MANY VISITORS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20648, 24 June 1935, Page 9

MANY VISITORS.

Anniversary of St John’s Church, Rangiora. SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OLD. Past and present parishioners in large numbers attended the seventyfifth anniversary celebrations of the Anglican Church of St John Baptist at Rangiora over the week-end. A conversazione held in the Parish Hall on Saturday evening gave an opportunity for many pld friendships to be renewed and for parishioners to meet some of those whose connection with the church goes back almost seventy-five years. There was an attendance of over 300, many visitors coming from Christchurch, while some came from more distant parts. The Rev P. H. Pritchett, who was assistant curate from 1890 to 1892, was present, and among apologies for absence received were those from Archbishop Julius, Bishop West-Watson, Dean Julius, the Revs F. Dunnage and H. F. Ault (former curate), C. A. Tobin, E. E. Malden and G. B. Nanson, the Rev Father D. Leen, and Captain D. Houghton, of the Salvation Army. The Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs W. A. Rowse) and representatives of the local churches were present. The visitors were welcomed by the vicar, Archdeacon A. C. Purchas, and the people’s churchwarden, Mr J. C. Hancox, both of whom expressed pleasure at the large number of former parishioners who had come back to Rangiora to celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of their old church. Congratulations on the completion of seventy-five years’ service to the community were offered on behalf of the citizens by the Mayor (Mr W. A. Rowse), who said it was recognised that the progress of the Anglican Church was closely interwoven with the progress of Rangiora. Mr Rowse added that the Mayoress, whose father (the late Mr L. Hunnibell) was for many 3 r ears choirmaster, was christened in the church, and they were also married in it. Speaking on behalf of the Presbyterian Church, the Rev J. A. F. Watson said it was good that sister communions should be represented at the gathering. After seventy-five years people usually lived in the past,* but the church still lived in the present, and the future could be looked forward to. Congratulations Offered. In offering congratulations on behalf of the Methodist Church, the Rev T. C-oatsworth said there was not much of Rangiora seventy-five years ago, so the ministers of those days must have been truly pioneer ministers. His church would next year celebrate its diamond jubilee, so the two churches had been working side by side for sixty years. In the absence of Captain D. Houghton, of the Salvation Army, Mrs Houghton said she was pleased to rejoice with the parishioners, and she congratulated the minister and congregation on the very important occasion they were celebrating The Rev P. 11. Pritchett spoke of his connection with St John’s Church over forty years ago, and contrasted the difference between the time when whole families attended the services together, and the present, when so many made Sunday a day of pleasure. On behalf of the vestry and congregation. Mr C. W. Tyler, vicar’s warden, thanked the speakers for their congratulations. After supper had been served. Mrs Charles Jones, of Rangiora. one of the few survivors who saw the original church being built and who attended services in it. was presented by the vicar with a framed photograph of the interior of the present church. During the evening songs were contributed by Mrs A. J. Thompson, Miss Rose Ilorrell and Mr E. D R. Smith, a recitation by Mr C. J. Smith, a solo dance by Miss Zita Lockhart, and selections by an orchestra under the conductorship of the choirmaster. Mr G. Gibbs Jordan. Mrs C. E. Bell played the accompaniments. and music for several old-time dances was played by Miss N. Bailey and Messrs J. C. Hancox and W. Nairn. Anniversary Services. Yesterday special anniversary services were attended by very large congregations, and the church was specially decorated. Holy Communion was celebrated at 8 a m. by the Rev P. H. Pritchett, assisted by Archdeacon Purchas. Matins, conducted by Mr Purchas. and at which the lesson was read by the Rev F. O. B. Lane, was followed by Holy Communion, celebrated by the Rev J. F Feron, a former vicar'of the parish, assisted by Archdeacon Purchas and the Revs Pritchett and Lane. Appropriate hymns were sung, and the choir gave the anthem, “ O How Amiable are Thy Dwellings.” Bishop West-Watson was the preacher at festal evensong, conducted jby the vicar. The Bishop traced the | progress of the parish and the world during the past seventy-five years, and •urged that the future should be looked ! forward to with confidence. The choir sang the anthem “Send Out Thy Light.” Earlier in the evening the Bishop presided at a Bible class reunion held in the Parish Hall. He spoke briefly on Bible class work. Miss G. Newell conveyed a message of greeting from the Canterbury executive of the Girls’ Bible Class Union and Mr G. Ridout. of Christchurch, also spoke.