OPENING OF A CHURCH AT WAIHOLA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 27

OPENING OF A CHURCH AT WAIHOLA.

A pretty little Roman Catholic Church, picturesquely hitualed on an eminence overlooking the township and the lake was opened at Waihola on Sunday. 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, laige as it was, would have been materially increased had not a great many people mistrusted the weather. The church is a replica of the church opened at Owaka some 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 nuinerouH well-wishers the interior of the church presents a more lfandsome appearance than many larger and more pretentious.edifices. The fine altar, surmounted by a carved crucifix, is the gift of Bishop Verdon ; tho altar rails~were presented by Dean O'Leary, the artistically designed stained glas3 windows by the Rev. Father O'Donnell (of Queenstown), tho stations of the 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 behind the altar and were executed by Mr Eraser (of Dunedin). There are three figures represented — namely, the Sacred J-Jearfc, St. Catherine (of Sienna), and St. Hyacinth (the patron saint of the church). The dimensions of the building are 65ft by 25ft, and it will accommodate a congregation of about 300. Generally speaking, therelore, the wants of the Catholics in the dia- '

triet — who, it may bo said, en' passant, are principally natives of Poland — have, thanks io the e!>'_-rgy of the popular ririopt of the distiict (the Rev. Father O'Neill), and the generous support that has been accorded him, been well provided for, and a want that lias made 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, where mass >vas celebrated. The celebrant was the Rev. Father Edward O'Donnell (of Dunedin), while the Rev. Father P. O'Donnel (of Gore) preached. The Rev. Father O'Neill a-nd Cleary were also present. The music on the occasion Mas Farmer's Mass in B flat, which was rendered by some members of the Cathedral choir and an orchestra. Mr E. Eagar conducted, and Mr O. Nauman was leader of the orchestra. The solo parts were sung by Misses Crane and Crawford (soprano), Misses K^JJlaney and K. Moloney (alto). Mr Sheppard (tenor), Messrs J. Woods and "VV. O. Feil (bass). As an offertory piece theorohestra played " Der Fruhlingszeit," by E. Weissenborn, while at the conclusion of the mass " Marcheaxix Flambeaux " was played. The 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 Wailiola, and were entertained with some eacred .'music played by tho orchestra. The two trains left at 5 o'clock and reached their respective destinations in good time. It may be added that the architect of the building was Mr Barty (of Balclutha), and the contractor was Mr J. Agnew, of the same place. The cost was £220, and the amount subscribed, including the collection in the church, is something over ££0. The ground on which the church stands is the gift of Mr Phillipowski, a resident of the district.