Some Yesterdays of Motueka Methodism by … historical/10(2) some...Some Yesterdays of Motueka Methodism by C.B.Jordan Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication # 10(2) Page 2

Some Yesterdays of Motueka Methodism by C.B.Jordan

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication # 10(2) Page 1



THE AUTHOR'S FOREWORD.

When asked by the Motueka Methodist Trustees to write a brochure to commemorate

their 110th Anniversary, I consented for several reasons:

(1) Being both a native of Motueka and one of its past ministers, I recognised the

reasonableness of the request.

(2) I am conscious of no "thorn in the flesh" militating against my penmanship

comparable to that which militates against my effective speaking.

(3) I wanted to help my friend the Rev. Hubert Brown, who as District Chairman

in addition to being the Motueka minister, had his hands more than full.

(4) I have still many good friends among Motueka Methodists, from whom I

have never received anything but kind treatment.

(5) In sending forth this brochure, I am hoping to serve Christ's Kingdom no less

than His Church.

In writing the brochure I hereby acknowledge with gratitude my indebtedness to the

following, whom I name here in alphabetical order without comment. They reside at

Motueka unless otherwise stated:- Mr and Mrs G. Allcott, Mrs Bruce and Miss Shirley

Bruce (all of Stoke), the Rev. H. G. Brown, the Rev. H. L. Fiebig, B.A.

(Christchurch), Mr Hollis Hill (Brightwater), Mrs M. Hulbert, Miss F. S. Jordan, the

Rev. R. P. and Mrs Keall (Lower Hutt), the Rev. J. D. McArthur (Blenheim), Mr M.

H. McGlashen (Mayor of Richmond), Miss Doris Parker, Mr and Mrs W. Quayle, the

Rev. C. M. Roberts (New Plymouth), Mr Warren Stevens, Mrs J. Thorne (nee

Alexander, Palmerston N.), and Mr and Mrs E. S. Wratt.

Although baptized, brought up, and confirmed in the Church of England, I knew as a

boy some of the former Methodist pastors in Motueka, particularly those with whose

sons I attended school.

C. B. JORDAN.

Stoke, January 1, 1952.



The Present Church (opened 1921)

YESTERDAYS OF MOTUEKA METHODISM

CHAPTER I

THE GENESIS OF METHODISM

We mean by this the beginning of Methodism in Motueka. The late Rev. William

Morley, D.D. ("History of Methodism in New Zealand," Page 382) writes: "Motueka

circuit has a history which goes back to the early Mission period." The great

missionary name connected with both Marlborough and Nelson Methodism is that of

the Rev. Samuel Ironside, who is second to none among N.Z. pioneer missionaries.

His headquarters were at Cloudy Bay.

The date of Mr Ironside's first visit to Motueka is unknown but on May 8, 1842 he

baptised ten Maoris there. This was before his first visit to Nelson, which occurred in

June, 1842. His voyage to Motueka and Nelson was in a whale boat, manned by a

Maori crew. Mr Ironside had native teachers who travelled about, and it is likely

enough that they had previously been to Motueka, and having instructed these Maori

catechumens, had prepared them for baptism. Mr Ironside made another visit to



Motueka on September 25, 1842, when he baptised 46 Maoris and married ten

couples. On January 15, 1843 he baptised six individuals and married two couples.

Rev Samuel Ironsides

A NOTED MAORI LADY

Doubtless some pakeha residents of Motueka will still remember Mrs Rei, who

slipped away into paradise some time during the author's boyhood. Mrs Rei attended

with almost unfailing regularity at St. Thomas's church on Sunday mornings, her

home being only one mile away. Her own native Anglican church was close by her

home But what so greatly interests us as Methodists is the gift of a Prayer Book to Mrs

Rei in 1842 by the Rev. Samuel Ironside, apparently either on his first or second visit

to Motueka.

This beautiful little incident so aptly indicates the type of man Mr Ironside was. He

was always more zealous to secure converts to Christianity than converts to

Methodism in particular.

THE REV. JOHN ALDRED

The Rev. John Aldred came to Nelson as resident minister early in 1843, and paid

regular visits to Motueka. According to Dr Morley, on his first visit he paid a settler

£1 to act as guide, but would have lost his way on his return journey but for the

sagacity of his horse and dog. Twenty Maoris were baptised into the Christian faith on



that occasion. One of these twenty was a Maori, well known in after years, named I

Haka. This last bit of information, also that concerning Mr Ironside's gift to Mrs Rei,

the author learned from Mr Warren Stevens (Warena Tiwini), an old schoolfellow.

REMOVAL TO WELLINGTON

After the Wairau tragedy of June 17, 1843, Mr Ironside removed to Wellington and

appointed a catechist, Mr William Jenkins, to overlook the Maori work. Later on Mr

Jenkins was appointed, under Mr Aldred, resident catechist at Motueka. Mr Ironside

records that the natives, prior to 1843, had built a church at Motueka.

CHAPEL WINDOWS

Among Mr Aldred's papers, Dr Morley tells us, was an account marked "Windows for

Moutawaka Chapel, £5/2/-." I understand from my friend, Mr Stevens, that the correct

spelling is "Motuweka," but the point is that it furnishes fresh evidence that steps were

taken at an early date to build a chapel in Motueka. This was in due course finished,

but gales seem to have damaged the structure, and when the Maoris removed from the

pah, they took away the chapel and paid in potatoes the amount still owing on it. The

pah covered approximately the area where there lived up to a comparatively short time

ago the Gray family, at the corner of two roads known today as Pah and Gray Streets.

The Pah was called Te Taone (The Town).

PORT UNDERWOOD

During the year 1910, when the author himself was stationed in Motueka, he was

given an item of information about another old chapel, the successor of the first one to

which reference was made above. This was erected in 1849. At all events, that is the

date entered (once only) in an old Circuit Schedule Book. In 1910 I was verbally

informed by my own mother that this same 1849 church was brought over from Port

Underwood to Motueka.

My informant had been in intimate touch with Motueka Methodists for 40 years

before 1910. Recently I asked my old schoolmate, Warena Tiwini, what he thought

about that tradition. He replied that he could not say for sure, but what he knew was

quite consistent with the above supposition. Many early Motueka Maoris, he told me,

came thither from Port Underwood, including his own father, Rupine Tiwini, whom

we children knew as "Mr Reuben." The suggestion must be that when those natives

came from Port Underwood to Motueka, they brought the old Port Underwood chapel

with them. There must surely be some truth about the Port Underwood tradition; yet

the chapel at Port Underwood was 66 feet by 36 feet, much larger than the old chapel

the author remembers as still standing in his early boyhood days. However, there had

been very close to the old Motueka chapel a schoolroom wherein tea meetings were

often held, and in early times it was almost certainly used not only as a Sunday school,

but .as a Wesleyan day school. No living person can now tell us the exact size of it,



but by all accounts it was a fairly large building. My friend, Mr Hollis Hill, an historic

research student with respect to churches, agrees with the author's theory that the old

chapel at Port Underwood must have been brought over to Motueka and re-erected

there as a schoolroom. There is no space here for details of the evidence available to

support this conclusion, but it is the only possible conclusion that fits the historic facts

as I have been able to gather them.

May we venture a further suggestion concerning this schoolroom? When Mr Ironside

moved from his Cloudy Bay station to Wellington after the Wairau tragedy in 1843,

he would not immediately think of getting the Port Underwood chapel removed; but

since from that date his mission work in that district was practically at an end, sooner

or later he and the Methodist authorities of those days would need to consider what

should be done with the above-named chapel. He would have learned by 1849 that a

great work among the natives was being done in Motueka. What thought, then, would

be more natural to Mr Ironside, who early in the same year had come to Nelson as its

circuit minister, than that of getting the same chapel removed to Motueka? It could

well have been removed by 1849, and indeed 1849 would be the most likely year for

such an event.



CHAPTER II PRIOR TO THE SEVENTIES

During the forties the Sunday services at Motueka were conducted by lay preachers

from Nelson. One of these for almost certain would be Mr Edward Green, a fervent

herald of the mighty evangel, who had conducted in the open air the first Methodist

service in Nelson itself. Mr W. Andrews, grandfather of the ex-mayor of Christchurch,

moved from Nelson to Motueka at an early date. Mr John Riley followed suit after a

year or two, and these good men, or others likeminded, must have conducted not only

services on Sundays, but class meetings during the week; for attendance at class was

in those days a condition of membership.

According to Dr Morley, the natives residing in Motueka in the late forties were

numerous, and they remained faithful to Methodism. Mr W. Jenkins was appointed

resident catechist among them, and he remained there for two years. "About the same

time (1848) the present grants of land for church, mission house, and cemetery

purposes were made, and the old weather-board church and a small mission house

were erected in the following year. From a variety of causes the number of natives has

since greatly declined."

Dr Morley evidently knew nothing of the local tradition to the effect that the church or

some other building was removed to Motueka from Port Underwood. Despite the large

number of natives there in 1848-9, the question how the three buildings—church,

mission house, and schoolroom—all came to be erected in the one year still remains,

to say the least, a problem; but if we suppose that the schoolroom came originally

from Port Underwood, our problem is partly solved.

THE OLD CHAPEL 1849

It is said that in 1871 (when the author's father for a short period worshipped there on

Sunday evenings), the worshippers in the chapel on the old cemetery site could "see

the stars through the roof." It can easily be understood that under such circumstances

the Motueka Methodists lost no time in attending to the erection of a new building. A

site for this was ultimately found in High Street, being leased from the Trustees of

Native Land. It was thus that Motueka Methodists now ceased in their evening

worship to "see stars."

In my early childhood I well remember the old chapel that encouraged star-gazers.

The old cemetery in which it stood contained the tombs of both Maoris and pioneer

Europeans. It was doubtless this proximity of tomb-stones that assisted the child mind

to imagine the rising out of their graves of sleeping saints and their appearance to

some, if not to "many." An older sister of the author's declares that in her childhood

days the little ones declared the place was "haunted." However, in the late seventies

the same old chapel was still used as an afternoon Sunday school; so evidently the



personal presence of the Christian teachers, together with their example and precept,

encouraged the Methodist children of those days to see neither stars nor ghosts!

THE OLD MISSION HOUSE, 1849

The author's earliest recollections of the old mission house (in the middle eighties)

were of its being tenanted by a Mr Weston and his daughter, Miss Jane Western, who

afterwards married Mr Thomas Starnes and became the mother of a considerable

family, which included the Rev. John Starnes, B.A., a Presbyterian minister, also

Mesdames Durrant, L. Cowin and E. S. Wratt (all three of Motueka). The Wratts, by

the way, were a Methodist family, Mr Edgar Wratt's late grand-father and great-

grandfather being both in their respective generations superintendents of the

Methodist Sunday School at Spring Grove.

According to the late Mrs T. Starnes, her foster parents, Mr and Mrs Weston, went to

live in the Wesleyan mission house (which stood on the site of the old parsonage)

when she was eight or nine years old. To build the first part of that two-storied house,

timber had been brought out from England. It was strongly built, and wrought iron

nails were used. Two lean-tos of N.Z. timber were afterwards added, but these were

attacked by the borer, which did not touch the English wood in the first part of the

building. Containing as it did nine rooms, it was too large for the ministers to occupy,

most of them being single men. The rent paid for the house and property would suffice

either to rent a smaller house for the minister or else to pay his board in some private

home.

It was an understood thing that whenever tea-meetings were held (and in early times

they were very popular), the church people were to have the use of the mission house

kitchen and boiler, whoever might be the occupants of the house. Mrs Starnes was

married in the mission house, or from it, and lived there for about a year afterwards.

In 1884 the place was condemned and pulled down, but so well was it built that great

difficulty was experienced in getting it demolished. That was during the ministry of

Mr Benjamin Thomas (the second of a succession of four able home missionaries)

who made a personal canvass for funds for a new mission house. This was duly

erected in 1885 at a cost of £262, a debt of only £110 remaining to our Church

Building and Loan Fund.

THE OLD SCHOOL, 1849

The schoolroom in the same locality had entirely disappeared before the author was

born; but by all accounts it was a building of consider-able dimensions and was well

able to accommodate the considerable gatherings of people that assembled there on

occasions of tea-meetings and such-like functions. The view to which the author has



been driven is that this schoolroom was the former chapel at Port Underwood removed

and re-erected.

MR ANDREWS GIVEN OFFICIAL STATUS

The visits of the superintendent minister at Nelson were, as we can well understand,

few and far between; hence in 1857 "Mr Andrews became a recognised missionary, or

hired local preacher." He was paid no regular stipend, but so greatly was he respected

by people of all denominations that he was, in a semi-jocular strain, known as

"Bishop" Andrews. To the utmost degree of his strength he sought to discharge all the

duties of a regular minister, preaching at Motueka and neighbouring settlements,

leading classes, visiting the sick, burying the dead, and attending faithfully to the

spiritual needs of the people during many years. To-day he has many descendants in

Ashburton, Christchurch, the Waimea district and elsewhere, all of whom are proud to

claim him as their progenitor.

Information concerning this comparatively early period of Motueka's history is

somewhat scanty, and what there is of it is rather vague. Dr Morley says that Mr

Samuel Stone was appointed home missionary at Motueka (as part of the Nelson

circuit) in 1866, but a church committee meeting on June 28 of that year was chaired

by a Mr Franklin, although Messrs Andrews and Stone were both present. Evidently

these two good men last mentioned between them catered ably for the spiritual needs

of Motueka Methodists, and a minute dated July 7, 1866, stated that Mr Andrews was

to retain occupancy of the mission house until the same should be required for the

family of a minister or hired local preacher.

Another minute of the same Trustee meeting records a recommendation that the

superintendent minister (the Rev. William Kirk, residing at Nelson) should give all

preaching appointments to Messrs Andrews and Stone. A third resolution of the same

meeting, somewhat contradictory, recommends that Mr Andrews take two services in

four Sundays and that Messrs Mears and Avery (non-resident "locals") take one

Sunday's services each in the quarter. The pew rents were to be devoted to the

building of a new chapel, and one offering per quarter was to be made for lighting and

cleaning.

During the same period a prayer meeting was held every Monday evening, and after

that Mr Andrews held his class session. In addition there was a prayer and class

meeting held at Mr Harding's house on one week evening and at Mr Staples's on

another. Whether all these meetings were held every week there is insufficient

evidence to show, but it is clear that honest efforts were made at that early period to

maintain healthy and robust spiritual life in the Motueka settlement itself, if not in the

settlements round about.



CHAPTER III THE CHURCH OF THE SEVENTIES

On August 28, 1872, a preliminary meeting of Trustees and friends gathered at the old

chapel in Pah Street to consider what steps were necessary for the erection of a new

building for worship. Mr S. Stone (who was evidently in charge at that time) presided,

and there were also present Messrs J. Alexander, Davy, John Delany, G. Glover, J.

Gower, Grant, Hall, G. Hawkins, James McGlashen, Parker, Vercoe, and J. Wills.

Messrs Stone and Wills were authorised to negotiate for the loan of £100 at 6 per cent

interest. A large Building Committee was set up consisting of the following:—Messrs

Alexander, Davy, Delany, Douglas, Glover, Grant, Hall, Hawkins, Herrick,

McDonald, McGlashen, Noden, Stone, and Wills. Some of these, we think, were not

Methodists. Mesdames McDonald and Alexander were appointed lady collectors with

the following gentlemen: Messrs Alexander, Glover, Grant, Stone, and Wills. Messrs

Drummond and Foote were to receive orders for the supply of timber, and Mr Vercoe

for the supply of shingles.

It was subsequently resolved (December 3, 1872) that the tender of Messrs Parker

Bros. be accepted. On March 4, 1873, it was decided that £40 be paid to the

contractors for the work done up to that date. On April 8 Mr Glover was authorised to

procure 2,000 shingles, and it was resolved that efforts be made to gather in as far as

possible all amounts promised.

On July 8 (1873) a tender by Mr Flowers for priming and glazing the new chapel

windows according to specification was accepted. A fortnight later it was resolved that

the new chapel be opened for Divine worship on August 24, 1873 by the Rev. Thomas

Buddle (First President of the N.Z. Methodist Conference), and that Mr Buddle be

asked to deliver a lecture on the following evening. Mr Goodall was asked to inspect

the work of the new chapel as soon as the contractors had finished.

NEW LOANS NECESSARY

On August 6, 1873 the thanks of the Committee were tendered to Mr John Staples,

senr., for his kind offer to lend money for building. New lamps were also purchased.

Four days before the opening Mr Stone was requested to interview the Rev. Thomas

Buddle regarding the loan of another £50 upon mortgage or private security. At the

same meeting Mr Stone was appointed collector of seat rents, which were to be

payable at the rate of 2/6 per quarter in advance.

A GIFT AUCTION

Early the next year (January 6, 1874) a tender by Mr Flowers for painting the new

church "with three coats of good paint in a workman-like manner" for £18 was

accepted. Apparently the church had not been painted prior to the date of opening.



Part of the funds to build the new church was to be raised by a gift auction, and on

March 16, 1874 this was postponed until the potato season.

No one versed in the economic history of New Zealand, particularly of the Nelson

district, will be surprised to learn that difficulty was experienced in raising the

necessary funds for the church of 1873. The seventies were part of a period of

economic depression. In spite of this, however, before March 16, 1874, the Trust deed

had been duly executed and forwarded to the Methodist Chairman of the Nelson

district.

TRUST PERSONNEL

The Trustees of the church of 1873 at the time of its erection were Messrs John

Alexander, John Delany, Douglas Senr., George Glover, George Hawkins, and James

Wills. Apparently the Nelson Methodist Trust assisted the Motueka Trust at that time

by free loan. It is a matter for profound thankfulness that the poverty of the Motueka

settlers in those early times did not prevent the building being erected and duly paid

for. If all the truth were known concerning the erection of that church, doubtless there

could be told many a tale of genuine self-sacrifice borne amidst toil and hardship.

CHURCH PAINTING

At the Anniversary tea meeting on November 16, 1874 special efforts seem to have

been made to complete the raising of funds for the church, the total proceeds

amounting to £34/l/8d (a big sum for those days). The church was painted the same

colour as the day school. The Trustees requested Mr McDonald to inspect on their

behalf the work of painting when finished.

LINING THE CHURCH

About four years after erection the 1873 church was lined at the cost of £26, the work

being efficiently done by Mr J. F. Combes, and at about the same time twenty side

seats and two for the end of the church were made by Messrs C. and F. Parker. A

meeting of Trustees on October 29, 1877 decided to hand over to the Quarter Board

the nett proceeds of the Church Anniversary tea, £11/3/10. The Circuit Fund of those

days, like that of more recent times, could always make good use of additional

resources.

MARRIAGES

According to accessible records the last marriage in the old mission chapel was that of

the Rev. W. G. Thomas to Miss Mary Wilkie (of Motueka), the officiating minister

being the Rev. William Cannell, of Richmond. This took place on November 26,

1872. Mr Thomas was thus the first of quite a "goodly fellowship" of young ministers

who found wives in Motueka. In the author's theological student days it was a popular



joke among the students that if a young single minister went to Motueka he was

"doomed" to a certain (matrimonial) "fate." Among the fortunate ones in this respect

were the Rev. R. P. Keall, who married Miss L. Drummond, the Rev. W. Wills, who

married Miss Ruth Deck, B.A., and the Rev. A. Reader, who married Miss N.

Lancely, whose younger sister, Miss Elsie, found a suitable help mate in Mr G.

Snadden, a former probationary minister. Mr Thomas's marriage in 1872 was,

however, the only ministerial marriage in the old mission church. The first marriage in

the new (1873) church was that of Mr William Alexander to Miss Mary Pinny, which

was solemnised on March 20, 1877.

In the seventies and early eighties marriages were usually solemnised by Motueka

ministers in private homes (this bearing incidental testimony to the comparative

poverty of those times). But there were some exceptions, one of these being the

marriage of Miss Ann Pinny, of Motueka, to Charles Manly Luke, of Wellington

(afterwards the Hon. C. M. Luke, M.L.C., and first Vice-President of the united

Methodist Conference of 1913). This was solemnised on New Year's Day, 1880, in the

1873 church.



CHAPTER IV

FELLOWSHIP AND CHURCH LIFE IN THE SEVENTIES

Nothing can supply the requisite information under this head better than the minute

book of the Leaders' Meeting. It is interesting to discover that a Sunday School

Committee (corresponding to our present-day Local Youth Committee) was found

necessary, and was appointed by, and made responsible to, the Leaders' Meeting

(November 4, 1874). Another fact to be learned from the above minute book is that

the great problem of those days was the non-attendance of Church members at class

meetings. The ultimate result of this non-attendance, we know, was the gradual

lowering of the standard of Membership. Attendance at class meetings became no

longer an essential condition, and society classes in country circuits tended to

disappear. It may be contended that they had served their original purpose and that the

changing times demanded their disappearance; but looking back on those days, it

would seem a great pity that definite meetings to promote real Christian fellowship

could not have been somehow devised, though doubtless of a character slightly

different from Methodism's earliest days.

"New occasions teach new duties;

Time makes ancient good uncouth."

But Methodist experience generally has taught us the vital necessity of Christian

fellowship. John Wesley himself learned experimentally that, if his own spiritual life

was to remain healthy and robust, he must of necessity find people like himself to

whom he could periodically unburden his soul and speak candidly concerning the

things that matter most. Although fellowship among Christians is the very life's blood

of a true church, the secret of obtaining and maintaining it for all our members

remains as much an enigma to-day as it was to our forerunners of 70 and 80 years ago.

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IN THE SEVENTIES

During the early seventies it would appear that not only did Riwaka and Lower

Moutere form part of the Motueka circuit, but Motupipi, Collingwood, and Clifton as

well. Riwaka returned three members in 1874, Lower Moutere 4, Motupipi 8, and

Collingwood 2. However, in 1878 no statistics of Membership are scheduled except

for Motueka, which returned 33, an increase of 8 on the figure for 1874. The rules of

Membership in those early times were fairly strict, and such a figure takes no account

of "adherents," who for aught we know may have out-numbered the "members" many

times. No ministers' visiting lists covering those early years have so far been

discovered, so we are unable any further to pursue our statistical inquiries, interesting

as that would be.



THE BAPTISMAL REGISTER

Scanning the Baptismal Register covering the period from August, 1873 to December,

1901, we find the names of children with parents answering to the following

surnames:

(1) (Residing at Collingwood) Allcott, Hansen, Jeffries, Lusty, Riley,

Scrimgeour, Shaw, Skilton, and Sauires;

(2) (Residing at Takaka) Bartlett and Fabian.

LEADERS' MEETINGS IN THE SEVENTIES

Let us glance at a Leaders' meeting in the seventies. It is the evening of February 15,

1875 (just before hop-picking). The Rev. W. B. Marten is the chairman, and among

those present are Messrs H. Thomas, James McGlashen, and R. Alexander.

Conversation ensues concerning the society classes, and it is reported that Mr Glover

is no longer able to meet his (grown-up) class regularly on Sunday afternoons. Mr

McGlashen is therefore appointed his assistant to act pro tem in Mr Glover's place.

The Women's Class was then accustomed to meet on Monday evenings, and this was

committed to the leadership of Mrs Marten. A serious and earnest conversation on the

spiritual state of the society and its lack of spiritual life then followed. It was resolved

that the matter be laid, first, before God in earnest prayer, and then before the society

members.

The problems of the seventies were evidently much the same as our own problems to-

day. One of the regrettable features of our present-day Methodism is the tendency to

allow financial considerations to override concerns which are more directly spiritual.

The same tendency existed then.

FINANCIAL MATTERS IN THE SEVENTIES

In 1874 (soon after the erection of a new church), the offerings, class contributions,

and donations at Motueka together amounted to about £2 per Sunday. Services were at

that time being held at Riwaka, the average offering being 9/- or 10/- per Sunday.

Sunday services were also held at Ngatimoti, Long Plain, Takaka, Lower Takaka,

Motupipi, and Collingwood. Transport problems associated with these latter places

must always remain to us, in these days of motor-cars and aeroplanes, a subject of

wonderment. However, we must not forget that in those days small passenger

steamers plied regularly between the old Motueka wharf and the landing places at

Collingwood and Takaka. It is much more likely, however, that one poor over-worked

horse carried the minister to and from every preaching settlement in the district; for if

there were not exactly "giants in those days," there certainly were physically active

and robust young ministers.



During the early seventies the ministerial stipend appears to have been round about

£130 per annum, but it should be remembered that money was then worthy roughly

2½ times its worth to-day. The amount of purchasing power represented by the above

amount was relatively considerable. In 1875 the stipend went up (with an ordained

minister) to £185, but the year closed with a deficiency of £120/17/11.

In those depression years of the last century the circuit financial statements candidly

reveal the fact that the minister often went without his stipulated stipend, also that

amounts due to certain good Mehodist business people in Motueka and Nelson were

left unpaid. As a result of a considerable falling off in financial returns, Motueka has

in 1878 to be content with a home missionary in place of a minister.

But Motueka appears always to have done well under a married home missionary, and

a succession of four able men with that status (Messrs Hosking, Thomas, Young and

Harker) seem to have carried on most creditably. They tackled their job manfully and

battled away heroically with debts and difficulties. All honour to them! Mr Hosking,

(father of the late Rev. J. A. Hosking), for example, went over to Nelson in 1879 and

delivered a lecture whose proceeds assisted the finances of the Motueka circuit. At the

end of a winter quarter (June 30, 1880) the Nelson choir came over and gave a concert

in aid of the Motueka Circuit Fund, the nett proceeds being £15/3/6. This would

suggest that the whole village must have turned out on that occasion. It reveals top the

solidarity of the Methodist connexion in financial affairs, for it has ever been one of

the indissoluble marks of Methodism that the relatively strong help the relatively

weak.

PERSONAL AND OTHER ITEMS BELONGING TO THE

SEVENTIES

The Rev. S. R. Purchon passed away in Motueka in February, 1878, during the

sessions of a Wellington Conference. Judging by the eulogies of his contemporaries, it

could be said of him, as Milton wrote concerning his friend Edward King:—

"Lycidas is dead, dead ere his prime,

Yound Lycidas, and hath not left his peer."

About June 29, 1874, Mr S. Stone left the district, his place as circuit steward being

filled by Mr J. Alexander. Mr W. Andrews passed away at Motueka about August 18,

1873, just a few days prior to the opening of the church of that year. Apparently, like

Moses of old, he was permitted to see the "promised land" without entering into

possession.

Mr J. P. Simon, who came to Motueka with Mr Stone and rendered valuable help in

the circuit as a local preacher, was on October 5, 1874, nominated by the Rev. Thomas



Buddle as a candidate for the ministry. The Quarterly meeting endorsed the

nomination and recommended him to the District Meeting.

The Rev. W. B. Marten, who had been appointed to Motueka at the Conference of

February, 1874, was invited to stay a second year as a married minister. Soon

afterwards the ladies set to work to raise funds for the furnishing of the parsonage. On

December 30 the same year Messrs J. Alexander and H. Thomas were elected circuit

stewards for 1875, and the following were elected as society stewards:—

Riwaka, Mr A. Drummond;

Moutere, Mr W. J. Herrick;

Clifton, Mr J. Packard;

Collingwood, Mr J. Riley, Senr.

FUTURE PREACHERS

On January 4th, 1877, Mr T. J. Wills was placed on the circuit plan as an "exhorter,"

and nine months later as a local preacher on trial. This Quarterly Meeting minute is

of interest in view of the subsequent career of the Rev. T. J. Wills as a clergyman of

the Church of England and an ardent prohibition advocate. On September 27, 1877,

Messrs P. Quayle and H. Staples were accepted as "exhorters."

HEAVY LOAD OF INTEREST

In 1879 (October 6) the Quarterly Meeting resolved on the motion of Messrs Glover

and Delany "that the Rev. Rainsford Bavin (District Chairman) be requested to apply

to the Conference for a grant of £50 in order to lessen the present debt on the Church

and thus lighten the load of heavy interest at present paid by the Trustees." An

additional grant of £25 was requested in order to defray the expenses of the circuit

during the next 12 months.

Mr James Hosking came to Motueka as resident missionary on December 30, 1878.

For several months (February 1878 to December the same year) there was no resident

pastor of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Motueka.



CHAPTER V

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH AFFAIRS DURING THE

SEVENTIES AND EIGHTIES

The Motueka Methodist Church has never been one with an overplus of hoary heads

and gray beards. It has usually teemed with young life. Away back in 1874 the Sunday

School (always with a considerable proportion of senior scholars, corresponding to

our Bible Class members to-day) was held at 2.30 p.m. each Sunday in the old chapel.

Evidently nothing was said about its being "haunted" at that early date, although its

appearance would be disreputable enough! Some years later, during Mr B. Thomas's

pastorate, steps were taken to build a new schoolroom behind the 1873 church in the

township. In 1875 the proceeds of the S.S. Anniversary amounted to £21/8/2, whilst

the expenses were ten guineas. Of the balance £5/-/- was voted to the Quarter Board,

and this practice seems to have been kept up for many years.

In 1875 there were 60 children on the Sunday School roll, with an average attendance

of 53. Next year the roll number was reduced to 38, with six teachers. Two years later

(1878) an increase to 75 was reported. In 1879 the numbers were: On the roll, 62;

average attendance 45; officers and teachers 8. Soon afterwards the figures were 67

and 47 respectively, and in 1880 these were changed to 87 and 62. It is not easy to

assign a cause for these frequent, sudden, and apparently unexplained fluctuations.

DOVEDALE SCHOOL

From 1882 onwards we find the Dovedale Sunday School a serious competitor with

Motueka as regards the number of scholars in attendance. In 1883 the respective

figures were:—Motueka 82, Dovedale 51, with average attendances of 50 and 32

respectively. Later on we find Motueka and Dovedale running almost neck and neck

as regards both Sunday School scholars and adult Church members. Dovedale wins

first place in 1887 in both roll number of scholars and average attendance. This

position is well maintained during the next four years (up to 1891), when entries in the

Circuit Schedule Book suddenly cease.

One entry in the S.S. Minute Book (dated March 21, 1880) is interesting. It is in

commendation of the action of Mr J. G. Harkness (afterwards M.H.R. for Nelson City)

in having journeyed to and from Richmond free of charge to conduct S.S. Anniversary

services. He did much the same the year following.

On May 26, 1884 the teachers' meeting rescinded its previous resolution asking

children to forgo their annual prizes to help pay for seats in the schoolroom, this

change having been made possible through the generosity of the superintendent, Mr

McGlashen, in making himself personally responsible for the seats account. The same

meeting decided that the senior class girls be placed in charge of Miss Emily Staples,



the class II girls being assigned to Miss Green and Miss M. Green, and class III to

Miss Lovell. The teacher of the senior class boys was Mr McGlashen, Mr C. Hart

being in charge of class III boys, whilst Miss E. Parker and Mr R. Alexander divided

between them class II boys.

On January 11, 1886 a re-arrangement of classes is again made, "Miss Aexander

taking the second class girls, Miss N. Alexander the third, Misses Alley and Jackett

the fourth, the class II boys being assigned to Miss McGlashen. Mr Robert Simpson

was asked to accept the position of secretary.

As the conclusion of this highly interesting chapter we append a chronological list of

S.S. Superintendents, secretaries, treasurers, and teachers so far as a perfectly accurate

list of these is possible for the "seventies" and "eighties" period. However, one or two

names therein belong to the period just subsequent to that era. We note that among the

teachers occur frequently some well-known historical Motueka surnames. Without

making any invidious distinctions, we cannot help mentioning one family in particular

whose position both in church and Sunday school is unique, namely the Alexanders.

Miss S. J. Alexander played the organ in the old mission church before its

abandonment, whilst her sister, Miss Elizabeth, led the singing. In the list of S.S.

teachers occur the names of the three Alexander sisters and their two brothers, Messrs

William and Reuben. Again, the two sons of the late Mr Reuben Alexander, Eric and

Roy, afterwards joined the ranks of our home missionaries, and the last-mentioned has

given continuous service since 1924. He is at present (1951) stationed at Bombay in

the Franklin county, Auckland district. Mrs Hulbert, the present organist, is the

daughter of the late Mrs Caigou, who as Miss Alexander was one of Motueka's early

church organists.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS, SECRETARIES AND

TREASURERS OF THE EIGHTIES AND NINETIES (ALSO

AFTER)

Starting Year – Superintendents – Secretaries/Treasurers

1874 Rev W Marten - A Parker & R Alexander - G. Glover.

1875 J McGlashen - A Parker & R Alexander- G. Glover.

1877 J McGlashen - H Staples – W Parker & W. Alexander.

1878 J McGlashen - P Quayle.

1881 J McGlashen - F Boyce.

1884 P Quayle.

1886 - R Simpson - No record.

1902 T Harris, M.A. - No record - No record.

1908 or J Quayle - No record - No record

1909



LIST OF SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS DURING THE

SEVENTIES AND EIGHTIES

Starting

Year Ladies Gentlemen

1874 Mrs Hawkins. Mr Jamieson.

Mrs Thomas. Mr John Delany.

Mr Grant.

Mr Simon.

Mr Crighton.

Mr Boyce.

Mr H. Staples.

Mr Thomas.

1875 Mrs Marten, Miss Atkins, Mr G. Glover.

Miss E. Parker,

Miss J. Parker,

Miss Pinny,

Miss F. Pinny.

1877 Miss A. Pinny,

Miss Alexander,

Miss Hawkins,

Miss Orsman.

1878 Miss Rose Alexander, Mr P. Quayle.

Miss Emily Staples,

Miss F. Boyes.

1880 Miss N. Alexander. Mr D. Sutherland.

Mr W. Pattie.

Mr Spicer.

1881 Miss A. Boyce. Mr C. Hart.

Mr W. H. Boyes.

1883 Miss C. Jackett, Mr Harry Staples.

Miss Thomson,

Miss Green,

Miss M. Green,

Miss Beryl,

Miss Alley.

1884 Miss Lovell. Mr R. Alexander.

1886 Miss McGlashen.



LIST OF CHURCH OFFICE-BEARERS DURING THE

SEVENTIES AND EIGHTIES OF LAST CENTURY

Circuit Stewards 1874 S. Stone.

1874-5 J. Alexander.

1875 H. Thomas.

1876 Jas. McGlashen.

1878-9 W. Pinny.

1880 G. Spicer.

1880 W. Chamberlain

1889-91 P. Quayle.

1889-91 E. Parker.

Society Stewards

1874-5 Jas McGlashen.

1875-6 A. W. Parker.

1876-7 S. Pinny.

1877-8 K. Pinny.

1878 P. Quayle.

S. Pinny.

1880 S. Pinny.

1889-90 Horace Boyes.

R. Alexander.

1891 Jas. McGlashen.

R. G. Spicer.

Sacramental Stewards

1874 Geo Hawkins.

1875-8 R. Alexander.

1879-80 S. Pinny,

Church Stewards

1874-5 J. Alexander.

1876-7 E Parker

1878 H. Staples Jnr.

1879 P. Quayle.

1880 R. Alexander.



Country Stewards

Lower Moutere: 1875-91 W. J. Herrick.

Ngatimoti: 1891 H. Haycock

Dovedale: 1889-91 J. Smith

Churchill: 1889-91 H. Snookes.

Woodstock: 1889-91 J. Cowin.

Riwaka: 1874-7 Alex Drummond

1877 T- Pattie.

Takaka: 1891 T. Fabian.

Collingwood: 1874-8 John Riley, snr.

Secretaries or Treasurers of Trust Property

Old Church:

1875 G. Glover.

1876-7 Jas. McGlashen

"New" Church:

1875 R. Staples.

1880 R. Alexander.

Trustees Old Church & Mission House:

(Late Seventies)

J. Alexander.

G. Glover.

J. Gower.

Jas. McGlashen.

Trustees 1873 Church:

J. Alexander.

G. Glover.

Jno. Delany.

G. Hawkins.

Jno. Gower.

From 1877:

James Wills.

Harry Staples.

P. Quayle.

Jas. McGlashen



CHAPTER VI—THE EIGHTIES THE EIGHTIES

During the year 1880 it would appear that certain disturbers of the peace were in the

habit of assembling in the church porch during divine worship, especially during the

Tuesday weeknight services. The Trustees on one occasion requested Mr Thomas

Boyes, the village constable of those days (and a Methodist) to take appropriate steps

to end the matter. British law sometimes assists the cause of Christ, just as did Roman

Law in the days of Paul the Apostle.

"BUN FIGHTS"

November 9, the birthday of the Prince of Wales, was during the seventies and

eighties a favourite day for the Anniversary Tea. Tea meetings—"bun fights," as we

small boys used to call them—were usually a financial success and brought in no

slight revenue to the Trust or Sunday School fund.

THE COURTING STAGE

A minute of a Trustee meeting during that period reads as follows:— "Four of the

back seats on each side to be removed with a view to inducing young people to

occupy the front seats." We cannot help wondering as to how much sympathy the

mover and the seconder of that resolution could have had for young folk at the

courting stage, also as to their lack of a sense of humour; but we still know a few good

people who were never young in their lives!

STATISTICS OF THE EIGHTIES

Dry figures sometimes contain far more moisture than one would suppose. In the

Circuit Schedule Book from 1882 onwards appear statistics concerning Dovedale, the

figures for the latter year being Motueka, 26 church members, and Dovedale 22. In

1886 the Dovedale figures increased to 36, thus drawing level with Motueka, which

also had increased by 10. In 1887 Dovedale is two ahead, in 1888 nine ahead, and for

the next two years Dovedale well maintains its position. Just when our interest is

being awakened, and much to our disappointment, the entries in the Circuit Schedule

Book reach an abrupt termination. In those days apparently District Synods never

made any enquiries about the proper writing up of Schedule Books.

WORSHIP OFFERINGS

On February 22, 1880, a meeting of 40 Methodist people at Motueka, presided over by

the District Chairman, the Rev. Rainsford Bavin, passed the following resolution:

"That it be a recommendation to the Quarterly meeting, and a condition on which an

appeal be made to the congregation, that the present system of making collections be



discontinued, and a box be placed at the door." There is no evidence as to whether or

not the Quarterly meeting agreed, nor, if so, how long the new system continued.

MR BENJAMIN THOMAS

Mr Benjamin Thomas came to Motueka as resident missionary on April 6, 1882, and

time proved him an exceptionally capable pastor and administrator. On April 5, 1884,

it was resolved that an "effort be made to build a parsonage and that an application be

made to the Church Building and Loan Fund for an amount equal to what may be

raised in the district." In modern political parlance, the Committee of the Loan Fund

was asked to grant a pound for pound subsidy instead of (as now) one pound for every

two raised by local effort. It was also resolved "that collections be made fortnightly

instead of monthly during the next quarter"; so evidently it was found necessary to

partly revert to the old scriptural custom of an offering as an integral part of church

worship (see 1 Cor. XVI 2).

SPLENDID WORK

In 1884 Mr J. H. Hall was elected a circuit steward. The September Quarterly Meeting

decided to apply for a grant of £30 from the Home Mission Fund. Twelve months later

(October 7, 1885) the minutes of the Quarterly Meeting show that splendid work had

recently been done, especially at Dovedale.

HELP STILL NEEDED

However, notwithstanding this, an application was made for a Home Mission grant of

£50 for the following reasons:—(1) Circuit deficiency £40; (2) Special efforts made to

build new schoolroom and new mission house during the preceding two years. It was

regretted that the circuit deficiency was so large at a time when a circuit credit -was

most urgently needed. We wonder how far this had been due to the practice, popular

just then, of the "no collection" idea.

Those were times of economic depression; but the Quarterly Meeting showed its faith

in God and the circuit's future, also in their pastor and his helpers, by giving Mr

Thomas a unanimous invitation to remain with them a further year. After that the

meeting adjourned to a future date to permit its members to attend a revival service

that was being held that same evening.

Three months afterwards (end of 1885) we find the circuit debt still mounting up, also

towards the end of March in the following year; but it is evident that it was not due to

the lack of good work. At Dovedale, for example, there was an increasing membership

and a flourishing Sunday School. Dovedale folk at this time reported their intention to

take up an offering once a Sunday only, on a morning and evening alternately, and the

Quarterly Meeting granted its approval.



THE NEW PARSONAGE

All this time the funds for a new mission house were rolling in, and soon the

parsonage was erected with a debt remaining of only £110 payable to our Church

Building and Loan Fund.

On October 4, 1886, membership was reported as 62, plus 8 on trial (Motueka 26, plus

3 communicants; Dovedale 36, plus 5 on trial). Three months later these figures are

increased. Nevertheless, a grant of £50 was applied for, and Mr Thomas was again

invited to remain as pastor a further year. On December 31, 1886, Mr Hall resigns as

circuit steward, Mr W. H. Boyes being elected in his place. At Motueka there is an

increased membership of 8.

DOVEDALE TO THE FORE

The year 1887 witnesses a forging ahead of the Dovedale membership, 39 being

reported as against Motueka's 34. There is still a circuit deficit of £50/12/10, but three

months later it is decided to wipe this out by a combined sale of work. Hence on

October 3 the Quarterly Meeting decides to make application for a grant from the

Home Mission Fund of £20 only.

A year later (October 8, 1888) Mr Thomas is again accorded a hearty and unanimous

invitation to remain a further year. Several members of the meeting remarked with

appreciation on the progress made in the circuit since Mr Thomas's advent. The first

year, they said, the Trust debt was reduced from £161 to £121. The second year a new

schoolroom was erected at a cost of £65, free of debt; third year, a new mission house,

cost (including outside improvements) £262, debt £110, now reduced to £46.

Reference was made also to the attention given to the spiritual interests of the district

during Mr Thomas's term of seven years.

MR ROBERT YOUNG

Conference considered it best to move Mr Thomas, despite his popularity; so Mr

Robert Young was appointed to Motueka. At the Quarterly Meeting held on April 1,

1889, it was carried unanimously on the motion of Messrs J. Smith and R. B.

Alexander: "That the best thanks of this meeting be presented to Mr Thomas, on the

eve of his departure to another place of labour for the zealous, energetic, and faithful

services he has uniformly rendered in this circuit during the last seven years. In

addition to his work as a minister in the Church, his kind and generous spirit has won

for him enduring and wide regard. We sincerely trust that the blessing of God may rest

on him, Mrs Thomas, and family in their new field of usefulness."

At Mr Young's first Quarterly Meeting in July, 1889, membership was reported as

Motueka 33 and Dovedale 41; deficit balance on the Circuit Fund, £4/16/1. It was

decided to make the stipend £120, with £10 allowance for keeping a horse. Towards



the end of the year Messrs E. Parker and P. Quayle are elected circuit stewards for

1890, Messrs R. B. Alexander and Horace Boyes society stewards at Motueka, Mr J.

Smith society steward at Dovedale, and Mr J. F. Cowin the same at Woodstock.

In April 1890, the circuit deficiency is found to be mounting up, and the stewards at

the Dovedale end agree, at the request of the Quarterly Meeting, to make an appeal for

more liberal support from the congregation at Churchill.

THE JUBILEE COMMITTEE

Just then the formation of a Jubilee Committee of the Motueka circuit was decided on

(the jubilee would be 2 years hence) and among the names of persons elected to that

committee we find that of Mr Richmond Hursthouse, M.H.R. Also members of that

committee are Messrs T. R. Burnard, R. Cowin, and Noble Win.



CHAPTER VII—THE NINETIES

Mr Robert Young, a noted preacher and one with considerable musical gifts, was the

missionary in charge at the beginning of this period, and he was succeeded by Mr R.

Harker, at the close of whose term (1898) the Motueka circuit was placed in charge of

a minister on probation, the Rev. Arthur Ashcroft, whose preaching and social gifts

quickly won for him a place in the hearts of the people.

TRANSPORT "MIRACLES"

A glance at the Circuit financial statements covering the "nineties" period reveals

veritable miracles in the way of transport achievements. Services were held

periodically at Takaka and Collingwood in the one direction and at such places as

Tadmor, Motupiko, Sherry and the Baton in the other. There were lay preachers

residing fairly near to those places capable of conducting services in substitution for

the minister, but they did not save the minister the necessity of sometimes riding to

those places on a "cup-loser" at the break-neck speed of six miles per hour, resulting

in lavish consumption of time! We earnestly hope that horse-shoes and horse-feed

were slightly less expensive than they subsequently became. Some of us, fortunately,

were born too late for such herculean feats in horsemanship!

We can well imagine that, as a result of pastoral activities being distributed over so

extended an area, the attendances at the Sunday services in the centre were not Large,

and a glance at the corresponding financial statements confirms that supposition.

Methodist authorities to-day would never countenance such unreasonable dissipation

of a minister's energies, although the advent of the motorcar has modified the situation

considerably. The experience of the years between those days and our own has

afforded us in this respect facilities for cutting our wisdom teeth. Even missionary

zeal, good as it is, has its legitimate limits.

A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE

A deficit balance of £19/6/10 at the end of a certain year during this period suddenly

does the disappearing trick, being not brought forward into the New Year. Was this

due to a pious New Year resolution on the part of some good soul, or souls, thus

prompting him or them to perform a secret good work, and as the Americans say,

"cough up?" In the absence of explicit information to that effect, we incline rather to a

very different conclusion.

LECTURES TO REDUCE DEBT

Among New Zealand's outstanding platform orators of a former generation were the

two Isitt brothers (Frank and Leonard), both now passed on. The late Rev. F. W. Isitt,

during his Nelson pastorate, did good service to Motueka by delivering lectures or



recitals to reduce the circuit debt. The Quarterly Meeting of January 13, 1891, passed

a vote of thanks to Mr Isitt, also to the Nelson (St. John's) choir.

THE PROHIBITION MOVEMENT

The Isitt brothers were pioneer leaders of the movement to abolish the public traffic in

intoxicating liquors. Undoubtedly that movement will someday be revived. New

Zealand might have been under "prohibition" today had the Methodists of the

Motueka district welcomed that movement and set an example to their neighbours; but

apparently that ancient barrier to all social reform, self-interest, prevented it. You see,

Motueka was then, and is still, a hop-growing district. The author well remembers a

public meeting held about 1890 (or 1892) in the Institute Hall, Motueka, and

addressed by the Rev. L. M. Isitt, the chairman being Mr Richmond Hursthouse. Mr

Hursthouse, himself a hop-grower at the time, made in his introductory speech a frank

statement of the position. Public welfare demanded, he said, the elimination of the

liquor traffic, and to meet this position it was certain that the farmers of Motueka

would need to grow something else on their land in substitution for hops. But alas!

time has failed to carry his good suggestion into effect. A few years later saw the

popularising of fruit-growing as a local industry; but it did not displace hop-growing,

but rather took its place alongside it. Even tobacco-growing, a comparatively recent

arrival and one corresponding to a far lesser evil, shared the same good fortune. The

lure of gold appears sometimes to be invincible, but is it really so? Methodism, at all

events, can speak of a social factor far more powerful, namely, love for God and men!

LEADING WORKERS

The office-bearers for 1891 were the following: Circuit Stewards, Messrs E. Parker

and P. Quayle; society stewards: Motueka, Messrs James McGlashen and R. G.

Spicer; Moutere, Mr S. Herrick; Takaka, Mr J. Fabian; Dovedale, Mr J. Smith;

Woodstock, Mr J. F. Cowin; Churchill, Mr A. Snooks. On July 21 Mr Herbert

Haycock was elected society steward at Ngatimoti.

During the eighties it seems never to have been customary for the Circuit Sunday

schools to report concerning their state and progress to the Quarterly Meeting; but Mr

P. Quayle, the Motueka superintendent, gave on July 12, 1891, a brief report

characterising his school in one word as "satisfactory." Doubtless it was Mr Quayle's

modesty that forbade the addition of any further encomiums.

During the years 1891 and 1892 a deficit balance on the Circuit financial statements at

succeeding Quarterly meetings seems to have been the normal state of things; but on

January 26, 1893, the deficit was reported as having been reduced from £65/17/6 to

£50/17/3, this reduction being due mainly to lectures given by the Rev. F. W. Isitt.



The circuit stewards at the beginning of 1893 were Messrs E. Parker and J. Smith. The

society stewards were Messrs P. Quayle and R. G. Spicer, the society steward at

Dovedale Mr J. W. Win, at Woodstock Mr J. F. Cowin, at Ngatimoti Mr H. Haycock,

and at Takaka Mr J. Fabian.

MR YOUNG JOINS THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

A comparative surprise was sprung on Motueka Methodism early in 1893, and indeed

on the whole district, when it was learned that Mr Robert Young was about to be

ordained as a clergyman of the Church of England. From what the author remembers

of him, Mr Young's natural temperament was such as to suit him far better for the

ministry of that Church than for Methodism. Commencing as curate at Palmerston

North, he spent many years of his later life as vicar in one or two of our North Island

towns. Among us Methodists he had been known as a preacher of more than average

ability: he could gather together a congregation, and month after month continue to

hold it. Such a capacity is rare among preachers of any denomination. Mr Young had

three adult daughters and two sons, the elder of whom won an Education Board

Scholarship from the Motueka school and afterwards became a brigadier-general.

MR R. HARKER

Mr Young's successor, Mr R. Harker, completed the quartette of able home

missionaries who, between them, give 20 years very efficient service to Motueka

Methodism. Mr Hosking served four years, Mr Thomas seven, Mr Young four, and

Mr Harker five.

On October 10, 1893 Mr Harker told his Quarterly Meeting that Mr R. Staples had

ploughed and sown down half the parsonage grounds free of charge. The meeting

passed a vote of thanks to Mr Staples. At the same meeting Mr E. Parker resigned as

circuit steward, being succeeded by Mr W. J. Moffatt, afterwards mayor of Nelson.

However, Mr Moffatt kept his new position for nine months only, being succeeded by

Mr P. Quayle.

INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP

During the five years of Mr Harker's ministry, Church membership in the circuit

seems to have mounted steadily upwards. On January 16, 1895, it was reported as 62

full members and 12 on trial. Six months later it was 65 full members and still 12 on

trial. Three months thence it was 74 full members and 13 on trial; six months

thereafter the respective figures are 78 and 14.

On December 13, 1896, the Quarterly Meeting declared in a resolution: "Mr Harker is

commanding the sympathy and respect of the whole district by his devotion to his

work."



THAT NIGHTMARE DEBT

But no matter how good and faithful were the pastors of those far-off days, it would

appear that the Motueka circuit could never keep very long free from debt. Debt broke

the heart of minister after minister and hindered his work. The Quarterly Meeting of

April 3, 1896, declared: "The balance deficit adopted by this meeting is £69/13/10."

But one thing the debts never once succeeded in doing: They could not contract the

circuit's missionary activities. At the same meeting it was resolved to maintain the

preaching services at Motupiko, Sherry, and Tadmor. Messrs J. W. Win and J. F.

Cowin (Dovedale lay preachers) gladly consented to conduct services at those places.

During 1896 and 1897 Church membership in the circuit continued to increase in spite

of financial handicaps. In July, 1896, 80 in full membership, plus 10 on trial, are

reported at the Quarterly meeting, and six months later 82 full and 13 on trial. Efforts

were then being made, however, to keep down the circuit debt or, better still, wipe it

out. The Nelson Methodist choir is officially thanked by the Quarterly Meeting at the

beginning of 1897, when Messrs Quayle and Staples assume office as circuit stewards.

In October, 1897, the circuit deficit is now £82, but the membership is still as high as

79 full and 15 on trial. Six months later the full membership is 89, and soon

afterwards 91. On March 2, 1899 it is 95 (Motueka 41, Dovedale 54.

THE REV. ARTHUR ASHCROFT

In April, 1898, the Rev. Arthur Ashcroft, a fourth year probationary minister, arrives

in the circuit, and the recent spiritual advance continues. The circuit stewards in 1898

were Messrs P. Quayle and James McGlashen, and Mr Lawrence Duncan was a

society steward at Motueka. The year following Mr Duncan is still a society steward

in company with Mr E. Rowling. The Dovedale stewards are Messrs J Smith and

Daniel Cozens, Mr T. Burnett holding the same office at Churchill, Mr J. F. Cowin at

Woodstock, Mr J. Allcott at Lower Moutere and Mr C. Hart at Riwaka.



CHAPTER VIII FIRST DECADE OF TWENTIETH CENTURY

On August 13, 1900, the Trustees of the mission house and cemetery were the

following: Messrs James McGlashen, J. Alexander, W. Boyce, W. J. Moffatt, E.

Smith, P. Quayle, and L. G. Duncan.

THE REV. R. P. KEALL (1900-1)

Mr Keall served in Motueka one year only. At the end of that year matters in Westport

necessitated his transfer thither. In his time evening congregations were good,

including a particularly fine gathering of young folk. Well known Motueka families

then had practically all their members in the Methodist church. On July 31, 1901, Miss

McGlashen resigns as organist.

Every alternate Sunday Mr Keall (and others before and after him) had to be at

Dovedale, usually going up on Saturday to visit, staying the night at one of our

Methodist homes, and in the forenoon conducting worship at Woodstock or Churchill.

On Sunday afternoon there was worship at Dovedale, preceded by Sunday School,

where the minister acted as superintendent. Whatever the state of the weather, he was

always expected back at Motueka for evening worship and a bicycle could make the

18 mile journey both dirty and difficult. A year or two later, the coming to Motueka of

Mr T. A. Harris, M.A., schoolmaster and an excellent local preacher, made the work

much easier.

It was during Mr Keall's ministry that Mr William Boyce was appointed a Trustee in

place of Mr J. Gower and Mr W. J. Moffatt in place of Mr G. Glover. Messrs Edward

Smith, P. Quayle and L. G. Duncan became additional Trustees.

THE REV. WILLIAM WILLS (1901-3)

On July 31, 1901 Miss Eva McGlashen was appointed organist in place of her eldest

sister. On Wednesday, November 13, a working bee erects new gates on the church

grounds, trims the hedges, and cleans the paths. The Trustees on November 18

accepted Mr Bartlett's estimate (£37) for repairs to and painting of the church. Mr

Bartlett also drew up specifications for lining the schoolroom. Later in the year Mr

Moffatt was succeeded as Trust Secretary by Mr W. Boyce, and in January, 1902, Mr

P. Quayle is succeeded as Trustee by Mr T. Boyes.

In February, 1902, the Trustees, in passing for payment Mr Bartlett's account for

painting and lining, expressed their hearty approval of the manner in which the work

had been done. The preparation of a specification for distempering was entrusted to

Mr Moffatt. On February 17, the tender of Mr A. Smith (£16/10/-) for renovating the

interior of the church was accepted, and two months later Mr Smith received a letter



expressing satisfaction with the workmanlike manner in which his contract had been

carried out.

To celebrate this renovation work, the Rev. W. J. Williams, District Chairman,

conducted reopening services, giving also during the same week a lecture whose

proceeds went towards renovation costs.

Tenders having been called for painting, papering, and repairing the parsonage under

Mr W. J. Moffatt's supervision, Mr Edmund Parker's tender (£20/19/6) was accepted

on June 2, 1902. In April, 1903 the choir receives the thanks of the Trustees for having

raised funds to erect a platform.

In April, 1903 Miss Eva McGlashen's resignation as organist way received with great

regret, Miss E. Duncan being appointed in her place. On the same date the Trustees

placed on record their appreciation of the energy and perseverance displayed by the

Rev. W. Wills during his ministry. Mainly as the result of his untiring efforts, the

whole of the Trust property was now in good repair and clear of debt.

THE REV. AMOS READER (1903-6)

A revision of the membership roll was reported at the September Quarterly Meeting,

1905. There were now 117 members and 3 on trial. The Sunday schools had a roll of

107 scholars and 14 teachers (Motueka 37 scholars, 6 teachers; Dovedale 60 scholars,

7 teachers; Woodstock 10 scholars, 1 teacher). At the next Quarterly meeting the

membership is reported as 120 full, and it remains at that figure for some months. The

expansion of the Sunday school rolls continues.

In July, 1905 Mr William Boyce resigns as Trust Secretary. Tenders are called for re-

roofing the schoolroom, and a subscription list is drawn up. A lamp was placed

outside the front door of the Church. On May 4, 1906 Miss Elsie Lancely is appointed

organist. Several present-day lay preachers trace the beginnings of their success in that

capacity to help and inspiration received at Mr Reader's classes in theology.

THE REV. C. M. ROBERTS (1906-1908)

The Quarterly Meeting of July 9, 1906 was chaired by the new appointee, the Rev. C.

Roberts, a first-year probationer. The deficit balance has been reduced to £7/6/11. In

April, 1907 the Dovedale Sunday School is reported as flourishing. Mr J. F. Cowin

resigns as circuit steward and Messrs T. A. Harris and F. Turner succeed to that office.

On October 16 membership has increased to 129 and 7 on trial, whilst the circuit debt

has been reduced to £4/18/8. Mr Roberts declines an invitation to remain a third year.

In January, 1908 the membership has again gone up, the numbers now being 135 and

5 on trial. Messrs C. Cresswell and F. Turner are elected circuit stewards, the society

stewards being Messrs E. Smith and J. J. Quayle at Motueka, J. Thorn and L. Cowin at



Dovedale F Turner at Woodstock, T. Burnett at Churchill, C. Cresswell at Lower

Moutere, and R. B. Alexander at Pangatotara. Mr F. Turner is received on trial as a

local preacher.

Mr Roberts concludes his ministry on April 4, 1908, the membership being then

reported as 140 full and 7 juniors; credit balance £3/7/1. The Quarterly Meeting

thanks Messrs Hodson, B. Thomas (former H.M.) and Mears for preaching services

during the year. A letter of appreciation and thanks is sent to the managing editor of

the "Motueka Star" (Mr G. Boundy) for free advertisements.

The two years term of Mr Roberts is characterised by several decisions for the better

life by young people in different parts of the circuit. This is attributable in part to his

preaching, but in part also to a tactful handling of the subject in private conversation.

In the light of his 40 odd years' ministry since those days, we can truthfully say of him

that he was an able and faithful minister of the New Testament.

THE REV. GEORGE SNADDEN (1908-1910)

Mr Snadden begins his ministry in April, 1908. In September the membership is

reported as 137 full and 8 juniors. There is a credit balance of £3/9/10. In January,

1909, a credit is again reported and has increased to £6/3/9. The Endeavour Societies

in the circuit are doing well, especially the Motueka Juniors. The circuit stewards are

Messrs C. Cresswell and J. Thorn, Mr G. Allcott being society steward at Lower

Moutere.' Mr George Jordan replaces Mr L. Cowin at Dovedale.

On June 1, 1909 the plans and estimates of a new church for Dovedale are approved,

and a meeting at Motueka the same week confirms this approval. On July 7 the

Endeavour Societies again report favourably, the Motueka Society showing an upward

tendency, the Motueka Juniors progressing, and the Dovedale Society flourishing. On

January 12, 1910, Messrs A. Holdaway, M. Cresswell, G. Allcott, and J. J. Quayle are

received on trial as local preachers.

In June, 1909, Mr T. A. Harris resigns as Trust Secretary. A concert has cleared

£4/10/- for a chimney in the Sunday school, and a vote of thanks is accorded Miss

Agnes Starnes for her efforts in that direction. On February 9, 1909, Messrs J. J.

Quayle, C. R. York, L. Sinclair and C. S. Cresswell had been elected to fill the places

on the Trust Board recently vacated by Messrs W. Boyce, W. J. Moffatt, L. G. Duncan

and T. A. Harris. On April 16 permission is granted to the choir (leader Mr W.

Edwards) to replace at their own expense the choir seats by new ones.

In July 1909, 20 posts and 3 straining posts are ordered for the parsonage fence, and

Mr L. Sinclair afterwards did the work. Messrs Alexander and Cresswell had built the

chimney in the schoolroom. Thanks are accorded Miss L. Moffatt and Mr A.

Holdaway for canvassing for Church painting. On November 1, 1909 it is reported



that the interior has been painted by Mr Brickley for £7, the outside of the church

having been painted by a working bee several months earlier.

At Mr Snadden's last Quarterly Meeting membership is reported as 138 and 8 juniors.

Mr C. E. Jordan is elected society steward at Churchill in place of Mr T. Burnett, and

Mr H. O. Holdaway at Braeburn.

THE REV. C. B. JORDAN, B.A. (1910-1911)

At my own first Quarterly Meeting (June 29, 1910) membership was reported as 138

and 16 juniors, an increase of 8 juniors during the quarter; circuit deficit £4/17/5. On

April 15, 1910 Mr Mumford's tender (£31) for parsonage kitchen is accepted by the

Trustees. On April 25 Mr E. Smith's tender for papering and painting the parsonage is

accepted; including the rescrimming of the dining room. A shed is soon erected at the

parsonage, Mr L. Sinclair's tender for the same (£13) being accepted on May 26.

On July 28 Miss E. Lancely's resignation as organist was accepted with regret, and she

was commended by the Trustees for the capable manner in which she had always

filled that position. Miss A. Stanton was appointed in her place. Mr J. Alexander

passes away during 1910.

On January 12, 1911 the Trustees decided "that we take steps to start a fund for a new

church." The steps were to be: (1) Collecting annual subscriptions; (2) an annual sale

of work; (3) an annual concert. The minister and the secretary were to appoint

canvassers for (1), the minister undertook to call a meeting of ladies for (2), and the

secretary undertook to bring (3) before the choir. The ladies duly met and formed a

guild, Mrs P. Drummond (B.C. Leader) being its first president.

The minister had in the previous October declined a unanimous invitation to remain a

second year. He has reason to believe that lives were changed during his year in

Motueka.



CHAPTER IX FROM 1911 TO ABOUT 1925

The March Quarterly Meeting in 1911 recommended that four young men who had

been lay preachers on trial or doing mission band work, should come up for

examination three months hence. Their names were Gerald Allcott, Merle Cresswell,

Arthur Holdaway, and John Quayle. At the beginning of 1912 Mr L. Goodman was

elected choir steward, Mr Fred Willoughby society steward, and Mr H. 0. Holdaway

steward at Braeburn.

THE LABOURER'S HIRE

There was once a time when, among members of the N.Z. Methodist Conference,

Motueka was repeatedly the butt of unfavourable criticism. Let us be frank and admit

at once that in matters of finance Motueka has always been difficult. It has nearly

always lagged behind other circuits of its grade with regard to ministerial stipend.

In the Conference of 1911 the matter came to a head. Certain Conference laymen were

very outspoken and said some hard things; but the speakers were without doubt

ignorant of local conditions. Motueka has never been a "rich" district: not even yet can

it be placed in that category. The farmers of the district have always been mainly

tillers of the soil. Of big dairymen or flockmasters there were none in Methodism; and

besides, owing to the conservative force of habit, the ecclesiastical niggardliness

proper to the seventies and eighties had extended far into the new century.

A "PENAL" REVERSION

Motueka had not had a home missionary since 1898; but in 1911 the circuit was

"penalised" by the sending of a home MISSIONARY in place of a probationary

minister. However, the missionary appointed was married, which meant in practice

that Motueka's financial difficulties were increased rather than diminished; for even 40

years ago it was not possible for any married man to live on £100 a year and a free

house.

A COMPASSIONATE PROVIDENCE

But it so happened, despite the hurt then suffered by blamless and sensitive hearts, that

Motueka in 1911 was singularly blest by a compassionate Providence. Mr J. Harris,

the missionary appointed, was a man of wide experience and one peculiarly adapted to

the district's needs. Having at the beginning an exceptionally full visiting list to help

him, he proved an exceptionally efficient pastor: he was also a preacher of no mean

ability. The Motueka church, which had previously been almost full on Sunday

evenings, was now quite full. Methodists all over the circuit were pleased, and soon



forgot the "aching smart" recently inflicted at Conference. They were eagerly looking

forward to another year, perhaps several years, with Mr Harris as their pastor.

ANOTHER CHANGE

However, the Conference of 1912 willed otherwise. It did the very opposite of what it

had done the year before. The missionary was now withdrawn, and a married

probationer, due soon for ordination, placed at Motueka: hence the Rev. J. D.

McArthur wended his way thither with his newly-wedded wife.

Now, before readers begin to storm and fume over the unaccountable doings of

Conference, it will be necessary for them to understand the exact position. At that time

the Conference every year had great difficulty in placing its young married ministers

or probationers. It could usually send them only to places which had a parsonage.

Motueka had a parsonage, and besides, financial conditions were now on the upgrade;

hence it was deemed possible, by the help of a fairly liberal Home Mission grant, to

provide for a married minister at Motueka.

But under the circumstances, it was scarcely to be wondered at that such a decision of

Conference occurring at such a critical time caused an unfortunate "split." Several

members and adherents (including Miss Moffatt, the Willoughbys, and Mr E. Smith)

remained loyal from the very first and decided to rally round the new minister; but

others either left the church or remained in it as mere lookers-on.

It took many years to heal that breach. For years there remained an underwater "swell"

on the otherwise calm sea of spiritual well-being, and the loyalty of even the loyal

ones was severely strained. Mr McArthur, coming to the circuit at such a time,

handled the situation with admirable courage and ability. Slowly but surely the routine

current of circuit life began again to flow in its accustomed channels, one person or

family after another being won back to Methodist loyalty and to co-operation with the

new minister and his plucky wife.

CIRCUIT REORGANISATION

During Mr McArthur's second year he showed his courage in two ways, first by

inaugurating the envelope system to provide circuit finance, and second, by initiating

a move for separating the two ends of the circuit. With regard to the first proposal, he

himself personally undertook the preliminary canvass that was necessary. Although

the numbers of envelope subscribers was not large, his efforts in this respect met with

considerable success.

Mr McArthur's experience in other districts had taught him that in the Motueka circuit

far too much time was taken up in locomotion (under the old-time horse method of

travelling). His plan was to cut off Dovedale, which with Churchill and Woodstock

would be placed under a single home missionary, whilst Motueka with its near-by



places would be in charge of a probationer. Theoretically it was the best thing that

could have been devised, and in practice the sole factor militating against its success

was the shortage of manpower; but the advent of the first world war no one at that

time could foresee.

It might have been better had Mr McArthur remained longer in Motueka, but, for

better or worse, he declined an invitation to stay a third year, and in April, 1914, was

succeeded by the Rev. C. A. Foston, then a home missionary. The Ladies' Guild

bought Mr McArthur's furniture.

On July 1, 1914 the Quarterly Meeting requested the appointment of a home

missionary at Dovedale, and Mr T. Walker, of Westport, afterwards filled that post.

The same meeting appointed Mr G. Allcott circuit steward in place of Mr H. O.

Holdaway, who was removing to Nelson. Messrs J. Thorn and F. Turner were

appointed circuit stewards of the newly-formed Dovedale home mission station. A

year later, no suitable appointment being available for Dovedale, that place, along

with Churchill and Woodstock, became again part of the Motueka circuit.

ADDITIONS TO MEMBERSHIP

During 1917 Mr E. S. Wratt becomes definitely linked up with Motueka Methodism

as member and office-bearer. First, he was secretary of the Quarterly meeting, and

then circuit steward, being elected to this latter post on January 5, 1918. Three months

later Mr and Mrs Hulbert and their daughter are received from Palmerston North. On

July 6, 1918 Mrs Lionel Boyes is received into full membership. These all proved

valuable acquisitions to Motueka Methodism. On April 5, 1919 Mr W. H. Ganderton

became circuit secretary for Overseas Missions.

NEW CHURCH AT MOTUEKA

Since 1911 scarcely anything had been practicable in connection with the new church

at Motueka. The honour of making the first serious move in that direction belongs to

Mr A. Nicholls, home missionary in charge, 1917-1919. It was during his pastorate

that an application was made to the Church Building and Loan Fund Committee, and a

loan receives approval in October, 1917. Just before this a building committee had

been appointed consisting of the following in addition to the Trustees: Messrs F.

Cresswell, Ching, Craighead, Holland, Wells, and W. Quayle. Information is obtained

regarding plans and cost of a building to seat 200 people.

A subsequent meeting of the congregation decides to build in concrete. Members of

the building committee give promises totalling £100, and a thorough canvass of the

district is decided on. The loan application is increased to £300, and in March, 1918

this is again increased to £400. Meanwhile Messrs S. E. Hulbert and G. Starnes are



appointed Trustees and Messrs W. Mather, J. Boyce and L. Duncan are added to the

building committee.

SALES AND ORGAN RECITAL

The Trust minutes about this time record the giving of an organ recital by Miss L.

Hulbert in aid of the building fund. Miss Hulbert was officially appointed organist on

August 5, 1918. Her predecessor, Mrs Ovens, had held the position since May 7,

1917. On this latter date Miss Ivy Stanton had been appointed assistant organist, in

which capacity she served a faithful two years. Mr Holland is appointed choir

conductor on May 12, 1919.

On March 25, 1918 the two guilds (Ladies' and Young Ladies') are both thanked for

their recent combined effort in a sale of work. A little later there is a sale of produce.

For a bazaar on December 5, 1918 the Horticultural Hall is engaged. It was decided to

canvass for funds in Nelson, Messrs Nicholls and Wratt undertaking the canvass, and

a further amount of £60 was thus secured.

PERMIT TO BUILD

During the pastorate of Mr C. W. Brown, the successor of' Mr Nicholls, it was decided

(July 19, 1920) to raise another £200 before letting the contract for the new building.

It was to cost £1540, seats £90, lighting £40; total £1670. The loan application is now

increased to £556 (one-third). On July 21, 1920 a congregational meeting declines an

offer from the Presbyterian Church to sell their property for £1000, accepts Messrs

Stilwell and Company's plans, and promises an additional £53. A Trustee meeting on

August 16 receives the news that the loan of £556 has been granted; but just here

some difficulty is encountered in securing a building permit from the Board of Trade.

However, the services of Mr R. P. Hudson, M.P. are secured towards the granting of

this permit, the thanks of the Trustees being accorded Mr Hudson on October 28,

1920. The temporary use of the Presbyterian church at £1 per week is accepted, and on

October 31 the congregation worships for the last time in the 1873 church.

The Church Anniversary was celebrated on November 7 in the local Presbyterian

church. It is subsequently decided that the new church stone-laying function shall be

held on December 15, and that the honour of laying the stones shall be accorded the

Hon. C. M. Luke and Mi-Hudson, M.P. Failing either of these, Mr E. S. Wratt was

appointed substitute. Mr W. F. Cresswell is appointed supervisor of building

operations.

Early in December, 1920 the Ladies' Guild raises £100 by a bazaar. Arrangements are

made to supply 150 people with afternoon tea at the stone-laying. On January 12,

1921 arrangements are made to collect unpaid amounts promised. On January 3 the

first progress payment of £300 is duly passed, £11 for foundation stones, and £39 for



lights. A general canvass of the district has produced an additional £60. The offer by

Mr Smith to paint the roof gratuitously was accepted, also the offer of a pulpit Bible.

THE OPENING

The following report is reprinted from the Nelson "Evening Mail" dated Monday,

April 4, 1921:—

The opening ceremony and dedication service of the new Methodist church at

Motueka took place on Saturday afternoon at 2.30 o'clock. there being present a

large attendance. Including many visitors from Nelson and the surrounding

districts. The Rev. C. W. Brown presented a silver key to Mrs Boyes, who, after

a short introductory service unlocked the door and declared the building opened.

The dedicatory service was conducted by the Rev. W. Grigg, president of the

New Zealand Methodist Conference, who visited Motueka for the occasion.

The Rev. E. D. Patchett read the lesson (2 Chron VI.). The choir, under the baton

of Mr H. Holland, rendered an anthem during the service, Miss Hulbert,

A.T.C.L.. presiding at the organ.

At 5.30 an adjournment was made to the Horticultural Hall, where a banquet was

held. The hall was tastefully decorated, and the tables were heavily laden with a

great variety of edibles provided by the ladies, which those present did full

justice to. The Chairman, Rev. C. W. Brown, after reading an apology from Mr

R. P. Hudson, M.P., who unfortunately was unable to be present, proposed the

first toast "The King," when the National Anthem was sung by the assemblage.

Other toasts proposed were "The New Church," Rev. E. D. Patchett, reply Mr C.

S. Cresswell (secretary of Trust); "Methodism," Mr S. E Hulbert, reply Rev. W.

Grigg; "Sister Churches," Mr M. Cresswell, reply Rev. W. Grundy; "The

Ladies," Mr H. Holland, reply Mrs A. Thorn; "New Zealand," Rev. Mr Harvey,

reply Mr Boundy; "Local Bodies," Mr Herbert E. Everett, reply Mr J. A. Wallace

(Mayor); "The Builders," Mr E. S. Wratt, reply Mr H. Buckeridge; "The

Visitors," Mr L. Sinclair, reply Mr A. A. Lucas. During the evening vocal

selections were rendered by Mrs J. Boyce, Mr and Mrs Henderson, Miss

Crichton, Messrs. H. Holland, J. Alien, a recitation by Mr G. H. Budden, and a

pianoforte solo by Miss Lily Hulbert.

SUBSEQUENT PROGRESS

In concluding this account of the present church opening it is fitting that tribute should

be paid to the man who was then in charge of the circuit, Mr C. W. Brown. He was not

only a skilful financial planner, but a creditable preacher and soul-winner. In 1921

Church membership was still on the increase, as it had. been during Mr Brown's

previous years. Forward movements in connection with the youth work were



inaugurated by him, and a young men's Bible class in Motueka was permanently

established. He initiated a plan to fit up the old Sunday School as a Primary

department room. The moving spirits among the young men in his day were Messrs

Melvyn Boyes and Godfrey Starnes, and in 1922 or earlier a Y.W.B.C. was

successfully started by Miss Everett. Mr W. E. Sleep succeeded Mr Brown as

missionary in charge in 1923.

OFFICE-BEARERS 1922-4

Early in 1922 Mr E. S. Wratt becomes S.S. Superintendent. Messrs M. G. Cresswell

and L. Cowin are circuit stewards, and Messrs Martin and Remnant stewards at

Umukuri and Rocky River respectively. Messrs Keith Boyes and Eric Alexander

become circuit secretaries for Home and Overseas Missions respectively. The death of

Mr W. F. Cresswell occurred towards the end of 1921, and Mrs E. Parker passed away

early in 1923. Messrs G. Burnard and G. Snadden discontinued about this time their

valuable services as preachers.

On October 13, 1924 the S.S. at Motueka reports a roll number of 78, with average

attendance 63. The Bible classes are quite creditable, and during the next year they

increase. Just then it was decided that, "subject to a suitable grant being made," the

Motueka circuit "will take a married ordained minister next year." In fulfilment of this

resolution the Rev. Henry Benny was appointed to Motueka early in 1925.

RECENT OUTSTANDING EVENTS

Three notable happenings since 1925 deserve special mention here:—

(1) THE BIBLE CLASS HALL—This was officially handed over to the Trustees

on October 15, 1929. Its total cost was £352. The chairman of the building

committee was Mr S. E. Hulbert, and the secretary Mr H. R. Holdaway. Its

erection was due largely to the efforts of the young people themselves under the

supervision of the secretary. A Queen Competition organised by the Rev. L. A.

G. and Mrs Brooks also assisted the funds.

(2) PARSONAGE—This was officially opened on April 24, 1936.

The cost of seven rooms was £875. The Motueka Ladies' Guild donated

£200 and undertook the repayment of a loan of £400. Donations amounted to

£64/9/6 and a building subsidy to £62/2/-. The building was officially opened by

the secretary, the late Mr C. S. Cresswell.

(3) CENTENARY—The centenary celebrations were held in May, 1942. Special

services were conducted by the President of the Conference, the Rev. William

Walker. A centennial tea and other functions were held, and among the visitors



present was Mr E. H. Andrews, mayor of Christchurch, and grandson of the first

officially appointed resident pastor at Motueka.

Having brought this historical brochure of Motueka Methodism to well past the

opening day of the present church, our task is now completed. To bring the history

right up to date would require several more pages of print. What shall we more say?

Motueka Methodism has had its ups and downs during the periods dealt with, and a

cynic might add, "especially downs"; but things are changing every day, and we are

pleased to note that an era of comparative prosperity seems to have definitely set in.

Hence,

"We'll praise Him for all that is past,

And trust Him for all that's to come."

The Rev. H. G. Brown and Present- Day Trustees. Front Row: Messrs. E. T. Chambers, W. A.

Quayle, C. H. Kinzett, M. G. Cresswell. Back Row: I. G. Holdawoy, L. A. Ray, L. Cowin, Rev. H. G.

Brown, E. S. Wratt, S. B. Wratt. Absent: Mr H. A. Holdaway.



Rev. Edward Baker, Present Minister

CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF MOTUEKA METHODIST PASTORS.

1843 onwards, under supervision Nelson minister.

1848-1850.—Mr W. Jenkins (Catechist).

1850-1857.—Services conducted by "locals."

1857-1866.~Mr W. Andrews ("Hired local preacher").

1866-1869.—Mr S. Stone (Home Missionary).

1869-1871.—Rev. W. G. Thomas.

1872-1874.—Vacant.

1874-1876.—Rev, W. B. Marten.

1876-1877.—Rev. T. F. Reeve.

1877-1878.—Rev. S. R. Purchon.

1878-1882.—Mr James Hosking (H.M.).

1882-1889.—Mr Benjamin Thomas (H.M.).

1889-1892.—Mr Robert Young (H.M.).

1892-1898.—Mr R. Harker (H.M.).

1898-1900.—Rev. A. Ashcroft.

1900-1901.—Rev. R. P. Keall.

1901-1903.—Rev. W. Wills.

1903-1905.—Rev. Amos Reader.

1906-1908.—Rev. C. M. Roberts.

1908-1910.—Rev. Geo. Snadden.

1910-1911.—Rev. C. B. Jordan, B.A.

1911-1912.—Mr J. Harris (H.M.).

1912-1914.—Rev. J. D. McArthur.

1914-1917—Mr C. A. Foston (H.M.).

1917-1919.—Mr A. Nicholls (H.M.).

1919-1923.—Mr C. W. Brown (H.M.).



1923-1925—Mr W. E. Sleep (H.M.).

1925-1928.—Rev. H. Benny,

1928-1931.—Rev. L. A. G. Brooks.

1931-1933.—Rev. F. T. Harris.

1933-1935.—Rev. F. H. Hayman.

1935-1938.—Rev, J. H. Bailey.

1938-1941.—Rev. H. V. Utting.

1941-1945.—Rev. T. Coatsworth.

1945-1947.—Rev. H. Ford.

1947-1952.—Rev. H. G. Brown (District Chairman).

1952- —Rev. E. Baker.

Circulated by the Wesley Historical Society (New Zealand Branch) by arrangement with Motueka

Trustees as Vol. 10, No. 2. of its proceedinqs.

Documents

Some Yesterdays of Motueka Methodism by … historical/10(2) some...Some Yesterdays of Motueka Methodism by C.B.Jordan Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication # 10(2) Page 2