OPEN AIR ALTAR

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 69, 14 December 1939, Page 10

OPEN AIR ALTAR

Plans For Eucharistic Congress IMPOSING STRUCTURE In the grounds of St. Patrick's College, Cambridge Terrace. Wellington, is now to be seen the framework of the open air altar, which is to be used for the religious festivals in connexion with the Eucharistic Congress that is to mark the centennial of Catholic progress in New Zealand. The temporary sanctuary will have a frontage of 60 feet and a depth of 30 feet, divided into three sections. The central section is before the high altar. One of the spacious side wings will shelter the thrones of the Papal Legate and his Grace Archbishop O'Shea, Metropolitan of New Zealand; on the other side accommodation is being made for members of the hierarchy and prominent members of the priesthood.

The architect, Air. B. F. Kelly, lias designed the structure in simple yet dignified Gothic style, in keeping with the architecture of the college, which forms the background. The apex of the gable that surmounts the Gothic arched roof is 30 feet high, but above that, and above the statue of St. Patrick, will be erected a huge cross, l-l feet in height, mid above that agaiu a smaller cross. The designs of the crosses will be picked out in red, white mid silver. At night the base of the cross will serve as a shade for high-powered electric lights, which will Hood the cross each night during the congress. The sanctuary structure will be soundly roofed iu painted building board, though it is only to be used during tlie brief term of tlie congress. The wiiole of the terrace area is being solidly floored in timber. On the northern side space is being provided for a large choir and organ. Members of the hierarchy and priesthood will be able to use tlie college building for robing mid. for that, reason, space is being provided for access from the main doors of tlie college direct to the sanctuary. As the whole of tlie area of tlie ground up to Buckle Street has now been levelled at. a height of about four feet above the Cambridge Terrace tootpath, tlie grounds make a splendid site for the important, church functions ill connexion witli the congress. It is estimated that there will be room within tlie grounds for 15,0(10 to 20.000 people. Some rows of seats will be provided in the centre, but the area is so immense that it would be impossible except at great expense to provide seats for everyone, so most will have to stand during the ceremonies. For processional approaches to the high altar, a new central gateway mid approach will be provided from Cambridge Terrace. Tliis approach will load"directly to three flights of wooden steps. 9 feet in breadth, which will end at the altar rail. ' lo feet nbove tlie level of the area reserved for tlie publie. Loud speakers are to be erected in order that, everyone may hoar the services. By February, when the congress takes place, the grassy sward, only laid during last winter, should be nt its best. The structure is being erected by J. IT. Meyer and Co., Ltd., Wellington.

The number of recruits for the special militnrv force registered in Palmerston North to date is 601. The total includes 16 recruits for the Maori battalion.