HASTINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1211, 17 May 1895, Page 20

HASTINGS.

Hastings, May 11. The Archbishop of Wellington, accompanied by Dr Grimes, Bishop of Christchurch, arrived by express this evening, and •were met at the station by the local Catholic clergy and a number of friends. At 7.30 they were waited on at the new church, where the following addresses were presented : >’■ To the Most Rev Francis Redwood, D.D., Archbishop of Wellington. Your Grace, — It is with feelings of joy and gratitude to Almighty God that we are gathered this evening to bid you a hearty welcome to Hastings, on the occasion of the completion of our new church, which you are now about to bless and dedicate, and to inaugurate tomorrow by the celebration of the divine mysteries within its walls. It is but a few short months since Your Grace laid the foundation stone of the church, and we 'are sure it will be a great source of satisfaction to yourself, as it is to us, to Avitness it successful completion, and to be amongst us again to-day, though at much inconvenience to yourself, to open it. We are conscious of the sacrifice Your Grace must be making to be with us to-day, and though we know it is a labour of love with you, we are not the less grateful. We wish to record our appreciation of the energy and zeal of our reverend pastor in bringing the work to a successful issue. He has had to bear the brunt of the labour and responsibility, and we share in the joy he feels to-day. Offering Your Grace our respectful and most hearty welcome, and begging your blessing for our pastor, our families and ourselves, Ave are, Your Grace’s faithful children, — The Catholics of the parish of Hastings, per I. 11. Loughnan, A. J. Mitchell, J."p. Elwood, G. E. Lee. To the Right Rev Dr Grimes,. Bishop of

Christchurch. My Lord, —The Catholics of Hastings cannot worthily express their gratefulness to you for the kindly interest -frhich.. y'oU have always taken iti tiie affairs! of tJieiir parish khd distfi’ct. Tears ago you graced .vitli your j presence the opening of our school, which has since its existence been a success and a means of true education for our children. Your presence to-day on the occasion of the benediction of our new church is evidence that Your Lordship is still desirous to assist in the work of the church in our district, and when we consider the various calls which you have upon your time in relation to the affairs of your own diocese, we are doubly thankful for your graciousness 'n coming to assist us. We pray that Almighty God may reward you by giving you length of years and happiness in this life and in the world to come. We beg to subscribe ourselves, on behalf of the congregation, your most obedient servants, J. P. Elwood, I. H. Loughnan, A. J. Mitchell, G. E. Lee. An address of welcome was also presented to Archbishop Redwood, by St. Joseph’s branch No. 272 of the Hibernian Society. It had the following signatures : Patrick MacMahon, past president; James Barry, president ; Patrick Waggin, vice-president; Daniel White, treasurer; Sebastion George Popplewell, secretary. - The church grounds were illuminated with Chinese lanterns, and the band performed selections of music. The Rev Father Smyth, the local priest, is being congratulated on all sides on the beauty and finish of the new edifice. Hastings, May 12. The new Catholic Church was opened today under exceptionally favourable circumstances. The choir and orchestra, reinforced by Napier performers and the presence of Miss Rose Blaney, numbered 35, and a large number of visitors from Napier and surrounding districts swelled the congregation, which filled the building. Haydn's Third Mass was chosen, and Bishop Grimes celebrated Pontifical High Mass. Archbishop Redwood preached, pointing out that men owed everything to God, whose they were by right of creation and proprietorship. In the course of his sermon, Dr Redwood said that the building of this house of prayer in Hastings illustrated the zeal of the parish priest and the fidelity of the congregation, and he thanked all for their attendance and assistance. The choristers and instrumentalists were sumptuously entertained by the committee of the church. In the evening solemn vespers were sung by the Archbishop, Bishop Grimes preaching.