"FRIENDS OF THE CATHEDRAL."

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 25, Issue 11, 1 November 1935, Page 4

"FRIENDS OF THE CATHEDRAL."

We reproduce on our cover the picture of the Cathedral of Napier, which, was totally destroyed by the earthquake of February, 1931. A wooden: Church now occupies the site of the former building, and Synod, recognising that it could not be allowed to remain m the City area indefinitely,, adopted the report of a Commission on the Cathedral rebuilding, which provides for the Dean to visit England to raise funds for that purpose. It will, be remembered that the Dean was: conducting a service m the Cathedral when the disaster occurred, and was: seriously hurt. He is therefore the proper ambassador to send on such an important mission. The Dean will be followed by the prayers and good" wishes of all who loved the old Cathedral, and who now desire to seeit worthily replaced. A further decision of Synod was to approve the organisation of a:

"Friends of the Cathedral" movement. The fee for qualification as a Friend is five shillings, subscribed annually, and the sponsor of the movement, the Rev. N. F. Benham, rightly contended that this would give the people here an opportunity to assist m the work. We understand that contributions will be received, and members — or "Friends" — enrolled by the Diocesan Secretary, Mr. R. E. H. Pilson. The Bishop announced m Synod that someone had started the movement with a gift of £5 55., and the Dean had also received a promise of £2 per annum for five years. This is an excellent start, and if the possibilities of this scheme are fully exploited, there is no reason why we should not see the new and even more glorious Cathedral erected and consecrated within the next five years.