Awanui Roman Catholic Church

Northland Age, Volume 27, Issue 44, 4 November 1927, Page 6

Awanui Roman Catholic Church

Opening Ceremony On Sunday.

By Bishop Liilon. Maori Choir In Attendance,

Hearty Welcome To Public

The Awanui Caihnlic Church lo be opened next Sunday is the ( Uicome ot a big tffuri made by the Catholics of the district, nearly two years ag's under the Icad- • rship of Mrs T J Fb ining. A Q iem Carmvai was helu which aio tsed so in ich enthusiasm and keen compel tion that the Church funds b‘ n fitted to the ixient of close on £IOOO. A central site in ihe township was purchased for £2OO and there the new church took shape in the early part of this year. 1 was designed by Mr G E I'ole A.N.Z.I A. of Auckland and in general style is Gothic, the heavy roof and wide lacings on the gable ends lend a suggestion of the Spanish Mission lype of architecture. Tne interior is lined with white plaster-board abov a three-foot dado ot m .ich lii iug. A gracefi Gothic arcu cm ule> die ho .y of the Cliurc 1 from the sanctuaiy and two heavily built principals support the roof which is of Marseilles fyles. Kourd lead-lights of deiicate tint in either gable give a grateful touch of colour to the interior.

The eddice reflects great credit on the builders, the Rev. T Spierings and Mr C Young of D vgaville, who spared no efforts to make the building worthy of the object for which it was planned.

Special interest is attached 10 th• bell which .was donated by Ciptain Han mond of the N.S.S. Co. This gentleman arrived in Awanui on business about the t me Ihe bell-tower of the Church was completed. As funds wenrunning low it was thought that a ball would nave to be dispensed wuh for the time being. However the timely arrival of the Captain solved the situation. The question was popped to iiim with the result that a week biter, Hie hell tro n 1 ie late ill-f t hi S. S Manaia was installed 111 tne hell tower.

As th s is the first Catholic Caurch to be opened in the distr cl, it is expeited that there will be a large attendance of the gener..l pubi c. The ceremony will he performed by the Rt. Rev. Bishop L'ston. The mass will be sung by a Maori choir from Matihet ke.