PATEA.

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 12 September 1930, Page 5

PATEA.

ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH

, The dedication of the new altar in St. George’s Church took place last Sunday night. The vicar, Rev. O. Gibson, read the Faculty issued by the Bishop of Wellington permitting the erection of the altar. After prayers had been offered the vicar dedicated the altar with the words, “In the Faith of Jesus Christ we dedicate this altar to the Glory of God, in the Name of tlie Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” In bis address tlie vicar traced the existence of altars hack to the Jewish custom of sacrifice, which made an altar essential. Around the altar with .its sacrifices all Jewish worship centred. Similarly in the Christian Church we have always before us the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This Sacrifice we commemorate in the Sacrament of the Holy Communion. Still, therefore, an altar is needed, and still it is the centre of worship. The preacher went on to suggest that the new altar should remind people of four tilings, gratitude to Christ for all His goodness and love; our own need and the supply through the Blessed Sacrament; the privilege and iov’ of worship; _ and the urgent need for ever increasing fellowship both with God and our fellow imen. The altar, which is of Gothic design, is tlie work of Mr L. Lichfield. who is to he congratulated on his fine workmanship. The beautiful heart of rimu wood which lias been used is very fine and the whole church i.s the richer by this worthy addition.