MILLERS FLAT NEW CHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 27, 6 July 1899, Page 19

MILLERS FLAT NEW CHURCH.

(From a correspondent). The new Catholic church at Millers Flat was solemnly blessed and opened on Sunday last. The ceremony of blessing was performed by the Very Rev. Dean Mackay, of Oamaru. The occasional sermon —appropriate to the feast of the day— the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary— was preached by the Very Rev. Father O Neill, who in the course of his discourse treated of the devotion to the Blessed Virgin, and alto referred to the life and labours of St. Finbar, to whom the new church is dedicated. The ruuoic for the occasion was provided by an efficient choir, under the conductorship of Mr. J. J. j Woods. The collection amounted to £70, bo that the church was practically opened free of debt, a fact which reflects great credit on the generosity of the Catholics of Millers Flat and the surrounding diatricts. It may be mentioned that many non-Catholics, too assisted in this good work. The Rev. Father Cotfey, of South Dunedin, preached at Vespers, taking for his subject the Unity of the Church, and in concluding his remarks warmly congratulated the Catholics of the district in having such a fine church free of any financial burden. On Saturday evening the choir gave a concert, the proceeds of which materially assisted the building fund. The following were the performers :— Misses Woods (2), Kelleher, Mesdames Woods, King, Messrs. J. J. Woods and H. Woods. Mr. James Hand was secretary. I Owing to indisposition, Father Keenan was unable to attend the -opening ceremonies. I The church, which is a very handsome building, and a credit to the clergy and Catholics of the district, is in the Gothic style of architecture. It is forty feet in length, exclusive of the sanctuary (12ft) and a porch (Bft). The width is twenty-two feet. It has seating accommodation for about 250 people. The windows are furnished with cathedral glass of pleasing design and subdued colours and the sanctuary is lighted by a triple lancet oriel window terminating in a medallion of the Sacred Heart, St. Finbar. and St. Agatha. The inteiior is very peatly painted, tbe colours used on the ceiling, walls, and arches being in excellent taste. The belfry, which stands on four massive pillars, is surmounted by a Celtic cross, and rises to a height of forty feet. Mr. Agnew of Balolutha was the builder, and Mr. Randle of Dunedin superintended the painting.