St. Joseph's School, Picton

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 16, 6 May 1925, Page 57

St. Joseph's School, Picton

OPENING OF THE NEW BUILDING: AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY.

The opening of St. Joseph's School, the fine new brick structure erected by the Catholics of Picton on their property in Wellington Street, took place on Sunday afternoon,* tho 19th inst. (states the Picton Press) in the presence of a large and representative gathering, including many visitors from Blenheim and other parts of the district. An appropriate service was held, in St." Joseph's Church, after which a procession, which included the school children and members of the congregation, was formed, and proceeded to the new school site, where his Grace Archbishop Redwood, who was assisted by the Very Rev. Dean Holley, performed the opening ceremony, which was impressive and inspiring. The procession was then re- * formed, and again proceeded to the church, where appropriate addresses were delivered by the Archbishop and Dean Holley. Archbishop Redwood said it afforded him very great pleasure to be in Picton to open the fine new school, as a new school was undoubtedly a great .asset— as great as that of a new church —and was destined to do good work. He was glad to see so many present, and expressed his gratitude to those who had that day so liberally contributed to the funds. A Catholic school, he said, stood for the preservation of Faith, honesty, morality, and good citizenship. ✓ It was sin that made the nations miserable; and their object was to educate their children to become good Catholics and good citizens. Good children would one day become good parents, and it was good to have a. Catholic schoola school with ; the spirit of Godin their midst. His Grace paid tribute to the noble example given by Catholic teachers, whose life-work,/ he said, was devoted to "the service of God.' An atmosphere of piety prevailed in- their schools. People should not reservo their religion for Sundays only, and- in Catholic schools the children were brought up in a, spirit of religion and true morality. They were determined to keep virtue in their midst, and there was no better citizen than a good Catholic, because he had a conscience , '— well' trained and well directed—and was a power in the State. In the .last war, proof '. of this was afforded by.-; the large percentage of Catholics who responded to the Empire's call to arms.; " Wherever they went, good; ; Catholic schools were to be ; found, and, al- - though they were/paid for by themselves, they were "right up to the mark," secularly,- - :

and also fulfilled all their requirements in regard to religion. In conclusion, he congratulated Dean Holley and others concerned on their good work, and prayed God to bless the school and the nuns," and that the children taught there would grow up to be a blessing to their parents all their lives. 'I v Dean Holley expressed his appreciation of the manner in which the people had assembled to take part in that day's ceremony, and thanked the capable and energetic architect, who was, he said, • the first 1 to -. bring his plans of a.model school to this part' of Marlborough, and had been assiduous in seeing that the plans and : specifications were complied with. He : also paid tribute to■•the contractors,-; for the Conscientious 'manner in which they had .carried out their work, in face of difficulties, and said the school"gave the utmost satisfaction to the Catholic people, who undoubtedly possessed the - best school, • though it was not the largest, in the district. The presence of so many nonCatholics should give them heart of grace, arid. serve as- an inspiration for further efforts. Dean Holley concluded iby heartily thanking all contributors, supporters, ,and well-wishers. y'-l The new building was inspected by a great number - of people during the proceedings, and the exterior and interior appearance, ,and the completeness of : its appointments, were the subject of much favorable comment. The call for subscriptions in aid of the building fund met; with a splendid response, over £IOO being donated during the- afternoon. .. ! '•■ ;:;••'.:/. •'.-'"..'. : .. ■■'' y -.; The. new building was built to plans'* and specifications prepared by Mr. McCoskerfof 'Wellington, by Messrs. A. : F.JBush and Son. It is constructed of brick, and its dimensions are 65ft by 35ft, divided into three classrooms, with shelter sheds below the "flooring, and a large • corridor) giving access to tho rooms. r These are splendidly lighted'by means of large windows, set in steel frames with patent gearing. The- interior walls are of -plaster; and the ceiling panelled. ' The sub-contract for the • brick-work -was carried .; out by Messrs. Ward, Tylor and Co., : and the painting was entrusted .to Mr. A. : Clinch. In all respects the building is one in which the Catholic \ community of Pictori has every reason to take pride,' and s it is undoubtedly a credit to all concerned in -it's construction. ;