Masterton

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3, 21 January 1909, Page 93

Masterton

' (From Our Own Correspondent.)

On Sunday, January 10, the new chapel erected in connection with St. Bride's Convent was dedicated "by h ; s Grace the Archbishop of Wellington. His Grace celebrated High Mass at 8 o'clock, in the presence of a large congregation, the music— the Mass of Cecilia in B flat— being rendered in a very creditable manner by a special choir of the advanced pupils of the convent. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon there was a very large assemblage of visitors, when the unveiling of the Commemorative tablet in the building took place. Among the clergy present were the Yen. Archdeacon Devoy, Very Rev. Father Clune, C.SS.R., Very Rev. Dean McKenna, .Rev. Father T." McKenna (Pahiatua), Rev. Father Bowe (Car-terton), Rev. Father Kelly, and Rev. Father Delach (Otaki). His Grace the Archbishop, in the course of his address, said he was extremely gratified at the— large gathering present at the ceremony, as it showed the appreciation of the people at the work accomplished by the Sisters of St. Brigid. The chapel about to be opened was erected by the Sisters for their own use and for 'the use of the children who were educated in the convent. To the Sisters it would be a great boon, as their life — as was well known — was devoted greatly to prayer. Work and prayer constituted the life of the devoted Sisters, and when a chapel such as that attached to St. Bride's Convent was erected for their use it was a great factor of inspiration and devotion, and also a great source of consolation. Tho splendid chapel reflected the utmost credit -on the Sisters, the architect, the builder, and all connected with it, and it was worthy not only of Masterton, but of the Dominion. It was a tribute to the power of Christianity in New Zealand, the power which made for a higher civilisation. His Grace expressed pleasure at seeing the Hon. A. W. Hogg present, and congratulated that gentleman on his recent advancement to Ministerial office. The stone was then unveiled, the Archbishop formally declaring the chapel open, stating that the event would be a 'memorable one in the annals of the convent. The Very Rev. Dean McKenna said that but for the function taking place on a Sunday many other clergy wo\ild have attended, but some very handsome donations from clergy in all part 3 had been received. Referring to tho progress of the convent, the speaker said it was only eleven years ago that the site of the present beautiful grounds was a vastly different place. The Sisters had come to occupy a building which was then regarded as a very large place, whereas now that building was only a part of the convent. The fine chapel now being opened was the latest and most beautiful addition. Towards its realisation generous support was forthcoming, and _the speaker read a list of donations totalling about £150, including numerous contributions from the ranks of the clergy and Sisters themselves. The Dean stated that as far as the general character of the building went it was a monument to the taste, skill, and good workmanship of the contractors, and he felt he could not say too much in their praise. The Hon. A. W. Hogg complimented the Sisters on the good influence they were exercising not only with the young people of their own denomination, but also of the others. The convent was really not a sectarian institution at all, but in- many respects secular, and it was a place where young girls finished off their edxication, and were~~taught accomplishments which fitted them for the multifarious positions in the ladies' circle both in the home and the social spheres. The moral' and religious education, which was a leading feature of ' the convent's work, was one of its chief attractions, to the speaker's mind, and it was for this "reason that he had always manifested great interest in the progress of the institution. This terminated the unveiling ceremony, and the pubwere then invited to inspect the chapel inside and out, and an hour was spent by the Sisters in escorting the large gathering of people through the beautiful house

of worship. The memorial stone bears the following inscription : ' This chapel was erected by the community of St. Bride's Convent, Masterton. .Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in thanksgiving for many favors, an 3 opened by Most Rev. Dr. Redwood, S.M., Archbishop of Wellington, January 10th, 1909. — John L. Swan, architect; Taylor and Hodges, builders.' The material used in the erection of the chapel is brick, and the total cost is over £1200. Afternoon tea was dispensed on the grounds to the visitors by the Sisters of the Convent, who were assisted by pupils and others. The ceremonies concluded with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The chapel was crowded to the doors, many being unable to gain admission. The Very Rev. Father Chine preached an impressive sermon on ' Faith.' The Archbishop officiated at Benediction, the Rev. Father T. McKenna being deacon, Rev. Father Bowe subdeacon, Very Rev. Dean McKenna master of ceremonies.