by Web Master
Closing of St Matthew’s Church, Manunui
Lesley Aitken — December 14, 2023
On Sunday the congregation of St Matthew’s/St Paul’s Co-operating Parish, Taumarunui held a meaningful service of thanksgiving and celebration to acknowledge the 114 years of ministry at Manunui.
The service was led by Rev. Alison Molineux, Joyce McCann and Rev. Mervyn Aitken. Among the memories shared, Don Tidswell mentioned that the church was built in three months, back in 1909, and still stands strong and sturdy on foundations of river stones!
Blue, Huckleberry and Jed Donaldson are seen searching for their names on the Cradle Roll. They are the last of many babies to have been baptised in St Matthew’s.
Aurelie Jones played the organ. She and Penny Cairns, also present, have played for worship there for 78 years between them!
At the end of the service, carrying church taonga to be taken to St Paul’s, the congregation were piped from the church by Nelson Hughes. It was a very moving morning, followed with the warmth of refreshments and further memories at St Paul’s.
A former resident of the area Billie Mariner, has bought the property and is slowly transforming it into her home. She was at the closing service , where many local folk remembered her.
