RUSSELL CHURCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22351, 24 February 1936, Page 13

RUSSELL CHURCH

Sir, —It is .56 years since I first set foot in New Zealand, at Russell, and 1 and other passengers from the Sydney steamer visited the old church, which in those days was not nearly in as good condition as it is now. Since those days the church lias been renovated, so that now this historic building is, with a few slight repairs and' paintings, good for another 100 years. 1 am quite in accord with others that the old church should be preserved without any addition, as in the first place more room is not required. 1 have sat there very many times during the last 56 years, and have never seen the church more than half-full, the usual Sunday congregation being less than a dozen. In the second place I cannot think how a stone chancel could be built to blend in with the present building, and, thirdly, the old pioneer family graves would have to be built over. The. handsome offer of " Veritas," in the Hkrald of February 26 should bo amply sufficient to repaint and renew the little bit of woodwork required. Might 1 suggest to those who wish to commemorate the Church centenary that a good Wych gate would make an appropriate entrance. Through the loving care of a well-known Russell lady and others the grounds are kept in a condition which is a great credit to the place, and an example to many others throughout the Dominion. Whangarei. L. Hanlon.