Maori Ordination.

Waiapu Church Gazette, 1 October 1910, Page 11

Maori Ordination.

The ordination of five Maori Priests and two Maori Deacons was arranged for Sunday, August 28th, at Gisborne Parish Church, as it was impossible to hold the ordination on the appointed Prayer Book day m September on account of the Mission, and because it was easier for the ordinands to get away from their districts and parochial duties m the winter than later on m the year.

The Bishop of the Diocese had a quiet afternoon for the men m the College Chapel at Te Eau, and gave three addresses m preparation for the great gift which was so. soon.

to be conferred upon them. All the candidates had been m residence at Te Eau some time before the ordination, and had received instruction and help from the Yen. Archdeacon Williams and the Eev. F. W. Chatterton. The morning of the ordination ■was beautifully fine and a large congregation filled the Church and remained to the end of the service. The candidates were presented by the Archdeacon, who also preached a very appropriate and helpful sermon m which he emphasized the great need of the Laity praying more than they generally do for the Clergy. The Bishop of the Diocese was attended by the Eev. F. W. Ohatterton as Chaplain, and was assisted m the Laying on of Hands by the Eevs. L. Dawson Thomas (Vicar), H. T. Eawnsley, M. W. Butterfield, W. H. Eoberts, and Ahipene Eangi m addition to the Clergy previously mentioned. The Eev. Pine Tamahori was also present. The service had been carefully arranged and was very reverent throughout. The Grospel was read by the Eev. Himepiri Munro, who is to minister m the Hawke's Bay district. The Eev. W. A. Te Waaka, who was also ordained to the Diaconate, will work Taupo, Tokaanu, etc. The following Deacons were ordained to the Priesthood : — Eev. Peni Te U. Hakiwai (Euatoki), Eatema Te Awekotuku (Whakatane and district), Wiremu K. Paraire Eangihuna (Nuhaka and Mahia Peninsula), Paraone Turei (Waipiro Bay), and Eeweti T. Kohere (Kawa-Kawa). The strengthening of the main line of attack m our Maori Mission work should do much for the edification of the native race m the Diocese. Let us remember to pray for them.