August 1940

The magnificent message and call from our Bishop read at the services on 25th July, will evoke a great response from the people of the parish. We are grateful to those who made it possible for copies to be distributed widely. Already we have, in our Church, a fine body of men, women and children playing their part splendidly. They, by their lives, inspired and invigorated by faithfulness in public worship, are showing that faith in the justice of our cause, knowledge that this is indeed a struggle of Christian forces against evil, demands of us more than words.

They are the ones who are generating spiritual power. They are a tower of strength to our cause. They are setting free the spiritual power which God want to pour upon us. They are upholding those on whom the main burden of the struggle lies.

Now our Bishop not only encourages us but also challenges every member of our Church to be an active Christian. The response must be individual, then corporate. The call is to everybody. Let us all respond to the call and play our part in this great Day of God.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Mrs E. Dalziell, £1; Mrs W. G. Baird, 10/-; Mesdames S. I. Jenkins, T. Wagg, G. Olliver, Miss Vallance, Mr R. Weston, 5/- each; Mrs H. C. Robinson, 4/-; Mrs Fairchild, Misses Wyber, Armstrong, 3/- each; Mesdames Jones, Chesterman, A. O. Jones, Miss Edge, Anonymous, Mrs A. Wyeth, 2/6 each; Mrs Braggins, Senr., 2/-.

KURIPUNI NOTES

A very happy social evening was held in the Epiphany Hall on Tuesday, 23rd July. An excellent programme was presented, interspersed with games and competitions. Such gatherings do much to promote fellowship. It ended with supper served by the Epiphany Guild.

Members of the congregation appreciate the better lighting in the Church.

PARISH NOTES

The Masterton branch of the League of Mothers are holding a Church parade at St. Matthew’s at 11 a.m. on Sunday, 18th August.

A happy social afternoon was held by our Ladies’ Guild in the Parish Hall on Thursday, 11th July. There was a good attendance, a bright programme was presented, and an interesting address on France was given by Mrs Max Cleghorn. Afternoon tea was served by Guild members.

By the thoughtful and generous act of a parishioner, copies of the prayer of the League of Prayer and Service have been made available for parishioners. Over 500 cards were taken. We are grateful to another parishioner for a donation towards the cost of distribution of the Bishop’s letter.

We hope that all will receive a copy of the booklet of prayers about to be issued by our Bishop. They will help us by giving us words to express our deep desires, and so make our prayers real and strong.

Congratulations are extended to the St Matthew’s Badminton Club on their success in winning the Wairarapa Association inter-club competition, going through the season without a loss.

A combined Bible Class Tea and Rally was held in our Parish Hall on 28th July. The committee of our Bible Class acted as hosts and rendered a great piece of service efficiently and cheerfully. The great success of the rally was due largely to their splendid work. Here is the committee:

Misses Patricia Ramsay (secretary),

Nancy Burling,

Eleanor Corskie,

Norma Fly,

Vivienne Rich and

Helen Wagg;

Messrs Fred Parsons (secretary)

Peter Alexander,

Evan Jaine,

Wilson Marchbank,

Ross Ninnes and

Max Schofield.

OUR CAUSE

The Archbishop of Canterbury, preaching at Westminster Abbey, said:

“We are the more bold to turn to God and stay upon Him because it is with a clear conscience that we can on this day and always commit our cause to Him. We are called to defend our land and all that we hold dear within it, the wider Commonwealth that has so tremendously grown up around it, and our common heritage of freedom. Please God, this we shall do with all our might. But more than this--we are called to take our place in a mighty conflict of Right against Wrong. The ruthless invasions of peace-loving countries have stripped the designs of the enemy of every possible disguise. They have shocked the moral conscience of the world, at least wherever that conscience is free to act and speak. They lay bare a mere unbridled lust of power, under whose pressure all the old sanctities of truth, justice, mercy and freedom are trampled underfoot. These are not the mere heated words which spring from the passions of war. To hesitate to brand this force which has been let loose upon the world as essentially evil would be to scorn all those moral standards which have been slowly and painfully established by mankind to give security and honour to the common life.

“Strength comes to soul and will when moral issues are thus simplified.

“For what is it that invests these ultimate moral principles with inviolable sanctity and with the right to claim our unswerving loyalty? It is because we believe they stand for the Will of God. It cannot be the Will of God that a rule of brute force, enslaving the mind and soul of men to the power of a single State, should prevail on earth. Then must it not be the Will of God that this rule should be resisted and overcome? This simple loyalty to the Will of God as He has given us to see it will be our strength.

“It will yet be proved that the spirit of free men is strong than the subservience of men who are the mere cogs of the machine. Whatever losses or reverses may come, whatever sufferings may be in store, there remains the unconquerable soul. Here, too, on each single person lies a separate and inescapable responsibility--either to weaken or to strengthen the spirit of the nation. God helping us, we shall keep that spirit strong. . .”

TRENTHAM HUT

The Church Hut at Trentham is used by approximately 1000 men each day. Three services are held each Sunday, and there are evening prayers daily. So great is the demand for writing space that a separate writing room is to be built; 3000 sheets of paper and 1000 envelopes are used every week. Neighbouring Church Guilds serve supper each night. The library, which is constantly being added to by gifts of books is in great demand. Keen appreciation is expressed of the gift of firewood sent by the Masterton Rotary Club. Several men are being prepared for Confirmation. One man told the chaplain that the nightly prayers in the hut had made all the difference to his life and outlook. Orphan soldiers are being discovered and arrangements made for them to receive letters and parcels when they go overseas. The above facts are given in the report of the Military Affairs Committee, and the many parishioners who shared in the building of the hut will rejoice that it is proving such a boon. Our prayers are asked for those in charge that the work may be blessed.

CONFIRMATION

A fine band of keen enthusiastic youth are attending the junior preparation classes. But no one should try to live the spiritual life without proper equipment. No matter how old we are we need every means of help that God has provided for us. Adults who for any reason missed confirmation when they were younger should seize the opportunity now offered and take their stand now. once again there will be adults for confirmation this year, and all others not confirmed are invited to join them. Special preparation classes for adults begin at St Matthew’s Church on Tuesday, 20th August, at 7 p.m.

C.E.M.S.

At the July meeting of our branch an able paper was given by Mr N. Andrew on the first section of Canon Lloyd’s book, “Revolutionary Religion,” which deals with Fascism. Many members took part in the discussion which followed. The next meeting will be held in the Common Room on Monday, 5th August, at 7.45 p.m. A summary of part of Canon Lloyd’s book will again be considered, the subject being “Communism and Christianity.” Opportunity will also be taken to consider the future activities of the branch.

CHURCH SERVICES

In spite of some bitterly cold weather in July, the attendance at the Sunday services has continued to grow. The reverent spirit and deep sincerity of our people are making these services a real inspiration and help to us all. They realise that the Church has a great work to do for God and for our Empire, and they realise, too, that they--all of us--are the Church. So they are playing their part, setting free spiritual power. Thank God for such people. We want everybody to help. Prayer is a mighty power. As Lord Halifax said recently, this is a way in which all can help.

GREAT BRITAIN

Most of us, probably all of us, think every day of the people of Britain and our thoughts turn into a prayer that they may be sustained and strengthened. Our Bishop has suggested that we should at various times during the day use the following very simple prayer which is founded on one 600 years old: “O God, defend the British Isles at this time, and guard them with Thy holy hand.”

SOCIAL SERVICE

From 12th to 14th September a fair will be held in the Wellington Town Hall in aid of the Wellington City Mission and St. Mary’s Homes. Great work is being done by both these organisations and the City Missioner asks for our prayers for the success of the Fair, and will be grateful for any help that can be given in stocking the stalls.

PARISH SOCIAL

Arrangements have been made for a parish social to be held in the Parish Hall on Wednesday, 21st August, at 8 p.m. These social gatherings have been held annually for several years now, and have proved very happy functions. The social this year will be specially memorable because it is expected that the Bishop will be present. The Bishop hopes to be there and is looking forward to meeting parishioners, and for their part parishioners will rejoice to have our Bishop with them once again. The social is for fellowship and there will be no charge for admission. All parishioners are invited.

BAPTISM

July

6 David William Ellis

Morris Alfred Ellis

Alan Francis Ellis

Michael Cyril Thomas

Beverley Anne Thomas

28 Janet Lillian Dassler

Pamela Ann Willcock.

MARRIAGES

July

6 Allan Raymond Amundsen and Gwendoline Cordelia Baker Clemas

Jack Lett and Kathleen Lamont Kilminster.

BURIALS

July

3 Nigel Robinson

5 Jennifer Jenkins

8 Mary Mortimore Hawke

9 Mauven Gladys Richter

13 Kate Katherine Long

18 Roseanna Elizabeth Keen

29 Ellen Henderson

OFFICE HOLDERS

Clergy--

The Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich, B.A., LTh., (Vicar), Church Street, Telephone 1006.

The Rev. T. V. Pearson, 18 Wrigley Street, Telephone 1502

The Rev. V. W. Joblin, 106 Chapel Street, Telephone 2231

The Rev. H. Taepa, 27 Cole Street.

Churchwardens--

Messrs R. E. Maunsell and J. Ninnes

Vestrymen--

Messrs E. J. Coleman

E. Hale,

W. L. Hunter,

G. Hyde,

A. O. Jones,

C. R. Mabson,

T. C. H. Miller,

P. G. Ramsay,

R. G. Russell, and

W. E. Vowell.

Hon. Secretary--

Mr A. O. Jones

Hon. Treasurer--

Mr H. A. R. Dunderdale

Lay Readers--

Messrs F. H. Dunderdale and J. F. Jaine

Organist--

Mr H. Miller Hope

Choirmaster--

Mr Wm. C. Mann

Synodsmen--

Messrs A. O. Jones and P. G. Ramsay

Sec. of Envelope System of Giving--

Mr V. H. Heath, 183 Dixon Street

Sec. Magazine--

Miss R. Robinson, 66 Essex Street.

Verger--

Mr G. F. Knapp, 79 Pine St.

St. Matthew’s School for Girls--

Principal, Mrs Max Cleghorn, B.A.

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