May 1943 Parish magazine

THE VICAR’S LETTER

My Dear Parishioners,

The 24th of this month marks the first anniversary of the earthquake which caused great damage to our district and destroyed our parish Church. This is not at all a happy anniversary, nevertheless it is one which should be marked, for the last year has had much to teach us.

It has shown, for example, the spirit of our people. They faced catastrophe and carried on undismayed. With regard to our parish, essentials have been maintained and there is a determination to see it that at the earliest possible moment a new and worthy Church is built, and proper facilities provided for God’s work in Masterton.

Many of our people suffered heavy loss in the earthquake. Still, since the shake a fine start has been made with the building up of a fund for restoration purposes. Sacrificial gifts have been made and now the re-building fund stands, with promises, at over £4000.

We do not know what the total cost will be, but it will be more than was first thought. It seems probable that the cost will be about £15,000--not less. We could, I think, stand a debt of £6,000--not more. That will, of course, be a burden, but it could be met over a period of years. That means that we must raise £9000 before we can begin to build.

Already we have some £4000. We know that at least £1000 will come to us from the Auckland and Wellington diocesan relief funds. We must then raise another £4000 before the work can begin.

How quickly can we do that? Only you can give the answer. At its June meeting the Vestry is reviewing the whole position, and has called for a report to be submitted as to plans for actions.

We have done well so far, and I believe that you will all do what you can. Every donation brings a little nearer the great day of re-building. Pray God that it may not be long now before our goal is reached.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH.

LADIES’ GUILD

For many years this organisation has been a tower of strength in our parish. It has just held its annual meeting and now meets every Thursday in the Common Room at 2.30 p.m. New members are always welcome. Last year was in many ways a record one for the Guild and members plan to make this year even more successful. Not only do members arrange social functions and work for an annual Sale of Work, but they also do great work knitting for members of the Services. Remember, the Guild meets every Thursday, at 2.30 p.m. You will be welcome.

WHITSUNDAY

We live in the dispensation of the Spirit. Never was the guidance and strength which the Holy Spirit gives needed more than it is today. For that reason alone this great festival which falls on Sunday, 13th June, should be observed wholeheartedly by all Christians. It ranks with Easter and Christmas as the third great festival of the Christian Year--a day when all Communicants should join in the Holy Communion. There will be celebrations at St Matthew’s at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., and at Kuripuni at 8 a.m.; Evensong at both places at 7 p.m.

MISSIONS

We were all rather glad for the last financial year, in spite of heavy expenditure due to the earthquake, our Parish was able to provide even more than in the previous year for extra-parochial objects. That was splendid. Let us try to keep it up so that none may suffer because of our misfortunes. At the moment we are rather short of our quote for the Board of Missions, whose financial year ends on 30th June. Will box-holders and members of the Missionary Fellowship please have their contributions in by 25th June? Will those who do not help by those means send in a contribution by that date?

CONFIRMATION

Preparation classes for Confirmation will begin at St Matthew’s on Sunday, 13th June, at 4 p.m. All need the help that full membership in the Church can give and parents and guardians are urged to see that the privilege of Confirmation is given the young people. The actual Confirmation will be held in September, and, normally, candidates should be not less than 14 years of age at the time of their confirmation.

SOCIAL AFTERNOON

The Guild begins its social activities with one of its popular social afternoons on Thursday, 17th June, at 2.30 p.m. This will be held at the Y.M.C.A. Hall, Church Street, and will be a gift or coin afternoon. Perhaps you have some material which can be made up--that will be a welcome gift. Come and give the Ladies’ Guild a start with its year’s activities. Make it a record success. An attractive programme has been arranged and afternoon tea will be served.

THE REV. H. TAEPA

Nearly four years ago a new experiment was tried in the Wellington Diocese by licensing a Maori clergyman to the staff of a pakeha parish. Masterton was chosen as the place, and the Rev. H. Taepa came to us, devoting part of his time to parish work and part to Maori Mission work. The experiment proved an outstanding success and our Maori curate has won for himself a warm place in our hearts. Now the Mission Authorities have decided that his connection with this parish is to cease so that he may devote the whole of his time to the work of Vicar of the Maori Pastorate. This is sad news for us, but the promotion is richly earned.

The change takes place at the end of this month. Mr Taepa will preach his last sermon as a member of our staff in St Matthew’s on Sunday, 29th June, at 7 p.m. After the service a farewell will be tendered to him.

PARISH NOTES

Opportunity was taken at the annual meeting of parishioners to farewell the Rev. I. C. and Mrs Edwards, who have now gone to Pahiatua. Mr J. Ninnes, People’s Warden, made appreciative reference to their good work, wished them every happiness in their new sphere, and on behalf of parishioners made a presentation to them. In a happy little speech, Mr Edwards returned thanks.

There was  a fair attendance at the annual meeting of parishioners, but members were encouraging in their outlook and one felt that parishioners were in good heart as they faced the heavy task of rebuilding the Church and carrying on all the work of the parish. The retiring Vestry, with the exception of one, who did not seek re-election, were re-elected with the addition of Mr J. A. Russell. We welcome Mr Russell. His practical building knowledge will be most helpful to the parish at this time.

At its first meeting, the new Vestry placed on record its appreciation of the faithful service rendered over a period of 12 years by Mr R. G. Russell, who for family reasons, did not seek re-election to the Vestry.

Many of our young men Sunday School teachers are serving their country. This month, Messrs Lloyd Jones and Derek Shouler, who have done splendid work, go into camp. Their places are being taken by Misses Brogden and Heckler. We were glad to welcome back Mr Evan Jaine, who, after a period in camp, has returned to Masterton, and is helping in the Sunday School once more, and is also acting as Scoutmaster.

In future, there will be one service each month at Upper Plain, namely, a celebration of the Holy Communion on the fourth Sunday, at 9 a.m.

FIRESIDE CIRCLE

For several years now this organisation has done great work, and the annual meeting, just held, was a very bright and happy gathering. Plans were made for the coming year. The Circle meets on Monday evenings in the Common Room. Miss M. McEwen is the secretary and she will be pleased to give full information to any who may be interested.

REBUILDING FUND

This now stands at £3829 14s., with a further £230 promised. The 24th of June will mark the first anniversary of the destruction of the Church and we hope that many donations will come in before that date. To build a worthy Church will demand the sacrificial gifts of all. Indeed, it is our hope that every man, woman and child will have a direct share in making possible the erection of the new St Matthew’s.

C.E.M.S.

The attendance at the last meeting was the largest for some time. Mr R. Penistone introduced the chapter dealing with the origin of the Divine Law, and keen interest was taken in the subject. The next meeting will be held on Monday, 5th July, at 7.30 p.m., when Mr N. Blatchford will introduce the subject, which will be “None Other Gods.” The chapter deals with modern idolatry, freedom of conscience, planned economic life, democracy and fascism.

KURIPUNI NOTES

The annual meeting of Kuripuni parishioners will be held in the Epiphany Hall on Monday, 14th June, at 7.30 p.m.  All members of the Church of the Epiphany are invited to be present.

Services at Kuripuni during June will be conducted as follows:

6th June, 7 p.m., Mr N. W. Ninnes;

13th June, 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., the Rev. H. Taepa (farewell services);

20th June, 7 p.m., the Archdeacon;

27th June, 7 p.m., Mr J. F. Jaine.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Mrs B. Deans, £1; Mesdames Wallis, Pawson, Thirtle, Mr A. O. Jones, 5/- each; Mr H. P. Harrison, 6/-; Mesdames McMaster, Wilkinson, L. Emery, Misses Tuxford, Baird, 3/- each; Miss Hale, 3/6; Mrs Reid, Mr N. Blatchford, 2/6 each.

“Church and People”: Mr L. J. Taylor, Mr N. Blatchford, 5/- each; Misses Hale, Tuxford, Keith, Mrs Hatch, Messrs C. Perry, V. H. Heath, 2/6 each.

MATERIALS

It is hard, as all ladies will understand, for our Guild to get the materials they need to make goods for the Sale of Work. Perhaps you can help them. Many people have odd pieces of material stowed away in cupboards, etc.  If you are in that position will you give them to them Guild? They will be put to good use.

BRICKS

Some 100,000 bricks salvaged from the wrecked Church have now been sold. That means nearly half have gone, so there are still plenty left. The bricks have gone to repair buildings, build chimneys and fences, and last month several farmers took them for flooring sheep pens, etc.

COME TO CHURCH

Are you attending Church as often as you should? It was our Lord’s custom to join regularly in public worship. We cannot do better than follow His example. Our services are the poorer if you are absent. Spiritual power is needed. Come and help to set it free.

BAPTISMS

May

2        Graham Edward Jackson

          Jacqueline Agnes Jenkins

          Barbara Joan Carle

8        Kenneth Melvyn Rigg

9        Hugh Griffith Johnson

15      Alister Bruce Barclay

26      David Patrick O’Connor

31      Graeme Charles McMaster

BURIALS

May

1          Eleanor Cross

10        Selene Prendergast Knight

13        Daisy Clement

15        John Harold Griffin

20        Suiying Chung

27        Charles Hawke

28        Walter Henry Chapp

Office holders

Vestrymen--

Messrs R. W. Brooks

V. H. Heath

W. L Hunter

G. Hyde

J. F. Jaine

A. O. Jones

C. R. Mabson

A. H. Marsh

J. A. Russell and W. E. Vowell

Hon. Secretary--Mr A. O. Jones

Hon. Treasurer--Mr H. A. R. Dunderdale

Lay Readers--Messrs J. F. Jaine and N. W. Ninnes

Organist and Choirmaster--Mr A. Miller Hope

Synodsmen--Messrs A. O. Jones and P. G. Ramsay

Sec. of Envelope System of Giving--Mr V. H. Heath, 33 Cambridge Tce.

Sec. of “Church and People”--Mr R. W. Brooks

Verger--Mr G. F. Knapp, 79 Perry Street

St Matthew’s School for Girls--Principal, Mrs Max Cleghorn, B.A.

Original scanned image--121018-0019

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