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The following is to contents of the centennial booklet - NOTE: download the PDF file to see page layout.

Welcome to St. Mary's

The St. Mary's Centennial Committee would like to take this opportunity of welcoming you back to your old Church to join with them in celebrating the 100 years of worship and fellowship.

We wish you one and all a very enjoyable time. Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 18, 19, 20, 1997.

Centenary Functions

Celebration Weekend

FRIDAY 18 APRIL:

Evening: Historical Display in Parish Hall
Open 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Welcome and Supper No charge

SATURDAY 19 APRIL:

Morning: Historical Display open 9 a.m. -11 a.m. Afternoon: Official Welcome 1.30 p.m.
Cutting the Centennial Cake
Commemorative Planting
Photographs
Afternoon Tea
Evening: Centennial Dinner in the Parish Hall
6 p.m. Pre-dinner drinks and get-together
7 p.m. Dinner commences

Tickets $18 available from Parish Office

SUNDAY 20 APRII:

Morning: Thanksgiving Church Service 10.30 a.m.
Guest: Bishop Brown.

Shared Lunch in Parish Hall

A Message From The Bishop

Landmarks in a church's history are more important today than ever before. We now live in an age that sits increasingly light to history, sees life's values in what the present has to offer, and does not care much where we have come from or where the world is heading.

One of the important roles of the Christian Church is to resist this neglect of the past, and to preserve the memories of great people and great occasions, for it is these which have largely shaped who we are today. More than that, under God we believe that we live in a world that has a destiny as well as an important story of its beginnings.

Celebrations then, such as the Centenary this year of the dedication of the first St. Mary's, matter very much to the followers of Jesus Christ. It is significant that this same year is also a landmark year for the whole Anglican Communion, as this is the 1400th anniversary of the two most significant roots of our Anglican heritage - the death of St. Columba in 597 AD (representing the Celtic root of British Christianity) and the arrival in Kent that same year of St. Augustine (the first Archbishop of Canterbury, and our link with the continental Western Church of the early centuries).

The Diocese and its three Bishops wish the parish well in these centennial celebrations, and in its preparations to continue to be a clear light for Christ in Levin as a new millennium approaches.

Brian Carrell, Bishop in the North.


A Message From The Present Vicar

I look around St. Mary's and see a Church community living out its faith in a whole variety of ways. For some the context of their expression of faith is primarily their young family. For others old age has constrained the possibilities for active participation and the inner life, with its memories and reflections, plays a prominent role. For still others the internal work of the Church is their focus for the working out of faith.

A centenary provides a healthy introduction for one, like me, coming new to this Church community. All too easily the immediate busyness and present personalities make it seem as if we, the current members, are the Church in its entirety. A centenary is a time for looking back and looking forward. We look back and see that there has been a stream of busyness and personalities which goes back through many generations; we are in the stream at this point in time, will swim with the current for a while and then leave the flow. We look forward and realise that, while we have a contribution to make, we will not be the only contributors; there will be others who will come after us who will take their own direction, building on our work today.

So we see that looking back with respect and looking forward with hope provides a commentary on the present. In particular, it reminds us that the present hectic activity does have an ultimate purpose. In the end we exist to be part of the timeless Communion of Saints - that stream of people through the ages whose lives proclaim the purposes and nature of God so expressively revealed in Jesus Christ.

I welcome this booklet. It does much, much more than merely record our busyness over one hundred years of worshipping at St. Mary's. It will indeed play its part in setting our present Church life in the context of a bigger picture which embraces a worthy past and a hope-filled future.

Rory Redmayne - Vicar 25 February 1997

From The Editor

In writing the history of St. Mary's Church, I have endeavoured to cover as much as possible of its 100 years. Time has not allowed every trail to be investigated fully, and although I have done my best to verify reports, some statements may be challenged.

For omissions and errors I apologize. It is unfortunate that our church records are incomplete, as those prior to 1915 have disappeared without trace, and unlike most parishes there was no printed material from previous jubilees.

Many thanks to those who have assisted me with information and photos. I am very grateful for memories recorded by the late Frances Duguid, the notes written by the late Chris Richards, and the complete set of 'Parish News' magazines supplied to me by Miss Margaret Jenkins. Thank you also to Mrs Eileen McPherson for her pen and ink drawings.

Researching and writing this book has been a rewarding experience to me. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Mervyn Collins - Editor April 1997.

Contents

The Early Days
The First St. Mary's
Shifting the First St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Anglican Church
Special Stone Laying Ceremony
The Building Fund (as it was in March 1955)
St. Mary's Church Dedication
Description of St. Mary's Church
Furnishings, Bells, and Organ Funds:
Consecration
Gifts and Memorial Furnishings in the Church
The Stained Glass Windows
Clergy
Vicars
Services
Assistant Priests, Curates, and Sister
Vicarages
Other Accommodation for Clergy
Vicars Warden
Parishioners Warden
Vestry 1997
Centennial Committee
Parish Halls
The Old St. Mary's Hall
Our Present Parish Hall
Weraroa Church Hall
Other Church Properties
Church Groups
Music
Youth Activities
Sunday School
Youth Groups
Contacts for the Groups in 1997:
Tennis Clubs
50th Jubilee of St. Mary's Church 1949
Diamond Jubilee of St. Mary's Church
75th Jubilee of St. Mary's Church
Acknowledgements and Thanks
Centennial Commemorative Plaque
St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, Ohau
St. Aidans Church, Waitarere Beach

The Early Days

In the early days Levin was a small settlement surrounded by dense bush, being most notable for its very fine stand of matai trees which provided a very hard and durable timber, used extensively for building purposes. To this area came a group of pioneers to whom we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude, not only for clearing the land but also for establishing shops, houses, schools and churches.

The history of St. Mary's had its beginning in the most humble and primitive surroundings imaginable. In the period prior to the first St. Mary's being built services were held in private homes and then in Punga Hall which was situated in Bartholomew's timber yard at the western end of Roslyn Road. The easiest approach, especially in the winter time was by walking along the railway tracks from Queen Street. The only other access was by bullock track which was often unsuitable for people to use.

During 1890 an invitation was sent to Archdeacon Fancourt of Wellington to visit Levin for discussions with members of the Levin community regarding the establishment of an Anglican church in the town. Following a service in Punga Hall visits were made to various properties available for church purposes. After viewing these sections and discussing possibilities with the group, Archdeacon Fancourt finally suggested the site on which our church now stands. He gave his blessing to the property and granted permission for the group to have plans prepared for the proposed church. Archdeacon Fancourt called the men together to form a committee to raise funds to build a church. Mr Fred Roe was appointed Secretary.

The ladies under the guidance of Mrs Bartholomew and Mrs Stuckey formed a sewing guild. Many good seamstresses and machinists were found amongst the mill workers wives. The Church site was secured and quickly cleared by voluntary labour and made ready for the builders. Plans were sent by the Diocesan Architects, Messrs Clere and Clere, Wellington. These were decided upon and the contract was let to Mr Speirs of Foxton.

In the meantime the Salvation Army had built a small hall on the corner of Queen and Salisbury Streets and most denominations used this for their services. Later, a town hall was built in Oxford Street and the services were held there until the church was finished.

The First St. Mary's

Plans were sent by the diocesan Architects Messrs Clere and Clere, Wellington. These were approved, and the contract was let to Foxton builder Mr Alexander Speirs and son John Speirs. The church was erected in a period of six months during 1896. All the joinery work, seats, windows, and doors were made on the building site. The father and son travelled to Levin at the beginning of each week and returned to Foxton for the weekends. This was an arduous journey in those days. Both rode by means of an aged mare which had to be rested often during the 13-odd miles through bush to Levin.

Building costs included:

A Speirs (builder)

£101. 10s.Od

  1. Bartholomew (timber)

£183.13s.6d.

Other items - iron, bolts, cartage

£46. ls.8d.

Total cost

£331. 5s.2d.

Fundraising included proceeds from a subscription list, concerts, socials, bazaars, and a donation from Bishop Wallis. The church organ was donated by the Women's Sewing Guild.

The church was used for services in 1897 and was dedicated on 20 April 1897 by Bishop Wallis. It was consecrated on 16 April 1899 by Bishop Wallis, Bishop of Wellington.

The first St. Mary's building is no more, however an identical building still stands, St. Simon and St. Jude Anglican Church, Rongotea.

As I Remember the First St. Mary's

These memories of the original St. Mary's Church were recorded by the Late Frances Duguid.

"It was on the same site as the present church, at the corner of Cambridge Street and Stanley Street East (later Manchester Street). The exterior was wooden; the interior was lined with dark, varnished tongue and-grooved timber.

The church had small, narrow windows with pointed tops and fairly wide window ledges. The windows in the sanctuary were the shape and size of the memorial windows which were later placed in the south side of the present Lady Chapel. At the back, western, end behind the font, a larger window was later filled with the memorial window which is now on the south side of the present church. The subject was chosen to be near the font, which was in the centre at the western end of the old church.

The font had a flat wooden cover. When the church was decorated for festive occasions, there was a tendency for well-meaning people to put a bowl of flowers on top, or even in the font. The Rev. J. C. Davies felt that this was most unsuitable and Mr E. Collie, a retired cabinet-maker and a very fine craftsman made a pointed oak cover for the font. He also made two hymn boards, three alms boxes and the Bishop's throne and prayer desk.

The altar had two pairs of brass vases and two brass candlesticks, one brass cross and brass stand for prayer book. The women who arranged the flowers for the altar also polished these, and brass memorial plaques on the church wall.

Four or five women did the church flowers, once a month each. After a while, the one doing the fourth Sunday took over any fifth Sunday also. Four vases were too many, as the greenery tended to partly obscure the cross, so there came a time when two smaller vases were not used, probably during the time of Rev. G.
Stote-Blandy.

On festive occasions, Harvest Festival, Christmas, Easter and weddings, a lot of greenery, etc., was used to brighten up the church. The chancel had an upright pillar at the end of each choir stall, these being supported at the top by a beam with clover-leaf decoration. At times, tins and jars were tied to the pillars, so that they could be completely covered with greenery and flowers. Greenery was also placed on the window ledges. If the occasion was Harvest Festival the ledges would be covered with produce, also on the floor in front of the Altar and along the base of the choir stalls, also around the font, and in the porch. People grew their own vegetables in those days, and had fruit trees too. I think the produce was sent to the Wellington Mission.

The church had a lectern but no pulpit. The carpet in the sanctuary and the centre of the chancel was red, a thin uncut pile. Sometime in the mid-twenties a good quality bright red carpet was given by a parishioner—I think it was Mr. Alloway, a Churchwarden. It had a conventional design introducing other colours. Down the aisle of the nave, and across from the internal door at the south to the vestry on the north were long runners of coir matting, a hazard for bridal veils and trains. There were no heaters in the church.

The front pew on the right-hand side (or it may have been the second) was occupied by the Kebbell family. Mr Kebbell, as I remember him was very elderly, with a tremulous voice. He was a lay reader so that pew was near the lectern. Mrs Kebbell was much younger than her husband. Some years later, when she was herself elderly, the family put in a long padded cushion, the whole length of the pew. Kneelers in the church were just wood. The front porch of the church had a locker like a window seat along the left side as one entered. I think there was also a wooden chair there. A small shelf had a carafe of water and a tumbler in case anyone felt ill, a thoughtful provision which has been dispensed with in the new church.

The outer door was in two sections of heavy wood panels. The lock was a heavy iron rim-lock with an iron key about 7” long. When not locked, the door was closed with an iron latch which slipped into a slot on the opposite side of the door, inside. To open this from the outside there was a heavy iron ring which functioned by a knack which had to be learned. A sharp clock wise flip downwards followed by a swift reverse upward movement slipped the latch up, enabling the door to be opened. There were three steps. On each side of the church, outside, there were three flying buttresses. The church was built with a very steep iron roof and a tall steeple, which housed the bell.

Sometime before 1920 the top of the steeple came off in a storm and was replaced with a cap only.

The church grounds were surrounded by a strong fence, probably of pickets. There was a double wooden gate at the Cambridge Street corner. Some of the parishioners drove to church in horse-drawn vehicles which could be driven into the enclosure and the horse unfastened or tied to the fence. I think there was a gate (for pedestrians) just north of the big gate.

Prior to the building of the new church, the old church was re-sited over Manchester Street opposite the hall. The new church is built on the same site as the old one was. The old church was used for Sunday School classes, and when the old hall was pulled down and the new hall built on its site the Guild and Mothers' Union also met in there. During the building of the new church, services were held in the old church over the road, but it was by this time much too small, and on occasion part of the congregation had to stand outside the door on a landing."

Shifting the First St. Mary's Church

From notes written by the late Chris Richards.

"In March 1954 the tender of £850 submitted by the Hawkes Bay Repiling Co. Ltd for moving the old church to a new site opposite the Parish Hall in Manchester Street was accepted.

In Apri11954 the Vicar reported progress on the removal of the old church. The Architect did not want any of the stained glass windows to go back into the old building, so it was arranged for them to be removed and the windows reglazed with clear glass.

The removal of the old building to a position on the opposite side of Manchester Street created tremendous interest, not only amongst parishioners but also from people from all walks of life. Crowds were in the vicinity practically in all daylight hours.

The method employed was to remove the baseboards and jack up the building so that sleepers and railway lines could be laid under the structure. Skids were then attached under the floor joists and the whole weight lowered onto the rails. Grease was applied in liberal quantities to enable the building to slide along.

Prior to trying to move it, it was decided to detach the side vestry as this would have caused problems. The manner in which the contractors moved the church was by attaching chains to the under structure and to a caterpillar tractor. The strain was then taken up and the building slowly and gently

made its way along the greased lines. Many stops were made so that sleepers and lines could be moved. It was not possible to accomplish the whole move in one working day and when nightfall came the building was in the middle of Manchester Street. This portion of the street was closed to through traffic. The following day the move was completed and the church was again jacked up so that concrete piles could be put into place and the building was eventually lowered thereon. The vestry was then restored to its position and all work in connection with the move was completed at a cost of nine hundred and fifteen pounds eight shillings and eight pence. Many fine tributes can be paid to the expertise of the contractors in moving our old church for it was decided before any movement was made to take out any object that might fall, however it was reported that one object had been overlooked and this was a glass three-quarters full of water and not a drop was spilt. Amazing to say the least.

The old church continued to fill the needs of the parish for the next two and half years after which the new church was opened. Such was the interest shown in spiritual and parish affairs in those days, in no small way contributed to by the Rev. Norman's tremendous energy and drive, that it became necessary to attend service early in order to obtain a seat."

In 1896, the builders Alexander Speirs and son John, buried under the north east corner of the church a totara box containing documents. Once the building had been shifted to the middle of Manchester Street a search was made for the box. Nothing was found, so it was assumed that the box and its contents had disintegrated during the years they had been in the ground.

In November 1977 "Tenders for Removal" of the old church was advertised and a tender for $675.00 was accepted from Mr G. J. Van Koeverden. Mr Van Koeverden decided that rather than shift the old church bodily he would dismantle the building and reuse much of the timber to build a house on Hokio Beach Road.

St. Mary's Anglican Church

The New Building Project

In April 1920 at the Annual General Meeting, the Vicar, Rev. J. Davies spoke at length about the need for a new Church. His comments included "the present building was inadequate, the seating was not sufficient for special services, the Church was unsafe, not weather proof, and it should be on a more central site." Strong words indeed. But the Church was to serve for many more years.

In 1921 the Parishioners were discussing possible sites on which to build a new Church, and many favoured the site on the corner of Queen and Cambridge Streets. In 1923 a Building Committee was set up to consider plans for a new Church, but it wasn't until the following year that Mr L. Williams of Wellington was appointed Architect. In the meantime further discussion took place on the question of the site for the Church and the present site on the corner of Cambridge and Manchester Streets was decided upon. In a report presented to the annual meeting in April 1925 it stated "The big work of the past year has been the preparation for the new Church. Plans have been submitted by Mr Williams and the approximate cost of the Church to seat 200 people is £6,500. There is on hand about £800 and the only way of getting the remainder of the money is for every member of the congregation to make sacrifices towards that end."

A sub-committee was appointed to raise money, and during the following three years money was raised by direct giving, garden parties, and competitions. However in November 1928 the plans were returned to the Architect, Mr. Williams, because there was no prospect of building a new Church due to lack of finance.

In March 1935, Mr. R. Harman of Christchurch was appointed Architect. His sketch for the new St. Mary's Church was placed on the front pages of the Parish News for many years. Mr Harman told Vestry members that it was impossible to calculate the exact cost of building the Church - he would only estimate that it would be between £26,800 and £32,400.

In June 1953 the Architect was advised by Vestry that they wanted a Church that could be built for not more than £20,000. In the following year the Vestry terminated their dealings with Mr. Harman - reason given "the wish to have an Architect handier to Levin." A Special General Meeting of Parishioners was held on December 17 1953 when the Vicar, Rev. E. Norman mentioned that this was the second most important meeting in the history of the Parish, the most important being the one held in 1896 when the building of the present Church was authorised. He said that the Vestry had been in touch with Messrs Prouse and Wilson, Architects of Wellington. Mr Wilson attended a meeting of the Vestry and later submitted sketch plans incorporating suggestions made.

The Boys Training Centre obtained these sketch plans and made a scale model of the proposed new church, 5ft. in length. The stained glass windows in the model were the work of Morrow Productions Ltd., and a spontaneous vote of thanks was carried to these people for their assistance.

At this stage the model, with its interior lighting switched on was unveiled and created a most favourable impression on the audience of 250. The Vicar then produced a large scale ground plan of the interior and went on to explain the various features.

An adjournment was then made to allow those present to inspect the various plans and also the model, the roof of which had been removed temporarily to allow inspection of the interior which was completely furnished with model furniture to scale - altar, lectern, pulpit, font, organ, etc. Mr Wilson explained the building and its various features from an architectural point of view, and also expressed his personal thanks to the Boys Training Centre for having made his task much easier by producing such a model - complete in every detail. The meeting resumed and the following resolutions were passed.

  1. "That this Special General Meeting of the Parish of St. Mary, Levin, held on Thursday, 17 December, 1954, approved of the plans for the new Church as shown in the drawings and model here displayed, subject to such alterations as the Vestry may deem necessary."
  2. "That the meeting appoint Messrs. Prouse & Wilson of Wellington, architects for the building of the above-mentioned Church."
  3. "That this Meeting authorises the Vestry to call for tenders for the erection of the new building as soon as possible; to accept the tender it considers suitable; to make arrangements for financing the building; to remove the old Church buildings and to take all other steps which may be necessary to provide a new church for the parish."

On June 16 1954 a Special Meeting of the Vestry was called to discuss the acceptance of a tender for the construction of the proposed new Church. Present on this occasion was Mr Wilson, the Architect from Wellington who reported the receipt of four tenders submitted by the following:

Anderson (Wellington) £29,486. 00.
Walpole & Patterson (Wanganui) £27,204. 00.
Flack (Wellington) £23,800. 00.
Woollett (Levin) £22,775, 00.

Mr. Wilson expressed his pleasure with the prices submitted and after having satisfied himself with F. T. Woollett's standing and workmanship, he recommended the acceptance of Wolletts tender without delay. This was moved and seconded and carried unanimously. (It is interesting to note that F. T. Wollett & Co. Ltd. had constructed the Levin Memorial Hall.)

On June 22 1954 the Vestry authorised the Parish Trust Board to complete the contract documents with F. T. Woollett & Co. Ltd. for the construction of the new Church. The builders made an early start to preparing the site and the first concrete was poured in August 1954.


Special Stone Laying Ceremony

At a special service held on Wednesday September 8 1954 at 3 p.m. two pieces of stone, one from St. Paul's Cathedral, London, and one from Christ Church Cathedral, Canterbury, were placed in the church wall nearest to Cambridge Street. His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Willoughby Norrie laid the stone from St. Paul's Cathedral and Archbishop, Most Reverend R. H. Owen laid the stone from Christ Church Cathedral.

The following is a copy of the Governor General's Speech:

"My wife and I are very glad to be here on this important occasion and I realise that you - in this Parish - have long been waiting for this day. Many of you will be thinking of those efforts over the past thirty or more years that have made this ceremony possible. I am sure that it is with pleasure that you see some of your former Vicars at this service. The efforts of those who have worked with them and your determination to bring these exertions to a successful conclusion will mean a new era in the history of your Parish. I congratulate your present Vicar who has done so much to arouse enthusiasm and obtain your united support. It is a particular pleasure to me to renew an association with Mr. Norman, which dates back to 1942 in the Western Desert. In war, your Vicar set a gallant and magnificent example; and it is good to see that same unselfish determination put to such a fine Christian purpose in times of peace. From what 1 know of the history of your church here, you already possess a record of which you can be proud.. The first Church of England service in Levin was held about the year 1890, out where the Foxton road now is, in a hall built of punga logs. After that service, which was taken by Archdeacon Fancourt, a committee was formed to raise funds to build a church, and that committee soon produced results. By 1897, a site had been bought and a church built on that site. We now stand on that spot."

On April 16 1899, the Bishop of Wellington, the Right Reverend Fredrick Wallis, consecrated the new church which was to serve Levin so well until this day.

Since the war, Levin has grown so rapidly, both in population and importance, that you have found your old church no longer sufficient for the needs of the Parish. So, in April of this year, it was moved to a different site to make way for this building. You may still see the old building - your first church - behind you. I expect that most of you have seen the scale model of your new church, which my wife and l first saw some months ago. It is certainly a building which will be worthy of your district. And so, today as a sign of the link which exists between your new church and the ancient Church Of England, you have invited His Grace the Archbishop and myself to lay a stone each in the wall of your new church.

The stone the Archbishop will lay comes from Canterbury Cathedral, England. Originally it came from Caen in Northern France, and almost certainly was brought to England about 1070 A.D. when Lanfranc, appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by William the Conqueror, brought workmen and materials from Normandy to rebuild his ruined Cathedral at Canterbury. This stone, from the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion, is to be built into the wall of your new church. The stone which I will lay comes from St. Paul's Cathedral, London.

It was part of the fabric of the great church built by Sir Christopher Wren about 1675. As the foundation stone in that year was laid, it is recorded that Sir Christopher Wren said: "I build for
eternity." Little could he have foreseen that 300 years later, part of his church would be incorporated into your new church at Levin.

It is certainly appropriate that a stone from St. Paul's Cathedral - the church which has witnessed so many of the joys and sorrows of the British Common wealth - should be built into your new church. Undaunted by bombs, and undismayed by fires, St. Paul's stood out during the last war as a symbol of Christian courage and British tenacity. There can be very few buildings - other than yours - which have two such unique links with the past; links from the headquarters of both Church and State. It is indeed fitting that I, as representing Her Majesty the Queen, the Head of our State; and the Archbishop, as representing the Church, should place these two stones in this wall.

I am sure, that with this in mind, you will make every effort to see that your new church is completed and furnished in a manner in keeping with the traditions it will contain. As I place this stone from St. Paul's Cathedral, and as the Archbishop places the stone from Canterbury Cathedral, I pray that your new building, linked by these stones to the past, will indeed help you to carry into the future the traditions and the faith that have been handed down to you.

May this new church be to you, and to those who follow you, what St. Paul's Cathedral and Canterbury Cathedral have been to many throughout the world - a place of worship; a house in which you may find refreshment and strength, in the presence of Almighty God."

The Building Fund (as it was in March 1955)

From notes written by the late Chris Richards.

The following table shows how the fund had gradually grown over the years:

1925 £800 in hand Average yearly increase
1930 £2013 in hand £243
1935 £2487 in hand £95
1940 £3782 in hand £259
1945 £5394 in hand £322
1950 £7068 in hand £335
1955 £15127 in hand £1612
Total funds raised to 31/3/55:
Building Fund £15348
Furnishing Fund £1898
Bell Fund £134
Organ Fund

£835

Total £18215

Estimated costs for the new church:

Architects fees on previous design

£150

Shifting old church

£915

Miscellaneous expenses

£76

Contract

£22775

Architect's Fees

£1500

Pews

1295

Organ

£1080

Bells

£818

Altar and Lectern

£400

Communion Plate

£159

Estimated Total Cost

£29092

Less funds in hand

£18215

Balance required

£10877

To finance the shortfall of £10877 it was decided to issue £100 debentures. These debentures would bear interest at the Post Office rate of 2 and a half per cent.

November 23 1955 was a most eventful day in the construction of the new church, for the last batch of concrete was poured. This was to complete the cross 60 feet above ground level. The final coat of plaster was applied to the

cross on the front of the church building (and with the consent and co­operation of the contractors) the Vicar, Rev. E. K. Norman carved deep into the cement on the very top of the cross that surmounts the tower, the following words of Solomon:

"BEHOLD HEAVEN AND THE HEAVEN OF HEAVENS CANNOT CONTAIN THEE
HOW MUCH LESS THIS HOUSE WHICH I HAVE BUILT."

These words of Solomon come from the Second Book of Chronicles, Chapter 6, Verse 18.

When Solomon finished the building of the 'Temple, one of the wonders of his age, he erected a scaffold in the court of it and kneeling down thereon he prayed. He thanked God for all His goodness to Israel, he thanked Him for the noble building now finished and then with proper humility he reminded himself and his people that God was far greater than anything they
could conceive, far nobler than any building they could construct. "Behold heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built."

Work progressed steadily on the new church and a decision had to be made as to when to close the old church and open the new one. The last Service in the old St. Mary's Church was held on Sunday December 9, 1956 and the new St. Mary's Church opened on Saturday December 15, 1956.

It is interesting to note that in the last Service in the old church the Sidesman on duty was Chris Richards and he had the distinction of being the last person to receive Communion, to ring the bell, to count the last offertory and close the doors for the last time. A church which from the time of its Dedication to its closing had been an inspiration and a place of worship for countless numbers of parishioners.

St. Mary's Church Dedication

Saturday December 15, 1956 at 3.00pm

The spacious new St. Mary's Anglican Church was overflowing with parishioners and visitors on Saturday afternoon for the dedication ceremony performed by the Anglican Archbishop and Primate of New Zealand, the Most Rev. R. H. Owen, D,D,. A traditional order of service was followed and the Archbishop addressed the congregation on a theme bearing on the new church. Many heard the dedication ceremony from the old church, where a loudspeaker system was connected from the new building. After the service hundreds gathered in the church hall for afternoon tea.

In bright sunshine over 100 gathered outside, awaiting the arrival of the Archbishop and other church dignitaries. Temporary seating was provided in front of the church entrance. From shortly after 2.00pm organ music was played and the new church bells rang out musically over the town. In the choir loft, too, there were additional seats and in the body of the church many people lined the walls alongside the pews. After the service a large number took the opportunity to inspect the new church in leisurely fashion, admiring the architecture and construction.

The arrival of the Archbishop was according to plan at 3.00pm. From the main entrance, where he was met by the vicar, the Rev. E. K. Norman, the churchwardens and vestry, Archbishop Owen proceeded to the dedication, reading prescribed lines from the order of service. Taking his pastoral staff, the Archbishop knocked upon the door, saying: "Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory."

The congregation, Archbishop and others then participated in the saying of lines from the order of service, which led to the formal dedication, a general confession, the absolution, readings from the Scriptures by the Rev. H. Taepa, Otaki and Canon J. C. Davies, the general thanksgiving and an address and blessing by Archbishop Owen. The service was conducted by the vicar of St. Mary's, Rev E. K. Norman, and some prayers were led by Archdeacon H.S.I. Kenny, Palmerston North.

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