NEW CHURCH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVII, Issue 10672, 26 June 1926, Page 6

NEW CHURCH.

OPENING AT RUAPUNA.

ADDRESS BY THE BISHOT

A glorious summer’s day in the heart of waiter marked the occasion of the opening of the new Anglican Church at Ruapuna on Thursday. About 200 people were present at the ceremony, .which was conducted by the Bishop ol ‘Christchurch (Dr. West-Wats on). A procession was formed at the hall and moved across to the church, in the following order: — Churchwardens, Messrs R. G. "Williams and J. H. Boaler; cross bearer, Mr J. E. M. Rountree; the Rev. F. A. Tooley (Methven), J. Hay (Hinds), P. H. Pritchett (Christchurch), and J. Petrio (Lyttelton) ‘ Bishop’s Chaplain, the Rev. J. F. Wiseman (Ashburton); Archdeason Taylor (St. • Luke’s), and llev. J. W. P. Dyer (Vicar of Mount .Somers) ; His Lordship the Bishop. To the accompaniment of the hymn: “We love the place, 0 God,” the procession entered the church. Then followed the hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation.” The lesson was taken from Ps. 122, and I. Peter, ii. Five infants were brought forward for christening and baptism, namely— Samuel Gregory 'Jones, Joyce Rosita Moore, Tui Geraldine Baxter, Margaret Patricia Baxter, Betty Catherine Mabley. In his address the Bishop referred to the acquirement of the sit© 16 years .ago and ,to the financial aid given by the late Mr Oliver Baxter, Mr J. Ballon tyne, Mr J. E. M. Rountree, and many others. He drew attention to the stones of which the building was .made—stones that were unwanted by the farmer in his paddocks had served the noble purpose of building a church. He reminded his hearers of the spiritual building of the church. Stones and mortar were of no use if around and among them did not exist the proper .spiritual structure. He characterised each member as a living stone in the great Church of God. and exhorted all to bear constantly in mind the supreme importance of the spiritual building. He was glad, said the Bishop, to hear they were going to allow the building to be used by brother ministers of other denominations. At the Lambeth Conference of six years ago we discussed the question of working together with other denominations, and. have often discussed it since. “The ministers now,” said his Lordship, ■“have got as far as they can. Nothing further seems possible at present—“lt is a good and a- beautiful tiling,” he continued, “to give a privilege to others whose representatives in another place have given a. similar privilege to you.” Some people had remarked that they could worship just as well at home, he did not think that possible. The spiritual strength of meeting together, given from one to another was lost to people who were perhaps miles apart. It was thought that when services were broadcasted by wireless few would attend church. That had not been so, as people found they needed the spiritual blessings obtainable by meeting together.

His Lordship urged unselfishness upon all and asked for support in -church activities. “We are not ashamed,” he said, “ or ajraid to take up shares in a mercantile company and we should never be ashamed of the fact that we are shareholders in God’s work.” It is our duty to support missions by the express command of the Master: “Go ye into all the world.” “Always remember,” was his final word, “your responsibility as living stones in the spiritual church.” The service was followed by afternoon tea and a conversazione in the hall. Among those present were: Messrs C. Jaine, W. Sandrey, G. F. Drake, J. S. Baxter, S. Baxter, E. Baxter, and J. Baxter, all well-known as keen workers in the church scheme. The site was acquired in 1910, when the estate was cut up by the Government, and was bought by Mr Jaine and the late Mr W. Sandrey. To use Mr Jaine’s own words: “We bought the site, but we never dreamed we should see the church erected.” The church building fund was commenced by a generous bequest of the late Mr Oliver Baxter, to wliosq memory a- window is being placed in the west end of the church.

The new church is situated at tin Ruapuna Corner, among tall gums am pines, and stands out conspicuously against the green foliage. It is sturdy and snug in appearance and while ye* new-looking, gives the observer i glimpse into Norman and early Gothic times in the shape of its tower and but tresses. It is formed largely from tin boulders which are at once the district’s greatest nuisance and greatest boon. Every farm lias enough of sucli boulders heaped up to build a cathedral. The church has a tiled roof with an easy slope. A short square tower on the north-west corner balances the ,vestry toward the south-east. Within the building is to all appearances cosy and snug, and, while handy to the main road, secure and tranquil by reason of its stone walls. It is built to accommodate 50 persons, although many more were present in it on Thursday. The contract price of £B3B did not include the tiled roof, but with that and Other extras a little less than £IOO is required to free the building of debt. The collection on Thursday in aid of the Building Fund amounted to £lll6s. Nearly all the furniture has been given

as follows:—Prayer desk, Mr G. C. Clayton; altar, Parishioners of FernSide ; candlesticks, Canon Wilford; altar vases, Mrs G. S. Roberts; altar * 'Cross, Mr J. E. M. Bountree; organ, Mr F. Ferriman. Two pictures {paint'ed and presented by Mrs J. Holland, of Christchurch), bear memorial inscriptions to the late Mr and Mrs Boun--tree. A prayer desk, lectern and bishop’s chair were presented anonymously. All the pews are individual gifts. The reading Bible was given by Mrs S. Baxter and the Fair Linen by Mrs J. S. Baxter. The processional cross, to which his Lordsnip referred in his address, was presented by Mr J. E. M. Bountree and carved by Hape Uru. The whaka-i-ro of the cross is symbolic of the Nga Tahu, and is exquisitely cuted. The cross itself is Celtic-Maori in form. The church bell was given by he Rev. J. Petrie, vioor of Lyttelton. Mrs G. W. Boss gave the altar rails, and Mr and Mrs Wilson Bater the font. In the evening an enjoyable ‘social and dance was held in the Hall, a large number taking part. The service to-morrow afternoon is to he conducted by the Bev. P. H. Pritchett, of Christchurch, who. was vicar of the parish when the site was acquired.