ALL SAINTS’ PARISH

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 242, 11 September 1929, Page 2

ALL SAINTS’ PARISH

NEW VICAR INDUCTED. BY ARCHDEACON OF RANGITIKEI. Last evening there was a fair congregation at All Saints’ Church when Rev. Archdeacon Innes-Jones, of ltangitikei, conducted the induction service on the occasion of Rev. G. Y. Woodward, formerly of Karori, succeeding Ganon W. Fancourt as vicar of the parish. Other clergy present were Revs. W. Kelly (Rongotea), G. \\. Fenwick (Pahiatua). P. Wiltshire (All Saints’) and R. A. Stanley (Kimbolton). After the letters of institution, as issued by the Bishop of Wellington, Rt. Rev. Dr Sprott, had been read, and the. vicar had received the blessing of the Archdeacon, he was led to his stall. Addressing tho congregation the Archdeacon took as his text St. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians: “Brethren, pray for us.” The clergy, said the Archdeacon, were the Church’s representatives in spiritual matters, and accordingly all Church people should take a keen interest in the selection of their priests. They should also give them their support to enable them to work to the best purpose. In sickness and on the deathbed, he continued, the Church people expected the clergy to pray for theYn. That was quite right, but they should also pray for the clergy. It was a wonderful inspiration for a vicar to know that his parishioners were praying for him. The preacher then proceeded to trace the foundation of the Church. At its inception it had been found that some should be appointed to administer the sacraments. The clergy were appointed as the successors to the apostles and received their authority from God. It was on such occasions as this that they were reminded of the continuity of the Church and it was something to thank God for. All Saints’ was the most important parochial district in the Wellington diocese and was still growing rapidly, but it was not with the progress of Palmerston North in matters temporal that they were concerned. They wished to know whether the spiritual progress had been as great. From personal observation he could answer in the aflirmative. All Saints’ had been fortunate in its vicars, and he ventured to say that they would not regret their latest choice. The success of the new vicar, however, would depend to a large extent on the support he received. It was for the parishioners to uphold him loyally and remember him in their prayers. No one needed tlieir prayers more. “Encourage him by your attendance at church at least once a day on Sundays, and, above all, come to Holy Communion. Encourage him by your prayers. Don’t criticise him behind his back if he does not do things as other Vicars did, but come to him. Friendly criticism is often appreciated,” concluded the Archdeacon. WELCOME SOCIAL. After the service the vicar and his wile and lamily were entertained at a welcome social, Mr O. Monrad, the Vicar’s Waruen, presiding over a good attendance. In welcoming the guests of the evening, the chairman commented that, atier fifteen years, they would find their removal from Wellington a great wrench. It was essential that the vicar and his parishioners should get to know each other, and that was why the social was being held. One could appreciate a man much better if one knew him. He was confident that Mr Woodward’s association with the parish would be mutually profitable. To Mr Woodward and family he extended the wish that their stay in Palmerston North would be a happy one. Having known Mr Woodward for many years, stated Archdeacon InnesJones, be could say that he was a fine man. The last six vicars of All Saints’ had left a proud record behind them, and he was only too pleased to join with tlie parishioners in a liearty welcome to the seventh vicar lie liad known and his wife and family.

Mr H. G. Bagnall, People’s Warden, stated that Karori’s loss was All Saints’ gain. The Archdeacon had exhorted them to be loyal and lie was confident that that loyalty would not be withheld. Loyalty was the tradition of All Saints’. Rev. J. D. McArthur, piesident of the Council of Christian Congregations, said that he esteemed it a privilege that one of his first duties as president was to welcome Mr and (Mrs Woodward and family. Ho supported the Archdeacon’s plea for loyalty, which would prove an inspiration to their vicar. Mr Woodward could only do a certain amount and the rest depended upon them. Revs. G. W. Fenwick and Jt. A. Stanley also welcomed the new vicar. After returning thanks for the kind welcome extended to him and his family, Mr Woodward stated that the occasion, was rather unique and had the glamour of romance about it. Twenty-seven years ago he had come as a curate to All Saints’ when Rev. Mr (late Archdeacon) Harper was vicar. He had conducted his first service in the very hall in which they were assembled. He proceeded to relate some of his experiences during his previous service in Palmerston North. Transport had been by horse and gig or the old-fashioned bicycle. There had been no bridges in those days. They often had to travel many miles into tlie country to conduct services. It was very pleasant to look back to those bygone days and he felt that in a way lie had done pioneer work in the parish. Mr Woodward stated that he had known Canon Fancourt for many years and it was hard for him to follow in the footsteps of a great vicar who had been characterised by his greatness of soul. With their help and prayers he would try to carry on the great traditions handed down. He felt every confidence in the temporal side of the parish. He came to them as the ambassador of the King of Kings; he came to stand for the religious life; he nad been given the charge of immortal souls. It was his duty to lead them nearer to God and it was Ills special privilege, concluded Mr Woodward. Mrs Dean (nee Miss Nita Blockley) rendered two songs and Mrs Law (2) violin solos. Supper was served by the ladies, following which dancing was indulged in.