ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, OTAKEHO.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 27 August 1917, Page 4

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, OTAKEHO.

DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL FONT AND ORGAN.

An event of more than ordinary interest and importance in the life of the people of the Otakeho district took place at St. John's Church on Friday evening, St. Bartholomew's JJay, when two memorials, recently presented to the church in memory of leading parishioners who died last, year, were solemnly dedicated to the S^ry of God and to the service of His; Cnurch. In the presence of a congregation which filled the church to the> doors, the ceremony was performed byRev. O. M. Stent, vicar of Opunake~ representing the Bishop of Wellington,, who was unfortunately unable to be* present. Other clergy'assisting at then service, in addition to the vicar, Rev. hl' B«rF^ e» we,re Rev- W- F~ btent of Taihape, formerly of Manaia-, parochial district, and Rev. C. W Howard, of Stratford. Rev. T Tait Presbyterian Church, and Rev. F. G. Parker, Methodist Church, were also present in church. In view of thefact that one memorial was to a departed soldier ? there was a guard oF honor, consisting of Major Sutherland?' and five returned men—Corporal Moller, and Privates Poole (2), Gibson-, and Eehraann. The officiating clergy were met by them at the westerndoor, and escorted in procession up thechurch to the Communion rails, wher©the vicar presented the petition on account of himself and wardens, asking - for the dedication of the memorials. Rev. 0. M. Stent then, accompanied' by the other clergy, dedicated a beautiful font "to the glory of God and theservice of His Church, in memory of" the late Sergeant-Major Outram Mar--6hall Young." Then, proceeding tothe west, he also dedicated a new Positive organ, "in memory of the late Martha Elizabeth Le Fleming." The lessons were read by Rev. C. W. Howard, of Stratford. A helpful ami-' inspiring sermon was preachedby Rev. W. F. Stent, of Taihape. In opening hia sermon he said he had prepared' for confirmation both of those whosememory they were honoring. He hoped and trusted," nay, he knew, that theirmemory ,would long be treasured, and 3 that their influence would always bepotent for good to all who had know ithem, inspiring all to live better,. nobler and more unselfish lives.

During the service appropriate * hymns and psalms were sung by choirand congregation. At the close a% short recital was given on the neworgan by Mr Page (Hawera). The selections chosen by the^ organist enabled the full power and' beauty of the various combinations cf r stops to be amply demonstrated. Therecital was much appreciated. Sullivan's fine song, "The Lost Chord,"' was snng with deep feeling and excel- • lent expression by Mrs Sunderland, of" Hawera. The anthem "I will lift .up • mine eyes" was sung by a quartettefrom St. Mary's choir. After the - Benediction and Vesper Hymn, the' National Anthem was sung. *