OPENING OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, UPPER HUTT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume III, Issue 158, 12 May 1876, Page 13

OPENING OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, UPPER HUTT.

The Catholic Church, Upper Hutt, was dedicated by Bishop Redwood, on April 23rd, a large number of Wellington residents being present at the ceremony. The church has been enlarged to a con° siderable extent. It was formerly a long narrow building, being all that the congregation could attempt at first. Now it is not only sufficiently commodious for present, requirements, but is well finished both inside and out, and is unquestionably a credit to the district, and to those who assisted in providing the means for its erection. The building stands upon a good section of land, laid down in grass and well fenced. At the gate an arch of green leaves and flowers had been constructed, and the ground was decorated with flags in honor of the auspicious occasion. This effect could Tbe witnessed from the railway station as the crowded train arrived a little after ten o'clock, carrying for the most part members of the Church residing in Wellington. The rest were excursionists who took advantage of an opportunity for an outingafforded by the special train, the first which has travelled to the Upper Hutt on Sunday since the line was opened for traffic to 'that extent. Proceedings commenced at half-past ten o'clock, when a large assemblage had gathered in the Church, and on the road immediately in front of the gate. A procession of males and females carrying banners, members cf the Hibernian Society, proceeded to the house of Mr. Brown, adjoining the churchyard, and -which was made to supply the place of the episcopal palace. There the Bishop received the procession, and was escorted to the gate of the churchard, -where Father Yardin read the following address : " My Lord,— May I be permitted again to present to your L«rdship all the Catholics of the Upper Hutt, to tender their profound respect for the representative of his Holiness the Pope, and their

filial affection.to their spiritual father. With heartfelt gratitude they -welcome their first pastor, whose presence is an honor to all, whose words are an encouragement and a reward, and whose blessing will fulfil their most ardent desires, viz., the dedication of this Church. For many years the first Catholic settlers in this valley have exerted themselves to the utmost for its erection. Measuring their resources by the fewness of their number, they were looking forward to its completion ; but they have been assisted by Catholics oi' neighboring districts, by a number of friends who are not of the fold, and by many of those hard-working men on the line who have devoted a handsome portion of their earnings to this good work. We ask of them all to accept our sincere thanks. All have shared in the work, and now all may with honest pride look on its achievement, and enjoy it as a reward. May your Lordship while dedicating this graceful church to the glory of God graciously deign to invoke the best blessings of Heaven on those who havehelped to erect it or will hereafter contribute to pay off its debt."

The procession then proceeded to the church, which was formally consecrated, the Bishop being assisted by Father Yardin. Dr. Redwood then replied to the address. He was very much pleased at the display of goodwill contained in that address, and manifested in the decorations of the church and surroundings. He had no doubt that this good feeling would be manifest to the Almighty, and be rewarded by him. First he thanked them for all the honors they had bean pleased to bestow upon him. Of course he could not accept them for himself, but as the representative of his Holiness Pope Pius IX., in whose name he came among them. He knew it was needless for him to state the delight he felt at being once more among them, and particularly as it was for the purpose of blessing the new church. He had to tender his sincere thanks to all who had assisted in the erection of the church. He had to thank the people of Wellington who had contributed liberally towards the work, also the surrounding districts who had lent their aid, and the inhabitants of this special district in which the church was built ; and he fervently hoped and believed Almighty God would reward them fcr the sacrifices made in favor of a cause so holy. He desired nlso, in a special manner, to thank those hardworking men engaged on the line for their generous assistance. In conclusion, he invoked the blessing of Almighty God on the new church, and upon all who had assisted to place it there. The service of High Mass was then proceeded with. Afterwards a confirmation was held — three girls and- two boys being confirmed. The collection was eminently satisfactory, amounting to over .£6O. The Bishop preached an eloquent sermon on the Temple of the soul. He spoke of the relations between the material temple, the Church, and the temple of the Soul. It was thought necessary to make chuiches attractive and impressive in their construction, so that the thoughts of those that congregated there to worship might be exalted. It was necessary that men and women should so walk through this life that the temple of bouls might be acceptable to God. The soul was the direct work of the Almighty, and it should be kept pure and holy, and beautified by virtue'; profaneness and hideous sin should not be admitted into that temple. The Bishop dwelt upon the good influence of the Church — the indispensability of it, Prayer was necessary to a man as a. means to eternal salvation. Jesus taught us this by His example and His words, saying, " Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation ; ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find." It was simply light to our feet, guiding us direct in the path of godliness. We came into these material temples so that we might keep our eyes constantly bent in the direction of virtue, and so that we might be eventually transplanted into the eternal Temple of God, there to I enjoy everlasting life and bliss.

Service being over, the congregation adjourned to lunch at a house some little distance from the church. About 170 sat down to lunch, Dr. Redwood occupying the chair. The viands having been partaken of to the satisfaction of all, the Bishop delivered a short address, in which he proposed the " Health of Pope Piua the IX," placing it first on the Hst, that being, he said, a truly Catholic meeting. The Hon. Dr. Grace proposed the toast of "His Lordship," of whom he spoke in highly eulogistic terms. Mr. Cruickshank proposed the "Health of Father Yardin," the local clergyman. Mr. o' Shea proposed the "Parishioners of the Hutt." The Bishop, the " Health of Mrs. James Rrown," one of the oldest residents in the district, speaking of the kindness which clergymen had always received at her hands. Mr. James Brown responded. The " Health of the H.A.C.B. Society " was the last toast. The company then separated. The ceremony of blessing the bell took place at three o'clock. The bell was suspended outside the church. The choir assisted in the ceremony, and performed very efficiently. The ceremony, which was witnessed by a large number of persons, being over, vespers were held, amd this terminated the day's proceedings. — ' New Zealand Times.'