After months of planning and hard work the centennial celebrations of the Ashburton Methodist Church went very well, parish steward Judith Crozier says.
About 100 people gathered for the occasion last week, which included a service and luncheon.
‘‘It was exciting to have everyone together and enjoying themselves,’’ she said.
‘‘It was just wonderful to have Peter and Sharon Taylor join us, it was like family coming home.’’
Reverend Peter Taylor, now retired and living in Invercargill was the parish minister when the earthquake struck in September 2010.
It led to the closing of the church until major restoration work was done with the sale of the church hall to the Ashburton District Council.
Taylor, the immediate past president of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, visited when the church reopened in February 2023.
Also attending the service were president of the national Methodist church Reverend Te Aroha Rountree and vice-president Reverend Peter Norman.
Acknowledging her 50 years as the church secretary, Daphne Whiting was given the honour of cutting the centennial cake.
Former Ashburtonian Ann Woodham sung – These Hills and Cathy Ashford of Ashburton played the organ.
‘‘We were lucky to have a fine day enabling more elderly, former members of the church to attend.
‘‘All were delighted in being back in the ‘former much loved church’, albeit restored,’’ Judith said.
Memorabilia from ‘‘the good old days’’ bought back happy memories including photos of the very early days of the church.
When the church reopened a photo was taken and those present signed it. It now hangs in the entrance way.
Also adoring the walls is the Willowby stained-glass windows, framed and lit in the Willowby Room.
Following the service attendees shared memories over a lunch catered by the Ashburton Silver Band.
