OPENING OF NEW CHURCH AT SHANNON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 18, 3 May 1900, Page 19

OPENING OF NEW CHURCH AT SHANNON.

In August of last year we announced that preparations were being made for the erection of a new ohurch at Shannon, in the Otaki parish. The work has been brought to a happy completion. The building (says the Manawatu Farmer of April 23) is pleasantly situated and neatly finished, and furnished with a bell. The windows are partly of stained glass, the gift of Mr. J. M. O'Connor. The interior is well furnished. A handsome altar is the gift of the Rev. Father Melu, and above it stands a fine statue of St. Joseph, the gift of Mrs. Kersey. The land was given by Mr. John Tnlly. The church — now known as St. Joseph's — was oonseorated yesterday at the hour of morning Mass by his Grace Archbishop Redwood. At 11 o'clock the building was packed to witness the formal opening. The Rev. Father Melu celebrated the Mass, and the Archbishop gave the sermon. A choir from Foxton, with Misi O'Brien at the organ (lent by Mr. Trask), and Mr. Kearsley with violin, undertook the musio. Among the decorations were some beautiful artificial flowers, the work of the late Miss Teresa Smith,. of Moutoa. His Grace preached a pointed and instructive sermon on the Resurrection as the cardinal truth of Christianity, showing how, on various occasions during his life, Jesus staked all on the miracle of His Resurrection. His Grace oonolnded with an earnest exhortation to keep in view the truth that the Resurrection was an assurance to Christ's own of their being with Him in His glory, because where the Head of the Church was there the members of His body would be, and this blessed hope should give power to overcome all that pertained to this life.. His Grace concluded by thanking all who assisted in the erection of" the church by subscriptions and special gifts. The collection taken up on the opening day amounted to over £40. In the evening (a local correspondent writes us) his Grace the Archbishop preached a most interesting discourse to another crowded congregation, among whom were a large number of Protestants. The solemn celebrations ooncluded with Benediotion of the Most Holy Sacrament.