Key Takeaways
- A historic candlestick stolen from St Paul’s Anglican Church in Paihia has been mysteriously returned after being missing for over a year
- The candlestick was one of a pair stolen from the church in March 2022, along with a wooden cross
- The returned candlestick is dedicated to Percy Williams, the grandfather of the current priest, Chris Williams
- The church is still seeking the return of the second candlestick, which is dedicated to the memory of Eila Mabel Reed
- The church has increased security measures, including security cameras, to prevent future thefts
Introduction to the Story
The parishioners of St Paul’s Church in Paihia are celebrating the surprise return of a historic candlestick that was stolen from the church over a year ago. The candlestick, which is one of a pair, was handed in to the Paihia Library, and the church is hopeful that the second one will also be returned. The theft of the candlesticks and a wooden cross occurred in March 2022, when the church was open day and night, and the priest, Chris Williams, said that they had not anticipated that people would take things from the church. The church, which is known to many locals as the Stone Church, has a rich history and is a Category I heritage building, with the second-oldest hand-pumped organ in the country and a graveyard dating back to 1826.
The Significance of the Candlesticks
The candlesticks are not just valuable items, but also hold significant historical and emotional value to the church and the Williams family. The recovered candlestick is engraved with a dedication to Percy Williams, Chris Williams’ grandfather, who was the priest at the time the church was consecrated in 1926. Percy Williams was also the grandson of the pioneer missionary Henry Williams, to whom the church is dedicated. The missing candlestick is engraved ‘In Memoriam Eila Mabel Reed’, and the church is eager to have it back to reunite the pair. The candlesticks were used in every service and were a tangible link to Paihia’s past and to the Williams’ family.
The Return of the Candlestick
The return of the candlestick was a surprise to the church, and they are grateful to the person who handed it in to the Paihia Library. The librarian was unable to get the person’s name, but they mentioned that they were part of the wider Williams family. Chris Williams hopes that the person who returned the candlestick will come forward, in case they know the whereabouts of the other one. He also hopes that the person who has the second candlestick will have the conscience and respect for sacred things to return it to the church. The church is offering forgiveness and forgetfulness to anyone who returns the stolen items, and they are confident that the second candlestick will be returned due to the conscience of the person who has it and the mysterious ways of the Lord.
The Church’s Response to the Theft
The theft of the candlesticks and the wooden cross was a wake-up call for the church, and they have since increased security measures to prevent future thefts. The church is now only open during the day in spring and summer, and security cameras have been installed inside and out. Chris Williams used the returned candlestick in his homily on Sunday, which was on the theme of hope, and he is hopeful that the second candlestick will be returned soon. The church is grateful for the return of the candlestick and is looking forward to being reunited with the second one, which will bring a sense of completeness and closure to the community.
The History and Significance of the Church
St Paul’s Church is a significant landmark in Paihia, and its history dates back to 1826. The current church building, which is the fifth on the Marsden Road site, was completed in 1926 and is a Category I heritage building. The church has a rich history and is home to the second-oldest hand-pumped organ in the country and a graveyard that dates back to 1826. The church is an important part of the community, and the return of the candlestick is a reminder of the significance of preserving and respecting our cultural and historical heritage. The church is hopeful that the return of the candlestick will serve as a reminder to the community of the importance of respecting and preserving our cultural and historical heritage.