ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1925, Page 2

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH

jrmi.KE cei.i:bratioss.

There was a very large attendance at the Soldiers’ Hall last evening when a conversazione was held by All Saints’ Church Community to celebrate the •sixtieth anniversary of the commencement of church work in the town and district. The Vicar the ltev. •). Perkins. presided, having on his right the visiting clergy. Revs. Hudson (Presbyterian) and J. F. .lack (Methodist). and on bis left Hon H. L. Michel, oxClmreh Warden. The gathering included a very numerous throng seated round well-laden tables, served by the ladies of the church. Many visitors wore present, and some old folk who had been identified with the church work in the early days. The programme carried out proved a long one and carried the gathering far into the night, well on to midnight, but it proved a very interesting assemblage, and tlte people stayed on enjoying tbe happy reunion.

In addition to several speeches which covered the recital of many interesting events in the history of the town and church, there was a vocal and instrumental programme rendered also, adding greatly to the entertainment of those present. Pianoforte duet. Misses Pascoe and Coulson: vocal duet, “Xight of Stars.” Afesdanies Stavelev and Ward; solo, “When My Ship Comes Sailing Home.” Mrs Harrison; solo. •‘Come Away” -.Miss Sheriff; solo. “Gleam of Sunshine.” Afiss Katie: song. “Lullaby.” Airs Harrison; vocal duet. “Merry Bells.” Air and Airs Ward.

The toast list included "The King.” proposed hy the Vicar; “The Pioneers'’ proposed hy Mr Les. Afichcl and responded to by Hon H. T,. Michel and Mr W. A. Thompson; "All Saints’ Church,” proposed hy Air D. J. Evans and replied to by Messrs A. Keller and 11. 11. Swcney; “The Choir” proposed by Air W. E. Richards and acknowledged by Air Wild and Air .1. B. Ward: “The Sister Churches,” proposed by the Vicar and responded to by Herds. Hudson and Jack; “The Country Church District'’ proposed by Mr W. D. Alaekay and responded to by Afr A. Keller; “The Visitors” proposed hy the Vicar, and responded to by Air T. E. A’. Seddon. Hon. Michel made his address very interesting hy referring to many events in connection with the early days. Extracts from Archdeacon Harper’s life were rein! and many stories told of the early events. Frequent references were made to Bishop and Archdeacon Harper, the name of Mr (!. S. Snli> cropped up also, several ot the speakers knowing the gentleman in different. spheres. Anecdotes of the ilav school and the Sunday School were also told, ami the picnics of the old days mentioned. It was mentioned that the first church service had been held in the Supreme Court, which building was now part of Hie Soldiers’ Hall in which the festival gathering was held. The debt due to the old pioneers was not overlooked, and the names ot many old church workers were mentioned. Speaking of Archdeacon Harper it was said he had left the imprint of his sterling character on the citi-

zenship of the town, and his work and service had left a reputation which would lie recalled always. The relerences of the various speakers to events of the past were nil followed closely, indicating that the early history of the Church and its work is stored in very pleasant memories of events which found a most interesting link with the past.

During the evening the Vicar announced that the name of Rev. Camplied West-Watson had lieon mentioned as the Bishop elect for Christchurch See, which took in Hokitika and district.

The Library Committee donated to All Saints’ Church Vestry a photographic copy of an address presented to Archdeacon Harper on the close of his work here, to the address being appended the names of the Church officers connected with the churches at Hokitika. Ross. Kanieri. Stalford and Mniuiea. and embracing the recital nl many names of men who hail been notable in the district, including that of the late R. .1. Seddon.

At a suitable opportunity tbe Vicar took the opportunity to read the following letter from Rev. Dr. Kennedy of St. Mary’s Church:— “Dear Rev. Sir: .Many thanks for your kind note to me yesterday regarding the. titular feast of your parish. I heariilv congratulate you and your parishioners upon the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of All Saints" — an anniversary which is sninenhat rare in our young country.

1 road a few days ago in the local paper the interesting review of your parish during its sixty years’ lile. Reference was made hy the writer to the happy relations that existed between my venerable predecessor. Dean Martin. ami the pioneer olergyni: your parish. 1 am sure it is tbe earnest wish and endeavour of all of us nl a later generation that similar happy relations should unite their descendants.

Although, 1 shall, I rgeret, he unable to be with you in person at your social commemorative gathering, 1 shall he with you anil your parishioners in spirit and sympathy.”