ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, KAIAPOI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2118, 4 October 1867, Page 7 (Supplement)

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, KAIAPOI.

The ripening of this church, sin event to which the Kaiapoi Maoris have so lung looked forward, and for which iliey had made very extensive preparations,took place on WeJiu-.-day the 9th ult., in the preseneeof an unusual number of visitors, both native and European. The day was remarkably fine for the season of the year, and to this no doubt may be attributed the large attendance, although even under more adverse circumstances, we have little doubt but that the ceremony would have proved equally attractive; such instances of native perseverance in providing for themselves, unaided, a suitable place for the worship of God, being an event of as rare occurrence as it is worthy of emulation amongst their white brethr.n, The service was appointed to commence at 11 a.m, and shortly before this hour the assembled clergy formed in procession at the parsonage, an I proceeded to the church, entering by the western door, and passing up the aisie to their several positions in mid around the chancel. In the absence of the 13 shop, the Very Rev.- the Dean of Christchureb officiated, the church being densely crowded, even to the aisles, which were occupied by persons unable to obtain seats. The service was commenced in Maori by the Rev. J. W. Stack. The Venite, Te Ileum, and Jubilate were chanted in English by the choir of Ul2 Wootlend anil Kangiora churches, to whom great praise is due tor the manner in which their part of the service was conducted. The hymns "God has laid a sure foundation stone," and "My God is Thy table spread," were also sung by the congregation. The Psalms for the day were repeated by the Maoris very distinctly. The first lesson was read by the Rev W. W. Willock, mid the second by the Rev 13. W. Dudley, Rural Dean.' The ordinary servic3 was throughout in the English language, except when the Sacrament was partaken of by the Maori communicants.

The Yery Rev the Deax preached from the lesson for the day—Micali, iv. chap, Ist and 2nd verses, which were singularly appropriate to the occasion and earnestly listened to by the Maoris. After alluding to the interest attaching to the event for which the congregation were met together he pointed out the partial fulfilment of the prophecy in the services in which different nations had joined, and urged his hearers to look forward with confidence to a still more perfect fulfilment ere long, when all nations,'.without exception, shall acknowledge one faith, one baptism, one God, and one Father. When the Dean had retired to the Communion table the Rev. J. Stack addressed the Maoris in their own tongue from the same text.

On conclusion of the service twenty-four Maoris and twenty-two Europeans partook of the Holy Communion. A collection was made at the termination of the proceedings which realised £l3 lus. An adjournment was next made to the paddock adjoining the church where a tent 60 feet long had been pitched by the Maoris for the purpose of entertaining their white friends. An ample supply of viands of almost every description, cooked with Maori appliances, and in the native manner in the open paddock, was spread upon the tables and liberally patronised by the visitors who though perhaps, at first chary of eating from having observed the process of cooking soon divested themselves of their objections, and pronounced the edibles to be really good and cooked in a manner that would have been creditable to any European purveyors. As an instance of the quantity of provisions consumed wc may state that half a ton of potatoes alone were supplied, whilst the number of plum puddings and pies was incredible.

At tltis time not less than from 250 to 300 Europeans were present, who mingled with the Maoris with the greatest freedom, evidently struck by their appearance when arrayed in similar apparel to themselves. The children were, however, particularly noticeable for their cleanliness and tidiness of dress, together with the neat appearance of their scarlet cloaks and straw hats. The order and decorum, ills;), which the whole of the Maoris observed during the day, ramie a most favourable impression, The festivities were kept up with great spirit in the paddock until the evening.

The church, the foundation stone of which it will be re numbered was laid by his Excellency Sir G. Grey during his visit to the province, is entirely built of wood, and is certainly a valuable acquisition and a great ornament to the district. It is of the usual Gothic cruciform style, possessing a bell tower over the principal entrance, an 1 was crested by Messrs Herhertson and Hyers, of Saltwater Creek, to whom great credit is due for the manner in which' thev have done the work entrusted to them, To the Maoris also it is equally creditable, and is an instance of what can be done bv persons really in earnest in the work. The total cost has been £sl", of which £SOO has been raised, principally, indeed almost entirely, amongst and by the exertions of the natives themselves. The deliciency of £l7 will no doubt also shortly be made up, when the Maori will occupy the enviable and rare position of having a place of worship free from debt.