OPENING CEREMONY AT ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, OKATO, TARANAKI.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue V, 24 July 1897, Page 134

OPENING CEREMONY AT ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, OKATO, TARANAKI.

r I completion of Her Majesty’s Record Reign was I celebrated at Okato in a very fitting way by the opening of the new Anglican Church of St. Paul’s. Okato is the centre of a church district 22 miles in length, and lying between Mount Egmont and the sea. This now peaceful district, largely settled by dairy farmers, was the scene of the long struggle between the Maoris and the settlers, and there are still many residents in the district who surprise the new comer by a recital of the stirring events in which they bore a prominent part, fighting in defence of their homes. There is also a large population of Maoris along this coast, many of whom also bore a prominent part in the war. It is greatly to be regretted that Christian teaching is much obstructed at present by the influence of Te Whiti, who, by means of his false teaching, dominates the minds of the unfortunate natives who submit to his influence. Happily his power is steadily declining, and we may look forward at no distant time when Christianity will resume its benign influence over this naturally amiable race. Within the last two years the work formerly carried on by the late Rev. H. H. Brown, of respected memory, has been resumed by’ the Church of England, whose members form a large majority of the settlers. Appeals for funds for church building have been generously responded to, with the result that there are now two beautiful wellfinished houses of God in the district.

On Wednesday, June 23rd, the date fixed for the opening of St. Paul’s Church, the Rev. F. G. Evans, of New Plymouth and the Rev. E. C. Robinson, of Inglewood, together with the choir of St. Mary’s and a large contingent of townspeople, came out from New Plymouth. A bountiful luncheon was provided by the ladies of Okato, and was much appreciated by the visitors, and especially by the hungry choir boys. The clergy and choir then formed in procession, and headed by the two churchwardens, a start was made for the church. Singing a processional hymn, the choir entered the church by the west door, and a most impressive service was proceeded with. The Rev. F. G. Evans preached a most appropriate sermon, and was assisted in the service by the Rev. H. Mason, Curate-in-charge of the district, and the Rev. C. W. Robinson, (Inglewood). Mr Cooper, organist of St. Mary’s, conducted the choral part of the service. A large congregation not only filled the seats, but thronged the aisle. The offertory amounted to /'ll 7s 6d, and will be devoted to the Church Building Fund. A bazaar was held on the two following evenings, and the proceeds, amounting to about _/45, will be devoted to the organ and church expenses. Among the ladies who actively assisted were Mesdames Mason, Fox, A. Gray, McCullum, Clarke, Roebuck, C. Sole, G. Corbett, A. Corbett, W. Corbett, and A. Dell, Misses Shaw, Greenway, and Roebuck.

The church stands on a commanding site generously given by Mr A. Gray. The body of the church is 30ft x 22ft and the height to ceiling is 21ft. At the east end

there is a fine chancel 12ft by Bft, in which there is a three-light Gothic window, of which the centre light, which has been ordered, will be a handsome stained glass window in memory of the late Rev. H. H. Brown. At the side of the chancel there is a vestry. On the west side the building is entered through a square porch. The windows are Gothic, headed and filled with cathedral glass. The seating of the church will accommodate about one hundred and ten persons, exclusive of the choir. The timber used in construction is rimu, the building resting on stone and totara foundations. There are two framed principals in the roof, and the panels of the ceiling are filled in with diagonal b">arding. The walls above the dado are painted, and all the other work is oiled. Mr F. Messenger, who was the architect, has carried out his work in a thorough manner, and greatly to the satisfaction of the trustees, who are much pleased with the design of the edifice. Mr J. Hart was the contractor, his work being carried out in a most workmanlike manner. Messrs H. Brown and Co. supplied all the timber, joinery, and fittings ; Mr F. Howell executed the plumbing, and Mr D. Greenway did the painting. A font, presented by Mrs Cory-Wright, Hornsey Lane, London, will shortly be placed in the church. The stained glass .memorial window when completed will be unveiled by Kerenene an aged Maori, and a steadfast member of the church. The officers of the new church are Messrs A. Bell and W. Gray, churchwardens, and Messrs McCullum, C. Sole, and A. Gray, vestrymen. Our illustrations represent St. Paul’s Church at Okato, and a group consisting of the officiating clergymen, St. Mary’s choir, the Church officers, together with the aged Maori Kerenene, the photographs of which have been kindly furnished us by Mr E. H. Clark, schoolmaster of the Okato School.