ST JOHN'S CHURCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11537, 25 March 1898, Page 6

ST JOHN'S CHURCH.

The extensive renovations and new system of lighting which have been recently undertaken at the Church of St John the Baptist, Latimer Square, are now completed. The whole of the roof lining has been carefully cleaned and oiled. This work was carried out by a party of sailors from Lyttelton, and it is worth noting that no scaffolding was used for any part of it. The walls of the nave have been painted in rich cream colour and buff, with Gothic ornamentation. A deep dado is in Indian red with two cream border lines. The chief decorations are, however, in the chancel, the apse-like character of which lends itself readily to the style which has been adopted. Above the dado and behind the choir stalls is an imitation damask arras. The apse of the chancel contains six panels picked out with Gothic arches painted in vermiilion, and the symbols “ Alpha” and “ Omega,” “1.H.5.,” and with the crown and double triangle picked out in gold on a blue ground. In place of the usual diapers are pateras, consisting of the monogram I.H.S. and four small crosses enclosed by olive branches. A band of light-blue under the upper wall-plate serves as a frieze. The whole of this work has been designed and carefully executed by Mr W. Sey. Four lamps, each fitted with three Welsbach incandescent lights with holophone diffusers, supply an abundance of soft, rich light; and at the-northern side-door and lectern are two massive brass lighting brackets, the gift of Mr R. C. Bishop. The whole of the work in connection with the lighting has been done under the supervision of Mr Morton, inspector to the Christchurch. Gas Company, Special services will be held in the church on Sunday morning and evening to commemorate the restoration and renovation of the building. Donations to-;: wards the restoration fund, amounting to about £125, have already been received. The offertories at the services will be devoted to the same object. The amounts already received will, with any other sums forwarded, be placed in the offertory by the churchwardens next Sunday. Any balance remaining will be applied to the. parochial fund.