OPENING OF A NEW CHURCH AT MATATA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 2, 7 May 1897, Page 19

OPENING OF A NEW CHURCH AT MATATA.

A non-Catholic correspondent is good enough to send us the following : —

On Wednesday, April 21, the new chapel at Matata was opened. For some time previous extensive preparations for a big feast had been made by the Maoris, and they entertained their visitors right royally. There were Maoris present from Opotiki, Whakatane, Maketu, Te Puke and llotorua. The Rotorua Native Brass Band was also present, having ridden a distance of over (iO miles in order to be present, and the sweet music they discoursed was highly appreciated both by European and Maori. The ceremony of blessing the church w>.s performed by Father Lightheart, assisted by Fathers Holierhock, Kamp and Vandyk. An efficient choir of Europeans and Maoris rendered most valuable assistance and reflected the greatest credit on their leader, Rev. Father Vandyk The altar was most tastefully decorattd by the Sisters of St. Joseph with cosmos and chrysanthemums.

The church itself was commenced by the Rev. Father Madan and. finished by the Rev. Father Holierhock, whose ingenuity is seen everywhere one looks. The altar is made of mottled kauri, artistically carved and beautifully draped, all being the handiwork of Father Holierhock.

Devotions were also held in the chapel in the afternoon, when Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given by Rev. Father Vandyk.

An enjoyable entertainment in the evening brought to a close a memorable and pleasant day.