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The beautiful little church of St Barnabas at Stoke celebrated the centenary of the laying of its foundation stone recently. Tucked away behind trees in the heart of Stoke, the church is one of the most picturesque in the province. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Hobhouse on January 27, 1864, and to celebrate the event special services were held at the church. A pageant was included at the commemoration service, the sermon at which was preached by the Bishop of Nelson, the Rt Rev F. O. Hulme-Moir.

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Close to the grave of William Songer, who was instrumental in building the church, parishioners, dressed in the garb of years gone by, commence the commemoration service.

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The foundation stone

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The pageant proceeds into the church hall for the main service

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Canon Corney, acting vicar of St Barnabas, addresses the congregation