125 years of service to the Te Puke District – 1901 – 2026

Last weekend we were privileged to remember the ministry of so many – clergy, both Vicars and Priests-in-Charge, and committed lay women and men - who have served the Parish of St John the Baptist, and the wider community, over the last 125 years. Bishop Andrew joined with us for Sunday which saw an Anniversary Eucharist, followed by time to view displays and memorabilia from the past, and a beautiful luncheon. It was lovely to have a previous vicar, Rev’d Brian Hamilton join us, and especially remembering the Rev’d Joe Le’ota (Anne being  a current hardworking parishioner). Apologies were received from Ruth Dewdney and Bill & Wendy Bennett.

As usual our Family Service and children’s programme ran alongside the Anniversary service, and we all enjoyed the luncheon together. Bishop Andrew has recently discovered some special family links – his Great Aunt, Kath Wyllie having been the parish organist for 27 years. Part of that joy was being able to weave some of this story into part of his sermon and having some of the parishioners and visitors tell him Kath was their piano teacher in the 1960s, alongside other snippets. In celebrating the past, we were also reminded that we need to be looking and planning into the future, hence our two services currently running alongside each other from 10am.

Mary Alice Blackett, our parish archivist, had put together a large number of charts telling the stories of the 125 years. Also, a collection of baptismal gowns alongside other memorabilia. The baptism font was donated to the parish in 1901 by the parish of Waipawa where the first Vicar of Te Puke had previously served. A steady stream of visitors and previous parishioners who had travelled significant distances to attend were also able to enjoy viewing the displays and catching up with old friends on Saturday.