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Investiture in Wellington, NZ (10th March 2002)
Written by Chev. Kevin D. Couling, KCSt.S - Lord of Little Neston
The March 10, 2002 Investiture in Wellington, New Zealand, was held at the Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and was presided over by the Right Reverend Monsignor Charles Cooper.
There were two postulants and four promotions.
The ceremony started at a little after 2 p.m., with all members assembling outside the big front doors in the Plaza. After this they were piped into the Cathedral by their piper for the day, Mr. Kevin Nelson. He played the Polish National Anthem for our Host.
Dignitaries in attendence were the Worshipful Mayor of Wellington City; Miss Kerry Pendergast and her husband; and Rex Nicholls who was in attendence at the ceremony.
The investing of two postulates and the upgrades were performed by H.E. Count Chevalier Joseph Subritzky-Kusza, GCCSt.S-JC (Australiasian Chancellor). The Opera Soloist was once again Mrs. Judy Drake. Ms. Drake performed Schubert's Ave Maria with great reverence. The ceremony was a polished affair under the directorship of the New Zealand Marshall of the Order of Saint Stanislas. Readings were done by Chevalier Philip Sherry, CSTS, Chev. Wes Wernicki, KCSt.S, and Chev. Captain Michael Subritzy-Kusza, GCCSt.S.
The Cathedral was recently fully restored inside and out. This made for a wonderful setting for the ceremony, and it made one feel that they were inside a European Cathedral.
Afternoon tea was held in the Hall adjacent to the Cathedral through the Cloisters. The formal dinner, in the evening, was held in the Grand Dining Hall at the Parliament Buildings, just across the road from the Catholic Cathedral. Our host, for the evening, was the Right Honorable Jonathan Hunt MP, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives. The evening was also attended by H.E. Andrzei Soltynsinki-Polish Charge d' Affaires and his wife; The Worshipful Mayor of Wellington, Miss Kerry Pendergast and her husband; and the Right Reverend Monsignor Charles Cooper. A speech by the Rt. Hon. Jonathan Hunt MP started the proceedings. He gave a gracious speech regarding the Order of Saint Stanislas, and concluded with a toast to HM Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand.
Grace was said by the Right Rev. Monsignor Charles Cooper. The meal was arranged and served by the excellent staff of Bellamys (Parlimentary Restaurant) and was enjoyed by all.
A speech of thanks was given by Her Worship, the Mayor of Wellington. Throughout the evening, other toasts were given by the Prince Grand Master, the Order, and for departed members. At the conclusion, The Chancellor then presented, to the new postulates and other members, their brevets.
Commonwealth Day Parade
The following morning (Sunday), saw members attending an early morning Mass at the Cathedral. Later on, in the morning, members assembled for the Commonwealth Day Parade at the Anglican Cathedral. The Order was invited to attend this function by the Visitors and Ceremonial Office. This was a most enjoyable service, and the Order of Saint Stanislas was given reserved seats alongside other dignitaries. After the service, we were all invited to partake in light refreshments, in the adjoining hall.
The postulates were:
The promotions were as follows:
