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Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31236, 7 December 1966, Page 1

There were former pupils in the new Gibson memorial library in which they have a special interest. Girls of the school. had to assemble outside.

Besides the assembly hallchapel (with a stage at one end and a sanctuary at the other) and the Gibson library, there is a new twostorey block with a cookery department, music appreciation and film rooms, and another block with class and music rooms.

The architects were Messrs Hollis and Leonard, the contractors were Messrs Husband Brothers, Ltd., and the price was £62,324. Mrs C. W. Ballantyne, president of the Old Girls’ Asso-

ciation, asked the Very Rev. M. W. Wilson, chairman of the board of governors, to accept the library as a memorial to the Gibson sisters who founded and served the school for many years. He in turn invited the Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren, former Bishop of Christchurch, to dedicate it Bishop Warren said that in a long friendship with the Gibson family he learned that the daughters inherited their devotion, character, and appreciation of the finest things in life from their mother.

This ceremony in the library, where Bishop Warren unveiled a commemorative tablet, was relayed to the larger audiences elsewhere. From the sanctuary of the chapel-assembly hall, a dedication service for the other buildings was conducted by the Moderator of the Christchurch Presbytery (the Rev. T. G. Campbell), scripture was read by the head prefect (Elizabeth Galloway), and the school choir sang an anthem from the stage at the other end.

“Look unto the rock whence we are hewn,” said the principal (Mrs M. G. Patrick), quoting from Isaiah in her address. Rangi-ruru School was always conscious of its raw material which must be hewn, shaped, and graven, she said. If the school had a distinctive contribution to make it would be evident as drama and music, study and discussion, physical exercise and recreation took place in this hall with the sanctuary always close by, said Mrs Patrick. Mr D. S. Dodds, vice-chair-man of the board, called on Mr Wilson as chairman and chaplain to dedicate this building, and a plaque commemorating the bequest of Mr J. W. Graham for the chancel was unveiled by members of his family. The picture shows the service in the assembly hall chapel while Mrs Patrick was speaking.