A COUNTRY CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 March 1925, Page 2

A COUNTRY CHURCH.

PROGRESS AT URUTI. CONSUMMATION OF EFFORTS,. DEDICATION CEREMON V. The dedication of AU Saints Church, which was recently erected at Uruti, was performed yesterday by Archdeacon F. G. Evans. The ceremony was attended by a large congregation of Uruti settlers and visitors from the surrounding districts. Several officers and members of st. Mary’s Church, New Plymouth, were also present. The occasion was favoured by ideal weather, conditions, being in striking contrast to those met with when the foundation stone of the church was laid in November of last year. The new church is capable of seating over sixty people, and provision has been made whereby an extension can be made in the future, and a vestry built on to the side. The extension will include a larger chancel and the seating ‘accommodation will also be increased. The church is built of cor crete, and, although the exterior ha f not yet been plastered, it is hoped this work will be done when finance permits. The dedication and the service f 7lowing were conducted by Archdeacon Evans in conjunction with the Rev. H. G. Sell (Waitara), the Rev. G. H. Gavin (Waitara) and the Rev. E. H. Str ng (New Plymouth). The Methodist minister of Waitara, the Rev. R. B. Gosnell, was also, present. Mrs. Sell presided at the organ. WHAT THE CHURCH MEANS. In a fine address bearing on Genesis, chapter 28, verse 16 “And Jaeobawaked out of his sleep, and he said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not’.” Archdeacon Evans congratulated all those concerned in erecting the church. He said it was an ornament to the district, but it meant much more than that, for it was a place ordained to the divine glory and an outward sign to all who saw it of faith in God. Furthermore, the edifice would always hold out an invitation to all who passed by to come and worship the Great Architect of the universe. Commenting on the distinction between private and public worship, Archdeacon Evans said both were essential to Christianity. The first developed individual character in religion, but public worship had never been neglected throughout the whole of the advance of Christianity. “Think of the example set by the early settlers of Taranaki,” continued Archdeacon Evans. No sooner had they arrived in the land which was to be their future home, when they immediately set about to build a house of worship. He hoped that the little church built by the Uruti people would -be a blessing to the whole countryside and the birthplace of many souls. After the service all those present were entertained to an excellent lunch provided by the ladies of the district, in the Uruti Hall. WORK OF ARCHDEACON EVANS. : Mr. J. M. Butt, on behalf of the settlers, took the opportunity of commenting on the great respect and esteem which the district held for Archdeacon and Mrs. Evans. Both had done splendid work in the Uruti district, and they were never afraid to venture forth in all weather to minister to the spiritual welfare of the people. Mr. Butt expressed the wish that both the Archdeacon and Mrs. Evans would have a very enjoyable holiday, and that they would come back re-invigorated for the continuance of their invaluable services. Among others who had rendered valuable services for the Uruti Church, Mr. Butt mentioned Mr. A. E. Sutton. Archdeacon Evans briefly replied, and said he was always pleased to be among the people of the country districts, where the many kindnesses and hospitality made his work a pleasure.. .He made special reference to the work done by Mr. George (the treasurer) and Mr. Larsen in connection with the Uruti Church. Mr. W. H. Skinner, chairman of.the Taranaki church trustees, said it was the policy of the trustees to assist in every way the promotion of the great, work of the church in the put-districts. He paid a tribute to the loyalty of the. people of these districts by .pointing out that no church committee had ever gone back on its security. Mr. Skinner, on behalf of the visitors, thanked the Uruti people for their great hospitality and for the excellent lunch which had been provided. Other speakers were Mr. and Mrs. H. Larsen and Mr. .A. E, Sutton, who briefly touched on the development of the church in the district. It- was stated that the Anglicans and the Methodists had co-operated 1 in the erection of the church. Reference was made to the excellent mission work carried out by the Rev. A. Barnett, who was home mi&sioner in the district for five years.