Methodist Church
Fifty Years' Progress in Gisborne

The growth of Methodism in Poverty Bay, and indeed throughout the Dominion, since it was linked up strongly with the trials and tribulations of the early settlers in the colonising days, presents an interesting and fascinating study for theological students. From small beginnings, Methodism in this district made its influence for good felt, and in the interval of fifty years, progressing with the development of the town, has become one of the most potent forces in the spiritual well-being of the community. The happy event recently celebrated by Methodists of the district—the jubilee of the establishment of the Wesleyaa Church in Bright Street — recalls many interesting events in the progress of Methodism in this district.

The foundation of Methodism here owes much to the splendid spiritual endeavors of the late Mr Jas. East, who in 1874 conducted the first Wesleyan services in a little school-house which then occupied a site on an allotment situated on the corner of Childers Road and Lowe Street, opposite the Gisborne Hotel, and it was in this building he started the first Sunday school and formed the first choir, of which he was conductor. His spiritual endeavours were followed by the Hon. G. W. Russell, then a youthful student, who page break page 67 has since distinguished himself in journalism and politics, of whom it is recorded that by his youthful ardour and fluent oratory he made an excellent impression. Of course, in the early days the work of the Church was limited by the size of the population, but, nevertheless, those two gentlemen laid a splendid foundation upon which Methodism has been firmly established in this district. Shortly afterwards the place of worship was changed to the old court-house, which then stood on the site of Adair Bros, present building, and where the Methodists, in common with other denominations, conducted regular services for nearly a year. The appointment of the Rev. T. G. Carr as minister of this charge the following year signalised the first movement by the Methodists to erect a church of their own, and under his leadership the congregation set about raising funds for this purpose. Just previously the Methodists had been granted along with those of other denominations, an acre of land in Carnarvon street for church buildings, but in those days the locality was considered unsuitable as the site for a sacred building, being far removed from the centre of the town's business and social activities. Accordingly the Church authorities secured a quarter-acre situated in Bright street on which the church now stands at a cost of £50, for which the Wesleyan conference voted £30. Plans for the church, a building 24ft by 34ft, were drawn by Mr John Warren and a contract for £234 was let to Mr. Ross. The balance of the money required for the purchase of the section and the cost of erecting the church was raised by local contributions in which the efforts of Messrs. Tutchen, Hall, Carey, Anderson, Hill, Trimmer and Robins were very prominent. A trust fund was then created and administered by Messrs. Tutchen and Robins.

In the following year, Jan. 1876, the Bright street church was opened, the occasion being marked by an exchange of courtesies between the Wesleyan and Presbyterian congregations, both of whom attended the opening service at which the Rev. W. H. Root, the Presbyterian minister, was the preacher. The Rev. Carr occupied the Wesleyan pulpit in Gisborne only a year and was then succeeded by the Rev. W. S. Harper, and in succession new ministers were appointed to this charge ranging from one to five years as follows: Revs. W. L. Salter, John Bellow, Lewis Hudson, J. T. Penfold, W. J. Spence, T. J. Wills, J. A. Luxford.

In the course of a few years with the increase of population and consequent development in the congregation the limited accommodation offered by the church became fully taxed and in the course of twenty years became inadequate. When the Rev. Josiah Ward took charge here it was decided to re_build and a contract was let to Mr. R. Robb for the erection of the building which now occupies the forefront of the section in Bright Street, the old church being removed to the rear of the property and it has since been used as a Sunday school.

The period during which the Rev. Mr. Ward was in charge was a busy one and it was to this gentleman's energy and influence that funds were found for the new church and the parsonage, which was included in the same contract. The congregation secured a remarkably good bargain in the matter of building, for the cost of the church and the parsonage, which were erected in 1890, was only £1200, a proportion of which was advanced by the conference.

The extension of the church influence into the country was rapidly effected. During the ministry of the Rev. J. A. Lochore, which continued over a period of five years, commencing in 1909 new buildings were erected at Te Hapara and Mangapapa, and the establishment of the church in Victoria Township followed shortly after. To-day these churches have regular services, while visits are paid by the presiding minister to Motu, Motuhora, Matawai, Kaiteratahi, and to the coastal centres when opportunity offers. The work of the minister has been made more arduous of late years by lack of assistance, which through lack of funds page 68 it was impossible to secure. However, it is hoped that the fifty-first anniversary of the inauguration of work here will show further considerable progress.

Following the Rev. Ward the following ministers have presided over the Wesleyan pulpit in Gisborne:—S. J. Gibson, T. N. Griffin, L. Salter (second term), Joseph Blight, F. B. Oldham, G. Hounsell, Cornelius Griffen, W. H. E. Abbey, E. T. Cox, M.A., and George Frost. The Rev. Mr. Frost is now in charge, he having succeeded Mr. Cox in 1924.