SELWYN CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 78, 2 April 1928, Page 8

SELWYN CHURCH.

REDEDICATION CEREMONY. PERPETUATING A GREAT NAME SERVICE AT MANGERE. j

Looking venerable and as durable as ever in its fresh coat of paint, the old wooden church which formerly stood at Otahuhu, and which has been removed to Mangere East, was re-opened and rededicated last evening by Archbishop Averill. The historic church was originally dedicated by Bishop Selwyn, assisted by Bishop Patteson, sixty-two

years ago. The congregation at yesterday's service filled the building to overflowing, many having to stand in the porch. During the course of the service, Archbishop Averill congratulated the parishioners on the erection of the church, and on its excellent restoration. He thanked the committee for the noble work it had done, and the ladies who had contributed towards the acquisition of the site. The Archbishop drew attention to the fact that the old church was now beginning a new lease of life under a new name, and congratulated the parishioners on their new departure in christening it after its first dedicator, Bishop Selwyn. While new the departure was an excellent one, for they found joy in commemorating the men who had founded the Church in the

Old Land, and should find it equallv fitting to remember in like manner the men who did so- much for the beginning of the Church in this new land, fn New Zealand Selwyn welded the missions he found here, especially those working among the Maoris, into one great churclf. Preaching from the text in the 132 nd ! Psalm, "Arise O God, Into Thy Resting Place," the Archbishop expressed the [hope that the occasion they were celebrating would always be associated with Palm Sunday, the day of the church's re-opening. Its significance would always be remembered, for it was the day on which Jesus was to have entered in triumph into Jerusalem, and declared himself the Messiah of God.

In the morning, Archbishop Averill re-opened the church of St. Matthias at Panmure, which has also been completely reconditioned. The service was largely attended. Archbishop Averill congratulated the parishioners of Otahuhu on the double event, and also on the laying of the foundation stone of the new brick and stone church at Otahuhu.