The Foundation Stone

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 18, 30 April 1903, Page 3

The Foundation Stone

of the building was laid on Trinity Sunday, May 28, 1893, by the late Right Rev. Dr. Moran, Bishop of Dunedin. The ceremonies began with the celebration of High Mass, Very Rev. Father Mackay being celebrant, Rev, Father O'Leary deacon. Rev. Father O'Neill subdeacon,'Rev. Father O'Donnell master of ceremonies, and Rev, Father McMullan assistant priest at the throne. In the unavoidable absence of the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes, Bishop of Christchurch, the occasional sermon was preached by the Rev. Father Lynch, of Dunedin. The ceremony of blessing and laying the foundation-stone was performed in the presence of a very large gathering of people, fully 4000 being present. At the conclusion of the ceremony a collection was taken up, when the sum of £500 was received, the late Bishop contributing £120, and Father Mackay £100 of this amount. The occasion was taken advantage of for presenting Father Mackay, who had then attained his silver sacerdotal jubilee, with an illuminated address and a purse of sovereigns.

The blessing and opening of the portion of the basilica then completed took place on Sunday, November 18, 1894, the ceremony being performed by his Lordship Bishop Grimes, who celebrated Pontifical High Mass. The occasional sermon was preached by the Rev. Father Hilary, C.P., of Sydney. The offerings for the day amounted to £360.