Cathedral Minutes June 1960

The Provost reported that he had taken the advice of Sir Ernest Bullock and Dr. Andrews and had appointed a man of twenty five, Mr Barry Rose, on the highest recommendation, as Organist of the New Cathedral. There was a service agreement for two years after the Consecration with the option on the part of Mr Rose to enter into a series of further contracts, each of 5 years, subject to safeguards, which have been drawn up.

Messers. Rushworth and Draper had undertaken to build the complete organ for £16,300. The Provost had contacted one of the co-trustees of a trust and the Lady had agreed to underwrite the whole contract. The Provost was congratulated by the Chapter on his extremely successful negotiations.

The Provost reported that the Choir Stalls were to be constructed under the guidance of an architect so as to be moveable.

The land on the hillside below the new Cathedral was very unkempt and negotiations had taken place between the New Cathedral Fund Council and the lease holder Mr Baldrey, as a result of which it had been agreed that Mr Baldrey should clear the land and put his cattle on it, with the object of bringing it under control. The land concerned was that below the Refectory Hut.

The new choirmaster had been in touch with the headmaster of Lanesborough Preparatory School, had seen parents of prospective choristers and had held auditions. He had 20 boys who would be available for daily services at the Cathedral and the headmaster had agreed to one period a day for choir practice.

There had been a delay in the plans for providing three Clergy Houses, the possibility had to be faced that only two houses might be ready within the time limit.

It was agreed that the Reverend Paul Kelly, Priest in Charge of the New Cathedral District should continue in that capacity after the consecration and should also act as Succentor. Rev. Kelly was also a Curate of All Saints, Onslow Village and the Chapter hoped he could combine the Hospital Chaplaincy with his duties and so exonerate the Chapter from financial burden.

It was agreed to ask the Reverend E.O.Ware, Vicar of Blackheath to resign this living and become the Precentor of the New Cathedral.