September 1940

Here I am using for the first time the beautiful desk you gave me for my study. I was never more surprised in my life than I was when the presentation was made and I do thank you very sincerely for this splendid gift and for all the kindly thought and goodwill which inspired it.

The presentation so took me by surprise that I found it difficult at the time to thank adequately the speakers for their generous references to the work of my wife and myself during the ten years we have been in Masterton. Difficulties have been overcome and progress made just because of the whole-hearted support of you in every part of the parish. All have been inspired by the one purpose of strengthening Christian forces. The happy fellowship in service which permeates every parish organisation has been just splendid and has made our parish one of the very best.

Your never-failing understanding and sympathy has meant much to me in the past ten years, and this desk which I shall use constantly will be a visible symbol daily of the fact that I have a great host of friends and helpers in the yet greater work for God to be done in the years ahead.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CONCERT

An audience even larger than usual greeted the children when they presented their annual concert. An excellent programme was given and the children are to be congratulated on their success, and the teachers, too. During the evening a presentation was made and farewell said to Miss G. Gaudin. During her three years’ residence in Masterton she has taken an active part in parish life, always ready to render service. In the Sunday School she was a most faithful teacher. We are sorry that she has left Masterton and the good wishes of us all go with her. Opportunity was taken to make a presentation to Miss Colquhoun on her retirement from the Sunday School staff after many years of splendid service. Her interest is as great as ever and though she has given up her official position for the time she is still helping in the work.

PARISH NOTES

An interesting and appreciated gift for the walls of the Parish Hall is an old photograph of children who in 1896 presented “Red Riding Hood” at a parish concert.

The annual concert and display of St. Matthew’s Collegiate School for Girls, held in the Opera House on 15th July, was a splendid success.

Notification has been received of a legacy of £20 left to St Matthew’s Church by the late Mrs Henderson. We appreciate deeply this further evidence of Mrs Henderson’ care and love for her Church.

The Bible Class dance held last month was, as usual, a very happy success and the members of the committee are to be congratulated on the excellent arrangements made. Bible Class members are very grateful for the ladies who helped with the supper.

SALE OF WORK

Our Ladies’ Guild has been working hard for the soldiers and that is splendid and much has been done. At the same time the Guild has not forgotten that the work of the Church must go on and they have been going ahead steadily with their preparations for their annual effort to be held next month. It would be a tremendous help if all lady parishioners would make one or more articles for the Guild’s Sale of Work.

IN MEMORIAM

Mrs Henderson, who passed to her rest on 27th July was a faithful member and worker for our parish. Her wonderful example under suffering was an inspiration to many, and no Guild function ever lacked her help and presence. She never sought the limelight but service such as hers is very precious.

The passing of Ted Denbee[1] in an aeroplane accident was a sad loss. Ted was part of St Matthew’s. He served in the Choir, Bible Class and as Sunday School teacher and Server. He was a manly Christian, absolutely straight and trustworthy, good at sport, and exercising a fine influence. He enlisted early in the Air Force and was making good progress. The Church crowded to the doors for the funeral service was a striking tribute to his memory.

One of the oldest members of our parish, Mrs Pinkerton, has passed to her rest in her 91st year. For fifty-six years she lived in the parish and during the whole of that period St Matthew’s was the centre of her life. She helped every cause and has just passed into the nearer presence of the God she loved and served so faithfully.

During her long illness, Mrs Olliver gave a splendid example of Christian faith, fortitude and courage. Her home and her Church were the centres of her life and she has left behind her a beautiful memory which will be cherished by all who knew her.

To the relatives of all of these faithful souls sincere sympathy went out from us all.

CONFIRMATION

Parishioners have heard with sincere regret of the illness of our Bishop, and share with the whole Diocese in the hope that he will soon be restored to health and strength. As a result of the Bishop’s illness the Confirmation service has had to be postponed and will now probably be held about the middle of October. There are a large number of candidates this year, including a good number of adults, both men and women. This is good opportunity for other adults who desire to be confirmed to come forward. Christian people have a great work to do and we want all the help God has provided for us so that we may play a worthy part.

C.E.M.S.

At the August meeting, Mr W. A Clarke gave a thoughtful and interesting talk on Canon Lloyd’s book. This gave rise to a very good discussion. The meeting decided that in view of present conditions it would be helpful to engage on a course of definite study so that members might fit themselves for the great work which must be done. Future meetings are to consist of Bible study and Church History. At the October meeting, which will be held in the Common Room at 7.45 p.m. on Monday, 7th October, the Rev. H. Taepa will open the Bible Study with Isaiah, and the Rev. V. W. Joblin with a talk on the seventeenth century. This new course of study is going to make the C.E.M.S. more effective than ever and all men interested are cordially invited to join our ranks.

Members will notice that the usual September meeting will not be held on Monday, 2nd September. On that evening a veteran missionary of the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. G. McNear, who has served for many years in China, is going to given an address in the Opera House on China. It is thought that many members will wish to attend that meeting which should be of special interest.

DAY OF PRAYER

The wish of our King that Sunday, 8th September, should be observed as a National Day of Prayer throughout the Empire will meet with a great response in this parish. All loyal Christians and citizens of the Empire will be there and we shall see our churches crowded to the doors with earnest and sincere people. We know that the cause in which we are engaged is a noble one. We know that all that is best in life is being threatened. It is right then we should come to God, thank Him for blessings already given and pray for His help now and in the days ahead.

PARISH SOCIAL

A very happy parish social was held in the Parish Hall on Thursday, 22nd August. An excellent programme was presented and a happy spirit of real fellowship prevailed. In the course of the evening, Messrs C. R. Mabson, W. Kemp and J. Ninnes expressed warm appreciation of the work done by the Archdeacon and Mrs Rich during their ten years in Masterton, expressed the hope that they would carry on their work here for many years to come and finally Mr Ninnes asked the Archdeacon to accept a study desk as a tangible expression of the thanks and affection of all parishioners. The Archdeacon suitably responded. Another happy function was the presentation to the People’s Churchwarden of a token of esteem from parishioners in appreciation of his long service for the parish. The serving of supper brought a very happy evening to a close.

PATRONAL FESTIVAL

This will be observed on Sunday, 22nd September. It is our parish birthday, when we gather in our parish Church to honour the great Apostle and Evangelist whose name our Church bears, to think of what our Church means for us and for the community, and to pray for God’s blessing on all our work. All communicants should join in the Holy Communion at 8 a.m. or at 11 a.m., and then join in making the evening service the fitting climax of a great and happy day. Our Choir will help to make it so by rendering special music appropriate to the occasion.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Mrs Reid, 6/-; Mrs Bishop, 5/-; Mrs Dixon, 3/6; Miss Colquhoun, 3/-; Mesdames Ewart, Tildersley, Mr Alderson, 2/6 each; Mrs Polson, 2/-

DAY OF PRAYER

SUNDAY, 8th SEPTEMBER, 1940

His Majesty the King has appointed this day as one of National Prayer. All are asked to respond to the King’s Call.

ST MATTHEW’S SCHOOL

This fine school for girls has again had an outstanding report from the Government Inspector, revealing the high standard attained in every department of the school’s work. Full particulars of the splendid facilities available for both boarders and day-girls will be found in the prospectus which may be obtained from the Secretary, Mr H. M. Boddington, Box 7, Masterton.

BAPTISMS

August

11 Kaye Evelyn Willson

Loye Alexandria McGhie

Betty Isabel McGhie

12 Robert Edward Selby

25 Lyndia Estelle Bretherton

Yeolande Wanda Eloise Bretherton

BURIALS

August

7 Margaret Dale

10 Elizabeth Susan Halfyard

Thomas Edward Denbee

13 Martha Mary Pinkerton

26 John Ridley Mason

Martha Jane Olliver

[1] Leading Aircraftman Thomas Edwin Denbee was killed in an accident during a night-time flying operation at Woodbourne Air Force base in August 1940. He was the son of Mr T. T. Denbee, Masterton Town Clerk.

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