News from First Church

Sing praise to all that has offered us life and sustains us
All that has opened our hearts to the love borne within us:
Family and friends,
Beauty we see without end
Gifts that our lives lay before us
(From a modern hymn we enjoy)
We recently celebrated the life of Rowan Evans who died on the 14th August, and we remember with gratitude his quiet and thoughtful contribution to this church. Rowan and Barbara, nee Campbell, his wife, who died last year, made a very fine team and gave great service to Martinborough in many ways since the 1960’s – particularly through Campbell’s Garage (now the Wine Centre) and Rowan’s work on the Martinborough Borough Council. This gentle man was well known too for his garden produce and pikelets. It is the end of an era, preserved in our memories of Barbara and Rowan, and in the name of Campbell Drive.

We have just had the chance to display a very special hand embroidered quilt, commemorating 50 years of the Association of Presbyterian Women in New Zealand. Panels designed and beautifully stitched in many different styles by over 40 groups throughout the North and South Islands were put together, and the completed quilt is “touring” the country before installation in the Hewitson Library at Knox College in Dunedin. The First Church panel (showing our distinctive building) can be seen in the centre.

We acknowledge the work that Natalie Watkin has done in particular with this project. Now the quilt is heading to  the Wellington region to be seen by some groups in that area and then be on display at the National Business Meeting on 26th September. From there it crosses Cook Strait for its South Island travels to end up being permanently displayed at the Hewitson Library in Dunedin. Members of First Church were privileged to see it in Martinborough.

Only a week or so now to the KIRK FAIR! Note the date – 10 October, and plan to come to this traditional event in the old Town Hall at 10am, with all the usual great stalls. We all know there’s nothing to beat home baking and produce, and the chance to find bargains at every turn – plants, fashion accessories and desirable objects of every kind – furniture, household goods, china, and books. There will be a children’s stall too and a tempting raffle.