WelCom December 2019
The Maxwell Fernie Organ at St Mary of the Angels
Maxwell Fernie OBE (1910–1999) was a renowned New Zealand organist, teacher and conductor. Based in Wellington, Max was an authority on Gregorian chant, sixteenth century polyphony, organ construction and tonal design. A new book entitled The Perfection of Sound tells the story of the construction and on-going legacy of the famed Maxwell Fernie organ at St Mary of the Angels Church.
Julius Fernie
Even a most uncommon wet and grey November Wellington day wasn’t enough to keep the crowds away from the launch of a compelling new book, celebrating the birth of the Maxwell Fernie Organ at St Mary of the Angels Church in Boulcott St.
From the collected archive of correspondence between a parish priest, an organ builder, a pipe maker and Maxwell Fernie himself, The Perfection of Sound weaves together a story of how the revolutionary Fernie organ in Wellington was brought to life from a flat in Pimlico, London, in the late 1950s. Reading the collected letters, reveals the extent of what was achieved – a new and now-renowned organ built with painstaking detail from scratch and largely by mail.
More than 60 years after it was built, it was obvious the organ – and the name of Maxwell Fernie – still resonates for many, as guests gathered in the crypt of St Mary’s to hear excerpts read from the book, personal recollections of Max and a demonstration of the famous organ by James Young, one-time pupil of Max.
This beautifully produced book is one for the ages. Wonderfully illustrated with photos and diagrams, and a wide-ranging introduction by Ros Johnston, artist and a former student of Maxwell Fernie, The Perfection of Sound will appeal to organ and music lovers on all levels.
The Perfection of Sound – The Maxwell Fernie Organ at St Mary of the Angels is published by Steele Roberts ($99.00). To order a copy go to www.steeleroberts.co.nz and search ‘The Perfection of Sound’.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 8 December
‘As has been the custom for many years an archdiocesan Mass will be celebrated on our diocesan feast day, 7pm, Thursday 8 December, at St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, Karori. The archdiocese will again be entrusted to the care of Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception at this Mass. Parishes are asked to renew that Consecration on the following Sunday, 11 December, at All parish Masses.’ – Cardinal John Dew
Dates and events – what’s on
December 2022
If you would like your event listed on this page, please send an outline to welcom@wn.catholic.org.nz including name of event, date, time, location and contact.
Pope Francis registers for the next World Youth Day in Lisbon
At the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis registered for the next World Youth Day to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, in August 2023. Assisted and accompanied by Portuguese university students studying in Rome, the Pope tapped his way to becoming the first officially registered pilgrim for World Youth Day.