TE KARAKA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2414, 1 February 1909, Page 4

TE KARAKA.

OPENING OF ANGLICAN CHUR CH, . The new Anglican Church at Te Karaka .w is formally opened yesterday, when special sendees were held throughout the day. The church is a modest edifice, plainly built, _ but comfortably furnished inside and artistically decorated. It is situated on the opposite side of the main road from the milway station, and has -been erected at a cost of £3OO, exclusive of the site, from plans kindly presented by Mr. C. E. Armstrong. Subscriptions towards the cost of the building have also been received from Messrs A. Kempthorne, Charles Gray, Frederick AFilliams, who each donated £SO, and from Mr. Hutchinson (£25), and a number of other contributors.

The opening service yesterday morning was conducted by the Yen. Archdeacon Williams, acting on behalf of the Bishop of the diocese, assisted by Rev. M. W. Butterfield, Principal of Wherenga-a-hika Native College, the late vicar of the parish, and the-Rev. W. H. Roberts, the present minister. The service consisted of the dedication, morning prayer, and Holy Communion. Archdeacon Williams preached a powerful and, eloquent sermon to a Very large' congregation, from the words of the first verse of Psalm 122: “I whs glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” The church, which seats 120 people, was crowded to the doors, and the choir gavo special music, Miss Bousfiold presiding at the organ. In the 'afternoon a special, service Jor children was conducted by the vicar, and was largely attended by the young folk. It was a bright end interesting service, and the singing was especially good. There was a crowded congregation in the evening, when a most impressive service was held, Archdeacon Williams again being the preacher. There is still an out-standing balance of about £IOO on the building, and in addition to tho donations already mentioned the following special gifts were made: —Two doz. Prayer Books (Right Rev. the Bisliop); Lectern Bible (Von. Archdeacon Williams), Holy table (Rev. W. H. Roberts), bell and two lamps (Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Lewis). font (Sunday School children), Communion linen (Mrs. W. H. Roberts), prayer desk (Mrs. F.' -Cia-yton), chair (Miss Scanions), lamps (Mr. Jas. Pettie), cross (Mr:"J. Pigott), cover and cushion for Communion table (Mrs. and Miss Evinson), Prayer -Books (Miss Bousfield), offertory plate (Mr. J. Poynter), donation (Mr. Gardiner;.