Cathedral Altar Society, Christchurch

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XLVIII, Issue 45, 15 November 1923, Page 26

Cathedral Altar Society, Christchurch

The Cathedral Altar Society, - Christchurch, held its annual general meeting at the Hibernian Hall, on Tuesday evening, the 30th ult., Rev. Father Lordan (chaplain) presiding in the unavoidable absence of his Lordship Bishop Brodie. There were also present Rev. Fathers Gallagher (Akaroa) and Joyce, and a large and representative gathering of members and friends. A vote of condolence with his Lordship the Bishop, in the loss he has sustained in the death of his sister (Miss Brodie), was carried in respectful silence. The chairman cordially welcomed Rev. Father Gallagher (former chaplain to the society), whose presence that evening (he said) showed that he still retained a keen interest in the society’s welfare. The secretary (Miss M. McAloon) then presented the annual report, of which the following is a summary: —Twelve meetings of the committee were held during the year ending October 31. These meet- * ings "’ere held after evening devotions on each second Sunday of the month, and all well attended. The membership of the society consists of six honorary and 150 ordinary members. The receipts from all sources were less by about £2O as compared with the previous year. The expenditure during the year has been heavy, the main items being the renovation of the confessionals and the purchase of chasuble and dalmatics. Further expenditure is neces- . sary in the purchase of cassocks for the altar boys. It is felt the funds could be considerably augumented by means of members monthly subscriptions. For this purpose the assistance of members as collectors is earnestly sought. The present collectors are doing admirable work in the interests of the society. A few ladies avail themselves of the'privilege of being able to repair the vestments and altar linen and, for this purpose, meet on alternate Tuesdays at the Bishop House. New helpers in this work 11 be cordially welcomedr<The services of the- sacristan (Mr. Frank Geohogan) and his assistant (Mr. T. Knight) are fittingly recognised, and special praise to Mr. Horton for his care of the, sanctuary, is recorded. Reference is made to Rev. Brother Phelan’s influence and supervision over the altar boys, which is reflected in their splendid behaviour, appearance, and attendance. ' Members of the Children of Mary Sodality have rendered valuable assistance, and their tasteful decoration and arranging of the high altar and some of the side altars reflect much credit on their*'skill and devotion. Miss Kearney’s work in this connection is most praiseworthy, and the society’s appreciation of the work of Mrs. Quigley, who has contributed many yards of crochet for new surplices, is expressed. Rev. Father Gallagher was transferred to Akaroa at the beginning of the year as parish priest, and the society places on record its keen appreciation of his untiring efforts on its behalf. The present satisfactory position of the society is largely due to Father Gallagher’s zealous support. Father Lordon, the new chaplain, was heartily welcomed, and it is felt that the society is most fortunate in his appointment. The society lost, by the departure of Miss Conder to Sydney, a very capable and conscientious secretary, and the members extend their best wishes for her success. Masses have been offered every quarter during the year for living and deceased members. With regret, the death is recorded of Mrs. Florence Jacques, an old member. The receipts for the year totalled £126 7s 9d, and the expenditure £lO6 2s 3d; leaving a credit balance of £2O 5s 6d. In moving the adoption of the report, the Chaplain (Father Lordon) complimented the members on the work of the year, and referred to the necessity of having more collectors of monthly subscriptions and helpers in the sewing. Father Gallagher also addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation of the Altar Society, and making special mention of the Children of Mary and their care of the sanctuary. A short but pleasing musical programme, arranged by Misses M. and. K. O’Connor, was rendered, after which supper was served by the members of the committee. W- ; God leads us by strange ways. We know He wills . our happiness; but we neither know what our happiness is nor the way. Left ourselves, we should take the wrong way; we must leave it to Him. . ' ; ’