ST. PETER’S CHURCH

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12084, 30 June 1932, Page 5

ST. PETER’S CHURCH

INDUCTION OF REV. A. V. BIANCHI In the presence of a large congregation the induction took place in St. Peter’s Anglican Church last evening by the Veil. Archdeacon Hansell, ALA.. (Wellington) of Rev. A. A'. Bianchi, as vicar of the parish. The ceremony was of an impressive nature.

Subsequently the Archdeacon addressed the congregation, taking for his text, the 14th verse of the otli chapter of St. Alatthew :—“Ye are the light of the World.” The Archdeacon, in a very earnest discourse, with apt illustrations and a, deep spiritual tone, explained to the people the great significance of the statement made bv Christ to his disciples. The speaker drew a parallel with certain incidents that had come under his notice, and he impressed upon his hearers how they could all lie lifted to a higher spiritual level and thus be of service to others.

The Archdeacon, in the course of his counsel, gave encouragement, and alluded to the joy experienced in the knowledge of sins forgiven. He urged the necessity of being witnesses for Christ, “reflectors,” as it were, in business, homes, and household duties. They should not hide their light under a bushel. After alluding to the ■solemnity of the occasion for which they were assembled—-making a fresh start in the work of the parish—he prayed that the spirit of God would come down and lift them to a higher level. The lessons were read by the Vicar. They comprised the 61st chapter Isaiah, and the 6th chapter of the 2nd Book of Corinthians

The organist was Airs J. D. C. Crewe and the choir conductor, Air A. W. Hamilton. PATRONAL FESTIVAL. BA' “JULIET ” Following the induction service of Rev. V. A. Bianchi last evening, St. Peter’s Schoolroom was packed to overflowing with members of the congregation who were celebrating two events—their Patronal Festival and welcome to their new vicar. A most jolly and sociable evening was spent in folk-dancing. games, musical items, competitions and dancing.

Prior to a most tasty supper, which was under the capable hands of the Ladies’ Guild, Mr A. AV. Hamilton, who was Alaster of Ceremonies, called upon Air S. K. Siddells, People’s AVarden, to welcome Air V. A. Bianchi, on behalf of the parishioners of St. Peter’s. This Air Siddells did in his usual jovial manner, wishing Air Bianchi a very happy time in Pahiatua and begging him to stay for at least four or five years. Archdeacon Hansell then told the parishioners how he had known Rev. Bianchi for eight years, and he was sure that St. Peter’s would find their new vicar a “live wire” with many talents, two notable examples being a very keen interest in the Scout movement and bis knowledge of music. Upon rising to reply Air Bianchi was greeted with enthusiastic applause. He thanked all for their most cordial welcome and said that he was sure that he would he very happv in Pahiatua. He asked the people to remember that he was there to he called upon whenever required, and to be sure to make use of him. During the evening a mystery parcel game resulted in Rev. Air Bianchi being the winner and upon opening it. lie found a letter of welcome from the. members of St. Peter’s Choir, who are especially gratified to know that their new vicar is a singer. Aluch appreciated musical items were given by Alesdames Bick and Bush, Alisses Junker and Chatwin (songs), I. Fox (violin) and Alessrs Hamilton and Siddells (duet), S. Alatthews (songs). Accompaniments were played by Aliss AI. Falconer and Air AV. Stainton, the latter also supplying the music for folk-danc-ing, and AI rs I. AI. Graham and I At iss H. Horrax supplied the music I for the dancing which was kept up by the young folk until nearly midnight.