November 2009
New chapter as college opens library
By TRACY NEAL - The Nelson Mail 23/11/2009
MARTIN DE RUYTER/Nelson Mail
Libraries are not just for books on shelves – they are a place for thinking, the Rev Tim Harris told a small crowd gathered on Saturday for the opening of the Bishop Sutton Library Te Puna Matauranga o Whakatu.
The library's official opening at the Bishopdale Theological College in Vanguard St, Nelson, was carried out by the Bishop of Nelson, Richard Ellena, and Bishop Peter Sutton, who retired in 1989.
Bishop Sutton's wife, Pam, said her husband was delighted and very pleased with the new library."Books are very important to him – they're a treasure," she said before the official opening.
Archdeacon Andy Joseph referred to the event as a "very special occasion", and said that he was "privileged and proud" to be able to stand next to Bishop Sutton during the opening.
Dr Harris, who is dean of the Bishopdale Theological College, said the new library represented another step in the growth of the college, set up by Bishop Andrew Burn Suter in 1868. It closed during World War I, but was revived in 1979 during Bishop Sutton's tenure as Bishop of Nelson.
"Libraries are a significant part of any college, and Bishop Peter has been a big part of this, and [has done] more than just giving his name to the library," Dr Harris said.
Among those at the opening was Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne. Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall was unable to attend, prompting Bishop Ellena to quip that "some people think the diocese should be in Tasman anyway".
Bishop Ellena paid tribute to those who had helped drive the library project, including Anglican priest and professional librarian Helen Stephens-Smith.
"If you think this is the end, it's just the beginning," he warned Mrs Stephens-Smith.
Bishop Ellena said the library was an integral part of the "vigorous training ground for the ministry".
Dr Harris described the library as the "soul of the college".
"It's our vision not just to serve the college, but we hope this library will be open to the public as well." |