NEW R.C. CHURCH AT PLEASANT POINT.

Sunday last was a red letter day in the history of the township, when the foundation stone of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church was laid by the Bight Rev. Dr. Grimes, R.G. Bishop of Christchurch. On no other occasion was there such a great concourse of people assembled at th_ Point. There were fully two thousand spectators present, including all creeds and classes. A special train of five carriages left Timaru at 2.30, and arrived at the Point at three o'clock. It stopped on the way to pick up passengers, and was crammed f uIL

The following priests were present and took part in the dedication service :—Rev. Father FauveU, P.P. of Temuka, who also has charge of the Point, and through whose zealous exertions the church iato be erected; Rev. Fathers Brown, Bowers, Foley and Briand (Bishop's chaplain). On the arrival of the train, the Bishop and clergy, preceded by the Kerry Town children, marched to Geany*s Hotel, where, after robing, they again formed into line, and proceeded to the appointed place, where they were met by the local Building Committee. The Bishop, clergy and acolytes then perambulated the building, chanting In Latin one of the Psalm*., and arriving at the chancel end commenced the consecration service and finished it at the foundation stone, which, after a very impressive service, was duly laid by his Lordship.

The consecration service being over, Dr Grimes ascended the platform and gave a brief but clear resume;:of the service which they had witnessed, fully explaining each detaU, after which he preached a most eloquent sermon from the text, I lay iv Zton for a foundation a stone—a tried stone—a precious corner stone, &C. Isaiah xxviii. 16. He commenced his remarks by special reference to the object of the present meeting, and as Bishop, heartily congratulated the priest of Temuka for the beautiful church erected In that town, and for the piety and zealof the flock who were now about to build this church to the honor and glory of God. He would inform them that, according to the custom of the Catholic Church, before erecting a building of the kind the site must be approved of by the Bishop, and before the davof consecration possession must be taken of the site either by himself or a priest duly authorised by him; then a white cross must be erected, and on the day of consecration water and salt, as elements representing purity and preservation, must be scattered over the ground. He also thanked the gentleman who giourdy gave the site, and prayed that, a leasing would rest on him and his family. After this he went on to explain tbe text, which he did at some length in a clear, lucid, and impressive manner.

The building is designed to accommodate about 230. It commands a good view, and is close to the railway station. It will be built of brick, supported by buttresses and with a Gothic roof, and will be a considerable ornament to the town..

The Local Committee were busy en Saturday making preparations. The site was gay with several nags, kindly lent by some of the ships in Timaru. Among the flags we noticed on each side of the Bishop's chair the Pontifical flag and the Harp of Erin.

The special left the Point for Timaru at six o'clock, and the large concourse soOn after quietly went to their respective homes. The offerings laid on the stone were a hundred and odd pounds.