OPENING OF THE CHURCH AT WINTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VIII, Issue 415, 25 March 1881, Page 15

OPENING OF THE CHURCH AT WINTON.

(Southland Daily News.) Writing on Monday, our co-respondent says :— You are no doubt aware that our Roman Catholic mends have erected a church, & neat and substantial building ot brick and concrete from the designs of Mr. Burwell, the construction of which reflects credit on the architect, and Messrs. Forest and Darling, contractors, and while it is an honour to our Catholic friends it is looked upon as an ornament to the suburban township of East Winton. The opening ceremony took place on Sunday, tbe 20tb, when a special train from Invercargill conveyed the Most Rev. Bishop Moran, Rev. Father Kehoe, and a number of ladies and gentlemen from the city, including several members of the choir of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, whose efforts were highly appreciated, indeed the musical portion of the service, both vocal and instrumental, was an unqualified success. The ceremony was begun by tbe rev. the Bishop proceeding to "bless the Church, which he did by walking around it, the usual forms being read by the Rev. Father Ketaoc. The last-named gentloman officiated in the celebration of the Most H'gh Sacrifice of the Mass. The Most Rev. Bishop then proceeded to deliver a most admirable and impressive discourse from the words, " This is the house of God, aud this the gate of heaven." His Lordship feelingly thanked all concerned in the erection of the Church, including the architect, contractors, congregation, and the rev. Father iv charge of the congregation. His Lordship's discourse was listened to with wrapt attention by the very large congregation, a number not being able to gain admission. After the sermon the rite of confirmation was performed, and the proceedings were brought to a close. His Lordship's visit to Winton will be long remembered, and looked back to with pleasuie by the many who had the privilege to listen to his able discourse. I was not able to learn the amount of the collection, but, judging from the " pile " of notes and gold (saying nothing of the silver in abundance) it must have been liberal, although, the Church not being entirely free of debt, bis Lordship informed the congregation that it (the Church) was not fully " consecrated," but, for the present, was dedicated to the worship of the Most High God.