Church Jubilee Celebrations

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6833, 14 April 1932, Page 3

Church Jubilee Celebrations

ST. JOHN’S, FEILDING EARLY DAYS RECALLED The jubilee celebrations in connection with St. John's Anglican. Church, Fcildiug, were carried a further stage at tho Drill Hall on Tuesday evening, when addresses were given by many who have been for years prominently associated with the church. Rev. Canon F. H. Petrie, the vicar, presided over a very largG gathering, and had associated with him on the platform Vcn. Archdeacon Inncs-Joncs, the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Taylor), Mr. F. do J. Clcro (architect for the original church), Rev. F. Copeland, Mr. Hector Booth and Mr. Edmund Goodbehcrc, and Adjutant Fraser. Before commencing the proceedings Canon Petrie expressed his pleasure at the large gathering, and at the same time his regret at tho absence of several w r ho had been unable to attend. Hon. J. G. Cobbe (Minister of Justice) would have been present but for pressure of Cabinet duties, and ho had made known bis regret that he would not be able to attend. The speaker also missed Rev. D. It. McDonald, who was unfortunately ill. Others who had been connected with tho church since its birth in Feilding had expressed a wish to be present, but had been prevented by unforeseen circumstances.

Tho Mayor thanked Canon Petrie for the invitation to Mrs. Taylor and himself to be present at the gathering, for ho acknowledged with pleasure his association with the Anglican Church, particularly during his youth. It was to the Anglican Church that ho owed his early training in Christian Church work, and the speaker recalled associations with the church up the Wanganui river and at Gollingwood, Nelson. The Mayor offered his congratulations to Mr, G. d. Fitzpatrick, the compiler of the publication dealing with tho history of the church. (Applause.) In the name of the town and its citizens he congratulated Canon Petrie and the officers associated with him, as well as tho Anglican community generally, upon the church attaining its jubilee. Ho mentioned tho Anglican community particularly, for it numbered many whose Christian work was most praiseworthy. Indeed, such work was of incalculable value, and any church would be proud to number among its adherents such Christian workers as Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Hocken. (Applause.) The Mayor went on to stress the importance of the church work, especially hi times such as the present, for lie felt, that the moral and spiritual progress of the people was of even greater importance than good government. These were challenging days, and tho church had a larger task than Parliament. Courage and sacrifice were required among the people, and the church should follow tho splendid lead given by the Gover-nor-General. (Applause.) In the name of the borough of Feilding he prayed that God might bless Canon Petrie and his successors, his officers and their successors, and the Anglican Church generally in both town and country. (Applause.) Yen. Archdeacon Inncs-Jones recalled that it was 43 years ago when he first came to Feilding, and he rejoiced at having had the opportunity of taking part in the church’s jubilee celebrations. Twenty-eight years of his ministerial life of 4S years had been spent in Feilding and district. The archdeacon went on to recall early associations, speaking first of the isolation of the church when it stood alone on its present site for many years before residences commenced to be built around it, and then alluding to many of the early church officers who had gone to their long last rest. The speaker felt that great credit was due to the architect of the church, Mr. Clere, and to the builder, tho late Mr. Nicholas. Tho edifice had cost just on £GOO, and it was surprising to think that it had endured for 50 years and was, ho thought, likely to last for at least ten years more, for he felt it would be at least that, long before sufficient funds were available to build the beautiful building contemplated. He briefly traced the progress of the church throughout the district, recalling the building of churches at. Iviwitea, Halcombc, Stanway and Colvton. The archdeacon concluded by offering his good wishes to Canon Petrie and the. parishioners. Mr. Edmund Goodbchorc also spoke of the early days of the church in Feilding, recalling old associations and the fact that Mr. Booth and the speaker sang in the choir shortly after the church was built. That church, the speaker suggested, had proved a substantial monument to the enthusiasm of the church workers of 50 years ago. It was a truly wonderful effort for a small town such as Fcildiug was 50 years ago, and its state of preservation testified to the quality of tho materials used and the workmanship put into it. Tho speaker concluded by paying an eloquent tribute to the great work of Canon Petrie. (Applause.) Mr. Jlcctor Booth spoke of the district before Feilding was founded, and dealt with its settlement, in which he played no small part. His reminiscences kept the audience interested, and lie concluded with tho announcement that ho was tho oldest settlor of the town and district. (Applause.) Mr. Clere gave an interesting account of his experiences when he first visited Feilding in ’79. Rev. F. Copeland offered congratulations on behalf of the Methodists and the non-cpiscopal churches. He said that the Anglicans had indeed a most, beautiful church; it was certainly one of the most beautiful things of Feilding.

Musical numbers were contributed by Mrs. Lance Dernier, Misses J. Fish and F. Revere, a-male quartet from Palmerston North and Mr. Jensen, while Mrs. J. G. Eliott played tho accompaniments. Supper concluded the evening’s programme.