YEARS OF SERVICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 777, 25 September 1929, Page 18

YEARS OF SERVICE

ST. MATTHEW’S CELEBRATES 76TH ANNIVERSARY SOCIAL IN PARISH HALL The establishment of St. Matthew’s Church 76 years ago was celebrated at a social in the parish hall last evening. Twenty people who liad been members of the church for 30 years were present, as were also nine who had joined the church 40 years ago, and five, who had been members-for 50 years. Mr. C. H. Olive, aged 90, had been a parishioner fo.r 65 years. Men and women trained in St. Matthew's were found today taking important parts in church life throughout the Dominion, said the vicar, Canon Grant Cowen. He paid a tribute to the loyal help given him by the present parishioners, mentioning Mr. J. H. Phillpot, organist for the past 25 years, as an outstanding example.The women helpers came in for praise of the courage they showed after the recent theft of articles, valued at about £SO, which had been intended for sale at the next bazaar. All worked long hours in making good the loss, and the vicar expects that when the sale opens on November 1 the display will be as large as usual. The wonderful tradition of service inherited by the parish was stressed by Mr. A. C. Uallett,, warden, in welcoming Canon Grant Cowen back to his duties after his serious illness. Examples were not lacking from even the past 10 years. There is now in existence an endowment fund of £1,450, an organ fund of £4OO, and a boys’ institute building fund of £3OO, all growing steadily. A lay reader for 27 years, Mr. TV. Birss has seen many changes in the church. He considers that St. Matthew’s has exerted a strong influence i over the social and spiritual life of Auckland. I Vocal items were given by Miss HeRenzie, Mrs. Lewis, and Mr. Littler. The hall was cleared for dancing after ! supper had been served.