A history of the Cathedral Parish of Witbank continued

6. Consecration of the New Cathedral of Christ the King 31 January 1954

On January 11 1951 the papal decree Suprema Nobis was issued establishing the ecclesiastical hierarchy in South Africa into four metropolitan regions . Witbank Diocese thus became part of the Pretoria metropolitan region. Father Anthony Reiterer - later Bishop Reiterer- was then parish priest of Witbank, and it was during his time that the new Cathedral was built and completed in 1954. The old church was changed into the parish hall. The laying of the foundation stone for the new Cathedral took place on 12 April 1953.

( Article in Witbank News - 1954 Feb)
On Sunday 31 January 1954 the blessing ceremonies of the beautiful church took place - the birth of an important development in the history of the religious life of Witbank. His Lordship the Right Rev. Bishop John Riegler,MFSC, Father Anthony,the choir,the readers,and others must have prepared for many hours to make up such a harmonious whole - truly a remarkable feat of team organisation.Every available seat was occupied soon afetr the solemn ceremony outside the church, and the entrance of the Lord Bishop and his followers through the tower door facing north. The impressive and co-ordinated singing of the augmented choir under the able conductorship of Mr J.L. MacLachlan ,who had journeyed all the way from East London specially for the ceremony, was warmly praised in all quarters.One of the gems,however,of a magnificent performance, was the rendering of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. The soloists,Miss Erkens ( soprano), Mrs M. Watterton ( contralto), Messrs.W Anderson and H. Hart ( tenors), and Mr G. Kirchoffer ( bass) sang with feeling parts that demanded their full understanding. We congratulate the conductor, the organist (Sister Austin), and the whole choir in this outstanding effort. Solemn High Mass was celebrated and the sermon was preached by the Right Rev. Bishop W. P. Whelan of Johannesburg. After the ceremonies lunch was served to nearly 300 guests at the Carlton Hotel. The Master of Ceremonies, Father Anthony, welcomed the distinguished visitors and others and reviewed the activities of Bishop Riegler and the members of his parish since the idea of a new church was first mooted,paying at the same time,high tribute to their sacrifice and perseverance.He also mentioned in passing that the cost of the building was 25 000 pounds and that Bishop Riegler had raised 4000 pounds. He especially thanked the architect, Mr Eibenschuertz, and the builder, Mr R. C. Black for their valued co-operation. Mr S. J. Abraham spoke on behalf of himself and the building committee.

What happened next?