Primitive Methodist Church.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume X, Issue 2343, 31 March 1891, Page 2

Primitive Methodist Church.

On Monday evening a tea meeting was hold m the church at which 300 guests were entertained. The tables were attended too by the following stewardesses :—Mesdames Davis, Crum, Addis, Trevurza, Watkins James, and Robinson, and Misses Hardley, Crum (2), Addis, and Hop wood. At the public meeting that followed room was found for no less than 473 persons. The Pastor, Rev Mr Cocker, presided, and m his opening address gave some interesting Primitive Methodist statistics. The connection had existed for eighty-two years, and had during that time built seventy-one churches per annum, the estimated value of which, as properties, was now over £3,000,000. The membership was 200,000. Last year 3000 members had died and fourteen ministers, and fortyeight ministers had been received on probation. The other speakers were Rev J. W. Sawle on " Earnestness," 1 the Rev a, M. Beattie on a kindred subject; and addresses were also given by Revs E. A. Scott and J. N. Buttle- The musical portion of the programme was specially attractive, vocal items having been contributed by Mesdames Marsden, Flower, Burfoot, and Gamble, the Misses Gates and the Misses Steele, and Messrs Flower and Gates, and a sweet violin solo by Master Broadley. Mr Smith's excellently trained choir and efficient orchestra gave several anthems with superb effect. The usual votes of thanks were given, and the meeting terminated with the benediction.