December 1938

November was indeed a memorable month for our Parish, marked by great services. It was the more memorable because of the Vestry’s discussion as to the part we should play in these critical days and the call which was issued to deepen and extend the work of our Parish through the Come to Church Campaign. Here is indeed a challenge and call to us all. The world’s spiritual capital has been drawn upon and now it must be replenished. There could be no better time than this Advent season to launch this campaign. I ask you now to play your part. Let God come first. Be ready to share in all His work remembering His promise, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

May the joy of Christmas be yours in all of its fulness.

Your sincere Friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH

PARISH NOTES

Congratulations are extended to the Rev. T. V. Pearson on passing Grade IV., and to Mr V. W. Joblin on passing Grades I. and II. of the Board of Theological Studies. Mr. Pearson is to be ordained to the priesthood in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Wellington, on Sunday, 18th December.

Shocking weather conditions prevailed on the day of the visit of the Rev. C. W. McDouall, of North China. Nevertheless, two good meetings were held with outstanding addresses. It is a glorious privilege to share in helping missionary work as described by this New Zealand missionary.

The combined Scout and Cub Birthday party held on 12th November was a pronounced success. We wish these splendid organisations many happy returns of the day. It was a happy thought which prompted the Rovers to have a farewell evening for Rover-Mate C. Wylie, on 15th November, on the eve of his departure and to wish him well in his work with the R.A.F. in England.

A large and appreciative audience thoroughly enjoyed the excellent concert presented by St. Matthew’s Sunday School on Wednesday, 16th November. Proceeds were in aid of the children’s efforts for the Cathedral Building Fund.

Professor G. W. von Zedlitz, M.A., will be the speaker at the annual prize giving at St. Matthew’s Collegiate School on Thursday, 15th December, at 7.30 p.m. All interested are invited.

We commend the appeal for black and oddments of wool for the Christmas dinner fund of the Church Army. Six thousand dinners to needy children were given last year by New Zealand.

As Christmas approaches, the Choir will help us in our preparations for that happy day. On Sunday, 11th December, carols will be sung at 11 a.m., and in the evening there is to be a special musical service. At Evensong on the following Sunday and on Christmas Day carols will be sung.

A very beautiful flagon for use at Holy Communion has been given by relatives of the late Mr H. M. Peacock. This was used for the first time at the first communion of the newly-confirmed.

KURIPUNI NOTES

An excellent concert was presented by the Sunday School on Saturday, 19th November to a large and appreciative audience. Proceeds were for the children’s effort for the Cathedral.

A party for the Sunday School children, to be followed by the prize-giving, will be held on Saturday, 17th December, at 7 p.m.

Opened by Mrs T. Jordan with a very happy speech, the Epiphany Garden Party was held in the beautiful grounds of the residence of Mr and Mrs W. G. Lamb, Herbert Street, on Saturday, 26th November. As usual, the function was most successful in every way.

CENTENARY CAMPAIGN

This great effort goes on steadily. The need for a Cathedral in our capital city and the need for a Fighting Fund to extend the Church’s work is becoming more evident almost daily. The Church cannot accomplish what it should, lacking proper equipment. We must do what we can. Promises and donations are being made all the time and the Masterton total now amounts to £3450 8s. It is hoped that every member of the Church of England will have a direct share in this great effort.

ST. MATTHEW’S SCHOOL

This Collegiate School for Girls, in Pownall Street has had another very successful year and prospects are bright for next year. The school aims at giving an education for life and spiritual, mental and physical training have their proper place. The new swimming baths are a great addition. Full particulars of the facilities offered by this School will be found in the latest illustrated prospects [sic] which may be obtained from Mr H. M. Boddington, Box 7, Masterton.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

On this great festival parishioners hardly need the reminder that all Communicants should make their Communion. No one would want to miss our Lord’s service on His Birthday.

At St. Matthew’s there will be celebrations at 6 a.m, 7 a.m., 8 a.m., and 11 a.m.;

at the Church of the Epiphany at 9 a.m., and

at Upper Plain at 9.30 a.m.

There will be a children’s service at St. Matthew’s at 10 a.m. and evensong at St Matthew’s and Kuripuni at 7 p.m.

SEDGLEY HOME

The annual gift day is being held at the Home on Wednesday, 7th December, from 2.30 p.m. The people of Masterton and district, realising the great work that is being done, always bring or send a wonderful collection of gifts. The Committee ask for the same generous help this year. Anything needed for the support of boys will be welcomed. They are worth helping.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE

The Church was packed to the doors for this great service. Eighty-nine candidates were presented from this Parish, and the Bishop’s inspiring words will long be remembered by all present. On the following Sunday, 297 joined in the great service when the new members made their first Communion. The Fellowship Breakfast followed and we are most grateful to the ladies who looked after us so well and so cheerfully. It was no light task, but Mrs Aikman and her helpers made the function a very happy one. Mr S. Taylor’s violin solos were very greatly appreciated. Mr C. R. Mabson welcomed the new members, and in a great talk, illustrated from his own life, gave practical help to all, revealing the power of a real religion. It is a great thing that each year one of our laymen should consent to give such a talk at this annual function We need more of such inspiring witness.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS

The annual prize giving functions are being held this month, and parents and friends are invited to be present and thus show their interest in this work and their appreciation of the splendid services of our great band of teachers. St. Matthew’s function will be held in the Parish Hall at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, 18th December; Lansdowne, at 9.30 a.m. on Sunday 18th December, in the Public School; Upper Plain, on Tuesday, 15th December, at 7.30 p.m.; Kuripuni, on Saturday, 17th December, at 7 p.m.; Taueru, at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, 4th December. All Sunday Schools and Bible Classes will resume on the first Sunday in February.

MISSIONS

During Advent, we are thinking of the great world-wide Church, and of the opportunities and needs in every nation. Such a study helps and encourages tremendously. Then, too, we are asked to show our practical sympathy in the great work of spreading the Gospel by helping mission funds. With this Magazine an envelope for missions is enclosed. Will you put what you can in it and then place it in any of the Church boxes any Sunday this month?

BLACK WOOL APPEAL

Church Army Fund

Will farmers contribute Black or oddments of Wool to the Church Army Fund for Christmas dinners to the Motherless Children in the Church Army Homes, London.

Depot: F.C.D.C.,

Queen Street, Masterton

H. Mabel Jackson, Hon. Sec. C.A., Wairarapa.

C.E.M.S.

There was a good attendance at the November meeting, when the Carterton branch visited us. A fascinating address on the Great Pyramid--a Bible in Stone, was given by the Rev. W. F. Stent. Supper was served by our members. The final meeting for the year will be held in the Parish Hall on Monday, 5th December, at 7.45 p.m. Mr G. Hyde will open the discussion on “Evangelism.” All men are invited to this meeting, which will be the last one for this year. The subject is a great one and will enable the men of the Parish to discuss their part in the Church campaign.

COME TO CHURCH CAMPAIGN

This effort launched on Sunday, 29th November, is meeting with splendid success. On every hand parishioners are welcoming it and declaring their intention of taking an active part in it. Materialism has failed. Only a spiritual revival can save civilisation. Thank God the people of this Parish have courage and sincerity enough to act. The spiritual power needed so desperately can only be generated in crowded churches. Christ has given an example of regular public worship. If we are Christians we shall follow that example. The first two Sundays of the campaign have seen great congregations and inspiring services, but we want everybody to share in this great advance. If a single one is absent then we are not a strong as we ought to be. We cannot be really happy while any are missing the strength God wants to give them. Come and take your place with those who in Christ’s Church are helping to create the spirit which the whole world needs.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Mrs W. A. Clarke, Mr E. P. Fowler, 5s each; Mrs Andrew, 3s; Messrs E. Hale, Lüdemann, 2s 6d each.

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