NEW VICARAGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 25, 21 April 1927, Page 13

NEW VICARAGE

OPENED AT PAPAKURA BY ARCHBISHOP AVERILL (From Our Own Correspondent.) PAPAKURA, To-day. The official opening of the new Anglican vicarage took place at Papakura on Wednesday afternoon, the ceremony being performed by Archbishop Averill in the presence of a large, gathering. The following clergy were present: Archdeacon Simkin, Revs. H. R. Rattran, J. Cowie, J. B. Dobson; C. Vaughan, W. C. Wood, Father Skinner, and Rev. W. J. Elliott, the newly-ap-pointed Methodist minister. The Archbishop offered the prayer used on such occasions at the front door of the vicarage, but owing to the wet weather conditions the company adjourned to the adjacent parish hall, where the guests were entertained at afternoon tea by members of the Christ Church Ladies’ Guild-

Rev. W. C. Wood recalled the fact that the old vicarage site of five acres was purchased 45 years ago for £BO. Eighteen months ago the house and land was sold and portion of the proceeds used to erect the present new vicarage. After meeting these costs a parish endowment of £I,OOO will be left. He paid a tribute to the memory of those churchmen who by their foresight had made it possible for them to build the new vicarage. The Archbishop said: “The vicarage is very pleasing, and I am particularly glad that it is built in permanent material. Some people think church land should never be sold, but I think you did right in selling the old vicarage property. That vicarage was an old wooden building, which I am sure was costly to maintain and difficult to run. Also, the area round it was essential, perhaps, when the vicar had to keep a horse, but it is not necessary in these days of motor-cars. I think the new vicarage will be both easy to maintain and easy to manage.” His Grace warmly complimented the vicar, Rev. W. C. Wood, and vestry on their achievement in erecting so fine a building. Mr. Jos. Batty (Karaka) ,spoke on behalf of the laity, and Father Skinner congratulated Mr. Wood on possessing such a beautiful homeRev. Wood extended a welcome to the newly-appointed Methodist minister, Rev. J. W. Elliott, and that gentleman suitably responded. Mr. Oag sLiitably acknowledged the compliments that had been paid the builders.