NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14040, 25 October 1909, Page 2

NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH.

AT W.UMATF.. TIIK OPENING CKREMONIES. Yesterday was an important day in the History ot Catholicism in the uaimate district, tor on it- a new iAulmle Church was opened—a building of verv line appearance both outside and in. and one which gives outward ami visible iign. in a very fitting way ot the progress of the church in ihat particular part of Canterbury. 'I lie solemn opening and blessing of the new edifice was a very impressive corej mony and members ot the church gatliI ered from far and near to be present | at- it. Some came from as far away [ as the West Coast, and the big gatherI ing, albeit the weather was rough and stormy, afforded a striking demonstration of the loyalty with which members of the Catholic Church support their clergy and institutions. His Lordship, J3r Grimes, of Christolmrch, the Bishop of the Diocese, was the central figure in the celebration, and ihe Right Rev. tho Bishop of Dunedin was also present, besides many other distinguished ecclesiastics. It was unfortunate that tho elements were so unkindly for fine weather was the only thing wanting to ensure that the new church would be opened under the happiest ausnices. Certainly no arrangements which it was humanly possibly to make to ensure that the function would pass off successfully wore left The dovoted parish priest (Rev. Father Auhad not overlooked tho minutest detail in the arrangements, and io him 1 and hLs cnadjntors, the unpropitions weather which prevailed, must have I como as a sere disappointment. Quito a number of peonle from Timaru lnd i intended to go down to Waimato f--r ' the c'nv, but when morning broke with a c«ld wind and driving rain. *ho intention had reluctantly to lie dismissed bv a good many, though not by all «f thorn. THE NEW BUILDINGS. Id X» sonic vc-uis since lue laet was Ooliie lit uio pallet pm_jt. ..i >.Ui;uihc, liiul a uert" aim inure iv.uUi\.u.u..a Ou.iuuig iiuttlu jiavo tJ Dc eiec«.eu tor liu> ever increasing ilocii, iiuu io l/cau iVcjjuaUii, honour ot setting on 1000 tno mowiueuD Winch cuiiiLniait-u ill i;ie rejoicings Wliica ttK,«£ yeatelviay. .uiUvial carnations were muue ir«..i i.ic scan, xno Catholics giving with tint open-nancied, generosity which ahvu..a cuarac.ertn.-s tneir support ot i.ie church. as soon as buiUciohi- fun:is .vcre in hand, a Dunediu architect (Mr t'. Pecre; was consulted, aim lie suomitiou a ao»igu of a very beauiilul order. But as it stood it was al.-.o costly nioro costly than was considered advisable, by those in authority for the time being. They would have liked the design just as <t stood had there been no limit to the financial resources of the parish, but as there was a limit,- they wisely decided to accept as much of the design as they could afford for the time, and to so construct the building that it could be completed in all its beauty as soon as funds would, permit. The park which has been omitted, is an elaborately designed spherical vault. with which it is proposed to ultimateh crown the edifice. . When this is up, the new church will be a handsome structure. That it will be a dome of no mean order may be judged from the fact that it k' estimatr-d t> cost £IOOO. And when it is said th.it the r-httrch as now built- has cost, in round figures, £6000,, it will be readilv conceded that it is something cut of the ordinary ruck.

It was in Januarv of 1908 that the foundation stone of the new church was laid, the oercmonv being performed by the Right R e v* Bishop Grimes. Much of the preliminary work had been done prior to this and that the building has taken the best part of two years to erect shows that nothing lias been hurried about it, and it bears the imprint of that solidity and ornatoness which characterise the work of the skilled artisan.

St. Patrick's is the name of the new church, and it stands quite close to the old one, on a commanding 6ito at the corner of Cameron street and Timaru road. The building is of brick, faced with Oamaru stone, and with a tiled roof, and its harmonious proportions and embellishments (particularly those inside) are so pleasing that one might be pardoned for wondering when looking round it, whether he is really in Waimato, or whether he has not by some chance been transported to one of the centres in older lands, noted for the excellence of their architecture. The stvle mav be said to pertain to Byzantium, the one-timo capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, though it is not strictly Byzantine. It has a striking facade. Three flights of substantial stone steps, broad and of easy tread, lead up to the portico 50 feet long and over 8 feet wide, broken up by massive stone pillars which mark off the front entrances—one leading down the centre of the nave, and one down each of the two sido aisles. Another striKing feature of tho front of tho building is a large and very handsome rose window above tho main entrance, and on either sido of this, are stained glass windows all of winch combine in creating a very nice effect. Once inside the church, one is immediately struck with the artistic manner in which everything has- been worked out. The ceiling is a particularly fine work of art, fashioned in the most beautiful patterns out of white fibrous plaster. The walls have a seven foot dado of grey cement which shows out in contrast to tho white plaster walls. On either side of the naye, and let into tho walls, are the confessionals. These have each three compartments made of figured wood, over which is a plaster arch resting on neatly-fashioned brackets, while the entrances to the different compartments, are draped off. In dimensions, tho nave is 72ft. by 36ft. Standing in it, and looking at the sanctuary, one is at once impressed with the chaste naturo of tho work there. In tho schemo of colouring, white and gold have been used most etfectively, the altar being white, picked out in gold. An arch of fine proportions divides tho sanctuary from tho nave; the raised floor of the sanctuary is covered in blue diamond tiles; and from behind a flood of soft light is admitted through semi-circular stained glass windows. Recesses in the walls of the outer anctuary, contain beautiful statues of tho Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, and St. Patrick, each of which adds a distinct charm to the interior of the building. Father Aubrey has a strong inclination towards statuary of this sort and it is lus intention to have more of it, as well as oil paintings m the church, as time goes on and means will allow. The nave is well provided with comfortable seats, tho best from the old church being moved into the new one. There is accommodation for 600 people. A brass tablet affixed to one of tho walls, bears the names of tho late Nicholas and Mary Qiunn who presented a sum of money equal io the cost of tho sanctuary, and a peal of bells. The money given for tho bells, will not ho used (except to earn interest) until tho church is finally commoted. It should also be mentioned that the altar was the gft of Mrs Hanley and family, and airs Flvnn presented the altar gong Before leaving tho nave, it should be noted that the main entrance doors have

panels in stamped copper which, look exceedingly well from the inside of the church; just insido the entrance and on either side of it., are some largo South Sea Island sheels intended to hold the water used by worshippers, and the font from tho old church, readorned, has been moved to tho now one. .Mr "Wills gave the handsome cover of tho font. The nave is excellently lighted by stained glass flows and is well ventilated. 'She lighting at night will be by coal gas. From the rear of the nave, an <rou spiral stairway'leads up to a p.llery where tho choir will be located, and where it is hoped shortly to I»ave r>n organ. The gallery is lighted by the rose window previously refer :d to. There is a little ante-room 01 e'lher side of tho gallery, and from ere of these, a flight of* wooden steps leads on to the roof, where a magnificent view of the surrounding country can be obtained. Alcntion should next bo made of the sacristy. This is situated on tiie northern side of tho church at its. eastern end and in dimensions is Wit. long by loft. wide. It is, like tho church proper, very substantial in build, and looks well with its white plastered walls and ample lighting. It contains a roomy wooden press for tho vestments, besides a strong room and lavatory, and was the gift of Dean Rognault. It is intended later on, to erect another annexe of similar size, in the form of a nuns' chapel, on the opposite sido of the church to the sacristy, and when this is up, it will act as a balance to the one already in position. Some dimensions of the new church mav bo given. In length it is 120 ft., and in width, 56ft. The walls run up to a height of 37ft. Tho nave is 72ft. by 36ft.; the sanctuary 32 by 22, and the. sacristy 19 by 15. A handsome set of iron gates at tho entrance to the church grounds wero given by Mr G. W. Collett. A good many hands assisted in the erection of the" church, tho contractors being as follows:—Woodwork, Mr Murtagh; brick and stone work, Messrs Mills and Ford; fibrous plaster work, Mr Wardrop; seating, Messrs Hive and Betton; lighting, Mr C. Hodges; spiral staircase, Mr Sterner (Timaru); tile setting and plastering, Air Berry (Timaru). Tho workmanship reflects credit on all concerned and tho Catholics of tho Waimato district aro to he congratulated on tho acquisition of such a fine church. THE OPENING CEREMONIES. The impressive opening celebrations began witu a procession m. the lullowmg oruer: — Cross-bearer with attendant aeolvtes, altar boys la surplice and soutan,' the clergy, and lastly the Bishops, clad in full pontificals. The procession started from the Presbytery and proceeded to the main entrance of tne building, where tiie ceremony of blessing was commenced by Bishop Grimes, from tliis point the procession moved on to the front of the altar, where t!Te prayers and litany were recited. The blessing of the walls then followed. After this, His Lordship retired to lus throne in the sanctuary, supported by Dean Carew, of Groymouth, and Father Marion, of Sydney. Pontifical High Mass followed, sung by Bishop Verdon, of Dunedin. Dean Regnault and Dean O'Donnell were deacon and sub-deacon respectively, assisted by Father Maloney, Father Tynion being master of ceremonies.

The sermon was preached by Bishop Grimes, who chose as his text the words to be found in 11. Chronicles, viii., 16: "For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever; and my eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually.'' His Lordship said that these well known words had been addressed by the Almighty to ihe people and priests of Israel after the dedication of the temple of Solomon, and he .(the preacher) thought them most appropriate words to address to those who were gathered there that day on tho occasion of the dedication of their beautiful tehiple. It was si red letter day for Waimato and the surrounding district. That southern part of Canterbury had one of the greatest blessings a parish could possess in the saintlv. energetic and farseeiug priests which it had; and thanks to their devotedness, and the generosity of the people of Waimato, it had become one of the model parishes of the diocese. It was in the proud possession of splendid schools, a substantial convent, a commodious presbytery, and ample parochial property. The excellent church, erected long years ago bv the first and highly esteemed pastor (Father Gcutmoire, who was the founder of the mission in Waimato) had long since become far too small for the increasing congregation, and now there had been built a church more worthy of the worship of the Most High, and mode adapted to the requirements of the present congregation, and more in keeping with the growing prosperity of the locality. To this end the congregation had worked devotedly, and now the desire of their hearts' had been realised, and prelates, priests and people had come from afar to rejoice with them in the accomplishment of the great and noble work. With old and hallowed rites, and with beautiful scriptural prayers, the blessing of God was invoked on their new church. From this day forward, tho stately building would be known as the House of God the home of the faithful. '

Before dwelling in detail on the thoughts which the sacred edifice promoted, the Bishop uttered a word of thanks to all those who had helped in the realisation of the obiect sought when it was decided to erect the new church. He congratulated the architect on the beautiful design, and the contractors on tho excellent workmanship they had put into tho building. His Lordship also tendered the cordial congratulations to the priests who had assisted in its erection, specially mentioning the present' pastor (Rev. Father Aubrey) with whom tho Planning and execution of the beautiful design rested. He also most cor- | dially thanked the venerable Bishon of Dunedin for his kindness in coining to sing tho first Pontifical Mass in the new church. Lastly His Lordship thanked all the priests and people, some of whom had travelled long distances to share in tho universal joy of that great day's function; and in anticipation, ho tendered his thanks to all who would generously help to remove the. burden of debt, for the celebration of the solemn dedication. Continuing, His Lordship said that the erection of that great temple was the outcome of their faith, their generosity, and their love. Their faith prompted them to give expression to their belief in the abiding presence of God in their midst, and so they had erected for Him, a building as worthy as their means would allow. Carping critics would perhaps ask: why this needless expense; is not God a spirit, and can He not be adored in spirit and in truth without such display? What need lias He, of material buildings—mere eartldy decorations? Why -all these lights, why this incense, these vestments, this music? Answering these questions, the Bishop said that similar criticism had been heard at tho dawn of Cliristianity, and in the hearing of tho Founder of it. When Alary poured the precious ointment on tho feet of Jesus, one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, asked why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and tho money given to tho poor? But wo wero told that he said this, not because ho cared for tho poor, but because hewas a. thief, and having tho purse, carried the tilings that wero put therein. God did indeed demand the homage of the heart, and would bo

adored in spirit and in truth; but where was the faithful soul,'filled with reverence for tho Almighty power, and witli deep . gratitude for the' immense benefits received and realising the need of tho loving infinite majesty and perfection of God, that does not feel impelled to manifest those feelings outwardly? To act' otherwise . would he to belie tho very impulse of an ardent nature. Was there not within us, something which urged us in the hour of danger, to raise our voices to the Almighty in prayer, to sing the song of praise in tho hour of joy? In the literary, scientific, commercial, or social world, men met together and built sumptuous edifices to honour the societies of which they were members. They inaugurated them by some public rejoicing, and at times, with legal splendour. When the faithful met together "in Christian society, to honour and worship tho God of Heaven and earth, and to work out the end of their salvation, was it not right well and meet that they should build temples in which the weightest business of life could be transacted ? And should not these edifices be worthy of the Most High, and serve as so many standing memorials of their faith, generosity, and love —memorials binding man to man, and all men to God? Could aught be too costly or too good for Him from whom we had received all wo are, and have. True, He did not stand in need of us, or of our goods, but did we not stand in need

of Him? Should we not he continually reminded of His power and "dominion over us; of His love and mercy, towards us; must not our hearts ho raised heavenwards and drawn away from earthly pursuits and sensual pleasures, and must not reb'gion speak to us by her folenm rites so that salutary impressions might bo made, on our souls? Should there not bo earthly splendour pressed into the service of God in spirit and in truth? Was not this sentiment of our common nature, clearly confirmed and enforced by tho word of God? Did wo not there find tho Almighty prescribing for His chosen people", not only tho form of tabernacle, but tho materials whereof it should be composed? And did Ho not declare that He would have it to bo tho generous, voluntary, loving offering of His people? In support of this, His Lordship made interesting reference to various passages of scripture, and went on to say that from the whole lu'story of tho Jewish people and from tho inspired pages of Holy W r rit, it was seen that tho cold and heartless pliilosophy which scoffed at the efforts made to glorify God through the offerings of our substanc* and tho work of our hand, and by tho solemn and impressive forms of worship, was a barren philosophy with no fruits of virtue and no goodness in it. The sermon concluded with some remarks anent the generosity of those who had contributed to build the new church in which he hoped the congrer gation of Waimato would bo richly blessed by tho unfailing grace of God. following the sermon, a collection was taken up. This amounted .to £270. It was anticipated that it would have been still larger had the weather been more favourable to a large attendance. As it was, tho seating accommodation was comfortably filled. , , „ • In the sanctuary were the following clergy in addition to those already meirtioned:—The Very Rev. Father O'Sullivan, of the African Mission, the Rev. Father Tubman, P.P. of Timaru, and the Rev. Father Aubrey, of Waimato.

At the service last evening there was again a good attendance in spite of the elements The Waimato Brass Band played suitable selections in the church grounds prior to the service which began at 7 o'clock. The Very Rev. Father O'Sullivan was the preacher, and he delivered an eloquent sermon which met with much acceptation. Following the sermon Miss M. Pounds sang Mascheronis- "Ave "Maria," with violin obligate by Miss Sinclair. Solemn pontifical benediction was given by Bishop Grimes. At the morning mass Gounod's Clovis was sung by St. Patrick's choir, assisted by a string orchestra of which Miss Sinclair was leader. Mr C. J. Goldstone conducted tho choir; the results of his work were really excellent, and wero highly spoken of by the many visitors from other parishes. Miss Wall added greatly to the devotional effect of the music by her artistic manipulation of the organ.