ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, FOXTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1227, 31 March 1914, Page 4

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, FOXTON.

THE SITE.

Far back in the early sixties when Foxton enjoyed the simple life, and the Maoris basked in the golden jushine on the sloping banks of the Mauawalu, the site on which All Saints’ now stands was the revered spot of a great pah. It appears that this portion had been set apart for the burial of the dead, and in common with all races, was held as sacred. As far as can be gathered only one grave was dug, which is still in existence and may be seen at the back of the church surrounded by a wooded fence. In this grave lies the remains of a native, a young man who is said to have been a Christian. This young native came from a family of very high rank and was the son of the famous chief, Taratoa. The name of this son of Taratoa was Pationa, who died at the early age of nineteen, smitten down by the deadly disease of consumption and was interred in this spot on a date at present not obtainable. One of the first European settlers in this district was Captain Francis Robinson, of Herrington. The old homestead known for many years as Herrington was pulled down a few years ago, but a portion of it still exists in a woolshed on the estate. Perhaps it is not generally known that three distinguished churchmen visited Herrington when Foxton was a very different place to what it is now, and were the guests of Captain Robinson. One was the then Lord Robert Cecil, who afterwards became Lord Salisbury and Prime Minister of England ; another the illustrious George Augustus Selwyn, first Bishop of New Zealand and afterwards Lord Bishop of Lichfield, in England ; and Sir Charles Dilke, an author of some considerable note. Captain Robinson with a good deal of foresight endeavoured to purchase from the Maoris the present site of All Saints’ Church. After a good deal of trouble he came to terms with the natives and paid what was then a big price ,£ion in gold. This land be handed over to the Bishop of Wellington and his successors for all time. The Maoris agreed to sell the land only on two conditions being faithfully carried out :

1. That the laud should be used for the erection of a church. 2. That the site of the grave of Patlona be respected aud kept in order. On these conditions Captain Robinson gave the land which is now the property of the Province of the Church of New Zealand, commonly called the Church ol Knglaud—aud a property which can never be sold or used for any other purpose. This is how the parish of All Saints' came into possession of its church site, which is now very valuable as it stands in the centre of the town. The memory of the generous donor is perpetuated in the shape of a stained glass window above the altar which represents the Good Shepherd. This window was erected by his family and bears the following inscription : ‘To the glory of God and the memory of Francis Robinson, who died 15th September, 1888.” THE CONSECRATION. The contract of building All Saints’ Church was let to Mr Marley in March, 1876, but was not completed until November of that year, owing to the difficulty of obtaining timber. At that time it was considered a handsome and substantial building, with chancel and pentagonal apse. The new church was opened for Divine worship on the 23rd Sunday after Trinity, being the 19th of November, 1876. An old record gives us an account ot the consecration : “On Wednesday, December 13th, 1876, a large congregation assembled to witness the ceremony of the consecration of the Church under the title of All Saints, by the Bishop of the Diocese. After the petition had been read at the

door by Mr J. N. Flower, vicar’s warden, the Bishop, attended by his chaplain, the Rev James McWilliam, and the Rev. F. Sherriff, curate of All Saints’, the Rev H. H, Te Herekau, Moutoa, Mr J. N. Flower, and Mr Charles Hulkc (churchwarden) proceeded up the church, where the consecration service was commenced by the Bishop and people reading the 24th Psalm. The prayers were read by the Rev James McWilliam, and the lessons by the curate of the district. Dr Hadfield, Bishop of Wellington, then delivered an impressive address from Hebrews X., 25, The choir rendered very efficient aid in leading the consecration hymn, which had been kindly presented for the occasion.” At the moment of consecration, the Bishop, stretching forth his hands to all parts of the church, and making the sign of the cross, says; “That it may please Thee to bless and hallow this church and altar to be consecrated in Thine honour and in the name of All Saints.” Then kneeling, he adds the following prayer : —“O God, who hallowest places dedicated to Thy Name, pour forth Thy grace upon this house of prayer, that Thy merciful help may be felt by all who call upon Thee here.”

The Bishop then holds his staff in his left hand, and, advancing to the entrance of the church, says: “By the authority committed unto us in the Church of God, we dedicate and set apart for ever, from all common and profane uses, this house, and whatsoever therein is consecrated by our prayer and benediction for the ministration of the holy service and i mysteries of the Church of God ; and we hereby declare this house to be hallowed and consecrated in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” This church, which is now nearly 38 years old, is an historic landmark in our town, and has been saved on three occasions of its existence from being destroyed by fire. It is built of the heart of totara and, experts say, with ordinary care it will stand for another fifty years.