September 1943 Parish magazine

THE VICAR’S LETTER

My Dear Parishioners,

We have a very busy but a happy and inspiring month ahead of us.

First of all, the month opens with the great national Day of Prayer and Dedication. The people of this district are second to none in their loyalty and devotion, and the call of our King will not pass unheeded. The services will be welcomed by us all, and perhaps even the splendid records of previous Days of Prayer will be surpassed. Let that day be but the beginning of greater devotion and service which will bring us to victory and peace.

Then comes our Patronal Festival. For nearly three-quarters of a century, St Matthew’s has played its part in the life of this community. No sincere Christian would willingly miss the special birthday services of his parish. It is the great reunion day for the parish family. True, this year, our Church lies in ruin, but we can yet rejoice in the special progress made with the Rebuilding Fund, and determine that, in the next phase of the campaign, soon to be launched, we shall reach our next objective, and so bring a big step nearer the day we long to see.

The annual Confirmation will make a fitting climax to a great month. The Bishop will have a message for us all, and we shall welcome into the full membership of the Church those who, in Confirmation, declare their determination to follow the Christian way.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH.

DAY OF PRAYER

Our King has called all his people to join in a great National Day of Prayer and Dedication on Friday, 3rd September, the fourth anniversary of the outbreak of war. We can be certain that there will be a magnificent response and people will crowd our churches to thank God for the vast difference which has come over the war situation since the last national day and to pray that the great events--perhaps decisive--now pending, may be blessed by God. The services will be:--

St Matthew’s--7 a.m., Holy Communion; 7 p.m, Prayer Service.

Church of the Epiphany--2.30 p.m., Prayer Service

Bideford Hall--10 a.m., Prayer Service.

REBUILDING FUND

All are agreed that we must be ready with our plans so as to build at the moment conditions are favourable. But the whole matter of plans is bound up with the matter of funds available. The architect meets the Plans Committee early this month and we can expect progress to be made so as to be able to get a reliable estimate in the near future.

To plan wisely we must have some idea of the amount that must be raised. Most parishioners have a good idea of the debt it will be safe to incur by borrowing. The rest will have to be raised and the time has come when an intensive campaign must be started to do that.

No better day than St Matthew’s Day could be found for the launching of this part of the campaign. At the moment the fund stands at £5,110 13s. 6d., and in addition there are promises, including two legacies, amounting to approximately £350. That is surely a very wonderful and encouraging achievement.

Can we now raise that total to £10,000? That is the next objective we must reach. This campaign will culminate on Christmas Day. It means the raising of approximately £4000. It is a big task, but if all will share in sacrificial giving it will be done.

The campaign opens on 21st September, but every donation sent in before that day will be an incentive and an encouragement to all to go forward. Will you have a share in this great work for God?

PARISH STAFF

At its last meeting, the Vestry appointed Captain Harry Sutcliffe, of the Church Army, to the staff of the parish. He has had considerable experience of parish work both in England and New Zealand. He will probably take up his duties here towards the end of October, and will receive a cordial welcome from all our people.

PARISH NOTES

Two fine pictures have been presented to the Parish Hall by Mr F. G. Maunsell. They have been placed in position, and are a welcome addition to the furnishings of the Hall. We are grateful to Mr Maunsell for his gifts, and to Mr G. Hyde for hanging them in the Hall.

A good keen committee was appointed by the annual Scout Meeting. Great work is being done by the Scouts and Cubs, of whom there are 93 on the rolls. We wish the Scouters and the boys another happy and successful year. Mr W. L. Hunter, who has done faithful work as chairman for several years, was appointed hon. secretary, and Mr G. L. Thomas becomes chairman.

Sunday, 19th September, has been selected as the annual Bible Class Day of Prayer. Bible Class members throughout New Zealand will be joining in corporate Communion in the morning, and at Evensong in the evening.

There was a splendid attendance at the Guild’s Social Afternoon. An appreciated programme, afternoon tea, and a most interesting address by Lieut.-Commander C. L. Hults, made up a very happy afternoon.

Under the will of the late Mr George Coker, the residue of his estate is to be divided into four parts--one part goes to Sedgley, one to St Matthew’s Church, and part of one to St Matthew’s Scouts. It is expected that each part will exceed £100. The generous thought of this old parishioner will be appreciated by all.

A great combined service for Maoris and pakehas was held at St Matthew’s on Sunday, 22nd August, at 11 a.m. The Archdeacon was assisted by the Rev. H. Taepa, who sang the service, the Rev. P. Kokiri, who read the first lesson in Maori, and Chaplain C. L. Hults, who read the second lesson. An inspiring sermon, which will be long remembered by the large congregation, was preached by the Bishop of Aotearoa.

KURIPUNI NOTES

There was a good attendance at the annual meeting of the Epiphany Guild. It was decided to work for the annual Garden Party and to hold other functions. Mrs Whitton was elected president; Mrs Hirst, vice-president; Mrs W. Henson, hon. secretary.

The Guild meets on the second Thursday of each month. The meeting on Thursday, 9th September, at 2.30 p.m., will be held at the residence of Mrs Whitton, 11 Cornwall Street, and will take the form of a “Bring and Buy” afternoon.

A highly successful concert and dance was held in Epiphany Hall on 19th August. Miss Beulah Hirst’s pupils gave most appreciated items.

The young people of the church, assisted by the Ladies’ Guild, are holding the next social and dance in the Epiphany Hall on Tuesday, 31st August, at 8 p.m.

PATRONAL FESTIVAL

Sunday, 19th September, being the Sunday nearest St Matthew’s Day, will be observed as our parish birthday. This is a day to be observed by every member of the Church family. Let us assemble in our House of Prayer and there thank God for all that Christianity has meant to this community. All Communicants are asked to join in the Holy Communion at 8 a.m. or 11 a.m., and then we want all to come for Evensong at 7 p.m. Our Patronal Festival is always well observed each year. Let us make this year’s celebrations the greatest and the happiest we have ever known.

C.E.M.S.

The Duty of Worship was the subject discussed at the August meeting by a good number of men. The subject was introduced by Mr W. A. Clarke. Mr W. L . Hunter gave an interesting report on the Diocesan Conference. A valuable discussion took place on some aspects of social problems, but members decided wisely to hold over the formulation of concrete proposals to a later meeting, when full consideration can be given. The next meeting will be held on Monday, 30th August, at 7.45 p.m., when Mr R. W. Brooks will introduce the subject of “Family Relationships.” Live questions, such as family allowances, the place of the family in the State, careers for children and the attitude to divorce, will be discussed. All men interested are invited to be present.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE

The great annual service will be conducted by the Bishop of Wellington on Sunday, 26th September, at 7 p.m., in St Matthew’s. This is always an inspiring occasion and all who can will want to be present to welcome the new members and to pray for them on this great day in their lives. On the following Sunday, the newly-confirmed members will make their first Communion, and again all Communicants are asked to join with them on that happy occasion.

CHURCH ARCHITECT

It was with regret that the Vestry received the resignation of Mr R. Lee, owing to pressure of military duties. We shall always be grateful for his willing help and for his vision of a Church which would be secure and beautiful. Mr Lee felt that plans must be advanced so that reliable estimates of cost could be made. As his duties prevented him from doing that, he, very reluctantly, felt that he must resign. After careful consideration, the Vestry has appointed Mr R. S. D. Harman, of Christchurch, as architect. He has had considerable experience in the building of churches and is able to proceed at once with the necessary preliminary work.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Mrs L. B. Maunsell, 16/6; Mrs W. G. Baird, 10/-; Mr A. E. Clarke, 5/6; Mesdames L. Moore, V. Heath, 5/- each; Miss Wyber, 3/-; Miss Sellar, Mr R. Brooks, 2/6 each.

“Church and People”: Mrs L. B. Maunsell, 3/6; Miss Sellar, Messrs C. R. Mabson, V. H. Heath, G. F. Knapp, Mrs Brenkley, 2/6 each.

BRIDGE CIRCLE

A small group of ladies were accustomed to meeting regularly for a game of bridge. Then the thought came to them--Why not let each one pay a small subscription each time they meet and give the money to the Rebuilding Fund? This happy thought was accepted by all. The circle continued to meet throughout the winter and have now handed in £40 to the rebuilding fund. Thank you, ladies!

BAPTISMS

July 20
Hazel Denise Chambers

July 30
Janet Grace Neilson

August 8
Diana Margaret Whiteman
Henry Mortimer Bell

August 14
William George Madsen

August 16
Judith Sophia White

August 17
Barry Thomas Broome

August 18
Alison Jeanette Hiscox

August 22
Jennifer Margaret Stowell.

MARRIAGES

July 20
George Harvey Yearbury and Evelyn Annie Thomas

August 2
Ian Hamish MacDiarmid and Lorna Joan Macalister

August 7
Martin Sylvester Houge and Gillian Gooder

August 11
Marvin Faire Hazelrigg and Winifred Nancy O’Hara

August 21
Arthur Edward Friend and Noela Mary Baker Yates.

BURIALS

August 4
Lily Alexandra Stroak

August 10
Mary Alexandra Whitehead

August 13
Richard Bligh

August 16
John Augustus Pain

August 20
Josephine Naysmith

August 24
William John Strickland

August 24
Joseph Japhet Cottle

Original scanned image--121018-0022

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