Conclusion of Celebrations
Over 120 people attended the jubilee banquet held in the Ambassador’s Tea Rooms, Queenstown, on Tuesday night, April 13. It was indeed a fitting conclusion to the celebrations.
The first toast of the banquet, “ The Occasion,” was given by Father P. O’Neill. “ We are all affected by the past,” he said, “ and that is why people like to
In support of Che toast, Mr Lynch said: “As one of the old brigade I can say that those people were people of vision; of ambition—workers, men and women fired with love such as would build on solid foundations. “ Speaking from personal experience I can truly say those men who hewed the rock, dressed and carted the stone, did so for no less motive than love of God.
gather when periods are short. There are many people here to-day who were
present at the start of the church, aqd it is for these people that praise should be given for the building of the church.”
He said that it was through the generosity of the people who contributed labour as well as finance, that such a
With such spirit how could the men
be anything but bright and happy—the work was a joy.
beautiful building had been erected. It
“To those who are gone I too pay tribute. An now, as St. John was the last of the apostles,’ I can humbly say I am the last of that old brigade.”
was an ornament to the town and a monument to those who built it.
When the centenary came along there would be many people looking back and wanting to know of the golden jubilee, he said. He congratulated all who had helped to make it a success. Although it would not perhaps be recorded as history of the district, it was a milestone in the progress of Catholicity, and it would be remembered.
The jubilee cake was then cut by Father Hanrahan and distributed
amongst those present.' Telegrams and letters were read from those who were unable to attend. ..
Other toasts were: “ Hierarchy and Clergy” (Mr D. H. Walker; reply, Rer. Father Fenton); “The Town and District ” (Mr T. L. Hanrahan; reply, Dr W. A. Anderson, Mayor of Queenstown and Mr T. L. McLean, deputy chairman Lake County Council) ; “The Pi •ess ” (Mr T. Donaldson; reply, Messrs W. D. Warren, E. R. Hopwood, and R. McGowan). , .
He referred to the sterling character of Father John Francis O’Donnell. He had considered that nothing shabby would do. He had considered that they should build a church worthy of Queenstown and it’s beautiful surroundings.
He concluded by saying that the staunchness of the people would stand against the present state of the world. The reply was given by Rev. Father W. Hanrahan, supported by Mr L. G. Lynch.
. Father- Hanrahan said: “We are justly proud of our church. We glory in that beautiful little building on top of the hill. It is a gem.” He paid tribute to Father O’Donnell and said .that now, after some 40 to 50 years, his sermons were dtill remembered. He thanked the sisters for their work over the years and said that to them was due much of the success the parish- had achieved.
F. Gavin.
“The Lady Workers” (Rev. Father C. E. Ardagh; reply, Mr A. Mcßride). “ The Chair ” (Mr R. Inder; reply, Rev. Father W. Hanrahan). Solos were given by Miss F. Cosgrove, Mrs F. Y. Byrne, Mr J. McDonald, Mr E. R. Hopwood, and Miss L. McDonald. Recitations were given by Miss M. Gavin. The Jubilee Committee comprised Messrs R. Inder (president)', Jv Taylor (secretary), H. D. Walker, T. J. Donald* son, T-. -L. Hanrahan,' L. G. Lynch' and”
VISITORS
The following are among visitors who came to Queenstown for the jubilee celebrations of St. J oseph’s Church:—Right Rev, H. J. O’Neill, Bishop of Dunedin; other Fathers C. Ardagh, J. Gavin (Dunedin), Fitzgibbon (Riverton), J. K. Lynch (West Coast), Summers (Wellington), P. O’Neill (Winton), A. Gavin, Cahill, £ T. .Martin’ (Invercar-. gill), Fenton MeCaughan, MfS A. McCaughan, Mrs 1 Reg. Bell (Kingston), Misses Parry and P. Mays (Sydney), Mr and Mrs F. J: Byrne, Mt JBpsa.. Bennett (Dunedin’),'Mr and* *ifrs F/ J. Lynch, Mr J. Ferry (Invercargill), Mr G. Moody, Mrs W. Warring (Wellington), Mrs
i Phelan (Macraes Flat), Mrs W. Beech
(Christchurch),,, Mr JV MeChesney (Lowther), Mrs J. W. O’Brien (Otautau), Mrs J. McCartney (Timaru), Mrs D. Hamilton (Dunedin), Mrs Ives (Port Chalmers) and Miss L. McDonald (Timaru). Sports on Tuesday A successful sports and picnic gathering was held at the school grounds on Tuesday afternoon. Many parents „and..friends attended and children partook in sport and games. Soft drinks '•’etc'., were provided.
In replying to the toast “ The. t Press,”. |Mr f E R. • Hopwood paid high tribhto to the work of the nuns. It was through; their untiring work, he said that the district was able to benefit from their v -tuition ifi:nmsc amd ringing: / 8 v %?■ -4 i
“ They like demons,” said the retired colonel, excitedly. “ I never saw anything;:-to touch it. - The way they .charged positively, staggered me.” Whom- does he mhanT” whispered the* man. who" had just come in to his neighbour. “Is he talking: about one of his dli battles?”
“No,” replied the otherj “he’s talkingr.nbout ' the: 'holiday he: spent in Paris.” .
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Lake County Mail, Issue 46, 21 April 1948, Page 1
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885Conclusion of Celebrations Lake County Mail, Issue 46, 21 April 1948, Page 1
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