ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 99, 30 April 1935, Page 10

ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH

jubilee: at patea A HAPPY FUNCTION. (Own Correspondent) A glorious day favoured the jubilee commemoration service of St. George's Church aud people were afforded an opportunity of renewing old friendships and spiritual associations. At 12.30 the supper room of the Town Hall was the scene of a very happy function, the preparations for which were carried out very happily and cheerfully by a band of helpers under Mrs. A. Carey and Mrs. L. Adams. The luncheon tables were gay with beautiful blossoms and autumn leaves and a very bountiful luncheon of cold meats and salads and fruit was served. Over ninety people sat down after grace had been sung. The vicar of thy parish, the .Rev. W. H. Walton, presided and welcomed the guests of the day, old pari’shic-ners and many present members. A very lengthy list of apologies was read, many being unable to attend because of long distances. l’hc Rev. H. Burnett, representing Ihe Presbyterian Church, and Rev. W. Wilson, of Methodist Community, were present, and the Rev. B. D. Malcolm, of Haw era, and the Rev. S. Gardiner, Waverley, represented the sister pa ris.ho. In his address the vicar mentioned several families who had. been associated with the early church, and whose names appeared on the first, marriage registm Gibsons, Beamish, Tapliu, Carey, Hune. and Shield—all of whe-ru were represented at the gathering. He expressed regret that the Hirst family were unavoidably absent, Mrs. Bessie Burner being an invalid in the Patea Hospital. Other speakers were the Mayor, the Rev. 11. Burnett, Rev. W. Wilson, Mr. C. R. Honeyfield, Rev. D. B. Malcolm, Rev. S. Gardiner. The Rev. W. H. Walton explained how difficult the compilation of the jubilee booklet had been, but that he had done his best. He hoped that no one who had been overlooked would feel hurt. This sentiment also pertained to the luncheon invitation list, which had to be limited. It had to be remembered also that records were not always ready to hand, and many faithful, loving workers of past days were hard to trace. Church Service The service at the church at 2 o’clock was a memorable one for all. The preacher was the Ven. Archdeacon J. K. Young, of Wanganui. He took as his text Psalm 129, verse 8: “The Lord prosper you; we wish you good luck in the Name of the Lord.” He felt it an honour, he said, to bring the greetings of the Archdeacon to Patea on this the day of their jubilee. Looking back, all remembered with gratitude the enterprise and selfsacrifice of the pioneers, to which the present generation owed not only their church buildings, but also the spiritual life and organisation of the parish. As they looked forward, it was well for them to see the true purpose for which the church existed. This was nothing less than the high and, responsible enterprise of acting as ‘the Hedy of Christ’—that through which He could express His {Spirit in the life of the community. Insofar as the members of tbo church placed themselves loyally and eagerly at His disposal, they would be furthering His splendid work of redeeming mankind from sin and frustration and futility. But insofar as they were careless and insensitive and wilful, they would obstruct. that purpose. | He ended by quoting as his wish for them St. Paul’s prayer for his friends in Ephesus: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye, being rooted ami grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height; and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge. that, ye may be filled with all the fullness of’ God.” Tree-planting A.fler the church service Ihe ceremo nv of tree planting look place. Mrs. < arp\, Ali>. Houeyfield ami Mrs. Beamish all planted pohulakawas, Mrs. Walton, the present vicar’s wife, then planted a. gum tree to celebrate the day of the Diamond Jubilee. Parishioners and friends then returned to the Town. Hall for afternoon lea and I lie day ended happily.

St. George’s Diamond Jubilee At the children ’h jubilee birthday lea on .Friday in the Town Hall, supper room, the six candles on the large birthday'cake were hb by All'y ii ami lan Barnitt, of Wailara, great grand sons of Mrs- Dale, the mother uf one of St. George', h oldest .active parishioners, Mrs. Beamish, of Patea. Mrs. Dale first taught at a Bunday school held in the old barracks and lai er in .1867 in Ihe old church, the present Sunday school. Airs. AVbitc, the pi esent superintendent, ami a faithful teacher for nearly 20 years, blew out the candles amid cheers. Airs. C. K. and Miss R. Honeyfield were also honoured guests. Airs. C. R. Honey held has held Sunday school in her own home at Park Farm for over • The cake was cut by the same three elderly ladies who planted the trees, Mesdames Beamish, Carey ami Honeyfield, and all three had two young grandsons present. The cake was iced by .Miss Eva .BondChildren from Opaku, Alton, Llui'lcyville and Wbenuakura were present, the supper-room being full of happy youngsters aud parents. The teachers were responsible for the organisation, under the capable direction of Miss G. Kelly. Beautiful red and white flowers decorated the bountifullyspread tables. Thanksgiving Services. The services on Sunday were very well attended, the different guilds attending corporate communion service at 8 a.m. At the “family” service at 11 a.m. young and old were present, there being several pews of all one family. In the evening special music was rendered by the choir.