September 1942 Parish magazine

THE VICAR’S LETTER

My Dear Parishioners,

The King has called all his people to prayer on Thursday, 3rd September. This is the first occasion on which a National Day of Prayer has not fallen on a Sunday. It will be difficult for all to observe the day as they would wish, but the very difficulty, as we overcome it, will be evidence of our sincerity.

Then on Sunday, 20th September, being the Eve of St Matthew’s Day, we shall keep our Patronal Festival. This is the parish birthday and we hope that all members of the parish family will join in worship on that day.

On the following Sunday comes the annual Confirmation service, when a fine band of people will be presented to the Bishop. Let us again all gather to welcome the new members to full membership in the Church.

This month, too, marks the opening of the National Campaign for Christian Order. Every Monday in September there will be great public meetings from the four centres in turn. Proceedings will be broadcast and it is hoped that all will listen to the messages given.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH.

EVENING SERVICES

The relaxing of the lighting restrictions makes it possible for us to revert to 7 p.m. as the time for Evensong on Sundays at St Matthew’s, Kuripuni and Upper Plain. We are all very glad about this. The earlier hour was very awkward, but parishioners were very good in putting up with inconvenience in order to keep the services going. Beginning on Sunday, 6th September, all evening services will begin at 7 p.m.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE

On Sunday, 27th September, at 11 a.m., the Bishop will conduct the annual confirmation service at St Matthew’s. This is always an inspiring occasion. A large number of candidates will be presented. On the following Sunday the newly-confirmed members will make their first Communion and all Communicants are asked to join with them on that happy occasion.

DAY OF PRAYER

This falls on Thursday, 3rd September, the third anniversary of the outbreak of war. We are bidden by our King to make the day one of national prayer for our cause and also of dedication of ourselves to our higher purpose. We believe that there will be a great response to our King’s call from every part of the parish. In addition to the public services there may well be much private and family prayer for our cause. The services will be:--

MID-DAY UNITED SERVICE

Time and place will be advertised.

ST MATTHEW’S

7 a.m. and 10.30 a.m.-- Holy Communion.

7 p.m. --Intercessions and Address.

CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

7 p.m.--Intercessions and Address

BIDEFORD HALL

10 a.m.--Intercessions and Address

ST. ALBAN’S, TAUERU

2.30 p.m.--Intercessions and Address.

PATRONAL FESTIVAL

Sunday, 20th September, being the Eve of St Matthew’s Day, will be observed as our Patronal Festival. This should be the great annual parish reunion day when all assemble in their parish church to pray for a blessing on the work of the Church and to think of what St Matthew's has been, and should be, in the life of the community. All Communicants are asked to join in  Holy Communion at 8 a.m. or 11 a.m. and then to join again at Evensong at 7 p.m. to make that final service of the day a joyous and inspiring occasion.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Mr R. T. Woollams, Mrs and Miss Harker, Mrs J. Billington, 10/- each; Mrs Thirtle, 5/-; Mrs Falloon, Mrs Yalden, 3/- each; Mesdames Bloxam, Berney, Hunt, 2/6 each.

“Church and People,” 1942: Revs. H. Taepa and L. C. Edwards, Messrs S. Taylor, Mrs Benbow, Miss Keith, Miss Booth.

REBUILDING CAMPAIGN

Just exactly a month has passed since a special meeting of parishioners launched the campaign for the rebuilding fund. The response has been just wonderful. After all, a tremendous lot of damage was done by both big shakes and there must be very few parishioners who do not have to face personal loss. Yet, on every hand, there has been expressed the determination which inspires our people to see to it that not for a moment longer than they can help shall “God’s House be in waste.”

Our temporary Church, apart from a little congestion, is proving admirable for its purpose. But the Sunday Schools and Bible Classes are working under terrible handicaps. Teachers and members carry on splendidly, without complaining. The youth work is so vital, however, and is recognised to be such by all, that this is a potent factor in making us press on with our efforts. Some youth work has unfortunately had to cease for the time.

As soon as the time is ripe, it is proposed to set up a special committee to begin the intensive part of the campaign. There are many parishioners who can help there and we have no doubt whatever that, when the right moment arrives, they will act with vigour and enthusiasm.

In the meanwhile, the fund grows. Since the inception of the campaign not a single day has passed without donations coming in. On 26th August, exactly a month after the launching of the campaign, the fund stands at £1,777 3s 2d in cash or its equivalent. Some have found it convenient to give bonds or Government Stock, and this, of course, is just as good as cash. In addition we have promises which total £221 10s. Besides that, literally dozens have gone out of their way to promise the fullest possible help. Indeed there is a magnificent spirit in the parish and the new Church when built will have been rendered possible by the sacrificial gifts of its members.

Later we shall be able to give details of the number of donations of various sums given. It would not be fair to do that yet, for so many who have given have explained that their gifts are only a first instalment. The highest donation received is one of £300.

There are, however, some gifts which should be acknowledged now. One gift of £10, “In memoriam the Rev. W. Ronaldson, 1855-68, per C. J.R.,” comes from one who as a boy worshipped in the first church building erected in Masterton. St Matthew’s School has given £25 3s 2d., Solway College £15 10s., Auckland Diocesan Girls’ School £5, St Mark’s Parish, Remuera, £75, and Knox Church, Masterton, £40. We know that many parishes throughout New Zealand are going to help us and that is encouraging us all.

Nevertheless we realise that the bulk of the burden must fall on us in this parish. Let us then turn to our task, going forward in faith that there shall be in Masterton a new St Matthew’s worthy of this parish and worthy of the fine traditions that have been created in this district.

BISHOP SPROTT

The passing of our former Bishop[1] marks the end of the earthly life of a great leader. He was very closely identified with the work and growth of our parish. Besides his addresses to the many hundreds he confirmed here, parishioners will remember with gratitude the encouragement and help he gave so willingly. He laid the foundation stones of most of our parish buildings and consecrated St Matthew’s Church and the Church of the Epiphany. He took also a very keen interest in the foundation and progress of St Matthew’s School. Parishioners of Masterton join with the sympathy which will have gone out to his relatives from the whole Diocese. 

C.E.M.S.

The speaker at the August meeting of the Society was the Rev. I. C. Edwards, who gave an interesting paper on ”Faith in God.” At the September meeting, which  will be held on Tuesday, 8th September, at 7.45 p.m., in the Common Room, the speaker will be Mr J. F. Jaine, who will take as his subject “War and Faith.”  In view of the importance and interest of this subject a cordial invitation is extended to all the men of the parish to be present.

PARISH NOTES

When the Lansdowne School was required for hospital purposes our Sunday School there temporarily lost its meeting place. Thanks to the kindness of Mr and Mrs C. T. Richardson, who placed a splendid room at our disposal, the Sunday School was able to continue. We are grateful to them.

St. Matthew’s Sunday School Concert had to be abandoned. This was a great disappointment. Those who bought tickets may have their money refunded. We have no list of those who purchased tickets and the money that is not desired to be refunded will be devoted to Sunday School work.

The lectern in St. Matthew’s was so badly damaged as to be beyond repair. We are grateful to a parishioner who has provided a lectern for our temporary church.

A number of people have taken advantage of the offer of broken bricks and rubble free for carting away. Many loads have gone but there is still plenty left. Come and take as much as you want from the Church grounds.

On Sunday, 23rd August, the ladies of the parish provided an appreciated tea at the Y.M.C.A. for soldiers on leave in Masterton. It was a big job but there were many helpers and the effort was well worthwhile.

Interesting figures presented to the annual meeting of St Matthew’s Scout Group revealed that no less than 158 boys belong to the Scouts and Cubs. Great work is being done week by week by the troop and packs.

SALVAGE WORK

A tremendous amount of work has been done during the past month. The sale of timber carried out by Messrs Wright, Stephenson & Co., Ltd., without charge, was very satisfactory, and the contractors are making good progress with the cleaning and stacking of bricks. The men who gather every Saturday afternoon have done magnificent work in clearing the wreckage, and saved the parish a considerable sum.  It should not be long now before the wreckage is all cleared.

IN MEMORIAM

Mrs Mary Boddington[2] was a devoted member of our Church. She gave a splendid example of faithfulness. Nothing but sickness could keep her from worship and she carried her religion into life. She was one of those who initiated the annual campaign for Sedgley which has done so much through the years. The world is a better place for her service.

Mrs Betteridge[3] was another faithful member of St Matthew’s. She was an active member of the Guild for many years and her quiet, unassuming, nature endeared her to all.

The passing of Mr G. Ward[4] removes another of that splendid band of pioneers who laid the foundation of this district.

Mr T. A. Root[5], through five years of sickness, gave a fine example of courage and patience. He was a returned soldier and had a high sense of duty.

To the relatives of all who have suffered bereavements the sincere sympathy of parishioners is extended.

BRICKS FOR SALE

The cleaned and stacked bricks at the Church are now on sale. They are first grade Silverstream bricks. The price is £5 per 1000, and they are sold in quantities to suit buyers. Already many thousands have been sold but there are a tremendous lot more. Mr C. R. Mabson is in charge, so if you want bricks in large or small quantities just ring telephone 1720 or 1761.

CHRISTIAN ORDER

Man cannot live without an ordered society of some sort. Out of the chaos and distress of our day some system will emerge. We want it to be a Christian order. To that end a great national campaign has been arranged, starting on Monday, 7th September. From 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on that day we want you to listen in on the wireless. Where possible, arrange for a group of friends to listen together, make notes of the main points and then discuss them. Do the same every Monday in September. Then, during October, on Sundays, fundamental principles will be dealt with in every church in New Zealand which is joining in the campaign. The proclamation of the message will be clear and definite, for the clergy have been preparing for months. All who hear will be able to help in the proclamation. That is a job that is worthwhile.

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[1] Bishop Thomas Henry Sprott was Bishop of Wellington from 1911 to 1936.  

Further links and information about Bishop Sprott.

[2] Mary Vina Augusta Boddington

[3] Eleanor Ruth Betteridge

[4] George Arthur Ward

[5] Thomas Ashwell Root

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