DEDICATION of S. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, TAMAHERE.

Waikato Times, Volume XX, Issue 1695, 17 May 1883, Page 2

DEDICATION of S. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, TAMAHERE.

The pretty little church of S. Stepen the Martyr, which has been erected at Tamahere, was dedicated to the purposes of divine worship by the Right Rev. Bishop Cowie, the bishcfp of the diocese, on Monday evening, in the presence of a large congregation, many of whom came long distances to attend. The church stands on an allotment generously given for the purpose by Mr John Martyn, jun,, at the junction of the Hamilton, Cambridge, Ohaupo, and Piako roads. Its erection is chiefly owing to the zeal and perseverance displayed by the Messrs Graham, Martyn, Wheeller, Barugh and others, who about a year ago formed themselves into a committee for the purpose, and with whom the whole affair has been a labour of love. The settlers in the district around came forward liberally to support the undertaking, all denominations joining heartily together in the good work. The result was that the committee were soon able to procure designs and call for tenders. After some consideration, it was agreed to adopt the plans supplied by Messrs Mahoney and Sons, and Mr Evans, of Hamilton East, was entrusted with the contract. The result must be held to have exceeded the most sanguine expectations of those interested. It was thought that the committee would be able to raise a modest little place of worship, neither pretentious nor costly, but instead of this being so, the church of S. Stephen is perhaps one of the prettiest edifices of the kind in the province, while it is certainly commodious enough for the wants of the district for many years to come. The dimensions of the building are ; — Main body of the church, 40ft. 6in. x 22ft ; chancel, 16ft. x 13ft. 6in ; porch, Bft. x Bft ; vestry, Bft. x Bft. The style is Gothic, the roof being ornamented with a neat spire and belfry. The whole of the materials are of the best kind, and the workmanship throughout is firstclass, reflecting the highest credit on the contractor. The cost was something under £500. The dedication ceremony took place, as before stated, on Monday evening (Whit Monday). The Bishop was assisted by the Yen. Archdeacon Willis (S. Andrew's, Cambridge), and the Rev. R. O'C. Biggs (S. Peter's, Hamilton), and H. S. Davies. The local choir was supplemented by that of S. Andrew's, Mrs Chitty presiding at the harmonium. The following was the order of service : — Voluntary ; Psalm XXIV. as a processional ; Hymn 396 ; Prayers (said by the Bishop) ; Hymn 347 ; shortened form of evening prayer (said by Archdeacon Willis) ; the pieces and responses being sung to Tallis ; Psalm 84, 122, and 132 ; first lesson (read by Rev. R. O'C. Bigga); oantate to Jackson in F ; second lesson (read by Rev. H. S. Davies) ; " Deus Misereatur" to Jackson in F; collects, (3rd S. Stephen, 4th and sth in evening prayer) ; anthem, "In Jewry is God known j hymn 242. The Bishop took his text from Acts, chap, vi., v 8, "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." The Right Rev. preacher commenced by saying that it was necessary the people of Hautapu should be able to give a reason for the name they gave their church. When they were asked for this reason, they could say it was because they wished their children and those who came after them to be men of faith. He then proceeded to deliver an excellent practical address on the subject of the Christian graces, particularly urging on his hearers the advantages to be derived therefrom, He counselled them to be gentle, tolerant and tein» perate in all things, and to remember that what was chiefly required of them was that they should do the will of their Almighty Father. Referring to the church itself ho expressed the pleasure he felt at assisting in the dedication of so substantial an edifice, and referred in graceful ternirf to the generosity of the donor of the land, who had followed in the footsteps of the great benefactors of the church. The sermon was listened to with rapt attention throughout. The offertory was then taken up, hymn lflQ was miug, the congregation, as \vas the case all through, joining heartily in the singing. The Bishop having pro. nounccd the benediction, hymn 440 was sung as a recessional, bringing the sen ice to a close.