by Rev. J. A. T. Van Dorp
Engineers, architects and builders have designed and erected structures that have become objects of admiration and some of which are now landmarks of international renown. Wellington’s parliamentary administration building is such a landmark. It has been named the Beehive because its shape is not unlike a giant beehive. Over the past few years it has commenced to take its place as the architectural creation that identifies Wellington not only as the capital city of New Zealand but also as the seat of government. It has become a familiar sight to the many tourists visiting Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White Cloud) as the early Maori people called New Zealand.
However, we believe that, almost in the shadow of the Beehive, gatherings occur in connection with which the apostle Paul, in similar circumstances, wrote: “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” (2 Thess. 2: 13). When the apostle laboured in Thessalonica, as in other places, he met both with discouragement and encouragement. Sometimes beaten up, sometimes publicly flogged, sometimes he was gaolod. Yet he found much encouragement, not only in the conversions that occurred, but also in the midst of the distressing circumstances that he often experienced. In the midst of the prison in Philippi, he and Silas rejoiced in spite of their tribulations. The cause of Christ in every age has experienced adversity as well as prosperity. The small congregation in Wellington, in the shade of the Beehive, is no exception.
Services were first commenced there by Rev. Wm. MacLean during his time as minister of Gisborne. In his report to the Synod of May 1967 he stated: “Since last November regular Sabbath services have been begun in Wellington, and a weekly prayer meeting.” These regular services continued for a period of about five years when lack of interest forced a suspension and finally the one resident communicant member was transferred to Auckland by his employers. It is truly sad that the hundreds of Scots originating from Lewis and Harris, resident in the Wellington area, have turned their backs on the truth. Many no doubt have found it more attractive to be associated with a modernistic denomination or to give up religious practices altogether. Although there is such a great need of a separate witness throughout New Zealand, it seemed as if Satan had gained the day as far as services in Wellington were concerned. Until the end of 1978 there were only occasional services conducted there. From the beginning of 1979 however, something of a regular pattern developed with services for a time on a monthly basis. The numbers attending were small, only about ten. However, it was easier now to make arrangements as one person in Wellington had been accepted as a communicant member and was on the Gisborne roll of communicants. Another factor was the help being given by Mr. D. Vermeulen, who had been a communicant member since 1964 and whose daughter and family live near Wellington. Although he lives a considerable distance from Wellington, he agreed to help with the services there on a regular basis. About this time Mr. N. Hicklen, who until then was a communicant member in the Gisborne congregation, had to further his education at the Central Institute of Technology near Wellington and so he became a much valued addition and helper in the Lord’s vineyard. When his course of instruction ended, an employment opportunity opened up in the Lord’s providence so that his much appreciated assistance was secured where it was and is so much needed. After all, how necessary the witness of our denomination on the side of the truth is. The Presbyterian Church of New Zealand is a large but diminishing denomination. The Declaratory Act is responsible for her decline. The Rev. Wm. MacLean in his Australia and New Zealand Report in 1967 stated that “The Presbyterian Church of New Zealand has so far gone in apostacy since the passing of the Declaratory Act in 1901, that by its statement on the ‘Resurrection of Christ’ passed at its General Assembly in Wellington, it has forfeited the right to be called a branch of the Christian Church.” The Anglican paper CHURCH AND PEOPLE, also quoted by Mr. MacLean in the same report stated: “Principal Geering won hands down: hence-forward his view that our Lord’s body rotted in the ground may be taught by any Presbyterian minister,” i.e. of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. It is therefore a matter for great thankfulness that regular weekly Sabbath services were made possible in Wellington from 19th August 1979. The services have continued until now and the congregation, whilst still small, has become considerably stronger. They have not been without trials and discouragements. That of course is a matter to be expected. The footsteps of the flock are marked by tribulations. We cannot expect the devil to be idle when his palace is attacked.
At first a very suitable chapel was available in the Y.W.C.A. building for only a small rental. Suddenly it was no longer available as the Spiritualists block-booked the chapel a year in advance. Our services then had to be conducted in the public lounge in the same building. This was only fairly satisfactory on account of a noise factor. At last the building was sold which necessitated removal to the Trades Hall where the Board room proved a satisfactory venue until the building became the object of a bomb attack. This vile deed caused the death of the resident caretaker and aroused the anger of a broad segment of the public. The consequence for the small congregation was a move to another building, also suitably situated in Central Wellington.
These difficulties make it clear that, small though the congregation is, a meeting place of a more permanent nature is desirable. The Australia and New Zealand Presbytery have approved the purchase of a suitable building should one become available. In 1980 the Presbytery appointed the Gisborne elders assessors for the Wellington congregation. The assessor-Kirk Session decided in due course that locally elected elders should be ordained. This was desirable on account of the long distances of the capital, both from Gisborne and Auckland and the need for local decisions to be made when necessary. As a measure of growth occurred in the Lord’s good providence an election of office bearers became feasible. A total number of eighteen people now attend the services of whom seven are members in full communion, i.e. three women and four men. Messrs D. P. Vermeulen, N. F. Hicklen and A. van Dorp are the elected elders who conduct the services. There are two services on the Sabbath and a prayer meeting on Saturday evening.
The Reformers have pointed out that the three marks that characterise the true Church are the pure preaching of the truth, the dispensing of the sacraments and the scriptural exercise of discipline. It was therefore a healthy development and an expression of spiritual life when requests were made for the death of Christ to be remembered in Wellington in accordance with the Saviour’s dying command: “Do this in remembrance of me.” It is a commandment not easily dismissed by a person with spiritual life. The matter was first discussed in a Kirk Session Meeting in April 1983 but nothing eventuated that year. In April 1984 a resolution was passed that the Lord’s death is to be remembered subject to His will, on the last Sabbath of August. Rev. E. A. Rayner agreed to assist.
Brethren pray for us.
We know that persons of great skill were busy in designing and building the Beehive. When we consider that a much greater Architect and Builder is at work in building the Church, “we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord.” Brethren let us give thanks. “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”