WAIAU ANGLICAN CHURCH.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18236, 21 November 1924, Page 2

WAIAU ANGLICAN CHURCH.

FOUNDATION STONE LAID. Wednesday was a red-letter day in tho annals of the Anglican Church in the Amuri, for it witnessed- tho laying of the foundation-stone of a church in Waiau. This undertaking had been made possible through a handsome bequest by the late Mrs D. D. Macfarlane, which so stimulated the congregation that ever since a band of energetic workers have striven to augment the funds in order to fulfil their longcherished wish to build a place of worship of their own. So successful were these labours that recently the church officers decided that the time to proceed with tho work had arrived, and a contract was lot to Messrs Koir and Thomson, of Eangiora. The weather was rather unpropitious, as - heavy rain was falling throughout, the day, but nevertheless there was a large gathering, and a marquee had been erected which afforded the assemblage from protection from the elements. The foundation-stone was laid by his Grace tho Archbishop of New Zealand, and dedicated by his Lordship the Bishop of Nelson, and thcro wore also present Archdeacon York, of Marlborough, Eev. E. C. W. Powoll (Sumner), Eev. J. P. W. Dyer (Cheviot), Kev. C. F. Saunders (£aikoura), and Eev. E. Webb (Tuahiwi). The service was conducted by Bishop Sadlier, of Nelson, during which thr» 84th Psalm was repeated, and tho hymns, "All People that on Earth Do Dwell" and "O, Lord of Hosts," wore sung. The lesson was read by the Eev. E. Webb from I. Corinthians, I.T.T. Chapter, 10-17 verses. A stirring and inspiring address was delivered by Archbishop Julius, and a. short address was also given by Bishop Sadlier. At the conclusion of the ceremony the assemblage adjourned to tho Coronation' Hall, where a sumptuous tea was provided by the ladies. Apologies were received from Mr G. W. Forbes, M.P., Eev. N. Friberg, Eev. P. Fendall, Eev. C. A. Tobin, Eev. A. W. Orange, and Eev. J. Gemmell. The vicar of the diocese, Eov. Canon T. J. Smith, in a few> well-chosen words, thanked the Archbishop, Bishop Sadlier, and clergy for their attendance. Interesting addresses were given by the Eev. E. Webb, who recounted many reminiscences of his old labours in the district, and by tho Eev. E. C. W. Powell, tho first resident vicar 21 years ago. The Archbishop gave a very earnest and instructive address to the children.

Major Northcote, churchwarden, thanked the residents for their attendance and assistance. He also stated that the offertory taken up had been substantial, and included a cheque for £IOO, which had been promised on the day that the foundation-stone was laid. . Tho building, which will be of rubblp from the river-bed, set in concrete, with slate roof, will have a handsome appearance, and will be thoroughly up-to-date and very durable. '

. Messrs Macfarlane Bros, are giving a handsome stained glass window for the chancel in memory of their parents, the late Mr and Mrs D. D. Macfarlane. The edifice is expected to be completed early in April, 1925. The inscription on the foundationstone is: To the glory of God, this stone was'laid by the Most Rev. the .■Archbishop of,NeW Zealand and dedicated by the JSight Rev. the Bishop of Nelson, November 19th, 1924. Silver trowels were presented by the contractors to both Archbishop Julius and Bishop Sadler.