October 1942 Parish magazine

THE VICAR’S LETTER

My Dear Parishioners,

For six Sundays, beginning on 4th October, in some five thousand churches throughout New Zealand, the Message of the Campaign for Christian Order will be proclaimed. For many months preparation has been made so that God’s Message may be given with authority and power.

This campaign is a challenge to us all. In the words of our Archbishop, “We have no hope of Christian Order in New Zealand unless there is a body of Christians who have such a flaming faith in God’s Will to bring it about that all the prizes of life sink into insignificance compared with the glory of being humble agents in achieving something of His purposes.”

What are those purposes and how can we fit ourselves to be better agents for their achievement? Those are just some of the questions which will be faced in the preachings of the next six weeks. Let our churches be crowded then. You have had literature about the campaign. The invitation has gone to every home. Now the time has come for this response.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH.

C.E.M.S.

Last month’s meeting was an outstanding one. Our members were the guests of a study group of soldiers led by the Rev. E. O. Shield, C.F.  The subject of “War and Faith” was presented in an admirable manner by Mr J. F. Jaine and the discussion which followed was of a high order and closing time came all too soon. Afterwards the soldiers entertained our men at supper.

The next meeting of the Branch, to which all men are invited, will be held in the Common Room, on Tuesday, 6th October, at 7.45 p.m. At this meeting we shall study an excellent and searching paper on “What are we Fighting For?” written by Professor K. H. Bailey, of Melbourne.

SPECIAL PREACHING

From October 4th to November 8th, the Campaign for Christian Order will be in action all over New Zealand. The public meetings broadcast last month brought the campaign to the notice of many. Now it is everybody’s turn to share in this greatest effort ever made by the churches of the Dominion. On the Sunday evenings the “Relevance of Christianity” will be proclaimed, the subjects for each Sunday being:--

Oct. 4-- “The Unknown God,”

Oct. 11-- “Neutrality.”

Oct. 18-- “The Difference it Makes.”

Oct. 25-- “The Difference it Makes to Jack and Jill.”

Nov. 1-- “The Difference it Makes on Monday Morning.”

Nov. 8-- “The Difference it Makes to John Citizen.”

PARISH NOTES

It wa a great disappointment that the Confirmation Service had to be postponed but it was the reason for it that caused most concern. Everyone was sorry to hear of the sickness of the Bishop[1] whom they have come to regard as a real friend. We hope the Bishop will soon be well again and we can be sure that he will come for the Confirmation as soon as ever he can.

The patronal festival services were an inspiration. There were large congregations and in spite of having to hold the birthday services of the church in the Parish Hall, St Matthew’s Patronal Festival, 1942, will rank as one of the most memorable in the history of the parish.

In spite of the fact that the National Day of Prayer fell on a week-day, our parishioners responded to the King’s call. There were splendid congregations at all centres.

The Fireside Circle have replenished the Church’s supply of purificators. This splendid gift of beautiful work is appreciated greatly.

Well over 30,000 bricks have now been sold. There are still plenty left. Apply to Mr C. R. Mabson, telephones 1720 or 1761.

REBUILDING CAMPAIGN

Two months have passed since a special meeting of parishioners launched a campaign for the raising of funds to rebuild St Matthew’s. Since that day a steady flow of donations has come in and now, on the 29th September, the fund stands at £2075 14s 10d. in cash or its equivalent, with a further £226 8s promised. This means that one-sixth of the way to the objective has been reached, and while we have every right to rejoice at what has so far been done, we realise that we have a long way to go yet.

But we shall get there. That is something on which we are all agreed, and the mood of grim determination which inspires our people, will carry us to our goal. Not for a moment longer than is necessary can we allow God’s Church to lie in waste. Our faith must have its symbol and the fact that it is hard, just gives added witness to the sacrifice we make. To build a worthy Church is going to demand sacrifice. In no other way can we reach our goal.  When the spirit of sacrifice for God grips everyone then our Church will be in sight.

The Vestry has given much thought and time to the problem of the youth work of the parish. Present conditions are difficult in the extreme. They have a plan which they hope will improve things a little, but that can only be an improvement, and the work for the children at the moment is so vital that, if for no other reason, we must build our Church at the earliest possible moment.

It is already clear that the moment may not be far off as regards material and labour. Soon a moment will come when we could build and we must be in a position to seize that moment. That means that we must have sufficient funds in hand.

We have a committee working on plans. They are keen, they are getting a mass of information together, they are taking advice about earthquake resistance and we can be sure that a worthy and suitable design will be achieved. No final decision will be made until designs have been submitted to a meeting of parishioners.

A fine gesture was made during the month by the 1st Ruahines, who regard St. Matthew’s as being in a special sense the Church of their Regiment. Members took up a collection among themselves for the rebuilding fund and sent in the splendid donation of £31 16s 9d.

Altogether we can be proud of the results achieved during the first two months of the campaign. Now we hope to see the fund grow rapidly. Let us each and every one do our utmost. We want the Church to be provided by every member of the Church of England, each having a share in the task. Send your donation to Archdeacon Rich, The Vicarage, Masterton.

IN MEMORIAM

The large congregation, gathered at short notice, in St Matthew’s, for the funeral was a striking tribute to Mr Harry Yates[2]. He was a great-hearted Christian gentleman, respected by his business associates, and honoured for the uprightness of his character. He was a keen member of the C.E.M.S., and active in his Church membership. We shall miss him but we shall treasure the memory of a happy Christian friend.

In former years, Mrs Liddle[3] took an active part in the life of the parish and when failing health prevented her from active work her interest never waned. Her passing was unexpected but she had earned her rest.

To the relatives of all who have suffered bereavement our sympathy goes out. May God give them comfort, strength and courage, now and always.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Mrs D. James, £1; Mrs S. A. Nix, Mr S. L. P.. Free, Mrs I. I. McGregor, 10/- each; Mrs Chesterman, 3/6; Mesdames V. Heath, Spencer, M. W. Williams, 3/-;  Mesdames Joyce, Dodds, Richardson, Miss Hill, 2/6 each; Mrs Newland, 2/-.

“Church and People”: Mrs D. James £1, Mr E Winhall, 5/-; Mesdames Dodds, Creed, L. B. Maunsell, 2/6 each.

SALE OF WORK

Never in the long history of our parish was there greater need for this annual effort of the Ladies’ Guild than there is this year. It is the special effort of the ladies of the parish and all are asked to help them make it a record success. You will know the need, you can understand the difficulties. Will every parishioner make some article for the stalls? It has been hard to get materials, but probably all have something they could make up for sale. We ask them to do it now and leave it at the Vicarage before the sale.  Then there are the other stalls such as produce, cakes, fancy work, etc. Everything made, everything given, everything sold will help your Church in the most difficult year it has ever known. The date and place of the sale, which it is hoped to hold early in November, will be announced next month.

KURIPUNI NOTES

At the end of August the Epiphany Guild had a social afternoon at Sedgley. An excellent musical programme was presented and the Archdeacon gave a talk on World Affairs. The proceeds of the social, which amounted to £8/15/9 were give to the Earthquake Rebuilding Fund.

An event that is looked forward to each year is the Kuripuni Sunday School Concert. A full hall always greets the children at this happy occasion. This year’s concert promises to maintain the splendid standard of former years and will be held in the Epiphany Hall on Saturday, August 31, at 8 p.m. We ask all to show their interest in the Sunday School children by being present.

WAR BONDS

We have been asked whether war bonds will be accepted for the Rebuilding Fund. Certainly, we shall be glad to receive them, and quite a large number of bonds as well as Government Stock have already been given. People can feel that in this way they are helping both efforts.

BAPTISMS

July

20 - John Frederick Reed

August

1 - Ian Arthur Henson

   - Jeffrey Thomas Morton

16 - Heather Anne Morton

28 - Kevin William Featherstone

- Margaret Resina Esther Featherstone

30 - Richard Keith Ward.

September

11 - Christopher John Carleton Holmes

12 - Shirley Anne Hawkless

13 - Roger Ralph Gully

17 - Barry McKenzie

19 - Raymond Bruce Cunningham

- Graham Edgar Haughey

- Phyllis Mygind.

26 - Lorna Roff

- Carol Roff

- David Steele McKay

- Jennifer Margaret Ball.

MARRIAGES

August

1 - Reginald Guy Thorby and Helen Patangaroa

September

5 - Noel Everitt and Mary Elizabeth Sayer

19 - Earle Hay Still and Mary Joyce Beattie

26 - Walter Jensen and Margaret Lee

- Ernest Ronald Stevenson Wallace and Marjory Fay Lee.

BURIALS

August

6   - Emma Ethel Mount

10 - Amelia May Peterson

12 - Mary Vina Augusta Boddington

18 - Eleanor Ruth Betteridge

- Clifford John Henson

- George Arthur Ward

21 - Henry Joseph Hutchings

- William Henry Payne

24 - Golden Ngatoto Phaia Riwari

- Thomas Ashwell Root.

26 - Hannah Catherine Palmer.

September

4 - George John Jackson

7 - Minnie Martin

14 - Harry Thomas Baker Yates

21 - Agnes Liddle

- Willie Burridge

25 - William George Whiteman.

Original scanned image - 121018-012

[1] Bishop Herbert St. Barbe Holland

[2] Harry Thomas Baker Yates

[3] Agnes Liddle

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