Deaconesses.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume XIV, Issue 1, 1 August 1923, Page 287

Deaconesses.

The ordination of Deaconesses -m Napier. Cathedral, „of , which a' brief notice appearedin the last "Gazette," was an event of unusual interest, being the first ever held m this Diocese. The simple rite,, drawn, from, ancient sources, was the same." as. that used m most English dioceses , since the revival of the Order^ pending the insertion of a fully authorised form m the revised Prayer Book. ; At the end of the Sermon, m the Office of Holy Communion, the two candidates were presented to the' Bishop- by Archdeacon Williams, Examining Chaplain, and (after the Questions -the Laying-on-of-Hands and" the gift of a Now Testament and a Cross) were ■ commended to the Diocesan- Deaconess,, who was bidden to receive each "as a fellow-helper m your work r give her all encouragement, goodly counsel and support and tend her as a - sister dearly beloved. ' ' Then -followed some versicles and a prayer for Wisdom' and strength, and the Deaconesses remained kneeling at the altar rail until they had communicated; Thus the establishment of an Order of Deaconesses m -this Diocese, which has been an object of prayer and effort; since the .Synod -of 1912, is at last an accomplished fact.- More women are needed for training... -Deaconess Esther Brand, who is- under-, taking work m Qisborne— for some months and probably lone-er— will be glad to give all particulars, . ■