THE HAMPDEN UNDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue XXV, 18 June 1898, Page 760

THE HAMPDEN UNDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH.

AT TIKOKINO, HAWKES BAY. ALTHOUGH the township of Hampden (Tikokino) has existed for over thirty years on the north-western side of the Ruataniwha Plains, yet being’ beyond the rush of advancing settlement, its progress has naturally been slow. During the past two years things have brightened up somewhat, giving a spurt to the building trade, and among numerous new erections are a fine large Oddfellows' Hall and the Undenominational Church (the only undenominational church that I know of in New Zealand, with the exception of one at Stewart's Island), which was formally opened in July last by the Revs. H. W. Johnstone and Quintrell, Presbyterian and Methodist ministers. the Anglican clergyman Rev. A. F. Gardiner, being unable to be present to assist by giving a service that day. who officiated conjointly, the Waipawa Anglican choir assisting in the services. The sire for the building was given by Mr James Mathews, the bell being a gift

from -Mrs Gow (an erstwhile resident of this place, but now of Waipukurau), who travelled a distance of over thirty-six miles —coming and going—in order to ring the first peal. Among other numerous donations given by friends in and out side the district a large Bible given by Mrs Parkinson, a handsome pulpit cushion by Mrs Mathews (nee Miss J. Holden), two large hanging lamps by Messrs J. Mathews and A. Krebs are noticeable. Outside the building ornamental and useful entrance gates were presented by the contractors and builders, Messrs Petersen and Bradshaw. Unfortunately these and the neat front fence do not appear in Mr Charles Mariboe's excellent photographs ot the building. The church was designed by Mr E. Tilleard Natusch, architect, of Napier, and gives seating accommodation for two hundred persons. The windows of the main building are cathedral green, those in the ehancel being wine-col-oured. The fittings of the Communion table, pulpit and reading desk are all of the latter hue. The reading desk deserves special mention, being made of rimu, and a beautifully mottled piece of rewarewa. given specially for the purpose by Mr E. Scarrott. The interior of the building is plain, and neatly furnished with an American organ., comfortable /seats, (and cocoanut matting. Three trustees were appointed by the various denominations—Messrs S. W. Hardy, Jas. Mathews and E. Scarrott, representing severally the Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodist members of the congregation. As Mr S. W. Hardy has since died his post is at present vacant. There are now two services every month alloted to each clergyman, Mr Bawden, lay reader, taking the services of the Rev. A. F. Gardiner, who is suffering from ill-health, and has only been able to eome once during the last nine months. The Salvation Army also use the building twice weekly. At present the ladies of the congregation are actively engaged in working for a gift auction to be held in July next to raise money to pay off the remaining debt of £6O on the bnilrfing. and to commemorate the anniversary of the opening of the church, M.H.A.B.