Waipawa

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 39, 24 September 1903, Page 5

Waipawa

(From an occasional correspondent.) On Sunday, September 13, the pipe organ, which was lately erected in St. Patrick's Church, was formally opened, a crowded congregation being present. The 11 o'clock Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Johnston, and a full choir and orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr. James Cosgrove, rendered Mozart's Twelfth Mass. Mr. Spackman, of Napier, presided at the organ, which proved to be a very sweet-toned instrument. As an offertory piece, the organist gave Westbrook's ' Festival March,' and the retiring voluntary was ' Scipio March ' (Handel) which was played with full orchestral accompaniment. The large congregation present at Vespers taxed the sitting accommodation of the church to its fullest extent. During Vespers the ' Laudate ' (Zingarelli) and the ' Magnificat ' (Denby) were rendered in a highly-efficient manner. Mr. Spackman gave a short organ recital, and chose as his subjects—' Cujus Animam ' (Rossini), ' Commemoration March ' (S. Clark), ' Largo Cantabile ' (Haydn), l Fanfare ' (Lemmers). Miss Lansley sang Mascagni's ' Aye Maria,' and Mr. Bloore 'He wipes a tear.' Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament then followed. During the services the Rev. Father Johnston addressed a few remarks to the N congregation, in the course of which he said that the organ was not only an ornament to the church, but was also a credit to the town. He thanked Mr. Hobday, who had erected the organ, and said it was a pleasure to have dealings with such a gentleman, who not only fulfilled so well his contract, but even voluntarily went beyond it. Referring to the organist, Mr. Spackman, he said that under the skilful touch of that gentleman the organ was heard at its best, and that those who had the pleasure of listening to the instrument must recognise the fact that Mr. Spackman was a master of it. The Rev. Father Johnston concluded his remarks by complimenting the choir upon the successful manner in which they had acquitted themselves during the day. Some short time ago a Dramatic Minstrel Club was formed in connection with the church. The officers are :

M«ll»i^^^Nftfr«g^ , |», , , ; , President, Rev. Father Johnston ; hon sec, Mr. R. Noake ; musical director, Mr. James Cosgrove. The object of the Club is to give performances in aid of church affairs. A large and enthusiastic audience was present in the Oddfellows' Hall on August 19 to witness the initial performance of the Club. The first part of the programme consisted of vocal items, jokes, and local hits, and was well received. The second consisted of a comedietta, ' Ici on parle Francais.' The performers were all good in their several parts, and the playing of the piece gave evidence that the characters were happily cast. The programme was repeated at Waipukurau on September 2, and will be presented at Hampden on September 30. The art union in aid of the organ fund will be drawn on October 7, and Key. Father Johnston hopes that the result will do much towards lessening the liability on the investment. The new church at Waipukurau is fast approaching completion, and will be ready for opening in, a few months. This will prove a great boon to the Catholics of Waipukurau, as at present the Holy Sacrifice is offered in the Town Hall. Takapau Church is now in possession of an American organ, and this does much towards enhancing the solemnity of the services. Since Father Johnston's arrival here, the interior of the presbytery has been renovated, and now a balcony is being added to the building. This addition was greatly needed, and, when completed, will improve the general look of the presbytery. The Catholics of the parish have reason to be proud of the work that has been done in their midst through their generosity, and the untiring zeal and diligent work of the parish priest.