THE CHURCH AT INGLEWOOD.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1922, Page 4

THE CHURCH AT INGLEWOOD.

NEW ANGLICAN BUILDING. LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE. ADDRESS BY THE BISHOP. The steady rain which fell at Inglewood yesterday hindered, to a great extent, the success of the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church by the Bishop of Auckland (Dr. A. W. Averill). So bad was the weather that only the actual laying of the stone took place on the site, the service being held in the Anglican Hall, which is at present being utilised as a temporary church. On the arrvial of the Bishop, the architect (Mr. Griffiths) presented him with a beautiful ebony mallet, inset with silver, and bearing the inscription: “Presented to Alfred Walter Averill, Bishop of Auckland, ar. the foundation stone-laying ceremony of St. Andrew’s Church at Inglewood, Nov. 30, 1922.” The stone bore the inscription: “To the glory of God: This stone from Bethlehem was laid by the Bishop of Auckland on St. Andrew’s Day, 1922. ‘This stone shall be a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.’ (Joshua, xxiv, 27).” This ceremony ovei, the gathering proceeded to the hall, which was tastefully decorated with pink and white flowers and a profusion of greenery. The Bishop was supported by the Ven. Archdeacon F. G. Evans and the Revs. C. W. Howard, E. H. Strong, R. T. Stanton, G. H. Gavin, G. T. Beale, and T. H. C. Partridge. After a short prayer the congregation sang “Oh, Lord of Hosts!” and “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation.” SUITABLE WAR MEMORIAL. It was a coincidence that the Bishop had selected for his address the same text as that on the foundation-stone. He said the words were spoken by Joshua when he set up a statute and ordinance in Shechem, to be a witness against the Israelites, lest they should forsake their God. Joshua had gathered the tribes together, and reminded them of their temptations and difficulties, their victories and defeats, and of God’s mercy shown so often to them. Ho called upon - the - Israelites to renew their allegiance, and tbe stone was set up as a witness of the covenant. The instinct of men had always expressed itself by the setting up of stones to commemorate brave and important deeds, or in memory of God’s wisdom and mercy. Many old churches in England had originated as an expression of God’s wisdom. All over New Zealand, and on the’battle - areas, stones were being erected to the honor of the fallen, and in memory of heroic deeds. Anyone who had traversed, as he had done, the battlefields of Europe, and visited the 3000 military cemeteries, could not but be impressed by the numerous monuments being erected there. The same thing was apparent all over England, and Inglewood was following the example of giving expression to its feelings, and it was a very fitting thing. He congratulated the people of Inglewood on chosing such a memorial to the men who gave their lives in the great war. The stone itself was of peculiar interest to worshippers. It. was marvellous to think that when Christ was born this very stone lay uncovered in the hills of Bethlehem, and it would for ever be a connecting link between the cradle of Christianity and this distant outpost. He felt that in worshipping in the new church the people would be aware of a touch of Bethlehem, and stedfast devotion to the Child of Bethlehem was the only way ini which to bring about a better and more cordial atmosphere. NEED FOR BROTHERHOOD.

Many monuments that were being erected in this country were a disgrace. Memorials that took the form of additional places of amusement were not worthy reminders of the men they sought to honor. Over that foundation would arise the church of St. Andrew, a splendid monument of remembrance and decision. Again, churches reminded one that God was of the livings and that the attainment of living was through uniting one’s life with God. Those who had made the supreme sacrifice had touched God. Their bodies might lie on the battlefield or under the sea, but their souls were in the great refresher school of God. They lived with Jesus. Further, a church stood for brotherhood and lasting peace through the content found in closer fellowship. Peace was a very frail flower and could not flourish except where the spirit of unity and brotherhood existed. It had been said that the boys had died in vain, but it was for those alive to answer the question in either the positive or negative. They had that day stood by a stone of decision, and renewed their determination to do their bit to create a spirit of greater fellowship, which was the supreme glory and triumph of the boys who gave their lives and were commemorated in that church. In conclusion, he urged the congregation not to look upon the stone as a mere formality, but to regard it as a stone of witness, remembrance and decision. The service was closed by the singing of “The Hand of God Has Guided” and “Praise the Lord!” After the services the congregation (about 300) was entertained by the Inglewood people at afternoon tea, in the Town Hall. Among those present was Mr. G. H. Hutton, of New Plymouth, formerly vicar’s warden at. Inglewood, who assisted in starting the new church. On Sunday fortnight (Dec. 17), a beautiful marble tablet is to be unveiled at Inglewood by General Sir E. Chaytor. The tablet bears the names of 137 soldiers and is inscribed: “To the Glory of God: and , in grateful memory of the men from this district who gave their lives in the Great j War, 1914-19.” The names were published on November 24.