Blog

The beautiful and historic St Mary Banner has been emerging from storage more and more often in recent times to take its place in procession The banner was created by the women at the Royal School of Needlework in London in 1907-08. It depicts the Virgin Mary in shades of blue, beautifully stitched in silk shading, on a cream damask background. She is surrounded by borders and ornamentation in laid and couched gold work and braid. The banner measures 160cm tall... read more

A long and eventful career which involved travelling all over the world eventually led Arthur Bowkett to a quiet life in New Plymouth, where he worships at Taranaki Cathedral and enjoys “counting my blessings.” Arthur is nearly 92. He was born in 1923 in Preston, England; his parents were among the pioneers of the Pentecostal movement, which they had joined in 1906. Throughout the war Arthur served in the Royal Marines, then he sailed in the merchant navy before moving to... read more

Ever wondered about the great variety of vestments that are worn during cathedral services – ranging from the plain and simple to the vividly coloured and embroidered? Some of those garments have their origin in the very earliest days of the Christian church, and they incorporate a wealth of symbolism. “Vestment” is the term for the special clothing worn by people who conduct a worship service. Today, vestments are designed to be worn over street clothes. The significance of the colours... read more

According to Lynne Tembey’s granddaughter, her job as worldwide president of Mothers’ Union (MU) involves “holding the world in her hands.” Lynne is president of four million members in 83 countries around the world who work to support families and children. The world is not quite in her hands – but her organisation has been working since 1876 to live out faith in countless communities, she says. “We don’t try to do the great big things, but the simple and effective... read more

A theologian and priest who has studied conflict and reconciliation came to Taranaki this year, interested in the region’s experience of the universal issues. Karen Kemp, Dean of Tikanga Pakeha students at St John’s College in Auckland, visited to share in the cathedral’s joining of the worldwide Community of Cross of Nails. Appointed to the role at St John’s a year ago, she said her area of research and teaching was around conflict, reconciliation and peace so “it’s very, very resonant... read more

A book that traces two sides of a man – and a conflict – was launched at the cathedral on 6 March 2015. The Man in the Middle details the life of Robert Parris and is written by Lady Beverley Reeves, wife of former Governor General the late Sir Paul Reeves. Parris was her great-great-grandfather who lived in Taranaki and was known for his involvement in the Waitara purchase that precipated the first Taranaki war in the 1860s. For Lady Beverley... read more

The Taranaki Cathedral's Tuesday-morning Community Cafe is doing a roaring trade, offering a full and inexpensive breakfast to all comers. “It began serving on the first Tuesday in November last year,” said Dean Jamie. “Since then we have served literally thousands of breakfasts and raised well over $5000. “All the food is donated, and all the funds raised go to the Doctors Without Borders and other international charitable organisations for their lifesaving work.” There is a regular menu of high-quality coffee,... read more

We give thanks for an emblem of Peace - this work of embroidery is complete. We give thanks to God for all that it represents in prayer and striving to be the community of God. We praise God for God’s servant Te Whiti O Rongomai whom this Peace Altar Frontal commemorates. We are seeking to memorialise the peaceful resistance of the Parihaka movement as an example of the Gospel of good news, and to celebrate the Anglican Faith Communities of Taranaki.... read more

A good friend of mine (Shakespeare) once said, ‘All the world’s a stage...’ so here at CDG (Carrie’s Drama Group) we’re going to take that literally and take every opportunity we can to act, sing and dance! Carrie’s Drama Group entered stage right with appropriate dramatic flair just a few short months ago, and already we’re discovering some incredible talent! The group is made up of up to 19 young people between the ages of 7 and 17. Since our performance... read more