By a Staff Reporter
St. James's, Spanish Place, London, the only Catholic church in England where a reigning British monarch has attended Mass since the Reformation. will be consecrated on Thursday, April 28.
King Edward VII attended a Requiem Mass at St. James's, in 1908, for the assassinated King of Portugal. The first chnrch of St. James, built in 1791 was the private chapel of the Spanish Embassy.
The Court of Spain supported the church until 1827, and then the upkeep was borne by the congregation. The present church was opened in 1890, and among its rectors was Bishop Butt.
Six bishops will assist in the con secration ceremonies. The parish priest. Mgr. Craven, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, will consecrate the church and the High Altar.
Mgr. Flynn, Bishop of Lancaster, will consecrate the Lady Altar; Mgr. Myers, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, the Sacred Heart Altar; Mgr. Beck, A.A., Coadjutor Bishop of Brentwood. the Altar of Our Lady of Victories; Mgr. Ellis. Bishop of Nottingham, the Altar of St. Joseph and Mgr. King, Bishop of Portsmouth, the English Martyrs Altar. The ceremony will commence at 8.30 a.m., but the congregation will not be admitted before 10.30 a.m., and the Pontifical High Mass of Consecration will follow at 12 noon.