By Norman Darway
It was on Sunday 25th January 1931 in the presence of a crowd of about one thousand worshipers which included some prominent citizens of Port of Spain that His Grace laid the corner stone in a very impressive ceremony. His Grace was assisted by Fathers D.I. Nolon and Curran and lasted for about two hours.
At around 4.30 p.m. the Archbishop arrived with Fr. J. Selback, they proceeded to the centre of the church. After some ceremonial offerings, His Grace accompanied by Frs. Patrick Smythe, Curran, D. J. Nolon, J.J. English, Selbach, O’Neill, Mc Donald and Dowling, all of Trinidad along with Fr. Egam, the then chaplain of the H.M.S. Rodney, processed to the eastern part of the building, where His Grace laid the corner stone. The trowel used was made of silver with a beautiful bone handle. Following this, the building was blessed. The Honourable Captain Arthur Andrew Cipriani, Mayor of Port of Spain was asked to give a short address. His Grace asked the people of St. James and Cocorite to remember with gratitude Fr. Selbach and his assistant.
The blessing of the new Mucurapo R.C. Church took place on Sunday 14th June 1931. The ceremony began at 9.00 a.m. Rev. Fr. Selbach was instrumental in building the church, which is artistic in every detail and a monument to the district. At the end of the dedication, there was a Pontifical High Mass. At this Mass, the Archbishop was the Chief celebrant assisted by Fr. Patrick Smythe, O.P. who was also the Master of Ceremonies. Fr. Nolon held the office of deacon with Fr. Curran as sub deacon. This was the second church to be completed by Fr. Selbach. The church was built to accommodate six hundred people.