ST. MATTHEW'S ANNIVERSARY

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 227, 25 September 1929, Page 21

ST. MATTHEW'S ANNIVERSARY

A social gathering was held last evening in celebration of the seventy-sixth, anniversary of St. Matthew's Anglican Church. There was a large attendance in the Parish Ha,ll, presided over by Canon C. H. Grant Cowen. Amongst those present were Mr. C. H. Olive, aged 90 yeans, who has been a parishioner for 65 years. Twenty of those present had been members for over 30 years, nine over 40 years, and five over 50 years. The organist, Mr. J. H. Phillpot, has filled that position for no less than 25 years. The vicar said there remained a wonderful link with the past in the work handed down by the pioneers of J3t. Matthew's Church. All throughout New Zealand people could be found who still retained a love for their old church. Men and women trained in St. Matthew's Sunday School were taking important parts in church work further afield. Mr. Grant Cowen also paid a tribute to the loyal co-operation of the present parishioners. Mr. A. C. Hallett, warden, welcomed the vicar back to his duties after his serious illness. Mr. Hallett said they should all remember that their fine church building was a present from the pioaeer parishioners of St. Matthew's. The parish had inherited a wonderful tradition of service, and those who had served it for the past years could also claim some concrete improvements. There was now in existence an endowment fund of £450, a new organ fund of £400, and a fund for building a boys' institute of £300. Mr. W. Birss, a lay reader, who has been connected with St. Matthew's for 27 years, referred to the growth of the parish. He claimed that St. Matthew's Church had played no mean part in the social "and religious life of Auckland. Mr. E. O. Fricker, another warden, also made a few remarks. Vocal items were contributed by Mrs. Lewis, Miss McKenzie, and Mr. Littler. The ladies' committee served supper, after which dancing was indulged in.