Suggesting that the sermon preached by Fr Freeland on the church opening in 1904 could be reprinted with the Bishop's 50th Anniversary sermon. High Mass pm 21st at 7.1 pm - perhaps invite the local non-catholic clergy? It would be seen as a good gesture. Did not do so at 50th since had only just arrived and Fr Heptonstall was "at daggers drawn with the local vicar.
Ketterer, John Joseph Rev SJ (-1973)Change in status of Hunstanton - have made declarations of faith to Canon Sammons at Lynn. RAF Bircham Newton is to close on 1 January 1963, this will have an impact on the parish finances and congregation and provision of services to the RAF community. Hunstanton is increasing in size so hope a related increase in income offsets the loss of RAF Bircham Newton. have spoken to Mr Hastings about the provision of an organ loft to create more space.
Ketterer, John Joseph Rev SJ (-1973)Commentary on attached sketch/plan. Options A, B & C for placing of the new Hall. Alo a new road is being built for a development of 35 houses - consider possibility of buying some additional land from UDC. The larger Hall option is becoming a necessity.
Ketterer, John Joseph Rev SJ (-1973)Mr Hasting' final account for indebtedness to the builders:
original contract price - £4983.19.5; with additions/extras - £5259.14.2; final contract total - £5485.5.7
Add Diocesan interest + fees - total is £5,937 which is a debt of £2,263.
Some defects are being attended to; floor heating is very efficient.
Capacity is 180 which was insufficient for August when the average for two masses was 480. Normal Sunday - 70 at 8am and 200 at 11am
Forwarding £5-16-0 for Cathedral funds.
Joint Account arrangements - will need the Bishop's authorisation to obtain a mortgage - the bank manager has no difficulty with the new arrangement. Builders are waiting for delivery of tiles for the roof, so the money will not be required until September/October. Debt on the extension is £1,800 - a financial settlement has not been agreed - it may be up to £500 more. Can manage £500 a year for repayment.
Ketterer, John Joseph Rev SJ (-1973)Miss E Wilkin has died at 81. Understand that she has left a third of her estate to the Diocese - may be a few hundred pounds - do not really know until the Will is read. Do not see any trouble from the non-catholic family.
Mr Hastings has written to you about the extension estimates and his proposals to reduce costs by taking out certain items (which can be added back in later) from the tender. Fishers is a good firm and the only one that called to discuss the tender.
Final set of figures for the 1958 extension. Church seating has gone from 89 to 220.
Ketterer, John Joseph Rev SJ (-1973)Extension is proving its worth; for Christmas: 200 at midnight, 60 at 8am, 200 for 10am and benediction.
Alterations to the study made all the difference; the kitchen renovations are successful; describes heating. Roof estimate waited for. £3-15-0 is stipend for masses plus a Guinea for Cathedral extension.
Canon Hunting advised that the Finance Board has allowed the extension to proceed. Mr Hastings will forward his contract to you and work will start on 31st, to be competed by 1 October.
Miss Edith Wilkin will stated "I give to the Northampton Diocese Mission Fund for the sole purpose of the foundation and maintenance of mission £200 3% Defence Bonds and £1,000 3.5% War Stocks." She was quite close about her affairs so the bequest is a great surprise. She was a very good member of the congregation and an opponent of the extensions plans.
The extension work has started - building be ready for use at the end of July and completed by October. His mother has moved in and both are content with the situation.
Ketterer, John Joseph Rev SJ (-1973)Roof soon to be finished. Considering a new Tabernacle for £25 and a new simple oak table with four supports for the altar - this will suffice until a more permanent can be obtained. In discussion with Mr Hastings about the provision of altar rails which had been ruled out to save cost. Hopes that the new (it will be so after so many changes) is nearing completion and will visit next week. Offers to say masses for the Cathedral Fund - only ten Mass intentions at present.
Ketterer, John Joseph Rev SJ (-1973)Thanks for the intentions for the Holy Souls. need about 20 intentions, enclose an SAE [Self Addressed Envelope]. Provisional date of October 7th for an opening and blessing.
manuscript annotation: [different hand] "(?Doubtful)"
Apologies for delay in writing - a persistent cough, a touch of influenza which is difficult to shake off. Re-roofing materials now available, hope work will be finished in three weeks. RAF Sculthorpe may close down in 1963, so Hunstanton Mission could become a very poor mission. Found Blessed Sacrament Guild cards, no evidence of it being formally erected but would like to start one. Fr Cowin is not strong but the people is East Dereham feel neglected by him. Perhaps Fr Ketterer had spoilt them when he was there. Rather return as resident priest to Dereham. Not claiming the post but considers that a resident priest needs to be there.
Ketterer, John Joseph Rev SJ (-1973)Roof repairs complete -stone work repaired and chimney stacks repainted. Mission debt is £1100 and House debt £800. Hopefully both significantly reduced by the end of the year.
Ketterer, John Joseph Rev SJ (-1973)