75 years of methodism in woodville 1876-1951 by c.b.oldfield historical/9(3)woodville.pdf ·...

75 Years of Methodism in Woodville 1876-1951 by C.B.Oldfield

Wesley Historical Society (NZ) Publication 9(3) 1951

The Present Church – opened 1887 (Photo A. Garlick)



Foreword.

To read the records of the past seventy-five years of Methodism in Woodville is to

review almost sacred history. One cannot but be deeply impressed by the loyalty to

Christ and His Church, or by the sincerity of the people of those days, who, in spite of

primitive conditions, together with hard toil, laid down their tools on Sunday to

worship. For them life was full of the Presence of God.

Even the record of minutes of meetings can suddenly come to life revealing the joys of

their successes, or heart-searching when the way proved difficult, or their

determination that come what may in the end all would be well, for God was with

them. The years have vindicated their earnest prayers and faith.

The pattern of Methodism in this district is clearly defined. This is because we are

most fortunate to possess almost complete records from 1885 to the present day, and

this is a tribute to those early secretaries, especially to Mr. Thomas Moore, secretary

of the first Trust until his death in 1888, and to Mr. Joseph Sowry, his successor in

that office. Tribute in this way must also be paid to Mr. E. T. Rendle, Mr. Rowe

Fennell and others.

During the whole period of its existence the Church has been loyally and faithfully

served in all its branches by a band of men and women devoted to the work of God.

The Church today is served by loyal officials and members, some of whom are

descendants of those early pioneers in the faith. A son of the first resident minister,

Mr. S. E. Worboys, has given long years as a Circuit Steward and is still with us in the

district. A brief but sincere tribute must be made of the services of many women

throughout the years, especially to the wives of the early pioneers, not forgetting

several who are still active in all good work, or those who have graced the Parsonage.

The compiler of this brief but totally inadequate survey is indebted to several whose

memory can go back the greater distance of these years, and also to a pamphlet written

by the late Rev. John Southern, and issued just following the Jubilee in 1926, which

contains memoirs of some who have since passed away. Mr. A. L. Olsson kindly read

the files of the "Woodville Examiner" which are now at Parliament Building's,

Wellington.

We of the present salute the past, but the torch is in our hand. With zeal, courage, and

with equal faith we must hand it on brightly burning to those who arc about us and

who follow. The best must yet be for Christ and His Church.

CHARLES B. OLDFIELD.

Woodville.



Rev E W Hames

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I must congratulate the Woodville Church on

producing and publishing this interesting record. You

were wise to gather together the story of the pioneer

days of your cause, as a part of your 75th Anniversary

Celebrations, and before the records have been lost

and the memories obliterated by death, as has

happened in so many places. It does us good to go

over the past and to realize afresh those early trials

and efforts which are the foundation of our present

privileges.

There are many other places in New Zealand where

the story of the early days should be written down,

before living traditions fade and old papers are

destroyed. Some day our children or our grand-children will be grateful for the record.

It is a duty we owe to our fathers, in gratitude, and to our children, in hope. We owe it

also to the glory of God. May these celebrations inspire the Woodville Methodist

people to new ventures of faith and hope. Our fathers' faith should encourage us to

build, as they did, for tomorrow.

E. W. HAMES, President.

Chronological Table.

1876 Methodist people came to Woodville under Land Scheme from Hawke's Bay.

First Services held, and Sunday School commenced.

1877 Services now at Mr. J. Sowry's residence, McLean Street.

Woodville under Waipawa Superintendent.

1878 Section 1 acre 1 rood 20 perches bought from Mr. Alfred Dillon. Cost £100.

First Meeting of Trustees, October 15th. 1879—Services transferred to

Woodville Public School building erected this year.

Sunday School commenced. Mr. H. Hawken, Superintendent; Mr. W. G.

Crawford, Secretary.

Primitive Methodists commenced Cottage Meetings.

1880 Ormondville became head of the Circuit which extended from Ormondville to

Pahiatua.

1881 Mr. John Harding became Sunday School teacher; 16 years of age

Primitive Methodist Church erected.



1883 United Methodist Free Church opened January. Rev. J. W Worboys Minister of

the Circuit.

Mr. Rowe Fennell received as Local Preacher on transfer.

Woodville made head of Circuit.

First resident Minister, Rev. J. W. Worboys.

1884 Debt of £100 cleared off Church building.

10 Sunday School Teachers, 53 Scholars.

1885 Pahiatua placed on Preaching Plan for 3 p.m., fortnightly.

Mr. J. Richards, Primitive Methodist, received as "Auxiliary" Preacher.

64 Church members reported.

Porch built on Church by Mr. J. Sowry for £17/15/7.

Sunday School bought organ for £l9, new. This was used for services, too.

1886 Began to enlarge U.M.F. Church building.

Minister's Stipend, £120 per annum.

1887 Opened enlarged Church in March.

1888 Commenced Mangatainoka Services.

Mr. T. Moore died.

Mr. J. Pinfold, Primitive Methodist, received as Local Preacher.

1889 105 Church members reported, for Circuit.

Woodlands Road placed on Preaching Plan.

Services at Pahiatua now weekly.

Services at Ormondville discontinued.

Deficit on Circuit Account, £73/18/10.

1890 Church members for Circuit now number 145.

Primitive Church Services now discontinued, but Sunday School continued.

Ballance placed on Preaching Plan.

Sunday School Scholars for all the Circuit numbered 220.

1891 Dominion "District Meeting" invited to meet here in 1893

Second appointment to Circuit. Home Missioner, Mr. John Farrow

Primitive Church building moved to Woodlands Road and opened as first

Public School building.

1892 Members for Woodville only, number 75.

Second appointment to Circuit now Home Missioner, Mr. L H Rogers.

1893 Dominion "District Meeting" in Woodville of U.M.F. Church, January.

(Jan.) A Quarterly magazine decided on in place of printed plan (called "The

Free Methodist Herald").



A Basis of Union under discussion. Quarterly Meeting approve basis.

(Dec.). As Magazine did not pay, resolved to discontinue.

Second appointment: Home Missioner, Mr. A. W. Ashcroft.

1894 Circuit divided and Pahiatua becomes head of a Circuit.

Circuit debt also divided, Pahiatua responsible for £19 of it and to pay £2 per

quarter until liquidated.

Church Pews still "Let." Income for the year, £11/19/3.

(Oct.). Committee set up to purchase a Parsonage.

1895 (April). Parsonage bought. Rev. C. Penney, Minister.

Overdue rent on previous house, £23/8/2.

Church members at Woodville, 72; Mangatainoka, 28.

1896 Union between Wesleyans, Bible Christians and U.M.F.C. to form the

Australasian Wesleyan Methodist Church in New Zealand.

1897 Sunday School reports 80 scholars, 4 teachers; average attendance, 45.

Mangatainoka Sunday School: 30 scholars; average attendance, 25; teachers, 2.

1898 Mangatainoka Church burnt down in bush fire.

Trustees authorised to apply for loan of £20 to enable re-building.

New Church built.

1901 (May). Services discontinued for present at Mangatainoka.

Minister's Stipend, £150.

Mr. J. Pinfold died.

1902 Woodville Township Water Supply laid on to Church and Parsonage.

1903 (Aug.). Trees planted around Church.

Members for Circuit, 107; Woodville, 89; Mangatainoka, 18.

First Annual Conference of the Methodist Church of Australasia in New

Zealand.

1904 Mr. J. Sowry died.

1905 First mention made in the Quarterly Meeting of Junior Christian Endeavour

Societies at Woodville and Mangatainoka.

1906 Gas installed in Church and Parsonage.

(April). Sunday School scholars number 100 with 8 teachers.

Average attendance, 69.

1907 Trustees refused permission by C.B. & L.F. Committee to sell Parsonage.

1908 Resolved to build three rooms on north side of Parsonage. Cost, £300 to £400.



Rev. J. W. Worboys died at Opunake.

1909 Unanimous vote in Quarterly Meeting for independent Conference in New

Zealand (i.e., divide from Australian Methodism). 13 present.

Members in Circuit, 120.


1910 Services commenced, then discontinued, Papatawa.

1911 Credit balance on Circuit Account, £77/5/3, following Harvest Festival.

Washhouse built at Parsonage.

Picket fence erected in front of Church.

Mr. A. J. Crowe superintendent Woodlands Road Sunday School.

Woodlands Road again placed on Preachers' Plan.

1912 Masterton Road Sunday School commenced by Mr. H. Millin.

Unanimous vote in Quarterly Meeting for Union with Primitive Methodism in

New Zealand. 16 present.

1913 First Conference of The Methodist Church of New Zealand.

Bell-tower at Woodville Church unsafe, so dismantled.

Back wall of Church needed strengthening.

Sewerage connected to Church and Parsonage.

1914 Vestry built to Mangatainoka Church. (18 x 14). £38, plus labour.

South side of Church, Woodville, renovated.

1915 Mr. Rowe Fennell died.

1916 Miss T. Worboys, Superintendent of Woodlands Road, Sunday School.

(July). All Sunday Schools reported closed on account of sickness.

Papatawa placed on Preaching Plan.

1917 Masterton Road Sunday School closed.

1918 Sunday School commenced at Papatawa by Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Morgan. 30

children.

Mr. J. V. Lawrence died. Tribute paid to long service as Choir-master and

Trustee.


1920 Two_classrooms partitioned off in Church.

Services recommenced at Papatawa.

1921 Papatawa Sunday School conducted by Mr. and Mrs. F. Martin.

Telephone installed in Parsonage.



1922 Mrs. R. Richards, Superintendent of Woodlands Road Sunday School.

1923 "Wesley Guild" commenced. Rev. P. J. Cossum, Minister.

1924 Church renovated and painted at cost of £31. Mr. C. F. Gardener gave 1200 feet

of timber.

1925 Mr. J. Richards died.

1926 Jubilee of Church. Rev. J. Southern, Minister.

1927 Services at Mangatainoka discontinued.

1928 Services at Papatawa discontinued.

1929 Electric Light installed in Church and Parsonage.

1931 Depression days. Stipend reduced 10 per cent.

1932 Services at Woodlands Road once a month

1933 Mr. J. Harding died.

Circuit debt of £96.

Services recommenced at Papatawa.

1934 Earthquake, March 5th. Damage to Church and Parsonage amounting to

£49/14/8.

Circuit debt, £108, plus outstanding Connexional Charges of £45/6/3.

1935 Mr. W. Bowman, Superintendent Woodlands Road Sunday School.

Mr. Levi Hambling died. First Choirmaster of the Church.

1936 Diamond Jubilee of Church. Rev. G. Knowles Smith, Minister.

Circuit debt liquidated.

Mangatainoka Church sold.

Mr. E. T. Rendle died.

1937 Stipend, £225.

1938 System of Thanksgiving Offerings at Harvest Festival instead of Bazaars.

1939 Ngawapurua placed on Plan for Services.

1940 Services at Woodlands Road discontinued.

1941 Electric hot water installed in Parsonage.

1942 Services recommenced Woodlands Road.

"Wesley Guild" reformed into "Young Married Group."

Proposed union with Presbyterian, Congregational, Methodist



Churches voted on in Quarterly Meetings.

1943 (Jan.). Mrs. E. Martin resigned Superintendency Woodville Sunday School.

Concrete steps laid down at Church.

(April). Miss C. Harding, Superintendent Woodville Sunday School.

(Oct.). Mr. R. H. Powell now Superintendent Woodville Sunday School.

1944 Woodlands Road unite with Woodville for Services and Sunday School.

Re-establishment of Choir.

Decided to build new Church. Committee appointed to consider ways and

means.

Girls' Life Brigade formed. Mrs. R. H. Powell, Captain.

1946 70th Church Anniversary observed.

Stipend, £275.

1947 Mr. L. P. Cotter, Superintendent Sunday School.

1948 Ngawapurua Services discontinued.

Stipend, £325.

1949 (April). Mr. R. L. Martin received as Local Preacher.

Rev. C. B. Oldfield acting-Superintendent of Sunday School.

Strong representative Building Committee appointed to investigate whole

building position in Circuit.

1950 Services at Papatawa discontinued.

Resolved to build Youth Hall, 1951, as 75th Church Anniversary project.

1951 Woodville Borough Gasworks close down.

Electric range installed in Parsonage.

75th Church Anniversary.

"Wesley Hall" Built.

Stipend, £375.

Church members number 112.

95 Sunday School Scholars; 9 Teachers; 19 Bible Class Members.

New Church Fund stands at £2342.



Historical Survey.

Origins.

The present Church in Woodville belonged to that branch of Methodism known as the

United Methodist Free Church. The name indicates that this branch was a union of

several other Methodist groups from earlier days.

England.

The United Methodist Free Churches came into being in England in 1857, and

represented the union of a number of minor Methodist bodies which had been formed

at various times during the previous thirty years, in each case as a protest against what

was believed to be the autocratic powers of Conference, or through actual expulsion

by the Conference. These were as follows : The Protestant Methodists (1827) ; the

Arminian Methodist (1831) ; the Wesleyan Methodist Association (1835). These were

united as the Wesleyan Methodist Association in 1837. Then, as a result of a certain

expulsion of ministers and members from the 1849 Conference of the Wesleyan

Methodist Church, another group formed to call themselves the Wesleyan Reformers.

All these groups united in 1857 to form the United Methodist Free Church, whose

policy was to restrict the power of Conference and give much greater freedom to the

local churches.

New Zealand.

Three years later, in 1860, a Mr. G. Booth, who was a layman of the U.M.F.C. in

England, and now a resident in Rangiora, Canterbury, commenced a Society Class.

From that humble beginning the work grew gradually as ministers and other

immigrants came to the Colony who belonged to this branch of Methodism. In 1875

New Zealand was constituted a separate district. The Rev. S. MacFarlane was elected

Chairman for the first six years, and was Connexional representative up to the time of

his death in 1898. In the year 1896 the following statistics were reported:—Churches,

23; other preaching places, 6; ministers, 14; local preachers, 34; Church members,

941; Sunday Schools, 19; teachers, 208; scholars, 1880; attendants, 2143.

So far as Woodville is concerned, our attention is directed to Waipawa in Hawke's

Bay, which was constituted a U.M.F.C. Station as early as 1870. The Rev. R. Taylor

had arrived from England on September 30th, 1869, for the purpose of supplying

Rangiora, but Waipawa was thought to have a stronger claim and he was sent there

towards the end of that year. The district was prosperous at the time and the work was

soon in a nourishing condition. So much so, that the present church there was built and

services largely attended. The district must have included many Methodists for it is



recorded that the United Methodist Free people and the Wesleyan Methodists worked

harmoniously together, with congregations filling the church for some years.

However, this flourishing cause of Methodism suffered a severe blow to its strength

when the Ormondville district opened up for settlement, causing many to leave

Waipawa for this newer district, while in 1876, owing to a Land Association being

formed in Hawke's Bay to occupy Woodville township and neighbourhood, some

prominent Methodists moved from Waipawa into our district. Among those who came

that year was Mr. Joseph Sowry, who was secretary to the Land Scheme, and an

office-bearer of the Waipawa Church. On his arrival he assisted in the formation of

Methodism in this district, becoming an important leader in the local Church until his

death in 1904. The Roll Book of the Waipawa Circuit, which included Woodville,

dearly shows the transfer of thirteen people in 1876 to Woodville. It will be of interest

to record their names. They were:—Joseph and Hannah Sowry, George and Maria

Smith, Edward and Sarah Harding, John and Mary Jane Pinfold, Samuel and Eliza

Elizabeth Kingdom, Alfred Hirst, David Hughes and "Sister" Hughes.

Others, too, came into the district about that time from Wellington and the

neighbourhood and assisted in the esta-lishment of a strong cause of the United

Methodist Free Church in Woodville.

Beginnings.

The first local Methodist services were held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. David

Hughes, Hope Road, in August, 1876, the house being the first one erected in the

neighbourhood when the district was in standing bush. Methodism thus has the honour

of commencing religious services in this district. A Sunday School was conducted by

Mrs. Hughes first, and attended by about 20 children; then after two or three weeks

these early services were arranged and conducted by Messrs. Hirst and Kingdom.

In 1877 the services were transferred to Mr. and Mrs. J. Sowry's residence in McLean

Street (north-west corner of Sowry Road and McLean Street) and were held there until

the public school building was erected in 1879. The services and Sunday School were

then held in the school until the first United Methodist Free Church was opened early

in 1883. It is evident to anyone reading the minutes of the various meetings held in

those early days that the local officials were men of devout minds and diligent in all

matters of business, for already we find them looking forward to the time when they

would have their own property, a resident minister and a church in which to worship,

and this at a time before there was a minister in Woodville, though regular visits were

paid during those early days by Revs. White, Parkin, and Penney, who were stationed

at Waipawa. So in 1878 a section of just over an acre fronting McLean, Grey and

Richardson Streets was purchased from Mr. Alfred Dillon for £100. The first meeting

of the Trustees was held on October 15th, 1878, there being present Messrs. J. Sowry,



H. Hawken, J. Morgan, H. Thomas, J. Drinkwater, J. Lloyd and D. Hughes. These,

with the addition of Messrs. T. Moore, E. Walker and E. T. Rendle, were the first

Trustees. It was decided to get the section cleared and to take up a subscription

towards the expense.

By 1880 Woodville was showing clear signs of growth as a settlement, and by 1882

we read there were 11 houses there. It is not surprising, therefore, that other

denominations desired to hold services in the school, the only available public

building in the township at that time. This made the local Methodists determine to

build a Church of their own, and they were no doubt inspired too by the example of

their Primitive Methodist brethren who had built in 1881. Mr. Joseph Sowry drew

plans of a building 35ft. by 20ft., and Mr. Levi Hambling built the Church and a

Vestry for £237. It was opened on the first three Sundays in January, 1883, the

preachers being Rev. H. B. Redstone, Mr. W. Bowron, and Rev. R. Taylor. Though

opened for worship in 1883, it is clear that the building was completed in 1882, for the

builder, Mr. Hambling, was married on the 1st January, 1883, in the Church, he and

Mrs. Hambling, fittingly enough, being the first couple married there. It is recorded

too that Ellen Martin was the first child baptised in the Church, and so was presented

with a Bible to mark the occasion.

At the anniversary in 1884 it was stated that the debt of £100 on the Church had been

cleared. In 1883 Woodville was made the head of the Circuit instead of Ormondville,

where the work had declined, and the Rev. J. W. Worboys became the first resident

minister of any Church there.

The Early Church. Opened January 1883



First Minister – Rev J W Worboys

Primitive Methodism.

The members of the United Methodist Free Church were not the only Methodist

people in the district in those early days, for amongst the settlers were staunch

members of the Primitive Methodist Church. They were holding regular Cottage

Meetings in the township of Woodville by 1879, and eighteen months later they built a

small church on the south-west corner of McLean Street and Oxford Road. They have

the honour of building the first Church in Woodville. That was in 1881, upwards of a

year before the U.M.F.C. built theirs. Mr. Charles Hambling (Mr. Levi Hambling's

father) was Sunday School Superintendent, Miss Hambling a teacher, and Mr.

Luscombe leader of the Bible Class.

This cause was an outpost of the Feilding Station whose minister at the time was the

Rev. P. W. Jones. The official history of the Primitive Methodist Church for the

period makes this comment of the work at Woodville :—

"Unfortunately this place was so far from all other parts of the Station, that it had

to depend almost entirely upon local supplies for the pulpit, and as there was

considerable difficulty in keeping up the services, after a few years our workers

retired, it being found more convenient for the people to worship with other

sections of the Christian Church." ("Fifty Years of Primitive Methodism in New

Zealand," by James Guy, W. S. Potter, p. 119.)

The earliest realisation of this struggle appears in the U.M.F.C. Minute Book of the

Circuit Quarterly Meeting for October 4th, 1887, when Messrs. J. Pinfold and J.



Richards were a deputation from the local Primitive Church to ask "this Church to

take the spiritual oversight and make out plan for the afternoon services," which the

meeting cordially resolved to do, planning the Rev. J. Wrigley as often as possible. On

the same evening the quarterly Church Meeting was held and reports "Messrs. J.

Richards, J. Pinfold, Seth Blanchard, Axel Stenberg, and Mesdames Jane Richards,

Mary Anne Blanchard, were cordially received as accredited members from the P.M.

Church." In June of that year Mr. and Mrs. John Pittam were also received. Mr.

Pinfold was received as a Local Preacher by the Preacher's Meeting on December

28th, 1888.

Some indication of the paucity of those attending the services can be gleaned by

comparing the offerings returned during the quarter ending March, 1888, when at the

U.M.F.C. it amounted to £24/10/9, while at the "Upper Church," as it was referred to,

the amount was £1/12/-.

By 1889 the minister was planned only once a quarter, and in March, 1890, it was

resolved at the Circuit Quarterly Meeting to discontinue services at the "Upper

Church," but to retain the Sunday School. With that resolution local Methodism

virtually became fully united. A resolution appears in the Minutes of the Circuit

Quarterly Meeting for June, 1890, that the building would be moved to Woodlands

Road provided a site could be received as a gift from someone, and a list of proposed

Trustees appended should such a course take place, while Messrs. A. Sowry and Levi

Hambling were a committee to wait on the Trustees of the P.M. Church. However the

motion was rescinded in October, no reasons being given, but it was possibly because

the local Primitive Methodist Trustees did not have the necessary powers to sell, or

transfer. The Trustees of the Primitive Methodist Church were: Messrs. Seth

Blanchard, Charles Hambling, John Richards, John Pinfold, George Smith and John

Pittam.

Nothing more appears in the Minute Books of the U.M.F.C., but it is known that the

building was disposed of, moved to Woodlands Road in 1891, where it became the

first public school building. The account of the disposal would of course appear in the

Primitive Methodist Church records. Still later, when a larger school building was

required, this earlier one was sold.

Local Methodism owes to those early Primitives more than can be estimated, for on

coming over to the U.M.F.C. they strengthened the work immeasurably. There are

those amongst us who still speak of the great work of the Local Preachers who

belonged to the Primitive Methodist people, and in particular, of Mr. J. Richards,

whose pulpit prayers were a benediction to his congregation.

Growth.



As the population of Woodville and district increased, so also did the congregations

until the Church built in 1882 became too small to accommodate the number.

Missions were held, too, in 1885 and 1886, when many people were enrolled as

members. These two factors compelled the officials to consider enlarging the building.

Under the able superintendency of the Rev. J. Wrigley, a strong committee was

appointed on June 29th, 1886, with Mr. J. Sowry in the chair. This committee was 20

strong in addition to the Trustees, and plans drawn by Mr. Sowry were approved with

one slight alteration. Tenders to close in August were called for, and on 23rd

September, 1886, the accepted tender reads : Carpenter's work, Mr. L. Hambling,

£230; Painter and plumber, Mr. J. Ebbett, £45; Earthwork, Messrs. Loveday and

Smith, £15. Total, £290. The bank advanced finance and the work began. The

enlarged Church, now 60ft. by 35ft., with an enlarged Vestry also, was opened for

worship on March 6th and 13th, 1887.

Interior of Present Church

The Drill Hall had been used as the place of worship while the alterations were being

made. At the tea meeting it was reported that the completed work with the fittings

would come to £350. Of this amount £100 had been subscribed, while a sale of work

had realised £21. Offerings at the opening services and the tea meeting were expected

to total £19, leaving some £210 as a debt, which proved a burden for a number of

years.

The first children baptised in the enlarged Church were: Winnie May, the daughter of

the builder and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Hambling, who was born, interestingly enough,

on March 13th, the second Sunday of the opening services, and David, the son of Mr.

and Mrs. Jens Petersen. Both children were baptised on Sunday, April 10th.



The first marriage in this Church was between George Loveday and Bessie Doney on

September 27th, 1887, solemnised by the Rev. J. Wrigley. These two are the

grandparents of the now well-known Palmerston North violinist, Mr. Alan Loveday.

Extension.

Great activity was shown during the next few years at Woodville, and also in other

places of the extensive Circuit, which was still heavily in bush, with roads often

impassable because of mud.

For several years weeknight services were held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs.

Enoch Walker, Woodlands Road. From time to time Missions were held to deepen the

spiritual life of the people and as an attempt to reach the uninterested. In March, 1890,

following a rich spiritual period when 22 people were received into membership, the

following resolution was placed on record:—"That this Church place on record its

deep thankfulness to Almighty God for the gracious manner in which He has blessed

us during the past quarter which has resulted in the conversion of so many of our

young people." May history be repeated! This is an indication of the spiritual vitality

of those early days when the congregations were steadily growing in number and in

depth of quality.

Other places in the Circuit were not neglected. Services were commenced at Pahiatua

in 1885; at Mangatainoka in 1888; at Kaitawa and Ballance in 1890. Much lonely

travelling on horse-back through muddy bush tracks was entailed by the ministers and

the faithful Local Preachers. People, too, came on foot to the services at Woodville

from distances of up to five and six miles, afterwards going to the "open house" of Mr.

and Mrs. Sowry for lunch, before returning home. It was a day given over to God. In

1891 a second agent was appointed to the Circuit attending mainly to the Pahiatua

district which was steadily growing at the time. This but gave a fresh impetus to

extension work, so we find services being held now at Mangahao in 1891, at Makuri

in 1892, and at Makakahi in 1893.

In 1894 the Circuit was divided, Pahiatua becoming the centre of a new Circuit,

leaving Mangatainoka with Woodville. This action proved a right step, for though it

restricted the Circuit to two smaller areas, and also made the financial burden on each

Circuit harder, yet it freed each to concentrate on its area, while it made easier

travelling for Ministers, Local Preachers and officials to attend the Circuit Meetings.

The Woodville Circuit never looked back, though for a number of years the financial

struggle was a very real one occupying serious attention until more recent days.

District Meeting.



The following are a few extracts from the "Woodville Examiner" from January 20th to

27th, 1893, reporting- the 19th Annual District Meeting of the United Methodist Free

Churches held at Woodville.

Representatives were present from Auckland, Napier-Waipawa, Wellington,

Christchurch, Addington, Richmond, Rangiora, Oxford, Westport, and Woodville.

(Rev. C. Penney, Messrs. Vile, Pinfold Richards and Hill). Carleton and Reefton not

represented. The appointment of two ladies, Mesdames Dalley and Withers, was a

novelty, but was ruled in order. The Rev. C. Penney, the local minister, was elected

chairman and expressed himself "grateful to be chairman of the first meeting in which

ladies were sitting." Rev. A. Peters of Wellington was secretary. Greetings were sent

to the Primitive Methodist District Meeting in session at Ashburton, and the Bible

Christian one at Addington.

The services on the Sunday, conducted by the Rev. S. MacFarlane of Christchurch and

the Rev. A. Peters, were largely attended. The Rev. E. O. Perry in the afternoon spoke

to a church filled with children from the Methodist and Presbyterian Sunday Schools

and their friends. At St. David's Presbyterian Church the services were conducted by

Revs. J. W. Worboys and E. O. Perry. Country pulpits were also supplied by visiting

ministers

The statistics presented to the meeting revealed: 11 ministers, 2 supernumeraries, 2

hired local preachers, 25 unpaid local preachers, 910 members (increase of 62), 23

churches, 13 other preaching places, 22 Sunday Schools, 242 Sunday School teachers,

2207 scholars. (But no returns from Mt. Eden, Auckland). In the financial discussion it

was revealed that “a number of churches were in great financial straits," while

contributions to the Mission Fund had not reached two-thirds of the amount churches

had been asked to find.

On the Monday at a tea meeting tables were presided over by Mesdames Rendle,

Brightwell, Richards, Stenberg, Penney Cox, Hambling, Hawken, Sowry, A. Sowry,

Thomas, J. Morgan and R. Morgan. Following this the church was again filled to

capacity when the speakers were Revs. J. Wrigley, E. O. Perry and J. Hosking. Rev.

Hosking spoke of his surprise at finding so handsome a church in a township that had

seemed to him to be so full of logs and stumps.

Consideration of union with other Methodists was a very serious matter at the

Meeting. Doubt was expressed about union with the Wcsleyans partly because of the

Australian connections which that Church had.

At the close of the gatherings several spoke of their being "agreeably disappointed"

with all the arrangements made for the representatives who would retain happy

memories of Woodville.



Sunday School.

In the year 1879 when the services were transferred to the public school, the Sunday

School was reformed with Mr. Henry Hawken as superintendent, and Mr. W. G.

Crawford, the school headmaster, as secretary. Mr. J. Lloyd was treas-urer. There is

no record of the number of children who attended in these days. The earliest minutes

kept of teachers' meetings dates from September, 1879, and while a list of teachers is

given, no mention is made of the number of children. A code of rules was drawn up

for the Sunday School in 1881, and the teachers officially recognised were:—Messrs.

H. Hawken, T. Moore, Lloyd, Hirst, Rendle, Collett, Hambling, A. Sowry, with Miss

Alice Hawken "on trial." Later in the year Mr. John Harding and Mr. George Loveday

were received as teachers. From this early beginning the school has continued in

unbroken succession, and through the years has been very ably served by devoted men

and women. The roll reveals fluctuations in numbers attending, but there were usually

between 40 to 80 children according to the year.

Mr John Harding

At the present time there are 95 children on the roll, with the minister acting-

superintendent. The present teachers are Messrs. R. I. Martin, J. E. Hurley, G. F'orster,

Mrs. F. L. Richards, Mrs. J. E. Hurley, Misses H. M. and R. E. Olsson, S. E. Papps

and D. Harding.

Other schools functioned in the district during the past years at Masterton Road,

Papatawa, and Woodlands Road, but only the last two continued for any length of

time, while at the latter Mrs. R. Richards served for 13 years as superintendent.

The Parsonage.

When the Rev. and Mrs. Worboys were transferred to Woodville towards the end of

1883 from Ormondville, the two-storeyed house next to the present Parsonage, now



occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Neely, was rented for their use. At a meeting of Trustees on

April 23rd, 1885, it was resolved to build a Parsonage, Mr. Sowry being asked to draw

plans. Tenders were called for the approved plan, and in October that year the

following were before the meeting:—Rountree £418; Beaty £398/10/-; Ryland £385;

Buchanan & Collard £360; Hambling £350/19/-; McKenzie £334/10/-; Ibbotson £333;

Gilfillan £330. The meeting resolved: "That no tender be accepted, being beyond the

estimate, and that therefore the question stand over till we see whether a married or

single man be sent." As a single man (Rev. Wrigley) was sent, the house was not

proceeded with. The next year all interest was centred in enlarging the Church. Later

the Circuit rented a house which stood on a section in Grey Street near Mr. Spicer's

garage. Later still a two-storeyed house across the street from this latter one was the

home of successive ministers until at the close of Rev. C. Penney's ministry, in April,

1895, the present Parsonage was bought from Mr. H. Holder, senr., and first occupied

by the Rev. J. Wrigley. It is described as "a small cottage suitable for a minister with a

small family." Mr. Holder's interest was bought out for £75, a mortgage accepted of

£150 at 8 per cent. Painting and repairs cost £25. This it was estimated could be raised

by gifts amounting to £75, rearrangement of the mortgage at 7 per cent., so that with

all incidentals, insurances, etc., the yearly liability would amount to some £13 as

against £33 rent for the previous house.

The Parsonage.

Showing on the right the first house rented as a Parsonage.

In 1908 three rooms and a passageway were built on to the north side of the Parsonage

at a cost of between £300 and £400. Mr. Levi Hambling again being the builder,

assisted by his partner, Mr. Rabone. This work was done during the ministry of the



Rev. Barton Ginger. Apart from minor alterations and necessary repairs from time to

time, the Parsonage has remained the same since.

Local Preachers.

The growth of the work in Woodville, and the enthusiasm with which it was done, was

due to three factors that can be clearly seen on looking back over the records. They

were the sound and evangelical lead given by the early ministers, the devotion, loyalty

and generosity of the people, but not least was the very fine contribution by the Local

Preachers. It fell to them to maintain the services regularly in many places within the

Circuit, and just how effectively and devotedly they served is still evident by the

present strength of the work. They are too many to name, but it is impossible to

review the past without realising that some of them rendered outstanding service. How

much the Kingdom of God owes to such men as those early preachers here, amongst

whom were :—Messrs. E. T. Rendle, T. Moore, Rowe Fennell, J. Pinfold, J. Richards,

H. Hawken, J. Harding and E. C. Cox. Think of the constancy of their preaching,

mostly every Sunday and some weekdays as well. Imagine those long wearisome rides

through bush and mud to keep faith with their calling of God and the people who had

gathered to hear the Word preached. The years salute their memory.

They were capable of intensive programmes, too, as this series of special services in

Woodville will show. It was held during a week in September, 1890.

1st night—Bros. Hill and Knowles.

2nd night—Minister and Bro. Richards.

3rd night—Bros. Pinfold and Harding.

4th night—Bros. Woodley and Rendle.

5th night—Bros. Worboys and Fennell.

On the Sunday following a "Lovefeast" was conducted by the Minister and Bro. H.

Hawken.

Perhaps this is the place to pay brief tribute to the great and lengthy service of Mr.

John Harding, who came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Harding, from

Waipawa in 1876, attended the Sunday School at Mr. and Mrs. Hughes (walking

through the bush) and who became a teacher in the Sunday School in 1881 at the age

of 16. He continued in very active association with the Church, serving it in almost

every capacity open to a layman, until his passing on February 3rd, 1933, when he

was still a Circuit Steward and Sunday School superintendent.

Another name that stands out too over the years is that of Mr. E. T. Rendle who was

the last of that pioneer group to pass away. He gave long and faithful service, as a



teacher, deputy-superintendent and treasurer of the Sunday School, Local Preacher,

secretary of the Trust, and Circuit Steward.

Woodville has every reason to be proud of her pioneers, while one could wish for no

better example anywhere of steady faithfulness and self-sacrificial loyalty in the things

of God.

Later Years.

The years since World War I. have seen many natural changes. Some have responded

to the "higher call," while others have come to take their place, but the work still goes

on. Better roading and the coming of easier transport has meant the closing of small

preaching places, the people preferring to attend the larger services now so easily

reached. At Mangatainoka the services were finally discontinued by the Woodville

Circuit in 1927, though the property and the few members continued to have

Woodville oversight. In 1928 the organ, hymn-books and the crockery were brought

to Woodville. Later still, in 1929, a small Trust comprising Messrs. A. Olsson, H.

Galbraith and A. W. Corpe, were appointed to finalise matters. The property was sold,

the cash placed in reserve at Woodville for new building purposes there and the Trust

disbanded. Since then the Mangatainoka district and membership has been under the

supervision of the Pahiatua Circuit. Methodist services are again being held regularly,

and, by courtesy of the Anglican people, in their small church.

At the present time Woodville is rather confined for a country Circuit, having only one

preaching place, and being bounded by the range on the West, Ngawapurua bridge and

river on the south-east, and Gaisford Road and Maharahara Road to the range on the

north, with the work mainly lying closely to Woodville within a radius of

approximately six miles.

Various activities have been undertaken through the years. In Rev. Barton Ginger's

ministry a "Mutual Improvement Society" was functioning, later becoming through

World War I. period the "Methodist Young People's Society." Later still this was

reformed into the "Wesley Guild." A Band of Hope begun in the early days, and a

Junior Christian Endeavour formed in 1904, continued for some years. Much interest

and good was derived from these gatherings. Bible Classes have been held on Sundays

over the years, until todav there are two Classes meeting each Sunday morning, a

Senior Combined with Miss Hazel Olsson as leader, and a Junior Girls' led by the

minister. A Girls' Life Brigade was formed in 1944 which includes girls of other

denominations as well.

Each month regular meetings are held by the Ladies' Guild and the Women's

Missionary Auxiliary, while the Choir under the capable leadership of Mrs. A. J.



Smith, a grand-daughter of Mr. J. Richards of the Primitive Methodist days, meets

weekly for practice. A Young Worshippers' League is functioning with the morning

service.

For many years an annual effort was held. These fairs, called by various titles each

year, were a valuable means of raising funds to enable the Circuit work to be

maintained. They were discontinued in 1938 when it was decided to make the Harvest

Festival the occasion for direct giving, and this has been the method used ever since.

The Jubilee of the Church in 1926, and Diamond Jubilee in 1936, were fittingly

observed, a banquet and special services being held on each occasion.

The relationship between the various Churches and the Salvation Army has been most

cordial ever since each became established in the district. Two of the many people

who have assisted us over the years were the late Mr. A. Stevenson, Headmaster of

Woodville School (later the Rev. A. Stevenson of the Presbyterian Church) as an

acceptable auxiliary preacher, and the late Mr. C. Chant (later Rev. C. Chant of the

Baptist Church) who was the Young Men's Bible Class leader for a number of years.

Miscellaneous.

Trust resolution for 1885 Anniversary Tea:—"That the bachelors of the Church and

congregation be invited to provide for adults' and the children's tea."

Teachers' Meeting for December 18th, 1882:—"Mr. T. Moore kindly presented a

small hand bell for the use of the Sunday School, which was received with thanks."

This bell is still in use.

Teachers' Meeting for December 30th, 1884:—On the question of rewards given in

Sunday School work there was some division of opinion, the secretary then making an

aside "Bro. Fennell and Sister Hawken here had a private debate on a point of

honesty." At the same meeting the superintendent, Mr. T. Moore, "wished to know

whether the game 'Kiss in the Ring' be in accordance with the principles of

Methodism. Answer: "Yes, in daylight."

Quarterly Meeting, June, 1890.—In reference to Ballance: "Reported that it was

inadvisable to establish services there till after the winter owing to the state of the

roads."

Preacher's Minute Book for April 14th, 1891:—"The Local Preachers prayerfully

request that the doors of places of services be opened at time of service." Were the

people always late?

In October, 1894.—Mr. R. Fennell gave a small glass jug for use with the Communion

set. This is still in use.



In January, 1899, the Parsonage was painted three coats for £7/15/-. This was before

the three rooms were built. The same year the Church was painted for £15.

Teachers' Meeting for May 9th, 1900:—"Question of discipline was discussed.

Decided to keep the boys in their seats until the girls are out and to keep the classes

separate."

Mr. R. Richards has the bell of the Church. See Chronological Table for the year

1913.

The Future.

While Woodville Methodists are justly proud of their past history, and grateful to the

wonderful work of their pioneers in the faith, there is a healthy stirring born of God

and necessity to provide more adequate facilities for the growing work in this

developing township. The Church building is almost done, being now in a very poor

condition, while there is no hall in which to hold our social and other functions. A

fund has been commenced to build a new Church, while as a project in thanksgiving

for the past seventy-five years, it is our intention to build a hall. This will make for

improved Sunday School and Bible Class activities, and will also be used as a

temporary Church during the building of the new one.

A big scheme? But a challenging one. Recalling the glorious past we can do no less

for the present and future. In His Name they conquered difficulties and in His Name

so shall we.

Various Officials of the Church.

MINISTERS: 1883-85—Rev. J. W. Worboys 1911-12—Rev. W. Beckett

1886-88—Rev. J. Wrigley 1913-16—Rev. C. Abernethy

1889 —Rev. E. O. Perry 1917 —Rev. H. Daniel

1890-91—Rev. J. Saunders 1918-20—Rev. R. P. Keall

1892-94—Rev. C. Penney 1921 —Rev. N. Turner

1895-96—Rev. J. Wrigley 1922-24—Rev. P. J. Cossum

1897-99—Rev. S. H. D. Peryman 1925-27—Rev. J. Southern

1900-03— Rev. G. Hounsell 1928-31—Rev. W. B. Cumins

1904-06—Rev. W. S. Bowie 1932-36—Rev. G. Knowles-Smith

1907-10—Rev. B. H. Ginger 1937-40_Rev. T. Coatsworth

(In 1907 the Rev. W. S. Maslin 1941-45—Rev. A. R. Penn

acted as supply for Mr. Ginger) l946 —Rev. C. B. Oldfield

CIRCUIT STEWARDS:



1885-87 —L. Hambling and T. Moore

1888-91 —L. Hambling and R. Fennell

1892-93 —J. Vile and R. Fennell

1894 —E. C. Cox and W. Hartstone

1895 —G. Gardiner and E. T. Rendle

1896-03 —E. T. Rendle and R. Fennell

1904-05 —L. Whittington and L. Hambling

1906 —L. Whittington and J. Harding

1907-09 —J. Harding and R. Fennell

1910-11 —J. Harding and W. Hartstone

1912-14 —J. Harding and C. Sutton

1915-17 —J. Harding and J. V. Lawrence

1918-32 —J. Harding and S. E. Worboys

1933 —J. Harding died in office (Feb.)

1933-37 —S. E. Worboys and H. Galbraith

1938 —H. Galbraith and W. Bowman

1939 —H. Galbraith and W. Bowman (until

July, then R. Richards)

1940 —H. Galbraith and R. Richards

1941-49 —R. Richards and A. W. Corpe

1950 —A. Olsson and L. P. Cotter

TRUSTEES:

1878—Messrs J. Sowry, H. Hawken, J. Morgan, H. Thomas, J. Drink-water, J. Lloyd,

T. Moore, E. T. Rendle, D. Hughes, Enoch Walker.

In 1896—Other names added: Messrs. E. C. Cox, R. Fennell, D. Baillie, A. Sowry, J.

Richards, J.. Pinfold, C. H. Worboys, W. Hartstone, Jnr.

Other names added,

1889—M. Sowry;

1900—H. W. Kay;

1901—L. Hambling, J. B. Veale, S. E. Worboys, L. Whittington, J. V.

Lawrence, M. Travers, S. Blanchard, S. J. Morgan, J. Harding.

1907—G. R. Davie

1921— Edgar Harding, R. Richards.

1926—A. W. Corpe, H. Galbraith, A. Olsson, F. F. Hurley, J. Edwards, W.

Bowman, J. A. Phelan.

1943—L. P. Cotter, F. L. Richards, K. R. Strand, R. H. Powell.

1948—S. J. Worboys.

1949—E. Martin.



THE PRESENT TRUSTEES:

Standing: Messrs. L. P. Cotter, F. L. Richards, S. J. Worboys, E. Martin, A. W. Corpe, K. R. Strand.

Sitting: A. Olsson (Secretary since 1929), R. Richards, Rev. C. Oldfield, S. E. Worboys, E Harding.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS:

1879-82—H. Hawken 1899-06—Enoch Walker

1883-84—T. Moore 1907-33—J. Harding

1885-88—J. Harding 1933-38—F. L. Richards

1889 —Mr. Knowles 1938-42—Mrs. E. Martin

1890-91—J. Harding 1943 —Miss C. Harding

1892-93—Mr. Green 1943-6—R. H. Powell

1893-96—E. C. Cox 1947-8—L. P. Cotter

1896-98—D. Baillie 1949 —Rev. C. B. Oldfield (acting)

ORGANISTS:

?-1887 —Mr.Sherwin Mr. J. Edwards

1887-89—Mrs. L. Hambling 1927-35 -Miss L. Richards

1889-90—Mrs. L. Hambling 1935-37- Miss M. Martin

Miss Emma Willen 1937 --- Miss E. Pryde

1890-91—Mrs. L. Hambling 1937-41 -Miss L.Bowman

Miss Eliza Loveday 1941-42 -Mrs. N. Dew

1891 (Jan-May)—Mrs. L. Hambling (nee Bowman)

1891-00—Miss Ella Moore Mrs. L. P.Cotter



1900-04—Miss L. Sowry Mr. B. Olsson

1904 (Mar-Oct.)-Miss Hambling 1943-45 -Mrs. A. J. Smith

1904-05—Miss M. Sowry (nee Richards)

1905 (June-Aug.)-Miss F. Fletcher Miss B. Whittington

1905-07—Miss M. Sowry 1946 —Mrs. J. Orme

1907 —Miss F. Fletcher (nee Martin)

1907-14—Miss A. Harding Miss B. Whittington

19143-18 -Miss F. Hutching Mrs. L. P. Cotter

1918-24—Miss G. Wilson 1946-48 Miss E. Olsson

1924-26—Mrs. J. McCormick Mrs. L. P. Cotter

(nee L. Sowry) 1948 —Miss R.E.Olsson

Miss L. B. Lawrence

CHOIRMASTERS:

1885-91—Mr. L. Hambling 1935-37-Rev. Knowles-Smith

1891-93—Mr. Pike 1937-38—Mr. N. Dew

1893-? —Mr. A. E. Lawrence 1938-39—No Conductor

?-1917- Mr. J. V. Lawrence 1939-40—Mr. N. Dew

1918-20 - Mrs. J. McCormick 1940-43—Choir in recess

Mr. S. P. Skinner 1944-45-Mr.L. J. Whittington

1921-26 - Mr. J. Edwards 1946-47—Mr. R. H. Powell

1927-34—Mrs. J. McCormick 1947 —Mrs. A. J. Smith

1934-35—Mr. F. G. Lawn

LADIES' GUILD, 1951:

President: Mrs. C. B. Oldfield.

Secretary: Mrs. F. L. Richards.

Treasurer: Mrs. H. S. Hume.

MISSIONARY AUXILIARY, 1951:

President: Mrs. R. Richards.

Secretary: Mrs. A. J. Smith.

Treasurer: Mrs. W. H. Bly.

LOCAL PREACHERS, 1951:

Mr. F. D. Hoten. Mr. R. L. Martin.

75 years of methodism in woodville 1876-1951 by c.b.oldfield historical/9(3)woodville.pdf ·...

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