In a country churchyard

Press, 10 August 1985, Page 19

In a country churchyard

“Innocent babes” who died during the early pioneering years at Mount Peel gave the Church of the Hniv Innocents its name. Small wooden crosses marked the graves of these children near the site of the church when it was built in 1869 as a gift to settlers by the Acland family. Plans of the church, by Mr Ashworth of Exeter, were sent to Mount feel by the

Rev. P.L. D. Acland, sub-Dean of Ex ®‘ er Cat h edra J- . The original design of the bell turret was changed to one designed by Mrs Emily Acland, the daughter of Bishop Julius Harper. William Brassington built the church in ful Gothic style, drav ™g on local materials including Mount Somers limestone and graywacke from the Rangitata Riverff

Inside, the pointed ceiling was embellished with totara and kahikatea panelling. The windows over the altar are a memorial to Mr J. B. Acland and Emily, who were buried beside the church walls. A tablet commemorates the name of their partner and friend, Mr C. G. Tripp. Bishop Harper conducted the first sermon in the Church; before

then Mr Acland had organised regular worship in his home, across the stream from the church. Several more gifts were bestowed on the church after it was built, including oak Glastonbury chairs from Agnes Lucy Mills. The north-west window was a gift in 1889 as a memorial to Michael Mitton, who managed for 15 years. T

One of the windows was given by the Sheepowners Federation of New Zealand in 1943 in recognition of Mr Henry Dyke Acland’s contribution to the sheep industry. An Acland family tradition has continued each year without fail with the toll of the church bell by a family member to herald the New Year.

By

TESSA WARD