New Methodist Church Opened

Wesley Church, new home of worship for Gisborne Methodists, was officially opened late last month on a day noted for its beautiful weather. In the warm sunshine members of the congregation, friends, former ministers, and many visitors gathered outside the new building to join in the opening prayer and hymn, after which they more than filled the church for the dedication service.

With the opening of the church, Gisborne Methodists have now completed a remarkable task of rebuilding. On one site, in Gladstone Road, they have erected, since 1946, a new parsonage, a youth centre, and a new church, along with tennis courts and pavilion.

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The scene at the church during the opening gathering.

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The Rev. Dr. M. A. McDowell, of Wellington, former president of the Methodist Conference, who dedicated the new building, about to enter, accompanied by other members of the official party.

Three views taken inside the new church.

Architect for the building was a lay preacher and trustee of the church, Mr F. H. Forge. The builder was Mr C. H. Cattle.

The new bells were sounded at the start of the opening ceremony. An electronic set, they were presented by Mr and Mrs J. Letcher and Mrs John Letcher in memory of the late John Letcher.

The glass cross was presented by Mr Denham Tarr in memory of his wife.

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The Lord surely helps those who help themselves. These pictures taken before the opening of the new church show busy Methodists at work.

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The minister (Mr Leadley) and the architect (Mr Forge) on the job.

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The organist, Mr Tucker, tries out instrument.

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Capt. Stichbury, Bruce Stichbury, and Oscar Grant modernising pews from old church.

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Cork–tile layers Les Steel, Bill Frampton, Bill McKeague, and Colin Blows.

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Pat Small, Glenys King, Nancy Bunn, Nona Glover, Alice John–Stone, and others polish church floor.

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Maynard Rutherford, Bruce Spooner, and Mervyn Hancock at work cleaning up the tiles.