Four generations of the Clarke family (l-r): Judith Clarke (great grandmother); Zion Clarke (father); Thea Olive Clarke; Celia Arnold-Joll (mother); Rebecca Clarke (grandmother). Photo: Supplied
WelCom December 2021
The congregation of St Peter’s Church in Wairoa, north of Napier, celebrated a significant occasion on Sunday, 31 October, when they welcomed into the church Thea Olive Clarke – a fourth-generation member of the Clarke family.
‘It was a stupendous day, blessed with lovely weather, as four generations gathered for the baptism of Thea,’ said Judith Clarke, great-grandmother to Thea and chair of the parish council.
Daughter of Zion Clarke and Celia Arnold-Joll, Thea is the youngest of four generations to receive the holy sacrament of Baptism at St Peter’s Church. She was warmly supported by the wider congregation alongside family and friends who had travelled from as far as Hawke’s Bay and Wellington for the special day.
Fr Michael O’Donnell presided over the ceremony and Thea looked every bit the child of God dressed in her family’s beautiful baptismal gown. The gown had also been worn by her grandmother Rebecca and father Zion, and her own stunning Korowai was gifted to her by her grandmother Rachel Arnold.
Congratulations Thea and family. May the blessings of God be with you throughout your faith journey.
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