At 11 a.m. the procession, headed by his Lordship Bishop Verdon and attendant clergy in full canonicals, marched round the building consecrating the walls. When the doors were opened the building was soon filled.
After the preliminary service the Bishop preached a most eloquent sermon on the gospel of the day. "Faith overcometh the world." and alluded to the fact that this beautiful edifice was dedicated to the Irish martyrs who had so plentifully shed their blood for their faith.
He exhorted the congregation to remain true and steadfast to their faith.
He eulogised the spirit of the local congregation and others in and outside the diocese who had so generously contributed towards the erection of the splendid edifice; also Father Hunt, the local parish priest, who had laboured so hard for the same object, and exhorted them, though they had done so much to make another effort and clear the church of any outstanding debt on it.
This appeal was not made in vain, for the collection taken up in the church, and contributions from others in and out of the diocese, reached the handsome sum of 460.
At the celebration of mass his Lordship the Bishop officiated and the choral service was supplied by a choir of 16, which had been well trained by Mr George Neill.
The soloists were: Soprano, Misses Scoles, Sarah McNulty; contralto, Miss Katherine Thomas; bass, Mr G. Neill.
The soloists acquitted themselves remarkably well, and displayed the careful training they had received at the hands of Mr George Neill, who as bass soloist sang splendidly.
The magnificent solo in "Et Incarnatus" was beautifully sung by Master Alfred Neill, aged 13; and Mrs George Neill, as organist, performed her part to perfection.
• The important question of lighting the southern area by electric light was raised at last night's meeting of the City Council by Cr Sullivan, who remarked that now King Edward street was being widened the work might be proceeded with.
Cr Shacklock (chairman of the Electric Lighting Committee) said the lamps and other material required for the lighting had been ordered, and as soon as they came to hand the work would be pushed on. - ODT, 22.4.1909.
