Early Ministers. Roman Catholic Church, Wairarapa Age, 16 August 1927, p 2, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAG19270816.2.6:

The Roman Catholic Church, or chapel as it was first designated, was founded somewhere in the 'seventies. Among the first priests was the Rev. Halbwachs, a French priest, who could speak several languages. His congregation was not extensive, but as a number of Poles settled at West Kuripuni it became gradually strengthened. The early adherents of the church included Messrs. A.R. Bunny (who was for many years choirmaster), A.W. Renall, Charles McKillop, Denis McMullen, Patrick and James Hourigan, Humphrey O'Leary, John O'Dowd and (in the 'nineties) M.C. O'Connell. The Rev. John McKenna (now the respected Monsignor) arrived well-nigh forty years ago, and was followed by his brother Thomas. These two young priests, fresh from Ireland, captured the imagination of the people. They engaged in football, boxing and many outdoor pursuits which brought them into prominence, and under their ministration the church made rapid strides. The Rev. Thomas McKenna afterwards went to Pahiatua, where he maintained his popularity and was created a Dean. He died, it will be remembered, a few years ago, and was given an immense funeral at Pahiatua. One of the biggest forward movements made by the church in Masterton under Monsignor McKenna was the establishment of a handsome convent and school on the site where once stood the Railway Hotel.