Anglican Cathedral Appeal in Feilding

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 174, 26 July 1938, Page 3

Anglican Cathedral Appeal in Feilding

BISHOP OF WELLINGTON'S REMARKS Before a large congregation of parishioners at the Tivoli Theatre, Feilding, on Sunday night Rt. Rev'. H. St. Barbe Holland, Bishop of Wellington, made an eloquent appeal for active support towards the campaign for funds for the building of a cathedral in Wellington. Tho service was transferred to the theatre in order to accommodate the large attendance, Ven. Archdeacon F. H. Petrie, M.A., leading the service, while Rev. Canon Malcolm was associated with the Bishop. “The diocese of Wellington is, in the near future, to be called on for a great venture of faith and sacrifice, greater perhaps than any in its history,” said the Bishop. “I shall in God’s name be asking every member of every church in the diocese to take his or her share in building a cathedral worthy of our Lord and of His Church, and providing a fighting fund which will enable the Church to respond more effectively to God’s call to do its part in making this indeed a Christian nation. “I am inviting all my people to join Sunday by Sunday during these next two months in an act of prayer that shall make us ready and eager to respond when the call to active service and sacrifice is sounded in our ears.” “Who that offereth willingly to consecrate himself this night unto the Lord” was the text chosen by the Bishop in launching his appeal to Feilding and district parishioners for their support iu the great work ahead. “I put this challenge and I know you will respond,” said the Bishop. He went on to explain the great task which the Church had set out to accomplish. “I have not come to merely beg for money; the challenge means far more than that. The world is drifting, it does not know where, and has ceased to believe that the Church Is alive. Herein lies a great opportunity; we are going to start a new century. The appeal is not just for material things; it is to brighten up the spark that has become weakened throughout the world. Are you New Zealanders not ashamed that to-day there is nothing to show that the biggest thing in the nation’s life is an acknowledgment of its allegiance to the Church, which is essential for the life of a nation? Statesmen acknowledge that the cathedral is essential. Bishops have been striving for years past to get a cathedral, and the Wellington diocese has a sacred trust to see that the Capital City is equipped with a building such as is being aimed at in this appeal —a House of God, a lighthouse to the citizens of New Zealand in the years to come.

“I hope,” his Lordship proceeded, “you will believe me that I am going to fight,” in referring to his fund. While the population in the Wellington diocese has increased by 30,000 the number of clergymen has decreased by 15. “We haven’t the men and we haven’t the funds to get them or money to get new buildings to replace churches that are rapidly reaching a state of deplorable disrepair. The fund it is proposed to create will provide a reserve from which parishes unable to raise sufficient money to effect the repairs or secure new buildings will be able to draw.” Already outside organisations in the city of Wellington had in hand £17,000, and the average amount each clergyman had offered to give was £25 —a commendable example to parishioners. ‘ ‘ The Pohangina parish, at Ashhurst, is taking up the challenge with enthus iasm and, before the campaign opened, five parishioners signified that they between them would contribute no less than £455,” added the Bishop.