NEW CHURCH AT COURTENAY

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22202, 20 September 1937, Page 16

NEW CHURCH AT COURTENAY

——♦ DEDICATION CEREMONY LARGE CONGREGATION ASSEMBLES Dean Julius dedicated the now Si. Matthew's Church, at Courtenay yesterday afternoon, in the presence oi" several hundreds of church-people, who had come from miles about for the occasion. The congregation numbered three times the capacity of the little building, and more people took part in the service by means of loud-speak-ers outside than were able to gain admission. The new church, built in reinforced concrete with a stucco finish, and beautifully furnished, is the proud achievement of a small but enthusiastic congregation of the parochial district of Courtenay. Dean Julius, in his address to the people, congratulated them upon their industry and devotion in replacing the old church and so generously furnishing the new. The Dean was assisted at the dedication service by Archdeacon A. K. Warren, the Rev. W. H. S. Hine. vicar of Courtenay. the Rev. C. I. Maclaj/erty, vicar of Hororata. and the Rev. P. H. Pritchett. The clergy were met at the door by the church officers, who on. behalf of the people of the district, formally asked the Dean to dedicate the church. The dedication service was then held, the Dean giving a short address. At the conclusion of the ceremony afternoon tea was served on the vicarage lawn, and opportunity was taken to welcome Archdeacon Warren, who is Archdeacon of Christchurch. During the tea a cake was cut by Mrs G. Davis, who was baptised, confirmed, and married in the old church. Generous Gifts The church was beautifully decorated for the service, with arum lilies on the altar. The west window of the building is of stained glass, with a series of three Gothics in ornamental setting. The east window conforms to the design of the chancel arch, which is embellished with ornamental carved limestone. The woodwork is done in figured red pine, with the pews of stained rimu. The Communion rails are of carved oak. The vicar, Mr Hine, reported yesterday a long list of gifts to the church. The altar is of carved oak and the Bishop's chair, also in carved oak, is the gift of Mr B. Hayes. The pulpit is made of carved oak, with a tablet inscription, "In loving memorv of Bertram George Fox, vicar of this parish, 1919-1922," It is the gift of his widow. The lectern., in carved oak. is the gift of Mrs Christian, widow of a former vicar. Mr W. F. Turner and family have given the prayer-desk- and seat in carved oak. Others who have generously contributed towards the furnishings are Mrs W. H. S. Hine, Mr and Mrs Wilsden (Belfast), Captain and Mrs P. A. James, Mrs S. Robertson, Mrs R. Montgomery. Miss Sheila Montgomery, Miss L. Watson, Miss E. Lough. Mrs R. C. Roper. Mrs J. Hayes, Mrs J. Seaton and family, Mrs P. E. Fowler, Mr S. Pascoe. Mrs G. Watson (Southbridge), and Mr T. Hill. The beautiful stone and wood carvings were the work of Mr E. G. Guernsey, of Fendalton.