ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8346, 5 February 1913, Page 8

ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOL

FOUNDATION STONE LAID YESTERDAY. ADDRESS BY BISHOP JULIUS. Press AssociationCHRISTCHURCH, February 4. The foundation stone of the new school in connection with St. Michael’s Anglican Church was laid this afternoon by Bishop Julius. The new building, in stone, replaces the wooden structure. The school is the first primary one established in Canterbury, and dates from 1850. After referring to the aim of the Church in the early days of the settlement of the province to establish similar schools throughout the diocese, Bishop Julius said the principal factor towards the success of the school was the work of the teachers, many of whom turned from higher places and better opportunities elsewhere to carry on the work for the love of the school. Ho, as bishop of the diocese, said “All honour to these teachers. We churchmen have no quarrel with the Education Act of New Zealand. We believe it to be a very great and beneficial work. We believe that no individual body can do the work of the State in the education of the masses of New Zealand, but we desire that the teaching of God be the root in all things.” His Lordship went on to say that the church people desired a school of their own because, in the first place, there was an atmosphere about the church school that remained with the children trained within its walls for their whole life. “We love that atmosphere,” declared his Lordship, “be* cause we believe it to be sound and good.” Such schools, where was taught a belief in God, the fear of God, the love of God, were the foundation of life; otherwise, dry rot would set in. He knew schools, like St. Michael’s, which were the very nursery of the Church of God, and he hoped that from this school many good churchmen and churchwomen would come te do service on behalf of God.