BURNING OF CHURCH

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1934, Page 8

BURNING OF CHURCH

THE SOUTHBRIDGE FIRE. SUSPICIONS OF POLICE. It was briefly reported by telegram from Christchurch that the Anglican Parish Church of St. James at Southbridge was totally destroyed by fire last week. When discovered at daybreak the flames were far beyond control in the vestry and chancel, and although the fire brigade turned out promptly nothing could be saved. The police are making an inquiry into the cause of the outbreak, which, it is suggested, may have been of incendiary origin.

When on his way to the fire shortly after 4.30 a.m., Constable A. E. Orchard, of Southbridge, encountered a stranger near the church grounds. He questioned the man, who said he had been walking all night, having tramped from a place near Hororata, 17 miles away, looking for work. The man told the constable that there was a fire in the trees near the church, although he had not been in that direction himself. After the constable’s report to the central police station a detective from Christchurch left for Southbridge to investigate the cause of the fire. St. James’ Church was one of the oldest remaining in Canterbury, and with its fine churchyard was one of the most beautiful. It was built entirely of wood, still roofed partly in its original shingles and the fire therefore spread rapidly. The church was designed by Mr. B. W. Mountfort, and the chancel and vestry and east end of the nave were built in 1865. About 1869 the nave was completed, and the south aisle was added about 1877.

There were two fine stained glass windows, the east window over the altar in memory of members of the Kuyvett family, early settlers at Hesterton; the west window of the nave in memory of the late Mrs. Walter Harper. Other memorials included an oak eagle lectern in memory of Mr. James Inwood, one of the fathers of the parish. An Eng-lish-built pipe organ costing £4OO was placed in the aisle in the late seventies. The building accommodated about 250

worshippers. Nothing of future use remains except possibly the bell. The most valuable trees were unhurt, and none of the gravestones was damaged. The holy vessels are kept in the vicarage, but all the altar furniture and the vicar's personal belongings were in the vicarage, the only book destroyed being the service register in current use. For some time consideration has been given to rebuilding the church, and there is a rebuilding fund which at present amounts to about £2OOO. The insurances were £675 on the church, £lOO on the furnishings, and £75 on the organ, with the Church Property Trustees.