FOUNDATION STONE LAID.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 772, 3 October 1922, Page 3

FOUNDATION STONE LAID.

MEMORIAL SANCTUARY. CHRIST CHURCH, PAPAKURA. The English Church community of Papakura, assembled in large numbers on on Saturday last to witness the laying of the foundation stone of fheir war memorial. The ceremony was condluctjed by the Right Revj Bishop of Auckland, assisted by the Vicar of the parish (Rev, W. C. Wood) and Rev. Greenwood (Vicar ojf Devonpoijft), The visiting clergy present were Rev. N. D. Boyes W. H. Rattray, : H. M. Smythe. C, A. Vaughan, C. A- R. Watson, The Memorial Sanctuary, constiiftiUting .the first part of the permanent church, is being' built- on the eastern end of the present wooden building. The extra accommodation provided will come' at an opportune time., as the present building is now too small to hold a large congregation. The material which is being used is a blue granite stoned obtained locally. The stone 'te o,f excellent quality and when completed the building should present an imposing appearance. A memorial tablet will be bufilt into the south wall, containing the names of the men from this parish who jfell in the Great War, fide foundation stone, an Oamaru stone p read ?ted! by Mr W. If. Feldbn, bore the following inscription:—

“This s uic -ufry was erected as a thank-v,:: ei h-y to Alnfi'ghty God for joeace and vfeiuiy, and in memory of the men from this parish who (fell in the Great' War, 1914-19.” In a receptacle at the .back! of ithe stone was placed a document setting forth the history of the sanctuary a copy of t'be N.Z. Her aid of that’ date, a copy Aof the Church Gazette and some cofi?s of the current year. After the dedication of The the Bishop delivered a sboi'N, dress, in the cqurse of which he i,CSX * pressed his great satisfaction at td£ fact that the parishioners had made the?r memorial a portion of a permanent church. He referred to the fact that upon hi*-, recent visit to France, Flanders and Belgium, he •found memorial stones erected to the memory of the men who gaye their lives in the Great War. He urged! that the stone erected that day should serve first, as a Stone of Remembrance recalling the brave deeds done by others ; second, a Stone of Resolution, suggesting the resolve to carry on that which they had so well begun thirdly. a Stone of Decision, taking theiy stand in the cause of Truth and Righteousness,

The choir., under the conductorship Ojf Mr T. C. Seqton, with Miss Willis presiding at the oirgan, led the singing. A v#ry impressive ceremony was conducted by the singing of the National Antihem.

The Bishop and clergy, together with numerous visitors from a distance. were afterward/s entertained by the Ladies Gdfiild to afternoon tea, Mrs R.i J. Willis acting as hostess.