*On March 26, the laying of the foundation stone in connection with the new Methodist Church at Merriton took place.
The stone is certainly a very nice piece of' work and was procured from Adelaide.
At 3 o'clock, Mrs W H Binney, chosen to perform the duty was presented with a silver trowel, contributed by the ladies of Merriton. Mrs Binney made a very neat and well-worded speech.
This lady is one of the first women who came to Crystal Brook, and has always held a most prominent position among the Wesleyans.
Before churches of any kind were in the area their house was utilised for church purposes. Some 28 years ago this same lady performed a similar duty, by laying the first brick of the Rocky River Wesleyan Church, which was erected on Mr Binney’s farm, and which has been lately taken down and the building material carted to erect the new edifice.
The Rev J Stephenson, gave an excellent speech on Methodism, stating in his remarks that the present stone was, the first laid in South Australia by the Methodists since the union of the churches.
Mr R M Dennis read the financial report. Mr A Fergusson then held a sale of old iron and timber from the old churches, which fetched satisfactory prices. A public tea was also held.
A concert in the evening was held in the schoolroom and was well attended. The collections, sale of building material, tea, &c, realized about £70. The building, when completed, will cost about £325. The plans were prepared by Messrs Garlick & Co, architects, Adelaide: contractors, Messrs T Pritchard and J G Johnson.
The size of the building is 36 x 25 inside: height of walls from floor to ceiling, 15ft: the porch in front is 9 x 8 inside.
The church stands near the Merriton Bridge on a piece of land presented by Mr Davidson. Ref: Port Pirie Recorder and North Western Mail (SA) Wednesday 3 April 1901.
*The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Methodist Church at Merriton, in the Crystal Brook and Redhill circuit, took place yesterday afternoon. There was a huge gathering from all parts of the circuit. Mrs W H Binney, of Rocky River, one of the earliest residents of the district, was chosen to lay the stone, and the ladies connected with the United Church at Merriton presented her with a silver trowel, suitably inscribed. The Rev J B Stephenson, of Port Pirie, chairman of the northern district, and the circuit ministers, the Revs W W Finch and G W Kendrew, gave addresses. A public tea followed, and a concert was given in the public school in the evening. The proceedings were of a satisfactory character, and great interest was taken in the event. The architects for the new building are Messrs Garlick and Jackman, of Adelaide, and the contractors Messrs T Pritchard and F G Johnson, of Crystal Brook. Ref: Adelaide Observer (SA) Saturday 6 April 1901.
*The memorial stone of the Methodist Church, Merriton, was laid by Mrs W H Binney on the 26th.
The amount laid on the stone, sale of materials from the old churches, Rocky River and Merriton, tea and collection realized nearly £70.
There was the deepest possible interest taken in the whole affair which augurs well for the success of the united congregation. Ref: Laura Standard (SA) Friday 5 April 1901.
*Opening - On Sunday the opening services in connection with the Methodist Church at Merriton were celebrated. The Rev V Roberts conducted three services to full and overflowing congregations. The afternoon services were held outside, as it was impossible to get more than half those present inside the church. On Wednesday a tea and public meeting was held, and people from all parts of the district were present. Tea was provided in a large booth erected alongside the church, and so great was the crowd that the ladies were kept going for three hours. Large numbers could not get into the meeting, and supper, which was afterwards served, continued for two hours. The total amount collected for tea and supper was £23. A vote of thanks was passed to all who had contributed to the success of the meeting. The building is one of the prettiest in the northern areas, and reflects great credit on the architect, and on the contractors, Messrs Pritchard & Johnson. The total cost was £500, £140 of which has been met by using material from the old churches of Merriton and Rocky River, and by material provided by the farmers. The cedar pews were given by the old BC Church, Crystal Brook, and the rostrum and platform came from the Primitive Methodist Church, Redhill. This left the Merriton people with £300 to provide, and they have succeeded in raising by subscription and special efforts £190. The church is lighted with acetylene-gas. Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide SA) Monday 1 July 1901.
*A Prosperous Church, Merriton. March 29
As the result of the special effort made last Christmas, when a successful continental and bazaar were held in Mr G Miller's picturesque grounds, the Methodist circuit gave the Merriton church the privilege of using the proceeds of the harvest thanksgiving services to whatever purpose they desired. Accordingly, the chief movers determined in view of the bountiful harvest, reaped last season, to make a bold bid to raise sufficient money to pay off the whole of the interest-bearing debt on the church, £125. With this object, services were held on Sunday, and Monday. A large congregation assembled at the morning service on Sunday and anxiously awaited the arrival of the esteemed pastor (Rev R H Lee).
At the last moment a messenger arrived post haste to state that Mr Lee had been suddenly taken so ill as to be unable to attend. Great disappointment was felt. In the evening, failing the arrival of minister, Mr Hicks, of the Waterworks Department, filled the breach and gave an excellent address. The collections on Sunday amounted to £13. One anonymous donor placed a £10 note in the box. On Monday there was a large gathering under the presidency of Mr W H Binney. The speakers were the Rev W Curwood, and Messrs Symons and Treloar. The treasurer read his report, and concluded with an appeal to the company not to depart till all the money required was subscribed. He had already £91 promised and wanted volunteers for the remaining £34. As an additional inducement, Mr Dennis, the mortgagee, offered to forego the outstanding interest if the whole were subscribed that night. Under the inspiring energy of Mr Kelly and the Chairman, offers of various sums came from different parts of the building and gradually brought the goal nearer, till only 30/ was required. This immediately came from one hand. A supper, provided by the ladies, was held. Ref: Register (Adelaide SA) Thursday 31 March 1904.
*Merriton August 28
The annual picnic in connection with the Merriton Methodist Sunday school was held on Wednesday. Chief interest centred in a football match between Merriton and Clement's Gap. A fierce gale of wind blew right across the ground. The game resulted in a win for the home team by one behind to nothing. Tea and public meetings followed in the church. Ref: The Register (Adelaide SA) Thursday 30 August 1906.
*The Silver Jubilee of the first church built after Methodist union was celebrated at Merriton on March 28 and 29. This church is a union church in more senses than one, for the Bible Christian church at Merriton and the Wesleyan church at Rocky River were both demolished and the stone used in building the present church at Merriton. The seats in the present building come from the Bible Christian church at Crystal Brook, and the pulpit from the Primitive Methodist church at Redhill. But in a deeper sense it is a truly union church, as will be seen from the details of the first meeting held in the church at Merriton on May 7, 1900. The late Rev W W Finch, supported by Rev G W Kendrew, presided over a meeting of 54 persons. The following resolution was proposed by Mr T Marshall (now of Crystal Brook), seconded by the late Mr John Miller MP, and carried unanimously—"That this meeting affirms the desirability of building a new church at or near Merriton township to meet the urgent requirements of the congregations worshipping at Merriton and Rocky River.
The present Church buildings are in a very dilapidated condition, and would require immediate repairs, which outlay would not be needed in the event of a central church being erected.
Thus the start was made for the erection of the first Methodist church after union. A very strong Trust was formed with Mr R M Dennis as secretary (a position he held for 23 years). The plans of the church were drawn by Mr T Hicks, who supervised the erection of the building, the contractors being Messrs F G Johnson and T Pritchard. The foundation stone was laid on March 26, 1901, by Mrs W H Binney, and the minister especially invited to take part was Rev J B Stephenson. The church was opened on Sunday, June 23, 1901. On the following Wednesday, June 26, a tea and public meeting was held.
In June, 1909, a lecture hall was erected and opened free of debt, the ministers present being Revs W J Walker and D B Bridgwood.
The "Silver Jubilee" held on March 28 and 29 was a great success. The church was crowded on each occasion, old friends from all parts of the State being present. The choir was largely composed of old members, with Mrs A McDonald, of Snowtown, at the organ. Rev Vivian Roberts conducted both services on the Sunday. Anthems were given at each service, and solos rendered by Mrs Roberts. On the Monday a tea, public meeting, and supper was held. Supper followed the meeting, and a very successful and interesting celebration was brought to a close. Ref: Australian Christian Commonwealth (SA) Friday 3 July 1903.
