Patronal Festival At St. John’s Church

Te Puke Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 49, 1 July 1949, Page 2

Patronal Festival At St. John’s Church

SERVICE OF DEDICATION AND SOCIAL EVENING PARISHIONERS BRAVE THE ELEMENTS - Church of England functions in Te Puke seem fated to take p|aee in bad weather. On Wednesday the 49th patronal festival of St. John the Baptist Church was observed by a dedication service and though a cold, drivingrain fell throughout the evening there was a good gathering of parishioners and friends, including the Itev. H. J. Crawford who attended on behalf of St. Andrews. Participating in a church service were the Ven. Archdeacon R. Hodgson (Vicar of Rotorua), Rev. W. S. C. Stephens (Vicar of St. John’s), and Messrs S. Kilsby, Milner, P. J. Randle, and W. O. Knight. The Rev. Hodgson gave an inspiring address in which he emphasised that those who followed the original builders of the church must take up the torch and hagd it on burning more brigtly with the passing years. In simple but impressive manner he said that if parishioners were suddenly deprived of their easy access to the Sacraments it would make them realise how much they meant in their lives and he urged that a fuller use be made of what the Church offered. Mrs Wyllie presided at the organ, and the congregation sang in fullthroated participation in the hymns and psalms.

A birthday social followed in - the Parish Hall, the Rev. Stephens extending a welcome to all and thanked the many who had assisted to make the occasion so enjoyable. Mrs H. Granger presented shoulder sprays to the two Vicars. Mrs Stephens was unable to attend and Mrs Hodgson was staying with her for company. The reverend gentlemen thanked the ladies for their kind thoughts and promised faithfully to deliver the tokens. Items were appreciated from Mrs E. L. Young who sang a duet with Mr Randle, and as an encore Mr Randle played a flute obligato to Mrs Young’s number. Mr Atkinson was heard in humorous and dramatic recitations, while Mr Geo. Rogers (much to his ow'd and everyone’s surprise) found himself telling humorous reminiscences. Mr H. J: Searle presided at the piano for two or three warming dances. Mrs Wyllie kindly supplied the accompaniment to songs. The birthday cake (made by Mrs • Ficldes) was cut by the wife of the Vicar’s Warden (Mrs Knight), after a delightful supper. The church had been decorated by Mrs Granger, while the stage had been attended to by Mr and Mrs Milner.