Title: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1905, Christchurch

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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The St. Clair Congregational Church , which is a pretty little wooden building with a bell tower, has seating accommodation for 250, and is the only church, as yet, at St. Clair. The present building was erected at a cost of £1000. The church was first founded as a mission by the Rev. Edward Walker, and services were then held in the old building now used as a Sunday school. After the resignation of Mr. Walker the mission was worked from the parent church in Moray Place, by the ald of laymen under the superintendence of the Rev. W. Saunders. But in 1898 the Rev. Alfred Hodge was appointed to take charge. Mr. Hodge infused new life into the body, and a new church was built. The Sunday school is attended by 105 scholars, who are instructed by thirteen teachers. Services are held twice on Sunday, and there is an American organ. Shorthand, wood carving and bookkeeping classes are conducted in connection with the Sunday school, besides the Bible and literary classes which are held once a week; and a gymnasium class is held twice a week in the local gymnasium hall.