December 1942

The year that is now hastening to its close has brought us through dangers and difficulties to “the frontiers of independence” for mankind. In our hearts there is thankfulness to God for bringing us safely to this hour, and there must be forming in many hearts a determination to make our nation worthy of victory and of peace. Plainly the spiritual front is vital at this hour. That 1943 may bring us to the haven where we would be is a prayer which will be offered in sincerity and faith by every Christian.

In our own parish the blow which came through the earthquake overshadows all else. It was a heavy blow, but it did not crush our people. Indeed the way so many rallied to the help of God’s cause here will ever remain as a precious memory. It is hard to start from the beginning--to see the symbol of three-quarters of a century of Christian effort razed to the ground, and that at a time when many and heavy calls are being made upon us. We share to the full the sacrifices gladly made to ensure victory. In addition, many of our people have had to face heavy personal loss through the earthquakes. In spite of all that, a sum not far short of what was given when the old church was built has come in for the rebuilding fund. Of course we have a long way to go yet. Unparalleled sacrifices are still demanded of us, but I am convinced that we shall not fail. The £12,000 will be raised, and, together, we shall build in Masterton a Parish Church which will be a worthy House of God and a symbol of the noblest traditions of this district.

Even in these days of war, may the inward peace and joy of Christmas come to you and to your loved ones everywhere, and may 1943 be the year of victory and enduring peace.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH

CHRISTMAS DAY

The message of this great festival may well have a happy and encouraging note this year, and we shall all want to pause and thank God for the brighter outlook and pray that the Prince of Peace, born on Christmas Day, may soon be Lord of life in every land. All communicants should make their Communion that day. There will be celebrations at

St Matthew’s at 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., and 11 a.m.;

at Kuripuni at 9 a.m.,

at Upper Plain at 9 a.m., and

at Taueru at 10.30 a.m.

Christmas is in a very special way the Children’s Festival. They must be allowed a share in the services. There will be a special Children’s Service in St Matthew’s at 10 a.m.

Any parishioners unable, on account of sickness, to make their Christmas Communion should notify the clergy so that arrangements may be made for them to receive the Sacrament in hospital or in their own homes.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS

Parents and friends of the children at all centres are asked to join with the scholars for the annual prizegiving functions which will be held as follows:

Taueru--6th December, at 2.30 p.m.,

Kuripuni--13th December, at 2 p.m., in the Epiphany Hall,

St Matthew’s and Kindergarten--13th December, at 3 p.m., in St Matthew’s,

Upper Plain--13th December, at 10.30 a.m.

Lansdowne--13th December, at 9.30 a.m.

The annual prizegivings are the one opportunity given to parishioners each year to show their interest in and their appreciation of the magnificent work carried on Sunday by Sunday by our splendid band of teachers. We hope to see the usual crowded gatherings.

SPECIAL SERVICES

The special service of Lessons and Carols[1] designed to help us in our preparation for Christmas, made a wide appeal last year. It will be repeated again this year at 7 p.m., on Sunday, 13th December, in St Matthew’s. The lessons will be read by representatives of various Parish organisations.

On Sunday, 20th December, at 7 p.m., the Choir hope to render special Christmas music.

Architect's sketch of proposed new church

RE-BUILDING FUND

The first result of the work of the Plans Committee will soon be made available to parishioners. The architect has produced a sketch plan and also a ground plan of the new building. We believe that the design is one which will appeal to all. Certainly it embodies the best advice as to what an earthquake resisting church should be like, and at the same time it appeals by its beauty. The design is to be placed on view in the Parish Hall on the west wall near the door. All will understand that this is just the first design, but it will convey what is the type of Church we hope to build. The Vestry were unanimous in giving general approval to the design.

We believe that this next step will be an encouragement. The old Church was very dear to us, but the fact that we can get a Church which is as sound and strong as the best advice can make it and is yet a very beautiful and appealing structure, will encourage us in our heavy task. Now we shall have something definite for which to work, and we shall press on, as opportunity offers, towards our goal. Every week, almost every day, someone asks the Vicar when we shall be able to start to build. He can only answer that that depends on how soon we can reach our financial objective, but he can add that the spirit of parishioners is such that he is certain that the objective will be reached at the earliest possible moment. Let us press on with our task, building up the fund, ready for the intensive campaign which is to follow.

Last month saw a substantial increase in the fund, which now (30th November) stands at £2855 13s 1d. in cash or its equivalent, while promises amount to an additional £570. This means that we are more than a quarter of the way to our goal.

SYMPATHY

The Rev. John Walker, formerly Vicar of this Parish, writes a kind and sympathetic letter about the loss of our Church. He and his wife feel the loss very keenly indeed. Illustrations of the damaged Church brought vividly to their minds damage done by air raids which took place at the same time as the final demolition of the Church. We have a heavy task but they do not doubt that out of the present ruin there will arise a new and yet more glorious House of God.

BISHOP BENNETT

We are very fortunate to have a visit from the Bishop of Aotearoa. He is coming to us on Monday, 7th December, and will conduct a special adult confirmation service in St Matthew’s at 7.30 p.m. Parishioners will be glad of the opportunity of being present at a service conducted by the Bishop. The collection will be for the Maori Mission Funds.

IN MEMORIAM

Mrs D. Falloon[2] had lived in Bideford for only a few years, but during that time she had endeared herself to all who knew her. Her bright and cheery character and her practical faith gave promise of a life of splendid service. She took an active part in the renovation of the Bideford Church. During her trying illness she was brave and steadfast and she has left behind her the memory of a life all too short in the measure of years, but rich in terms of service.

Mr F. H. Dunderdale[3] was one who gave to God and man a lifetime of service. No worthy cause was outside the range of his interest. Quiet and unassuming he was utterly reliable and there are many whose road was lightened by his goodness. One of the senior Lay Readers in the Diocese, he served his Church in almost every office, and he was always in his place in Church. Sedgley Home, of which he was the first secretary, was very dear to him. We shall miss him tremendously but shall treasure the memory of his long life of devoted and unselfish service.

To the relatives of all who have suffered bereavements our sincerest sympathy goes out.

PARISH NOTES

There will be no services at the country centres during January, but the usual services will begin again in February.

The annual Lay Readers’ Festival service held last month was beautifully rendered and a fine address was given by the Rev. W. Tye.

St Matthew’s Collegiate School is holding its annual prizegiving function in the School Assembly Hall on Wednesday, 16th December, at 7.30 p.m. The speaker will be the Rev. J. R. Higgs, B. A., F.R.G.S., and all interested are invited to be present.

All our Parish Sunday Schools and Bible Classes will resume on the first Sunday in February at the usual hours.

SALE OF WORK

This was held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms on 11th November and proved a record success. Gifts for the stalls came in from all over the parish and on the actual day parishioners assembled in large numbers to support this annual effort of the ladies of the parish. The receipts came to the splendid total of £243 2s 7d. As a result a fine addition was made to the Rebuilding Fund. We are grateful to all the workers and to all who helped them.

C.E.M.S.

Professor Bailey’s paper, read at the last meeting was first class. So, too, was the discussion which followed and which centred round the implications of the present war. The next meeting will be held on Monday, 14th December, at 7.45 p.m., in the Common Room. On this occasion we shall hear reports from our representatives on what was evidently an outstanding C.E.M.S. gathering at Wallis House.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Mr Hyde, Mesdames L. Moore, A. Beetham, L. Jones, T. H. Falloon, 5/- each; Mrs J. Crew, Miss L. J. H. Robinson, 3/6 each; Mesdames Loft, Skeet, Smith, M. Finlayson, Miss K. King, 2/6; Mesdames E. Braggins, Polson, 2/- each; Mrs Cleghorn, 10/-; Mrs Horne, 5/-. “Church and People,” Mrs J. Crew, 2/6.

BAPTISMS

November

8 - Jennifer Jillian Williams

8 - Leslie Ernest Winhall

12 - Beverley Finlay Lett

15 - Alison Susanna Brand

15 - David Blair Wilmshurst

21 - Judy Kay Howard

22 - Graham Andrew Mourant

22 - Lawrence Joseph Gray.

MARRIAGES

November

7 - James Henry Shannon and Maureen Evans

21 - Mason Hector Ngatuere and Ethel Linda Koee

28 - William Black Mauchline and Aline Hill Dickason

BURIALS

November

5 - Charles Henry Hartley

7 - Isabella Alexa Cameron MacLeod

9 - James Henry Pratt

9 - Dorothea Margaret Falloon

13 - Abel John Collier

13 - Ellen Louisa Burr

16 - Megnhould Andresson

27 - Francis Henry Dunderdale

28 - John Spicer.

Original scanned image -- 121018-0014

[1] The service of Lessons and Carols is likely to have been modelled on the Order of Service drawn up by Edward White Benson, in 1880, when he was Bishop of Truro. The liturgy has been adopted all over the world. The annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, broadcast each Christmas Eve from King’s College, Cambridge, is the most famous example, and probably contributed to the liturgy’s wider adoption.

[2] Dorothea Margaret Falloon

[3] Francis Henry Dunderdale

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