GARDEN PARTY HELD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 94, 21 April 1944, Page 3

GARDEN PARTY HELD

PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH CENTENARY Continuing the celebration of the centenary of the Parish of Christ Church, Wanganui, a garden party and reunion of past and present: parishioners was held in the church grounds on Wednesday afternoon, there being a large attendance, including people from Auckland and Christchurch representing families whose names figures largely in the 100 years’ history of Wanganui. Guests were welcomed at the entrance to the schoolroom by the vicar, the Ven. Archdeacon J. R. Young. The large schoolroom, decorated by Mrs. A. H. E. Wall and a committee of ladies, presented a picture in bronze and gold chrysanthemums and greenery, and it was filled to capacity. Some of the researches into the history of Wanganui were related by Mr. E. B. Toomath, who said that when the Arawa canoe landed at Kawhia some of the party of Maoris made their way through Taupo to Wanganui, thus placing Wanganui early on the map. His own connection with Wanganui was started 60 years ago when, as a pupil of the Collegiate Schol, he marched down to the old Christ Church building with fellow pupils for matins on Sunday mornings. Interesting recollections of the early days were given by the Rev. Basil Taylor, of Christchurch, a grandson of the Rev. Richard Taylor, missionary in charge of the first church from 1844 to 1852. He said that after his mother had retired from the mission at Putiki Ito the house now occupied by Dr. and Mrs. A. H. E. Wall, the Maori women, with the greatest faith in her healing powers, still visited her and occupied, with their children, a wide porch which always was referred to as “the Maori room.” Mr. Taylor expressed keen appreciation of the work of Rev. T. B. Maclean, who succeeded Rev. T. L. Tudor from 1893 to 1907, and whose inspiration and guidance infused life and vigour intq the parish. A song by Mrs. Leo CanYpion was followed by afternoon tea, and a conversazione resulted in many old acquaintances being renewed. Mrs. J. C. Wickham spoke of the affection with which Mr. Tudor was regarded by his parishioners during his 20 years as vicar. Mr. Herbert Taylor, eldest grandson of the Rev. Richard Taylor, awarded prizes to representatives of old families who had made a notable contribution to the church during its history. Included were two of the fifth generation, one being Peter Nicholls, p great-great-grandson of the Rev. Richard Taylor, and the other Douglas Nicholls, a great-great-grandson of the Rev. C. H. S. Nicholls, vicar from 1852 to 1871. Though both bore the same surname, they were not related to each other. In a happy speech the Rev. A. C. McLean conveyed greetings and congratulations on behalf of the Wanganui Ministers’ Association. Heiarty votes of thanks to Mrs. Wall and her helpers, and also to the speakers and entertainers, were accorded by acclamation. WOMEN’S FESTIVAL A congregation which filled Christ Church to capacity marked the opening of the women’s festival in connection with the centenary. Holy Communion was celebrated by the vicar, assisted by the Revs. W. Lambert and W. L. Bell Booth (Christ Church Parish), D. Rosenthall (Gonville), E. R. Burgin (Durie Hill), W. G. Bird I (Wairenga-a-hika, Gisborne) and I Basil Taylor (Christchurch), the ]astI named being the preacher. The singling was led by the Mothers’ Union Choir. I Lunch was provided in the schooli room by a committee representative iof women’s organisations of all the Jparishes. ; A social gathering was held in the . hall at 2.30 p.m., the vicar welcoming a large crowd of women, who were I entertained with musical items by [soloists and choruses of the Mothers’ [Union Choir. A presentation was made Ito the vicar, “to buy himself a new cassock,” it was stated. The after•noon was spent in reunions and reminiscences. i To-night a young people’s dance will be held in the schoolroom, and to-morrow night there will be a choirs’ festival, at which the Bishop of Wellington will preach. Ten choirs, from Marton to Hawera, will be represented. CENTENARY BOOKLET. Those participating in the centenary celebrations showed keen interest in a booklet covering the 100 years’ history of the Parish of Christ Church, with illustrations showing the first church, its successor (now St. Peter’s, Gonville), and the present Christ Church. A view of old Wanganui in 1847, together with interior views of the churches, add to the interest. The history of the church over the hundred' years was compiled by Mr. C. Palmer Brown, iand the historical committee of the vestry, of which he is chairman. The activities are interestingly related in .a .pamphlet which, but for war restrictions, would have been of more substantial dimension. The booklet was set up and printed by the “Wanganui Chroncile.”