CATHOLIC CHURCH AT SUMNER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5760, 2 January 1897, Page 6

CATHOLIC CHURCH AT SUMNER.

The services in connection with the blessing of a Catholic church at Sumner — tho blessing of the building and tho benediction — took placo yesterday in tho presence of largo congregations. Tho building devoted to the purpose is that which was erected some years ago for a social hall, and was presented to tho Right Rev Bishop Grimes, to bo used as a church, by the lato Mr A. J. White about three years ago. Owing to various difficulties tho opening was delayed, but now the structure has been thoroughly renovated, painted outside and varnished within, and its appearance altered so as to assume somewhat of an ecclesiastical character. A portion of tho building afc one end has been partitioned off so as to provido a vestry and a private room for the priest. A handsome communion altar of polished wood, with suitable furniture, has been presented by Mrs A. J. White and tho other members of the lato Mr White's family. Accommodation for about oue hundred and fifty persons has been provided in tho chapel, which has been dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady, Star of tho Sea. The building was simply but tastefully decorated for the services by Mesdames White, ancl Clifford, Miss Fitzgerald and other ladies. The ceremony of blessing tho new church according to tho Roman rite wa,s performed at 10 a.m. by tho Right Rev Bishop Grimes, who solemnly blessed both tho interior and 'tho exterior of tha building. Tho Very Rev Father Cummings, V.G., tho Very Rev Father Ginaty of Mount Magdala, and tho Rev Father Foley, of Lincoln, acted as assistants. Tho pro-cathedral choir rendered tho music of the ceremony very efficiently, and Mis 3 Funston acted as organist. After tho blessing- tho _3ishop preached .an eloquent^ sermon from the words " I havo sanctified^ this house, which thou hast built, to put T My name there for ever, and My eyes aud My heart shall be thero for evor, (111. Kings ix., 3), and " Here will I dwell, for I have chosen it." At tho benediction in the afternoon, thero was a large congregation, several people, as in tho morning, being unable to obtain admission. The Very Rev Father ."" Cummings gave an impressive address. After the service in the morning, a largo company, including tho Bishop, tho clergy and the members of tho choir, were entertained at luncheon by Mr and Mrs Alfred White, whoso health was proposed by his Lordship and heartily drunk. Tho Very Bey Father Cummings, on behalf of the choir, thanked the host and hostess for their hospitality. After tho benediction, the party were entertained by Mr and Mrs Whito with afternoon tea. The Bishop thanked all who had taken part in the services, and especially the members of tho family of the donor of tho church, for tho great generosity, kindness and hospitality they had shown to all. Ho announced that the collections at tho services had realised the satisfactory sum of £61. His Lordship will say mass and preach in the church to-morrow morning.