Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
PREFACE
This booklet is prepared as a Memorial to those who carried on
the work of the Methodist Church in the Port Albert Circuit.
Ministers, Home Missionaries and their wives; Students and
Local Preachers, Youth Workers and all who have helped
construct and maintain the buildings. Many whose names are
not mentioned in this short history have contributed to and
shared the Faith.
Our especial thanks to Rev. E. W. Hames for preparing and
writing this brief account.
H. Neal and L. W. Bennett for Church Trust.
"THE BEST OF ALL IS GOD IS WITH US."
To give and give and give again
What God has given thee
To spend thyself nor count the cost
To serve right gloriously
The God who gave all worlds that are
And all that are to be.
(Studdart Kennedy)
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
Methodism in Port Albert
It should not be necessary to tell again at length the 'story of the Albertland
settlements. This has been done fully and ably in THE ALBERTLANDERS by Sir
Henry Brett and Henry Hook, published 1927, and in the Albertland Centennial
Booklet, 1962. The founders of the district planned to do on a smaller scale on behalf
of English Nonconformists what had already been accomplished by the Scottish Free
Church in Otago and by the Anglicans in Canterbury. It must not be forgotten that at
this date the Nonconformists were still second-class citizens in England. Those who
joined the Association were fired by the ambition to acquire broad acres in a country
where they might hope to be free from the disabilities that still attached to them in the
land of their birth. It was a very idealistic project which attracted a number of landhungry Anglicans and non-churchmen of various kinds, though the leadership and the
great majority of the members were sturdy Non-conformists. Several thousand people
came to New Zealand under the scheme.
It was a high-minded muddle, impossible from the start. The promoters planned for
Port Albert a township with a community church, a newspaper and an enlightened and
broad-minded democracy. All that survived was a handful of people obstinate enough
to cling to their land and tough enough to survive, who slowly adapted to the
environment and built a modest country settlement of a type familiar in the North.
The scheme was doomed from the beginning. In the first place, while the great
denominational settlements in the South had the backing and status of national
ventures and of men accustomed to administration, the Albertland scheme was
dreamed up by enthusiasts who quite literally did not know what they were doing.
High-mindedness does not make up for ignorance and inexperience. Secondly, the
Canterbury and Otago settlements attracted numbers of settlers with capital and with
experience on the land, whereas the Albertlanders were largely recruited from the
artisan class. (It is said of Paparoa in the very early days there was not one practical
farmer in the settlement). Finally, the areas selected by their agent contained little
good land suitable for immediate development, and it was difficult of access and too
far from existing markets.
It was during the depressing times that followed the failure of the original scheme that
the Methodists became the most important religious force in Port Albert.
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
EARLY CHURCH SERVICES
Rev. William Gittos
The first group of settlers to arrive in Port Albert were met by the Rev. William
Gittos, who lived some two miles away on the Waingohe, an arm of the Oruawharo
River. Since 1856 Gittos had been in charge of the Kaipara Circuit of the Wesleyan
Maori Mission, which extended from Kaihu and Tangiteroria in the North to
Helensville, and included all the Albertland territory, serving both Maori and pakeha.
Services on the first Sunday were shared by the Rev. S. Edger and Mr Gittos. Edger
had been chosen as minister of the projected unsectarian church. He was an able man.
He ministered under great difficulties for three years or so, after which he moved to
Auckland. His services were held in a small building erected in the township, and he
visited neighbouring settlements as he was able. True to the unsectarian principle of
the founders, the Anglican liturgy was read on two Sunday mornings of the month.
But within a very short time it was evident that there would be no town at Port Albert.
Some of the original subscribers did not leave Auckland. Others came, and tried, and
retired defeated. Who is to blame them? A few remained, determined to hold and
develop their land. They were the real founders.
During the next twenty years or so, everything was on a very modest scale, including
the efforts of the church to cope with a scattered flock who could do little to help
themselves. The Church of Christ people were early in the field with denominational
effort but soon concentrated on North Albertland and Te Arai. The Wesleyans
survived partly because Mr Gittos was at hand, partly because there was a retired
Wesleyan minister, the Rev. William Worker, at Wellsford, who helped them
considerably, but basically because they had been trained to help themselves. It was
the local preacher's who kept the flag flying. They were not seeking denominational
advantage. One of the original objects of the scheme was to escape sectarian bigotry.
But in a humble way they tried to provide Christian ordinance where otherwise there
would be none. So they met in a cottage for worship and Sunday School. For the most
part they provided the preachers from among themselves, under the guidance and
discipline of the missionary, who might visit them once a quarter.
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
Those were the days of poverty and sometimes of hunger. There could be a famine if
the supply of flour was held up, as sometimes happened. On one occasion a bag of
flour was carried from Mangawhai over the hills on a man's back. There was very
little money. Fortunately the fish were plentiful in the harbour. At times wages could
be earned at public works. Landowners sometimes worked at road building in lieu of
paying rates. Nicholson's timber mill gave employment to a few. Before the days of
lime and fertiliser, and the transport to bring them to the farms, the return to the man
on the land was pitiful, especially on the scrub country. Gradually they made a little
headway.
At the centre of the little Methodist community were John Shepherd and his wife.
Shepherd was a Free Methodist from Lincolnshire, who, with his wife exercised the
kind of lay ministry which led men and women to 'speak about "the Shepherd heart."
(The story is told about Mrs Shepherd that when she was near her end and wandering
in mind, she was heard to say "but give the children something to eat. What are we
giving them today? Have they had the right food to build Christian lives?"
Mr and Mrs John Legge were a similar couple. Robert Nicholson was another
preacher. A little later Alfred Neal, J. M. French and J. Grant were added to the list.
From the cottage they moved their meetings to the hall, the Cyprus Lodge, the school.
Three sections had been allotted to the Methodists in the original survey of the
township, but these were never built on. The first trustees were John Shepherd, Robert
Nicholson, John Legge and William Gittos.
Because William Gittos was in constant touch with the settlement, the little society
was a part of the Connexion from the beginning. He had the assistance of a Maori
colleague, Hoani Waiti, for most of the period under review, and John Smith was
attached to the Circuit in a moment of optimism in 1863, only to be withdrawn a year
later.
In 1877 James Redfern, one of the Paparoa Local Preachers, "a faithful, meek and
loveable man," in Morley's words, was appointed Home Missionary to assist with the
European work. Others similarly employed in the North at this time were J. H. Hudson
in Mahurangi, and T. J. Jagger at Kaukapakapa. These men were not given stipends,
as Home Missionaries were at a later date. They were devoted lay preachers, who
lived off their land or their families, but were given a small retainer mainly to cover
the cost of travelling, and some status as a representative of the Connexion. Redfern
visited Port Albert occasionally, as did T. G. Brooke, who was the first regular Agent
stationed at Paparoa, 1879. He was followed by A. C. Caughey in 1880 and
Christopher Abernethy in 1881.
Among old circuit plans preserved at Trinity College, Auckland, there is a handwritten
one headed
THE WESLEYAN CHURCH, KAIPARA.
Preachers' Plan of Appointments 1879. Quarter ending Dec. 31st.
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
(Unfortunately the ink is too faded for reproduction).
The preaching places were as follows:
Paparoa, 11 and 6.30 each Sunday;
Matakohe, weekly at 3;
Pahi, fortnightly;
Paparoa East, fortnightly;
Maungaturoto, left blank;
Kaiwaka and Hakaru, monthly;
Wharehine, fortnightly, alternating with W which may stand for Worker who
ministered there from Wellsford for a time.
Port Albert, which had a weekly service at 2.30.
The preachers named were:
1.—Gittos;
2.—Brooke;
3.—H. Waiti;
4.—Redfern;
5.—Shepherd;
6.—Legge;
7— Hames;
8—Oldham;
9.—A. Karaka
10.—
13—Wilson;
14.—Nicholson;
15—Trounson;
16.—Sykes;
17—Hames;
18.—Mawer;
21.—Wilcoxen;
22.—Pheasants.
Gittos is planned once a quarter at Port Albert, Redfern once a month. The names read
like a roll of honour today. Behind them lies a record of heroic sacrificial service,
without which, in those pioneering days nothing could have been done.
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
OUTPOST OF MAHURANGI CIRCUIT 1885 - 1910
For many years William Gittos superintended a vast Kaipara Circuit, Maori and
pakeha, with the assistance of native agents. In 1882 this mammoth circuit was
divided into separate Maori and European sections, known as the Kaipara (Maori)
Circuit and the Paparoa (European) Circuit. This latter included Port Albert. About the
same time a Home Missionary was appointed to serve the Wade and Kaukapakapa
areas. Then in 1885 Mahurangi, which had been administered as part of the Auckland
Circuit, under the benevolent oversight of J. H. Hudson, was made a separate circuit,
and Port Albert was transferred to the pastoral charge of the minister at Warkworth.
The first minister was the Rev. C. E. Barley. The area from Kaiwaka eastwards to
Mangawhai was still attached to Paparoa.
In the same year 1885 the Port Albert Methodists acquired their first church building.
It had been intended for another body, and was taken over by the Methodists for £100,
uncompleted. It was a bethel, typical of the time and place, the home of a warmhearted and devoted people, who made the village chapel the centre of their lives. At a
time when communications were difficult and incomes small, the chapel provided
most of the entertainment as well as the spiritual nourishment of its members. It was
their regular meeting-place and its members were tried and trusty friends. The services
were simple and unsophisticated in form and teaching, but they were very near to the
hearts of the people. The church families intermarried and formed a closely knit clan.
The Mahurangi Circuit of those days covered a wide area from the East coast to the
Kaipara Harbour, and included a dozen preaching places, though there was only one
church building and two preaching places before amalgamation. It was twenty-four
miles from Warkworth to Port Albert. For a generation the Circuit was served by one
minister and a band of half a dozen or so of local preachers. Morley gives statistics for
the year 1900, showing 122 members for the whole circuit, of which the eastern and
western sections were of approximately equal strength. It would perhaps be fair to
describe this as the era of mud. Roads were primitive. The Dome Valley was almost
impassable even on horseback in winter. Once in three weeks or a month the minister
left Warkworth on Friday, spent the weekend in Port Albert, and returned on Monday.
Under these circumstances, of course, very much was left to local lay leadership. The
following reports from the New Zealand Methodist carry us back to another age:
JANUARY 15th 1887. PORT ALBERT.
The anniversary of Port Albert Church was held on January 1 and 2. On the 1st
an excellent tea was given by Mrs Shepherd, Mrs Neal, and the bachelors, the
latter table being provided by Miss Shepherd. Assistance was also given by Mrs
Legge, Mrs Hunter, Miss E. Shepherd, and Mis's Neal. The tables were filled
three times and all seemed satisfied with the ample and various provision made.
The meeting after, presided over by the Rev. C. E. Barley, was an excellent one.
The choir, under the leadership of Mr Armitage (of Wellsford) rendered some
classical music, and several solos were sung. Mr Shepherd read the report, which
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
showed the income from present tea to be £11. Rev. Mr Jones of Paparoa gave
an address. On Sunday Mr Jones preached to large congregations good and
useful sermons, and conducted a covenant service at the close, which was felt by
those present to be impressive, and which did good. The collection amounted to
£3. For success let God be thanked.
PORT ALBERT:
On Sunday, March 6th a camp-meeting was held in the grounds of Mr Becroft.
The first service commenced at 10.30 a.m. and was conducted by Rev. R. Bavin
of Auckland, who pointed out the importance of those who were themselves
believers in Christ uniting together in prayer for God's blessing upon the day's
services. Mr J. M. French, Rev. C. E. Barley, the Rev. Bain and Messrs Boon
and Shepherd being the speakers. There was a good attendance of about 250
persons. The evening meeting was held in the new Temperance Hall, which was
fairly well filled. Rev. Bavin conducted, and after reading and expounding a
portion of Scripture, called on several of those present to give a statement of
their conversion to God. The meeting proved a most profitable one, and at the
close two came out boldly and decided for Christ. To Him be all the glory. In
connection with this visit of Rev. R. Bavin, we were favoured with a lecture
from him on "Self Culture," which was delivered in the Warkworth Church on
Friday, March 3rd, and at Port Albert on the Saturday following. The attendance
was good on both occasions, and the efforts of the lecturer were thoroughly
appreciated.
4th FEBRUARY 1888. PORT ALBERT.
The anniversary services of this church were preached by Rev. C. E. Barley in
the morning and afternoon, and by the Rev. W. Gittos in the evening, on Sunday,
January 1st. The morning service was devoted to the Sunday School scholars and
was fairly well attended. A large congregation assembled in the afternoon and
evening. After the evening service the Rev. W. Gittos administered the
Sacrament, and the Rev. C. E. Barley followed with the Covenant Service. The
usual soiree was held on Monday, January 2nd. The tables were provided
bountifully by Mesdames Legge, Neal, Shepherd, P. B. Becroft, Mr John
Becroft, the bachelors, and one by subscription. The attendance was very large,
over three hundred people being present. The receipts amounted to £14-14-6
which will leave a net balance of £13-14-6 to be placed to credit of Trust Fund.
The choir, assisted by part of the choir from Dome Valley, rendered the anthems;
and Mrs Walter's, Miss Cray and Mr Whitham rendered the solos. The great
feature of the evening was the singing by some of the Maoris from Hauraki, of
some hymns in the Maori language. Addresses were given by Revs. 'Hauraki
Paul and C. E. Barley, and Messrs Wilson, Hames, Brown, T. Cooper Jnr.,
Whitham and Matikikoha, the latter being translated by the Rev. W. Gittos, who
very ably filled the position of chairman. The usual votes of thanks were moved
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
by Mr Douse and seconded by Mr Mander. The pronouncing of the benediction
brought to a close one of the most successful of anniversary services.
If the above records indicate an almost incredibly narrow range of interests and
amusements, we must exercise imagination and take into account the state of the roads
and the lack of transport. In the 1880's the economy of Albertland was just emerging
into something like a liveable condition. The people were poor by modern standards,
but no longer in danger of destitution. They had their school and their sports and
regular water transport, with a market in the Wairoa among the timber workers. They
were just beginning to exploit the fruit-growing for which the district was to become
well-known.
Young people will find it difficult to visualise a time before the introduction of
gumboots. There was not much concrete about for yards and paths either. There was
mud everywhere. There is a story about Mr French, one of the valued leaders of that
date, riding to the quarterly meeting at Warkworth. He wrapped his legs about with
newspaper, like puttees, to keep out the mud, but in vain. What the house-proud
women said is not recorded. Most of them lived lonely and laborious lives.
Among the best-remembered settlers of those days within the little congregation were
three Johns. John Shepherd who as a local preacher together with his wife was most
loyal to the church. Mrs Shepherd who was a mother in Israel served as Sunday
School Superintendent for a number of years before their retirement to Auckland
about 1900. Then there was John Legge, another preacher. He is described as one
always with a smile and a hearty handshake. His ejaculations on Jonah and the whale,
and on Zaccheus "a little man, a little bit littler than me." His wife was kindness itself.
John Becroft was a son of original settlers, he went mining in Australia and had both
legs crushed in an accident. He returned to Port Albert and lived mostly in a
wheelchair. In spite of his misfortune he seemed always to be able to smile. He lived
with his sister, Susan. For a number of years he was Sunday School Superintendent,
and whatever the weather, hail, rain or sunshine, he could be counted on to start
morning Sunday School with the hymn, "O Day of Rest and Gladness." Said one
minister who stayed at the house on Saturday night, "If I could not preach after
hearing him pray aloud for me and the service this morning, I shall never be able to
preach."
There were others, of course, whose names should not be forgotten. It is difficult to
know where to stop. There were Mr Grant, Mr Stott and Mr Utting whose descendants
have been active in many fields. Mr and Mrs Alfred Neal have been mentioned. Mr
Neal was Circuit Steward and Local Preacher for 30 years or more. Sometimes cash
was scarce among the farmers, who had not been to the bank or 'store recently. So
following the afternoon service Mr Neal would hand out some silver from the offering
to those who had no collection money for the evening. It was bread cast upon the
waters. It returned with a blessing. Another faithful was Charles Judd, organist and
trustee. He was a bachelor who scarcely ever missed a service. One Monday morning
a neighbour saw him dressed for Church and starting out for worship. He said, "It's
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
Monday." Charles Judd was very upset because he had worked on his farm all day
Sunday. Later he married, and seldom missed a service again, till he and his wife left
the district.
Mention should be made also of the Day School Teachers, who set high moral
standards for their pupils, only three headmasters serving in a period of over seventyfive years, Mr B. M. Gubb, Mr G. B. Reid and Mr G. H. Smith. Another leader in the
church was Mr N. A. Worker, son of the Rev. Wm. Worker who came with the first
settlers. He had suffered a breakdown in health in the midst of a successful career in
England, and had come to this country to recuperate. He recovered sufficiently to
resume circuit work in New Zealand for a time. His son settled in Wellsford,
becoming a local preacher, and he was circuit steward for a number of years. He
donated the section where the Wellsford Church stands, and helped with its erection.
Another who must be mentioned is Mrs Bennett, daughter of John Shepherd, whose
husband George Bennett helped in the Sunday School and occasionally took a service.
He was drowned while still a comparatively young man. Mrs Bennett was an ardent
supporter of Home and Foreign Missions, and she left her mark on the church in a
number of ways. She was very generous. It was Mrs Bennett who had the present Port
Albert parsonage built, and presented it to the circuit, taking the old property in
exchange in 1927. The Sunday School hall was also a gift from Mrs Bennett during
Rev. Strand's ministry, 1911 to 1914.
As conditions improved, and the country was opened up further, it was decided to
employ another agent in the circuit, to reside at Port Albert. A condition of the
additional appointment was that Mahurangi circuit should assume responsibility for
the area from Kaiwaka to the East Coast, hitherto part of the Paparoa Circuit.
Accordingly, in 1904, Mr A. V. Wilkinson became the first resident pastor in Port
Albert, followed by Mr V. Bacon in 1905, and then Mr R. E. Evans. These men were
all Home Missionaries. In 1908 C. C. Bottomley took over, and in his time some real
advance was made. For instance, il was then that the Wellsford church was built.
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
Port Albert Church taken about 1905
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
A SEPARATE STATION 1911
The Conference of 1911 decided that Port Albert should be constituted a separate
circuit, and a Probationer appointed. It was a sensible decision, having regard to the
distance from Warkworth and the difficult travelling conditions. But there proved to
be no Probationer available, so Mr Charles Strand was sent as Home Missionary to the
new circuit. The following year a residence was provided him by the purchase and
adaptation of a building formerly used as a hall in the settlement. Mr Strand was a
steady and reliable man, an ornament to the service. There were many advantages in
the ministry of a married Home Missionary over that of a single Probationer, so in
1916 the status of the circuit was lowered to that of a Home Mission Station, and this
was retained till the Conference of 1929. During these years the station was served by
men of the calibre of W. A. Porter, J. H. Edmondson, H. C. Orchard, C. Aker and
Harry Kings, among others. Of course the men varied in ability as preachers and
administrators, but all made some contribution. Above all, there was a consistent
level-headed enthusiasm among the people which kept the church on the right lines.
Few churches have been better served by their laymen and women. Moreover, the
steady missionary enthusiasm of the congregation saved it from any tendency to
stagnation.
Inevitably there were changes. The original trustees were gone, by the end of the
century. Mark Stott, Alfred Neal and J. M. French were put on the Trust in 1891, F. C.
Utting, W. D. Shepherd, N. A. Worker and John Becroft were added in 1899. H.
Legge, C. Judd and Vesey Grant were added in 1909, and Herbert Neal and Len
Bennett in 1910. Alfred Neal died in 1919. In the same year the names of W. W.
Payne, W. Payne, C. I. Curel and Mrs M. Bennett were added to the Trust. As the
church lost a number of its oldest and best supporters by death or removal, others
came in to fill their places. There were other tragic losses of a different kind because
of the first World War. Quite a number of the church lads among those of the district
never returned. "One half of the boys of my school class lost their lives in the war,"
says a contemporary.
During the early years of its independence, before modern communications made it
possible to concentrate effort in a few centres, the circuit covered a lot of ground. It
maintained services at Port Albert, Wellsford, Wharehine (where a new church was
built at the end of the war), Wayby, Tauhoa, Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Hakaru. Many
of these of course were only monthly services; but they helped to keep people in
touch, and to maintain something essential. In each place there were families that
appreciated the effort and responded.
Perhaps we may see the first World War as marking the end of the essentially
pioneering period. It brought a new and more sophisticated outlook. The old
evangelical simplicities no longer satisfied, in their traditional form at least. The world
was opening up, even in Northland. The roads were improving, though they were still
bad enough. The coming of the telephone and the motor car meant the end of
isolation, the loneliness which has been against country life. Soon the radio would be
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
heard in every home. The church could no longer count on the support of the majority
of citizens. It was compelled to concentrate more upon its own children, and to rethink
many of its positions. During these years the Bible Class Movement helped the sons
and daughters of old families to find their way amidst unfamiliar territory, and to
satisfy a loyalty to Christ no less real than that of their fathers, but expressed in very
different ways.
Wharehine Church and Trustees
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
THE PORT ALBERT CIRCUIT 1929
It is a tribute to the steady work and the loyalty of church officials and home
missionaries that in 1929 the Home Mission Station was upgraded again to
independent circuit status, which it has retained ever since, though it has not always
enjoyed the services of an ordained minister. W. J. Enticott was appointed in 1929, but
left for Dargaville the following year. Then for two years the church had a Home
Mission Supply. These were difficult depression years, and no doubt financial
considerations entered in. In 1942 the Rev. Ivo M. Rayner began a four year ministry,
the first resident regular ordained ministry the church had enjoyed after two
generations of vigorous life. The Revs. Herbert Ford and W. C. Jenkin followed.
During the second World War, owing to the shortage of ministers, the circuit was
supplied by the Rev. L. R. G. Sharp and later by the Rev. J. R. Metcalf, who was
detained in New Zealand pending the reopening of the Solomon Islands Mission.
In 1944 there was a readjustment of the boundary between Mahurangi and Port Albert
Circuits. Here were two neighbouring circuits, both covering too much ground for one
man to handle easily, yet unable to support an additional agent. It seemed sensible to
make one circuit smaller, and the other larger. Accordingly it was agreed to add
Tomarata, Pakiri and Whangaripo, a big slice of country, to the Port Albert Circuit,
with the promise of a second agent and a suitable grant. The transfer was made; but
neither the agents nor the grant have come to Port Albert, which has remained the
head of a large and unwieldy circuit ever since. In the event the change of boundaries
proved of great benefit to Warkworth, but seriously hindered Port Albert in its
response to the need which now showed itself for the circuit to concentrate on
Wellsford. Had a second agent been available, the situation would have been very
different.
However, with the development of better roads and modern motor transport, the recent
tendency had been to concentrate on fewer preaching place's. For many years services
had been conducted at Wayby, where the Grant family gave consistent support. In
1948 a small church was erected there, which served a purpose; but it was the last of
the outstations to have a building of its own. There is still room for the local Sunday
School in many places; but both adults and teenagers are better served under modern
conditions by gathering at the larger centres.
The growth of Wellsford as an important shopping centre and stopping place between
Auckland and Whangarei has also inevitably changed the pattern of work. Port Albert
is still the centre of the strength of Methodism in the district. Many of the loyal church
families, with their traditional attachment to Methodism, have their homes in the
settlement. But none the less the main impact of the church and its ministry must be
made at Wellsford, where the people are. For this reason a large youth centre was built
there in 1957. A little later another section of land was purchased, and in 1964 the
circuit erected a new parsonage building, so that the minister might live nearer to the
geographical centre of the parish. Congregations these days, and especially the young
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
people in them, demand more than their fathers expected; and it is certain that strong
centres may flourish where small units are unable to attract. While it is unwise to
neglect the more distant places, there can be little doubt of the wisdom of
concentrating on the nearer centres in order to provide the facilities which people
expect in modern times.
Port Albert Parsonage
THE CIRCUIT
Although Port Albert gave its name to the Circuit, the latter covered a wide area, as
explained above. It was responsible for all Methodist effort from coast to coast, from
Tauhoa to Mangawhai. In many small places it provided the only public worship.
There were no settlements where the Methodist agent did not penetrate. In several
places besides Port Albert small buildings were erected.
WELLSFORD
Though Methodist services were held at an early date in the school, it was not till 1910
that the church acquired a building of its own. At this date the settlement was boosted
by the arrival of the long awaited railway, the hope of the North. The little Methodist
cause had several strong supporters, "a stationmaster, a local preacher, a storekeeper
and a farmer." N. A. Worker, son of the Rev. W. Worker, gave the section.
Small country congregations are very vulnerable. If two or three leaders are lost by
death or removal, a cause may collapse. Something like this happened to Wellsford till
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
by about 1930 there was not very much left. Somebody enquiring about Wellsford
churches at this period was told: "There are two, Mr Worker's and Mr Vickery's
(Church of Christ)". After Worker's death in 1934 it was necessary to nominate new
trustees from outside, Mr W. Grant being the only survivor of the original group.
However the township has grown rapidly since then, with the development of motor
transport. Wellsford is an important place today. The church has shared in this growth.
It now has a modern parsonage for the resident minister, and a large Youth Hall. It
still worships in the pioneer church building, which now has been largely renovated
and improved.
Wellsford Church 1967
WHAREHINE
Services were held in the local hall till 1910, when it was destroyed by fire. For eight
yea's the congregation were glad to worship in the little Minniesdale chapel. Then in
1918 the Wharehine church (the Gittos Memorial Church) was erected by local labour,
largely by Mr W. Witheford and his sons. Other helpers were E. Marcroft, T. Inger, H.
Stables, F. Marcroft, A. Brookes and H. Marsh. None of the original trustees are left
but a number of their descendants and other settlers maintain the cause today. The
little church has recently been renovated in anticipation of the 50th anniversary, which
comes in May 1968. The congregation sent Sister Violet Kruse (Mrs A. O. Jones) into
Deaconess service, and George Rotherham into Home Mission work.
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
TOMARATA
This little building has a longer history than either Wellsford or Wharehine churches.
It was built in Kaihu in the timber days, largely under the patronage of the Trounson
family. This was in 1899. It stood on a railway lease, since a piece of Maori land
promised was not immediately available. As time went by the character of the district
changed so much that the building was no longer required and it was sold for removal
to Tomarata in 1944, at a price of £150 Placed on an elevated site given by Mr Rice it
was formally opened on November 4th. Just two weeks later it was torn from its
foundations in a furious gale, and thrown down in ruins. Not to be dismayed the
Trustees decided to re-erect the building on stronger foundations and with a lower
roof. This was done, and the little sanctuary still stand's four square.
In association with this venture we should mention particularly the Rhodes family, and
Messrs Clarry Blackburn, Reg. Biddle, Merv. Grant, George Reid, Lloyd Gravatt and
Rod Shepherd.
WAYBY
Services were held at Wayby within the Mahurangi Circuit, and were continued when
the district was transferred to the pastoral care of the Methodist agent at Port Albert.
The public school was used until this closed. Then the people met in Mr W. R. Grant's
house.
In 1950 the present building was erected on a half acre site presented by Mr Grant.
The cost of the building in cash was £775, but a great deal of voluntary labour went
into the project. More recently regular services have been discontinued since the
residents find it more profitable to travel to Wellsford; but the building still stands, but
may be sold.
OTHER DISTRICTS VISITED
When Port Albert became a separate Home Mission Station it was expected to carry
seven other places on the Preachers' Plan; namely Wellsford, Wharehine, Wayby,
Tauhoa, Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Hakaru. Later Tomarata, Pakiri and Whangaripo
were added. Of course in most cases they were visited only fortnightly or monthly. It
was a very severe strain on the preaching staff keeping these places open. The small
band of Local Preachers did a valiant job. The circuit also made good use of
theological students from Trinity College, Auckland, in vacation time. It was good
experience for the students who made friends among a truly kind and hospitable
people.
Nowadays with cars everywhere and better roads it is more practical to join some of
these places with central congregations. Hence at date Wayby, Tauhoa, Hakaru and
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
Kaiwaka are not regularly served. In the other centres traditionally served by our
church regular visits are made to conduct public worship.
Port Albert Sunday School Choir
THE MISSIONARY SPIRIT
For a comparatively small number of people the Port Albert Methodists have always
taken a generous and enlightened interest in the missionary outreach of the Christian
Church, both within the denominational field and in wider ways. A people conscious
of grace, they are ready to give in return.
For a number of years, the people made substantial contributions to Home and Foreign
Missions by collecting and marketing early spring flowers, especially narcissi.
But the circuit made its greatest gift in the workers it has sent into a variety of fields. It
has always responded to a strong missionary impulse. In the nature of things some of
its sons and daughters have moved away into other communities; but a surprising
number of these have given distinguished service in their new homes. They are too
numerous to mention by name. Several descendants of pioneer stock have entered the
Christian Ministry: e.g. the late Harry Utting, Trevor Shepherd, Trevor and George
Bennett and Barry Neal. The Rev. lan McKenzie, chaplain at Wesley College, Paerata,
was raised in the circuit. His brother Douglas has been accepted for Missionary
Service. Others like George, Rotherham, H. W. Payne and Selwin Neal have given a
useful term of Home Mission service. Danny Harris went to college from Pakiri, to
serve among the Maori people in the tradition of his grandfather. Joy Thompson gave
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
distinguished nursing service among lepers in the Solomons. Winnie Bennett (Mrs
Wood) and Violet Kruse (now wife of Rev. Jones) served as Deaconess in Maori work
and Ruth Bennett in Central Mission.
Others again gave themselves to missionary service outside the Methodist Church.
Quite a number worked in the Salvation Army and elsewhere. It was from a
Whangaripo family that a minister, Rev. B. K. Rowe found a wife.
Port Albert after all is only a little place. There is a wharf, and a store, and a hall, and
a Methodist Church. There used to be a school. But these are scattered. One might
easily drive through the place and not recognise that it existed at all. Indeed the day
may come when as a township it is only a memory, but it is known as a seaside resort
with a wharf for pleasure craft. It could be so. The decline in water transport and the
concentration of business on the main road are economic and social facts that cannot
be denied. But it would be a pity to forget the men and women who laid the
foundations of the century past. They made the best of a very bad job. They won
victory out of calamity. They fought the fight, they finished the course, they kept the
faith. If we have a drop of pioneer blood in us, we should cherish it. If our fathers
worshipped in the little church, we should thank God who opened to them and to us
the way of life.
Photo of Church, 1967, Sunday School Anniversary
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
Interior Wellsford Church, 1967
THE LIST OF MINISTERS STATIONED AT
WARKWORTH
(Headquarters of Mahurangi Circuit)
Revs. G. Stephenson, C. E. Barley, J. J. Maher, S. Griffith, J. Law, J. W. Worboys, G.
Frost, G. T. Marshall, C. Griffin, J. D. Jory.
LIST OF HOME MISSIONARIES
appointed to Port Albert prior to its becoming a Home Mission Station. 1904-1909.
A. V. Wilkinson, V. Bacon, R. E. Evans, C. C. Bottomley.
MINISTERS OF THE PORT ALBERT CIRCUIT
Revs
1907-11:C. C. Bottomley
1911-14:C. Strand
1914-16:A. H. Couch
1916-18:W. Porter
1918-19:W. B. Gumming
1919-20:J. H. Edmondson
1920-22:H. C. Orchard
1922-24:H. S. Kings
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
1924-26:C. Aker
1926-29:J. D. Grindlay
1929-30:W. J. Enticott
1930-32:W. Trafford
1932-36:I. M. Raynor
1936-38:H. Ford
1938-41:W. C. Jenkin
1941-44:L. E. G. Sharp
1944-45:J. R. Metcalf
1945-48:G. R. Thompson
1948-51:R. E. Fordyce
1951-56:J. S. Olds
1956-60:D. G. Stubbs
1960-65:F. D. Peterson
1966-67:A. D. Pain
LAY PREACHERS WHO SERVED THE CHURCH
J. Shepherd, J. S. Mawer, R. Nicholson, J. Legge, J. Becroft, A. Neal, T. H.
Hartnell, L. Shepherd, H. Neal, H. W. Payne, G. D. Phillips, L. W. Bennett, S. A.
Neal.
There could be added to this list many names of people whose services for shorter
periods were very acceptable.
Our thanks to all.
ORGANISTS
Organists who could be mentioned for long service are Mr Judd, Mrs Busbridge and
Mrs L. Bennett.
Many others gave fine service including Ministers' wives.
Present organists at Port Albert are Graeme Phillips and his wife Ann.
To all the Church is grateful for their devoted services.
TRUSTEES — PAST
Rev. W. Gittos, J. Shepherd, J. M. French, R. Nicholson, M. Stott, J. Becroft,
N. A. Worker, V. Grant, W. D. Shepherd, H. Legge, Mrs M. Bennett, C. Judd,
W. Payne, L. Bennett, F. J. Payne, E. M. Gubb, J. E. Thompson, C. I. Curel,
Mrs A. Gubb, Mrs W. Cullen, J. W. Johnson, E. G. Inger, B. W. Neal
AND PRESENT
H. Neal, F. Reid, L. M. Curel, Mrs V. Busbridge, C. W. Phillips, A. G. Bennett
H. O. Bennett, L. W. Bennett, M. L. Bennett, G. D. Phillips, S. A. Neal
Port Albert Methodist Church 1862-1967
CIRCUIT STEWARDS
1900-1917: Alfred Neal
1909-1933: N. A. Worker
1918-1957: H. Neal
1933-1941: W. Trafford
1942-1948: F. Reid
1948-1965: C. I. Curel
1958- L. W. Bennett
1966- G. D. Phillips