Methodists Celebrate 50
p. 89 · Read in the full issue
Years of Effort in BSI
rHE Methodist Mission in the Western Solomons celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the oundation of the Mission in the Jolomons with a Jubilee which ipened at Munda on May 23.
The Reverend J. F. Goldie, who ounded the Mission and was its eader until his retirement last year, eturned from Melbourne to attend he celebrations. Many representa ives of the Methodist Church m ?ew Zealand and Australia ittended, including the Rev. G. T. ..aurenson, the President of the New Zealand and Methodist Conference, he Rev. S. G. Andrews, General Secretary of the Board of Missions, he Rev. E. Te Hiu representing the vlaori Methodists of New Zealand; nd Mrs. L. Hallam representing the Slew Zealand Methodist Mission’s Women’s Union.
A very large assembly of Western Solomon Islanders attended, in cluding many ex-students of the excellent Methodist Mission schools, iome of whom now hold responsible eositions with the Protectorate Gov ernment and with private firms.
Messages were read at the jpening ceremony from the Acting Sigh Commissioner, Western Pacific rligh Commission, and the Acting Resident Commissioner, British Solomon Islands, congratulating the Vlission on its 50 years’ record of 'aithful and tireless service.
The Australasian visitors flew via Rabaul to Buka and from there ioumeyed in small boats in easy stages 400 miles down to Roviana n New Georgia, visiting mission stations en route.
Mr. Goldie, who inaugurated the nission at Roviana Lagoon in 1902 eceived a tumultuous welcome from the native people. He retired at ;he beginning of 1951 and has been living in Melbourne.
Apart from religious services, lancing, feasting, canoe races, choir singing, movies and other enter tainments were part of the celebra tions programme.