Laying the foundation stone, 1956

Last Updated on Sunday, 20 June 2010 19:47 Sunday, 20 June 2010 06:28

On 11 February 1956 the foundation stone for the present St Matthew's Church was laid by the Most Rev. Reginald Owen, Archbishop.

Choir begins entry to church grounds from Vicarage

Clergy process past Parish Hall.  Left to right: Canon Robertshawe, Archdeacon Gordon Mckenzie (later Assistant Bishop), Vicar Vincent Venimore, the Rev P Ritchie and the Rt Rev E J Rich (Assistant Bishop).

Choir processing past the front of the Parish Hall to the site of the new church.

Congregation at the laying of the foundation stone ceremony, possibly singing a hymn.

Archbishop Reginald Owen addresses the congregation.  Left to right: Rev. P. Ritchie, curate; Right Rev. E.J. Rich (Assistant Bishop); Rev. V.C. Venimore (vicar); Most Rev. R.H. Owen (Archbishop); Rev. W. Vercoe, and Mr J. Ninnes, churchwarden.

Foundation stone ready.

Archbishop Owen lays the foundation stone.

Part of the congregation.  In the foreground are girls from St Matthew's Collegiate School.

Bishop E J Rich re-lays the foundation stone of the old church, watched by girls from St Matthew's Collegiate School.