July 1943 Parish magazine

THE ANNIVERSARY

(Summary of Sermon preached by the Archdeacon on Sunday, 27th June, 1943.)

It is not the British way to shirk hard facts, to seek only the smooth paths and linger always in pleasant places. Foreigners have found it hard to understand why we should remember such an exploit as Gallipoli and make of Anzac a National Day. The see in that campaign a failure and a blunder. We, with clearer vision, see in it the birth of a nation through suffering and glorious exploits and feats of endurance greater far than the most brilliant of easy victories. So, too, Hitler stood amazed and angry at the folly of a people who could make of Dunkirk a rallying cry, and pluck from that disaster, courage and inspiration. But history has already told how that catastrophe was the turning point of the war. We were right to regard it as we do, for, when Hitler’s rape of defenceless lands has been recorded on the blackest page in human history. Dunkirk, and its aftermath, will stand out for centuries to come as the abiding symbol of a spirit which is unconquerable and immortal.

It is not surprising, then, that we should want tonight to keep the first anniversary of what on the face of it was the most terrible disaster this parish has ever known. The destruction of our Church a year ago was a terrible and ghastly blow. It saw the wiping out of the visible symbol of three-quarters of a century of Christian work and effort, and, in a few minutes, destroyed one of the noblest churches of this land. It might well have been something to numb and appal us--something to be kept out of the mind like the memory of an evil dream. But, no, we should be traitors to the highest spirit of our race did we not tonight pause, recall the tragedy, and see in it what British people always see in disaster--a challenge and a call to be up and doing, to refuse to acknowledge defeat, to make of tragedy the starting point of something more glorious for God and man than we had known before, and when, last week, donations came in to mark the anniversary, I confess that I was deeply moved. “This,” I said, “is surely the British way.”

On Thursday, the actual anniversary of the destruction, there reached me a letter from one who, as a New Zealand soldier, happened to be here on the night of the earthquake. He sent a donation to mark the day. He spoke of the Church, of what it and its services had meant to him while in camp here and of his conviction, from what he saw of the people of this parish, that soon a new and greater Church would rise above the ruins. That man is right. The 24th June, 1942, is inscribed for ever in the annals of this parish, but, please God, it will be remembered, not as the day which saw terrible ruin, but as the day which was so faced by the people of this Church that it became a chance to show their mettle, to demonstrate the sincerity and reality of their faith, and united them in a mighty effort--the mightiest, indeed, ever carried out by any parish in this land--as they set to and won from disaster a glorious and splendid triumph.

Let us think, then, of what has been achieved, and of what yet remains to be done. Masterton is still in splints. Only now do we realise the full extent of the damage. Only now do we begin to understand how grandly the people of this community faced the earthquake and how splendid was the spirit they showed. Just to take one example from our parish life. Every Church has a responsibility, and every Christian has a responsibility for the furtherance of God’s work in every land. This week we sent off our Mission money. I am proud of the fact that in the year since the earthquake there has been no falling off of our support for extra-parochial objects. Actually in that year we have sent more--only a little more--but still, more than we did the year before. No Christian work in mission field or orphanage has suffered because of our misfortunes. As for our parish activities, we have carried on as best we could under grave handicaps. The work has suffered, especially youth work, never more vital than now, but our workers have carried on, without a grumble, and essentials have been maintained.

As regards our new Church, nearly £5000 has been given since the shake, and that in spite of the fact that many of our people have faced heavy personal loss. I wish I could tell you how much the new building will cost. We have no comparison to guide us. The nearest I can get to it is that the cost will be anything from £17,000 to £19,000. I believe that we could stand a debt of from £6000 to £7000, which, while a heavy debt, could be repaid over a period of years. Thus, the minimum we must raise before we can build is £10,000, and, tonight, we have practically half that sum in hand.

That is a great achievement--something for which we can thank God, with sincere and grateful hearts. But a mighty task still remains. I have never thought it was going to be an easy task to rebuild our Church. You remember the pictures showing the damage to Masterton in general and St Matthew’s in particular. That movie was shown all over New Zealand, the commentator ending with the words to the effect that Masterton would not be left alone--that its burden would be shared by all New Zealand. I was not carried away by that. I never thought that all and sundry would dash to our aid. We are grateful indeed for outside help received, but I realised right from the start where the bulk of the burden would fall. I knew that the new St Matthew’s would be built chiefly by men and women within this great parish, who really loved God and who would sacrifice that His House should lie waste not a day longer than we could help.

We stand at the halfway mark tonight. God helping us, we shall sacrifice and work, reaching our objective as soon as ever we can, for the promise is sure, “in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Mesdames J. Billington, Staniforth, 10/- each; Mr S. F. Taylor, Mr D. E. Williams, Mesdames Harrap, Keilberg, 5/- each; Mrs Viles, 4/-; Mesdames Darvill, Payne, Clarke, 3/- each; Mesdames Gerrand, Jaine, Miss N. Selby, 2/6 each; Mrs J. A. Caldwell, 2/-. “Church and People,” Mrs C. Braggins, 2/6.

IN MEMORIAM

Mr William Bryans was a kindly, courteous, Christian gentleman. He was a pioneer in the Kopuaranga district and for many years, while his health permitted, he walked regularly to the services held in that district. The sympathy of the community is extended to the sister who has now lost her three brothers and carries on bravely the old home.

The thoughts and prayers of parishioners have also been with those parents who have lost sons killed in action. They have done their duty to the limit and the value of their lives cannot be measured by length of years alone.

VALEDICTORY

St Matthew’s was packed for the farewell to the Rev. Hepa Taepa. Striking tributes to his work as a member of our staff were paid by the Archdeacon, the Mayor (Mr T. Jordan) and by Mr Ninnes, who, on behalf of parishioners, presented Mr Taepa with a well-filled wallet as a farewell gift. Some visiting servicemen who were present, said afterwards that they had been suspicious of the way we said we regarded the Maoris, but that after feeling the utter sincerity of the tributes to our Maori curate, and the genuine regard for him, they knew now that the Church did hold the Maoris in the highest esteem. Masterton parish is sad at the severing of the link with Mr Taepa, but he carries with him the best wishes of all that every blessing may rest upon him and upon his work with our Maori brethren.

FIRESIDE CIRCLE

Miss Francis, a member of the Circle, had the happy thought that perhaps the members of St Matthew’s Church would like a photograph of the interior of the Church before it was ruined by the earthquake. These have been obtained and are for sale at 3/- each. They are 7in x 5½in., and are beautiful photographs. “Buy a photograph of the Old Church and help to Build the New.” Ring 2272.

One of the collection bags was lost during the earthquake. This has now been replaced, and members of the Circle would like to express their sincere thanks to Mr A. J. Drew who very kindly donated the new handles. These were made by boys at the Wairarapa College and are beautifully made.

PARISH NOTES

Synod meets in Wellington from the 12th to 16th July. Should the Archdeacon’s services be required during those days, Mr J. Ninnes, People’s Churchwarden, will be able to get in touch with him.

The Bible Class dance held last month in the Masonic Hall was in every way, one of the most successful ever held. Heartiest congratulations to the committees on their good work.

Confirmation classes are now meeting regularly on Sundays at St Matthew’s at 4 p.m.

The social afternoon organised by the Ladies’ Guild and held in the Y.M.C.A. Hall, was a most successful and happy gathering. Miss Munsell, of the American Red Cross, gave a splendid talk, and attractive items, competitions and afternoon tea made up a great afternoon, which, incidentally, gave the Guild a good start with its activities.

Missionary fellowship, box and other donations for Missions have been received from Misses Person, H. M. Vallance, B. Vallance, Robins, Francis, Booth, Morrison, K. Morrison, F. Maunsell, Rockel, Whitehouse, Baird; Mesdames Rishworth, Hosking, C. J. Bennett, A. J. Welch, W. J. Hope, Morrison, Lamb, Wickham, McKay, Francis, Creed, Griffith, Ashworth, J. A. Caldwell, R. Gray, Wood, Hedley; Archdeacon Rich, Messrs R. Brooks, W. H. Cruickshank, R. Pinhey.

Under the will of the late Mr William Bryans, Sedgley Home is to receive £600 and the Earthquake Rebuilding Fund £100. This will be appreciated by all parishioners.

KURIPUNI NOTES

In future the monthly celebration of the Holy Communion at the Church of the Epiphany will be held on the second Sunday of the month, at 9 a.m.

Kuripuni parishioners are asked to be present at the annual meeting in the Epiphany Hall on Thursday, 8th July, at 7.30 p.m.

REBUILDING FUND

June was a good month for the fund. First of all, we receive £780 16s. from the Diocesan Relief Fund raised to assist churches damaged by the earthquake. We are most grateful for this kindly help from other parishes. Then a good number of donations came in to mark the first anniversary of the disaster. The fund now totals £4897 18s 3d., with a further £220 promised. In addition, we have just learned that under the will of the late Mr William Bryans the fund is to receive a legacy of £100.

C.E.M.S.

Mr N. Blatchford will open the subject, “None Other Gods,” at the monthly meeting of the C.E.M.S., to be held in the Common Room on Monday, 5th July, at 7.45 p.m. All men are invited.

BAPTISMS

June

4   Keith Alfred Henderson

     Fay Beryl Henderson

     Peter Raymond Grantham

     Ngaire Eunice Grantham

     Norman William Grantham

5   Ralph Edward Brown

     Edna Mabel Brown

13  Helen Phyllis Gyde

     Warwick Stanley Wyatt

24 Ronald Frederick Williams

26 Tangi Alfreda Thorby

MARRIAGES

June

2    Ross McKenzie Jackson and Olga Dorothy Sutherland

12  Robert Carleton Dresser and Patricia Yvonne Clere Downing

12  Noel Thomas Wyeth and Betty Mary Payton

26  Douglas James Nilsson and Vivienne Ida Bunny

BURIALS

June

2   Martha Stears

9   William Bryans

10 William Dutch

14 James Phillips

23 Doreen Myrtle Staniforth

25 Richard Kilminster

Original scanned image--121018-0020

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