WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 17, 21 August 1885, Page 13

WELLING TON.

(From our own correspondent.)

On Sunday, the 9fcb, an important ceremony took place here— namelj , the consecration of a new Catholic church. For some years pastcognizancehad to.be taken of the fact that an additional church was necessary for the Te Aro end tf the city, as the Boulcatt street church was totally inadequate to meet the requirements of the large and fast-increasing Catholic population of the parish, and although from time to time additions were made and conveniences resorted to, the capacities of the church, it was found, were still insufficient" for its purpose. As a Catholic community was forming in r the Newtown district of the city, it became evident that 6oon a church would have to be provided in their midst. To relieve the Boalcatt street church, and meet the growing requirements of the Newtown district, it was decided to erect a new church at as convenient a distance as possible fromtheci»treof the TeAro parish, and which from its position would m time become the principal church of the parish. A very suitable sl e te^ a o- ng . l^ n J ) ? )Carßdinßuckleßlreet ' abQfctin & on the grounds j of Bt. .Patrick s College, the erection of a te-nporary church was proceeded with immediately the land was cleared of the materials employed in the building of the College. The work of the erection of the church was entrusted to Mr. J. H. Meyer, builder, who also prepared the plans, the contract price being £1000. la order that the view of the elevation of the College on the Buckle street side should be obstructed as little as possible, and at the same time to obtain the maximum sitting accomodation, an octangular style of building was designed. This style of church architecture is somewhat unique, and is after the manner of the Rev. Rowland Hill's chapel, London. The building is of wood, with dome-shaped iron roof and lantern, in which is placed the bell. It has a concave-shaped gallery extending across the building, fronting the high altar, at the rear of which is a place fitted up for the choir. The church is fitted both in the gallery and on the floor with comfortable seats, and it is stated, can accommodate 1400 people. This building is intended but as a temporary edifice, as it is contemplated to erect a magnificent church in stone or briclc on the site before many years have- passed by. The services in connection with the opening and .consecration of the church took place, as mentioned, on yesterday week. The interior of the church was tastefully ' decorated with nikau palms and evergreens, which contrasted well with the glittering aheen of the artistically framed Stations of the Cross, which adorned the sides, the workmanship of a' gentleman of the congregation. The admission to the church was by ticket at five shillings and two shillings and sixpence. The ceremony of consecration was performed by the Very Bey. Father McNamara, administrator of the diocese, there being present besides the Reverend Fathers Kerrigan, Moore, Devoy, Carolan, Goggan, Kirk, Mahoney, and Dr. Wattets. At? 11 o'clock, solemn High Mass was celebrated by the Hey. Father Kirk, assisted by the Rev Fathers Devoy and M ihoney, as deacon and sab-deacon, and the Rev. Father Goggan as master of ceremonies. The choir rendered Farmer's Mass in B flat with the greatest success, the singers being selected from the joint choirs of St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Mary of 'the Ang«ls, while the instrumentalists comprised Borne af the best musical talent in the city. Mr, Raymond acted as organist and Mr. Kearsley as conductor. At the conclusion of the Gospel, the dedication sermon was preached by the Very Rev. Father Ginaty, of Christchurch,thetextbeingselected from the fiist Book of Kings— "l have sanctified the house thou hafct built," etc. The sermon, which occupied an hour in delivery, was one deserving of the Rev. Father's reputation for eloquence, and was listened to with intense interest and evident pleasure. A collection in aid of the building fund was made afterwards, which, with the proceeds of sale of tickets, realised about £200. Solemn Vespers, another sermon by Father Ginaty, and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrameaf, were given in the evening, at 7 p.m.