Gift for Bishop Simon’s Golden Jubilee

10 May 1932: Our missionaries of the Orange River Vicariate all banded together to have the Pella church tower restored. This is meant to be one of their gifts to the Vicar Apostolic in celebration of his jubilee this year on the 29th June, the 50th anniversary of his priesthood. They have already given the contract to Mr. Hunt and his son – Catholic who have done important work both for the state and private people. They built the new presbytery for Father Sollier, who is giving over his old residence, which is larger, to the Sisters whom he is expecting within a few months.

The tower of our church was built of pine wood 38 years ago. This is a long time for soft wood, such as pine, to resist the inclemency of our weather, especially the scorching heat of summer when the thermometer goes up to 75 degrees Centigrade fot almost three months of the year.

The contractors arrived on 1st May: Mr. Hunt and four workmen. They started work on the following day. It was difficult work, since they had first of all to build the scaffolding high enough to reach the cross-fixed on top of the steeple. Today they took down the old cross and demolished the steeple and the belfry. It was high time to begin with the restoration of this part of the church. The wood was warmeaten and dried out. It could not have resisted another year of strong winds and burning heat.

We pray God that we may be preserved from all accidents. When the men are working at the top of the building, they are perched at a height of 25 meters from the ground. Our sister took a photo while the men were taking down the old cross. Let’s hope it will turn out well. The new cross will be of metal, the steeple will be of wood; like the first, and it will be plated with galvanized iron.built in this way, the steeple and belfry should last two or three times as long as the first contruction. Our sincere thanks to kour missionaries – Fathers, Brothers and Sisters – who have offered this beautiful gift for my jubilee.