John Grigg and his third wife Mary Jane (Henderson)
M Finlay collection
We were immediately welcomed by the family group. John Grigg was known as a family man, a christian and he would have been proud to see his descendants gathered at his 'old' town.
The programme started with morning tea & registration - the morning events taking place at the Baptist Church in Mary Street, the church where John Grigg was a founding member.
My Own New Zealand Home
Following family introductions it was only fitting that the highlight was talking about, then singing Grigg's "My Own New Zealand Home". Well known for decades as the unofficial anthem of New Zealand - in particular the song that was sung in schools and at events in the Upper North Island.
M Finlay collection
Presentations
Various family members gave presentations on John Grigg's life. Noting the newspapers were full of advertisements as John's business developed from furniture importer to his beloved music shop - he even spent time as an undertaker. A prolific writer of original music, a music teacher who taught in the district schools, and was a member / leader of many choirs and musical events.
Alastair from Stargazers (at Whitianga) was present and gave an overview of Grigg's involvement in astronomy and his remarkable achievements.
There are even craters on the far side of the moon, named after Thamesite John Grigg!
Where were Grigg's observatories located?
The question was asked regarding the location of John Grigg's observatories. The first was located in Pollen Street behind his shop / house and the second was at his residence near the corner of Pahau and Queen Streets.
The location of the Grigg's first observatory (built about 1884 behind his Pollen Street shop) is exactly marked on an 1889 street map. Today this site is st the back of the Thames 100% shop premises. The co-ordinates are marked below, top left.
Around 1894, Grigg's residence moved to the south-east corner of Queen and Pahau Streets. The residence faced Queen Street, just north of the Karaka Creek. A snip from a William Price's 1910s photograph appears to clearly show Grigg's observatory on the rear of his section. In the snip below this is the white building in the centre. The 'dome' identifiable, against the white washing at the rear.
Caption: Overlooking Thames township.
Ref: 1/2-001541-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.
Memorial window at the Baptist Church
The Baptist Church at Thames has large stained glass windows that commemorate the founding members - John Grigg's commemorative window is on the western wall.
Unveiling of John Grigg's restored grave
After lunch the family travelled to the Shortland Cemetery. Undeterred by the rain and limited access, young and old made their way to the plot on the lower section of the cemetery extension off Danby Street.
A dedicatory prayer and thanksgiving for John Grigg's life was given. Followed by the reading of two bible passages, then a final eulogy was delivered.
Next came the unveiling of the new plaque / headstone. All the hard work and planning was worth it, the family proud that John Grigg FRAS (1838-1920) will continue to be remembered at his beloved Thames.
CHALLENGE
I must say I was envious to see these Grigg descendants gathered to remember an early Thamesite.
How many times have you contemplated caring for, or repairing an ancestor's grave? And not followed through.
How many times have you thought a family get-together was needed to commemorate a special anniversary? And not organised it. Thought it was all too hard?
Well how about we take the challenge and do something to remember our Thames ancestors, and reconnect with other living descendants!
Further reading on Grigg's astronomy:
Exploring the History of New Zealand Astronomy by Wayne Orchiston 2016.
