“With thankfulness and with the confession of our utter dependence on the mercy and the continuing good of our God, we proclaim our entrance into the second century of our life as a Baptist Union of NSW.”

These words were spoken yesterday morning by the Minister of the Port Macquarie Baptist Church, the Rev. D. E. Hartmann, L.Th., in reading the proclamation at a special service to mark the centenary of the Baptist church.

Conveying greetings to the Minister and congregation the mayor of Port Macquarie, Ald C.C. Adams said the establishment of the modern church building at the entrance to the town is a most welcome sight to visitors, many of whom stop to photograph its unique design.

The mayor went on to say: “I do not find it difficult to understand the reason for the advancement your church has made over the years because from my personal experiences, I have always found, the type of church service usually, conducted, is one of simplicity, conveying a readily understandable message and one in which young and old may participate with ease.

“I believe I should compliment you on the choice you made in giving the call to your fine young minister, the Reverend Hartmann and Mrs. Hartmann. The Reverend Hartmann is ever ready to participate in municipal affairs when called upon.”

Junior Surfers prominent at branch championships

Port Macquarie’s junior surf club members competed outstandingly at the Mid North Coast Branch surf championships, held at Flynns Beach on Sunday last. The juniors figured prominently in every event in which they entered.

Russell Pilcher was the star of the carnival with four outstanding wins, but he had to fight every inch of the way as strong competition came from his clubmates, Mark Dingle and Bob March. Pilcher won the junior and senior surf races, the junior belt race and the Iron Man event as well as a second placing in the ski rescue race, partnered by Fred Middleton.

Dingle scored a second placing in the novice surf race, being beaten by K. Bannerman of South West Rocks and figured in a thrilling senior surf race duel with clubmate Bob March.

These two fought stroke for stroke, pushing Pilcher right out to finish in a dead heat for second placing.

Bob March gave Pilcher all the competition he needed in the junior belt race when he held the lead 30 yards out from the buoys.

However, Pilcher had enough in hand to touch him out of first place. March scored a well-earned win in the Malibu board race.

The junior R & R team consisting of J. Gilleland, I M. Dingle, S. Grogan, B. Butler, F. Middleton and R. March, entered both the junior and senior divisions gaining a second placing in the senior event and winning the junior event comfortably from South West Rocks.

The juniors were also the stars of Port Macquarie’s two surfing teams victories. Port Macquarie’s junior boat crew scored a double when they brilliantly won the B-boat section and later outclassed the field to win the junior boat race.