HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1926, Page 10

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

MEETING OF PARISHIONERS. PLANS FOR EXTENSIONS APPROVED. To consider the plans for the alteration and extension of Holy Trinity Church, Fitzroy, a special meeting of the parishioners was held on Monday night, the Rev. G. T. Beale (vicar) presiding over a representative attendance. After full discussion the plans were approved, as recommended by the vestry, which was authorised to raise the necessary funds and proceed with the work as soon as the financial position permitted. After pointing that the the present accommodation in the church provided for a congregation of about 100, the vicar said it was practically impossible for them to have anything in the nature of a special service, no matter what the occasion might be. He also stressed the fact that other denominations were making advances in the district, and if the Anglicans were not to be left behind in a position unworthy of their church, they must make a forward move immediately. He referred to the growth of the district, and also reminded the parishioners that when the new High School hostel was established they could reasonably expect a larger number of girls at the services, and he was very desirous that they should be allotted a place in the church which they might regard as their own. He further pointed out that at present it was quite impossible to have the Sunday School scholars at the morning service. In view of these considerations, and the fact that the church had existed in its present form and size for many years, he looked upon the extensions as a necessity, and not a luxury, and hoped the parishioners would adopt the recommendations of the vestry. In outlining the scheme recommended by the vestry, Mr. W. C. Gentles said the scheme provided for accomodation of a congregation of about 200, and it had the advantage of preserving the present building, which, considering its historic associations, .it would pity to demolish. He also pointed out that with a sum of £550 in hand, the task of raising the balance necessary should not be difficult in a parish in which there were over 200 Anglican families, and which was appreciably increasing in population every year. He outlined several methods for the raising of the funds, and strongly urged the parishioners to adopt a courageous attitude towards the scheme of church progress and extension. An informal discussion in committee took place in which several new avenues for the raising of money were suggested, and finally on resuming the meeting a resolution was carried unanimously authorising the vestry to proceed as soon as the financial position warranted them. A special committee is to be constituted for the purpose of formulating plans for the raising of the necessary money, the committee to consist of the vestry and representatives of the various parish organisations. The position of the general fund of the parish was also discussed, and ways and means considered of improvjng that with a view to meeting ordinary current expenses and interest charges on the new scheme.