OPENING OF A CHURCH AT AVAIHOLA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11399, 17 April 1899, Page 6

OPENING OF A CHURCH AT AVAIHOLA.

A pretty little Roman Catholic Church, picturesquely situated on an eminence overlooking the township and the lake was opened at A.raihola yesterday. A special train, which left Dunedin at half-past 9, conveyed to the spot a number of Dunedin people, also residents from along the line; whilst a special from Balclutha brought a number of persons from that place, and from Milton and other wayside stations. Altogether, it is estimated that about 1000 people were gathered at Waihola for the occasion, and this number, large as it was, would have been materially increased had not a great many people mistrusted the weather. The church is a replica of tho church opened at Owaka somo time ago, with the exception that it has the addition of a sanctuary. It is built of wood and iron, and possesses simple though strikingly pleasing- architectural proportions. Thanks to numerous well-wishers tho interior of the church presents a more handsome appearance than many larger and more pretentious edifices. The fine altar, surmounted by a carved crucifix, is the gift of Bishop Verdon : the altar rails were presented by Dean O'Leary, the artistically designed stained glass windows by the Rev.. Father O'Donnell (of Queenstown), the stations of tho cross by the Dominican nuns (Milton), and the carved bookstand on the altar by the Dominican nuns (Dunedin). The stained glass windows referred to are placed immediately bohind the altar and were executed by Mr Fraser (of Dunedin). There are three figures represented—namely, the Sacred Heart, St. Catherine (of Sienna), and St. Hyacinth (the patron saint of the church). The dimensions of the building are 65ft by25ft, and it will accommodate a congregation of about 300. Generally speaking, there fore, the wants of the Catholics in the district—who. it may be said, en passant, are

principally natives of Poland—have, thanks to the energy of the popular priest of the district (the Rev., Fathei O'Neill), and tho generous support that ha_ been accorded him, been, well provided for, and a want that has mado itself felt for some considerable time has,now been removed.

Shortly after the arrival of the Dunedin train an adjournment was made to the church, whoro mass was celebrated. The celebrant was the Roy. Father Edward O'Donnell (of Dunedin), Avhile tho Rev. Father P. O'Donnel (of Gore) preached. The Rev. Father O'Neill and Cleary were also present. The music on the occasion was Farmer's Mass in B flat, whicli was rendered by some members of the Cathedral choir and an orchestra. Mill!. Eagar conducted, and Air O. Nauman was leader of the orchestra. The solo parts were sung by Misses Crane and Crawford (soprano), Misses K. Blimey and K. Moloney (alto), Mr Sheppard (tenor), Messrs J. Woods and W. O. Feil (bass). -As an offertory piece tho orchestra played !'Der Fruhlingszeit," by E. AVoissenborn, whilo fit the conclusion of the mass " Marcheaux Flambeaux " was played. Tho.'music, it may be mentioned, was admirably rendered, and reflected credit on those who had charge of this department of the day's proceedings.

In the afternoon the visitors spent an hour or so inspecting the beauties of Waihola, and wero entertained with- some sacred music played by. the orchestra. Tho two trains left at 5 o'clock and reached their respective destinations in good time.

It mny be added that the architect of the building was Mr Party (of Balclutha), and the contractor was Mr J. Agnew, of the same place. The coat was £220, and the amount subscribed,; including the collection in, the church, is something .over £80. The ground on wliich the church stands is the gift of Mr Phillipowski, a resident of the district.