Church to celebrate centenary

Waitara Knox Church centennial celebrations organing committee members met yesterday to discuss plans for the church's 100 year celebrations being held over Labour Weekend. From left, Janet Finer (committee member), Lynette Hodge, (Elder) Ian Finer, (Elder) John Hodge (Elder) and Graham Armstrong (Elder) and Session clerk. Waitara's Knox Presbyterian Church is ringing up 100 years next month and will celebrate with three days of festivities. The world was at war when the church opened its doors for the first time on Waitara's Grey St on October 21, 1914, and the wooden building weathered time and the elements until earthquake concerns required its replacement. The modern building now on the site, which opened in early 2013, is much more than a church. Boasting a basketball court, gym, childrens' play centre, offices, a conference room and a large auditorium, the church elders look on it as a a community hub as much as a place of worship. Labour Weekend, just a couple of days after the actual anniversary date, has been selected as the time to stage the celebrations. After an informal meet and greet on the evening of Friday, October 24, things kick off in earnest Saturday morning with the cutting of the anniversary cake followed by lunch. In line with the church's support of democracy in all things, the events for Saturday afternoon will be decided by a vote. Options might include egg and spoon races, things the whole family can enjoy or maybe a bus tour. A dinner dance will follow on Saturday night, and the usual Sunday morning church gathering will see ministers who served the church in past years taking part in a special thanksgiving service. Those interested in attending the centenary celebrations or getting further information can contact Lisa Parsons at lisa@waitara.org.nz or phone the church at 06 754 4356. Jeff Stone is a Witt journalism student - Taranaki Daily News http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/10462674/Church-to-celebrate-centenary