ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 April 1941, Page 7

ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH

MOST SUCCESSFUL YEAR RECORDED PROGRESS IN EVERY BRANCH OF ACTIVITY. FINANCIAL POSITION SOUND. The report of the churchwardens presented to the annual general meeting of parishioners of St. Matthew’s revealed that the year ended March 31 was one of the most successful in the history of the parish. Progress had marked every branch of the church’s activities and the financial position was very sound indeed. The Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich, who presided, thanked all church workers and went on to outline the responsibilities and work of the Christian Church in the light of the war situation.

The People’s Churchwarden, Mr J. Ninnes, and the hon. treasurer, Mr H. A. R. Dunderdale, dealt with the sound position of the parish and the remarkable results achieved. Officers were elected as follows: Vicar’s churchwarden, Mr R. E. Maunsell; people’s churchwarden, Mr J. Ninnes; vestry, Messrs R. W. Brooks, V. Heath, W. L. Hunter, G. Hyde, A. O. Jones, C. R. Mabson, J. F. Jaine, P. G. Ramsay, R. G. Russell and W. E. Vowell; hon. auditors, Messrs N. H. James and G. W. Sellar;, synodsmen. Messrs A. O. Jones and P. G. Ramsay. In his report, Mr Rich referred to the loyal and devoted work of the Revs. T. V. Pearson, V. W. Joblin and H. Taepa. Mr Pearson was now on relieving work and at the moment there seemed little chance of replacing him. All parish work had been more than maintained and particularly pleasing had been the increased interest in the country services. The work for youth had been carried on faithfully. During the year there were 103 baptisms, 32 weddings, and 71 burials while 94 candidates were confirmed. Acts of communion for the year numbered 7008.

The report of the churchwardens made reference to the wonderful increase in offertories for ordinary parish purposes. The previous year's record had. been surpassed this year by no less than £174. All parts of the parish shared in it. The church building at Bidet'ord had been renovated by voluntary labour and fairly heavy normal repairs had been carried out to various buildings. Memorial pews had been offered by Mr and Mrs T. T. Denbee, in memory of their son, by Mr R. G. Russell, in memory of his wife, and by parishioners in memory of the late Mr E. Hale. Excellent support had been given to missions, social service work and other objects outside the parish. The Church of the Epiphany had an excellent year. Thanks were expressed to all helpers, to the faithful work of the Archdeacon and his loyal assistants and to Mrs Rich for her continued practical, interest in parish affairs.