Father Stephen Hallum

Grave of Rev Hallum, 
Roman Catholic Divi A, Row 2, PLot 84
Photo by Cathy Currie

French Priest Father Stephen Hallum is credited with celebrating the first Catholic Mass on the West Coast in 1864 with a makeshift pulpit in a small general goods store at Hokitika. However in 2007 the validity of this claim came into question.

The man who documented Father Hallum’s West Coast debut, Archbishop Francis Redwood, was still living in England when the Mass was apparently celebrated in 1864, other accounts suggest that the first Mass may have taken place a year earlier and 3 other different venues have also been suggested. But Father Hallum’s name crops up repeatedly, lending some credibility to the tale in some form or other and in the absence of an official record.

What is known for sure is that Father Hallum was born in Brittany (north western France) on the 22nd of May 1809 and came to New Zealand in 1857. A “quiet and genial” man, he served in various parishes on the West Coast, in Tauranga and on Waiheke Island. He was recalled to Auckland in 1871 where he was affiliated to St Patrick’s Cathedral for a period of time before retirement and was still conducting a Sunday morning service at St Mary’s Convent in Ponsonby at the age of 80.

While out for a morning stroll on the 23rd of March 1890 the 81 year old priest collapsed and died in a neighbour’s garden where he was discovered by his landlord.

Father Hallum rests alongside other early clergy members in an area still tended by the Catholic Church today.

Roman Catholic Div A, Row 2,

Plot 84: Stephen Hallum (80) 1890

Of Your Charity Pray for the Repose of the Soul of

Rev. STEPHEN HALLUM

Native of Brittany France.

Born May 22^nd 1809

died March 23^rd 1890

R.I.P

Sources: Matthew Gray - Tales from the crypt
                Papers Past - NZ Herald 24/3/1890
                Image: Cathy Currie

Presented by Geri Eccles - Discover Waikumete