ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3963, 21 June 1887, Page 2

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

+. SPECIAL SERVICES. Yesterday, special services were held at the Roman Catholic Church Timaru, and were very largely atteuded, morning and evening. The occasion was the consecration of a statue of the Sacred Heart, which has recently been imported, and which has been adorned and painted by the ladies of the convent and prepared and fitted man alcove above the high altar by M. de H. Duval. In order to mark the day, special musical provision had been made, Weber's mass m G being decided upon for the morning service. In spite of the inclemency of the weather, tho ordinary worshippers mustered m good force, and there.were present besides numbers of persons belonging to other communions, whom the prospect of so rare a musical treat had attracted. Tho choir was strengthened by the presence of Misses Kate Haigh and G. Pender as soloists, and an orchestral accompaniment was supplied by Messrs Haigh senr., and McCarthy, junr., Rudolph, Alfred and Claude Haigh (violins, organ, coronet and double-bass respectively), and Huggins, clarionet. Under such favourable circumstances, it is not surprising that the performance was most impressive. The instrumental accompaniment was, both m expression and balance, beautifully true. The music was interpreted, and all who have ever heard this fine composition (which indeed many persona admire more than Mozart's grand works) were pleased beyond measure at the sweetness and fulness of the orchestral music. The bolob were m the hands of Misses K. Haigh and Gr. Pender, and were of course admirably rendered. Miss Pender has a rather powerful mezzo-soprano voice which was very effective indeed, especially m the Aye Maria of Cherubini which formed the offcrtoire. The accompaniment to this is extremely beautiful. But the centre piece of the whole was the Agnus Dei, sung (contralto) by Miss Haigh. This young lady's rich and powerful voice and somewhat grave utterance and intonation are heard to astonishing advantage m music of this character, and all that can be said of the Agnus Dei is that it was enthralling, anything more noble and full of devout expression was never composed, and the singer proved herself worthy to interpret it. Mass was said by the Rev. Father Bowers, the Rev. Father Foley delivering a discourse Vespers were attended by a crowded congregation, the service being conducted by the Reva. Fathers Foley, Brown and Bowers, the last preaching a very interesting and effective sermon m which he set forth the history of the devotion of the Sacred Heart. His resonant voice, perfect fluency and scholarly diction secured for him a. most attentive hearing. " Tantum Err/o," as a duet by Miss K. Haigh and Mr Duval, was finely rendered and towards the close, most beautifully. The A ye Maria by Campana, an exquisite production, was grandly sung by Misb Haigh, and the whole musical programme, managed by Mr Duval, was a genuine success. During the evening one of the pupils of the Convent, MissSelina Hall, suitably habited, recited "An Act of Contrition," the congregation kneeling the while. We hope tho public may be allowed to renew their acquaintance with the masters of sacred music on futuro occasions, through the same efficient medium. Tho Church last night presented a fine appearance, being crowded with people, and tho altar being splendidly decorated, and lighted with about seventy was candles.