The Hawkes Bay Herald – 16 May, 1916

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The Hawkes Bay Herald – 16 May, 1916
Churches Of Hastings - Notes By The Way - No.4

Hastings Baptist Church

The History of the Baptist cause in the town of Hastings cannot compare with that of other churches, so far as length of existence is concerned. However, the state of things today, as a result of seven years labour, brings it into line with the advance that is characteristic of the town. In the year 1908 a handful of Baptists, who were worshipping with the Presbyterians felt that the time had come for them to make a move so that they might have services of their own. With this end in view, Messrs. W.Turner, J.M. Barbour and H.E. Wright arranged for prayer meetings at their respective homes. The Rev. Charles Dallaston who was then in charge of the Baptist Church of Napier, paid occasional visits to Hastings, which helped to mould together the nucleus of a Baptist cause. In the month May 1909, the Rev. J.K. Archer, who was then minister at Napier, having followed Mr. Dallaston, continued the Hastings visits, the results of which culminated in an advertisement in the local paper to the affect that a service would be held in the Oddfellows Hall, inviting Baptists to attend.

A contingent numbering 35 journeyed out from Napier, and their number was supplemented by about 35 local sympathizers. On May 16th, 1909, another service was arranged in the hall, and afterwards a committee was formed consisting of Messrs. W. Turner, J.M. Barbour, and H.E. Wright to consider the advisability of formally constituting a church. While plans were under discussion, meetings were continued each Sunday, the Rev. Mr. Archer being present fortnightly, the regular visit being made practicably through the kindness of Mrs. Robjohns, of Napier, placing her motor car at his disposal. Local preachers filled in the intervening Sundays, Mr M. Lascelles of Napier, being amongst those who preached, and who eventually settled in the district and was amongst the most active workers in the cause. On December 29th 1909, the committee reported progress, and a definite move was made.

The Baptists present at this meeting were Messrs. W. Turner, W.G. Turner, H.E. Wright, J.M. Barbour, and O.Bostock; Mesdames Turner, Barbour, and Widdop, and Miss Rumble. Offices were elected out of this number and so floated the Hastings Baptist Church. The question arose at once as to who could be secured to minister to and nourish this young cause. After deliberation with the union, a call was extended to the Rev. H.B. Hughes, M.A. one of the Baptist Union students, who had just completed his training. Mr. Hughes accepted the call and arrived to take up his new work on February 6th 1910. Arrangements were made for the leasing of the Seventh Day Adventist Hall in Nelson Street for three months. During this period the committee were busy, and the result of their investigation was that they advised the Church to purchase the sight of the present building in Karamu Road at the cost of two hundred and fifty pounds and this was done.

The question of a building was then faced and in the month of June 1910 the Baptists of Hastings were comfortably housed in a church costing about 350 pounds, and with a seating capacity for 170. The work grew, and it was felt that the move made had been amply justified. The agencies of the church were taking form, and were well maintained, the most important being the Sunday School. On June 6th 1910, a school was formed, there being present five girls and 2 boys. Mr. W. Turner assisted by Misses Guy and Rumble took the work in hand and when it is considered that today there are over 150 scholars, exclusive of Bible classes and a staff of 13 teachers in less than six years, a sufficient idea is given of the growth.

Mr. Stevenson is now superintendent, with Mr. Bright as secretary and the staff of teachers are devoted workers. The Baptists have always earned the name of being missionary enthusiasts and the school shows this spirit, in that every penny collected from the scholars goes to missionary work. The school expenses are met in other ways, mainly by donations. The Denominational Orphans Home at Manurewa, Auckland is also supported in various ways by the scholars.

Recently the church acquired another section at the rear of the present building, having in view the erection of a school to meet the growing needs of the department. Bible classes for men and women have come into existence and have flourished. Like every other denomination we have contributed our quota to the war. The men's class has become depleted. During Rev. Mr. Hugh's ministry services were held occasionally at Clive Grange, at the residence of the late Mr. Reeves, which was much appreciated, also occasional work was done at Pukahu, under the leadership of local preachers. The Pukehu work is now established, and the building is always comfortably filled when Pastor H.E. Edridge attends there from month to month.

After a period of five years service the Rev. H.B. Hughes terminated his ministry, having piloted the cause through its initial stages. Mr. H.J. Farmer, a home missionary then took charge of the work for a period of four months. During Mr. Farmer's stay the first gap was made in the diaconate by the death of Mr. H.E. Wright. Mr. Wright was a man greatly beloved, and as a preacher and Sunday School worker – he was sadly missed. In June 1914, the church gave a unanimous call to Pastor H.E. Edridge, of the Wanganui East Church, which was accepted and on September 1st 1914, Mr Edridge commenced his ministry.

A Forward Move

It soon became evident that more accommodation would need to be arranged and alterations were made to allow of more seating, which was speedily taken up. As the months went by it became imperative that some further move should be made, and the King's Theatre was engaged for the evening services, a move that was amply justified by the increased attendance's, which in this building averages well over 400. An orchestra under the conductor ship of Mr. Colin Dunkley was formed, and hearty singing has kept these gatherings bright and attractive. The deacons were forced to consider a definite forward movement, with the result that a resolution to build a new church was unanimously carried. The membership had now grown from nine to eighty with a large number of adherents, and the little move of 1909 was a live institution of fast increasing numbers. The officers of the church in 1916 are Mr. W. Turner (Secretary), Mr. J.M. Barbour (Treasurer) Messrs. F.E. Bradley, J. Stevenson, A. Hay, J. Fear, A. Hullett, W.Collins and R.E. Barley. Today with only a history of six years from inauguration, a building is in course of erection to seat 350 to 400, and is of a nature that will be an ornament to the town. The construction will be mainly on brick and rough cast and should meet the needs of the denomination for many years to come. The work of the present Pastor Mr. H.E. Edridge has proved itself in the way indicated and the Baptist Church today plays its part in the moral and spiritual welfare of the people, although so few years have passed over its head.