June 1942 Parish magazine

THE VICAR’S LETTER

My Dear Parishioners,

The Selwyn Centenary has served to remind us all of how much a man utterly devoted to the service of God and of his fellows can accomplish. He may know set-backs and disappointments but his work can never be in vain.

In the days which lie ahead, the primary need will be for consecrated men and women who are so utterly unselfish that they will be able to plan and work for the good of all. The future depends on us all and we depend on God. The only sure foundation for the new world is found in the spirit of the human agents. If there is something wrong there, then there will be weakness everywhere.

That spirit depends on man’s relationship with God. If that relationship is marred and broken, idle talk about the new world will end in bitter and terrible disillusionment. God’s power is needed. For too long now man has relied on human achievements to usher in the millenium.  Instead it has brought us to the most terrible of all wars, with the instruments created by man’s genius used to destroy mankind. Man has gained control of powers he was not morally fit to use.

That is the position. Let us recognise it and then let us be big enough to play our part in the restoration of the relationship which should exist between the human spirit and God. That is our task, as I see it. The Church is God’s instrument through which His Power can flow into the human members to enable them to be agents of the better world.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH.

Answer to Correspondent--There is a reference in the Mosaic Law to the first matter, but not in connection with the Second Coming. I can find no trace of the other reference. Perhaps you have in mind Isaiah 60, verses 8 and 9.

CONFIRMATION

This great service will be held by the Bishop, in Masterton, near the end of September. This concerns us all for it is always a wonderful service, but it is of particular importance for two sets of people.

First of all there are the young people who stand on the threshold of manhood and womanhood. There are tremendous problems to be faced in the days ahead. A great job of work awaits them and they must be equipped for their task. Confirmation is for them a means of help they are entitled to and parents and guardians have a responsibility to them in this matter. It is desired that the candidates be not less than 14 years of age at the time of their confirmation and junior preparation classes will begin at St Matthew’s on Sunday, 14th June, at 2 p.m.

There are those adults who for some reason missed Confirmation when they were younger. They, too, have their part to play in the great issues now confronting the world, they too must be builders of the new age. They need the full equipment of the Christian and so they are invited now to be confirmed this year. Special classes for adults will be held later. The date of starting will be announced in Church.

C.E.M.S.

At the June meeting, we were fortunate to have as our speaker the Rev. E. O. Shield, C.F., who gave a most interesting and comprehensive talk on the work of a chaplain in military camps. The address made a great appeal to members and many questions were raised and a full discussion ensued.  It is hoped for the July meeting to join with a Bible Class Study Group in a camp.

VALEDICTORY

Following Evensong on Sunday, 31st May, the congregation of St Matthew’s adjourned to the Parish Hall to say farewell to Mr and Mrs Wm. C. Mann and their family, who are leaving to take up residence in Christchurch. For ten and a half years Mr Mann has been our Choirmaster and during the whole of that period he has carried out his duties faithfully and in the true spirit of devotion. He has held the confidence of a large choir and his work has been appreciated by parishioners. At the farewell, Mr J. Ninnes, People’s Churchwarden, on behalf of parishioners, presented him with a beautiful chiming clock, and on behalf of the Choir, Mr A. Hale presented him with a suitcase, and Miss Colquhoun a bouquet to Mrs Mann, while Athol received a prayer-book. Mr Mann, in his reply, spoke of the friendship which marked the Choir and the faithful and loyal service of members. The good wishes of all parishioners will go with Mr and Mrs Mann and family in their new home.

IN MEMORIAM

The sudden passing of Mrs W. Andrew[1] on Sunday, 3rd May, was a great shock to us all. Mrs Andrew was a fine worker for our parish and all its activities. There was no part of Christian service which was outside the range of her interest. She will be missed greatly but we thank God for her splendid example maintained for so many years.

Miss Mary Meredith, on account of physical disabilities, was not able in recent years to take an active part in Church life, but her interest never waned and her courage, patience and sturdy independence under a great handicap was an inspiration to all who knew her.

The death of Mr E. M. Bannister[2] removes another of the fine band of pioneers whose name will always be associated with the foundation of Masterton.

Mrs Exell[3] was another in whom the pioneer spirit was strong. For many years, until prevented by weakness, she was an active and faithful member of St Matthew’s and though latterly she was unable to leave her home, her Church was always near her heart.

We shall miss all these faithful people and our sympathy goes out to the relatives in their loss. They know, as we do, that their loved ones after long years of service here on earth have just gone into the nearer Presence of God, and their example will surely be an inspiration to us all to carry on, building up our parish on the sure foundations they have laid.

SELWYN CENTENARY

The hundredth anniversary of Selwyn’s arrival was wet and cold, but good and representative congregations assembled for the special services. In the morning, at St Matthew’s, members of the Legion of Frontiersmen, who were attending the Dominion Conference, paraded and the lessons were read by their commandant, Mr J. C. Findlater. Evensong was the official service, representatives of all local bodies being present. The first lesson was read by Mr G. Te Whaiti, representing the Maoris, and the second by Mr T. Jordan, Mayor of Masterton. A splendid address was given by the Rev. H. Taepa, and the Archdeacon conducted the service.

ALTAR LINEN

The second linen cloth for the altar in St Matthew’s Church given by members of the Ladies’ Guild is now finished. The completed cloth is a very beautiful piece of work. The hem-stitching was done by hand by Mrs R. Hatch[4] and the embroidery work by Miss M. McEwen[5]. We are indeed grateful to them for all their gifts, and beautiful work. Members of the Fireside Circle are renewing our supply of purificators[6]. We thank them also.

NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

Subjects of vital importance in connection with the preparation are now being dealt with in the sermons at our services. It is from the sure foundation of definite knowledge that the message of the campaign can best be proclaimed.

Another vital part of our preparation should now engage the attention of all parishioners. That is the preparation by prayer. Of course all our services are services of prayer and whatever else we do or leave undone we must play our part in corporate worship. But there must be many who can do more, and who will want to do more. Two ways are suggested.

First, it is suggested that all the Communicants of the diocese should be mobilised for prayer in their Parish Church at 7.45 a.m. every Sunday before the early celebration. There they can pray in silence for the campaign, conscious that they are joining with their fellows in other parishes.

Then there are prayer circles. Groups of friends are asked to meet together in private homes for a short period, say once a week, and there join in united intercession for the campaign. Will you form such a group? If you will, let the Vicar know and he will be able to help.

The campaign will need many workers, but the opportunity is so great that all will surely wish to do anything they can.

MISSIONS

A new vision of the future is taking shape in many minds. Indeed, we all look forward to a world where brotherhood is a reality because peoples of every nation are at one in their allegiance to the laws of God. Because of that hope, we dare not slacken our efforts on behalf of Christian missions.  Rather must we see to it that the worldwide work of the Church is carried forward with vigour and power.

The financial year of the Board of Missions ends this month. Will you help so that we may once again do all that is asked from us? At the moment we are short of our quota. Members of the Missionary Fellowship and all holders of Missionary Boxes are asked to have their contributions in by 20th June. The support of missions is a duty--and a privilege--laid on all, so those who do not help in the ways mentioned are asked to help also by sending in a donation by 20th June.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Church and People: Mesdames Denbee, Taylor (2 years), Jamieson, Herd, Hatch, Miss Kummer.

BAPTISMS

May

2            David Charles Riley

             Paul Reon Loader

3            Roger David Thompson

               Lancelot Henry Watson

9            Christine Leslie Miller

17   Roger Wray Fleming

23   Richard Alister Williams

24   James David Sydney Falloon

31   Peter Norman Cameron

             Barbara Ann Whiteman

MARRIAGES

May

2        Ernest George Gilbert and Lucy Myrtle Rickards

2        Richard Alexander Coles and Penelope Bruce

6        Frank Lewis McDonagh and Irene Howes

9        James Francis Daniel Hewitt and May Evelyn Wright

10     Eugene Augustus Breen and Verna Constance Palamontain.

BURIALS

May

5          Margaret Annie Andrew

11        Mary Meredith

20        Edwin Masters Bannister

21        Emma Elizabeth Hills

20        Mary Ann Exell.

Original scanned image--121018--0006

[1] Margaret Annie Andrew.  Further details of William and Margaret Andrew’s parish involvement, and obituary for Margaret’s husband, William Andrew at http://wairarapapast.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/obituary-william-andrew-1931.html

[2] Edwin Masters Bannister, 1862-1942

[3] Mary Ann Exell

[4] Kathleen Ellen Hatch

[5] Mary McEwen

[6] A purificator is a small square of white linen, marked with a cross in the centre and folded in three layers. It is used by the priest when celebrating Holy Communion to wipe the chalice.

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