A NEW CHURCH

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1924, Page 8

A NEW CHURCH

PROGRESS AT URUTI. FOUNDATION STONE LAID. BISHOP AVERILL OFFICIATES. The foundation stone of the new Anglican Church at Uruti was laid yesterday afternoon by the Bishop of Auckland (Dr. A. W. Averill). Much interest had been taken locally in this event, and preparations had been made by the settlers to make the day a red letter one in their township. Unfortunately the weather was decidedly against the function, for blinding rain came down in torrents during the whole day, and seemed to take a fiendish delight in increasing its violence during the service held in the hall. However, in spite of the weather, a considerable number of people were present at the service, which was most impressive. The new church, which is being built on a site opposite the Uruti school, will be of concrete,, and although small, being about 25 feet by 17 feet inside measurement, it will be of a pleasing design, and will meet the demands of the district for some time to come. Provision is being made for a small chancel, and the windows will be of Gothic design. The walls are now up about 3 feet. LAYING THE STONE. Owing to the weather conditions only the Bishop, Archdeacon Evans, the Revs. G. H. Gavin and H. G. Sell, Mr. George (the treasurer) and others went to the site, where the stone was laid with accustomed ceremony. The contractor (Mr. F. Grayling) and his staff were also present. A silver trowel was handed to the bishop on behalf of the architects (Messrs. Messenger, Griffiths and Taylor), after using which the bishop declared the stone well and truly laid. The party then returned to the hall, and the service prescribed by the church for such occasions proceeded. The lesson was read by the Rev. Gavin, and the hymns announced by the Rev. Sell. Mrs. Sell presided at the piano. After the Psalm was read and prayers offered, the bishop called upon the archdeacon to explain the financial position of the building fund. The archdeacon said the sum of £350 was in hand, and it was hoped to have £4OO by the end of the year. The bazaar to be held in February was expected to yield another £lOO, and a loan from the Taranaki trustees for the remainder of the money required would be sufficient to meet all requirements. It was hoped the church would be entirely free from debt at the end of next year. Archdeacon Evans mentioned the splendid work done to raise the funds by Mr. J. M. Butt, Mr. and Mrs. George, and many others.

BUILDING A SANCTUARY. The bishop then preached an admirable sermon upon the w r ords: “Take heed now, for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house- for a sanctuary; be strong and do it.” (I Chron. 28, v. 10.) This was the commission given to Solomon by King David to build the temple. He himself was not permitted to build it because of the wars in which he had been engaged. Naturally, he was very disappointed, but he’ did not talk and do nothing, like so nuyiy did. He made every preparation for the building by purchasing the site for it, and gathering vast stores of materials of all kinds so - that Solomon could proceed with the work.

“So in the district of Uruti, as wc are gathered together to celebrate the building of the new church, we remember the labours of those who years ago prepared for the building by their lives and examples, as well as by their gifts,” said the bishop. He impressed upon those present to remember how privileged they were in being permitted to erect the sanctuary for the worship of the Most High. The intention to .build a church was a perfectly natural one, for wherever one looked in the history of human life, one found the instinct fo- God.

“The building of a church,” said the bishop, “is the expression of your own greatness. It is the spirit of God within you, leading you to the desire to build a place in which to offer your praises to the Giver of all good.” The bishop regretted that the congregation was unable to be present at the laying of the foundation stone, because ft was a very important ceremony, being the pledge of the continuation of the service of God. The stone would always be a witness. It would remind them to be strong Christian men and wowwn. HONOURING THE FALLEN. The bishop was glad the church was to be a memorial to the fallen soldiers. He had a very strong opinion regarding these memorials, and felt sure that nothing could honour those heroes who died for God and King and country more than the erection of a church, in which God’s praises would be sung for many years.

The church was a suitable I memorial to the fallen because it st odd (1) for duty to God; (2) our duty to the Empire; (3) our duty to our fellow men; and (4) our duty to ourselves. Those noble mon who had gone from New Zealand to fight for righteousness in the world had done their duty to God. They did their duty to the Empire when they died to bring national peace to our people. They did their duty to their fellow men when they made the world safe for the defenceless, the downtrodden and the poor. They did their duty to themselves when they proved that men were not mere animals, but endowed with wonderful spirits and sought to develop that unselfish character, which must be of immense benefit to the world at large. In concluding, the bishop eulogised the work of the Rev. G. Gavin, and the missioners in the district of Uruti.

After the service a very enjoyable afternoon tea was provided by the ladies of tlie district.