OPENING OF SACRED HEART CHURCH, WEST PLAINS, SOUTHLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIII, Issue 47, 27 March 1896, Page 15

OPENING OF SACRED HEART CHURCH, WEST PLAINS, SOUTHLAND.

The new cburch of the Sacred Heart, near Waikivi, Invercargill, was solemnly opened on last Sunday. The weather was favourable, and a large congregation, many of whom came long distancre, filled the handsome wooden building. The church has seating accommodation for 250 persons, and haß been built by Messrs M. and H. Mair, to plans prepared by Mr W. Sharp, architect, It has a commodious porch, a fine sanctuary, and tastefully-decorated altar, with convenient sacristy, The Very Rev Father Lynch was celebrant of the High Mass, He waß assisted in the dedication ceremonies by Rev Father O'Donnell (Gore), Rev Fathers Vereker and ODea (Invercargill). Lambillotte'a Mass in D was rendered in a very effective manner by thra choir of St Mary's, Invercargill, under the conductorship of Mr T. J. Anthony. A capable orchestra, under the leadership of Mr D. Blue, gave valued assistance. Miss M. Roche presided at the organ, kindly lent by the Dresden Company. The solob were taken by Miss M. Morrison (eoprano), Mr W. D. Smith (tenor), Mr H., E. Anthony (baßs). The music was everything that could be deiired. The occasional Bermon was preached by Father Lynch, who took for his text II Par. vii, 16. " I hay« choßen and sanctified this place, that My name may be there for ever, and My tyes and My heart may be there perpetually." In the course of an earnest sermon, in which he Bhowed that the merciful compassion of the Sacred Heart of Jesua would be specially shown to thi people in this house of God. The preacher took occasion to offer sincere congratulation to priest and people, because of the magnificent success which bad attended their generouß efforts. True to the wise policy of their late Bishop, tfcey had tried to let do man have a lien on the church of God, If not actually free of all debt, their handsome building, which reflected credit on all concerned, was on the fringe of the postition so desirable for every Catholic church. Before the large congregation dispersed Rev Father Vereker said that the moentary contribution had been entirely satisfactory. He conld not say that the church was actually free ot debt, but the collection that day had amounted to close on £150, and the debt remaining did not exceed £40, towards which he had received promises which would nearly extinguish it. Practically the Church was free of debt, He had to tbat,k all those who hud assisted in the good work, the ladies and gentlemen of the choir, visito r s from all parts, and persons of all denominaiions, who hid contri uted towards the fund. FatheT Vertker explained the pleasure it gave bim to find visitors from every part of the diatuct, and even beyond the bounds of the mission — from Boslyn Bush, Muble Bueb, II- dgthopp, Waimatuku, Thornbury, Wrey's Bubb, and the distant Hokonuis. lie also desired specially to thank the Very Eev Father Lynch f> r his attendance, for the eloquent sermon he had preached, aid aho fur his donation. Also the Rev Father O'Djnnell. who had attended at great inconvenience, and Fathers Walth (Kivtrton), O'Lenry (Lawrence), and O'Neill (Miltor) for their contributions and expressions of sympathy, He hoped the words of the preacher respecting the edifice would be borne in mind, and that the coogre o ation would be constant in their atten lance at the services,