ST J HN THE BAPTIST'S, PARNELL, AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 10, 6 July 1894, Page 19

ST J HN THE BAPTIST'S, PARNELL, AUCKLAND.

(From an occasional Correspondent.)

On St Jjhn'a Day (June 2i.h) the devotions in this church were of a special character. In the morning Father Linihan preached the panegyric of the Siint, and in the evening, the Bishop's secretary, Rev Father Purton 0.8.8. preached, taking for his text " I have compassion on the multitude." During the day a meeting of the piriahoners wa9 held to consider the necessity of increased accommodation. It was proposed aod seconded that the church be enlarged. An amendment, that we migrate to the hall uutil such time as funds were in hand to build a new church, was carried. The old church has done duty for thirty years, and the parishioners are endeared to it, and many do not like to hear of its ceasing to be their resort of prayer, but it is in need of repair, and as it is altogether too small for the wants of the parish, a new church is absolutely necessary. Great enthusiasm prevailed at the meeting, and all have expressed their willingness to help in this good work.

In recognition of his services while manager of St Mary's orphanage, the Bishop has address ;d to Father Lenihan the following letter : —

" Bishop's House, Poas )oby, Jane 23, 1894.— My dear Father Leni han, — To-morrow being your parochial feaat-day, it seems a suitable occasion, whilat making you, in my position as trua cc, s)m« little recognition for your honorary services as manager of St Mary 'a

Orphanage for the last seven years, to express in writing the senti-

mentß I have frequently expressed by word of mouth, Damely, my great apprectatioa of the ability and eurnesiness with which you have cared for the interests of the " little one?," and administered tbe finances of the institution. T>u know how I regretted, and still regret, your continued request to be relieved of the charge, but I realise the reasoaableness of your wish, aad cia accept your resignation only with feelings of sincere acknowledgement of year most valuable services, and the assured hope that you will reap abundant reward hereafter from Him who has siid, ' Quod uni ex his minlmis fecistis mihi fecistis.' With best wishes and blessing, I remain, youra very sincerely in Jesus Christ, — -f- J. B. Luck, 0.5.8., Bishop of Auckland."

His Lordship tha Bishop has piesented Father Lenihan with a gold watch, on the b*ck of which is engraved, " What you have done to one of My little oaes, you have <ion^ to Me." To the Rev George M. Lenihan, late hoa managpr, St Mary's Orphanage, Poosonby, Auckland, N Z, 1894.