Church to mark milestone

SERVICE: St Mark's Church in Carterton is celebrating 140 years since its first service by holding a special old-fashioned matins service followed by lunch and entertainment. PHOTO/FILE

St Mark's Church in Carterton will next month celebrate 140 years since its first service.

The celebrations on March 1 will include a matins service at 11am, followed by an old-fashioned lunch under the trees.

There will also be games and entertainment.

Vicar of St Mark's Rev Jenny Chalmers said one of the highlights will be Eion Clarke's newly rebuilt horse-drawn carriage, which will be making its first public appearance at the celebration.

"We are planning a wonderful day and everyone in the community is invited. We are hoping that people will dress up in period dress for the celebrations."

The church was built in 1875 from totara milled at the Booth sawmill.

One of the main doors has just been replaced and will be dedicated to the Booth family during the service, Rev Chalmers said.

The church can trace its beginnings to Carterton's founder, Charles Rooking Carter, who endowed it.

Its stained glass windows were dedicated to his daughter and the marble font was given to the church by Carter's wife and daughter.