James and James Charteris arrived in New Zealand May 1907 (about a year ahead of Jeanie and the family joining them from Scotland). This is a compilation of newspaper coverage of their first seven months of ecclesiastical engagements – Mr Charteris and the Boy Preacher….
Auckland – Tāmaki Makaurau – June 1907
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, ALEXANDRA STREET. – 11 a.,m., “The Boy Preacher from Glasgow.” Auckland Star, 8 June 1907, p. 2.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, ALEXANDRA STREET. – 11 a.,m., Mr J. Charteris…TUESDAY, 7.30, Cantata – “Judah’s Captivity.” Reader, Boy Preacher. Auckland Star, 8 June 1907, p. 2.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, ALEXANDRA-STREET. – 11 a.,m., “The Boy Preacher from Glasgow.” New Zealand Herald, 8 June 1907, p. 2.
PITT AND EDWIN STS. 6.45pm., Mr D. Goldie and the Boy Preacher, from Glasgow.
NEWMARKET (Anniversary) – 11 a.m., The Boy Preacher. Auckland Star, 15 June 1907, p. 3.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. ALEXANDRA ST. – 11, Service for Parents and Young People. Addresses by Rev. W.S. Potter and Boy Preacher…6.45 p.m., Rev J.W. Smith and Boy Preacher from Glasgow”. Auckland Star, 22 June 1907, p. 3. and New Zealand Herald 22 June 1907, p. 2.
Mr Charteris heads south to Temuka (19 km north of Timaru)
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, Temuka. Quarterly Social Thursday, June 27th. Mr Charteris, of Glasgow, No-License Agent, will Speak and Sing. Collection.” Temuka Leader, 25 June 1907. p. 2.
Auckland – Tāmaki Makaurau – Boy Preacher
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. ALEXANDRA ST. – 11 a.m. Rev. W.S. Potter (Boy Preacher assisting), “Present Day Sacrifices”.
PITT AND EDWIN STREETS – 6.45 p.m., “The Boy Preacher.” Auckland Star, 6 July 1907, p. 3.
Temuka – Mr Charteris
The Rev. T. Coatsworth…Primitive Methodist Church, Temuka….Mr J. Charteris, no-license agent, will conduct the evening service at Temuka.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. Sunday Services. Temuka 6.30 p.m. Mr J. Charteris (No-License Agent). Temuka Leader, 13 July 1907, p. 2.
“A very successful open social in connection with the Good Hope Lodge, No. 42, I.O.G.T., Temuka, took place in the Lodge-room, Temuka, last evening, when there was an attendance of between 150 and 200 people…Addresses were given by the chairman, and Mr Charteris, the no-license agent in Temuka….one of the most successful socials held in Temuka”. Refreshments were handed around at interval, and the programmed also included songs, readings, dialogue and a banjo solo. Timaru Herald, 24 July 1907, p. 4.
Auckland – Tāmaki Makaurau
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. PITT AND EDWIN ST ANNIVERSARY. 6.45, “The Boy Preacher.” Auckland Star, 20 July 1907.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. PITT AND EDWIN STREETS. 11 a.m., The Boy Preacher.
ALEXANDRA ST. – 6.45 p.m., The Boy Preacher.
Auckland Star, 27 July 1907, p. 3 and New Zealand Herald, 27 July 1907, p. 2.
“The boy preacher from Glasgow will conduct a service at Cambridge on Monday evening under the auspices of the Primitive Methodist Church.” Waikato Independent, 15 August 1907, p. 4.
“It may interest our readers to know that “The Boy Preacher” who is announced from Glasgow, with his father in the Fifeshire. His parents at the time of his birth, and ever since have been members of the Primitive Methodist Church. The lad, whose name is James Chartervis, (sic) has just turned 16 years of age, and has been preaching occasionally during the last two years. Since his arrival in Auckland he has been employed by the Primitive Methodist Church and has drawn large crowds of people to is services. He is an earnest, evangelical preacher, free from all affectation and remarkably fluent, often conducting an entire service without a note. Since his arrival he has been the guest of the Rev. W.H.S. Potter, who bears unhesitating testimony to his Christian character.”
The Waikato Argus, 16 August 1907, p. 2.
Hamilton – Kirikiriroa – Boy Preacher
“The services in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church…a service at Victoria Hall on Monday evening, by the Boy Preacher, at 7.30. Waikato Independent, 17 August 1907, p. 4.
“The boy preacher spoke at both services in the Primitive Methodist Church, London – street, Hamilton, yesterday, and on each occasion the church was well filled. The lad’s eloquent style was greatly admired, and his addresses thoroughly enjoyed.” Waikato Argus, 19 August 1907, p. 2.
Waikato Argus, 20 August 1907, p. 3.
Master James Charteris, the boy preacher, attracted a fair congregation to Victoria Hall last evening. Master Charteris was attired in a Highland costume, and delivered a stirring discourse, making a deep impression on his hearers. Waikato Independent, 20 August 1907, p. 4.
“The “boy preacher” has been conducting services at Hamilton and Auckland, in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church. He recently arrived from Glasgow with his father”…. [then text as published in The Waikato Argus on 16 August]. Waihī Daily Telegraph, 22 August 1907, p. 2.
Auckland – PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. FRANKLIN RD.-11, the Boy Preacher. New Zealand Herald, 24 August 1907, p. 2.
“On Sunday last Master James Charteris, of Glasgow, Scotland, whose remarkable powers as a preacher have awakened such interest in Auckland, preached both morning and evening at St. Paul’s Primitive Methodist Church, Hamilton. Master Charteris, who preached for 25 minutes without notes, was attired in a Highland costume of sober colours, has a fluent, rapid delivery, and speaks with a clear, resonant voice, capable of filling a much larger building. For a youth of such immature years his capacity is said to be remarkable.” Manawatū Standard, 28 August 1907, p. 5.
“A boy preacher is attracting some attention in the North Island. He preached recently at Hamilton, and on each occasion the church was well filled. The lad’s eloquent style was greatly admired, and his addresses thoroughly enjoyed.” Otago Witness, 28 August 1907, p 37, and Temuka Leader, 29 August 1907, p 2, and Gisborne Times, 16 September 1907, p. 2.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. ALEXANDRA-STREET.- 11 a.m., Mr. D. Goldie and “The Boy Preacher.’ New Zealand Herald, 31 August 1907, p. 2.
AN OPEN SOCIAL will be held in the Good Hope Lodge-Room, Temuka, on Tuesday, Sept. 3rd, at 8 o’clock. Good Programme. Address by Mr Charteris. All Tickets 6d. Refreshments provided. Temuka Leader, 31 August 1907, p. 2 and 3 September 1907, p. 2.
Timaru – Mr Charteris
“The fortnightly meeting of the Kingsdown Mutual Improvement Society was held in the school on Thursday evening, when there was a good attendance….An interesting lecture on “The Seamy Side of Life in Glasgow” was delivered by Mr Charteris. The lecturer gave a vivid and graphic description of many phases of life in the slums of Glasgow, and was followed with close attention throughout. The lecture included many pathetic incidents but it was also relieved by many humorous anecdotes. At the close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Charteris for the interesting and instructive lecture that he had favoured the Society with.” Timaru Herald, 2 September 1907, p. 4.
Temuka
“At the Primitive Methodist Church, Temuka, to-morrow…the evening service by Mr J. Charteris.”
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. Sunday Services. Temuka, 6.30 p.m., Mr J. Charteris, No-license Agent.
Sunday Services. Temuka. 6.30 p.m. Mr Charteris, No-License Agent.”
Temuka Leader, 7 September 1907, p. 2.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. ALEXANDRA STREET. – 11 a.m., “The Boy Preacher.” New Zealand Herald, 14 September 1907, p. 2.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES-PITT and EDWIN STREETS. 6.45, “The Boy Preacher.” Auckland Star, 14 September 1907, p. 3.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. ALEXANDRA ST. – 11, Mr J. Charteris…TUESDAY, 7.30, Cantata – “Judah’s Captivity.” Reader, Boy Preacher.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. GREAT NORTH-RD. MISSION HALL.- 11, The Boy Preacher.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES-PITT and EDWIN STREETS. 6.45, The Boy Preacher and his father, from Glasgow.
Auckland Star, 21 September 1907, p. 3 and New Zealand Herald, 21 September 1907, p. 2.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. GREAT NORTH-RD. MISSION – 11, Mr J. Charteris from Glasgow.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES-PITT and EDWIN STS. – 6.45, Mr Charteris, from Glasgow.
Auckland Star, 28 September 1907, p. 3.
“The Pareora Library Committee met on Tuesday last, when there was a full attendance of members… It was decided to arrange with Mr Charteris to deliver a lecture about Glasgow life on the 22nd October.” Timaru Herald, 30 September 1907, p. 4.
Auckland – Tāmaki Makaurau
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. ALEXANDRA STREET – 11 and 6.45, Mr Charteris, The Boy Preacher’s Father from Glasgow.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. PITT and EDWIN STREET – 6.45, The Boy Preacher.
Auckland Star, 5 October 1907, p. 3.
Old Colonists’ Reunion, 10 October
The Social Gathering. “The proceedings in connection with the social gathering of old colonists at the Choral Hall yesterday were continued after we went to press…Mr. Gilbert Carson…concluded “There is no place which wins my heart like dear old Auckland.” The following programme of musical and other items was submitted during the afternoon, and warmly appreciated, encores being the rule more than the exception…address, by the Scotch Wee Laddie, Master Charteris.” Auckland Star, 11 October 1907, p. 3.
A memorable anniversary. “Pilgrim Fathers of New Zealand.”… As the morning progressed the weather improved, and the number at the subsequent gathering in the Choral Hall was large…
At St. Andrew’s Church…The Chairman [commenting on the early colonists said] they had left the Homeland trustful, in the fear of God, and brought their religion with them, planting the Church of their fathers upon a solid, permanent foundation….The Rev. W. Gittos, the Methodist Māori missionary, said the keynote of the gathering was that of thankfulness.
In the Choral Hall…Mr. Richard Monk, ex-M.H.R., eloquently described the hardships and difficulties with which the early settlers had to contend, and made an earnest appeal to the present generation to do their best in the essentials for well being, not forgetting patriotism and unswerving regard for the welfare of their country. He considered that the Parliament of New Zealand was not following out the good example of, and the lessons to be learnt from, the old pioneers in endeavouring to curtail the freehold. (Applause.) Mr. Monk also made a vigorous protest, against Government sanctioning the totalisator, which increased the revenue at the cost of public honour, and which was a vice adding another danger to the offspring of the old colonists. There were dangers enough, he said, without encouraging such a vice, and men and women should arouse themselves, and never cease their exertions until the thing, was expurgated at the ballot-box. (Applause.)
Master Charteris, a lad in kilts, delivered a striking address on the objects to be achieved in life…The hearty singing of ” Auld Lang Syne,” and the “National Anthem,” closed the proceedings.
New Zealand Herald, 11 October 1907, p. 6.
The audience James was preaching to, might have looked like this gathering of teachers inside the Choral Hall, 1903.
January 1903, Auckland Weekly News
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. PITT and EDWIN STS. – 11, “The Boy Preacher.”
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. GREAT NORTH-RD. MISSION – 11, Mr J. Charteris.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. ALEXANDRA STREET – 6.45, ”The Boy Preacher.”
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. MOUNT ROSKILL- 6.45 p.m., Mr Charteris.
Auckland Star, 12 October 1907, p. 3.
NEWMARKET S.S. ANNIVERSARY (Town Hall) – 11 a.m., The Boy Preacher.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES-PITT and EDWIN STS. 6.45 p.m., The Boy Preacher.
Auckland Star, 19 October 1907, p. 3.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES – PITT and EDWIN STS. – 11, Mr J. Charteris; 6.45, “The Boy Preacher.”
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES – MOUNT ROSKILL – 6.45, Mr Charteris, “The Prodigal Son and His Elder Brother.
Auckland Star, 26 October 1907, p. 3.
EDEN TERRACE PRIMITIVE METHODIST SUNDAY-SCHOOL-ANNIVERSARY SERVICES.-11, Mr Charteris; 3, Boy Preacher; 6.45, Rev. T.H. Lyon. Special Singing, Recitations.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES-PITT and EDWIN St.-6.45 p.m., “The Boy Preacher.”
Auckland Star, 2 November 1907, p. 3.
Eden Terrace Primitive Methodists, Sunday 3 November
“Very successful anniversary services in connection with the Eden Terrace Primitive Methodist Sunday-school were held on Sunday. In the morning the church was crowded, and at the afternoon and evening services numbers were unable to gain admission. The services were conducted by Mr. Charteris, the boy preacher, and the Rev. T. H. Lyon, the pastor of the church…Collections for the day constituted a record.” New Zealand Herald, 5 November 1907, p. 6.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. FRANKLIN ROAD – 3, Floral Service, address by Mr Charteris.
EDEN TERRACE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH – 6.45, Mr. Charteris. Anniversary hymns repeated.
Auckland Star, 9 November 1907, p. 3 and New Zealand Herald, 9 November 1907, p. 2.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. ALEXANDRA ST. – Sunday School Anniversary Services in CHORAL HALL – 11 a.m., the Boy Preacher.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES-PITT and EDWIN STS. – 11. Mr J. Charteris, 6.45. Mission Service, in which ‘Boy Preacher’ and others will take part.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. MOUNT ROSKILL – 6.45, Mr J. Charteris.
Auckland Star, 16 November 1907, p. 3.
Foresters’ Hall, Sunday 17 November “The Auckland Brotherhood held a pleasant Sunday afternoon service in the Foresters’ Hall yesterday…the speaker was “The Boy Preacher,” who took for his subject ”The Pharisee and the Publican.” New Zealand Herald, 18 November 1907, p 7.
Primitive Methodist Anniversary Services, Sunday 17 November “The sixty-second anniversary services of the Primitive Methodist Sunday-school, Alexandra-street, were commenced in the Choral Hall yesterday. James Charteris, the boy preacher from Glasgow, delivered a thoughtful address at the morning service.” New Zealand Herald, 18 November 1907, p 7.
“At the Choral Hall on Sunday, the 62nd anniversary services were commenced of the Primitive Methodist Sunday School, Alexandra-street. At the morning service James Charteris, the boy preacher from Glasgow, delivered an address…” Auckland Star, 19 November 1907, p. 4.
Alexandra-Street School: “The anniversary services of the Alexandra-street School were continued last evening. A goodly number sat down to tea, and after tea a public meeting was held in the church…The secretary presented the report for the year, which showed a roll number of some 300 children. The highest number on any one occasion was 194, and the lowest 37. The average attendance had been less than in previous years, because of very wet winter we have had. Some £16 had been spent in providing additions to the library, which now numbered between 1200 and 1300 volumes. Addresses were delivered by Mr. Charteris, the father of the Boy Preacher, and Mr A.J. Entrican, on various aspects of Sunday-school work…the 60th anniversary, will close with the children’s tea and competitions this evening.” Auckland Star, 20 November 1907, p. 7.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. ALEXANDRA ST. – 6.45, The Boy Preacher.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. MOUNT ROSKILL -6.45, Mr J. Charteris.
Auckland Star, 23 November 1907, p. 3.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. GREAT NORTH-RD. MISSION – 11 Mr J. Allan; Mr J. Charteris.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. PITT and EDWIN STS. 6.45, The Boy Preacher.
Auckland Star, 30 November 1907, p. 3.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. PITT AND EDWIN STS.- 3, Flower Service, Mr Charteris; 6.45, The Boy Preacher. Auckland Star, 7 December 1907, p. 3.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. MOUNT ROSKILL – 11 a.m. “The Boy Preacher”.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. ALEXANDRA ST. – 6.45 p.m., Mr Charteris.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. PITT and EDWIN STS. – 6.45 p.m., “The Boy Preacher.”
Auckland Star, 14 December 1907, p. 3.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. ALEXANDRA ST. 11 a.m., “The Boy Preacher,” Anthem, “Behold I Bring You Good Tidings’.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. NEWMARKET – 6.45 p.m., Mr J. Charteris.
Auckland Star, 21 December 1907, p. 3 and New Zealand Herald, 21 December 1907, p. 2.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. MOUNT ROSKILL – 11 a.m. Mr. J. Charteris.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. PITT and EDWIN STREETS. – 6.45 p.m., The Boy Preacher.
Auckland Star, 28 December 1907, p. 3.
References and reading
Aberhart, Laurence. (1981). Lodge, St George, Temuka. From the portfolio: Nine Masonic lodges in Canterbury (0.009926). Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/262770
Auckland Weekly News. (1903, January 29). An interior view of the Choral Hall, showing the teachers listening to a lecture, 20 January 1903. p. 3. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19030129-03-01. kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/179483
Cartwright, George. (c. 1908). [Photograph]. Interior of St Paul’s Methodist Church. Hamilton City Libraries HCL_03818. heritage.hamiltonlibraries.co.nz/objects/711/interior-of-st-pauls-methodist-church
Choral Hall (n.d.). [Photograph]. Auckland Museum PH-NEG-C9694. aucklandmuseum.com/collection/object/am_library-photography-53724
Daniell & Cray. (1913). Architectural plans – Alterations and Additions to Methodist Church, London St, Hamilton. Folder: 40; 101. Collection of Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery 1984/7/275.1-6. collection.waikatomuseum.org.nz/objects/18795/architectural-plans-alterations-and-additions-to-methodist-church-london-st-hamilton
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. (2005, June). Pitt Street Church (Methodist). 78 Pitt Street, Newton, Auckland. Historic Place Category 2. heritage.org.nz/list-details/626/626
Richardson, James D. (c. 1900). [Photograph]. Showing the interior of Pitt Street Methodist Church, c1900. Auckland Libraries Heritage Images Collections. digitalnz.org/records/30027465/showing-the-interior-of-pitt-street-methodist-church-c1900
Spoor, Ben C. (2018, December 29). Transcription of Article in the Primitive Methodist Magazine in the series “Our New Churches”. In: My Primitive Methodists. myprimitivemethodists.org.uk/content/chapels/county-durham-2/a-d-county-durham-2/bishop-auckland-central-pm-church-schools
Winkelmann, Henry. (1903). [Photograph]. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1-W1052. kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/97012