THE NEW ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AT TEMUKA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3126, 10 April 1883, Page 2

THE NEW ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AT TEMUKA.

A convincing proof of the influence ' which Christianity exercises over the minds of men, is the fact that European emigrants, however many or few of I heir lares and penaUs they may take with them to a colonial home—for the most part, carry across the ocean, the faith of their ancestors ;,and the various organisations which have played so important a part in the Old World history stretch forth their branches into the remotest parts ; and taking root in virgin soil blossom forth into vigorous life. The Roman Church, regarded as an organisation, has for ages past commanded the admiration of the world. “ On this Rock I found my Church—to ihee I give the Keys of Heaven"—this is the solemn commission which the first Pope is believed to have received from his Master — and the fulfilment of that commission now stands in view of the whole world, in the Roman Catholic Church. At her head-quarters she has trained and nurtured, in every successive generation, an army of devoted .soldiers of the Cross. She has impressed upon them her mark, inspired them with devotion to her service, and sent them forth into every region. In all climes, amongst all peoples, her ministers are to be found. No, savagery is too fearful, no misery too dreadful, no danger too terrifying for them. These men are equipped with learning, filled with devotion, and absolutely and solely wedded to their Church—aud are ready to go forth at her bidding to encounter all sorts of privation and danger. And as the tide of emigration flows away from the other lands which have been the scene of her early triumphs she follows the departing seekers after fortune with her consolations and her teachings. The devotion of the Roman Catholics in the colonies to their Church frequently excites surprise ; people wonder how, in an age of enlightenment and reason and progress, amid new surroundings and enlarged scope for wordly wisdom and energy, the Church maintains her hold upon them and retains their devotion and love. The reason is not far to seek, and those who best' know the relation in which she has always stood to her people are not at all surprised at the evergreen affection with which she is regarded. It is not surprising that her imposing ritual should win converts of every race and tongue. Still less is it surprising that those, who while hardly living in the over-crowded countries of Europe had no other friend in whom to confide, should cherish the remembrance of her with undying love and veneration. The same spirit which inspired the Psalmist who in rapturous tones set forth his delight in the Tabernacle and its ordinances, inspires to-day the children of the Roman Church. He who has marked the homeward - bound laborers trudging along the roads in France, and has seen them kneel reverently and restfully down for a few moments at the foot of the groat wooden cross by the roadside ; ho who has seen, in Irish villages, the little train of peasantry, in times of famine and civil strife, wending their way at the bell’s invitation, to their parish Church and finding in that calm haven a rest from the excitement and cares of the world ; he who has seen her ministers on the battlefield, in the vile abodes of infamy, misery, and suffering, by the bed of the dying, among savages, and in the dark places of the earth, ever bearing the message of peace ; and marked their courage, their devotion, their self-denial, their unfailing kindness and solicitude, can never wonder at the enthusiasm with which the people love, and the veneration with which they adore, the church wherinto they were baptised, in whose ear they have confessed their sins and poured their griefs, which has watched over their early years, 1 counselled them in their prime, and soothed their friends in death. “Semper eadem !” “ the same yesterday, to-day, and for”— the rest of her existence, she has never belied the legend of her banner. In this far-away colony even she has already planted her standard and gathered around her her children by the thousand. No more striking example of the vitality of the church in the colony could be found than the fact that such a church as this, dedicated to St. Joseph, has arisen in Temuka, than which we can hardly conceive a more beautiful edifice, The grand structure that has now arisen is the realisation of the high hopes and the result of the unwearied efforts of the Rev. Father Fauvel, parish priest. , It is plainly visible as one, approaches Temuka, but it is, in style, quite a departure from the old canons of Roman Catholic architecture, being partially of the Gothic order, thoroughly Anglican in appearance. The building is of Opihi limestone, very clean, and pleasing to the eye, the spire being of Oamatu stone. On the 'same ground, and a very little apart from the church, stands the new Presbytery, a most handsome and commodious residence. Entering the church by the main door one finds oneself in a porch which is, perhaps, a trifle too small. Passing into the building proper, the eye is immediately struck with the exquisite beauty and appropriateness of the arrangements —at the same time one cannot help remarking the unaccustomed rounding of the ceiling, and the absence of that pointedness which usually characterises a Roman Catholic Church. The coup d' oeil yields unqualified pleasure, for all the eye rests upon is harmonious. There are forty seats capable of holding probably fifteen persons each, affording, at any rate, ample seating room for over 500 worshippers, The font which should confront you at the entrance, is not yet placed but is in course of construction. Walking up the centre aisle, one’s attention is rivetted on the splendid altar, which is of almost dazzling whiteness and of very light construction, but is nevertheless of iron. Its entablatures and reliefs, and general construction are faultless and its ornaments are superb. The effect by candle-light must be enchanting. The Church is lighted by five handsome chandeliers. At the altar rail, on one side is placed the pulpit, the high position and contracted appearance of which somewhat mars the general effect. Behind the altar is a triple stained window, on which is inscribed “ The gift of the Rev Father Fauvel, who built the Church in the year 1880, pray for him.” On each side of the high altar are the statues of St. Mary and St. Joseph, respectively. These were imported from France, and they strike the beholder as remarkably life-like and unusually natural as to attitude and expression of countenance. In connection with the statue of St. Joseph it may be remarked that being badly packed, it was found on arrival to have sustained a severe smashing and consequent disfigurement. Father Fauvel, however, was fortunate enough to stumble over some ingenious individual who repaired it—so, thoroughly, that no trace of breakage can now be discerned. A glance round the church shows that every window is a double one containing full length portraits of saints. Itis a great matter for this congregation that they possess a church having so many stained glass windows,

all beautifully executed. Beginning at the altar end of the church and going round, we find the windows as follows: —l,The Blessed Mary and St. Gabriel, the gift of Mrs M. Gaffney; 2, St. Elizabeth and St. Anne, Mrs M. Quinn; 3, St. Agnes and St. Magdalen, Mrs M. Spillano; 4 St. Catherine and St. Bridget, Mrs J. Fitzgerald ; 5 St. Rose of Lima and St. Teresa, Mrs E. Hoare; 6, St. Germana and St. Margaret, Mrs i?. Grealish ; 7, Angle Guardian and St. Francis, Me S. Gentlemun brothers and sister; 8, St. Tobias and St. Eapbael, Mr Bartholomew Martin ; 9, St Alphouso.ot Lignony and St. Isidor, (farmer), Mr Martin Grealish; 10, St. Patrick, and St.. Thomas Acquinate, Mr Simon Coghlan; 11, St. John Apostle and St. Francis, of, Assissium, John and William Fitzgerald; 12, St. Peter and St, Paul, E. and Hoare; 18, St, Joseph and St. John Baptist, 0. and P. Coll; 14, St. Michael and St. Daniel, Prophet, Mr M. Quinn.. There are also, interspersed, the “Stations of the Cross.” These windows are remarkably fine, and one can hardly tire of looking at them. They were manufactured at Paris and Lyons, two Of them bearing the imprint of Dufetro a Ligny, Lyon, The artists have succeeded admirably in producing expressions in the various faces, and the accompaniments, garb, and other accessories of the figures, are excellent. As for instance—the child standing beside “ the Angel Guardian,” and the lamp carried by St. Frances ; the Episcopal robes of St. Alphonso and St. Patrick; the attitude of St. Frances of Assissium gazing meditatively down upon the skull at his feet, which impresses him with the vanity of earthly things, and his friar’s robe open, disclosing a laceration of his side, by which he has mortified his flesh; the bold and fearless air of St. John Baptist clad in his camel’s hair raiment, and bearing a banner on which is inscribed the legend “ Ecce Signum”; St. Michael with his foot firmly planted on the dragon which ho has subdued. Over the main doorway is the choir gallery. Ascending from this by a narrow staircase, one reaches the tower in which are contained the works of the clock, connected with the bell above; going still higher we find ourselves on the summit of the tower and directly under the base of the spire. In the bell chamber, which is open on all four sides in order that the sound may have free passage, hangs three bells of remarkably sweet tenor tone, one of them chiming the quarters, and another striking the; hours. On each . is inscribed, on one side “ Pontificate of Leo XII., Eev Francis Eedwood, Bishop, Rev. L. Fauvel, pastor.” On the other, “ I praise God, rejoice the living and relieve the dead ”;—together with the name of the maker at “ Troy, N.Y. in the U.S., .America.” These bells Father Fauvel got at his own expense and they are worthy of the Church. Such is the building as it now stands, the pride of the Catholic population, and the delight of their pastor’s heart. But it yet remains to indicate something of the labor which all this has cost. The Father has been indefatigable in superintending and assisting the workmen. The order for the windows were all put into shape by him and sent Home, and the thousand and one details of the building cost him many a sleepless night. From the time when the design issued from the studio of Mr Henry Evans, the architect, till now it has coat the people a good deal of money and much willing labor. The stone building was executed by Messrs Riley and Finlay of Christchurch, the woodwork by Mr Delaney, the painting by Mr T. Sullivan, both of Timaru, have been faithfully executed. The Opihi stone of which the building was composed was given by Mr Henry Collett, and the members of the congregation undertook the free cartage of it. Laboronly was let, material being found, and Father Fauvel was untiring in his efforts to have the work well executed. He was up every morning to mark the progress made, and his whole heart, was and is bound up in the church. The career of this good priest has been one of strong devotion to duty—the same spirit characterising him here that bore him up for so many years against sickness, and in presence of danger, in Fiji! He had counted upon sufficient subscriptions to cover everything, bnt some persons have left the place, and owing to other causes many failed to carry out their promises, and the result has been an accumulation of debt which it will require very strenuous efforts to wipe off. On Sunday next, the members of the church all hope to see a large muster of , people, and to obtain from the collection a good round sum, to form the nucleus of, a fund by which the debt may be extinguished. Father Fauvel’s energy is not entirely absorbed by the new church, however. He is having the old church and 'presbytery fitted up respectively for a school and for the reception of some nuns of St. Joseph, who are expected W arrive In June, and who will forthwith engage in teaching. In' conclusion, wo cannot sufficiently express our admiration for this beautiful sanctuary, and for the energy and zeal of the pastor, whom we heartily wish a complete success in his arduous labors.