February 1999
River Baptism at Hastings
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After a Christmas celebration service Rex Healy of the Hastings Baptist Church was baptised in a local river by Pastor Gordon Mill, Tim Cox and Ross Stewart. Mr Healy testified how God had brought him through some major problems to walk with him again. Later the church family enjoyed a picnic together.
May 1999
HASTINGS
We look forward encouragingly to the coming months under the inspiring leading of our Pastor Gordon Mill. One morning service was led by our council, another by a youth team. Our regular singing groups, accompanied by musicians, bring joy to the services. After worship morning teas prove a friendly place to gather and chat. Good Friday we worshipped with several other churches and Easter buns enjoyed after the service.
August 1999
Cecil Boggis 1904-1999
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Rev Cecil Boggis died on 21 June after 69 years of ministry. In 1927, at 23, Cecil entered Baptist College, which was then situated at the Baptist Tabernacle. A year later he and eight fellow students began their studies at the college's new premises on Mt Hobson.
After graduating in 1930 and marrying Irene Fewell in 1931, he served in pastorates at Island Bay, Hastings, Pt Chevalier, Palmerston North, Invercargill, Blockhouse Bay, Masterton and Glen Eden.
Sometimes he moved from larger churches to small, church planting situations. He conducted several missions, spoke at Bible Class camps, and contributed to the biblical syllabus. He ministered at "Keswick" type conventions on at least ten occasions, both in New Zealand and in Australia. In 1947 it was Cecil Boggis, at the annual Assembly, who moved a motion "to investigate the best possible methods of discharging our obligation to the Maori people ... " In 1953 he served as President of the Baptist Union and Missionary Society.
Cecil Boggis taught church history at the Bible College (then called BTI) from 1955 to 1960, and again from 1966 to 1972. He never gave up his call to be a minister of the gospel. In 1970 he and Irene "retired" to Milford, where he shared the preaching with Rev Marcus Bowden on alternate Sundays. With his wife's failing health they moved in 1984 to the Howick Baptist Home, where Irene died soon afterwards. In his remaining years, as far as his health allowed, Cecil Boggis led a Bible study ministry in the Home. His devotionals were published a few years ago in a book called 'New Every Morning,' which is still in print.
The life of Cecil Boggis goes on, for as the Hebrew writer states, "And by faith he still speaks even though he is dead." I thank God for every memory of him, as do many whose lives have been influenced by his ministry.
-Arthur C. Howan
HASTINGS
Many inspirational and encouraging messages our Pastor Gordon Mill continues to deliver to us. Mother's Day was happily celebrated; also the missionary focused annual appeal weeks. The team from "Doulos" was much enjoyed at a morning service. Cell groups continue well, also young people's work. ''The Sycamore Tree" is the name for our younger peoples work building. Men's Breakfasts continue at the manse regularly, also Ladies' Breakfasts at the church. Girls' Brigade operating happily under faithful leadership.
November 1999
HASTINGS
As a church family we have been greatly blessed through the interim ministry of Rev. Gordon Mill. Our prayers and blessings will follow him as he and Lynette leave to commence their work in Thames. We as a church eagerly look forward to a new chapter in our church's life as we welcome our new pastor, Paul & Joy Davison and family in October. A large number enjoyed the "Guess Who's Coming to Lunch" recently.