Centenary of Wakefield Catholic Church

Several generations of Catholics living in the Wakefield area were represented at the centennial celebrations of St. Joseph's Church, Wakefield, erected when all that area was part of the greater. St. Mary's parish, Nelson, and under the hand of Nelson's first priest, Father A. M. Garin, has a lovely rural setting and has changed little from when it was erected in 1869 and opened on May 7, 1870. The main changes have been the removal of a campanile and spire in 1967. The interior, however, has changed little, although renovations have been carried out. The celebrations commenced with a Mass at the church on the afternoon of Saturday, May 9. This was held in torrential rain, as was the afternoon tea at Brightwater later in the day. The celebrations were attended by the Catholic Metropolitan of New Zealand, Cardinal McKeefry. The celebrations concluded on the Sunday with a thanksgiving mass and official lunch and benediction.

Brother Gerard, Sister Antonita and Father Gaffey caught by the camera at the afternoon tea

Sheltering from the rain before Mass

These photographs were taken during the afternoon tea on the Saturday. Among the clerics present were (Top) Fathers Kinsella, Hoult, McNeill (parish priest), the Cardinal, Fathers Kavanagh, Cahill, Madden, Maher, Gaffey and Brother Gerard. Above - Thora and Alan Morrison with Father Cahill.