Lovatt Memorial Church Furniture Dedicated

Northern Advocate, 26 September 1949, Page 4

Lovatt Memorial Church Furniture Dedicated

“IT is fitting on a church anniversary when the past history of the church and those who built so well in past days is remembered, that we should have this dedication service and reminder of foundation members.” . ~ The Rev. E. F. Sherburd said this during the morning service at the Whangarei Baptist Tabernacle yesterday vflien a communion table and tsix chairs, a memorial to the late Mr and Mrs C. R. Lovatt, were dedicated. Sunday was also the 46th church anniversary. ' Mr and Mrs Lovatt were foundation members ot the Whangarei Church.

“While it is in the past that those folk began ihe work, it is important that the present members and those to come should carry on,’’ said Mr Sherburd.

members and those who followed them may be continued by the present congregation,” he said. INSPIRATION, JOY Mr J. C. Chalcraft, the treasurer, offered the sincere thanks of the minister.officers and members of the congregation to the family of the late Mr and Mrs Lovatt. “Wc are certain that Mr Lovatt would have been delighted that the house of God has been graced by such wonderful workmanship, in his favourite timber —kauri,” Mr Chalcraft said. “We feel we should pay a tribute to Mr E. H. Foster, formerly of Whangarei, and his staff for their craftrn,anship In this sacred task,, which, in Mr Foster’s own words, has brought inspiration and joy to all who behold it.” Tlyj text of the address by Mr Sherburd was Isaiah 30, 8: "Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book.”

About 250 attended the morning service during which a great granddaughter of Mr and Mrs Lovatt was dedicated and four of their grandchildren sang a quartette. Before the dedication prayer Mr Sherburd mentioned that ihe only two members of the Lovatt. family who were not present, were Mr Roy Lovatt and Mr Bob Lovatt (Christchurch). However Mr Bob Lovatt was personally represented by Mr and Mrs ft. Drayton. The table and chairs were received on behalf of the Church by the secretary (Mr If. V. Cook), who said that Mr and Mrs Lovatt. had _ served the Church for a period of 45 years. “The sincere wish of all the Lovatt family is that the work of foundation