CHURCH JUBILEE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 106, 1 April 1930, Page 7

CHURCH JUBILEE.

ST. JOSEPH’S, WAKEFIELD. Per Press Association. NELSON, March 31. Yesterday was a memorable day for the Catholic community of Nelson district, when the diamond jubilee of St. Joseph’s Church at Wakefield wqa fittingly celebrated in the presence of a very large gathering. Added interest was lent to the occasion by the presence of Archbishop Redwood. His Grace in a characteristic address said how pleased he was to be with them on this very important occasion. The very sight of the church brought back to him memories days long past. In connection with St. Joseph s one name above all others deserved to be held in remembrance: that was the name of Father Charyre. After service in the church nearly all present adjourned io the Y.M.C.A. Hall and partook of a very excellent luncheon provided by the Wakefield people. More than 200 persons sat down at the tables, which filled the hall. The guests were admirably waited on by the men and women of the township. ~ In view of the fact that Archbishop Redwood will celebrate his 91st birthday on April 8 next, a large and beautiful birthday cake had been provided. On this were 91 lighted candles. In the course of another address the Archbishop said that he left Nelson as a young and inexperienced school boy, and at the age of 34 (in 1874), in the good providence of God, lie came back to New Zealand a bishop. At the convent garden party Archbishop Redwood told sonie interesting stories of his early experiences, .some of which had happened practically upon the spot on which he was standing. The great crisis of his life arrived at the moment when the sailing vessel Mountain Maid happened to call at Nelson. The chance suddenly came to go to Franco, there to continue studies impossible here at that early time. Would he go or would he not? That was the great question. He decided that he would go and only a very few days were available in which to arrange the necessary finances and other matters.