Last service at Rangataua hall

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 499, 17 August 1993, Page 1

Last service at Rangataua hall

Ruapehu Anglican Church parishioners congregated at St James' Hall in Rangataua on Sunday to witness the deconsecration of the historic hall. The church hall was dedicated on 2 February 1911. Reverend Bernie Cox and Reverend Thomas Hawira carried out the service, with Oswald Stent, the first vicar of the parish, in attendance. Ruapehu mayor Garrick Workman welcomed the people to the service, followed by a hymn, then an address by Revd Hawira, the Waimarino Maori Pastorate. Recollections of St James followed, then an address by Revd Cox. Alicia Pearson and Aniwa Mills, grandchildren of parishioners who were baptised at the Hall, took their baptismal vows. Their great-great-grandmother, Charlotte Fraser, played the organ at the hall for 30 years, with her daughter, Bel Mills taking over when she was 17. After further hymns and prayers, organist Ann Greenwood played the final piece of music. After the congregation moved outside, Revd Hawira deconsecrated the four comers of the hall. A Rangataua School pupil then rang the bell for the last time. Aftemoon tea was later served by Fiona Mills and her helpers.