S. Matthew's, Hastings.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 8, 1 February 1914, Page 108

S. Matthew's, Hastings.

IvAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE.

On Wednesday, January 21st, tho Bishop ol the Diocese laid the foundation stone of the new Church of S. Matthew's, Hastings. A large ' number of people were present for the service. The Clergy robed m the porch of the old Church and went m procession to the place appointed. Bishop Williams, Canon Tuke, the Vicar, the Rev. J. B. Brocklehurst, the Rev. N. Robertshawe and the Archdeacon of Hawke's Bay who acted as Chaplain to the Bishop, having taken their places, the service* began with the singing of a hymn. Prayers having been offered by the Bishop and a portion of Scripture read by the Archdeacon, the stone was placed m position by Dr. Averill, who was presented by the contractor, Mr J. W. C, Monk, with a silver trowel. The stone was inscribed as follows : — " To the Glory of God, this stone was laid by the Right Rev. Dr. Averill, Bishop of Waiapu, 25th January, 1914." Bishop Averill chose as his text the words of the Prophet Hagai, m the 2nd chapter of the Book of the Prophet : " The glory of the latter house shall be greater than the former. . ." His Lordship expressed his pleasure at being able to perform the certmony before he had unfortunately to leave the Diocese. In laying the foundations of new Churches it was often said that they were running counter to sentiment, ' and the feelings of affection which gathered round an old Church. He quite appreciated those feelings and it would be wrong if no such sentiment existed, because to those who had been either baptised, confirmed or married m the old Church, that building must have become dear, and they did not like to see it and its old associations pass away. Therefore he had sympathy with that sentiment. But he pointed out that if sentiment was allowed to prevail, the Church would become stagnant and would be left behind by the progress of the times. The period had arrived when they must fall m with the law of progress, and it would indeed be a disaster if the Church was to remain stationary while the rest of the world progressed m all directions. When the Jews returned from Babylon, they were disheartened and despaired of building a new temple m

which they might worship, and it needed a prophet to stir them from their apathy and tell them it was their duty to erect a new Church. No doubt there were many listening to him who knew this district when Hastings was not, and when they looked around to-day they marvelled at the remarkable progress that had been made m a comparatively short time. The past development and the stability of the Province was 'a guarantee of its future and he believed that Hastings was destined to become a great city m the centre of one of the most fertile districts m New Zealand. Consequently, it would be a shame if they were to allow this progressive era to pass by without making an effort to raise a better temple than the present one with its happy associations. It would be disastrous if the present Church continued to be large enough for all those who wished to worship their Maker. The meaning of that day's service was that they realised m this time of prosperity they should show their gratitude to the Provider of all good thing's and erect a temple more worthy of his honour and glory — one which would give the people great accommodation, and a temple so great and dignified and true to tHe principles of Christ that it would overshadow, not only the family life, but also the commercial life of Hastings. In the words of the Prophet, the glory of the latter house would be greater than the former — greater because a fuller voice would go forth to tfie Most High, and a greater river of grace would flow to all parts of the district and bring spiritual refreshment, whilst m the new Church, there would be a greater presence of Jesus Christ. He commended those of the congregation who were men of vision— who were seers— for the work undertaken, and congratulated the Vicar and his people on the commencement of the edifice and the design they had chosen. His I,ordship concluded : — " May it be to the Glory of God and the extension of His Kingdom." At the conclusion of the address, after the singing of another hymn, the service ended with prayers and the Benediction. We understand that the contract price for the new building is between ,£SOOO and /;6000. This is for the part now taken m hand. We join with the Bishop m hearty congratulations to the Vicar and

Church officers and parishioners' of the Hastings parish upon the work so happily begun. The completed Church will be, judging from the plans, one of the finest m the Province.