The special service at St Paul's Church yesterday celebrated 125 years of Anglican ministry and worship in Arrowtown, and paid tribute to one of its most dedicated parishioners.
The Rt Rev Dr David Coles led the reverential, joyous and often hilarious service, which welcomed back former Parish of Wakatipu vicars the Rev Fred Glover (91) and the Rev Geoff Neilson.
A memorial plaque dedicated to the late John Newman QSM was unveiled by his widow, Peggy, who was accompanied by members of their family.
"Gentleman John" Newman served as honorary verger from 1969 to 2004 and was renowned for his tree planting expertise, doing much to beautify the church grounds and the Wakatipu district.
After the service, Mrs Newman said John would have been "most embarrassed" by the commemoration as he hated anyone to make a fuss.
"He was very modest, but deep down, he would've been quite thrilled."
Dr Coles said the service was based on the Book of Common Prayer Service, of 1662, and was chosen to reconnect with the faithful of yesteryear. The book would have been used by Bishop Neville, of Dunedin, when he consecrated St Paul's on September 18, 1883.
The church was built in 1871 but consecration did not occur until the construction bill of 350 was paid off.
Dr Coles noted the capacity congregation was sitting on the same wooden pews that they and thousands of loved ones, ancestors, gold-miners and visitors had worshipped on over the years.
The St Peters Singers performed and All Things Bright and Beautiful was included on the programme by popular request of parishioners.
Messages from former vicars featured fond memories of their service and anecdotes of notable parishioners, which caused ripples of laughter in the congregation.
The church was appealing for donations towards the repainting of the exterior, cottage next door and fence, in the original colours. About $11,000 was the goal and $4000 had been raised so far.
