Consecration of the Stanway Church.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 257, 3 May 1895, Page 2

Consecration of the Stanway Church.

♦ The Bishop of Wellington consecrated the new Church and graveyard at Stanway yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock, when there was a very large congregation present. The consecration ceremony was most interesting and impressive. The Bishop, accompanied by Archdeacon Towgood and the Rev. Innes Jones, was met at the Church door by Messrs Wheeler, H. C Wilson, and F. S. Ellerm, who had signed the two petitions on behalf of the Church members of the district for the consecration of the Church and graveyard. Mr Wheeler read the petitions and handed the Church key to the Bishop, who, accompanied by the clergy, then proceeded up the aisle — reading the 24th Psalm — to the Holy Table, where the prayers of consecration of the Church were read. Then followed a hymn, after which the graveyard surrounding the Church was duly consecrated. The Archdeacon read the sentences of consecration, which were signed and sealed by the Bishop sitting in his chair in the Chancel. The order of evening prayer was then conducted by the Rev. Innes Jones, Archdeacon Towgood read the lessons. The Bishop preached from Matthew XVHI, 10th verse, treating his subject in a masterly and impressive manner. The Church, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion, is dedicated to St. Michael and All Angels. The building was designed by the Diocesan Architect, Mr Clere of Wellington, Mr Laurenson, of Stanway, being the contractor. The total cost of the Church and furniture was about £180, which does not include the following gifts, viz : — The lectern, presented by the Rev. A. Herman ; the font, by Mr F, S. Ellerm, who also gave the entrance gates ; the cloth for the Holy Table by Mesdames Wilson and Wheeler ; and the communion vessels by the Bishop and Mrs Wallis. The acre of land on which the Church stands was given by Mr Marshall, senr., of Stanway. The settlers in the neighborhood have been most enthusiastic and liberal in assisting towards the erection of a Church which is an ornament and a credit to the district.