THAMES CHURCH JUBILEE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21114, 23 February 1932, Page 11

THAMES CHURCH JUBILEE.

ANGLICAN CELEBRATIONS. REMINDER OF GREATER DAYS. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES, Monday. The celebrations in connection with the jubilee of St. George's Anglican Church commenced at the week-end. It had been intended to hold a garden party at Mrs. Alfred Price's residence, but the heavy rain made this function impossible.

A reception was held in the parish hall in the afternoon, a large number being present. Archbishop Averill, Archdeacon Evans, of New Plymouth, Archdeacon Simkin, of Auckland, and the Rev. R. B. Davison, of Devonport, were among the visitors, who also included old Thames folk from various parts of the Auckland province and from Australia. The vicar, the Rev. A. G. Dawson, welcomed the visitors. Archdeacon Averill said the church was a monument of the greater days of Thames and served to remind present parishioners that they had a duty to carry on the work started by their predecessors. It was on an occasion liKe the present jubilee that they had to thank those who haii builded so well, and it was their privilege to see that the prestige and honour of the past was protected. Archdeacon Evans, who was vicar of Thames from 1884 to 1889, and Archdeacon Simkin riso replied. The church was opened on January 28, 1871, the first service being conducted by Bishop Selwyn. The church cost £1250 and seated over 800 persons. The first church built at r lhames is now the Sunday School and was erected in Rolleston Street on ground given by the native chief, Taipari. Archdeacon Lush was in charge from 1868 to 1881, and then came Archdeacon W. Calder, 1831 to 1884; Archdeacon Evans, 1884 to 1889; Dr. O'Callaghan, 1889 to 1916; Rev. A. J. Beck, 1916 to 1924; Rev. N. Robertshawe, 1925 to 1929; Rev. R. B. Davison, 1929 to 1931. The Rev. A. G. Dawson is the present vicar.

111 the church are several interesting memorials, the chief being the handsome altar, which is a peace memorial, and the organ, which was presented by the late Mr. E. T. Mildman in memory of his mother and sister. The celebrations were continued to-day with special thanksgiving services, and they will be continued to-morrow.