A MEMORABLE DAY

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 11 December 1924, Page 5

A MEMORABLE DAY

DEDICATION OF ANGLICAN CHURCH AT WAIHAO DOWNS. BY HIS GRACE ARCHBISHOP JULIUS. Tuesday was a memorable day for Waihao Downs, the occasion being the opening of the recently erected Anglican Church. The dedication ceremony was performed by His Grace Archbishop Julius, of Christchurch, in the presence of a large and representative gathering. The Archbishop in performing the dedication ceremony related how in the very early days of Christianity it was found the erection of chur ehes was a necessity. As years went by churches grew in size and magnificence, until some of them wer? the most wonderful buildings the world has ever seen, many remain mg to. the present day, surrounded with historic associations. He described his visit to lands overseas v. here he had seen some of these won cierful buildings in which the Christ ians of long ago had worshipped What was done in those days was new being carried on but under ligl ‘er conditions. He was pleased to know the Waihao Downs people through hard land energetic work had erected a building which was a credit to a district, with so small a population. It was human association that gave beauty and dignity to a church, no matter how simple the building may be. Religion was not merely a few hours spent in church on Sundays, but was something that was a part of our whole lives, its joys, its sorrows, its comforts, and its needs; and he hoped the new church would be closely connected with their lives. “God grant this place may bring a hundredfold of grace, of blessing, and of peace,” concluded the Archbishop. After The Ceremony. After the ceretaony had been eoii eluded an appropriate service was held, a number of young people receiving Confirmation. Rev. Canon Cocks, Waimate, Rev. Rankin, of St. Andrews, and the Rev. V. atson, Waihao Downs, were present for the occasion. Later afternoon tea was provided on the lawn at the Vicarage and was greatly appreciated. The Rev Watson took the opportunity of heartily thanking His Grace for coming down for the ceremony, remarking that it was probably the last church in the southern diocese which would be dedicated by the Archbishop. He was very pleased to be present at the dedication and congratulated Waihao Downs on its enthusiasm in erecting such a splendid building which was a tribute to the district, (Applause). His Grace, in a happy speech,

said it gave him much pleasure to be present that day as it was the last occasion on which he would dedicate a church and he was pleased that it was Waihao Downs. (Applause). He congratulated the people on their enthusiasm, remarking that the design and general appearance of the church was splendid and he hoped it would fill a long felt want in the district. (Applause). The Building. The church, situated on a spleu did site, close to the Vicarage, commands a fine view of the surrounding country. It is built of brick, <with a slate roof, and the estimated cost is about £9OO. Mr A. Claude of Willowbridge, who was the contractor, and Messrs Turnbull and Rule? architects, of Timaru deserve congratulation on their undertaking Practically all the furnishing has been generously donated by enthusiastic residents. The interior of the church is beautifully finished with ample light and ventilation, while the Cathedral glass windows present quite an attractive appearance. There is a small porch on the northern side, Generally, the whole work has been commendably executed. NOTES ABOUT THE CHURCH. (From St. Augustine’s Gazette). A table for the Vestry has been given by Mr and Mrs E. B. Harrison, and pews have been given by Mr and Mrs H. Allen, Mr and Mrs J. H. Milne, Messrs J. C. and J. J. O’Hara, and Mr A. V. Richards. We are very grateful to the Morven congregation for the loan of two handsome oil lamps, which we intend to use in the meantime. Canon Cocks has very kindly made us two collection plates from- oak supplied by Mr J. Menzies.