South. Services were first held in the Council Hall in Elles Road, and the church, which has just celebrated, its Jubilee, was opened in November, 1887. The first minister of the Circuit was the Rev. Wm. Laycock.

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Over the years this Circuit has maintained a progressive ministry, and is active today in meeting the spiritual needs of the community. Bluff: This is also an ex-Primitive Methodist cause. The church was opened, free of debt, early in 1879, and was the first Christian church in the locality. Like a number of other places in the Dominion, Bluff has suffered through the shortage of manpower in staffing, but, despite this handicap, the work continues. Stewart Island was an out-station of Bluff for many years, the minister travelling across to the Island about twice a quarter for services and pastoral visitation. The other services were conducted mostly by Mr. Thompson, a local preacher. A church, though never connexional property, was erected in Half Moon Bay. However, these services were discontinued in 1898, when a resident minister was appointed to Stewart Island by the Presbyterian Church. Western Southland: In the far south, a church was erected at Riverton in 1890 and opened on July 30 of that year. The Nightcaps church. followed in 1894 and the Aparima church in 1899. In 1891 this area became a separate Circuit and towards the end of the century, Otautau became the place of residence for the minister, since which churches have been built at Otautau, Wild Bush, Tuatapere and the latest, a pleasing little church, at Ohai. As the work progressed the Circuit, was divided into three separate stations with agents at Otautau, Riverton and Nightcaps, Later, Riverton was amalgamated with Otautau-Tuatapere under a Home Missionary and became known as Western Southland. Today, owing to staffing difficulties, there is only one resident missionary, but those two stations are applying for amalgamation, the whole to become a Circuit under the name Western Southland, with a minister at Otautau, and a single Home Missionary at Ohai. Gore: In the early eighties, the growing township of Gore attracted great attention. As the terminus of the Waimea railway and surrounded by good land, a prosperous future was predicted. A minister, the Rev. J. N. Buttle, was therefore appointed to work there and at Tapanui. In 1880 a quarter acre church site had been given by a friend in Invercargill. On this section in 1884 a comfortable church, seating 160 persons, was built at a, cost of £240. According to Dr. Wm. Morley, Gore was the only Wesleyan Church in New Zealand lighted by electricity at the close of the last century.

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Tapanui was separated from the Gore Circuit in 1886. It had as out-stations Heriot, Crookstown and Glenkennich. However, this area is no longer served by Methodism, but at Gore itself there is a virile cause, with a modern brick church and splendid accommodation for youth work. Edendale is a Home Mission station where, in the absence of an agent, loyal workers are carrying on under great difficulties. The station is under the supervision of the Gore minister. Balclutha: Methodist services were initiated at Balclutha early in 1870, when Mr. H. J. Gilbert, afterwards an Anglican minister, was sent down from Dunedin by the Rev. Mr. Fitchett as Home Missionary. On April 22, the foundation stone of a brick building was laid on a site given by Mr. A. McNeil. This building did good service for 27 years until the present church was built and opened on May 16, 1897. Mr. Gilbert was followed after twelve months' service, by the Rev. F. W. Isitt, who was the first ordained minister stationed at Balclutha. Kaitangata is an extension of the Balclutha work. A church was erected in 1892 and opened on September 11. Methodist services and youth work are still being carried on in these areas. Milton: Milton, originally known as Tokomairiro, was visited by the Rev. Isaac Harding in 1862, but it was Mr. R. L. Vickers, the Home Missionary to Tuapeka, who conducted the first Christian service in the township. This service was held in a clay house in 1863. Occasional visits were paid by the minister from Dunedin, and services conducted. After Lawrence became a Circuit, oversight was given from that place. In 1871, however, the Rev. F. W. Isitt, of Balclutha, arranged for regular Sunday morning services, and, before leaving this appointment had the satisfaction of seeing a church erected. Milton became the head of a separate Circuit in 1879, with the Rev. J. D. Murray as Superintendent. To-day Milton possesses an attractive little brick church, built almost on "Swiss Chalet" lines. The old church still stands, and is used for youth work and week-night gatherings.

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Lawrence: The first church in Lawrence itself was a brick building in Colensay Street, which was opened in 1865 free of debt. But the surveys were imperfect, and it was found afterwards that the building was partly on a section belonging to the Roman Catholics. After eight years it was taken down and the present site at the corner of Whitehaven Street secured and a church erected. At the head of Gabriel's Gully there gradually grew up a township known as Bluespur. Here also a church was erected and dedicated on the second Sunday of April, 1870. At the present time Lawrence, while still a Home Mission Station, is ministered to by the Milton Superintendent. Roxburgh: Roxburgh, while still part of the Lawrence Circuit in 1870 engaged Mr. W. B. Marten as Home Missionary. At the end twelve months the district was constituted a Circuit, the Rev W Beck being sent as the first minister and remaining two' years. Roxburgh today is a live Circuit with a long history of faithful service. The Coal Creek church in this Circuit was the first church erected in the Teviot district, and is still a centre of active Christian service, both among adults and children. The old stone church at Roxburgh itself, though still standing, has given place to a neat wooden building, where an energetic ministry is being exercised. Cromwell: Cromwell Circuit was organised by the Bible Christian Church. After a visit by the Rev. J. Orchard, the District Chairman, Mr Ellis was appointed and remained three years. He was followed by the Rev. F. Quintrell, during whose residence the Cromwell Church, a stone building, was built and opened on Easter Sunday, 1891, by the Rev. J. L Burrows, of Queenstown. Cromwell is at present a Home Mission Station, and still includes Lowburn, Bannockburn and Ripponvale among its preaching places. Dunedin Central Mission: Another Bible Christian enterprise was the Dunedin Central Mission, which was commenced by the Rev. William Ready in 1890, and which he successfully directed for the next eight years.

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Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

The first place of meeting was a hall in Rattray Street, but this soon became too small so the Lyceum was engaged. This also after a time, was crowded to excess and a move was made to the Garrison Hall in Dowling Street. Here the Sunday services were conducted, but a very active week-day work was carried on in a building which the trustees had purchased in Stafford Street. This property was the home of the Mission for a number of years. In 1896 the Bible Christian Church was amalgamated with the Wesleyan Methodist Church. The Rev. W. A. Sinclair succeeded the Rev. Wm. Ready and gave seven years of valuable service. The appointment of the Rev. W. Slade in 1907 led to a change of location of the Mission. It was during his ministry that the building in the Octagon was erected, which is now the home of a flourishing cause. During the Depression the Mission made a valuable contribution to the social work of the city and many of the poorer people have cause to bless the Mission for help given in their time of need. With the coming of the Rev. L. B. Neale, a further advance was made. A scheme was launched for building a health home at Company Bay. This is now the Eventide Homes Settlement where approximately 100 aged women are being cared for. It is an institution of outstanding value in our Dunedin Methodism. In 1931 a block of land adjoining the Octagon Hall and extending up to and including St. George's Hall in Stuart Street, was purchased and Mr Neale has a vision, that in the future a building will be erected that will not only cater for community needs, but also be the home of Methodism in the city.

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Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

IV.—THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH Though never as strong as the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Primitive Methodism in Otago cannot be overlooked. The Rev. Joshua Smith touched at Port Chalmers in 1857, but it was 18 years later, in 1875, that the first society was formed. The Primitive Methodist Church commenced in Dunedin with the visit of the Rev. Dr Samuel Antliff, "Conferential" deputation to the Primitive Methodist Churches of Canada and Australia and the Rev. W. J. Dean, of Invercargill, where the primitive Methodist Church was already established. The present Central Methodist Church in Invercargill is the union of the two branches of Methodism, while other old Primitive Methodist causes are St. Peters and Bluff. A meeting was held in the residence of Mr R. R. Clark, in London Street, Dunedin, on January 19, 1875 when a society of 15 members was formed. The Argyle Hall in Maclaggan Street was rented, and the first Class Meeting and services were held on January 31, when Mr James Taylor preached at Pine Hill and in the Hall. Because of the increase in size of the congregations the Society on March 17 leased the large Temperance Hall in Moray Place for 12 months. In the April following, the Rev. J. Ward, of Timaru, paid a visit. "He preached on Sunday the 14th, and several sinners were converted," so history reads. As progress was being made the position of the society was strengthened by visits from the Rev. W. J. Dean and B. J. Westbrooke. Under the direction of Mr Dean the first Quarterly Meeting was held and the foundations of a plan of operations well and truly laid. The first printed Plan for October to December 1875, shows that services were held at the following places. On Sundays at the Temperance Hall and on week-days at London Street, Stuart Street and Caversham. The preachers were: Messrs E. W. Uren, R. R. Clark, J. Taylor, R. Grimmett, H. Ward, J. King, G. Fidler and J. Clay. The District Meeting for 1876 appointed the Rev. J. Ward as the first minister. We read that Mr Ward's first Sunday "was a red-letter day for the Church: the congregations were good, the offerings liberal, and, best of all, several souls converted to God." Kew Soon after Mr Ward's arrival, a mission was commenced at Caversham, which resulted in the formation of a Society of 12 members. Land was purchased at the corner of Cargill and Forbury Roads on which a Church was built, and opened for Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #6(1) 1948 Page 20

Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman worship on November 12, 1876. This was the first building erected in Dunedin for the Primitive Methodist Church. North Dunedin During 1877 the work continued to prosper, special attention being given to North Dunedin. The District Meeting of 1878, held in Auckland, approved most of the projects presented to it by Dunedin. The plan of operations was: A central church in the city. Another at North Dunedin, with a branch church beyond it at North East Valley, in addition to the one already erected at Kew. For two of these churches land had been secured at Lower York Place and at Dundas Street. The arrival of the Rev. James Guy from England in July, 1878, gave a decided impetus to the work and almost immediately the use of the Drill Shed, at the north side of King Street Bridge, was secured for Sunday services. The congregations grew larger and. there were many conversions even though the work was carried on under difficulties. Dundas Street In October, 1878, tenders were called for the erection of a building which was the beginning of the present Dundas Street Church, the foundation stone of which was laid on Christmas Day. The building, popularly known as "The Dinghy," was opened for public worship by a week's mission extending from: April 20 to April 27, 1879. Lower York Place Upon the opening of St. John's church in Lower York Place in 1880, Dunedin was divided into two Circuits, Dunedin 1, comprising York Place, Kew and Kensington, and Dunedin 2 : Dundas Street, Ravensbourne and Sunnydale where a small church had been erected. St. John's Church was later sold and became Chalmers Presbyterian Church while the Sunnydale Church in Calder Street, North East Valley, became a workshop of the Dunedin City Corporation. The Ravensbourne meetings were held in the house of Mr John King. During the latter half of 1880 the Ravensbourne people had the pleasure of opening their church, thus making three churches on the Plan of the Dunedin 2 Circuit.

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Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

Talk of Union About the year 1883 a Basis of Union with the Wesleyan Church was discussed, but although many of the folk were sympathetic toward the idea, nothing came of the negotiations. Union of Circuits In 1886 the two Circuits, Dunedin 1 and Dunedin 2, combined and until 1909 Dunedin was just one Circuit. During this period the church was served by such well-known ministers as the Revs. J. Nixon, J. Sharpe, W. S. Potter, C. E. Ward, W. Laycock (two terms) and J. Guy (2nd term). In 1909 Dunedin was again, divided into two circuits. This time Dundas Street, Ravensbourne, Glenroy, Anderson's Bay and the Peninsula formed Dunedin 1, and Kew, Abbotsford and Fairfield comprised Dunedin 2. Methodist Union A plebiscite on the question of union with the Wesleyan Church was taken in March, 1912, resulting in an overwhelming vote in favour of union. As a practical step towards this end the Glenroy congregation decided to unite with Glenaven. Following the union of the two branches of Methodism the Glenroy Church was sold to the Oddfellows' Lodge. In 1913 the arrangements for union were complete and the Conference of that year united the two branches of Methodism as "The Methodist Church of New Zealand." This involved a rearrangement of circuit boundaries and so, in Dunedin, Glenaven was attached to Dundas Street; circuit in place of Glenroy, whilst the Peninsula and Anderson's Bay missions were handed over to St. Kilda. From 1913 onwards changes have inevitably taken place. The old Kew Church at Forbury Corner was dismantled, the section sold, and a new church built at Caversham on the South Road, in 1915, parts of the old church being incorporated in its construction. The Anderson's Bay Church also has been sold and is a private residence, whilst the work at Highcliffe and Sandymount has been discontinued on account of removals. There have been other changes as well, but space forbids a detailed history of each church.

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V- DUNEDIN METHODISM TODAY In Dunedin city and suburbs today we have ten Circuits and Home Mission Stations which give an average of 35 Methodist, services every Sunday to the community. Twenty-eight of these are conducted by ministers, the rest by laymen. The development of each of these circuits from the central Church, Trinity, and through the union of the two branches of Methodism, is very interesting history, but we can do no more than give the dates of their becoming separate circuits, together with the names of the societies which comprise them and the dates of the erection of the various churches within their boundaries. 1. Dunedin Central. (1862).— The mother Circuit of Otago. Trinity Church, erected 1862 (present, Circuit constituted 1945) with Dundas Street Church erected 1879 and Ravensbourne Church, erected 1880, both ex-Primitive Methodist churches. 2. Port Chalmers.—First resident minister, Rev. R. S. Bunn, April, 1863. Previously worked by Missionaries from Waikouaiti. First church opened October 21, 1855. Became a separate Circuit 1870. Waitati Church erected 1868. Sawyer's Bay Church, erected 1910. 3. Caversham.—Old Kew Church, Primitive Methodist, opened November 12, 1876. Present church opened March 21, 1915. Abbotsford Church, erected 1886. Corstorphine Union Church Hall, erected 1947. 4. Mornington.— Constituted a Circuit 1878. First church opened September 10, 1876. Present church opened February 5, 1905. 5. Methodist Central Mission.—Established 1890. Mission Hall erected 1911; remodelled 1940. Company Bay Eventide Homes Settlement. 6. Cargill Road.—Constituted a Circuit and present church opened 1894. Old Opoho Church building moved to Cargill Road, 1882. St. Clair Church bought from the Congregationalists, 1923. Broad Bay Cause established 1863. Otakou, present church erected 1940. Old Church dates back to the days of the missionaries. 7. Mosgiel.—Constituted a separate station 1906. First preaching services conducted November 22, 1885. Church opened in 1897. East Taieri. Wingatui, Whare Flat. 8. Roslyn. - constituted a Circuit, 1906. First church erected 1877. Present Church bought 1892-93. 9. St. Kilda.—Constituted a Circuit 1913. Church erected 1906. Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #6(1) 1948 Page 23

Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

10. Dunedin North - Constituted a Circuit 1945. Maori Hill Church erected 1908. Constituted a Home Mission Station 1930. Woodhaugh Cottage Church, acquired 1893. Church erected 1896. Glenaven Church erected 1905.

Otakou Centennial Maori Church. In each of these Circuits and Home Mission Stations an active and progressive work is going on.

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Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

District and Connexional Activities The various District and Connexional Committees situated in Dunedin are alive to the problems and to the needs of the day. These committees comprise— 1. The District Youth Committee, which is responsible for assisting the youth work of the Church as a whole as well as organising Bible Class Camps, rallies, Leadership Training Groups, etc. Last Easter approximately 200 young people attended the B.C. Easter Camp at Palmerston. A permanent Camp Site, on the slopes of the Maungatuas near Berwick, has been secured and, when buildings are available will be a great asset to our youth activities and to the church generally. 2. The District Executive, composed of ministers and laymen is concerned with District matters. It had been responsible for the appearance of "The Dunedin Methodist,” first published in May, 1947. This is a quarterly publication, with a circulation of about 2000 copies, giving news of general interest giving news of Methodist activities in and around Dunedin, as well as containing articles and news of general interest. The Executive also has been responsible for the negotiations leading up to the erection of the “Union” Church at Corstorphine – an effort of practical Church Union. 3. Two Connexional Committees, i.e., Committees which consider special business on behalf of the New Zealand Methodist Church, are situated in Dunedin: (a) The Welfare of the Church Committee deals with various policy and other matters affecting the Church. (b) The Connexional Temperance Committee keeps watch over the Government legislation and other matters connected with the liquor traffic. 4. General Activities—In the corporate life of the Church such as the National Council of Churches Broadcastmg, Bible in Schools and the Bible Society, Methodism is playing its part while in the life of the community she seeks to meet the various needs of mankind and to be true to Wesley s command : "Go not only to those who need you, but to those who need you most." These words echo those of the Master when He said: "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature."

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Conclusion

Eighteen Hundred and Forty-eight to Nineteen Hundred and Forty-Eight-100 years. A century has passed, during which much has been accomplished. What are we going to do with the years which lie ahead? As a Church we have a great' history, and there has been left to us a wonderful heritage. To us the torch is flung. We must not, fail, but must show that the courage, faith and initiative of our forefathers is not merely something of the past, but still is ours today to put, into practice in the years ahead, thus further extending the Kingdom of God in this fair land—"God's Own Country."

OTAGO—SOUTHLAND CHRONOLOGY 1840 Rev. Jas. Watkin (four years), Waikouaiti. 1844 Rev. Chas. Creed (nine years), services commenced at Port Chalmers in the New Zealand Company's old store renovated for the purpose. 1848 First immigrant ship arrived with Thomas Ferens and other Methodists, on board. 1854 Rev. Wm. Kirk (nearly four years). 1855 First church at Port Chalmers opened October 21. The first European Wesleyan Church in Otago. 1857 Rev. George Stannardd (two years). 1859-61 Vacant. Lay services. Gold rush set in. Canvas Church. 1862 Rev. I. Harding (two years). Mr R. L. Vickers (one year). Harding visits Goldfields. Dowling Street Church opened July 14. 1863 Rev. R. S. Bunn first minister to Port Chalmers (two years. Harding visits Oamaru. First service March 10. Mr Flamank appointed Home Missionary. Harding visits Lakes district. Mr Palmer appointed Home Missionary. Harding visits Invercargill. Services commenced. Church opened December 25. 1864 Rev. J. Aldred (three years). New Church opened at Port Chalmers in January. Church opened Oamaru. April 2. Rev. J. T. Shaw first minister to Invercargill. 1865 Oamaru separated. First minister Rev. W. Cannell. First, church in Lawrence opened free of debt. 1867 Rev. A. R. Fitchett (three years). New church bought in Leet Street, Invercargill, July. Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #6(1) 1948 Page 26

Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

1868 Blueskin (Waitati) Church built. 1869 Cumberland Street Church built. Coal Creek Church opened. Waikouaiti Church re-opened September 19. 1870 Trinity Church opened July 10. Port .Chalmers, Waititi and Peninsula separated. Bluespur (Gabriel s Gully) Church dedicated, second Sunday of April. Home Missionary sent to Roxburgh and Balclutha Foundation Stone of first Balcutha Church laid, April 22. 1871 Roxburgh separated from Lawrence. Rev. W. Beck first Minister. Rev. F. W Isitt first minister to Balclutha. Peninsula retransf erred to Trinity. 1872 Rev P. J Westbrooke commenced services for Primitive Methodists at Invercargill. First Church at Milton opened. Stone Church built at Roxburgh. 1873 Don Street Church (Primitive Methodist) opened Nov 19. 1875 Meeting to establish Primitive Methodism in Dunedin held in residence of Mr R. R.Clark, January 19. First Ettrick Church (originally school) acquired. First Palmerston Church opened. 1876 First church built in Mornington. Opened September 10. Kew Church (Primitive Methodist) opened November 12. 1877 Churches built at Linden. (Roslyn) and Opoho. 1878 Mornington separated. 1879 Church (Primitive Methodist) opened at Bluff, free of debt. The first Christian church in the locality. Dundas Street Church (Primitive Methodist) opened April 20. 1880 Lower York Place (Primitive Methodist) Church opened. Ravensbourne (Primitive Methodist) Church opened. 1882 Cargill Road site bought. Opoho Church removed to it. New Church in brick erected Leet Street site, Invercargill. 1884 First Gore Church opened. 1885 First Preaching Services conducted at Mosgiel, November 22. 1886 New site secured at Cargill Road. Tapanui separated from Gore. Abbotsford cause commenced. 1887 South Invercargill (St. Peters) Primitive Methodist Church opened, November. 1890 Dunedin Central Mission opened by Rev. Wm. Ready (Bible Christian). Riverton Church opened July 30. Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #6(1) 1948 Page 27

Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

1891 Cromwell Church opened Easter Sunday. Abbotsford Church opened September. 1892 Present Palmerston Church opened May 1. Kaitangata Church opened September 11. 1893 Woodhaugh site purchased with Cottage Church. Present Roslyn Church bought. 1894 Cargill Road separated from Trinity with subsidy for three years. Present Wesley Church, Cargill Road opened. Nightcaps Church built. 1895 Mosgiel transferred from Trinity to Cargill Road. 1896 Union of Wesleyan Methodists, United Methodist Free Church and Bible Christian Churches. Woodhaugh Church built. 1897 Mosgiel Church opened. Present Moriiington Church site bought. Present Balclutha Church opened, May 16. 1899 Belleknowes site purchased. Aparima Church opened September. 1900 Belleknowes Church built. 1902 Otautau Church opened June 15. 1903 Wild Bush Church opened February 2 (Building conveyed from Drummoud. Present Roxburgh Church opened. 1904 Church sites secured at North East Valley, St. Kilda and Maori Hill. 1905 North East Valley (Glenaven) Church built. Present Mornington Church opened, February 5. 1906 St. Kilda Church opened September 23. Roslyn separated from Mornington. 1908 Foundation Stone of Maori Hill Church laid, September 9. 1910 Tuatapere Church opened. Sawyer's Bay Church opened February 13. 1911 Central Mission Foundation Stone laid, September 30 (Slade Hall). 1912 Methodist Church of Australasia in New Zealand granted independence by the General Conference of Australasia. 1913 Union of the two branches of Methodism. St. Kilda separated from Cargill Road. 1915 New Church opened at Caversham, March 21. 1920 Leet Street and Dee Street, Invercargill, united as one Circuit. 1923 St. Clair Church bought from the Congregational Church. 1926 Present Ettrick Church opened. Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #6(1) 1948 Page 28

Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

1930 Maori Hill constituted a separate Home Mission Station. Watkins-Creed Memorial Church, Port, Chalmers. Opened August 2. 1933 Wild Bush Church opened on new site, April 9. 1935 Central Church built, Yarrow7 Street, Invercargill. 1940 Otakou Centennial Maori Church Foundation Stone laid, February 24. 1941 Otakou Centennial Memorial Maori Church opened March 22. 1945 Present Dunedin Central Circuit, constituted. Dunedin North (Maori Hill, Glenaven and Woodhaugh) constituted a Circuit. 1947 Corstorphine Union Church Hall (Presbyterian, Congregational and Methodist) erected. Tablet unveiled October 11.

Dedicated TO THE MEMORY OF

THE PIONEERS Who faced Toil and Adversity in order to plant firm in the New Land the true foundation of Christian Citizenship.

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Before 1848 and After by Rev. D. J. D. Hickman

Acknowledgement is made to the authors of the following books and Souvenir Publications, from which substantial quotations have been made, and also to the brethren who so willingly co-operated by supplying valuable information. The History of Methodism in New Zealand ...... Dr. Wm. Morley The Centenary Sketches of New Zealand Methodism . Rev. W. J. Williams The Mother Church of Otago Methodism ...... Souvenir of the 75th Anniversary (Trinity) 1862-1937 It Happened in Otakou ...... Rev. T. A. Pybus Otakou and the First Christian Mission ...... Rev. T. A. Pybus Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism ...... Revs. J. Guy and W. S. Potter Fifty Years of Dunedin Methodism ...... Phonograph Fifty Years of Methodist Endeavour ...... Souvenir, Dundas St. Jubilee, 1879-1929 Roslyn Methodist Church Jubilee ...... Souvenir Booklet, 1877-1927 The Diary of the Rev. Charles Creed Memoranda of the Rev. Isaac Harding

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