NEW ANGLICAN CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 251, 22 October 1926, Page 8

NEW ANGLICAN CHURCH.

CONSECRATED AT TE AROHA.

MEMORIAL TO BRAVE MEN.

AN INTERESTING RECORD.

TE AROHA, this day,

When the foundation stone was laid on April 13, 1926, of the new St. Mark's Church, a brief history of the parish was placed under the stone. A very interesting account of the progress made is contained in the following record: — "The Parish of Te Aroha, originally formed' part of the Parish of HamiltonWaikato. In 1880, the Rev. William Calder rode on horsebacK and conducted the first Church of England service, which was neld on a hill where the Domain now is and near where the Hot Springs Hotel now stands. In 1882, the Rev. H. S. Davis took up his residence at Waiorongmai (then a flourishing goldfields township), and conducted services in the district. In 1885, a separate parochial district was formed, and the Rev. James Marshall, M.A., Trinity College, Dublin, was appointed first vicar. In the following year (1886), a church was erected in wood. It was dedicated to the honour of the Holy Evangelist, St. Mark, by William Garden Cowie, D.D., Bishop of Auckland. The new church is built on the same spot. In 188 D, Mr. Marshall resigned the living and was succeeded by the Rev. F. B. Evans (afterwards Archdeacon of Taranaki), In 1596, a church was' erected at Morrinsvills, which, with Paeroa, formed part of the Te Aroha Parish at this time.

"In 1897, the Rev. Evans resigned, having been seven years vicar of the parish. At this time the district was divided, Paeroa being a separate district. The Rev. E. J. McFarland, 8.A., succeedeu Mr. Evans as vicar. In 1897, a vicarage was built in wood at a cost i a £297, and the church was enlarged at a cost of £100.

"In 1902, the Rev. E. M. Cowie, (Cantab), afterwards Archdeacon of Waikato, took charge. Air. Uowie resigned, and was succeeded by the Rev. P. (Jleary in 1908. """"" Parish Again Divided.

"In 1909 the parish was again divided, and the Mor-insville-cum-Matamata district formed. In 1914, the Rev. W. J Edgill was appointed. The vestry at this time discussed the desirability of erecting a new church in permanent material. In the same year the great European War broke out, and the projut t .s abandoned for the time being. "In 1919, the Rev. K. L. Connolly became vicar of the parish. The same year the great peace was signed, and, a> un act of Almighty God, and in memory of those who had enlisted from the district and made the supremo sacrifice, the vestry and parishioners decided to take steps for the erection of a memorial church in permanent material. Tenders were called, the foundation stone was laid on April 13, 1926, and the consecration takes place on October 24, by the Archbishop o. Auckland."

The following priests have acted as vicars of Te Aroha:—

Rev. James Marshall, M.j\., Trinity College, Dublin, 1885.

Rev. F. G. Evans (afterwards Archdeacon of Taranaki, 1889.

Rev. E. J. McFarland, 8.A., University of New Zealand, afterwards Canon St. Marys' Cathedral, Auckland, 1807.

Eev. E. M. Cowie, ALA., Cantab, (afterwards Archdea ~ of Waikato). 1002.

Rev. P. Cleary, 1908. Rev. G. Smales, 1912.. Re\. W. H. Bowden, 1914. Rev. W. H. Edgell, 1915. Rev. G. H. Morse, 1916. Rev. R. L. Connolly, 1919. The xfew Building.

The building, which is of Gothic design, is built in stone and brick, and has a length of 106 ft by a width of 27ft Gin. It has seating accommodation for 300. The cost of the building is over £4000. Mr. l>. B. Patterson, Auckland, was the architect, while two returned. soldiers (Messrs Ritchie and Hepburn), were the builders.