A NOBLE EDIFICE.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18855, 22 November 1926, Page 11

A NOBLE EDIFICE.

CHURCH OF ST. BARNABAS.

CONSECRATION BY THE BISHOP. Seating accommodation was provided for over 600 people for tho first service in the new church of St. Barnabas, Fendalton, ou Saturday afternoon, but so large was tho congregation at the consecration that it completely filled the building, a large number standing at the back and overflowing into the vestibules and outside. The ceremony of sanctifying the church was- performed by his Lordship Bishop West-Watson, who, in the course of his sermon, made reference to the fact that it was the first time he had had the duty of blessing a -new church since his arrival in Christchurch.

lira City with a claim to something greater than Dominion fatno for the splendour of its ecclesiastical edifices, the memorial Church still further enriches tho heritage left by 'the Anglican founders of the province. The exterior of the church has a quiet dignity and solidarityf»placed as it is in a setting of cool lawns, studded with deciduous trees and against a background formed by the verdant, park-like grounds of a private residence. Tho interior has a beauty and reposeful simplicity, with its walls of pristine whiteness, measured off in graceful symmetry by its latticed windows-, and the admirably tasteful character of such furnishings as have already been provided. The memory of tho founders of the province has been suitably honoured in the construction of tho church.

The grounds which surround it lend themselves to the art of the landscape gardener, and the frontage will bo cleared at a very early date by tho demolition and removal of the old church, with its old-fashioned shingle roof, which has been a landmark for half a centurv.

The Building. Stone from Cashmere Hills, with facings of redstone and Oamaru stone, have been used in tho construction of the new edifice, and tho Gothic tower in front adds charm to its architecture. The carillon of eight bells in the belfry was tho gift of Mrs Murray-Aynsley and Mr G. Gerard. Tho window frames in the main entrance were brought out by one of the first four ships and were part of tho first church at Papanui. The Kate Gerard window at tho rear of the building, with its colourful representation of Biblical happenings, is an artistic decoration. Possibly tho most beautiful of all the many gifts, however, is the reredos, given by. the Stone family. Its central panel is a wonderful carving of the Last Supper ; on tho lines of da Vince's masterpiece. Blessing the Church. At the principal entrance of the church the Bishop, who was attended by his chaplain, was received by the vicar (Rev. H. S. Loaclf), clergy, churchwarden, and members of the vestry, and he was handed a petition, praying that he would consecrate the church. Upon entering, followed by the procession, he was nanded a key of the church and, standing near the west end, the Bishop repeated a prayer beseeching God to sanctify it. Psalm xxiv., expressive of reverence was sung, and the Bishop placed the key on the altar.

Many people who attended the impressive service of consecration wero in the church at 2 p.m., although it did not commence until an hour later. Tlie congregation included Colonel M. M. Gardner, 0.C., Southern Command; Colonel N. W. Thorns and Major K. M. Gresson, ,representing the Army. Mr A. J. Merton was the organist. In turn' he then-walked with the vicar and churchwardens to the front, tower and bells; chancel steps, lectern, pulpit, choir stalls', sanctuary 1 -' steps, and altar, repeating versicles and prayers. Tlie . holy. vessels' and fair linen were then presented to the Bishop and laid on'the altar. The sentence'of consecration was read by the chancellor (Mr H. D. Andrews), the people standing, and the Bishop attached his signature and ordered the document to be preserved in the tauniments of the diocese. Some words of welcome were spoken by the vicar, who expressed his pleasure at seeing so many clergy and visitors. Seven years', work, ho'said, had been consummated, *but' only through the help of the rich and also the very poor. He was proud of the church, but prouder of those who had' made it possible. The church had not been reseated, and the furnishings were a bit of a patchwork, but a friend had given £IOO to provide a start. Tho ■seating would cost £500 ; and. the offering would be for this and any extras. Children were not present that afternoon as the.church did not have elastic sides. Tlie vicar thanked all for their help, Iwre, and loyalty. , .

Bishop's Sermon. Taking as his text • the concluding verses of St. John vi., the Bishop preached an eloquent sermon. He said ho was grateful for the •welcome to the first consecration of a church since the commencement of his work in the diocese. Tho church was a memorial. of the spirit within tho people, as well as a witness for the. love they bore those who had made sacrifices for them. The City around was assuming a stability and permanence, and it was well that the church should be in accord with the change. All would cherish a memory of the old churches of wood.which had been: built by tho pioneers. From time to time there had been those-who had parted from the Church, but one by one the new movements had grown old, and the. church remained. He had received lately, the requests for release by persons wishing to join a movement called Christian, but he could give no such release. The vagaries and opinions of yesterday would, soon be left behind as insufficient. Some in the war had had their faith shaken because God had not intervened,, but they forgot that God was being crucified anew. Others had lost faith in the Church, and walked no more with them. Maybe too much stress was laid on what came after life, and tho Church was not giving the thrill of life which drew to the spiritual ; but to whom would they go except to Him Who gave eternal life? Nowhere in other religions could they find the revelation of eternal God. In the temple which lacked the spirit of God not one stone remained upon another in accordance with Christ's prophecy. A deep sense of responsibility should rest upon them: The acts of consecration performed by. the Bishop should be the inspiration to them to be the living stones built into the; eternal city. The service was concluded bv the singing of the National Anthem and the hymn "Now Thank Wo All Our God." The. collection amounted to £l2O. AfLer the ceremony those present were served with afternoon tea at a marquee in the grounds.

SUNDAY SERVICES.

THE CHURCH AS A .MEMORIAL. Special services were held at St. Barnabas' Church yesterday. Holy Communion was celebrated at 8 a.m., the celebrant bein£;Bishop son.' At 11 a.m. Canon T.A. Hamilton conducted Matins. Holy Communion

was held at noon, children's service at 2.30 -p.m., and.Holy Baptism at 3.16 p.m. The Rev. W. A. Orange conducted Evensong -'Speaking. p at the morning service, Canon Hamilton, who was for many years a vicar at Fendalton,'congratulated the parishiners on their support 62 the Church, as made evident by the erection of the new building. About twenty-five years ago, he said, it came into the minds of two men of blessed meibory to provide a hew church for the. time when the old. one would fall into decay. The war broke out, however, and all the money was needed for other things. Soon after the termination of the an epidemic took hold of the people, and consequently the matter of providing a new church was deferred. The church, as it 6tood today, was the only proper and suitable memorial for those who died, that others might live. He 6poke on the Virgin Mary's devotion to the Lord, and said that when she' spilt the whole of the ointment .over tho feet of the Lord, that was hot. waste. It was a sign of devotion..' Nothing was to good to offer, and it was the same with the people of the Parish. There were good Christians who did not think of what they could get, but thought of what they, could give to the Lord. When tho- people looked around the new church, and saw the windows that had occupied the old-church, they would think of the soldiers who went forth from the. parish to overthrow evil. Lovei fonquered death. "He who dwelloth in love dwelleth in God, for God is love," the speaker concluded.