ORDINATION SERVICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 December 1939, Page 4

ORDINATION SERVICE

HISTORIC GATHERING AT ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH. MAORI AND PAKEHA DEACONS. An impressive ordination service was held in St Matthew’s Church yesterday by the Rt Rev F. A. Bennett, Bishop of Aotearoa. The spaciousness of the Chancel and Sanctuary enabled the ceremony to be carried out with reverence and dignity worthy of the occasion. The church was full and promptly at 10 a.m. the large number of visiting clergy in their robes, led by the choir, entered the church and proceeded to the Sanctuary during the singing of a processional hymn. The Rev Canon W. G. Williams acted as Bishop’s Chaplain. . Then came an inspiring sermon by the Rev Canon H. Watson, who dealt with the work of the Christian ministry. The ordinands were then presented to the Bishop by the Ven Wm. Bullock, Archdeacon of the Wairarapa. The Litany followed, led by the Rev E. J. Rich, Vicar of St Matthew’s. For the actual questioning and ordination the candidates first stood before the Bishop, who was seated in the episcopal chair before the altar. Then each knelt before the Bishop, who laid his hands on the heads of each one, commissioned him for his office and handed him a copy of the New Testament. Each one was then vested by Canon Watson with his ecclesiastical stole. The service of Holy Communion followed and was frilly choral. The newly-ordained deacons are the Rev V. W. Joblin, who will work at St Matthews, the Rev H. Taepa for the Wairarapa Maori Mission, the Rev G. Cook for Karori, and the Rev R. M, Gourdie for Petone. After the service the visiting clergy and wives were entertained at luncheon in the Parish Hall. Archdeacon Bullock spoke of the memorable service and congratulated the new deacons. Later the Bishop of Aotearoa and Canon Williams said that the service was historic. “Who would have thought, 100 years ago,” the Bishop asked, “that the day would come when a Maori and Pakehas would be ordained in the same service by a Maori Bishop? It was a great day in the annals of both races and it had been a privilege to officiate at such an inspiring and wonderful service." The two newly-ordained deacons who will be stationed at Masterton will assist at Holy Communion on Sunday at St Matthew’s at 8 a.m. and at 7 p.m. The Rev Hepa Taepa will preach his first sermon at St Matthew's.