A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 1

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

St Paul’s Church, London Street Foreword This brochure would not have been possible apart from the work of Mr H. R. Vyle, who as Secretary of the Centenary Committee has given many hours in collecting reminiscences from families with early associations with St Paul's and in helping collate and prepare the material for publication. We are greatly indebted also to the late Mr John Jebson who, prior to his death, began the task of gathering material of historical interest for the Centenary. This brochure draws heavily upon information provided in his excellent lecture on "The Story of Hamilton Methodism", presented to the Historical Society in August 1959 and published in the Waikato Times, and also the Souvenir of Waikato Methodism published in 1942 for the 75th Anniversary Celebrations of the Establishment of European Work in the district. Records prior to 1900 unfortunately were lost in the parsonage fire in 1899. We wish to thank also the Rev. H. L. Blamires, Mr T. L. Hames, Mr L. A. Clover and his sister Mrs E. S. Feist, Mr and Mrs R. H. G. Harwood, Mr J. C. Tietjens, Mr Arthur Harris, Mrs E. S. McDonagh, Mr Morris and those of our members who have forwarded reminiscences or made material available. The greater part of the section on the Hamilton Methodist Church Trust has been kindly supplied by Mr Herbert Longbottom, Secretary of the Trust. Thanks are also due to Mrs D. W. Holland for typing the manuscript. The story of Methodist witness in Hamilton during the first century of the city's history is one for which we can feel justly proud and for which we give thanks and praise to Almighty God. ASHLEIGH K. PETCH,Superintendent Minister Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 2

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

To the Maori First Almost forty years before the founding of Hamilton, the Methodist Church was at work among the Maoris of the Waikato. As early as January 1825 a Wesleyan Missionary, the Rev. William White, explored the country between the Thames and the Upper Waikato River, following the difficult and dangerous ancient war trails of the Maori tribes. This was the first recorded visit of a European to these areas. In that year the Wesleyan Mission was laying extensive plans for evangelizing the Maoris of the Waikato, but missionary effort was temporarily frustrated by the native uprising which led, ultimately, to the destruction of the Wesleyan Mission headquarters at Whangaroa in 1827. In 1834 Mr White again went overland from Hokianga to the Waikato, the way having been prepared for him by the influential chief Tarawhiti, and established mission stations at Ngaruawahia and Kawhia. These were to serve as centres for the work in the area. The following year, 1835, the Rev. James Wallis opened a mission station at Te Horea, Raglan. To overcome the difficulties of transport, the early mission stations were sited at suitable points along the coast and up navigable rivers which could be served by small coastal vessels. The mission work among the western Maoris proved very successful and the Christian message was taken by both missionaries and Maori converts to the tribes in the interior. In 1836 the Wesleyan missionaries, owing to a misunderstanding with the Church Missionary Society of the Church of England, were withdrawn by direction from London but subsequently returned in 1839 at the earnest request of the Maoris to reoccupy the area concerned. Eventually it was arranged that the Methodists should work along the west coast of the North Island and the Anglicans along the east coast. In 1840, an outpost of the Kawhia Mission was established at a strategic site near Te Kuiti by the Rev. Fred Miller who went there with his wife and young family and worked among the Maoris until his death at the early age of 32. A memorial on the site of the Mission perpetuates the memory of his sacrifice. In 1841 another mission station was established at Te Kopua near Pirongia on the Waipa River. This was directed by the Rev. H. Turton under the supervision of the Wesleyan Mission at Raglan. These early attempts to lay the foundations of a Christian way of life and to establish the Methodist Church in the Waikato and Waipa areas were seriously handicapped by the troubled times preceding and during the Maori War of 1863-64. Imperial and Colonial troops, under General Sir Duncan Cameron, moved southward from Auckland into the Waikato in 1863 to contend with the fighting Maoris. They constructed access roads and strong points for military use as they proceeded. On their southward march different sections of the army were accompanied by the Revs Thomas Buddle, James Wallis and John S. Rishworth, Wesleyan missionaries, who received the full co-operation and support of the military staff. The war came to an

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 3

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle end in April 1864, with the Battle of Orakau, with the "aukete" or confiscation line separating the opposing forces. Early in 1864 Mr Rishworth was stationed in the Waikato-Waipa district by the Wesleyan Methodist Church to minister to the needs of the scattered settlers and to those among the soldiers who were Methodists. Grants of land were made to the militia to induce them to become permanent settlers and these settlers also came under the care of Mr Rishworth. The end of the Maori War saw the Methodist Church seeking to re-establish its missionary work among the Maoris of the Waikato and, at the same time, commencing its ministry to the Europeans in the new Volunteer Militia settlements which arose at strategic points in the disaffected areas.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 4

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

The Church in a Military Settlement 1864-1880 Methodist beginnings in Hamilton reach back to the year 1864 when the Rev. J. Rishworth was appointed to minister to the new military settlement founded that year by the Fourth Waikato Regiment of the Volunteer Militia on a site known to the Maoris as Kirikiriroa, but later named Hamilton, in commemoration of Captain Hamilton (Commander of the H.M.S. Esk), who fell at the assault of Gate Pa. Similar military settlements were founded at Cambridge, Kihikihi, Pirongia and Ngaruawahia, all of which came under the care of Mr Rishworth. Travelling from one military post to another, he held services in camps and block-houses and everywhere was welcomed. At that time there were 1800 Imperial troops at Ngaruawahia, while the population of Hamilton was 1496 (836 males, 660 females). Among the militia were many Methodist laymen, including some local preachers, and these were formed into societies, by which name organized Methodist church groups were then known. After twelve months of arduous toil Mr Rishworth was transferred elsewhere and the local society continued the work of the church for two years until the arrival in 1867 of the Rev. Joseph Berry. Mr Berry had just arrived in the colony. A townbred youth with no knowledge of horses or of country life, he soon proved his mettle as he flung himself with ardour into his task. By his fearless and impressive preaching and splendid social qualities he won his way into the hearts and homes of the settlers and gained the confidence of the military authorities. If there is any truth in a legendary tale, Mr Berry's arrival was remarkable for one experience. He arrived in Hamilton before accommodation had been arranged so the Irish Catholic Sergeant of Police befriended him and allowed him to spend the first night in the cell! During his ministry the first Methodist Church was built on a section donated by one of the officers of the militia who helped found the settlement. Hereby hangs a tale. DR WILLIAM RAYNER'S GIFT Outstanding among the Methodists who landed at Hamilton in August 1864, was an army doctor, Assistant Surgeon William Rayner, the son of an English Methodist minister. Each of the new settlers was promised an acre section in the town as well as an area of farm land further away. Dr Rayner showed his devotion to his church by offering to give a site in Hamilton for a church building. In 1867, immediately on receipt of his title to his acre, he transferred half of it, a most valuable area at the corner of what is now Victoria and Collingwood Streets, as a free gift "for the use of the people called Methodists and for no other use or purpose whatever". The value of this half-acre at the time is thought to have been £10. The conveyance was completed on April 16lh 1868, and the Hamilton Methodist Trust, as it is now called, was established. The foundation members of the Trust were Messrs John Williamson, James Stone, Thomas Russell, James Heron and William Chisholm Wilson. Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 5

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

In 1872 Dr Rayner moved from Hamilton at a time when the town and district were feeling the effects of a severe depression. He offered his remaining half-acre to the Methodist Church on condition that the sum of £20 which was owing by him on the security of the property, was paid by the Trustees. The Trustees, however, were unable to raise the money and it seemed that the opportunity of obtaining this further valuable property would be lost. The minister of the day, the Rev. J. H. Simmonds, later to become the Principal of Three Kings College and the promoter and first Principal of Wesley College, Paerata, came to the rescue and from his own small savings lent the £20 to the Trust. Mr Simmonds later went to Fiji as a missionary and from there had to write to the Trustees asking for the repayment of the loan. The £20 was eventually repaid to him in small instalments. Thus did the whole of the original acre come into the hands of the Methodist Church. Little could Dr Rayner have realized what his magnificent gift would mean to the work and witness of the Methodist Church throughout the succeeding century; suffice to say that this property is now providing a very substantial source of revenue for Methodist Church extension in Hamilton and the Waikato. However, he did see the immediate practical outcome of his gift in the erection of the first Methodist Church in Hamilton. THE FIRST CHURCH A building in which the members of the society could worship had become an urgent necessity and, as arrangements were well in hand, steps were taken in 1867, immediately after the title to the land was secured, to erect a church in Collingwood Street. This church, built of pit-sawn timber and with a shingle roof, was opened for worship on the 1st November 1868. In that day of small beginnings the collections for the day totalled £2 4s 6d. Two years later, in 1870, there was added to the front of the church a belfry fourteen feet high complete with "a superior bell of excellent tone". The late Mr E. J. Davey. who for many years served as Secretary of the Hamilton Methodist Trust, used to recall worshipping and attending Sunday School in this building as far back as 1880 and would tell of the church bell which on Sunday morning and evening called the people to worship. Periodically the belfry had to be cleared of birds' nests. This small church served the Methodists of the town for fourteen years until the congregation outgrew its capacity to accommodate them. When a new church was erected nearby, the original building served as the Sunday School Hall until the year 1904 when it was replaced by a new schoolroom and sold for removal, the purchaser converting it into a house in Hamilton East. Through all these years the bell in the belfry continued its tuneful task. The late Mr W. W. Dillicar, whose death last year removed one of Hamilton's most generous benefactors and one of its oldest Methodists, acted for many years in his youth as the church bellringer. In the Trust Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 6

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle minutes of October 14th 1901, there is recorded a resolution to send "a letter of thanks to Mr W. Dillicar on his relinquishing his duties as bellringer and gaslighter, for his assiduous and faithful service". Thereafter the duties of bellringer, gaslighter and church cleaner were combined at the munificent remuneration of 3s weekly!

REV. JOSEPH BERRY REV. J. H. SIMMONDS 1867-1869 1869-1871

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 7

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Hamilton Methodism Comes of Age 1882 THE year 1882 was notable for two events which gave evidence of the remarkable growth of Methodism in Hamilton and of the fact that the Wesleyan Methodist Church had come of age. The first was the division of the circuit into three—Hamilton, Cambridge and Te Awamutu—following the particularly successful ministry of the Rev. H. Bull who was appointed superintendent minister in 1879. It was during his ministry that a second ministerial appointment in the person of the Rev. C. Griffin was made in 1880. The Hamilton Circuit, though now reduced in size, still extended to Tauwhare in the east, to Tuhikaramea and Whatawhata on the Waipa River in the west, and through Ngaruawahia to Huntly in the north. It was still a man's size circuit to which the Rev. J. Dukes was appointed in 1882. THE SECOND CHURCH IN COLLINGWOOD STREET The second event of note was the opening, on January 10th that year, of a new and larger church to be known as Trinity Methodist Church, at a cost of £600. The preachers for the occasion were the Revs Thomas Spurgeon and A. Garrick of Auckland. Work on the building commenced in 1881 and according to a report in the Waikato Times of October 18th 1881, the ceremony of the laying of the corner blocks was held on October 17th that year. The blocks were laid by the Mayor, Captain William Steele, James Hulme of the Bank of New Zealand and Mr J. Gribble. The following laymen were associated with the erection of the building: J. Gribble, J. D. Melville, T. Qualtrough, T. Maunder, J. G. Culpan and N. R. Cox. The first wedding solemnized in the new church was that of a Mr and Mrs Manning who used to live in Charlemont Street. Although the new building was needed sorely, it carried a debt of £400 bearing interest at eight per cent. The Trust's income, including that from the wooden shops erected in 1880 on the site now occupied by Wesley Chambers, was barely sufficient to meet interest charges plus general maintenance of the properties. For nearly twenty years this debt was a crippling burden on the Trust. It was not until 1904, at the Church Anniversary in October, that the Trust Secretary and Treasurer, Mr J. E. Tidd, was able to report that at last £150 had been raised, thus enabling the Trust to secure a free-of-interest loan of £250 from the Church Building and Loan Fund and liquidate this burdensome debt. The same report, after detailing the year's expenditure, continued, "Though the wisdom of the trustees has been questioned for erecting a building with a debt of £400 resting on it, it must be remembered that residents of those days possessed extravagant ideas of Hamilton's future (!) but their action is justified when the class of timber used in the building of the church is noted, it being all finest kauri, and with the exception of the renewal of the shingles will need few repairs for many years." It is of interest to note that in a Trust minute of June 9th 1902, it was "resolved to re-roof church with iron at a cost of £30." This lends support Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 8

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle to the story of how one Sunday morning when, during heavy rain, the roof began to leak, a certain lady, instead of moving to another seat, put up her umbrella and sat unperturbed through the rest of the service! Eighty years later the same building was still in use as the Sunday School Hall in London Street and was demolished in March 1962 only to make way for the present Methodist Centre.

COLLINGWOOD STREET CHURCHES The Second Church (Trinity) 1882—The Original Church 1868 About the year 1905 or 1906 a wrought-iron Cross was placed on Trinity Church. The Cross was made and donated by the late Mr J. R. Fow, for many years a most loyal churchman, trustee and circuit official and who was later mayor of Hamilton for twenty years. Following the removal of the building to London Street for use as a Sunday School, the Cross found a fitting place as a memorial on the site of the old mission station founded near Te Kuiti by the Rev. Frederick Miller.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 9

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Years of Consolidation 1882-1900 Revealing glimpses into the life of Trinity Church up until the turn of the century are provided in the following series of references taken from copies of the Waikato Times between 1882 and 1894 and kindly made available by Mr H. C. M. Norris. It would appear that, despite financial difficulties, these were years of consolidation and steady growth. 1882—12th January—Trinity Church was opened on 10th January by Rev. Thomas Spurgeon before a very large congregation, followed by a soiree in the Public Hall. 1882—15th April—The Rev. J. Dukes was welcomed by Trinity Wesleyan Church. Tea was served in the old church now used as a schoolroom. 1883—15th September—The quarterly meeting of the Hamilton Wesleyan Circuit was held in Trinity Church. The Rev. H. R. Dewsbury presided and reported an increase of ten children in the Sunday School. Income for quarter £57 9s 11d; expenditure £56 13s 9½d. 1884—3rd April— The quarterly meeting of Hamilton Wesleyan Circuit was held in Trinity Church. Income double that of the previous year. It was intended to rent a house with a purchasing clause at £400. 1885—6th January—At the close of the evening service at St Peter's Church, the choir, together with members of the Wesleyan and Presbyterian choirs, sang several carols. Mr Templer (the accountant of the Bank of New Zealand) conducted. 1885—2nd April—The Rev. J. Dukes, whose term of ministry was expiring, was given a farewell tea and concert. All denominations were present and the Mayor was in the chair. 1886—8th May—The Rev. J. S. Smalley was conducting a Wesleyan Mission at Hamilton. 1888—27th March—Rev. John Dellow and Mrs Dellow were farewelled by Trinity Wesleyan Church. 1890—3rd July—The Annual Soiree of Wesleyan Church was held. About 150 people sat down to a sumptuous repast. 1892—29th December—The Wesleyan Church held a "Forest Fair" in the Oddfellows' Hall on Boxing Day and made a trifle over £82. 1893—28th December—Wesleyans held luncheon, concert and sale, cleared £40 to pay off overdraft. Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 10

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

1894—20th March—At Hamilton Wesleyan Sunday School, Miss Houghton and Mr James Tidd, who are to be married on Easter Monday, were presented with a handsome clock by the Sunday School staff and pupils. 1894—3rd April—Rev. James Thomas preached his farewell service at the Wesleyan Church before a large congregation. A beautiful album and a copy of the Wesleyan hymn book were presented on behalf of the choir and the congregation by Mr N. R. Cox. 1894—9th October—The Rev. J. J. Mather was leaving. THE SOIREE A feature of church life during these years was the Soiree which seems to have been a congregational high tea. The first reference to such an event is in a report in the Waikato Times for September 25th 1875 to the effect that a soiree was held to formally inaugurate the opening of a Wesleyan Sunday School in Hamilton. The opening of Trinity Church was likewise followed by a Soiree in the Public Hall in Knox Street. By the year 1890 it had become an annual event. THE PARSONAGE It was early in this period that the first parsonage was purchased at a cost of £400. As suggested by the Waikato Times' report for April 3rd 1884, the house was first rented and later bought for the use of the Rev. J. Dukes. It was situated in Milton Street near the site now occupied by flats. Earlier, Mr and Mrs Dukes and their daughter lived in a rented house on the corner of Thackeray and Anglesea Streets on a site now occupied by the offices of the Central Waikato Electric Power Board. In 1899 while the Rev. Dr Hosking was in residence, the parsonage was destroyed by fire and all records of the previous thirty-three years of the history of the Methodist Church in Hamilton were lost in the fire. A new parsonage was erected on the same site and was occupied by the Superintendent Minister until 1915, when following Methodist Union in 1913, it was vacated in favour of the former Primitive Methodist Parsonage in London Street. A MINISTER REMEMBERS We are indebted to Mr Melville Lawry, organist and choirmaster for more than thirty years of Durham Street Church, Christchurch, for forwarding a fine tribute to the quality of congregational life in Trinity Church at the beginning of the final decade of last century. It comes from an unpublished book of memories written by his late father, the Rev. Samuel Lawry, who was appointed Superintendent of the Hamilton Circuit in 1890. After relating how he found the church finances "in a desperate and muddled condition" he continues, "although for health reasons it was imperative for me to leave at the end of one year, that year's work always lives in my memory as one

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 11

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle of the most useful and effective of my ministry. I found the people keenly interested in spiritual things and anxious for the progress of the Kingdom". A LAYMAN REMEMBERS Another picture of the strength of the church fellowship in these years and of one of the ministers of this era is recorded in some reminiscences left by the late Mr W. T. Coad who at one time was postmaster at Hamilton. He writes, "At the end of 1889 I came to Hamilton as a young telegraphist and had a very happy year with the Church and Sunday School folk at the Collingwood Street Methodist Church. As this was my first year as a young fellow away from home, the friendships I then made meant a lot to me. I was only eighteen years old and Messrs Jim and Tom Tidd, Eddy Davey, and other young men, were very kind and I was soon installed, through them, as a teacher in Christian service, and for over fifty years I continued in Sunday School work, having charge as Superintendent of large schools in Westport, Blenheim, Wellington and Hamilton. The minister at that time was the Rev. Joseph Thomas, a splendid man, and one whose persistence reminded me of the importunate widow mentioned by the Master. One night I attended the Methodist Class Meeting, where we all knelt in prayer round the table. I had never spoken in public and was rather nervous, but when I was the only one present who had not prayed, and the Minister said : "Will another brother now lead us in prayer," my knees began to hit the floor. "Come on, my young brother, just a word for the Master; don't let the old devil keep you tongue-tied". Finally the ice was broken and in simple boyish fashion I prayed in public for the first time. I have often been thankful to that Minister for his wise and kindly urging on that occasion. But this was only the beginning! One day, while I had quite a crowd at the Post Office counter, my good friend Mr Thomas leaned over the counter and said "I am putting you down to take a service at Newstead next Sunday afternoon". I assured him I had never in my life done such a thing and couldn't think of it, but with a smile he assured me I would be all right, and he had me down for it. I had no chance to argue, as I was more than busy, so off he went. On Sunday I borrowed the linesman's horse and cantered off to Newstead. It rained in torrents and to my great relief not a soul turned up! But I was no means through with my reverend friend, for a couple of days later he appeared at my busy counter, and assured me I was booked for a service at Horotiu the next Sunday. I was quite angry, and assured him I was not prepared to go to Horotiu on Sunday. With a smile, friend Thomas assured me that the little address I had got Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 12

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

ready for Newstead would just do fine for Horotiu. Off he went and on Sunday I took my first service as a local preacher. There was no one to play the little harmonium or to lead the singing, but I was helped through the ordeal and have been thankful ever since. I have been a local preacher almost all over New Zealand from that date, until a few weeks ago I took my last service at Frankton Methodist Church. I have often been thankful for that happy year with your old Hamilton Church, and I owe a debt to those kind folk who encouraged and helped me into what has been a happy and long lifetime of Christian service".

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 13

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Rapid Development 1900-1913 The close of the century was marked by the disastrous parsonage fire in 1899 in which all earlier records were lost. The oldest Trust minutes preserved are those of May 2nd 1900. On the inside cover is the inscription "Minute Book of Trinity Wesleyan Trust, Hamilton" and below it appears the entry: "Note—All previous records of meetings were destroyed in the parsonage fire". The writing is in the hand of the late James E. Tidd, who gave long and distinguished service as Secretary of the Trust. The entry continues: "Names of Trustees as per fresh registration on October 31st 1899, Samuel Meachem, Thomas Qualtrough, Thos Chappell, John Andrew, James E. Tidd, Albert Watts, Stephen Tucker, James Bennett, Frederick William Thomas. The last six of these names replace those of Thomas Maunder, J. B. Thomas, J. C. Hobbs, T. A. Tidd, Joseph Mullens and Thomas Vincent. This historic record reads like a new beginning and certainly with the new century Hamilton Methodism embarked upon a programme of building and church expansion which, save for the interruption of two World Wars and the depression of the early thirties, has continued almost unabated to the present day. NEW BUILDINGS With the arrival of the Rev H. L. Blamires in 1900 the most urgent need was for a new parsonage. This was erected on the original site in Milton Street at a cost of £250, and heart kauri too! With the liquidating in 1901 of the burdensome debt on the Church it was possible to proceed with plans for a much needed new schoolroom. This was built in 1904 at a cost of £512, a loan of £500 at five per cent being raised for the purpose. Meanwhile, important developments had taken place in regard to the business premises owned by the Trust. In 1902 a portion of land in Collingwood Street between the Church and what is now Alexandra Street with a frontage of 125 feet, was leased to Messrs Edgecumbe and Wheeler, land agents, for 21 years at a rental computed on a basis of five per cent of the unimproved value. This, at the time, was £1 per foot, thus realizing a rental of £6 5s. The rental was to be reviewed in 11 years and the lease included provision for the trustees to resume possession, if desired, at the end of the period. As events turned out, the area was incorporated in a new lease before the expiry of the full term of 21 years. In 1904, the year in which the new schoolroom was built, the trustees also erected on the Victoria Street frontage a block of brick shops capable of carrying a second storey. This new block was called Wesley Buildings. The accepted tender was £3799 and difficulty was experienced in financing the venture. Eventually, a loan of £4000 was raised bearing interest at five and a half per cent for three years and thereafter at the prevailing rate of interest. On Wednesday November 1904, the trustees tendered the contractor and workmen a complimentary dinner. In Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 14

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

January 1909, the Bible Classes raised £100 towards the erection of new classrooms and also £28 towards the furnishing of the rooms. A deputation representative of the Bible Classes consisting of Messrs F. C. Daniell and Lindsay, Mrs Home and Misses Loveday and Houghton waited on the Trust and their proposal was sympathetically received. Mr Daniell was invited to remain when the others withdrew and was unanimously elected a trustee in the place of the late Mr J. D. Melville. Mr Daniell, as architect and office-bearer, was to render a unique contribution to the work of the Trust and the Circuit in the years ahead.

REV. H. L. BLAMIRES 1900-1903; 1908-1911 HORSE AND BUGGY DAYS Something of the atmosphere and colour of this period is gained from the notes of an interview with the Rev. H. L. Blamires, now aged 94 and living at Tyler House, Mt Albert. Mr Blamires is the only minister to have served two terms in the Hamilton Circuit and has remarkably clear memories of his ministry during his two appointments, 1900 to 1903 and 1908 to 1911. He was ordained in 1900 and appointed to Hamilton. The same year he married a daughter of Mr T. C. Collier, of Christchurch. When he first came in 1900 the church in Collingwood Street was surrounded by paddocks used for "parking" the horses and buggies and there was a small wooden shop which fronted Victoria Street. The Circuit extended from Tauwhare and Matangi to Rangiriri, with a Home Missionary at Huntly, and from Karamu to Gordonton, then called Hukunui. Means of travel was mainly by horseback

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 15

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle or buggy and, in the township, by bicycle. Mr Blamires remembers vividly one of his parishioners, a Mr T. J. Home, riding his bicycle and wearing a straw hat! Circuit Stewards when Mr Blamires arrived in 1900 were J. Andrew and J. Bennett, and two well known identities of the same period were E. J. Davey and J. E. Tidd. Local preachers and other Church workers included Messrs J. M. Jones, R. Webber, Exelby, T. J. Home, J. R. Hatrick (Sunday School Superintendent), C. H. Bycroft and W. Harris at Te Kowhai, W. Vant, Ngaruawahia, also W. Blackett, S. Meachem, Geo. Jack, and A. Thomas of Rototuna. Mention must be made of William Shepherd Alien of Piako, a former Member of the House of Commons, who liked the minister to be in outlying places so that he could give a Sunday a quarter to preach. He used to stay at the Hamilton Hotel and put a sovereign in the plate at church morning and evening. If he could not come himself he sent his son, Colonel Robert Alien or one of his estate workers, or else a student from Auckland, and paid all expenses. On Mr Blamires' return for his second period in 1908, he found evidence of rapid development both in the town and the church. Earlier, business premises were confined to one block on one side of Victoria Street but now extended in all directions. The infusion of new blood into the Church in the persons of men such as W. H. Worsley, W. F. Mason, J. Treloar, T. L. Hames, J. R. Fow, David Jones, Member of the House of Representatives, H. S. Hardley and F. C. Daniell, had added greatly to the strength of the work. The wives of these men also were just as loyal, capable and efficient. It was during his second term that Mr Blamires bought a large church building for £50 and had it transported by horsepower from Waitakauri to Te Kowhai, the total cost of the re-erection being less than £200. This was another heart kauri building and still serves the needs of Te Kowhai Methodists and also local Presbyterians. Exterior painting and extensive interior alterations and redecoration carried through this year by W. B. Young Ltd, have made it a most attractive place of worship. The Church was re-dedicated on June 13th to commemorate the 55th Anniversary of its re-erection on its present site. A new church was built at Ngaruawahia and, with great assistance from Mr F. C. Daniell, the architect, a small church on the corner of Grey and Wellington Streets, Hamilton East, was opened in 1910. Rototuna Church had been built between the two periods of Mr Blamires' ministry, mainly through the efforts of the Thomas family and their descendants. Mr Blamires recalls the Rototuna families coming into Hamilton by buggy and on horseback, the girls riding side-saddle for the Sunday services, both morning and evening. Most of them were members of the choir and the same journey was made during the week to Christian Endeavour and choir practice.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 16

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Home Missionaries connected with the Circuit at this time included such later well known names as G. S. Cook, William Walker and W. C. Francis, father of the Rev W. R. Francis who was Superintendent of the Hamilton Circuit from 1954 to 1961. A feature of that time in Hamilton was the great Open-Air Evangelistic Meetings held in Victoria Street and the vigorous work of the Methodists, Wesleyan and Primitive alike, in the Temperance Campaign and the Prohibition Movement. TRIBUTE TO THE CHOIR Mr Blamires pays a great tribute to the work of the choir under the leadership, first, of Sam Meachem whose daughter was the organist, and subsequently of Mr Riley who had a music shop in Hamilton. In 1910 Mr Blamires, with the assistance of Mr Riley and Fred Daniell, organized the first Musical and Elocutionary Competitions ever held in the Auckland Province. The first judges were Professor English, Professor of Music, and Mr Barry Coney for music, and Mr Montague for elocution. The Town Hall was engaged for three or four days and nights and the proceeds of these competitions were used for the building of rooms for the Bible Classes. The Minister himself entered for the bass solo and recalls with amusement that he won the section with the solo "The Gladiator". Mr E. J. Gatland brought a choir from the City of Auckland but it was beaten by Hamilton! VIVID RECOLLECTIONS A well-known Hamilton character was "the boots" at the Hamilton Hotel, an Irishman, who frequently came to Trinity Church on a Sunday evening and then on Monday morning waylaid one of the Society Stewards and demanded to know the Minister's text of the previous evening. Woe betide the one who could not remember it! But he was a great champion of the Minister's wife and on occasions, when he helped with the cutting up of firewood at the parsonage, enjoyed her cups of coffee and telling "His Reverence" off! One incident stands out clearly in Mr Blamires' memory. He had acquired a new horse which had been trained by Maoris but required breaking-in to the buggy. At this time a new bridge had been built across a creek on the way to Whatawhata but the sides had not been erected when Mr Blamires had to cross it to take a service at Karamu. The sawn timber, lying in the sun, was on the far side of the bridge and when half-way over the horse suddenly saw it and shied and went over the side into the creek with the buggy half on the bridge. The Minister jumped clear and freed the horse from the harness, got it out of the creek, walked it to Silvester's farm along the road, borrowed a saddle and rode on to his service at Karamu. There were no telephones in those days and in the afternoon he went home and was on his way to the evening service when he heard the rumour that he had been drowned. He advised his congregation that evening

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 17

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle that the rumour had been "grossly exaggerated" and set out next morning to retrieve the buggy. Mr Blamires recalls that there were only two doctors in Hamilton during his time. Dr Brewis owned a couple of acres of land on the townside of the railway station while Dr Douglas was at the hospital. The Matron was a Miss Rothwell, sister of the Rev. B. J. Rothwell, the first candidate for the ministry to come from the Hamilton Circuit. During his ministry Mr Blamires represented Waikato at hockey and cricket and along with the Pomeroys, A. J. Shepherd, Fred Daniell and Bill Turbott, helped to form Seddon Park. In the light of Mr Blamires' versatile and vigorous ministry it is not surprising to find Mr T. L. Hames writing of him: "He was capable, forthright and respected in the community and very punctual". Let Mr Hames sum up. He writes: "My general recollection is that the town was growing fast from 1910 on and the work of the church expanding rapidly".

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 18

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Two Congregations Unite 1913 PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH IN HAMILTON It was in 1904 that the Primitive Methodist Church first began services of worship in Hamilton. These were held in the Council Chambers which were situated on the site of the old Public Library next to the present Chief Post Office in Victoria Street. Mr and Mrs R. H. G. Harwood, of Fowler's Avenue, who at that time were actively associated with the Primitive Methodist cause, recall that Mrs Harvey was the organist for those early services. In 1906 a church and parsonage were erected on a large, roomy site in London Street. This church, suitably enlarged following the Union in 1913 and named St Paul's, still serves as the Central Church. The first Primitive Methodist Minister in Hamilton was the Rev. P. J. Mairs who was appointed in 1904. He was followed by the Revs N. Hyde, J. Benning, A. Armstrong and J. Clover. The most notable ministry was that of the Rev. James Clover, to whose memory a plaque was placed on the wall of St Paul's. When Mr Clover came to Hamilton in March 1911, he found that the London Street congregation was passing through a struggling period. However, with a faithful band of workers and a rapidly expanding Sunday School, the Church made good progress in the months ahead. In those days to lead the singing the Primitive Methodists had a good orchestra, comprised of well-known personalities such as Messrs T. B. Booth, S. Meecham and Lawn. Another strong feature of the London Street Church were the Bands of Hope. No Sunday School child missed signing the pledge. It is to the foresight of the Primitive Methodists that we today are indebted for the wonderful site on which the continuing work of the two Methodist congregations of former years is now centralized—a site which has proved so admirably suited to the needs of a growing and expanding central church.

METHODIST UNION The same year in which the Rev James Clover was appointed to London Street Church, the Rev. James Wrigley followed the Rev. H. L. Blamires at Trinity Church, Collingwood Street. According to Mr T. L. Hames, "he was a Yorkshireman of not very good physique but a conscientious visitor, a great reader and an effective, fresh and popular preacher. He habitually had full churches." It was during the ministries of these two gifted men that the two congregations and Trusts were united. That was in 1913 following the much-discussed and long-awaited Union between the Methodist Church of New Zealand and the Primitive Methodist Church in New Zealand. The Act of Union was signed by representatives of these two churches in Wellington in February 1913 and on August 4th the same year, Messrs W. P. Scott, T. B. Booth and Frank, representing the London Street Trust, were unanimously elected members of Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 19

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle the Hamilton Methodist Trust, thus effecting amalgamation. It had been agreed that the Trusts, representing the two congregations, should be reconstituted as one Trust on the basis of nine from Collingwood Street and three from London Street. At the same time it was decided to centralize the work on the London Street site. In order to make way for extensions to the church, the parsonage, previously situated on the east side of the Church was shifted back behind the Church to a site newly acquired from Messrs Fow and Co. for £450. Mr L. A. Clover, a son of the late Rev. J. Clover, tells how that on this new section was a large Maori pit over which the parsonage was placed. He recalls the family making use of this pit as a storeroom. A smaller pit behind the house was found suitable for growing pumpkins which always gave a good yield. Church funds benefited from two large walnut trees which grew behind the Church and were much admired and bore heavy crops.

REV. J. WRIGLEY REV. J. CLOVER Wesleyan Minister at time of Union Primitive Methodist Minister at time 1913 of Union 1913 ALTERATIONS TO ST PAUL'S CHURCH An audited balance sheet for the year ending September 30th 1913, showed a total income of £1286. Expenditure was as follows: Lighting and cleaning £24 16s, repairs and maintenance £43 5s, Frankton Church and other improvements £434, interest £312 10s, Circuit Fund £40, organist £40, new pipe organ £40, and deposit on new London Street section £50, with cash in hand amounting to £182 16s 6d.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 20

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

In the light of this satisfactory statement it was decided to proceed with necessary alterations and extensions to St Paul's Church which meant enlarging the building to two-thirds its present size; Messrs Daniell and Cray were the architects. On November 29th 1913, following a report of a successful canvass for subscriptions, the tender of Mr W. C. Sayers for £779 was accepted. The enlarged and renovated St Paul's Church was re-opened on June 21st 1914 by the Rev. S. J. Serpell, President of the Conference. A new pipe organ, originally ordered two years before for Trinity Church, Collingwood Street, had been installed. This was a splendid two-manual instrument. The Wednesday following the re-opening of the Church a memorable organ recital was given by Mr White of St John's Church, Ponsonby.

ST PAUL'S CHURCH, LONDON STREET with Methodist Centre at right of photograph. It is of interest to note in the Trust balance sheet of September 30th 1914 the following items: Bank overdraft £232 16s Id; alterations to St Paul's Church and parsonage and installation of the pipe organ had absorbed more than £1200. Opening offertories and organ recital had brought in £236 12s. Total rentals for the year had produced just on £1000.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 21

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

In January 1915, Trinity Church was removed from Collingwood Street to London Street by Mr Geo. Jack, for use as a Sunday School, the cost of removal and re- erection being £60. It was re-named Wesley Hall. In 1916 the Collingwood Street Sunday School was given to St John's, Hamilton East, and was removed to Wellington Street, where it is still in use. This radical move from Collingwood Street to London Street, seen in the light of subsequent developments, was undoubtedly the right decision, although it is interesting to note that it was not accomplished without some misgivings on the part of the Wesleyan Minister, the Rev. James Wrigley. The fact that the change was carried through so harmoniously was due largely to the conviction of the two Circuit Stewards of that time, Messrs F. C. Daniell and J. R. Fow, that the move was in the best interests of the Circuit. It would be surprising if a Union involving such major changes did not create some tensions and problems, yet the recollection of people who lived through those years is that there was little if any feeling between the two congregations. Some former Primitive Methodists had it impressed upon them that there never could be Union "until the lamb lay inside the lion". Mercifully they do not state who was the lamb or who was the lion! Present and future Methodists may well be thankful for the vision and courage of the leaders and officials of those eventful years.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 22

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

The Years of Crisis 1914-1945 The Union of the two congregations and the consequent mobilizing of t resources is seen, in retrospect, to have been a providential preparation for the strenuous demands and tests of the years ahead. None could have foreseen that for the next years, mankind was to move from crisis to crisis involving two world wars of unimaginable magnitude and an economic depression of unparalleled intensity. New Zealand, as a member of the Commonwealth, was heavily committed in both world conflicts, nor was it spared the tribulations of the depression. A function of the Church in abnormal times is to help men live as normally as possible. Amid the disturbances and distresses of these critical years, St Paul's Church proved to be a bulwark to its people and a steadying influence within the community. WORLD WAR I The year following Union saw the outbreak of World War 1 and St Paul's, like every other church, suffered grievously through the loss of her young men and the general unsettlement caused by the events of the day. The names on the Honours Board read as follows: E. J. Allan, H. Ayling, E. Beach, F. Bauckhem, B. J. Choat, L. Clover, Fred G. S. Qavis, F. R. Frear, C. Hall, C. W. Hailwood, W. Harris, G. R. Lynds, C. Meachem^ G. Moffatt, F. L. Monk, C. Peart, E. P. Rusk, C. Scrivener, C. F. Stevens, J. J. Stevens, H. J. Horsley, Eric Hailwood. The following reference from the Methodist Quarterly of July 1917 provides a description of what must have been an all too common occurrence during those years: "Several more of our young men have finally left us for the Front during the quarter. To Mr H. Lindsay, to whom no previous farewell had been said, was given a final send-off on the occasion of his final leave, and a wristlet watch was presented him by the Christian Endeavour and Bible Class . . Again the sympathy of the Church is extended to all who during the Quarter have received evil tidings of their dear ones in the war". Yet, despite the anxiety and sadness inseparable from war, the mood of minister and people is well depicted in a New Year's greeting from the Rev. T. J. Wallis to the people of the Circuit at the beginning of 1917. "The gladness of the New Year will be subdued by the sadness of the times in which we live. Men still slay one another and there is little apparent prospect of a speedy termination to the international conflict. In many a home the anguish of bereavement will be revived as this New Year is contrasted with the last . . . Let us see that we are not enveloped in the back-wash of our times. Let us live earnestly, redeeming the time. Let us fill every hour with labour. Let us prove Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 23

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

worthy of a place when the world comes out of the crucible. Let us be found with Right's uniform upon us, a set purpose in our hearts and a glad confidence in our step". Even the balance sheet presented at the Quarterly Meeting on January 12th showed a credit of £9 for the quarter, due partly to the enterprise of the young people in organizing a flower show and industrial exhibition and partly to an organ recital given by Mr S. Webster on Christmas night. In the July Quarterly Meeting the financial statement revealed that normal income and expenditure, in spite of a succession of wet Sundays, had broken even, but removal expenses and other extraordinary expenditure had created a formidable Circuit debit. It was also reported that there had been an improvement financially at London Street through the envelope system and that this method of giving had been instituted in the suburban churches. The report ends on a familiar note— "The system (envelope) is urgently commended to the adoption of our congregations. It is the most rational way of contributing to the Church, and the only way to circumvent the effects of a fickle climate. On last Sunday, on account of the weather, the collections in London Street were fifty per cent below average. This is how Circuit debts are created, and neither Minister nor Circuit Stewards can reasonably be held responsible" (!) The remarkable feature of those war years is that, despite the diminished power of giving due to the many claims of the war, Missionary Funds received more generous support than ever, and the Hamilton Circuit announced record contributions for both Home and Overseas Missions. This is all the more notable when it is realized that the same year (1917) the Circuit was responsible for raising an allocation of £15 towards the upkeep of Church institutions in the military camps and agreed to take retiring offerings for the British and Foreign Bible Society which had added to its ordinary work that of distributing New Testaments to the troops. At the same time the war brought other concerns as this paragraph from the Methodist Quarterly of January 1917 makes clear: "Messrs G. H. Gilling and F. C. Daniell were elected representatives to the Conference to be held in Wellington next month. They will have important interests to watch. The drain of war has laid upon the Conference the necessity of reducing the ministerial staff of the Circuits wherever possible, and this necessity may effect this Circuit". This concern can be appreciated when it is remembered that besides London Street, Hamilton East and Frankton Churches, the following preaching places had to be supplied: Rukuhia, Newstead, Tauwhare, Matangi, Rototuna, Te Rapa and Koromatua. The Ministers, the Revs T. J. Wallis and C. Roberts, followed by the Rev. J. D. McArthur, were assisted by a worthy team of local preachers and auxiliary preachers—J. R. Fow, J. Pomeroy, W. F. Mason, J. Treloar, O. F. Clothier, G. A. Gilling, L. Hames, Wm Lee Martin (later to become a

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 24

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Member of Parliament and a Cabinet Minister in the first Labour Government), C. F. Lindsey, F. Blackstock, W. Irvine and J. V. Bryant, H. Bedwell and H. Laybourn. The following were the Sunday School Superintendents of the Circuit: F. C. Matthews (father of the Rev. H. C. Matthews who was Superintendent of the Hamilton Circuit from 1947-1953), London Street; A. Clement, Rototuna; H. Laybourn, Frankton; D. Bryant, Te Rapa; and M. E. Laybourn, Hamilton East. Underlying all activities in the Circuit during these years was a deep spiritual concern. A special Quarterly Meeting was called in May 1917 to consider the Work of God in the Circuit. The outcome was the holding of a week of special prayer meetings during Whitsuntide which revived interest in and improved attendance at the regular week- night meetings and also resulted in the recommencement of the Sunday evening prayer meeting. POSTWAR ADVANCE In the Quarterly Meeting of January 1920 we read of an increase in membership, of growth in the size of the Circuit Credit Balance, of an increase in ministers' stipends to £300 and £235 respectively, of a memorial to Conference for a third ministerial agent, of a concern "to be careful to entertain strangers" when they come to worship, of choir successes at the district music festival and of the fact that Mr and Mrs W. B. L. Williams from Hawera had joined the choir. Two years had elapsed since the war ended and the Circuit, under the leadership of the Revs E. O. Blamires, Superintendent, and E. T. Olds at Hamilton East and Frankton, was showing signs of renewed vitality. During 1920 the Rev. Val Trigge, of Victoria, conducted a ten-days' evangelistic mission in St Paul's Church, and shortly afterwards a United Mission, under the auspices of the Hamilton Ministers' Association, was held with Commander Herbert Booth, son of General William Booth of the Salvation Army, as the Missioner. The same year the Rev. and Mrs E. O. Blamires visited Great Britain. It was during the ministry of Mr Blamires that services were commenced at Te Uku in response to the request of local Methodists, in particular the Peart, Lusty and Wallis families. For some time they had been without any pastoral ministry owing to the long vacancy in the Raglan Congregational Church. For over forty years Te Uku has been associated with the Hamilton circuit and a long succession of superintendents, ministers and local preachers in the circuit have found joy in leading worship there. Any preacher visiting Te Uku needs to be on his mettle for there are real sermon- tasters there! The loyalty, devotion and warm friendliness of the Te Uku people is a constant source of gratitude and encouragement to those privileged to lead worship and exercise pastoral oversight of that district.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 25

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

REV. WILLIAM READY REV. P. R. PARIS 1923-1926 1926-1931 The ministry of the Rev. William Ready who was appointed to the Hamilton Circuit in 1923 has long been remembered. Under his enthusiastic leadership, lapsed preaching places were revived and encouragement given to young local preachers. He made a deep and abiding impression on the youth of the Church and many stories are told of his zeal and humour. His was an unorthodox personality, filled with love for his Lord and for the people to whom he ministered. It was during his ministry that Hamilton East became a separate circuit with the Rev. F. E. Leadley as Superintendent. The same year Wesley Chambers was erected on the corner of Victoria and Collingwood Streets, and in 1925 a new cause at Claudelands was established. In 1923 at St Paul's, a Church Parlour was built by Mr Blacklock and opened by Mrs J. R. Fow, the Mayoress. Hamilton Methodism has had a goodly succession of ministers but one whose influence lives on, not only in the lives of members of St Paul's, but even more in the wider life of the church in New Zealand, was the Rev. Percy Paris, Superintendent from 1926 to 1930. Whimsical, with a delightful sense of humour, possessed of an innate charm and grace, he nevertheless was a preacher whose message challenged and disturbed prejudice and an uncritical acceptance of orthodoxy. He was a prophetic preacher with a penetrating insight and great moral courage. His was a catholic, universal spirit. As Ormond Burton relates in his book, "Percy Paris", "long before the Archbishop of Canterbury visited Pope John he (Percy Paris) had gone to see Bishop Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 26

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Cleary, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, when he was in hospital in Hamilton and talked and prayed with him". THE GREAT DEPRESSION It was during Percy Paris' ministry in Hamilton that the shadows of the great depression were gathering and during his last year its cruel impact was being felt throughout New Zealand. The high hopes of a brave new world which would arise out of the ashes of World War I gave way to disillusionment and despair as the number of unemployed in western countries and in New Zealand grew in alarming proportions. Not only did Mr Paris have a deep sympathy for those who were unemployed, he also felt the injustice of it in a world of plenty and was constrained to speak out in Christ's name on what he called "the clumsy ruthlessness of the prevailing economic system". And the things which he taught before the depression in his sermons and public addresses he continued to say with even stronger emphasis as the frustration and the hunger of the times intensified. It was his swift action, wit and patience which prevented a riot when a year later in Dunedin an embittered crowd was about to run amuck. His ministry in Hamilton helped to prepare the people for the frustrations and bitterness of the depression years. Within the life of the church the depression brought reduced income. At the same time it also brought a deeper spirit of caring on the part of Church members, a readiness to share with those less fortunate, and a new concern to relate the Faith to the economic and political ordering of life. The ministers who served in St Paul's during the worst years of the depression were the Revs W. H. Hocking (1931-33) and H. T. Peat (1933-35). In the years immediately following the depression the Rev. R. B. Tinsley served as Superintendent. Under his ministry, marked by a genuine pastoral concern, strong Biblical preaching, impatience with religious humbug and hypocrisy, and the dual notes of comfort and challenge, the church fellowship was deepened and strengthened and wounds left in the minds of some by the depression were healed. Mrs Tinsley also, despite her indifferent health, was a great help to many women who were beginning to think more deeply about religious faith. There are those who still recall, with gratitude, her gracious influence and the encouragement and guidance which came from the small group which met for prayer and study under her leadership at the parsonage. THE SECOND WORLD WAR The last three years of Mr Tinsley's ministry saw the outbreak of World War II. Men and women from New Zealand were soon serving in the Middle East, Europe and the Pacific and among them a considerable number from St Paul's Church. Names which

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 27

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle appear on the Honours Board are : Jack H. Beebe, John C. Dillicar, C. Gray Everiss, Richard D. Fergusson, Ivor E. James, Allan Johnston, Douglas Scott, Gordon A. Smith, Stephen M. Tietjens. Other young men and women, profoundly influenced during the pre-war years by the growing Christian pacifist movement believed that their obedience to Christ must take another course and some spent the greater part of the war years in detention camps. Inevitably there were severe tensions within the life of the churches and St Paul's was no exception. The Church had a responsibility to stand by and care for all its sons and daughters who sought to be true to their conscience and this whether their obedience led them into military service or detention camp or some form of national service. Was the Church Christian enough to hold all within its fellowship and to manifest to all the concern of Christian love? The situation called for wise pastoral guidance and leadership and it was in this, as in so many other aspects, that St Paul's was fortunate in its ministers during these critical years. In 1942 the Rev. C. H. Olds, B.A., commenced his ministry in Hamilton. A strong evangelical note sounded through all his preaching while a deep spiritual earnestness underlay his pastoral ministry. The same qualities found expression in his home life with the result that three sons entered the Methodist Ministry. It was 75 years since the appointment in 1867 of the Rev. Joseph Berry, the first resident Methodist minister in Hamilton. To commemorate this event special celebrations were held in August. War- time petrol restrictions prevented many former members and friends from being present and the absence of senior young men and a number of young women from the Bible Class reunion was a vivid reminder of the inroads made by the war into the life of the congregation. Nevertheless, it was a most happy occasion and a time of thanksgiving for those who pioneered and developed the work of the Methodist Church in Hamilton. Speakers at the old-fashioned tea meeting, arranged by the Ladies' Guild, were Messrs E. J. Davey, W. W. Dillicar and W. T. Coad. A music festival of a very high standard was one of the main attractions of the celebrations. The programme was provided by well-known musicians—Henry G. Cook, St Paul's organist and choirmaster, Mona Poultney, Kenneth Ayo, Mary Beckett, Miss C. Treloar, and the choir, while the Rev. C. H. Olds recited "The Leper", by Willis. The President of the Conference, the Rev. William Walker, was the guest preacher and unveiled a brass tablet erected in the Church to the memory of Messrs W. H. Worsley, W. F. Mason and J. E. Tidd, three of the honoured leaders of former years. CIVIC LEADERSHIP It was during these celebrations that the late Mr H. D. Caro, Mayor of Hamilton, referred to the outstanding service rendered by Methodism in civic affairs through Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 28

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle such men as W. F. Mason J.P., J. E. Tidd J.P., and W. H. Worsley, headmaster of the Hamilton West School, J. R. Fow J.P., who occupied the Mayoral chair for 20 years, and E. J. Davey for 19 years Town Clerk. For many years, the Mayor, the deputy Mayor, the Town Clerk and five Justices of the Peace were members and office- bearers of St Paul's, and Judge Cooper, when on circuit, was a regular worshipper at the services.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 29

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Fifty Years of Church Extension 1913-1963 HAMILTON EAST The first new Methodist congregation to be established as an off-shoot of Trinity Methodist Church was at Hamilton East where in 1910 a church to seat ninety people was erected at a cost of £293. The quarter-acre site, on the corner of Grey and Wellington Streets, had been purchased in 1908 from Mr Geo. Jack for £130. On April 26th 1909 sanction was given for the formation of a separate Trust for Hamilton East and the section, including the cottage on it, was transferred from the Hamilton Trust. A donation of £100 was also made. The new cause soon began to grow and in 1916 the Sunday School Hall in Collingwood Street was given to Hamilton East for a Sunday School. In 1919 a parsonage in Firth Street previously leased from 1915, was purchased for £975. By 1922, during the ministry of the Rev. E. T. Olds, the congregation had grown to such proportions that it became necessary to enlarge the church to seat 250. This was completed at a cost of £430. Hamilton East became a separate circuit in 1924 and today is exceptionally strong and vigorous. The Golden Jubilee of St John's Church was celebrated in 1960 during the ministry of the Rev. C. B. Oldfield. The present minister is the Rev. Alan O. Jones. FRANKTON During the year following the opening of St John's Church, Hamilton East, services were commenced in Frankton Public School which had been opened that year. These were supported by a group of keen Methodist families most of whom lived in the railway houses behind the engine sheds. In 1912 a site, consisting of two allotments, on the corner of Massey and Lyon Streets, was purchased by the Hamilton Trust and later that year the tender of Messrs W. H. Wood for a new church at £325 was accepted. The foundation stones were laid on November 6th 1912 by Messrs A. C. Caughey of Auckland and J. E. Tidd, on behalf of the Hamilton Trust. The church was opened on January 5th 1913 by the Rev. W. Ready, President of the Conference. Towards the close of 1922, a Sunday School Hall was erected almost in one day by a working bee under the joint direction of Messrs James dark of Maeroa and Estcourt. The building was planned and the construction supervised by Mr Clark. In 1930 the Rev. F. J. Parker, the first ordained minister to be appointed to Frankton, commenced his ministry and a house in Lake Road was used as a residence. This house, though inadequate for its purpose, served until the erection of the present parsonage at Maeroa. In February 1963 the St James' Church, Frankton, observed its Golden Jubilee. The story of those fifty years is an inspiring record of the faith, loyalty and sacrifice of a small but distinctive Christian community in a predominantly railway settlement. Plans are now afoot for re-establishing the Frankton cause on a new and Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 30

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle more central site of threequarters of an acre in Dinsdale Road which was purchased in 1961 for £2250. The present minister of St James is the Rev. A. W. McKay who is also responsible for the pastoral oversight of St Luke's Church, Maeroa. Special reference must be made to the work of the Rev. S. J. Werren who, first as minister within the circuit and later as supernumerary supply, won for himself the complete confidence and love of the people and was such a tower of strength in difficult times. CLAUDELANDS The March Quarterly Meeting, 1917, of the Hamilton Circuit sent a remit to the Trust urging that a site be procured in Claudelands for a church and Sunday School, but no action was taken at the time. It was not till 1925, during the ministry of the Rev. William Ready, that a church building on a quarter-acre section was bought from the Claudelands Evangelical Church for the sum of £750, being the amount of the mortgage on the property. The original cost of the building was £1300 and the amount already raised of £550 was regarded as a donation from those who had been worshipping there. A separate Trust was formed and during the ministries of the Revs J. W. Parker, W. Mills, S. J. Werren, I. C. E. Ramage M.A., R. A. Nuttall B.A., P. S. Barker and the present minister, the Rev. D. G. Laws the cause has grown and strengthened considerably. In 1953 a fine youth hall of brick veneer was erected at a cost of £6050 and in September 1960 the attractive new brick parsonage at 4 Claude Street, was opened by the Rev. W. R. Laws, B.A., B.D., Chairman of the District. Wesley Church was transferred from the Hamilton Circuit to the Hamilton East Circuit in 1960. MAEROA On July 21st 1924, it was proposed to erect a Church Hall at Maeroa, where for some time a Sunday School had been held in a private house. In August that year, a section on the corner of Matai and Miro Streets was purchased for £135 and in October a church hall was erected by voluntary labour in one day for a cost of £426 which, with painting and legal expenses, brought the total cost to £650. Extensions costing £500 were made to the building in 1945 and a Scout Hall, a gift from St Paul's, was placed on the section. In 1952 a new youth hall and centre was erected by contract for £2065 and more recently a primary department was added. During the ministry of the Rev. I. C. E. Ramage, and largely because of his enthusiasm and carpentry skill, the interior of the church hall was radically altered and refurnished, making St Luke's, Maeroa, one of the most attractive and worshipful churches in the district. This ambitious task took nearly two years to complete and was carried through with the assistance of voluntary labour on the part of the men of the church. The Church was re-dedicated in 1960 by the Rev. W. R. Laws, M.A., B.D., Chairman of the District. The parsonage was built in Matai Street in 1939 during the ministry of the Rev. J. W. Parker.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 31

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

The original trustees who were registered in 1924 were Messrs J. D. Clark, C. F. Primmer, J. E. Tidd, John Jebson, J. Treloar. The oldest surviving trustee is Mr David Crabb (Senior) who has served St Luke's Trust for some thirty-three years. The following ministers have shared the ministerial oversight of Maeroa with Frankton: L. A. Brooks, H. L. Fiebig B.A., G. R. Harris, F. J. Parker, J. H. Haslam, F. H. Hayman, H. W. Burley, J. W. Parker, R. H. Allen; with Wesley Church, Claudelands: J. W. Parker, W. A. Mills, S. J. Werren and I. C. E. Ramage; and latterly with Frankton, the Rev. A. W. McKay, who is the present minister. TE UKU For over forty years Te Uku has been an important preaching place within the Hamilton Circuit and services have been conducted consistently on the first, third and fifth Sundays of the month by ministers and local preachers. For many years services were held in the Public Hall but about the year 1949 a piece of land, 2 roods 35.2 perches, was given by Mr and Mrs Moon and in 1958 Mr W. J. Lusty gifted to the Church a further 9.13 perches. The Moon Memorial Church of brick construction was erected on this site in 1950 at a cost of £2430 and in 1963 a church parlour, also in brick veneer, was built for £2200 of which over £1300 was donated by church families. The remainder was met by grants from the Circuit and the Hamilton Trust. It has been very largely the devotion and loyalty of the Peart, Lusty and Wallis families which through the years have maintained the work at Te Uku. The late Mrs Fred Peart was Sunday School superintendent and organist for over thirty years. Mr F. W. Peart is the present secretary of the Trust and Mr D. H. Wallis the Trust treasurer. The Sunday School superintendent is Mr Maxwell Peart. MELVILLE The most recent Church extension in the Hamilton Circuit has been at Melville, the suburb named after the late J. D. Melville, an early Trustee who farmed in the area. This is the first new cause established within the bounds of the circuit for over thirty years. As a result of making application to the Housing Division three sections on the corner of Normandy Road and Bader Street were granted to the Circuit on a Deferred Payment Licence. In 1959 a church hall, in brick veneer was erected by W. B. Young Ltd for just over £4363. The interest of the Circuit in this new venture was evident in that St Paul's Youth Fellowship contributed towards the moveable worship centre which was built by one of its members, Mr David Baker; the Communion Table was made by Mr Don Hunt of St Luke's, Maeroa, and the sandblasted glass panel on the front of the Communion Table, rich in the symbolism of the Gospel, was the work of Mr Peter Luckie who was tragically drowned only a week later. The cause was established by some twenty-seven members of St Paul's, who lived in the Melville area and transferred their membership to Melville. Miss Ann Sharp, of the Order of St Stephen, did some effective preparatory visitation. For the first two years the Rev. I. Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 32

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

C. E. Ramage was minister to the Melville people along with his work at Maeroa. In 1961 the Rev. and Mrs L. A. Brooks retired in Melville and Mr Brooks agreed to act as ministerial supply as well as undertaking part-time chaplaincy work at the Waikato Hospital. Under his enthusiastic lead a primary wing was added to the building at a cost of £2350 and this was opened early in 1962 by the new superintendent minister, the Rev. A. K. Petch, in the absence of the Rev. L. A. Brooks, who was very ill in hospital. At the end of the year Mr Brooks found it necessary to give up the work on account of his serious condition of health and the Rev. J. H. Bailey agreed to supply for 1963. This year the Rev. Phyllis N. Guthardt, M.A., Ph.D. (Cam.), the first woman minister of the New Zealand Methodist Church, was appointed to the Circuit and is serving at Melville as well as undertaking Methodist Chaplaincy duties at Waikato Hospital. At the moment a parsonage, designed by Mr Rodney Smith, is in the process of erection on a site on the corner of Beatty Street and Jones Crescent. The work at Melville has consolidated and grown and it promises to become a strong and virile cause. The Sunday School superintendent, since the Melville cause opened, has been Mr L. A. Missen. The Trust Secretary is Mr N. E. Marquand.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 33

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Years of Change and Opportunity 1947-1964 Tremendous social and political changes followed in the wake of World War II and the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in August 1946 ushered in the fiery dawn of the atomic age with its illimitable potentialities for good or ill. Against the background of rapid change and the threat of the mushroom cloud, men throughout the world turned their thoughts and their hands to the problems of rehabilitation and to the task of rebuilding from the ruins of war. This postwar situation constituted a major challenge to the Church, first, to heal its own fellowship, and then to supply the moral and spiritual dynamic necessary for the re-ordering of society and the effective working of the new world political organization, the United Nations. Within the Church came a deeper and more urgent concern for the unity of the Church and a new awareness of its mission to the world. No local congregation has remained unaffected. The marked population increase and the mushroom growth of towns and cities in New Zealand have also confronted the church with fresh missionary opportunities. The years 1947-1964 tell the story of how St Paul's and the Hamilton Circuit accepted the challenge and used the opportunity. Part of the story has been told already in the section on Church extension. In 1947 the Rev. H. C. Matthews, B.A. became Circuit Superintendent and it was during his vigorous ministry that the affairs of the Hamilton Trust were reorganized and urgent maintenance on Wesley Chambers attended to. The installation of a new organ valued at £3000 provided the opportunity for alterations and improvements to the choir and sanctuary of St Paul's Church. A new pulpit, choir screen and Communion Rail in light mahogany veneer and new carpeting were provided. A Communion Table, Baptismal Font in matching wood, a brass cross for the Table, and chairs for the Table and pulpit were presented by church families in memory of honoured and esteemed officials of former years. At the same time new classrooms were added to the Church. The Rev. H. C. Matthews concluded his ministry in 1953 but returned for the service of dedication in February 1954. It was on his initiative that a succession of prospective candidates for the ministry or for deaconess work came to St Paul's to assist with caretaking duties, youth work and pastoral visitation, and at the same time to receive the benefit of Mr Matthews' supervision in their preparation for their candidates' tests and examinations. The Rev. W. R. Francis, B.A., B.D. succeeded Mr Matthews in 1954 and for eight years exercised a splendid teaching ministry. Under his leadership the Hamilton Circuit was one of the first in the Connexion to embark upon a stewardship campaign; the cause at Melville was established and the attractive Church hall in brick erected; the developing St Andrew's area came under the pastoral care of St Paul's, and the present two-storeyed parsonage in Liverpool Street was purchased. Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 34

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

In August 1956 the 95th Anniversary of the beginnings of the Methodist Church in Hamilton was observed. At the well-attended banquet the toast to the early Methodist workers was responded to by three men greatly loved and esteemed for their service through the years: Mr Ben Jones, then living in Hamilton East; Mr D. Bradley whose record of service as a local preacher went back to 1897 and who until the time of his death was a member of the Hamilton Trust; and Mr John Jebson who as Trustee and Bible Class leader through many years held the affection and confidence of young and old alike in the circuit, the district and the Methodist Connexion.

THE METHODIST CENTRE, LONDON STREET Erected as Centennial Project. Opened 28th April 1962 THE METHODIST CENTRE It was under Mr Francis' chairmanship that the Hamilton Trust carried through, as its Centenary project, the erection of the magnificent new Methodist Centre behind St Paul's in thanksgiving for those who pioneered Methodism in Hamilton. The Centre was officially opened on Saturday 28th April 1962, by the Rev. E. C. Leadley, President of the Conference, three months following the close of Mr Francis' ministry in Hamilton. It was with deep satisfaction that the people of St Paul's welcomed Mr Francis back for this significant occasion to dedicate the Memorial Plaque, sited at the main entrance to the centre and which reads as follows: 'To the Glory of God—This

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 35

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle building is dedicated to the memory of the pioneers of Methodism in Hamilton who laboured faithfully, who gave generously and who left us an inheritance'. The celebrations were memorable also because of the presence of the Rev. Alan Walker, O.B.E., M.A., Superintendent of the Sydney Central Mission, the guest preacher for the occasion, and Mrs Walker. More than 900 attended and opportunity was taken to express thanks and congratulations to the architect, Mr Rodney Smith, and to the builder, Mr W. B. Young, both of whom are well-known Methodist laymen. The Centre consists of an auditorium to seat 500 with full-size repertory stage and dressing rooms beneath; an assembly room to seat 120; a church lounge to seat 60; a large, well-equipped electric kitchen; two wings each with four classrooms and a third wing for the beginners' and primary departments; a church office and minister's office; commodious cloakrooms and toilets; two large entrance foyers, joined by a long wide corridor, and a two-bedroom caretaker's flat upstairs above the auditorium. It is in this Centre that the Annual Conference of the New Zealand Methodist Church will meet in November of this Centennial year, as the guests of Hamilton Methodism.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 36

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

WHAT OF THE FUTURE? As the Rev. Alan Walker reminded the office-bearers and youth leaders at the time of the opening, the new Church Centre provides not only first-class facilities for present and future church activities, but also a stirring challenge to reach out in new ways into the community to bring to modern youth, at present out of touch with the church, the claims of Jesus Christ, the Lard of life, and to offer to senior citizens and to lonely and burdened souls the warmth and encouragement of Christian fellowship and care. It is our hope and prayer that the Centre may be also a means of fostering Christian understanding and friendship between Maori and Pakeha and of assisting in the growing integration of the two races within the Church and the community. In this regard there are many encouraging signs. We are grateful for the close relationship which exists between St Paul's Church and the two Maori Methodist Youth Hostels (Te Rahui) in Hamilton and pay tribute to the outstanding contribution through the .years of Sister Nicholls, M.B.E. and Sisters Heeni Wharemaru and Irene Hobbs. We feel privileged to have them sharing, as they are able, in the life of the congregation. Already the Centre is proving a popular gathering place for ecumenical fellowship and study and one of the exciting developments is the growth of friendly relations with layfolk of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1962 the present Superintendent was appointed and it has been his privilege together with the loyal and far-seeing co-operation of a strong Centre Committee and the support of the Leaders' Meeting to initiate and develop such a programme. As we move into the new century of work and witness for our Lord and Master, the Circuit, with the continued assistance of the Trust, faces new demands and opportunities. We have the responsibility for maintaining a Methodist Chaplaincy at the Waikato Hospital; for the erection this year of a parsonage at Melville; for the re- siting within the next two years of the cause at Frankton; the purchase of sections in the Te Rapa-St Andrews area: for providing generous support for the erection of an Eventide Home at Tamahere; and extensive alterations and improvements to St Paul's Church to make it adequate for future needs. But our supreme task is to communicate the Gospel of our blessed Lord in a more relevant and convincing way to the community with whose fortunes and growth Hamilton Methodism has been identified for a hundred years. Spectacular growth in population and expansion of industry, the establishment of the Hamilton Teachers' College and the University of Waikato are developments which require that the church be matched for the hour. Through a strengthened programme of Christian Education for adults as well as youth, the practice of Christian fellowship in House Church Groups, the more effective preparation of laymen for their witness in their daily occupation, closer co-operation with fellow Christians of sister churches, a deepening pastoral concern made evident through regular lay visitation, a courageous programme of youth evangelism and

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 37

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle outreach into the community—and all this centred in the worship and sacramental life of the church—St Paul's congregation, minister and people together, commit themselves afresh in this Centenary year, to God and to the task of His appointing. To the past we look back with thanksgiving; to the future we look forward with hope and faith confessing, in the last words of John Wesley, "The best of all is, God is with us".

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 38

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Hamilton Methodist Church Trust WESLEY CHAMBERS The original buildings on the site now occupied by Wesley Chambers were wooden shops erected about 1880 to provide revenue for developing the work of the Circuit which at that time included Cambridge and Te Awamutu. In 1909 Mr F. C. Daniell, an architect by profession became a member of the Trust and proved a great acquisition. At his first meeting he submitted a proposal for the erection of new shops to cost £444. The scheme involved the sale of a wooden shop left standing in 1902 and which was put up for auction but failed to elicit a bid! It was sold a month later for £8 and ultimately, following removal, served for a number of years as Hardley's premises. The new shop erected finally cost £879 plus architect's fees £47. At the same time extensive alterations were carried out to the draper's shop occupied by Mr L. Griffiths and known as "The Cosy Corner". In 1924 proposals were made, following a rearrangement of the Trust's finances by the raising of a loan of £38,500 from the Public Trust Office, for the addition of two storeys to Wesley Buildings. It is interesting to note that the new building was erected while the old buildings were still occupied and carrying on "business as usual". This accounts for the unusually high studs on the present ground-floor shops which has proved a blessing to several of the present-day tenants by enabling them to almost double their floor space by installing mezzanine floors. Later provision was made on the first floor for residential quarters or the caretaker. The new building was named Wesley Chambers. The trustees have continued to provide adequately for the maintenance and improvement of Wesley Chambers until, in this centennial year of 1964, we have a building of which Methodists can be proud.

WESLEY CHAMBERS Corner Victoria and Collingwood Streets

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 39

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

TRUST SECRETARIES In a period of sixty-four years the Trust has been served by only four secretaries. Mr J. E. Tidd was appointed a trustee in October 1899 and by 1900 his name appears in the Circuit Schedule as Secretary-Treasurer in which position he continued for thirty years. Through many difficult years he served at a nominal remuneration and during the big building scheme for the erection of Wesley Chambers, he carried out the onerous duty of dealing with tenants with conspicuous success. His father, Mr T. H. Tidd, was a trustee before him while his son, Mr E. T. Tidd, is the third generation to be a member of the Trust. Mr Tidd was succeeded in 1930 by Mr E. J. Davey who gave eighteen strenuous years to the work of the Trust not laying aside the burden until 1948. It was during his term that the Trust felt the effects of the depression and it became necessary for the Trustees to take out a Joint and Several. Mr Davey used to recall attending in 1880 the first Collingwood Street Church which was used both for worship and for Sunday School purposes. In earlier years he also served as a Society Steward, Circuit Orphanage Secretary and Envelope Steward. Mr W. A. Smith was appointed Secretary of the Trust in 1948 and he continued in office until 1955. This was a period of consolidation. Rents were brought more into line with market levels and the finances of the Trust were stabilized. As a result it was possible to attend to urgent and long-deferred maintenance matters and many thousands of pounds were spent on Wesley Chambers. In 1954, the mortgage on Wesley Chambers was cleared. New classrooms were built on to St Paul's Church in the same year. In 1955, the present parsonage at 24 Liverpool Street was acquired. The old parsonage in London Street was then used as a caretaker's residence. In 1955, Mr Herbert Longbottom was appointed Secretary and he has continued in office until this time. Rents have been brought up and kept up to market levels and leases negotiated with all the business tenants. In 1961 an arrangement was entered into with the Farmers' Trading Co. (Hamilton) Ltd whereby this Company purchased the three single-storey shops in Collingwood Street and took a new long-term ground lease of the block of land from Wesley Chambers down to Alexandra Street on terms which were very beneficial to the Trust. As a result of this arrangement, the income of the Trust was considerably increased and a capital sum of £23,500 was released. The utilization of this sum enabled the Methodist Centre to be opened debt-free in the following year. The total cost of the Methodist Centre, including furnishings, roadworks, etc. was £56,522. In 1960 the old parsonage was demolished and the Bible Class building, used by Mr H. G. Cook as a studio, was moved to make way for the new building. The Methodist Centre was officially opened on April 26th 1962 and, just before this date, the old Sunday School Hall was demolished and the Primary Department building was moved to Fairfield to become an addition to the Wesley Church buildings there. The worship centre in the Fellowship Room of the Methodist

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 40

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Centre is constructed from kauri timber from the old Sunday School Hall which was the original Trinity Methodist Church in Collingwood Street. During the last ten years the trustees have been able, from the resources of the Trust, to provide the following: (a) all the expenses of administering the St Paul's Church properties, plus the cost of the Church additions and the new parsonage. (b) over £50,000 towards the cost of the Methodist Centre. (c) over £41,000 in grants to the work of the Methodist Church in Hamilton, the South Auckland District and further afield. The commercial properties of the Trust, which are completely free of debt, have a current Government Valuation of a quarter of a million pounds. Succession of Ministers Rev. J. Rishworth 1864 Rev. H. L. Blamires 1900-03 Rev. Joseph Berry 1867-69 Rev. J. Pinfold F. G. S. 1903-06 Rev. J. H. Simmonds 1869-71 Rev. T. Fee 1906-08 Rev. J. Law 1871-73 Rev. H. L. Blamires 1908-11 Rev. W. G. Thomas 1873-75 Rev. J. Wrigley 1911-15 Rev. J. Smith 1875-78 Rev. J. Clover 1913 Rev. W. J. Watkin 1878 (year of union with the Rev. H. Bull 1879-81 Primitive Methodist Church) Rev. C. Griffin 1880 Rev. T. J. Wallis 1915-18 (second Minister appointed) Rev. E. O. Blamires 1918-23 1882 Division of Circuit into Rev. W. Ready 1923-26 Hamilton, Cambridge and Te Rev.P. R. Paris 1826-31 Awamutu Rev. W. H. Hocking 1931-33 Rev. J. Dukes 1882-85 Rev- H. T. Peat 1933-36 Rev. J. Dellow 1885-88 Rev. R. B. Tinsley 1936-42 Rev. T. G. Carr 1888-90 Rev. C. H. Olds B.A. 1942-47 Rev. S. Lawry 1890 Rev. H. C. Matthews B.A. 1947-54 Rev. J. Thomas 1891-94 Rev. W. R. Francis B.A. B.D. 1954-62 Rev. J. J. Mather 1894-97 Rev. A. K. Fetch B.A. 1962- Rev. J. Hosking D.D. 1897-1900 Throughout the century Trinity Church and, later, St Paul's has had an honoured succession of ministers many of whom have rendered conspicuous service to the church and have filled positions of responsibility and leadership. The Presidential Chair has been occupied by Joseph Berry. J. H. Simmonds (later Principal of Three Kings College and promoter and first Principal of Wesley College, Paerata), W. J. Watkin, H. Bull (Secretary of Conference for eight years and Connexional Secretary), S. Lawry (twice President, also Secretary of Conference for seven years and Connexional Secretary), Thomas Fee, William Ready, James Clover (Primitive Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 41

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Methodist), J. H. Haslam (also Secretary of the Board of Examiners and Secretary of the Conference), P. R. Paris (also Editor of the Methodist Times), R. B. Tinsley, C. H. Olds (also Sunday School and Young People's Organizing Secretary and Chaplain to the Forces in World War I). Others who served as Chaplains overseas were H. L. Blamires (at Gallipoli), W. Ready, H. T. Peat (one-time Senior Chaplain) and W. R. Francis. H. C. Matthews was for many years Secretary of the Board of Examiners while the present minister, the Rev. A. K. Fetch has been for the past sixteen years Convener of the Conference Committee on Church Union. Hamilton Methodism has given several sons to the ministry. Of these, the first was B. F. Rothwell who became President in 1923. Others were G. R. Harris (for many years Secretary of the Board of Examiners and in associate editor of the Methodist Times), C. O. Hailwood (President in 1954), W. J. Morrison M.A. (grandson of the late J. D. Melville, an early Trustee and son of Mr and Mrs W. T. Morrison, of Melville), D. B. Gordon M.A. (grandson of the late James Tidd), J. Silvester M.A. (recently appointed tutor of theology at Trinity Theological College), R. F. Clement M.A. (grandson of the late F. Thomas, and son of A. H. Clement of Rototuna), C. D. Clark M.A. (son of the late J. D. Clark of Maeroa), and C. F. Peart (son of F. W. Peart of Te Uku). Circuit Stewards 1900- —J. Andrew and J. Bennett 1901-1902 —J. Andrew and W. H. Worsley 1903-1905 —W. H. Worsley and H. S. Hardley 1906-1907 —S. Knight and J. W. Bowles 1908- —W. H. Worsley and W. F. Mason 1909-1912 —J. R. Fow and S. A. Pethybridge 1912-1914 —J. R. Fow and F. C. Daniell 1915-1916 —O. F. Clothier and T. L. Hames 1917-1918 —G. H. Gilling and S. A. Pethybridge 1919-1920 —G. H. Gilling and J. B. Pomeroy 1920- —G. H. Gilling and R. J. Bell 1922-1923 —R. J. Bell and J. T. Bryant 1924- —W. Y. Kirkman and R. W. Kirkpatrick 1924-1927 —W. Y. Kirkman and W. B. L. Williams 1928-1935 —W. B. L. Williams and J. C. Tietjens 1936-1937 —W. B. L. Williams and H. Beebe 1938-1942 —W. B. L. Williams and A. C. Burgess 1943-1947 —W. B. L. Williams and H. C. Wood 1947-1956 —W. B. L. Williams and H. H. Fow 1957-1958 —W. B. L. Williams and W. K. Stevens 1958-1963 —W. B. L. Williams and H. R. Vyle 1963- —H. R. Vyle and A. Smith Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 42

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Due to the absence of early minute books and to omissions in the Circuit Schedule Book, there are gaps in the sequence of appointments to the office of Circuit Steward. The list above as from the beginning of this century is as complete as possible. The late Mr J. R. Fow in his reminiscences refers to two circuit stewards appointed in the first decade of the century who were destined to play a great part in the development of the Methodist Church in Hamilton—Mr W. H. Worsley, the headmaster of Hamilton West School and Mr W. F. Mason, J.P., who was deputy mayor, an accomplished public speaker and local preacher. Mr Worsley served from 1901-1905 and again in 1908 when Mr Mason was appointed co-steward. They were succeeded in 1909 by Messrs J. R. Fow and S. A. Pethybridge. On the retirement of the latter Mr F. C. Daniell was appointed. Of Mr Daniell, Mr Fow had this to say, "No better officer ever served his church and during his term Methodism increased to a great extent and St Paul's was in the van of church effort in Hamilton." But what of Mr Fow himself? For almost half a century as local preacher, circuit steward, trustee, he served the church he loved with marked devotion and for twenty years occupied the mayoral chair as Hamilton's chief citizen. It is of interest to note that his son, Mr H. H. Fow, also a local preacher, was Circuit Steward from 1947-56. The succession of Circuit Stewards is a distinguished one but no record of service in this office can surpass that of Mr W. B. L. Williams who occupied the position for thirty-nine years. Appointed in 1924 during the ministry of the Rev. William Ready, he retired in 1963 when opportunity was taken to express to him and Mrs Williams the gratitude and affection of all throughout the Circuit.

CIRCUIT STEWARDS A. Smith, 1963—; H. R. Vyle, 1958—; W. B. L. Williams, 1924-1963 Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 43

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Church Music A NOTABLE feature of Methodist history in Hamilton has been the development of a strong musical tradition. In early Collingwood Street days a harmonium provided the church music and Mr J. G. Culpan is believed to have been the first organist. Later organists were Mr D. R. Salmon, Miss Salmon and Miss Thomas. The earliest Trust Minutes, following the loss of earlier records in the parsonage fire of 1899, are for May 2nd 1900 and record a decision to send letters of thanks to Misses Crosby and Meachem for officiating as organists. Miss Meachem, in view of her projected departure, resigned in April 1903 and was followed by Mrs Tatton (nee Salmon). Miss L. Loveday succeeded Mrs Tatton in February 1905 and occupied the position until October 1906. Then came Miss Harvey, followed by Miss Turner, appointed at a remuneration of £6 per annum. When Miss Turner relinquished the position Miss Thorne (later Mrs Fulton) served in a voluntary capacity for a year. During the closing years of the eighties and the first decade of this century the choirmaster was Mr S. Meachem, a Cornish Singing Methodist who lived for music. Failing health necessitated his retirement in April 1909 and appreciative references were made to his long and faithful service. A month later the choir was tendered a social by the trustees and their wives "as an appreciation of excellent services so willingly rendered". Mr Meachem was succeeded by Mr S. Riley, an accomplished musician, who was appointed organist and choirmaster at an honorarium of £26 per annum. Within the year, however, ill health compelled his retirement, but not before the choir, under his able baton, had won the choral competitions in which foremost Auckland choirs were competitors. The choir competitions ran successfully for many years and did much to raise the standard of church music throughout the district. Mr Cyril Towsey, a noted musician, was appointed to replace Mr Riley but he resigned within six months. On July 17th 1911, of three applicants, Mr T. S. Webster was appointed organist and choirmaster. It was at this time that plans were initiated for the purchase of a pipe organ but it was not until 1914, following the union of the two congregations and the enlarging of St Paul's Church, London Street, that the pipe organ was installed. Mr Webster is still remembered for his organ recitals, one of which in 1914 was in aid of the Huntly mining disaster funds. In 1915 the organist and choirmaster's honorarium was increased to £52 and in 1922 to £62 per annum. Mr Webster resigned in 1924 to take up an appointment as organist and choirmaster at Pitt Street Church, Auckland. The choir of that year achieved a very high standard and was never beaten in open competition in the South Auckland District. For more than two years Mr Prime acted as organist (without honorarium) while Mr W. B. L. Williams co-operated with him as choirmaster. When in December 1926 Mr Prime resigned, the position was advertised at £75 honorarium. In February 1927 Mr T. S. Webster was re-appointed and served until January 1933. He was followed by Mr A. O. Jensen who served until May 1935.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 44

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

ST PAUL'S METHODIST CHURCH CHOIR BACK ROW: Messrs R. Trebilco. E. Chrisp, T. E. Bai, D. Baker, P. Mantle, F. Baker, W. B. L. Williams. H. Underwood, B. Underwood, MIDDLE ROW: Mesdames F. Gibens and A. Knight, Misses D. Lindsey and J. Chapman, Mrs S Poultney Misses R Berg and C. Moughton, Mrs H. G. Cook, Miss P. Sansom, Mrs M. Arthur, Miss S Down FRONT ROW: Mrs Edmunds. Miss S. James, Mrs D. Hopcroft, Mrs S. Holdway, Mr H. G. Cook (Choirmaster), Rev A K Petch, Miss F, Chibnall, Mrs B. Clark, Miss B. Clarke and Mrs B. Underwood On July 1st 1935 Mr H. G. Cook, Mus. Bac., the present organist and choirmaster, was appointed and is now in his thirtieth year in this responsible position. This is a remarkable record of service, especially so when it is realized how constant are the demands upon a church organist and choirmaster. In 1954 a new two-manual pipe organ was installed and we are fortunate to have a musician of Mr Cook's ability who can use it to such effect. Throughout the years he has had the support of a most loyal band of choristers who have not only led the services of worship Sunday by Sunday but also have observed the great festivals of the Christian year by presenting oratorio and other choral work of a high standard. It is encouraging to see the choir growing in numerical strength. Last year the choir decided, with the approval of the Hamilton Trust, to wear gowns. These will be worn for the first time at the Centenary Services. Reference must also be made to the part played in the life of the church and at occasional Sunday services of the Junior Choir under the enthusiastic leadership of Mr Howard Underwood.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 45

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Sunday School and Youth Workers The earliest minutes dated June 1913, record the annual election of officers with the Rev. J. Wrigley presiding: Superintendent J. Treloar; Secretary and Treasurer, S. A. Pethybridge; Assistant Secretary, H. Cliff; Librarian, A. Fow; Organist, Miss Gaulton. Other members of the staff were Mesdames Wrigley, Home and Cliff; Misses Houghton, Jenkins, Clover, Peace and Clothier; and Messrs S. Clothier and Monk. The first Sunday School Superintendent remembered was Mr Geo. French. Later came N. R. Cox, R. Waite, Miss Thompson, Tom Dillicar and H. Ford. Conspicuous for tenure of office and for ability and popularity was Mr J. Treloar. Elected Superintendent about 1908, he devoted altogether nearly thirty years to the work. In 1914 he resigned to take up Y.M.B.C. leadership during the critical years of war, but was re-elected in 1920 and filled the office till in August 1942 ill health and doctor's orders compelled him to relinquish that and other work. Mr Treloar was also a very efficient local preacher, and his popularity with children and adults made him in great demand for Sunday School anniversaries far and wide. Outstanding also is the record of service given by Mr W. E. Wood who was Sunday School Secretary at St Paul's continuously from May 24th 1918 for almost twenty-five years. The inter-regnum in Sunday School Superintendency referred to was filled by Messrs Marfell (six months), F. C. Matthews, father of the Rev. H. C. Matthews (three and a half years), and S. A. Pethybridge (two and a half years). In 1920 Mr J. A. Smith was elected Joint Superintendent with Mr Treloar, a position he occupied until well into the 1940s. The present Superintendent is Mr Harry Fow, who has undertaken the task with devotion and zeal for a period of some twenty-two years. His keen personal interest in the children, his youthful spirit and enthusiasm, his concern for his staff and the inspiration of his own example have endeared him to children and parents alike. At all times he has had the support of a devoted staff. As in the Sunday School, so in the Bible Classes we are greatly indebted to the leaders of past years both in the Circuit and within the district. Mr Harold Witten, who for many years has given outstanding leadership to the young people of the Bible Classes, leads a strong and loyal team. Other youth groups are the Boys' Brigade and the Girls' Life Brigade Companies together with a Cadet group, all of whom are contributing greatly to the youth in the care of the church. The most encouraging development in our youth work in the Circuit this year has been the establishment of a monthly training night for Sunday School teachers and Bible Class leaders with attendances averaging forty per night. Upon the standards achieved in teaching and leadership now will depend, very largely, the quality of our church members of the future. Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 46

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Women of the Church From as far back as July 2nd 1902 when the Ladies' Guild bought and received permission to erect a tank at the corner of the Collingwood Street Church and paid for it, of course, the women's work through the years has been a constant source of encouragement to ministers and officials. Not only in assisting so generously in the raising of necessary funds but also in the infinite variety of service tasks undertaken and in the quickening of missionary interest, the women of the church through the Guild and the Missionary Auxiliary have greatly strengthened and enriched the life of St Paul's Church in each period of its history. The whole church owes a tremendous debt to those women who in each generation have carried the burden of leadership. For many years in St Paul's there were three women's groups each catering for different needs and acting independently of the other: the Ladies' Guild, the Women's Missionary Auxiliary and the Evening Fellowship. In 1962 the decision was taken to integrate the work of the three groups and form one Women's Fellowship with an afternoon meeting and an evening meeting once a month. This decision was in harmony with the Dominion policy of the Methodist Women's Guild Fellowship and the Methodist Women's Missionary Union to amalgamate their movements to form the Methodist Women's Fellowship. St Paul's new Women's Fellowship held its inaugural meeting on August 7th 1962 and was attended by a large enthusiastic gathering of the women of the church. Opportunity was taken to honour the following senior members of the Guild and the Auxiliary who through the years had served so loyally and in several instances had held responsible office as President, Secretary or Treasurer: Mrs D. Bradley who was Guild President for some twenty-five years and who, in this capacity and as Senior Sacramental Steward for many years, won the affection and trust of the whole Church; Mrs W. B. L. Williams, a former Auxiliary President, Guild Secretary, and District President of the Y.W.B.C. Union, a gracious lady, loved and esteemed by all; Mesdames E. C. Maunder, P. C. Trebilco, both former Auxiliary Presidents; Mrs S. P. Treloar, former Guild and Auxiliary Treasurer; Mrs A. C. Burgess, a former Auxiliary Treasurer; Mrs J. E. Peace, former Kurahuna Secretary; Mrs Alan Smith, the Birthday League Secretary; Mrs A. Partington, former Guild Secretary; Mrs T. E. Hutt, former Auxiliary Treasurer; Mrs Stevens, Mrs J. B. Pomeroy and Mrs F. C. G. Huse, all of whom have had long association with the women's groups; and Mrs D. Jebson, who was Guild President for fifteen years and is the present Convener of the Afternoon Group. The present officers of the Women's Fellowship are President, Mrs A. W. Baker; Secretary, Miss P. Sansom; Treasurer, Mrs E. L. Brokenshire; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames A. K. Petch, P. W. Grayson, B. E. Woodhams, A. Smith; Convener and Secretary of the Afternoon Group, Mesdames D. Jebson and A. Grainger; Convener and Secretary of the Evening Group, Mesdames H. Witten and G. E. Lamb. Mrs W. B. Pomeroy, after many years as President of the Evening Group, has recently relinquished office.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 47

A Hundred Years of Methodist Worship by H. R. Vyle

Two special ministries which are highly valued by the minister and the congregation are the preparations made by the Sacramental Stewards for the Communion Services and the floral decorations which adorn the Sanctuary Sunday by Sunday. Miss Grace Atkinson, whose efficiency and devotion over a long period are so deeply appreciated, has been for many years Convener of both teams of women responsible for these important tasks. As the women of the church face the new century as one fellowship linked with one Dominion movement, they are determined by God's help, that there shall be no slackening of any former tasks, no waning of missionary endeavour but rather an eagerness to open new doors of opportunity and to pursue fresh avenues of service.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hamilton Methodist Church Trustees 1964 Standing: H. Longbottom (Secretary), H. A. Underwood, V.A.A. Jack, A. Smith, C. M. Arthur, N. H. Law, D. H. Payne, H. F. Witten, W. D. Pinkerton, E. L. Brokenshire. Sitting: B. E. Woodhams, H. H. Fow, W. D. Pomeroy, Rev. A. K. Petch (Chairman), E. T. Tidd, W.B. Young.

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication #20(4) 1964 Page 48