NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH AT LEESTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXXI, Issue 10309, 30 March 1894, Page 6

NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH AT LEESTON.

When some twenty-five years ago the first Catholic church wss erected at Leeston, few people expected that within a generation the building would ha too small. Such has nevertheless been the case, and for a long time past at leait onethird of the worshippers have been obliged to remain outside during the celebration of Divine service. Seeing the urgent necessity for either an enlargement or a new church, the Very Eev Father Chervior consulted with Bishop Grimes and his parishioners, and it was determined to erect a handsome and complete church. Mr M. de H. Duval, architect, of Timaru, prepared the necessary plans. The style adopted is what is known as the plain English Gothic of the early 14th century. The whole building, including' the spire, is constructed of the beat hard-burned bricks obtainable, and is plastered and cemented externally and internally in a perfect manner. The building it cruciform in shape. The total length of thenaveis74ft, by a width of 28ft, the transepts being 50ft long by 28ft in width, and the sanctuary being hexagonal in shape and 28ft wide by a ritnilar depth. On each side are chapels 10ft wide and Bft deep. The main entrance is through the tower porch, which is 10ft square, internal measurement. The total height of the tower and spire is 95 ft. The spire, like the tower, is built entirely of brick, and can be seen for miles around. The sacristy, which is situated at the left-hand side of the sanctuary and at the back of Our Lady’s chapel, is 22ft long by 12ft wide. The height of the walls is 16ft throughout. The sanctuary roof is groined and plastered, heavy moulded riba starting from a rich Gothic cornice, which runs all round the sanctuary, which is likewise lined with a handsome Gothic panelled dado, surmounted with a deep cronated cornice. The church is flanked externally with heavy buttresses. There are two confessionals, a baptistry and a turret containing the staircase leading to the choir, which is 10ft above the church floor, and occupies a space 28ft wide by a depth of 14ft. Af the back and m the tower are a recess for the choir library and the stairs to the belfry. One of. the most striking features of the church is the high side altars, which, like every other portion of the church, were specially designed by the architect. The high altar is built of tbe very beat Oamaru stone, and the carving and erection of the altar, said to bo one of the most handsome in the Australasian colonies, wore executed by Mr J. J. Murray, of Addington. The width is 10ft, and the total height 18ft. The two side altars are of similar design, but are in selected rimu, and were executed by Mr A. J. White. The baptismal font is of Oamaru stone. The seats were made by Messrs Kilbride and Hanna, of Southbridge. The altar furniture, statuary and fittings are artistic and beautiful, and vrera imported from England and France. The contractors tor the building were Messrs Turvey and Son. Messrs Cnegwin, Bussell and Baker did the carpentry

work, Messrs P. Foley and Son the plastering, Messrs Taylor and Oakley the plumbing work'and Mr Macdougal the painting and decorating. The building will be consecrated an Sunday by tho Right Rev Dr Grimes.