MEMORIAL PEWS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 December 1941, Page 4

MEMORIAL PEWS

SERVICE OF DEDICATION AT ST. MATTHEW’S

BISHOP OF WELLINGTON OFFICIATES. SPIRITUAL FORCES VITAL. A strikingly impressive service was held at St Matthew’s Church last night when, in the presence of a large congregation, the Bishop of Wellington dedicated four memorial pews in memory of Flying Officer Ted Denbee, R.N.Z.A.F. and Sergeant Ivan McWhinnie, 2nd N.Z.E.F. The petition for dedication was read by Mr J. Ninnes, People’s Churchwarden, and the actual dedication by the Bishop was a most moving and impressive ceremony. In the course of his address, which was based on St John’s statement “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith,” the Bishop paid striking tribute to the power of manly Christians such as those they commemorated that night. The British Empire had stood alone but-it had stood firm for the defence of the highest values. Now it had splendid allies. Yet material strength alone was not enough. The spirit which could endure came from God. The present position was a challenge to all who loved truth, justice and freedom to strengthen the Christian Church and make it the spiritual arsenal which could create those spiritual forces which would help to win the war and then go on to create a better world. The new pews are beautifuly made, fitting in with the architecture of the church, and as more are provided the interior of the church will be transformed. Next Sunday morning seven more pews are to be dedicated. One will be in memory of the late Mr E. Hale, another in memory of the late Mrs M. Pinkerton and the others are the gift of various bodies connected with the parish. The latest gift is that of a pew in memory of Squadron Leader Lennox Lamb and it is hoped that this will be ready shortly. Among those present were the chairman (Mr W. R. Nicol) and several members of the Wairarapa College Board of Governors.