ST. STEPHEN'S, TAMAHERE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2928, 21 April 1891, Page 2

ST. STEPHEN'S, TAMAHERE.

The ceremony of consecrating this church and cemetery "was performed yesterday by the Bishop of the diowse, m the presence of a largo number of people. The building was crowded, and the service from beginning to end was bright, cheerful, and thorowKhly congregational. Tno burialground had been neatly mown, the fences put in order, and the hodges trimmed, and the church and grounds looked the perfection of order and neatness. The service was choral throughout, the prayers to the end of the third collect being entoued by Archdeacon Willis. The first lesson was read by the Rev. F. G. Evans, and the setond by the Rev. R. O'C. Biggs. The Bishop and clerey were met at the church door by the vestry and lay-readers, and Mr Barngh, on behalf of the parishioners, read the memorial requesting the Bishop to consecrate the church. The Bishop, having signified his consent, entered the building by the mam door, preceded by. the Archdeacon, the Revs. R. O'C. Biggs and V. G. Evans, Messrs Wheeler, Salmon, flwarhrick. and Dyer (lay-readers), and Mr A. Edwards, who acted as marshal!. Tha deed of consecration was read by Mr W. A. Graham, who acted in the absence of the Chancellor of the Diocese. The Bishop was the preacher, taking for his text, Ist Corinthians, 3rd verse, 10th chapter. " Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit 'of God dwelleth in you." After noticing the custom of the ancient Christians in sotting apart buildings for the worship of God and defining what was really signified by the word "temple," the Bishop next dealt with the consecration ceremony. He said that some people regarded the ceremony as nu act of superstition. It was nothing of the kind, The service was one of a most matter-of-fact nature, and consisted only in setting apart the building for the worship of God, and praying that those who took part in any services in the- Church might do so in a proper spirit. There was a great danger of Church people- getting the impression that as loHg as the Church services were regularly held, the debts paid, and the Church properly appoiuted, all was well with them. This was a deplorable state to bo in. They should always remember that they were only a section of the great Christian family, and that they should show a spirit of forbearance and brotherly kindness to others, who were just as faithful followers of Christ as they were themselves. The Bishop, in conclusion, earnestly reminded his hearers that they themselves, apart from any building whatever, formed the Church of God, and that ceremony and service were not worth a straw if they were not the outward index of the order and welldoing of the jnward ljfo. At." 18 conclusion of the sermon, the Bishop, accompanied by the clergy and. congregation, proceeded into the cemetery, which was also duly oonseorated, Tho memorial was road by Mr Edwards, and the deed of consecration by Mr Graham. The Bishjgp again addressed the congregation, explaining the nature of the ceremony, and urging that the cemetery should be kept bright and cheerful with flowers, as indicating that they were men who have a good hope iu them. After the hymn, "Brief life is here our pprt.ion,"lhe service closed with tho benediction, M? Wrjgley presided at the harmonium, aud tho music was g.,od throughout the uervice, and the orderly conduct of the proceedings reflected the graateut credit on those who had the management of affairs. About 200 people were present, including visitors from Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Ohaupo and To Aroha, and amongst the congiegation we noticed the Revs. Evans and Hendry (Presbyterian), and Thomas (Wealeyan) ministers. _ A most sumptuous luncheon was served in tho schoolroom after tho ceremony which most of the congregation attended. The toast of "'Tbß'phnrch and Queen " was proposed by the Bishop. • -} ho ty sl '"P and clergy" by Mr Barngh. sf|d responded to by tho Bi.-hop. " Our Visitors, 'by the Archdeacon, and responded to by Mr Swarbrick. This terminated the proceedings, and wo believe those who amended went home the better for having done so, and for having seen what can be accomplished by iujnt action and united effort.