ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 April 1943, Page 2

ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH

EVENTFUL AND DIFFICULT YEAR A | SEVERE EARTHQUAKE LOSSES. REBUILDING FUND NOW TOTALS £3544.

One of the most eventful and difficult years in the life of St. Matthew’s Parish is covered in the churchwardens’ report for the year ending March 31, 1943. After referring to the considerable loss suffered by the severe earthquake last year, including the destruction of St. Matthew's Church, and to the salvage operations, the report states:— “Within a month of the disaster a well-attended general meeting of parishioners directed that a Rebuilding Fund for a church and vicarage be opened. The fund now stands at £3,544 3s. Parishioners will be asked in the coming year to make a great effort to raise the large balance that will be required before building operations can begin. The lack of a church has made the normal work of the parish very difficult, especially youth work. How-

ever, all have co-operated, and though some of our activities have had to cease, and others carried on under great difficulty, yet essential work has been maintained. The conditions have affected finance, and ordinary offertories and donations show a decrease, while expenditure has increased. Nevertheless, we were able to finish the year with a credit balance of £94—a splendid result. Kuripuni has, as usual, paid its assessment in full. The heavy burden resting on parishioners has not stopped them from remembering the wider social and mission work of the church. Contributions for outside objects amounted to £495, an increase over last year’s figures. £162 was paid to the Diocesan Centenary Fund, making the total cash contributions to that fund since its inception, £1596. During the year there were 102 baptisms, 30 weddings and 65 burials; 63 candidates were confirmed, and acts of Communion for the year numbered 5,666.” The report expresses thanks to all helpers, and refers to the services of the Rev. H. Taepa and the Rev. I. C. Edwards. Pleasure is expressed at the recovery of the Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich from his recent illness. Mrs Rich • is thanked for her continued support at all times.