CONSECRATION OP THE BISHOP OF MELANESIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2103, 14 June 1894, Page 35

CONSECRATION OP THE BISHOP OF MELANESIA.

Auckland, June 11. The consecration of the B,ev. Cecil Wilson as the new Bishop of Melanesia took place at St. Mary's Pro-cathedral, Parnell, this forenoon. The church. was crowded. His Excellency Lord Glasgow, accompanied by Major Elliott, Captain Stewart, and the ladies from Government House were early in attendance and were seated near the front. As was fitting under the circumstances, a number of natives from the South Sea Islands wero accommodated with septs in a prominent place in order that they might witness the consecration of their new bishop. A combined choir of over 80 singers attended, and the musical part of the ceremony was effectively rendered. The procession wa» composed of 24 clergy (including seven Maori and two Melanesian ministers), 18 synodsmen, 8 lay readers, 18 choristers, and 22 men. The Rev. Cecil Wilson, Bishop-elect of Melanesia, walked immediately before Bishops Julius, Mule?, and Nevill ; the acting-primate the Most -Rev. Dr Cowie (Bishop of Auckland) walking last, being preceded by the Rev. Wiki Te Pae, who carried the episcopal staff. The Ray. P. Walsh, as bishop's chaplain, received the clergy at the entrance to the chancel. Bishop Mules, of Nelson, then prescribed tho epistle commencing : «• This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of bishop he desires a good one." Bishop Nevill, of Dunedin, then read the Gospel of St. Matthew xxviii, 18. The creed was then recited, after which the primate's chaplain led Bishop Julius to tho preaching desk. Bishop Julius took his text from the Gospsl of St. John xv, 16 : "Ye have not chosen Me but I havo chosen you, and ordained yon, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain." The preacher said this was a day of gladness in the church of New Zealand. Their prayers had been answered. Gad had sent a man for His own work in the islands. The anthem, "How lovely are the messengers," was sung whilst the bishop-elect retired, accompanied by the Rev. Mr Britton, to assume his rochet. Upon returning to the steps the bishop-elect was met by Bishops Julius and Nevill, by whom he was led to the acting-primato and duly presented. Mr Edwin Hesketh (chancellor of the diocese) then read the authority for the consecration of the bishop, after which the church advocate (P. Brookfield) administered the oath of obsdience, and the Litany was then intoned by the Rev. G. Mac Murray, incumbent of Sb. Mary's. The' hymn " Tell it out among the heathen," was next sung, after which the aoting-primato administered questions which the candidate duly answered. While the hymn " Como Holy Ghost our hearts inspire" was being tung, the bishop-elect retired and assumed the rest of tho Episcopal habit. Tho actingprimate then performed the impressive ceremony of tho laying on of hands. The Rev. Mr M'Murray then prayed, and the "Veni Creator" was sung. An offering was gathered on behalf of the Melanesian mission of over £60, after which the Communion was celebrated, which terminated a most impressive ceremony. Ths Rev. Cecil Wilson, bishop of Melanesia,, holds the M.A. degree. Like the late Bishop Hill, he is an athlete, bciug well-known at Home both a 9 a footballer and cricketer. Hia physique marks him as a fit man for mission, work. Being but 33 years of ago he has the full vigour of the late Bishop Selwyn. A conversazione was held in the Choral Hall in. the evening, and was largely attended.