WEST TAIERI CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27026, 10 March 1949, Page 8

WEST TAIERI CHURCH

Sir,—ln your issue of March 4 there appeared an excellent photograph of the historic West Tajeri Church, which fact only adds to one’s consternation at realising that it seriously intended that this monument to the energy and resourcefulness of the pioneers should be relegated to oblivion. What has the present generation come to? In the old days the people came in bullock drays as the old ship’s bell called all together to worship God in that house erected to His name, hewn, as it were, from their willing service on consecration. How are the mighty fallen that their successors are so lethargic that even with luxurious motor cars and tar-sealed roads they are too wearied to keep alive the Church that was built for them and their children! Their forefathers might have pleaded poverty, but out of their great Eoverty these people gave willingly to uild- this Hoiise at God: Churches have, before to-day, been literally lost sight of owing to the apathy of the worshippers. Has something like this descended upon West Taieri? Why is it necessary to forsake this place of assembly, which for years and down to a very recent date, has been the principal service in the parish, so that a parish hall in a little, township should overshadow ’ the memory of a mighty past? I ask you.—l am, etc., pioneer. West Taieri.