CATHOLIC CHURCH, PALMERSTON NORTH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 13, 13 January 1893, Page 19

CATHOLIC CHURCH, PALMERSTON NORTH.

(Manawatu Standard, Jannary 2.) The Palmer-ton Oatholic Church has been beautifully decorated for the Christmas and New Year's services, and the interior presents 8 really imposing spectacle. One of the most striking features should be mentioned, is a pretty crib, which has been placed in the ladies' chapel and is in the shape of the stable in Batblehem. The infant Child, in the manger, and snugly wrapped up in swaddling clothes, reclines gracefully upon the straw. A beautiful figure of the Virgin, with arm 9 crossed, and contemplating her Ood, also stands out pro* minently. The ox and the ass, apparently breathing upon the infant, is another especial featnre. Surronnding the infant appear a number of beautiful angels with flattering wings, suspended ia the air, and apparently playing upon trumpets and singing the praises of the infant. At tbe bead of the child a golden nymbus rests, and above the cave a red cross. Underneath, and fronting the cave, is a florid inscription " A child is born unto us." A picturesque swinging lamp, burning night and day, and placed at the head of the cave, gives a solemn but at the same time bewitching effect to the whole. The snow, ice, and holly, clustering around the outside, add considerable attraction to the master work. Above the cave another tasteful inscription, " Christ is born ; let us rejoice and adore," catches the eye and stands out in bold relief. The altar also has been artistically decorated, the taete displayed being admirable. Flowers of every description, resting in pretty vases and sending forth their delicious fragrance, stand adjacent to the ornamental candlesticks. Another conspicuous work of art is the device, " Gloria in Excelsis Dao," placed over the arch ; the lettering, interlaced with beautiful designs, presents a most attractive appearance, and reflects the greatest credit on the artist. Last night when the inteiior of the church was illuminated, the scene enchanted beholders, and its like has not been surpassed in the Colony. Father Patterson, who has spent considerable time in beautifying the church and bringing it to its present state of per* feet ion, has received some compensation by the words of praise which has repeatedly fallen from the lips of his large flock. The services held during the holidays have been ot a most successful description, the Church beiug crowded on every occasion with an earnest congregation. The choir and the organist (Miss Hollis) have rendered signal 6ervicd, the sacred music surpassing all previous efforts, and haß met with that appreciation which the meritorious nature of the work deserves.