ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, RANGITUKIA.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume II, Issue 9, 30 September 1856, Page 9

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, RANGITUKIA.

In the Memoir of Pita Whakagaua, which appeared in the "Maori Messenger" for Nov. last, some slight allusion is made to the church in the course of erection at Rangitukia, the principal pa of the Ngatiporoii. We now proceed to give our realers some -short account of it, in the hope that it may 'Stimulate other tribes to follow their good -example. The people of Waiapu had long talked of erecting a large and substantial church at Itangilukia, where their minister is stationed:; but it was not until the year 1853 that they began in earnest to collect the accessary materials. Early in 4854 the large Totara posts and ridge pole were dragged to the site of the intended building; ond the old men skilled in the use of tools dubbed and prepared them, while the young «meti who were better acquainted with the arts, proceeded to the forests to saw timber. On the 27th of December in 4he same year, a great number of Natives tfrom all parts of the district collected to assist at, and witness, the erection of the ridge--pole. The proceedings commenced with ■reading a portion of Scripture, prayer, and •an address from their minister; after which -all pres nt partook of an ample feast of European and Native food. The work was carried on wiih great cheerfulness and energy; some helping in -one way, others in another. Large quantities orfood were supplied from the villages around for the use of the workmen, who cut and prepared the timber under the direction of their minister. No wages were paid, all labored gratuitously.; and they who w T orked least were expected to supply the greatest • quantity of food. But there were many .-articles which the natives could not produce required for the building. Collections were made from time to time for the purchase of these things, and though none but Maories contributed, sufficient funds were obtained to carry on the work. The building is 77 feet long, 31 feet wide, 12 feet to the wall-plate and 24 to the ridge pole. It is weather boarded and shingled outside; the space between the posts and is neatly lined with Kahika boards. The entrance porch is on-the north side, and the vestry on the south. The Natives were exceedingly anxious to have the church completed before the arrival of the Bishop on his iast visit; but were compelled.for a time to

leave the building and atlend to their plantations. Half of the floor, however, was laid, and the communion rails put up. On the 7th February, the Bishop held Divine service in Ihe new Church. About seven hundred people were crowded inside, and many were unable to gain admission. The Lord's supper was administered to about 5t50 persons; and in the evening 232 were confirmed. Thus the people had thepleasure of seeing their church in use, and sanctified to the -worship of the true God. Being unwilling lhat their friends should return without a feast, on the 21st a great quantity of beef, pork, rice, sugar, and other European food was set before them. The provisions, however, were too abundant, and ihe people more noisy than became the occasion. Hal it been otherwise, there would nave been nooccaslon for regret. There was .too much of the Maori display in (be affair to admit of an unqualified approval of the day's proceedings. It is hoped that the next feast may be better managed, and that the people will act more like respectable Englishmen would do on such an occasion. Now that the church had been erected, the Rangilukia Natives have a standing admonition to build for themselves better houses, fiat they may be enabled to abolish the custom of living in communities, and attend -to personal cleanliness. Perseverance will do much to overcome many difficulties; and firmness of purpose render the task of combating the habits and prejudices of their farmer life, every day more easy. These things we hope will follow in due lime; meanwhile we would remind our readers that in order to ensure the respect of their European friends they must strive, by every mums in Aheir power, to rise to their standard,