NEW ANGLICAN CHURCH.

Waipukurau Press, 2 June 1922, Page 3

NEW ANGLICAN CHURCH.

PRESENT BUILDING UNSOUND, PLANS TO BE CONSIDERED. “It is a good thing to have an objective,’’ declared the Rev. A. W. Stace at the annual meeting of St. Mary's parishioners on Wednesday night in urging that an improvement on the existing church building should be seriously considered during the present year. lie pointed out that the building was too'small and not in a. sound condition, and there were two propoasis worth considering—either a new church or extensive alterations to the present one. He submitted approximate estimates of the cost of carrying out much-' need renovations and additions

Mr. W. G. Bryce was not in favour of spending money on the existing building but he preferred to see work of a permanent character carried out. The erection of a. chancel would be a first instalment of a new church- in concrete or brick. The chancel would accommodate the choir and that would leave the whole of the body of the church available for worshippers. That would be better than making additions in wood to provide extra seating room. The ehantel should be built according to a definite plan for a new church. The time was ripe for a progressive move.

“If. would Ire a mistake to patch up the church; il is beyond patching,” declared Mr. YV. Taylor. He considered the building was rotten and would tumble dow*n presently. It was' mentioned that a Wellington lady had promised a donation of £lOO towards a new church and that the money would no doubt bo available for the chancel of it was gone on with. Mr. Bryce moved that it be a reeom-, mendation to the Vestry to get plans prepared for a new church, with alternative estimates of the cost of the whole building and of the chancel, and these to be submitted to a general meeting of parishioners.

Mr. Taylor, in seconding the motion, pointed out that the present church was old and the parishioners had escaped any special call for assistance in regard 1o the building in the past. Mr.. J. H. Kbblcwhite remarked that a new church in brick would run into tin expenditure of £7OOO to £BOOO. They should first start a fund, as they would not be able to borrow money, other than £lOO a year from the Diocesan Trust at the most. Mr. Bryce contended that when the plans were prepared and the cost ascertained the parishioners could discuss the proposal fully together with ways and means. 'fhe motion was carried.