Baby’s baptism a century-old tradition

A ‘‘little gift from God’’ was baptised last week nearly a century after his great-grandmother was the first child to be christened in the same church.

Seven-month-old Thomas joined a long list of Giles family members to be baptised at St Michael’s Church, in Rapaura, on Friday.

His mother Cabie and grandfather Graeme were both chri- stened there, as were Graeme’s sisters Philippa and Diane.

Thomas’ great-grandmother Lois Edith Mills was the first child to be christened at the church when it opened in 1913.

Cabie, 18, said it felt like her grandmother, Lois, was at the ceremony on Friday. ‘‘This church feels like home.’’ Having Thomas christened there made the family feel complete, she said.

‘‘No words can describe the feel- ings I went through today. It was very important.’’

Originally built in Grovetown, St Michael’s Church moved to Rapaura Rd on the outskirts of Blenheim in 2000. It sits there beside the Old St Mary’s Convent, which had been moved from Maxwell Rd, in Blenheim.

The church had been kept the same, though, Mr Giles said.

‘‘It’s wonderful to be here looking back 100 years and for Thomas to be part of this heritage.’’

Even the Bible hadn’t moved from its pulpit, he said.

‘‘I recall, over 50 years ago, reading from this Bible. And I remember my mother chastising my father, sitting in the second row, for falling asleep in church.’’

Mr Giles read two Marlborough Express newspaper clippings from 1953 and 1990 at the ceremony that outlined the church’s history.

It had cost £365 (about $55,000 in today’s terms) to build and an extra £40 to furnish, he said.

Cabie’s mother Annie Giles, of Annies Cafe and Shop, said Thomas brought love, light and joy to the family.

‘‘He has reminded us that life should be about the simple things.’’

The Rev Terry Terrill said baby Thomas added to the already rich history between the church and the Giles family.

After the ceremony, family and friends went back to the Giles family farm in Grovetown.