St. Hilda.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume IX, Issue 24, 2 June 1919, Page 190

St. Hilda.

The name of St. Hilda having been given to the Home for Girls iri this diocese we will givfe a short account of her life. \ Edwiri, King of Northumbria, having been converted by Paulinus of York had a wooden chapel erected at York; here he, his nobles arid famijy (including his grand niece Hilda) , and many of his subjects were" baptized by Paulinus on Easter' Eve, April 11th, 627. On this spot he afterwards built York Minster. Hereric, Hilda's father and Edwin's nephew, had been poisoned, by the Britons of Loidis (Leeds) . Hilda was 13 years old when she was baptized. In 648 she retired to a cell on the Wear. Next year she succeeded the Abbess Heiu at . Hartlepool. Here she was assisted by the friendship &nd advice of St. Aidan and other "learned men" arid gained an experience and knowledge which served her well m after years. King Oswy, m performance of a vow, committed to her charge at Hartlepool his infant daughter Elfled. In 657 Hilda founded at Streanae Shalch (Whitby) a monastery and nunnery destined to become the most famous m Britain. From it went out later many daughter communities on the double foundation all ruled by abbesses. Within its walls were trained a large number of ordinands, five of whom afterwards became bishops. From it came also Caedmon, the father of English poetry. In it was held the most famous conference m the history of the English Church. Hilda was a noble woman, strong and wise, truehearted and firm of purpose, with warm aTffeciions and clear discernment, using her gr£at capacities for rule 1 * and guidance m the true spirit of a 'Mother m Israel,' making her monks give so much time to the study of scripture, and. so much heed to the practice of good works. In 674 she had an attack of fever and from that time' onward her great and noble work was carried on cheerfully and vigorously m spite of constantly recurring attacks of disease until she died on November 17th, .680.