WELCOME TO BISHOP GRIMES.

Grey River Argus, Volume LVII, Issue 10275, 4 May 1899, Page 4

WELCOME TO BISHOP GRIMES.

The reverend gentleman and party arrived by the Hokitika train on. Tuesday evening. He was met at the station by the Rev Eather Oarew, and members of the Catholic church, and was accorded a hearty welcome. \He proceeded to the residence of Father Carew, where he will remain a guest while in our midst. Shortly after 6 o'clock the Bishop was led to the Chapel by a procession headed by the Catholic Band and followed by members of the children of Mary, convent school children, and Hibernian society. The procession was a very imposing one, and the large crowd of people assembled around the church testified to the sincerity of the welcome. The Bishop then proceeded to address a numerous congregation from the pulpit, in a most eloquent and masterly manner. He was presented with the following addiess from the Catholic residents of the town. (To the Right Reverent John Joseph G-rimes, Bishop of Christchurch.) My Lord, — We, the Oafcholic people of Grrej'mouth, beg to offer your Lordship our warmest and heartiest welcome on the occossion of your present visit .to this parish. Tlib Holy Seriptmvs inform us that God has appointed Bishojis to govern the church which tie has purchased with his Precious Blood (Acts 20 29). You are the one legitimately appointed to rale over this particular portion of the Lord's vineyard ; and we are aware with what care and anxiety you watch over our spritual interests. Despite the long and laborious journeys lately undertaken by your 1 Lordship to the threshold of the Apos^es on diocesian business and through the various nations of Europe to colta'it funds to erect a becoming Cathedra! in Christ-church, yet, you are again amongst us on your immediate return to preach to us a mission to remind us of our Christian duties, and to. draw us more closely to God. We still hold in fond remembrance the thrilling exhortations of a former mission preached by your Lordship in this ' town, the permanent effects of which are apparent. The very ardent zeal, always exercised on all accasions by your Lordship for our spiritual interests,-.-, fills us with admiration for you, and we hope that God will long spare you to promote them. Signed by the Church Committee, in behalf of the Catholic people of GreyI mouth.