Greendale Church Celebrates 150 Years

Services were conducted in sod whares, old sheds and eventually in the school, prior to the first Greendale Methodist Church, built by John Frew, opening on 4 May 1874. On Sunday 5 May this year many people associated with the church and particularly the Sunday School celebrated the 150-year Jubilee, with a service followed by a sumptuous country-style lunch.

The Jubilee service was well attended by past ministers including Rev. Mark Gibson who spoke about his late father's contribution to the Greendale Methodist Church. Rev. Loyal Joseph Gibson served there from 1955 to 1960 and designed the stunning stained-glass window for the replacement church building that opened in 1958. Rev Loyal made his last pilgrimage to Greendale in July last year at the age of 95. Rev. Mark blessed the congregation with the Greendale Blessing specially written last year for his father’s pilgrimage.

As a newcomer to the district, it was a joy to be amongst the descendants of the pioneers of this rural, Canterbury farming gem. Hearing the history from Ian Warren, and memories shared by Evan Frew and John Clarkson was spellbinding.

Rev. Andrew Doubleday led the singing of the Wesleyan hymns and preached a sermon which inspired and resonated with the inter-generational congregation packed into the church.

Graham Gough and Evan Frew unveiled a plaque made from recycled kauri. The inscription read: “Psalm 121:1 I look to the mountains, where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.”

The weather was perfect, for such a blessed occasion.