THAMES ANGLICAN CHURCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21112, 20 February 1932, Page 11

THAMES ANGLICAN CHURCH.

THE DIAMOND JUBILEE. CELEBRATION AT WEEK-END. St. George's Anglican Church, Thames, will celebrate its diamond jubilee at the week-end. In view of the fact that the foundation of the church in 1872 coincided with the most prosperous period in the history of Thames, a large attendance is expected at the celebrations which will commencse to-morrow when Archbishop Averill will preside at a garden party in the grounds of Mrs. Alfred Price. Tho history of St. George's is closely interwoven with the history of Thames. Prior to the opening of the Thames goldfield in August, 1867, the Church Missionary Society had established a mission station on the banks of tho Waihou River at Puriri in 1833 when the Rev. G. Maiinsell was introducing Christianity to the natives. As the first church in Rolleston Street, Thames, had insufficient accommodation, the parishioners instituted a fund for the erection of a new edifice and, as the outcome of a series of concerts and from subscriptions, the committee secured £SOO. Unfortunately, when the new framework was erected it was demolished by a storm and the contractor surrendered the tender. New plans were called for and those of the late Mr. E. Mahoney, incorporating tho Early English style of architecture, were accepted. The final work was carried out by Mr. McCaul. The openfng service took place on Sunday, January 28, 1872, an/1 Bishop Selwyn officiated. The whole population of the town was present, over 2000 volunteers, headed by the Naval Band, marching to the church. When the bishop left tho following day he was presented with an illuminated address anrl accompanied-'to the steamer, Royal Alfred, by a guard of honour of Thames residents. St. George's Chiyeh has been the charge of many vicars of outstanding ability. The first to bo appointed was the late Archdeacon Vicesimus Lush, who superintended the erection of the church. Tie was a man of wide talents and did noble service until 1881 when he was appointed archdeacon of Waikato. Archdeacon F. G. Evans, who was appointed an incumbent in 1884, is the only early incumbent living and he will attend the celebrations. Special thanksgiving services will be held to-morrow, and a concert has been arranged for Monday evening. Many old Thames residents from all over the Dominion will attend.