ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, LITTLE RIVER.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume XLIX, Issue 5121, 17 November 1925, Page 2

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, LITTLE RIVER.

OPENING CEREMONY

In spite of the rough weather on Sunday, there was a large congregation assembled at St. John's Church, Little River, when the opening' ceremony was performed by Bishop Brodie, and Fathers Gallagher, Lordon, Quinn, and O'Connor. The ceremony was performed at .5 p.m., when Bishop Brodie opened the door with a gold key, presented by Mrs Murray, mother of the architect of the building, Mr H. St. A. Murrav.

Father Gallagher, in a short address, gave a history of the building of the church. The building had cost CiOU, and there was only a small debt remaining on the building. He spoke of the great assistance given by the local people, and thanked the following for their gifts : Messrs Rinaldi and J. Glynan for the fence ; Mrs Keenan, sen., for two life-size statues; the Fahey family for Stations of the Cross; Miss Kennedy, pair brass candelabra ; Mr Watson for installing and fitting electric light ; Mr Quealy for marble nlfar; ladies of the parish l'or organ : Mr H. St. A. Murray for four holy water fonts; Messrs _ ltenr.el I Bros., builders, for baptismal font.

Bishop Brodie, after consecrating the building, preached from the text; "Thou Shalt Build a House for Thy Lord," He spoke of the enthusiasm shown by the Little River people, and said that though they were few in numbers their work was great. He also thanked their non-iCath'olic friends for support in all the functions held to raise money for the building,

Benediction was then sung by the Christchurch, Cathedral choir, the music being very beautifully rendered. Considering the weather there was a very large assemblage and all the Peninsula local bodies were represented.

After the ceremony all present were entertained in the old church building to a delightful afternoon tea provided by the jadies of the parish, and a very pleasant social function resulted.