GREYMOUTH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 2, 10 January 1901, Page 19

GREYMOUTH.

On Christmas Eve the holdinsr capacity of St. Patrick's Church Greymonth was not sufficient to accommodate the crowded cjngregation that assembled to assist at the celebration of Midnight Maps. The decorations (says the A rgv.%) reflected the greatest credit on the church au f horities. A triumphal arch of noble proportions, bearing the words • Venite Adoremus,' occupied the front of the sanctuary, and through it the high altar, a blaze of light and splendour, preBented a brilliant spectacle. The floral designs, festoonß, wreath 9, etc., which adorned the pulpit, pillars, choir front, and walls of the church completed a scheme of decoration perfect in detail and effect, and in keeping with the magnificent proportions of the church. High Mass was celebrated by the Rrv. Father Ainsworth, the Rev. Father Malune acting as deacon. The sermon, suitable to the occasion, was preached by the Rev. Father Ainsworth. The preacher made a deep impression, his discourse being lintened to with profound attention. At the conclusion of the sermon, the Rev. Father thanked the church decorators, choir, and congregation for their assistance at the Christmas services. The musical portion of the Bervioe ha* always an attraction, but on this occasion the choir fairly surpassed iUelf. The full value of the new organ was made manifest under the control of the organist, Miss Hannan. A strong orchestra, consisting of violins, cornet, viola, etc., did excellent Bervioe throughout the Mass music and outgoing marches. The choir wan assisted by several of our leading vocalists, and on the results obtained Misn Guthrie is to be highly congratulated. The Maw taken was Mozart's Ist in C, which was sung faultlessly and in its entirety. Novello's ' Venite Adoremus ' formed the offertory piece, a grand and full-toned ' Laudate ' concluding the vocal service. Ihe principal solos were rendered by Miss Galloway and Guthrie (soprano), Burke and Flannery (alto), Messrs. Doogan, Harley, and Burke (tenor), and Moss, Daniel, and T. Phillips (bass).

The drawing of the art union in aid of St. Patrick's Church, Waimate, will take place on St. Patrick's night. All who have books of tickets and have not yet returned the blocks are requested to do bo before March 13. and at the same time to forward remittances, — mm * m