ST PHILIP’S CHURCH DEDICATED BY BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18643, 24 December 1928, Page 14

ST PHILIP’S CHURCH DEDICATED BY BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH.

The dedication of the enlarged Church of St Philip, Beckenham, was held yesterday morning, the Bishop, Dr WestWatson, officiating. Very considerable additions and alterations have been effected. A new parish hall was recently opened and this has been used for church services while the church itself was in the hands of the builder. The church has been transformed by the addition of an apsidal sanctuary. A new clergy vestry has been added and at the west end a baptistery containing the original font that stood in St Mary's, Merivale, this having been dedicated to St Philip’s by the congregation of St Mary’s. Beautiful blue altar hangings have been given and the woodwork within has been stained and varnished and the exterior repainted. Two ladies of the congregation were responsible for the hangings. It is very creditable to the people of St. Philip’s that all the money has been raised, and the reconstructed church has been opened free of debt. The builder, Mr Fox, is a member of the church, and has worked not only as a contractor, but has put much extra time and patience into the work, making it a real labour of love. The service was followed by a sung Eucharist, celebrated by the Bishop, assisted by Canon Mutter, and the Rev R. Newcombe. About one hundred communicants remained after the ser-