MANAIA.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 27, 2 October 1894, Page 3

MANAIA.

♦■ THE CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART.

(Our Own Coki:esi'ondent.)

With the exception of the gilding of the altar this sacred edifice is now complete, aud stands out as a good example of the result of Faith. This church consists of a long and spacious nave, lighted on each side by four Gothic windows, and at the south end by a triple window, above which is the spire, containing a new 1501 b bell, whose beautifully deep tones revives old memories in the minds of those who have been at Home. At the north end is the chancel, illuminated by two end windows; at each side of the chaucel is a Sacristy, a small white cross, points upwards, from each gable end, whilst a gold cross of chaste design shines high on the steeple. The interior is a dream of chaste design and harmony of color. The ceiling is of a deep azure, against which the brown of the supporting arches stands out in soft relief. From the centre of these arches depend large lamps which illuminate the whole building, and greatly enhancing the effect of the varnished facings set on the mauve back ground. Between the windows hang the twelve pictures in heavy gilt frames illustrating Christ's passion. At the end of the nave on each side of the chancel are two Gothic arches, in front of which, mounted on pedestals covered with drapery, are the statues of St Joseph, and the Virgin with her infant Jesus. The chancel ceiling is illuminated with gold stars, and the altar,' when complete, will be in imitation white marble with gold and cardinal facings. When the choir are chanting and the incenses floating through the air one is irresistibly drawn from the earth, and the senses steal away into the sublimity of the celestial. This was especially so on last Sunday evening, when the Vincentian Brothers held a mission service. The Kev Father preached from, " What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul."