Dedication Of New Papuan Cathedral

THE new cathedral of St. Paul and St.

Peter at Dogura, Eastern Papua, built by native Papuans out of their own funds, was formally dedicated on October 29 by the Archbishop of Bris

bane, Dr. Wand, assisted by the Bishop of New Guinea, and the chairman of the Australian Board of Missions (Canon J F. Needham). The Lieutenant-Governor of Papua (Sir Hubert Murray) and some of his senior officers were also present.

It has taken the natives over five years to complete this work, and most of the labour has been voluntary. The natives have worked with sacrificial zeal, under the supervision of Mr. Robert Jones.

The new cathedral is impressive in ap pearance and has a commanding posi tion on the north-east coast of Papua.

The total length of the building is 165 feet—lo feet longer than St. Andrews cathedral, Sydney. The roof at its apex is 40 feet high and the two towers, called the Maclaren and the King (after the Rev. Mr. Maclaren and Rev. Copeland King, Church of England missionaries who pioneered work in this part of Papua) are each 56 feet high.

The missionary achievements in this north-east section of Papua, judged by the effect upon the character and social condition of the natives, are among the most satisfactory of the Christian church in the Pacific. The erection and final dedication of this cathedral puts a very satisfactory period to half a century of missionary work on this coast. (From a Report in Melbourne “Argus”) Bright sunshine poured down upon the scene as a procession, headed by the Bishop of New Guinea, priests, and native priests, carrying banners, knocked on the cathedral door asking for entry. The doors swung open, and the procession entered, followed by as many of the assembly who could gain admittance. Within the cathedral the natives knelt reverently as prayers were offered to “Nevi”, the Creator.

Archbishop Wand preached the ser mon first in Papuan, explaining the im port of the consecration, and later in English, stating that many of the natives had given 48 years of their lives to the service of the Church.

The native priests laid ornaments on the altar.

Mr. Bert Marshall, of the Government Secretary's Department in Papua, resumed duties at Port Moresby last month after spending long leave in Australia.

Mr. H. A. B. Bentley, accountant of the Treasury and Customs Department in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony, re cently resigned from the G. and E. Ser vice.

The dedica tion of the new Cathe dral of St.

Paul and St. Peter at Dogura on October 29 marked another no table mis sionary achieve ment in Pa pua. —Photo, by courtesy of the A.B.M.