The congregation that celebrated All Saints' centennial had many stories to share.
The congregation that celebrated All Saints' centennial had many stories to share.
Around 50 people gathered at Rawene's All Saints War Memorial Church to commemorate 100 years since the laying of the foundation stone.
All Saints was built during World War I, and is one of only a small number of war memorial churches in Aotearoa New Zealand.
After a plea fromBishop Averill, land was donated by Robert and Emma Proctor, and construction began immediately, with voluntary labour supported by fundraising. The ferro-concrete building was completed before the end of the war, and is home to a memorial roll recording the names of young men from all over the Hokianga who fought and died for King and Country.
Bill Rawiri and Diane Hunia, from the Hokianga RSA, laid a wreath of remembrance at the centennial service, which was led by archdeacons Peter and Marina Naera, assisted by Ellen Naera. Barrie Andrewes and Heather Ayrton, whose families have had close associations with the church for many years, gave the readings, and Judith Reinken was the preacher.
Many of the congregation had connections to the church that spanned several decades and generations. Stories of baptisms, marriages and funerals were recounted, the service concluding with the planting of a camellia tree by Robert Proctor's great-great-granddaughter, Tracey Chisholm.
The congregation then made its way down to the Rawene Town Hall for refreshments. The organising committee is now looking for more stories and photos, to compile a book recording All Saints' rich history.
* People who have something of interest to offer are warmly invited to contact Claire White (claire.white@xtra.co.nz) or Kathie Brockliss (kathie.brockliss@gmail.com).
