DEDICATION OF NELSON CATHEDRAL.

Waiapu Church Gazette, 1 February 1933, Page 3

DEDICATION OF NELSON CATHEDRAL.

BY PRIMATE OF NEW ZEALAND. DISTINGUISHED ASSEMBLAGE ON HISTORIC OCCASION. The dedication of the new Cathedral and the official opening of the building on Saturday, December 3rd, will be recorded as a memorable occasion m the history of the Church of England m New Zealand, of Nelson City, and the Diocese. It was a most impressive ceremony, performed m the presence of a most distinguished assemblage of the clergy and public, including Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Bledisloe, His Grace the Archbishop of New Zealand, the Bishops of Christchurch, Aotearoa, and Nelson, visitors from all parts of the Dominion, members of the Nelson Diocesan Synod, and representatives of local bodies and institutions. The Cathedral was filled early by a large congregation, and the impressive and inspiring proceedings were marked by great dignity. The robed choir and clergy assembled at Marsden Church House, m Nile Street, and proceeded to the Cathedral, where they were joined at the main entrance by Church dignitaries, to form a spectacular procession, which proceeded to their respective positions m the church. The Clergy were led by the Rev. H. J. Rayiner, followed by the Revs. B. O. Plumb, W. A. Beaumont, H. O. Brickland, G. Barker, S. Corney, F. J. Daynes, A. T. Milgrew, L. J. M. MacKay, W. W. Bedwell, W. Edgard, L. K. Collins, L. Ives, E. B. Moore, D. S. Evans, G. Widdup, C. P. Saunders, W. Wollstein and H. York. Then came Canons G. A. Crossman, A. J. Carr, and F. Quintrell, Archdeacons G. W. York, J. R. Dart, T. J. Smith, O. J. Kimberley, and J. A. Jermyn. Cathedral dignitaries preceded the

sub-Dean and Dean (the Very Rev. C. F. Askew), who was followed by the Bishop of Aotearoa, the Right Rev. Frederick Augustus Bennett, L.Th., with him the Rev. Donald Haultain (Vicar of All Saints), the Bishop of Chris tchurch, the Right Rev. Campbell West- Watson, D.D., with him the Rev. Nelson Wright; the Registrar (Mr. J. Williams), the Advocate (Mr. G. Samuel), the Chancellor (Mr T, E. Maunsell), the Rev. J. G. S. Bartlett, and the Bishop of Nelson, the Right Rev. William Charles; iSadlier, D.D. Then came the Rev. G. H. Schurr, Rev. A. T. B. Page, Canon Strong, and His Grace the Archbishop of New Zealand, the Most Rev. Alfred Walter Averill, D.D. . At the main entrance the Bishop of Nelson pronounced: "Most Reverend Father m God, on behalf of the people of this Diocese and Parish, we request you to dedicate this Cathedral to the honour and glory of God." The Archbishop, having declared his readiness, then proceeded to the Dedication, passing with the clergy, churchwardens and others towards the Holy Table. Psalm cxxii was sung as the procession proceeded up . the church aisle. The Archbishop, standing at the Holy Table, and turning towards the people, said: "Dearly beloved, we know that from ancient times, devout men have desired to build and set apart houses of prayer for the public worship of God, m order that the people may gather, as one family, m reverence and humility to honour His Name and to seek His grace. Such pious works our heavenly Father hath ever accepted and prospered with His blessing. Let us therefore not doubt that He will approve our purpose m dedicating this building to His honour, m the faith of Jesus Christ, and let us pray that He will grant His blessing upon this our undertaking. The Archbishop then proceeded with the Prayers for the Dedication, which were printed m full m the Order of Service, and then, standing before the Holy Table, dedicated the Cathedral, saying: "In the faith of Jesus Christ we dedicate this Cathedral under the name of Christ Church to the Glory of the ever blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Amen."

The National Anthem and the hymn "We Love the Place, O God," were sung by the congregation, and the Very Reverend the Dean of Nelson (the Very Rev. C. F. Askew) conducted Matins. Following the singing of Psalm lxxxiv., His Excellency the

Governor-General read the First Lesson from the first Book of Kings, chapter 8, verses 22 to 30. The Second Lesson, from Hebrews, chapter 10, verses 19 to 25, was also read by His Excellency. ' The sermon was preached by the

Right Rev. Bishop of Nelson from the text "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy and for Thy truth's, sake" (Psalm 115, 1), and was a history of the Church of England on the Cathedral site.