ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 98, 27 April 1922, Page 11

ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE.

the sei.wtn block. "opened by governor-general, the institution's history. The ceremony of opening the new block of buildings to be known as the gelwyn Block, at St. John's College, Tamaki, was performed yesterday morning by his Excellency the Governor-Gen-eral Lord Jellicoe, in the presence of a flarge gathering. Among the officiating clergy were the Acting-Primate of New Zealand, Bishop Julius, Bishop Averill, of Auckland, Bishop Sprott, of Wellington, Bishop Sadlier, of Nelson, and" Bishop J. 11. Steward, of Melanesia. A guaTd of ionour was formed by a squad from King's College under the command of Captain V. Maxwell. Rev. E. Chitty presided at the organ. The Governor-General was welcomed by Dr. Averill on behalf of the trustees and governors, who referred to the fact that it was the first official visit of hie Excellency to the college. The Bishop said that owing to the state of the old buildings it had been necessary to build during the war. They had, however, accomplished a great work for religion and education, besides providing an asset to this beautiful city of Auckland. In declaring the building open, Lord Jellicoe said that the occasion Rave him intense pleasure. St. John's College was wrapped up in the history of this country. The institution was founded as a theological college in 1844 at Waimate, Bay of Islands, and in 1846 was established at Auckland. Its progress was also the history of the development of New Zealand. During the war the college closed down, and the whole of lte members and the warden went to the front, where eight of their number paid the supreme sacrifice. It was fitting, aaid his.Excellency that-reference should 'be made jof the clergy who went to the front. It would be found that the work of the padre Uiiring the war was noble and useful. They performed many gallant deeds and sometimes paid the penalty -with their lives. An inspiring dedicatory service was delivered by Dr. Juliu-s. who said that fewprovinces of the Church possessed such a romantic history as did New Zealand. in -connection with which was enshrined the memories of most godly and apostolic men. There was a tremendous work to bft done by the College. The frrcatpst need of the- Church was a home and training for men already trained, who could refresh themselves and go out a<*ain wiser iiy;n. It was difficult to find men for the Chirrcii, DUt he contended that the very best men for the' (ountry werp New Zealand boys. They Ould be trained here, and then, if needs, be, he sent Home to gain further experience. In conclusion he rejoiced in the work of the province, and hopeil that the college would be the means of replenishing Melanesia and sending missionaries to" Polynesia and other posts.