Mr Henry (Harry) Parker has been a Spiritualist for many years. Before he came to New Zealand in 1946 he was President of the Romford Church in England for a number of years, and also President of the Essex Federation churches – 28 churches in all. While in England, Mr Parker chaired for a number of well known speakers, including the Rev. Maurice Elliott and Lord Dowding.
After arriving in New Zealand Mr Parker decided to retire from active work for Spiritualism, however, his wife Edith saw the advertisement for the Christchurch Sunday service, and talked him into attending our Church. The medium that evening was a visitor from Australia. Mr and Mrs Parker sat in the very back row of the hall and listened to the service. During the clairvoyance the medium addressed Mr Parker, telling him that he was not new to this work – to which, of course, he had to agree – and she asked him to stay after the service as she would like a word with him. After speaking with him for a while she then requested that he take the platform with her at the next meeting. After seeking permission of the then President this was arranged, and Harry Parker was hooked!
About this time their only daughter, Mollie, was in hospital very ill, and with little hope of recovery. Mr Parker requested permission of the doctors to give his daughter Spiritual healing, this request was granted and he was allowed into the ward at any time to give further treatments. Much to the surprise of the doctors, Mollie recovered, and is today a healthy, happy grandmother.
In 1957, when the hall which we were using was to be demolished, Mr Parker, together with other members, searched Christchurch for suitable premises, and found an old cottage which could be converted to our purpose. He was also one of the six members who were guarantors for the purchase price. As we were now property owners, steps had to be taken to safeguard our property. Some older S.C.N.Z. members may remember the contretemps over the original constitution which was presented to the S.C.N.Z. Executive committee, but with Mr Parker’s knowledge and help this was soon ironed out, and a domestic constitution, in accord with the Act of Parliament, was accepted, and the Christchurch Church became an Incorporated Society.
Harry Parker became President, Minister and Principal Healer of the Church, positions he held for many years, and in 1964 he was elected National President. This office he held until his retirement in 1974. To mark his long service to Spiritualism in New Zealand, the 1974 National Council presented him with a nest of tables and a card signed by all delegates attending the meeting.
Both Mr and Mrs Parker were travelling to the 1968 Easter National Conference aboard the Wahine when it foundered in 120 m.p.h. gales in Wellington Harbour. In their seventies, they held hands, whispered a few words to each other and jumped. They were flung ashore on opposite sides of the harbour and it was some days before each knew the other was alive.
Mrs Parker, also was a tireless worker for our Church. She was organist and committee member for many years. At one service, when we had no speaker, she played the organ and then took the platform to tell of her own experiences, using the word courage as her starting point. To all of us listening, her efforts that night in handling both the music and the address, were a very good example of courage.
Many people have to thank Harry and Edith Parker for the help and healing so freely given over the years.
Source: The Press, possibly November 1977
Postscript: Harry Parker died in November 1977. A Memorial Service dedicated to his name and work was held in our Christchurch Church.
