Christchurch Cathedral Altar Society ANNUAL MEETING.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 44, 5 November 1924, Page 41

Christchurch Cathedral Altar Society ANNUAL MEETING.

The Christchurch Cathedral Altar Society held its annual general meeting at the Hibernian Hall on Wednesday evening, October 22. His Lordship Bishop Brodie presided, and there were present Rev. Fathers Joyce (chaplain), Lordan and Healey, as well as a large and. representative gathering of members and friends numbering about 160. The secretary (Miss M. McAloon) presented the annual report as follows: "Before proceeding with the report of the society it is desired to tender to your Lordship the sympathy of all members for the loss suffered by the death of your esteemed mother, and to the Rev. Father Lordan on the death of his father. During the year ending October 31 twelve meetings of your committee have been held. These meetings were held after devotions on the second Sunday of each month and were all well attended. The society's membership stands at seven honorary members and 160 ordinary members. The receipts from all sources are about £7 more than last year. The expenditure during the year has been heavy, the main item being the purchasing of 16 new red soutanes for the altar boys at a total cost of £35. Further expenditure is necessary to complete the set. It is felt that the society's funds could be considerably augmented by means of members' monthly subscriptions. For this purpose the assistance of new collectors is earnestly sought. The present collectors are doing admirable work in the interests of the society and our thanks are due to the members who so generously contnoute their monthly subscriptions which are the chief sources of revenue. A small number of ladies avail themselves of the privilege of being able to repair the vestments and altar linen. For this purpose they meet on alternate Tuesdays at the Bishop's House. Extra help in this work would be greatly appreciated. On the sole effort of Mr. Frank Geoghegan a magi) lucent new canopy has been donated. The society places on record its appreciation of the gift. The work of sacristan is also ably and conscientiously carried out by Mr. Geoghegan assisted by Mr. Tom Knight and their band of willing helpers. Mr. Horton's care of the sanctuary is worthy of praise. The Rev. Brother Marcellinas' influence and supervision over the altar boys is reflected in the splendid behaviour, appearance, and attendance of the boys on all occasions. Members of the Children of Mary have rendered valuable assistance in the arranging of flowers and decorating of the high altar and Sacred Heart chapel. Miss Kearney's work in the care of the side altars is worthy of special mention. Mrs. Quigley has again proved indispensable to the society with her beautiful crocheting. The appointment of Rev. Father Joyce as chaplain was confirmed at the beginning of the year, and it is felt that the society is most fortunate in the appointment. It is desired to place on record appreciation of the work performed by the Rev. Father Lordan, former chaplain. Masses have been offered every month during the year for living and deceased members, as well as for the following deceased members, whose names we record with deep regret —Mesdames Moyna, Turkington, and Fuller, Messrs. Bowden, Frank Griffen, Holloway, Kerivin, and Lyons. The receipts for the year totalled £133 7s 2d; expenditure, £ll6 10s 2d; leaving a credit balance of £l6 17s. After the report had been read the Rev. Chaplain addressed the gathering, complimenting the members on the work of the year and urging them to try and secure more members. His Lordship Bishop Brodie also addressed the meeting and spoke very feelingly of his appreciation of the work performed by the Altar Society, and he expressed his gratitude to members who so generously contributed yearly and monthly subscriptions, and to the Children of Mary for their care of the sanctuary. A very pleasing musical programme, arranged by Misses M. and K. O'Connor, was contributed to by the following: —Misses M. and K. O'Connor, Florrie Gardner, Evelyn Kearney, Messrs. Brittenden, Gregory, and McMenamin, after which supper was served by members of the committee.