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January 1950

HASTINGS (Rev. N. R. Wood).—Sunday, November 13, was our Sunday School anniversary when the scholars rendered their lovely hymns of praise, under the baton of Miss Sawersby. The Rev. J. Ewen Simpson took our morning service, and our own minister the evening service. The children's tea and concert, held on the following Tuesday, was a great success, the evening being devoted to items from the scholars, interspersed with a film or two. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Les Spurdle, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Rawlings and Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Bewley on the birth of sons. It is good to have Mr. and Mrs. Taylor and Mr. Sands worshipping with us again, after their illness. Mr. Rawlings (Sen.) is in hospital and we pray that he will soon be restored again to health and strength. Our minister extended the right hand of fellowship to four new members last Sunday—Mr. and Mrs. Christiansen, on transfer from Karori, to Mrs Morgan, and to Mr Jack Stewart—E. N.

 

February 1950

HASTINGS (Rev. N. R. Wood).—Just prior to Christmas the Baptist and Heretaunga choirs combined to render a carol service in the church. Christmas Day was a busy day for the young people of the church. Their carol party did splendid service, visiting most Baptist homes and passing on gifts received to the Manurewa Home. Interesting end-of-year displays were given by the Girls' Life Brigade, Life Boys' team and Boys' Brigade. These demonstrations and the Sunday School prize-giving were enjoyed by all. At a recent service Mr. and Mrs. Colin Turner, Charles Rawlings and Les Spurdle brought their little ones before the Lord in thanksgiving and dedication. Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Grundy are shifting to Nelson. We pray God's blessing on them in their new surroundings. We wish Misses Elsie Leipst and Leah Thorp "God speed" as they leave us on a trip to England.—R. N.

 

March 1950

HASTINGS (Rev N. R. Wood).—During our minister's vacation the pulpit has been helpfully filled by Messrs. Ralph Barley, Murray Fowler, Ken Halstead and Selwyn Baker of our own Church, and Mr. L. H. Gherkin of Napier. While Miss McHutchon, our organist was on vacation, Miss Faith Stevens, Mrs. Doug Bewley and Mr. Will Kean (Wellington) rendered valuable assistance at the organ. To all the above we express our gratitude. On Sunday, January 1, Miss Doreen Harrison and Master Ian Taylor witnessed for their Lord in the waters of baptism. These two young people, along with seven other believers, were received into membership on February 5. Mr. William John Chappell, one of our loyal senior members, passed into the presence of his Saviour on February 2, at the age of 82. Our prayerful sympathy is expressed to his loved ones. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Halstead on the arrival of a baby son.—R. N.

 

April 1950

HASTINGS (Rev. N. R. Wood).—We had beautiful weather for our Sunday School picnic on March 4, when we took the children by bus to Maraekakaho. Many parents and friends gathered with the children and an enjoyable day was spent by all. Thirty-one new scholars attended the Sunday School during the year. Mrs. Wood is now superintendent of the Primary Department. At the annual meeting the following positions were filled:—On the Deaconate, Mr. Ralph Barley and Mr. Bob Taylor; Assistant Secretary, Mr. G. Wallace. Ten new members have been welcomed into fellowship recently— Miss Stenberg, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Taylor, their son, Maurice and daughter, Valerie, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson McLean, Mr. Jack Taylor, Miss Doreen Harrison and Master Ian Taylor. Mr. H. Growden and Mr. W. Sands obeyed their Lord in baptism on a recent Sunday evening. Messrs. Sims, Paynter and Gammon, senior, also Mrs. Cameron, who are laid aside in sickness, are much in our prayers.—R. N.

 

May 1950

HASTINGS (Rev. N. R. Wood).—Attractively displayed fruit and vegetables made a pleasing sight at our Harvest Festival Thanksgiving services, which were exceptionally well attended. The annual enrolment service of the Girls' Life Brigade took place on a recent Sunday morning. Mr. and Mrs. Ken Halstead and Mr. and Mrs. Dave Rattray brought their little ones to the house of God in dedication. Our sympathy is extended to Mrs. Westerman in the recent loss of her mother. Congratulations to Mrs. McEwan (nee Vena Lascelles) on the birth of a daughter. We also congratulate Miss Enid Westerman in attaining to double honours in nursing and surgery graduations. May God richly bless these marriages—Miss Helen Edridge to Mr. Percival Olliver, of Gisborne; Miss Lucy Jolly to Mr. Leonard Milne. We welcome back Mr. Lewis Stewart from Wellington.—R. N.

 

June 1950

HASTINGS (Rev. N. R. Wood).—Interest in the annual Week of Prayer and Self-denial was stimulated by our minister and Rev. Ewen Simpson, Napier, exchanging pulpits for the morning service. Conversions, desire for baptism, and reconsecration marked with the seal of God's approval the Easter Camp at Gisborne. New members warmly welcomed are— Mr. and Mrs. Sands. Mr. and Mrs. Peden, Mrs. Nicholls and Mr. Growden. On his retirement, after many years of faithful service as superintendent of Pukahu Sunday School, Mr. Ray Baker was the recipient of a gift of appreciation from his scholars Mr. Bob Taylor was welcomed as the new superintendent. To Dr. and Mrs. Ernest Velvin and family, who come to us from Hawera, we extend a cordial welcome. We congratulate Miss Judith Edridge on attaining a position in the National Orchestra. Those of our number who are sick are assured of our continued prayerful interest.—R. N.

 

July 1950

HASTINGS (Rev. N. R. Wood).—Frequent baptisms, increasing membership, and well-attended services are definite evidences that God's blessing is attending the ministry. The following young people of our church witnessed for their Lord in the waters of baptism: Misses Joy Barley, Margaret Brown, Dorothy Peden, Evelyn Bell, Patricia Evans, and Rosalie North, Messrs, Donald Palmer, Edward Petherick, and Ernest Peden. Missionary lantern lectures by Mr. Brian Bell (C.I.M.) and Rev. J. Palmer (O.M.S.) were appreciated. Mr. George Wallace and Mr. Ken Halstead ably conducted the services while our minister attended Central Auxiliary meetings. Dr. Ernest Velvin was the speaker at a recent Youth tea. The church was filled to capacity at the Boys' Brigade enrolment and dedication service. The Girls' Life Brigade celebrated their fifth birthday with a special tea and games evening. Sincere sympathy is extended to the loved ones of our late brother, Mr. W. Sands. We remember in prayer those of our number who are sick.—R. N.

 

August 1950

HASTINGS (Rev. N. R. Wood).—Another very interesting and profitable month in the work of our church has drawn to a close. The church parade of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade, and all its branches, led by the Highland Pipe Band, was an impressive sight; also the parade of our Girls' Life Brigade. On both these occasions the church accommodation was taxed to the utmost. Mr. Jack Kyle (British Isles' Rugby Team), attended our service and addressed the Youth of our church challengingly. A happy social gathering was held recently, when the "paid-off" mortgage on our manse was burned. New members welcomed into fellowship have been: —Misses Phyllis Steele, Marjorie Arnold, Dorothy Peden, Evelyn Bell and Rosalie North: Messrs. Edward Petherick and Donald Palmer.: on transfer—Dr. and Mrs. Velvin (from Hawera), and Mr. Lewis Stewart (from Wellington). We had the joy of witnessing the dedication of little Karen Joy Thompson. We remember those of our congregation who are sick in our daily intercessions.—R. N.

 

September 1950

HASTINGS (Rev. N. R. Wood).—These notes are being written at the commencement of our "Team Evangelistic Mission," conducted by Rev. P. W. Norrish, Mr. J. S. Winder and Mrs. Ruby Woodward. Intensive prayerful preparation has preceded this mission, and we look to God for rich blessing. Bible Class week commenced with an early morning Communion service. The young people met together for a "breakfast" and a "tea" during their week, and assisted at the various services. It was our privilege to meet and be addressed by the Union President, Rev. E. W. Batts, during the month. New members welcomed into church membership have been: Mr. and Mrs. A. Harrison, Misses Joy Barley and Margaret Brown. The parents of little Shirley Helen Smith presented her before the Lord in dedication. We pay loving tribute to our late brother, Mr. A. H. Sims, who passed into eternal bliss on July 9. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Jim Trotter on the birth of a son.—R. N.

 

October 1950

HASTINGS (Rev. N. R. Wood).—The "Teams Mission" conducted by Rev. P. W. Norrish. Mr. J. S. Winder and Mrs. R. Woodward, was a time of spiritual refreshment for all, and we feel that the whole life of our church has benefited. The Gospel was faithfully proclaimed at well attended meetings, and the beautifully rendered sacred solos appealed to the hearts of all. At an after-church rally, an interesting missionary talk was given by Miss Marjory Turner. In aid of missionary funds our Christian Endeavour gave a concert, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the large number who attended. Colonel Burton, the retired Salvation Army Officer, who so graciously filled our pulpit during the pastoral vacancy, has passed into the presence of his Lord. He served his Master right to the end, and his passing leaves us much poorer. A warm welcome is extended to Mr. Ernest Peden, who has returned home after his period of military training.—R. N.

 

November 1950

HASTINGS (Rev. N. R. Wood).—A happy after-church gathering was recently held to celebrate the completion of the first year of service in our midst of our minister and his wife. Expressions of appreciation and loyalty were voiced by leaders of each department of church activity. At the close of his speech in reply Mr. Wood stated he had been handed an anonymous gift of £500 for our church work. A rejoicing congregation expressed their feelings in gratefully singing the Doxology. We have been privileged to listen to Right Hon. Ernest Brown, C.H., M.C., and his wife. Both these talented Christian speakers addressed large and attentive congregations. Mrs. Olsen, Mrs. Henderson, and Mrs. Beckett have witnessed for their Lord in the waters of baptism. Congratulations and best wishes to the following happy parents:— Mr. and Mrs. S. Thomsen (nee Thorp), a daughter; Mr. and Mrs. Priest (nee Beckett), a daughter: Mr. and Mrs. E. Church, a daughter Mr. and Mrs. C. Adamson, a son and a daughter. —R. N.

 

December 1950

N.R. Wood to Visit London

It was with surprise as a Church we at Hastings received the desire of the Union Assembly that we release our minister for the Commonwealth Congress. The work is progressing so splendidly in Hastings. Yet, as a deacons' court we felt we could not hold back. Therefore with unanimity we backed the splendid audacity of the Union and felt proud that as a Church we were called to give up a servant so worthy for the great opportunity.

 

HASTINGS (Rev. N. R. Wood).—During the absence of our minister at Assembly the pulpit was ably filled by Mr. A. E. Morgan and Dr. E. M. Velvin. A church filled to capacity had the privilege of hearing an inspiring rendering of the cantata, "The Great Light," by combined choirs. Members of the Bible Class camp at Havelock North attended morning worship, when Miss J. Rowe, Gisborne, and Mr. J. Stitchbury, Napier, assisted in the pulpit. The following new members were welcomed into fellowship: Mrs. Olsen, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Beckett, and Mrs. Petherick, sen. The parents of little Gordon James Trotter presented him before the Lord in dedication recently. Sincere Christian sympathy is extended to Mrs. Schofield, Jean and Doreen, on the passing of Mr. Schofield, and to Mr. Fear on the passing of his brother. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McKenzie (nee Gigg) on the birth of a son; and to Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gamman on the birth of a daughter.—R. N.

N.Z. Baptist Magazine

Since the first days of the church, Hastings Baptist submitted regular summaries of church life and events to the New Zealand Baptist Magazine.  As part of the centenary archive those updates have been collected and reproduced here.  It is a catalogue of people and moments that have shaped the church’s story.