NEW BISHOP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23181, 29 October 1938, Page 15

NEW BISHOP

I SEE OF WAIAPU RT. REV. G. V. GERARD SOLEMN CONSECRATION CEREMONY AT NAPIER [by telegraph—own correspondent] .NAPIER, Friday The seventh occupant of the See of Waiapu, the lit.-Rev. George Vincent Gerard, was consecrated Bishop of Waiapu this morning by the Primate of New Zealand, Archbishop Averill, in the presence of a large and distinguished gathering of the clergy and laity of New Zealand. The ceremony, which was in accordance with the ritual of the Church of England, took place in St. John's Church, Napier. The episcopal scarlet robes of New Zealand's Anglican churchmen and the multi-coloured hoods of tho clergy taking part, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of their surplices, created an impressive spectacle as the procession entered the . church. The choir, which was led into tha nave.by the crucifer, was followed by the diocesan secretary, Mr. R. E. H. Pilson, ana the chancellor, Mr. H. Holderness. Then followed the clergy, canons and archdeacons, visiting clergy, the verger, carrying the cross, and the Dean of Waiapu, the Very Rev. B. Brocklehurst.

The Bishop-elect, who was next, was. followed by the Bishops of the Province of New Zealand —the Rt. Rev. C. A.. Cherrington, Bishop of Waikato; the. Rt. Rev. H. Barbe Holland, Bishop, of Wellington; the Rt. Rev. W. CT». ( Hillyard, Bishop of Nelson; the Rt. Rev. C. W. West Watson, Bishop of Christchurch; the Rt. Rev; W. A. R< Fitchett, Bishop of Dunedin; the Rt*' Rev. F. A. Bennett, Bishop, of Aotea-. roa, and the Rt. Rev. Dr. T; H*.. Sprott, retired Bishop of Wellington* Impressive Sermon 1 The Archbishop began the office of! Holy Communion down to ing the Nicene Creed, foUowing which, the Bishop of Christchurch delivered, an impressive and stirring sermon: "We gather here to-day the con-, secratioh of a Bishop—the seventh. Bishop of the See of Waiapu,*name" full of historic and heroic associations, for all who love the history of our communion in New Zealand," said Bishop West Watson. "Bishop Gerard has shown himself an able ana devoted parish clergyman in large and difficult spheres of work. The fact that he is ft New Zealander born ' should commend him as one who understands from the inside the special problems and opportunities of the Church in New Zealand. The factHhat.he is a young man as bishops go gives hope and promise that he will face this new and changed world unhampered by prejudice in favour of the past. If the Church . is to meet the tremendous calls of th« present day we need the enthusiaspis and adventurous spirit. of youth." At the conclusion of the sermon came the presentation of the Bishop-, elect, the Archbishop being seated in a chair on the altar steps. The authority, for consecration was read by the chancellor, and then handed to the diocesan secretary. The Bishop-elect was led* forward and solemnly took the oath of allegiance to the Archbishop. Laying on of Hands One of the most impressive parts ot the ceremony was the litany led by the! Bishop of Aotearoa, while the Arch-, bishop and Bishop-elect knelt on the altar steps. After the singing of the hymn the examination of the Bishopelect followed, and then the new; Bishop, retired to the side chapel to don* his episcopal robes, returning to kneel at the altar steps. The congregation kneeling, "Veni Creator" was sung, the Bishops being gathered round the Archbishop. At the conclusion of the hymn came the solemn ceremony of the laying .on of hands, the Archbishop and all the Bishops present placing their hands on the head of the kneeling Bishop of Waiapu, while the Archbishop intoned the blessing. The presentation of tha , Bible and pastoral staff was then made, the pectoral cross and episcopal ring being placed in position. After the singing of the hymn "Thou Who Sentest Thine Apostles," the prayer for the Church Militant was offered by "the Archbishop. The celebration of Holy Communion was resumed, the communicants being the Bishops of the Province and the ftimily and near friends of the Bishop of Waiapu. The pronouncement of the Benediction by the Archbishop brought the ceremony to a close.