History of Knox Church Dunedin/Chapter 5
CHAPTER V.
THE value of the Sabbath School as a most important auxiliary of the Church was fully recognised by the minister and office-bearers of Knox Church from the very outset. The church was opened for Divine service on May 6, 1860; and a week afterwards (May 13), a Sabbath School was begun under the superintendence of the late Mr John Gillies. As far as can be ascertained, the first staff of teachers consisted of Mrs D. M. Stuart, Mrs Macgoun, Miss Brown (now Mrs T. Moodie), Miss E. Brown (now Mrs Herdman), Miss Gillies (now Mrs Macrae), Miss Logan (now Mrs Berwick), Miss Macgoun (now Mrs Boot), Misses Revell,[1] and Purdie. Messrs R. S. Allen, S. Croker, F. W. Falconer, E. Gillies, G. Hepburn, T. Moodie, and Alex. Stewart. After a few months of valuable service, Mr Gillies retired from the active duties of superintendent, but until the day of his death he never ceased to cherish a warm interest in the welfare of the school. The late Mr C. H. Street was appointed his successor.
The school was carried on for a time under difficulties, as it met in the interval between the forenoon and the afternoon church services. But in July 1862 an alteration was made in the hours of public worship by postponing the afternoon service to six (afterwards changed to half-past six) o'clock, thus giving, as the Session minute somewhat naively states, "greater opportunity for doing justice to the Sabbath School, and also being a preventive to the wandering of young men and women on the Sabbath evenings." The alteration was made also to meet the case of female servants who could not make arrangements for attending at the afternoon service. The change, however, was postponed for some time after it had been resolved upon "in order that the Wesleyan minister might have the use of the church on the Sabbath evenings." The change of the hour of meeting brought about a marked improvement in the Sabbath School attendance, which rose at once from about 100 to 175. The school continued to prosper, and in 1870, the tenth year of its existence, the attendance had increased to 330 scholars, with 52 teachers. Mr Street's tact and his courtesy towards the teachers, combined with, his regularity and punctuality of attendance and his admirable administrative ability enabled him to carry on the work of the school with remarkable smoothness and success. After nearly fifteen years of zealous devotion to his duties as superintendent, Mr Street—in view of his contemplated visit to the Home Country—resigned his charge at the close of the year 1874. By that time the attendance had increased to 480 scholars.
A new and interesting feature in the organisation of the school was introduced about the beginning of 1874. This was the formation of a separate department for the younger children, whose instruction in a manner suitable to their years and capacity was undertaken by Mr David Ferguson, assisted by Miss Gourley (now Mrs Wadie) and other volunteers. This primary school meets in the class-room of the Old Church every Sabbath afternoon; and to Mr Ferguson is due the credit of having made it a useful adjunct of the main school. He continued his valuable services until his removal to Ravensbourne in 1881. He was succeeded by Mr Clement White, who is still in charge of the department, which he manages with much ability, enthusiasm, and success. In this work he is greatly helped by several well-qualified lady assistants. By means of a black-board, pictorial illustrations, and lively and suitable hymns, lessons are given to about 250 little children in a way suited to their capacity. As the scholars become sufficiently advanced they are drafted off to the main school.
For some time before his retirement Mr Street had advocated the engagement of a superintendent who should be able to devote a very considerable portion of his time and attention to Sabbath School work. This proposal was favourably entertained by the office-bearers, by whom it was laid before the annual congregational meeting in 1874. It was thereupon agreed that a congregational missionary should be engaged to assist the minister to some extent in his pastoral work, and more particularly to devote himself to the religious instruction of the young of the congregation. The selection of a suitable person was committed to the Rev. R. Howie, of Glasgow, and to Messrs James Adam and R. S. Gardner, both of whom were at that time in the Home Country. These gentlemen made choice of Mr Duncan Wright, who with his family arrived at Dunedin in November 1874, He entered on his important duties in January 1875, with spirit and zeal.
During Mr Wright's superintendency much useful work was done. Meetings of the teachers began to be held statedly for the preparation of the lessons to be given to the scholars, and for the discussion of questions of a practical nature relating to Sabbath School work; and large additions of suitable books were made to the library from time to time. Until the year 1877 the work of instructing the very large number of scholars in attendance was carried on under considerable difficulty, owing to the unsuitable arrangement of the pews; but after the removal of the church services to the new building, the seating in the Old Church was altered in such a manner as to admit of the several classes being so arranged as to place the scholars in each class immediately within sight and hearing of the teacher, thus enabling the work of every class to be carried on much more effectively and comfortably. The number of separate classes that can now be conveniently seated around their respective teachers is about sixty.
In December 1876 Mr Wright, having been offered an appointment in connection with the Dunedin Young Men's Christian Association, requested to be relieved from his engagement as congregational missionary on the ground that the proposed duties would be more congenial to his tastes, and would afford him an extended field of usefulness. He expressed his willingness, however, to continue his services as superintendent of the Sabbath School, and to assist in his turn in carrying on the Sabbath services at Ravensbourne, and on this understanding his resignation as congregational missionary was accepted. He continued in charge of the Sabbath School until the beginning of 1880, when the pressure of other engagements necessitated his resignation. The following resolution was passed by the Session on the occasion:—"In receiving the resignation of Mr Wright as superintendent of the church Sabbath School, which he has held for over five years, the Session records its high opinion of his valuable services to that institution, and its conviction that the Gospel has in many ways been commended to the young of the congregation by his unflagging zeal and practical wisdom." It is due to Mr Wright to state also that during his engagement as congregational missionary his work was manifold, and was heartily and efficiently performed.
It was with much satisfaction that the friends of the school saw the office vacated by Mr Wright filled by Dr William Macdonald and Mr W. B. Harlow, who had agreed to act as joint superintendents. After a short period of most invaluable service Dr Macdonald was compelled by the state of his health to withdraw from the work for a time. He returned to his post in April 1883, but at the end of the year the same cause necessitated his relinquishing a position for which his rare abilities so pre-eminently fitted him. For three years Mr Harlow gave much of his time and attention to the work of superintendent, and on his retirement in 1888 the Session recorded its thanks to him for his valuable services to the school for eleven years as a teacher, and for three years as superintendent. The teachers at the same time recognised in a substantial manner their appreciation of his efforts on behalf of the school.
Dr Macdonald and Mr Harlow were succeeded by Mr John Reith, who had been for many years a devoted Sabbath School teacher both in the Home Country and in Dunedin. He entered on the work of superintendent in the beginning of 1884, and performed his onerous and responsible duties with much zeal and ability. He was unwearied in his efforts on behalf of both teachers and scholars, and did much in various ways to advance the efficiency and success of the school. The preparatory lessons conducted by him for the guidance of the teachers were well attended and much prized by them. His professional duties having called him elsewhere, Mr Reith was compelled to resign the office of superintendent in the beginning of 1890, after upwards of six years of abundant and successful labours.
A Juvenile Industrial Exhibition in connection with the Sabbath Schools was held in the month of December 1884, and proved very successful. "The articles exhibited were nearly all the workmanship of the teachers and scholars, and showed that a valuable technical education had been received at home." In the prosecution of this undertaking the teachers and scholars were most enthusiastic; the ladies especially worked zealously and unselfishly. While many rendered valuable service in the promotion of this undertaking, Messrs Reith, White, and Todd were its moving spirits. The exhibition was held instead of the usual annual pic-nic, and while it afforded much pleasure and satisfaction to the scholars and all others concerned, it produced very substantial financial results, as the managers were enabled to present to the Deacons' Court, out of the profits, the handsome sum of £65, with the recommendation that £50 should be handed over to the Building Fund, and the balance to the Organ Fund.
In the winter of the following year (July 1885) a scheme of practical benevolence was inaugurated by Mr Reith and the teachers, and was most heartily and liberally supported by the scholars and their friends. This was the institution of an annual "Gift Day Festival," at which contributions of articles of food, clothing, &c., are presented by the children of the Sabbath Schools and their friends for distribution among the poor. Many families outside the membership of the church share in the distribution of the children's offerings. The seventh annual Gift Day Festival was held on June 5, 1891. "The Old Church was crowded in every part. During the first half-hour the gifts poured in, and those (such as coals) which were too bulky to be received, were announced. Dr Stuart presided, and the Rev. A. P. Davidson asked the Divine blessing on the offerers and the offerings. A large choir of children, led by Mr Braik, discoursed pleasant music. The Eev. D. Dutton and the Hon. W. D. Stewart gave appropriate addresses, which were well received. Messrs W. T. Todd and C. White proposed and seconded a vote of thanks to all who presented gifts on the occasion, to the speakers, and to the ladies who so kindly assisted. We noticed that all that had been in wear were spotlessly clean, and so neatly repaired that they 'looked maist as weel as new.' The following articles were contributed, and we understand they have been judiciously distributed:—
| 15 | tons coal | 33 | boys' and mens' shirts |
| 41 | bags oatmeal | 67 | boys' flannel shirts |
| 3 | {{{1}}}„flour | 33 | neckties |
| 2 | tins cocoa | 2 | pairs braces |
| 44 | packets tea | 4 | skirts |
| 4 | loaves bread | 7 | ulsters |
| 4 | packets and 1 box candles | 53 | ladies' jackets |
| 2 | packets arrowroot | 88 | dresses |
| 2 | {{{1}}}„maizena | 3 | capes |
| 10 | {{{1}}}„ and 2 tins biscuits | 42 | aprons and pinafores |
| 35 | {{{1}}}„sugar | 19 | bodices |
| 3 | {{{1}}}„rice | 188 | garments—ladies' underclothing |
| 1 | {{{1}}}„barley | 2 | wool scarfs |
| 2 | {{{1}}}„sago | 1 | shawl |
| 1 | {{{1}}}„lollies | 1 | infants' hood |
| 2 | tins chocolate | 5 | pairs gloves |
| 1 | tin condensed milk | 4 | nightcaps |
| 12 | tins jam | 28 | pieces ribbon |
| 2 | bars and 1 box soap | 1½ | pair blankets |
| 46 | pairs boots | 1 | rug |
| 66 | hats | 1 | doll |
| 27 | mens' hats | 1 | piece sheeting |
| 137 | pairs stockings | 1 | {{{1}}}„wincey |
| 39 | collars | 1 | {{{1}}}„lustre |
| 52 | boys' coats | 2 | {{{1}}}„calico |
| 30 | trousers | 2 | {{{1}}}„flannel |
| 6 | men's trousers | 20 | sundries |
| 19 | waistcoats | Cash, £3 10s 10d | |
| 2 | overcoats | ||
Total, 1125 articles and £3 10s 10d, as against 1329 articles and £6 11s last year."[2]
On Mr Reith's retirement he was succeeded by Mr William T. Todd, who had acted as deputy-superintendent for the two previous years. Mr Todd became a teacher in the Sabbath School in 1881, and acted as secretary from 1884 until his appointment to the position of deputy-superintendent. Since his connection with Knox Church he has taken a very active and intelligent interest in its welfare, and since his promotion to the management of the Sabbath School he has amply fulfilled the high expectations that were formed of him when he was unanimously elected to that responsible position.
It is stated in the Annual Report that in 1865 there were Sabbath Schools also in operation at Pelichet Bay, Wakari, and N.E. Valley, with an aggregate attendance of from 100 to 150 scholars. The teachers at that time were as follows:—Pelichet Bay—Messrs John Grant and F. W. Falconer; Wakari—Messrs G. Hepburn and D. McLauchlan; N.E. Valley—Messrs Collie, Veale, Eaton, and Duncan, Mrs Collie, and the Misses Strain. The Sabbath School at Wakari continued in connection with Knox Church until 1867, when the Kaikorai district was formed into a separate ministerial charge. Several circumstances—the chief of which was the recognition of North Dunedin as a separate charge—led to the severance in 1871 of the long-continued connection between N.E. Valley Sabbath School and Knox Church. The school had been conducted with much efficiency and success for a number of years previously by Mr R. Dalgleish and his staff of teachers.
The Pelichet Bay School met at first in Mr Grant's residence, but as the attendance increased a schoolhouse was built on a Corporation section in Albany street granted rent-free during the Council's pleasure. In 1874 the Deacons' Court found it necessary to erect a building in Union street at a cost of £80, the attendance having by that time increased to 70 scholars. In the course of a year or two this building had to be given up, but the school is now admirably accommodated in Albany street Public School, kindly granted for the purpose by the School Committee. On Mr Dalgleish's retirement from the charge of N.E. Valley Sabbath School in 1871 he entered the Pelichet Bay School staff, in which he has ever since rendered most willing and devoted service. In 1874 the school received a valuable accession of strength by the addition of Mr W. G. Jenkins to its teaching staff. Mr John Grant, the founder of the school, remained in charge until his resignation in 1881. On that occasion the following minute was passed by the Session:—"The Session, in receiving the resignation by Mr John Grant of his eldership and his superintendency of Pelichet Bay Sabbath School, record their sense of his services as elder, and especially as the founder of the said school, and as its superintendent for over nineteen years. In conducting the school with the aid of members of bis family for some years under great disadvantages, and in taking the chief burden in erecting successively the school-houses in Albany street and Union street, which accommodated the district prayer meeting as well as the school, Mr Grant showed zeal worthy of imitation, and which they gladly recognise." At the request of the Session Mr Jenkins, in association with Mr Dalgleish, now undertook the charge of this school, and, with the exception of a few months' absence from Dunedin, he has ever since devoted himself to the work with much zeal and success.
In 1876 a Sabbath School was organised at Ravensbourne by Mr John Tennant, a former deacon of Knox Church. It was maintained in connection with the church until 1879, when Ravensbourne and Rothesay were formed into a separate ministerial charge. At Pine Hill a Sabbath School was begun in 1881 by the schoolmaster, Mr E. S. Gardner, an elder of Knox Church. In connection with the Sabbath services conducted at Mount Cargill by office-bearers and members of Knox Church, a Sabbath School has been in successful operation for a number of years. Miss Moir, of the Schoolhouse, Messrs Moir (teacher), Reith, Todd, and others have done good work on behalf of the Mount Cargill school. In their report for 1881 the Session expressed a desire to see a congregational or union Sabbath School and occasional religious services established about the middle of the Leith Valley. The opening of a public school in that locality in 1884 enabled the residents to carry out both suggestions, and a Sabbath School is now in successful operation there. Mr Andrew Hogg, the active superintendent, Messrs Jones, Booth, and other residents have been indefatigable in their labours on behalf of the school.
It is scarcely necessary to state that the Sabbath Schools are provided with circulating libraries containing well-selected and suitable books, and that the scholars are statedly supplied with children's illustrated periodicals suited to their years. The children are taught to take a warm interest in Christian missions, and encouraged to contribute towards their support. The contents of the missionary boxes for 1890 yielded the sum of £70 10s 9d. Of this amount Pelichet Bay contributed £3 19s 11d, and Mount Cargill £1 8s 1d. The money was apportioned as follows:—£36 for the maintenance of six native teachers on the island of Emæ, New Hebrides; £20 to the mission ship "Dayspring"; and £20 10s 9d to the General Mission Fund of the church.
- ↑ Miss Revell was born and reared in London. She came to Otago in the first days of the settlement with a family with whom she served for a time. She was well educated, and had great force of character. She joined the staff of the Sabbath School on its establishment in 1860, and proved a very successful teacher. Her pupils revered her. It was the opinion of Messrs Gillies and Street, and in which I concurred, that she was a born teacher, who readily found her way to the confidence and affection of her pupils. She returned to London many years ago to be with her mother in her old age. During my Home visit I found her out, and was delighted to learn that she was still the servant of the Sabbath School, and as successful in her work as when she taught in Knox Church School twenty-five years ago. She was the pluckiest little woman of my acquaintance. Bad roads and wet weather never kept her from Bible Class, Sabbath School, or public worship. I remember when a week's rain from the south-east had flooded the whole of the Flat, leaving only small patches visible. I was in my place at 9.45 on the Sabbath morning to meet the Bible Class, but of the large number on the roll Miss Revell alone turned up, having fortified herself for the journey with leathern gaiters. That forenoon only twenty-five persons appeared at the morning service, of whom five were women. Miss Revell was a worker wise and energetic. I think of her as one of our church founders.—D.M.S.
- ↑ The N.Z. Presbyterian, July 1, 1891.