Index		Contact: Dawn Chambers

St. Andrew's Church, Cambridge, Waikato

The following items are a testament to the involvement of
Richard Chambers, his wife Julia and other family members 
in the activities of St Andrew's Church Cambridge.

The Waikato Times 23 Jan 1886
Concert at Cambridge

One of the most enjoyable musical entertainments that have taken
place for some time was given in the Town Hall, Cambridge on Wednesday
evening last, by the members of St. Andrew's choir and the Hamilton
Orpheus Glee Club. The funds are to be devoted towards the
improvement of S. Andrew's parsonage. The bright moonlight, no doubt,
served as an auxiliary towards bringing together a very good and
fashionable audience. The whole affair passed off most pleasantly to
everyone concerned, and we are sure, with satisfactory results to the
organisers and those who rendered such willing and valuable assistance
towards its success. Special thanks are due to the ladies and 
gentlemen from Hamilton, whose vocal contribution was a host in 
itself. The quartettes met with the full appreciation they merited.
The programme, which was a well selected one, was opened with a
pianoforte solo "Maypole Dance" by Miss and Master Wilson and it was
at once painfully evident that the apology asked for by Mr Hartley for
the condition of the piano was not a needless one. The young
performers' exertion was remarkably good, and on any other instrument
would have been pronounced brilliant, but was lost on the one they had
to operate upon. This was a great pity. A song was then given by Mr
A. Chambers, "The Romany Lass". This young gentleman has a promising
tenor voice, and gave his song in an easy style. The Orpheus Glee
Club came next with a quartette, "Come, Boys", which was capitally
rendered, and met with vociferous applause and demands for an encore.
Mrs Chambers followed with a charming song, "In the North Countree",
which was warmly appreciated. The past song "Departed", by ladies
and gentlemen from Hamilton, was rendered in a manner that reflected
great credit upon each of the singers, the voices being clear and in
perfect harmony. Miss R. E. Walker gave the recitation "The Gambler's
Wife" in a feeling and realistic manner and with considerable dramatic
effect. "Tell me, Mary how to woo thee" by Mr E. Trewheellar, an
excellent song, was followed by a pianoforte solo, "La Gondola" by
Mrs Piquet, whose touch and command of the instrument was evident,
but, as in the former case, her efforts were done scant justice to,
owing to the wretched state of the piano. Really, this is an 
infliction which ladies and well-known performers should be spared
when asked to assist at these entertainments.

The second part of the evening's performance was opened by the Orpheus
Club with a quartette, "The Miller's Daughter", which was a genuine
treat, and met with a round of applause, which was only satisfied with
an encore. This was followed by a beautiful song, "The Better Land" by
Mrs Chambers, which was very suitable to her voice and was sweetly
sung. The lady received well-deserved applause, and responded with an
encore. Miss and Master Wilson again contributed a well-executed duet
on the piano, "The Great Globe", but of course "that piano" marred the
performance. The part song "Blanche" was the next by the Hamilton
ladies and gentlemen, given in first-class style, and thoroughly
appreciated. Mr A. Chambers's song, "The Bloom is on the Rye" was very
well sung, and with the exhibition of a little more power than in his
first one. Mrs Piquet's beautiful selection from "La Norma" on the
pianoforte, again caused the audience to anathematise that instrument
for the lady's sake. The song "Faithful" by Miss Trewheellar was one
of the features of the evening. This lady is possessed of a fine voice
of considerable power, and her song was greeted with well-merited
applause. The Orpheus Glee Club finished up a capital programme with a
quartette "The Tar's Song" rendered in rollicking style and in a
manner that brought down the house.

Archdeacon Willis came forward and tendered very hearty thanks to 
those who had been instrumental in carrying out the entertainment
which he had thoroughly enjoyed: he particularly thanked those kind
friends who had come from Hamilton to help to make the evening such
a success. The National Anthem brought the concert to a close.

The Waikato Times 23 Jan 1886
S. Andrew's, Cambridge - The Annual Meeting of Parishioners will be
held in the Schoolroom on Tuesday evening next at 8 o'clock. All
members of the church and congregation invited.

The Waikato Times 9 Nov 1886
St. Andrew's Cambridge

A concert was held in the St. Andrew's schoolroom on Friday last, in
aid of the fund for providing music for the choir of the above Church,
and was fairly successful, the room being nearly full. The programme
was as follows:- Pianoforte solo, Mr Selby; glee, "Happy and light",
choir; song, "Shells of ocean", Miss Selby; song, "Consider the 
lillies", Mr O. Garland; reading, "A butten off", Mr W. S. Stewart;
pianoforte trio "Oberon" Misses Mary Moon, Annie Webber, and Effie
Chambers; song, "White wings", Miss Moginie; song, "She is so 
innocent", Mr Hartly; Glee, "May Carol", choir. At this part, instead
of the customary interval, the Ven. Archdeacon Willis gave a reading
entitled "Mind what you say before children". Glee, "Sweet and low",
choir; song, "The angel's gift", Mr Chambers; reading, "Mr Fogg's
baby", Mr Paltridge; duet "O'er the hill, o'er the dale", Miss
Moginie and Mrs Chambers; song, "Home of my heart", Mr O. Garland;
song, "Carrier John", Mrs Macara; trio, "Oh memory" Mesdames Chambers
and Chitty, and Mr Hartly; song, "Fond hearts at home", Miss Selby;
song, "Daddy", Miss Moginie; glee, "The fairest flower", choir;
National Anthem. The gems of the evening were no doubt the songs given
by Miss Moginie and the duet with Mrs Chambers. The pianoforte trio
was well rendered, as was also the vocal one, both having a fair
share of applause. Mr Garland was evidently suffering from a cold, and
was therefore heard at a great disadvantage, nevertheless "Consider
the Lillies" was very nicely given. The glees were very fairly sung,
the best being "Sweet and Low", and the worst the "May Carol", the
latter being out of tune in the last four bars. Mrs Chambers, Mrs
Macara, and Miss and Mr Selby gave every satisfaction in their
respective solos. The readings were good and were well appreciated,
with the exception of the one given by Mr Paltridge, which was about
two thirds too long. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Chitty,
Miss Effie Chambers and Mr Hartly.

The choir meet in the schoolroom every fortnight for the practice of
secular music, on which occasions they are joined by several ladies
belonging to different denominational choirs, and who kindly assisted
on the above occasion.

The Waikato Times 18 Dec 1886
S. Andrew's, Cambridge

About 90 members of the congregation of the above church met on
Wednesday last in the schoolroom, and passed a very pleasant evening.
Many sorts of interesting games and puzzles were provided and a
galvanic battery caused a deal of amusement. Pianoforte solos were
given by Mrs Chitty, the Misses Chambers, Gard, Hill, Wilson and
Messrs F. Hartley, Annershaw, and Master J. Wilson. Songs were given
by Miss Selby, "The Stepping Stones" and "Shells of the Ocean"; Mrs
Macara, "The Three Maries"; Miss Roskruge, "Now, Turno"; and Mr
Chambers, "The Message". Mesdames Chitty and Chambers gave the duet
"Trust her not" and several friends gave a glee "The Forrester".
Coffee and eatables were provided by some of the ladies, and were
duly appreciated. Before separating the Archdeacon announced that
on the previous evening a meeting of ladies had been held in the
vestry to devise some means of paying off the debt of 550 pounds
that remained upon the church, when the following resolutions were
passed:- "That the town and country be divided into districts, and
collectors be appointed to collect subscriptions of 6d per week and
upwards towards reducing the debt." "That Mrs Mackay be requested to
endeavour to organise a body of 10 collectors to undertake the work."
"That a fair of all nations be held in December next, and 
contributions and help be invited from all friends, both in the
district and elsewhere." "That the ladies present form an interim
committee for the carrying out of the above resolutions, and that a
meeting be held on Wednesday, January 12th, to report progress and
appoint a permanent committee." The Archdeacon further stated that
he should be pleased to provide anyone who would collect with a
card for that purpose. He trusted all members of the congregation
would help either in articles or subscriptions. The meeting 
terminated about 10 p.m.

The Waikato Times 22 Jan 1887
S. Andrew's Church, Cambridge: Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the parishioners of the above Church was held
in the schoolroom on Wednesday evening. Present: The Ven. Archdeacon
Willis (in the chair), Messrs Wells, Popple, Paltridge, T. W. Hicks,
O. Garland, R. Chambers, Hewitt, Bond, Robertson, H. Hicks, T. B.
Lewis, Onions, Rowe, Stewart, Dyer, Masters, Boyce, Chitty, D.
Stubbing, and several ladies.

The meeting was opened with prayer, after which the Chairman read the
following annual report for the year ending 31st December 1886:-

Report of the Vestry of S. Andrew's Church, Cambridge for the Year
Ending December 31st, 1886.

The general work of the district was as well done during this year as
in any year previous, and this is a matter for much thankfulness. All
services and meetings arranged for were held without exception, and
the parishioners were regularly visited. The Incumbent is thankful to
say he begins the new year in better health than he has had for a long
time and so with a good prospect, not only of keeping up work in the
future to the average of the past, but, with God's blessing, of doing
it better.

Sunday School. - The Sunday School continues to do the good work under
Mr W. S. Stewart that was reported of it last year. In August it was
visited by the Diocesan Inspector, who thus speaks of it in his
report:- "The discipline and the general tone of the school appear
to be very good. The singing is excellent. The Catechism appears to be
well taught. The library is good, and the books seem to be used by a
good many of the children." With regard to the teaching, he says:-
"The plan of having the upper classes seated round a table is a good
one." Of the buildings he says:- "It seems very convenient and is well
lighted and ventilated." During the year an advance has been made in
the direction of more systematic and thorough teaching. The teaching
now being done is probably in advance of anything hitherto attempted.
The walls of the school-room have recently being hung with a number of
pictures illustrative of Scripture subjects, which greatly add to
their appearance. A statement of the receipts and expenditure on
account of the school is appended in the general account. At the
Cambridge West school Mr H. R. Hyatt has lately introduced an new
system of teaching, which he thinks will be attended with advantage.

Choir. - The choir has not made the advance in efficiency that was
hoped for a year ago. The vestry was unable to continue the
choirmaster's salary after the first five months of the year. The
office of choirmaster is now vacant. Mr Hartley having resigned in the
end of December.

Attendance at Service, &c. - The attendance on Sundays averaged -
morning 99, evening 71. There were 29 celebrations of the Holy
Communion, and the average attendance at midday was 18. There were
14 persons confirmed. The baptisms were 40, the marriages 6, and the
burials 9.

Property. - The church and school and parsonage are in good repair.
The only important work done during the year was to sink a new water
well and build a concrete tank at the parsonage, and do some
necessary inside painting and papering. The parsonage exterior ought
to be painted soon and there is much need for enlargement.

Finance. - The Vestry have not so good a financial report to bring
down to the parishioners this year as they have been able do for some
years past, for it is a matter of fact that the income of the church
from seat rents and offertories has fallen off about 100 pounds.
Although a portion of this deficiency has been met from other sources,
there is still a large discrepancy, and the Vestry have been unable to
pay off any of the church debt, or even to meet all the ordinary
expenses. A statement of the accounts for the year has been prepared
and audited. An abstract of them shows the receipts to have been
452 pounds, as against 500 pounds in 1885; and the expenditure 505
pounds, as against 570 pounds. This does not include receipts and
expenditure on account of the Sunday School.

Current Year. - In estimating for the current year it has been decided
to suggest some changes. Hitherto to the contributions from the out
districts have been received by the Cambridge Treasurer, and the
clergyman's stipend has been charged in the Cambridge books for the
whole district. In future it is proposed to receive and pay the
contributions from Cambridge only. The estimated receipts which follow
are based on the actual receipts of last year for ordinary purposes,
and the expenditure is reduced to the lowest possible limit to come
within it. In order to help in this matter the Incumbent has 
voluntarily agreed to accept a reduction of 20 pounds, and the 
Organist of 5 pounds. Estimated receipts: General offertories, 137
pounds; subscriptions, 75 pounds; seat rents, 73 pounds; rents of
school, 13 pounds. Total, 298 pounds. Estimated expenditure:
Clergyman, 220 pounds; organist... gardener 6 pounds; ... Total 298
pounds; This estimate leaves out any mention of liabilities and assets
to December 31st last. The liabilities consist of the church debt of
550 pounds, and the liabilities for ordinary expenditure to date,
about 110 pounds. The latter of these the vestry think ought to be
dealt with by a special effort to be made at once to get in arrears of
seat rents and subscriptions.

Envelope System. - With a view to minimise the trouble arising from
the collection of subscriptions, as well as for other reasons, the
vestry suggest to the parishioners the advisability of adopting the
envelope system in making their contributions to the offertory. Under
this system the subscriptions would be superceded, and the sources of
ordinary church revenue reduced virtually to two, namely, offertories
and seat rents. The system is worked somewhat in this way. Each
parishioner is invited to promise a definite sum per week towards the
annual expenses, and to place it in the offertory each Sunday, in an
envelope bearing on it a number. At the counting of the offertory from
week to week the amount is credited to the donor's number in the
treasurer's book. The adoption of such a system, if it could be made
general, would help the church executive to a better knowledge of the
income they might expect, and would save a periodical canvas for
large subscriptions, which is often inconvenient alike to the 
collector and the subscriber.

Church Debt. - In order to greatly reduce the church debt the ladies
of the congregation have already resolved on two things - (1) To
begin at once to raise weekly subscriptions, and (2) To prepare for
crowning the year with a great effort next December by holding a "Fair
of All nations". In these efforts the Vestry hope all the parishioners
will join in so far as they can, and will encourage one another in the
work, and also seek for aid from all their friends.

The thanks of the parishioners due to Messrs C. Chitty and R. W. Dyer
for their services as lay readers, to Messrs W. S. Stewart, H. R.
Hyatt and F. J. Sanders and the other teachers of the Sunday schools,
and to the members of the choir and the guild of Ringers. May God
Almighty be graciously pleased to accept the labours of His servants,
unworthy though they be. May He mercifully pardon what has been done
amiss in the past, and guide His servants aright in the future, for
Jesus Christ's sake.
Wm. N. De L. Willis, Chairman

Balance Sheet for Year Ending December 31st 1886.

Receipts:- By subscriptions, 74 pounds 8s 8d; seat rents, 72 pounds
12s 6d; offertories, 160 pounds 14s 5d; rent of school, 15 pounds 4s;
social gathering, 66 pounds 2s; lecture and subscriptions for church
debt, 5 pounds 17s; concert for parsonage improvements, 9 pounds 2s
6d; outlying districts, 48 pounds 0s 6d. Total 452 pounds 1s 7d.
Cash in hand January 1st, 1886, 23 pounds 3s 7d; overdraft at bank
December 31st, 1886, 62 pounds 16s 1d. Grand total, 538 pounds 1s 3d.

Expenditure:- To salaries: Clergyman, 280 pounds; locum tenens, 10
pounds; organist, 20 pounds; choirmaster, 14 pounds 11s; verger, 14
pounds 7s; gardener, 6 pounds 3s; organ blower (part), 1 pounds 14s;
Parochial missions, 9 pounds 1s pd; Sunday school, 5s 16d; pension
fund, 2 pounds 1s 1d; home mission, 6 pounds 19s 9d; Melanesian
mission, 3 pounds 7s 8d; Society for Propagating the Gospel, 1 pound
5s 3d; Church Missionary Society, 1 pound 5s; insurance, 17 pounds
10s; lighting, 14 pounds 10s 6d; property improvements, 28 pounds
17s 3d; interest on building debt, 43 pounds 5s; sundries, 30 pounds
8s 10d. Total 505 pounds 12s 11d. Overdraft at bank January 1st 1886
30 pounds 17s 7d; cash in hand December 31st 1886, 1 pound 10s 9d.
Grand total 538 pounds 1s 3d.
Signed J. W. Merrick and John Dods, Auditors.

The Rev. Chairman then said he was pleased to see so many present.
The balance-sheet he had just read was not a very satisfactory one,
but he did not feel discouraged. When the church was being built many
people said they were foolish to spend so much money upon it. (The
contemplated cost at that time was 2,000 pounds). Yet the church had
been built, and had cost 3,000 pounds, of which only 500 pounds
remained to be paid. The times were very bad, and the only way to meet
them was to economise, and then he thought they would be able to ride
over the bad period, and meet the good one with a clean sheet.

Mr T. Wells remarked that Mr Willis practised what he preached, and,
as they had heard in the report, had voluntarily offered to sacrifice
20 pounds of his salary for the present year. After further
complimentary remarks he moved "That the stipend of the clergyman for
the present year be 220 pounds, with full authority to the church
wardens to pay the full amount if possible." Seconded by Mr W. S. 
Stewart, and carried unanimously.

Several gentlemen spoke upon the "envelope system" and after a
protracted discussion the Chairman moved, and Mr Chambers seconded
"That it is the opinion of the meeting the envelope system should be
given a fair trial during the coming year." Carried.

It was resolved "That the new vestry be desired to get in the
outstanding accounts as soon as possible, to clear off the 
liabilities.

The Archdeacon announced that the ladies intended to collect weekly
subscriptions to pay off the church debt. A resolution was passed to
support the ladies in their endeavours to pay the debt, both by
collecting and by holding a bazaar.

A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the lay readers, choir, Sunday
school teachers, ringers, secretary and auditors.

The Ven. Archdeacon announced that he had appointed Mr W. S. Stewart
as the warden for the ensuing year. Mr W. S. Stewart proposed Mr E.
Hewitt as people's warden. Seconded by Mr T. W. Hicks. Mr T. B. Lewis
was proposed by Mr Masters and seconded by Mr Boyce, but declined to
stand. Mr Hewitt was therefore elected unopposed.

It was decided to have the same number upon the vestry as last year,
viz. 9 and the following were elected:- Messrs T. Wells, T. B. Lewis,
R. Chambers, R. W. Dyer, F. J. Sanders, W. M. Douglas, T. W. Hicks,
Major, Wilson, and James Young.

A vote of thanks to the Incumbent for his untiring labours throughout
the year, and for conducting the meeting closed the proceedings.

The Waikato Times 8 Feb 1887
S. Andrew's, Cambridge

A Conversazione was held at S. Andrew's school-room on Friday evening
for the purpose of welcoming the Bishop and Mrs Cowie. There was a
large attendance, the Archdeacon and Mrs Willis receiving the visitors
and doing the needful introductions. Among the number we noticed the
following:- Medames Mulholland, Williams, Chambers, Wilson, Mackay,
Macrae, Sanders, Young, Richardson, Forrest, Webber, Webb, Green, Rowe,
Garland, Hill, Hunter, Lewis, Hughes, Trafford, Chitty, Wolls, Bates,
and Stewart. Misses Mackay, Young, Ewen, Mills, Robertson, Steele,
Forrest, Layton, Selby, Wilson, Hill, Bright, Wrigg, Lewis, Webber,
Chambers, Paul and Gwynneth. Messrs Hewitt, Garland, Young, Robertson,
Selby, Hunter, Chambers, Lewis, Hughes, Chitty, Carpenter, Forrest,
Paltridge, Souter, Wells, Amershaw, Stewart, Gaudin, Richardson and
Price.

During the evening the following programme was gone through:-
Pianoforte solo, Miss Webber; song, Mrs Macrae; song, Miss Lewis;
quartette, Mesdames Mackay and Chambers, Messrs O. Garland and
Chambers; song, Miss Selby; duet, Messrs O. and B. Garland;
pianoforte solo, Mrs Cowie; song, Mrs Chitty; duet, Mrs Chambers
and Mr O. Garland.

During an interval in the programme the Archdeacon said he was
pleased to see so many present. It was only about six weeks since
they held a similar meeting and many would, perhaps, think it was
rather soon to have another, but Mrs Willis and he thought it would
not only be a good opportunity of showing the bishop and Mrs Cowie
how heartily welcome they were to Cambridge, but also of having a
little social intercourse with them. It had been years since they
had had the pleasure of having Mrs Cowie among them. The Bishop,
he was pleased to say, had visited them more frequently, and he
was afraid had given them more than their fair share of attention.
The Bishop was the link connecting the diocese, and, although they
were often asked to contribute to many and various institutions,
they did not contribute anything to his office. He then asked them
to accord a hearty welcome to the Bishop and Mrs Cowie.

A prolonged round of applause followed. The Bishop, after thanking
them for the welcome accorded to Mrs Cowie and himself, said: The
duties in this diocese have increased so enormously that it renders
it impossible for me to visit each district more than once a year.
I am happy to say I am now generally accompanied by Mrs Cowie who
takes great interest in the work, and proves a very able and 
willing assistant. Last week we rode 60 miles to visit a
congregation up North. The greater part of the distance there was
no road, merely a track, and the heat was intense. The people there
labour under great difficulties, and yet they have a nice little
church, and have paid off the debt. This ought to encourage people
in other parts, who are more favoured. The church stands upon the
top of a hill, and the nearest dwelling is a mile away. For six
years the services have been conducted by a faithful lay reader
(clergymen's visits being very few), who lives four miles from the
church, and the track is so bad as to be sometimes almost impassable.
Last Sunday I was at that church, and I must say I think the services
would have done credit to any church in Auckland. We had morning
prayer, with confirmation and baptism; rode on 12 miles and had
evening prayer, inducted a lay reader and explained his duties,
baptism, confirmation, and communion. The congregation was a large
one, most of whom had come a considerable distance. We generally
expect to have a baptism in those districts, as it is seldom they
have the opportunity of getting their little ones christened. I
tell you this to show that even a Bishop's work is not always the
flowery path that some people imagine. I purpose (if possible)
going to England next year, and when there I shall be asked to say
something about this diocese. Well, I shall be able to tell them
of your town that it has the prettiest and best church of and
country district in the diocese. You have a small debt upon it,
which I learn you are making great efforts to reduce, and I
sincerely trust you may be successful. I often think of my first
visit to the Waikato. I arrived in New Zealand 17 years ago,
yesterday. My first day's work in the district was, Alexandra, in
the morning; Te Awamutu, in the afternoon; and Cambridge, in the
evening. I ventured to remark to Archdeacon Pritt that it seemed
a good day's work. He replied "I heard you were young and active"
and intimated it was none too much. When I arrived at Alexandra
I found the Armed Constabulary camped in the church. Perhaps some
of you were there? [Mr Chitty: I was present.] We had morning
prayer, and I then went to Te Awamutu. It was a pouring wet day,
and when I reached the church there was not anyone there. I rang
the bell for about ten minutes, and after waiting half an hour
and finding no one came, I closed the door and left. I went to
Archdeacon Pritt, who sait it would not matter about going to
Cambridge. As it was wet, they would not expect me; adding it
was a place of no importance; so I missed Cambridge that journey.
The first time I came here, the service was held in the old
Wesleyan Church, which was kindly placed at our disposal. Some
members of the congregation talked of building a church, others
said there was plenty of room in the Wesleyan, why build another.
I was told there was an acre next to the allotment set apart by
the Government for church purposes, that could be purchased for
10 pounds. The matter was discussed and it was thought we ought
to have it, but where was the money to come from? After 
considerable talk, I headed a subscription list with 1 pound,
and the whole of the money was subscribed in the room. Now you
have a beautiful church, schoolroom and parsonage, and with a
little perseverance, you will soon be free of debt. Some of you
may have noticed in the Herald, a report of a meeting held in
Auckland on Wednesday evening about the Sailor's Rest. The
origin of it was in Calcutta, that had proved of very great
advantage to the poor sailors visiting that port. I thought,
why not have one in Auckland? I applied to the merchants, who
put me off. The Harbour Board granted a site in Fort street and
I then applied to Sir George Grey Government for a grant of
500 pounds. They offered to give pound for pound raised by
subscription. It was no good; we could not get the merchants to
subscribe, so we could not have the Sailors Rest. About this
time I received a letter from a friend in Liverpool, saying a
Mr Fell, who had been doing good work among the sailors there,
and whose health was broken down, was coming to Auckland, and
wished to be employed among the sailors. Mr Fell came out, and
a few friends banded together and took a room near the wharf.
It was hard upon a few, and some said I could not expect them
to subscribe when the big merchants did not. I felt the justice
of the remark, but felt reluctant to let the movement go back.
A friend suggested putting an advertisement in the paper. I
put a small statement in the Herald, and the next morning
received 5 pounds from the Governor. That same evening Mr
Costley was taken ill, and sent for Mr Jackson, the solicitor,
to make his will, leaving his money to seven institutions.
Mr Jackson did not know what to call the Sailor's Rest, so
he put "Bishop Cowie's Sailors Home". That brought me 13,000
pounds. I soon had plenty of friends. It is astonishing how
the friends of a cause roll up when there is plenty of money
to be spent. This money was well invested, and we have been
well afloat since. The next thing we wanted was a better site,
nearer the wharf than Fort-street. We had to get a special
Act of Parliament to get that exchanged; but we have done that,
and now we have a beautiful one next to the Harbour Board
Offices. There is a moral to be taken from this, and it is.
If you have a work that ought to be done set to work like
reasonable people, and if it is good work, all the help will
come. Another work I mean to try, is to get a home from the
stray larrikin boys in Auckland and I shall not rest until
it is accomplished. Another work that I shall tell you more
about on a future occasion is Mrs Cowie's Women's Home. It
is now freehold. During the first year 60 members of the
weaker sex passed through it, who would otherwise probably
have been friendless. Some are married and many are earning
an honest livelihood as domestic servants."

Archdeacon Willis said he thought they should feel encouraged
after hearing the ups and downs of the Sailor's Rest. If they
took "a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether" the
debt balance would soon become a credit one. He trusted the
Garden Fete to be held in March, would be the means of giving
them a good start.

Refreshments having been handed round, the company separated
about 10 p.m., having spent a very pleasant evening.

The Waikato Times 1 Mar 1887
S. Andrew's Garden Fete

We have been supplied with the following particulars relating to
the effort of Monday next at Cambridge:- There are several committees
working to make the fete a great success. The fruit stall committee
are: Mesdames Selby, Hart-Hicks, Lewis, and Miss Hunt. The committee
of the produce stall: Mesdames Forrest, Mackay, Hughes and Soutter.
The work stall will be presided over by Mesdames Wilson and Stewart
and the refreshment stall by Mesdames Williams, Robertson, R. Chambers, 
A. J. Hill, Bates and Willis. There is also a general executive 
committee and an entertainment committee. Mr W. O. Garland is 
arranging for a promenade concert, and the Cambridge Brass Band have
kindly promised their assistance. The executive meet this evening
at Major Wilson's at half-past four to make general arrangements.
On Thursday the ladies meet also on the grounds to arrange the
position of the various stalls. We are asked to say that all
contributions for the work stall should be sent in to Mrs Wilson as
early as possible, that they may be arranged and marked. Contributions
of produce, &c., sent in before Monday will be received and taken
charge of at the parsonage and stored in S. Andrew's schoolroom.
Contributions sent on Monday should be sent to Major Wilson's direct,
and early in the day.

Also: Mr S. Chambers assisted 

The Waikato Times 10 Mar 1887
The Garden Fete at Cambridge

The fete held in Major Wilson's grounds on Monday was a great
success, and it is hoped, by paying the expenses out of ordinary
revenue, to reduce the debt on S. Andrew's Church by 100 pounds.
After Mr C. Hunter had disposed of the produce by auction, some
very effective tableaux vivants were given, after which, about
1 p.m., a short concert took place, of which the following is the
programme:- Pianoforte duet, the Misses Moon and Chambers; duet,
"Sea of Glass", Mr and Mrs C. Hunter; song, "The Merry Maids of
England", Mr O. Garland; song, "The Land of Rest", Mrs Chambers;
duet, "Larboard Watch", Messrs O. and B. Garland; song, "The
Breaking of the Day", Mrs C. Hunter. After which the National
Anthem closed the proceedings. The church people of Cambridge
are greatly indebted to Major and Mrs Wilson for their kindness,
not only in allowing the fete to be held in the grounds, but also
for attentions paid to performers, and stallholders, and having
their house turned almost upside down.

The Waikato Times 30 Apr 1887
At their last meeting the vestry of S. Andrew's Church resolved
to postpone bringing the envelope system into operation until
the new year. It was thought advisable to adopt this course to
avoid confusion with the various special agencies being adopted
at the present time for the extinction of the church debt.

The Waikato Times 12 Jul 1887
S. Andrew's Cambridge

A recital of sacred music was given in the above church on Friday
evening on which occasion the choir was largely assisted - both
in vocal and instrumental portions - by friends who are not
members of the congregation. The acoustic properties of S. Andrew's
are known to be very bad, and indeed, when the church is full,
although there may be a large choir, they are heard very
indistinctly by anyone who happens to be sitting at the extreme
end of the nave. On this occasion, with a view to remedy the
defect, the Harmonium and choir stalls were removed to the centre
of the building, their place in the chancel being filled with
seats for the congregation. The effect was most marked, both voices
and instrument sounding much better, than when in the old position.
We should think the choir must have felt the alteration for the
better, as it is undoubtedly much easier to sing in the nave than
in the chancel. The proceedings opened by the singing of a hymn
and a short prayer by the Ven. Archdeacon, another hymn being
sung at the close. The programme was as follows:- Voluntary,
Mrs Chitty; chorus, "The Glory of the Lord" (Handel); "Nazreth"
(Gounod), Mr Walter Chambers; "He wipes the tear from every eye"
(Gabriel), Miss Sarah Davies; voluntary, Miss M. Nixon; "He shall
feed His Flock", (Handel), Mrs Russell; "He was despised" (Handel),
Mrs Chambers; "Comfort Ye" (Handel), Mr O. Garland; song, Mrs
Mackie; "Love not the World" (Sullivan), Mrs O. Garland; march
"Romance", Miss Frazer; chorus, "Gloria 12th Mass" (Mozart). The
whole of the soloists acquitted themselves in a very creditable
manner but the ladies decidedly carried off the palm. It is very
seldom that you hear solos from the Messiah rendered by amateurs
in a manner equal to the two given on Friday evening by Mrs
Chambers and Mrs Russell, although we must admit that we prefer
hearing the latter portion of "He shall feed His Flock", taken,
as is usually the case, by a soprano, it having a tendency to
become monotonous when the whole of it is sung by a contralto.
Miss Davies fine soprano voice was heard to good effect, and
greatly pleased the audience, as did also Mrs Mackie and Mrs
Garland. The latter lady possesses a very contralto voice,
exceptionally rich in the lower register. Mrs Mackie was to have
sung "Ruth", but substituted another - that we did not know -
that was far preferable, and just suited her voice. Mr W. Chambers
did full justice to Gouned's grand song. Mr Garland, who was
suffering from a cold, only sang the first portion of "Comfort ye".
The harmonium solos were better than was expected, Miss Frazer's
being the best, as the instrument is not one that is calculated
to show off anyone's playing and with the expression stop out
- without which it is very little good for solos - is much too
heavy for any lady to perform upon. The choruses were very shaky,
and wanted a lot more practice. Mr Garland conducted, but some of
the choir did not pay much attention to the baton. A collection
was made during the singing of the last hymn, after which the
Archdeacon pronounced the Benediction.

On Sunday, the choir again sat in the centre of the church, a
great improvement in the singing resulting, not only to the
choir, but also to the congregation, as some that used to drag
kept much better time than when the choir was farther away.

We trust these recitals will become a permanent institution,
many friends being willing to assist. The offertory will go
towards reducing the church debt.

The Waikato Times 1 Sep 1887
Yesterday being the anniversary of the opening of St. Andrew's
Church at Cambridge, it was celebrated by evensong at 7.30 p.m.,
the service being full choral.

The Waikato Times 8 Oct 1887
Cambridge

S. ANDREW's ANNIVERSARY SOIREE. - The annual soiree in connection
with the above Church was held in the Public Hall on Thursday
evening, and was a pronounced success. There were nine tables
presided over by Mesdames Willis, Wilson, Wells, Chambers, Reynolds,
Forrest, Hill and Bach, and the bachelor's table given by Messrs
Calvert, Moon, Amershaw and Ward, at which Mrs Dickenson officiated.
The tables were laden with all sorts of meats and delicacies, and
were also prettily adorned with flowers. Tea commenced at 6.15 p.m.,
but in consequence of the number attending, it was after 8 p.m.
before the concert commenced. Unfortunately, several of the
performers announced were, from various causes, prevented from
attending. Their places were, however, taken by friends at short
notice, and the following programme was successfully gone through:
Pianoforte solo, "The Nightingale and Zephy", Miss Jessie Wilson;
song, "The roll of the drum", Mr W. Chambers (encored); song,
"Waiting", Miss E. Selby; duet, "I know a bank", Mr and Mrs O.
Garland; reading, "Sheridan's ride", Mr W. S. Stewart; song, "The
Skipper's Flag", Mr C. Hunter; pianoforte duet, selection from
"The Bohemian Girl"; Miss L. and Master J. Wilson; song, "The
Heart's Home", Miss Selby; duet, "The Press Gang", Mr W. Chambers
(encored); reading, Archdeacon Willis; song, "The Blind Girl to
Her Harp", Miss Sarah Davies; song, "The Scent", Mr C. Hunter
(encored). The whole of the songs were well rendered, the pianoforte
solo and duet being given in a style that does great credit to the
performers. Previous to the interval Archdeacon Willis proposed a
hearty vote of thanks to the ladies who had provided the eatables,
and also to the performers which was carried by acclamation. The
farce of "The Area Belle" followed, in which Mrs Dickenson, Miss
Walker, and Messrs Dickenson, Hyatt and Sanders, took the various
parts, each and everyone giving the greatest satisfaction, and
causing roars of laughter. The farce is an old favourite that seems
to come up fresh every time it is given, and always sends the
audience away in a good temper.

The Waikato Times 23 Feb 1888
A Harvest Thanksgiving Service will be held in S. Andrew's,
Cambridge, on Friday evening, when the Rev. Mr Marshall of Te
Aroha will be the preacher. The service will be full choral,
with the anthem "O Lord, how Manifold are Thy Works".

Selected Parish Minutes of St. Andrew's Church, Cambridge, WKT, NZ

1896 Jul 22
Annual Meeting of Parishioners held in St. Andrew's Schoolroom on
Wednesday 22 Jul 1896 at 7.30pm.

Proposed by Mr Dyer seconded by Mr Chambers that Mr Wells be
parishioners church warden. Carried.

Proposed by Mr Wells seconded by Mr Roskruge that the Vestry consist
of Messrs Chambers, Empson, J. W. Hicks, Hunt, McCullagh, Park,
Wright and Dyer. Carried.

1896 Oct 7
Quarterly meeting of Vestry held in St. Andrew's vestry-room on
Wednesday 7th October 1896 at 7.30pm.

Proposed by Mr Wells seconded by Mr Hewitt that a letter be sent to
Mrs Chambers expressing the condolence of the Vestry with Mr and Mrs
Chambers on Mr Chambers illness and its hope that he may soon regain
his health.

1897 Jul 14
Quarterly Meeting of Vestry held in St Andrew's School Room on
Wednesday 14 July 1897 at 7pm. Present The Vicar - in the chair,
Messrs Hewitt and Wells - churchwardens and Messrs Chambers, Hunt and
Dyer.

Proposed by Mr Wells seconded by Mr Simpson that the old vestry be
re-elected - carried - Messrs Chambers, Dyer, Hicks, Hunt, Empson,
McCullagh, Park and Wright.

1897 Oct 25
Quarterly Meeting of Vestry held at Mr Hewitt's on Monday 25th
October 1897 at 7.30pm. Present The Vicar (in the chair) Messrs
Hewitt and Wells - churchwardens, Messrs Chambers, Dyer, Empson,
McCullagh, Park and Wright.

1898 Jul 27
Minutes of Annual Meeting of Parishioners held in St. Andrew's
schoolroom on Wednesday 27th July at 8pm.

Mr Hewitt proposed and Mr Chambers seconded that the number of
Vestrymen be ten - carried.

Mr Wells proposed and Mr Chitty seconded that the following be
elected vestry men - Messrs Adams, Chambers, Dyer, Empson, Edwards,
Hicks, Hunt, McCullagh and Roskruge - carried.

Mr Hartly proposed and Mr Chambers seconded that Messrs Merrick and
McRae be auditors - carried.

Mr Chambers proposed and Mr Onions seconded that a Committee be
appointed to canvas the district to ascertain whether the sum of
150 pounds can be raised with a view to getting an organ immediately
- carried.

1898 Aug 8
Minutes of Special Meeting of Vestry held on Monday 8th August 1898
at 7.30pm. Present - The Vicar (in the chair), Messrs Hewitt & Wells
(churchwardens), Adams, Chambers, Dyer, Edwards, Empson, Hicks, Hunt,
McCullagh & Roskruge.

1898 Aug 21
Minutes of Special Meeting of Vestry held after evening service on
Sunday 21st August 1898. Present Messrs Wells (in chair), Hewitt
(churchwarden), Adams, Chambers, Dyer, Edwards, Empson, Hicks,
McCullogh, Roskruge.

1899 Mar 19
Minutes of the special meeting of Vestry held after service on Sunday
19th March 1899. Present Mr Wells (in the chair), Messrs Hewitt,
Chambers, Dyer, Empson and Edwards.

1899 May 28
Special meeting of Vestry held after Service on Sunday 28th May 1899.
Present The Vicar - in the chair - Mr Wells, churchwarden - Messrs
Chambers, Dyer and Edwards.

1899 Jun 12
Minutes of special meeting of Vestry held at Vicarage on Monday 12th
June 1899 at 7.30pm. Present The Vicar (in the chair), Messrs Hewitt
and Wells (churchwardens), Messrs Chambers, Edwards, Empson, Dyer,
Hicks, Hunt and Roskruge.

Dedication [of organ] 4th & 5th

Resolved that the vestry desire to place on record its appreciation
of the very great services which have been rendered to the church in
the vestry and the choir during the last 14 years by Mr and Mrs
Chambers and the members of their family. It hears of the contemplated
leaving of Mr and Mrs Chambers with very great regret and realise how
much they will be missed in Church work. It hopes that the separation
may only be temporary. It assures them that wherever they may be they
will always have the good wishes of the vestry and the choir for their
welfare.

1899 Jul 20
Proposed by Mr Dyer seconded by Mr Chambers that this meeting is of
opinion that the Annual Fete as conducted on the last two occasions
in conjunction with other Christian Bodies was so far a success as to
warrant a further trial on the same lines provided that the same
management will undertake to conduct it.

Amendment proposed by Mr Buckland seconded by Mr Hicks that this
meeting while sympathising with the desire for a gathering in common
with other Christian bodies such as has been held the last two years,
is nevertheless of opinion that for practical work in connection with
the church the system previously obtaining was more useful and desires
to see a return to it.

The original motion was carried.

Auckland Weekly News 9 Jun 1899
Photos of the new organ at St Andrew's Church, Cambridge and of the church.