BANKS PENINSULA PARISH

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29067, 2 December 1959, Page 11

BANKS PENINSULA PARISH

Celebration Of Centenary In spite of changeable weather the Anglican parish of Banks Peninsula celebrated its centenary last Sunday when parishioners gathered at St. Luke’s Church, Little Akaloa, for the Communion service. The celebrant was the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren), who was assisted by the vicar of the parish (the Rev. B. A. W. Beckett), and the Rev. D. D. Thorpe, vicar of the parish from 1934 to 1937. In spite of continued rain the picnic lunch was held under some large trees near the beach. When the procession began to wend its way up the road from the beach for the centennial service, the sun was shining. On reaching the litchgate, the procession was met by the Bishop and clergy, and entered the church grounds singing the hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers.” Held Outside The service was held outside the church and was conducted by the vicar before a congregation of more than 300 parishioners. Lessons were read by Mr A. H. Hayman, lay reader for the parish, and the Archdeacon, the Ven. W. M. Davies. The Rev. D. D. Thorpe led prayers, and a speech of welcome was made by the vicar's warden, Mr W. S. Coop. The Bishop preached the sermon. Afternoon tea was made and served by the women of Little Akaloa. The Bishop’s wife, Mrs A. K. Warren, cut the centennial cake, which was made by Mrs I. H. Menzies and Mrs J. Kay. It had inscribed upon it the names of the churches in the five bays of the parish. Also present at the service were the vicar of Akaroa, the Rev. W. A. Book the Presbyterian minister from Akaroa, the Rev. M. J. Lewitt, Mrs E. Lane, widow of the Rev. F. O. B. Lane, vicar of the parish from 1937 until 1940, and some descendants of the first vicar of the parish, the Rev. Henry Torlesse. ye y