GLENMARK CHURCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 14428, 19 July 1907, Page 5

GLENMARK CHURCH.

INSTITUTION OF THE YICAR. The formal opening and consecration of St Paul’s Church at Glenniark has been delayed until September, owing to the furnishing and some interior o Iterations not being finished 5 but the institution of the Rev Walter Dunkley as vicar of the parish took place yesterday afternoon. Bishop Julius being unable to attend, the institution, service was conducted by Doan Harper in the presence of a congregation of about sixty persons. The service that followed the institution ritual was taken by Mr Dunkley and the Rev F. P. Fend all, the latter reading the lesson.. The Revs 0. A. Tobin and P. ■J. Cocks were also present. The sermon was preached by the Dean, who took for his text Mat. xvi., part of verse IS, “ The gates of hell shall not prevail against you.” In the course of the sermon ho urged the congregation to support its minister and make the church one full of spiritual life. Appropriate hymns were sung during the eervice, Mr Charles Tendall being the organist. Mr Dunkley announced that service would be held ■ on Sunday afternoon at half-past two, and that he would be glad to meet with those willing to join in the, formation of a choir.

The church is a handsome building, and with its tower and spire forms al landmark, standing on the open flat about two miles from the Waipara railway station. It is of Gothic design, cruciform in shape, and is, built of brick, with white stone facings and tiled roof. The nave measures 25ft by 70ft. the transepts are 40ft across, and there is a chancel measuring 16ft by 10ft 6in. The interior is handsomely finished, the dado being mock panelled in Gothic design with oiled red pine. Tfie rvalls are tinted in cold'grey stone colour, and the principals and roof are of stained weed. In the chancel there is a very fine stained glass window in memory of the late Mr G. H. Moore. The window represents St Paul preaching. In the north transept there is another equally fine window, representing the Transfiguration, erected as a memorial to the late Dr J. H. Townend. There is also another stained glass window to be known as the Omilii Settlers’ window'. The furniture includes a handsome carved oak altar and reredos, the work of Mr G; Wilson, of Christchurch, an eagle lectern also carved by Mr Wilson a pulpit of red pine, a white stone font, .and seats to accommodate about two hundred people. A twomnanual pipe organ, made by Norman and Baird, of London, probably one of the finest instruments of its size in the colony, occupies the south transept. It has twelve stops and three couplers, and the kinetic blower is operated by a three horsepower electric motor. The building will be illuminated by fifty-two sixteen candle-power electric lamps, the current to supply which is now generated at the Glenmark homestead, the dynamo being run by a turbine waterwheel. This power, however, has been found insufficient, and an oil engine is to be installed'. In the church tower there is a peal of eight tubular bells. The heaviest bell bears the inscription; Lord, may thin bell for ever be A tuneful voice o’er land and sea, To call Thy people unto Thcc. Close by the church there is a vicarage of twelve commodious living rooms, besides bath-rooms and all modern convenience®, the building covering a space of 88ft by 60ft. It stands in grounds of a considerable area, which are being laid out and planted. At the entrance to the church yard there is a lych gate of Gothic design, and in an enclosure opposite there is a commodious stable for the horses of those attending service. The whole of the buildings and the organ, church furniture and bells cost about £BOOO, and are the gift to the parish of Mrs Townend in memory of her father, Mr G. H. Moore. The church was designed by Mr A. H. Hart, and the contract for the erection of the buildings was corned out by Mr W. Goss, Mr Martin being supervisor of the work.