ST. KILDA PARISH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17105, 10 September 1917, Page 2

ST. KILDA PARISH

INDUCTION CEREMONY. Yesterday was a red-letter day in the- history of the Churcli of England congregation at St. Kilda, as tho fust vicar of the now lyf onncd parochial district, tho Kev. A. Wingfield, was inducted to tho euro of souls thero. Tho service of induction was performed by tho Primato, who, accompanied by hie chaplain (tho Rov. V. G. Bryan King), waa mot at tho ofaurdi door by tho churchwardens, vestry, and vicar-elect and conducted by them up to tho chancel, wliere tho ceremony took place. After the opening prayers had boon read by tho Primate, Mr Wingfield made tho customary declarations of obodienoo, and received his license as vicar. Immediately this service was concluded a choral celebration of Holy Communion was celebrated by tho new vicar, at which there wore 98 communicants.

In tho courso of an interesting and impressive sermon, tho Primate said that day was a day of interest to tho Anglican people in St. Kilda, as thoy wero now practically independent and had a special area allotted to them. Although services had been held in Holy Cross Church for several years the service they wore then joining in was the first official act of their parochial existence and for the work of Christ. But whilst recognising their independence they must nover forget that no ono or no body in the world could be absolutely and they must work for tho good of the diocese and avoid all jealousy of or uncharitable speech about other districts. Ho emphasised tho necessity for order. God was a God of order, and everything must bo done in an orderly manner. The Synod in an orderly way had constituted the parish, tho vicar had been appointed in duo ardor, and the church officers had seen to it that that "service wne all in order. They mainly existed to further the work of Christ's kingdom on earth, and this work rrrast bo done in an orderly maner. He referred to the lamentable state of Russia at tho present time, with regard to her Allies, and said that this was attributable to want of order, or rather disorder, and a lesson was to be learnt from the regrettable occurrences in that country. He concluded by pointing out that both clergy and laity had special gifts, and special work to do, and he was sure ono and all would unito in furthering the true interests of the Christian religion in the district. In the afternoon tho Primate dedicated the now Sunday school" infant room, the building being used for the first time. In a short address his Lordship impressed upon the children their duties as young Christians, and hoped that when they grew too old to attend Sunday school they would if possible, become teachers, and, at any rate, would never leave off going to church and honouring the Sabbath Day. In the evening tho Rev. A. Wingfield preached to another very large congregation, talcing for his text tho 36th verse of the 18th chapter of St. Luke's GospeL All the services wero excellently well attended, and the offertories collected were large. The musical portion of the three services was rendered by an augmented choir, under tho direction of Mr Frank Kettle, and its efforts proved highly acceptable.