DEDICATION OF MAORI CHURCH, PURANGI.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8148, 4 July 1906, Page 2

DEDICATION OF MAORI CHURCH, PURANGI.

On St. Peter's Day (Juno 29th) the new Church of St. Peter, Pnrangi, was dedicated by the Archdeacon of Taranaki. The church, which has been entirely built by the Maori people in old Maori style, stands on a hill overlooking the settlement of Turangi. A large number of Maoris from all parts of Taranaki. and from the various pahs along tho Wanganui, assembled for the dedication. At nine o'clock a procession was formed at the pah. The procession was led by Kere Ngataierna, the chief highest in rank of the various tribes represented, then followed Tutanuku Tume (Lay Header), the Revs. Hone Wi Kaipo, H. lfceve, H. A, Pavell, Kopere Taiiuriorangi, and Hone Papahia, and the Archdeacon of Taranaki. Behind the clergy came all the Maoris, The proeossion moved slowly up the hill towards the little churoh singing a Maori hymn. A short pause was mado at the entrance of the church, and a dedication colleot was offered. The procession then moved slowly round the church repeating the fifty-first Psalm withantiphnns, When the procession reached the door again another pause wag made, when, in accordance with Mao.i custom for the dedication of a house, certain ritos were performod by the Maoris, which were very impressive. The procession thin entered the church, halting just inside the door, when prayers were said and Psalm 48, with its antiphons, was repeated, and as it moved on towards the Altar, Psalms 23 and 121 were repeated with their antiphons. Other prayers being off t d the Archdeacon, turning to the people, declared the Church dedicated for the worship of Almighty God, to bear the name of St. Peter, and to be called in Maori, Tuketiarero, being the name of the old churoh, which existed previously at Pukemahoe. The colleot for All Saints' Day was said and other prayers.

1 Then followed the service of the Holy Communion in Maori, and the Archdeacon preached in Maori from Haggai 2. 9. So many Maoris were present that the seats had previously been removed from the church, and the scene inside the building with the Maoris crouching closely together on the floor was most impressive. At 11 a.m, a Pakeha service was held, a large number of people from the neighbouring district being present. After the service a Maori feast toot place, a considerable quantity of food r having been generously provided by e the settlors, and donations of money j received from all parts of Taranaki ; from friends of the Maori Mission for . this purpose. e _ Speeches were made by the Maoris r in the afternoon, and in the evening i they entertained the visitors by very e graceful poi dancing in a room kindly . lent by Mr Penmngtoa, and thus a r very happy and memorable day was . brought to a close, a day long to be e remembered by Pakeha and Maori. 1 =====