OTAHUHU SELWYN CHURCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19799, 21 November 1927, Page 11

OTAHUHU SELWYN CHURCH

LAST SERVICES YESTERDAY. REMOVAL TO MANGERE. The last services to be held in the old Sehvyn Church at Otahuhu on its original site took place yesterday. The historic building will now be dismantled in sections and re-erected in its new position on a section in Massey Road, north-east of the Mangere East Hall, where, it is hoped, this relic of the great bishop will be preserved for many years. Erected in 1863, Holy Trinity Church is precious to New Zealanders for many reasons. It was intimately connected with Bishop Sehvyn; within its walls, which ho had raised, the bishop held his farewell service before leaving New Zealand. Like all the Sehvyn churches., its architecture is of considerable merit. Professor C, R. Knight, professor of architecture at the Auckland University College, was one of those who protested when the destruction of the old church to make room for the new seemed inevitable. A fortunate solution was discovered when the parishioners of Mangere East consented to accept the offer of the structure. The morning service yesterday was attended by the Mayor and councillors of the borough, together with the members of the Otahuhu Fire Brigade. The appeal of the vicar, the Rev. C. B. W. Seton, for the attendance of old parishioners, was well answered. Several members of the congregation were parishioners of over 50 years' standing, and two of them, Mr. James Murphy, of Otahuhu, and Mr. Harry King, of Waiuku, had been present when Bishop Sehvyn consecrated the church. The vicar conducted the mornJ ing service, and Canon H. Mason, a former vicar, officiated in the evening. Mr Seton referred to the historic associations of the church, and paid a tribute to the work of former vicars. The work of dismantling the building will be commenced to-day. Pending the erection of the new church, services will be held in the parish hall.