Blenheim

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVI, Issue 20, 21 May 1908, Page 15

Blenheim

(From our own correspondent.)

May 10,

On Sunday, May 10, the new Catholic church at Renwicktown was blessed and dedicated to St. Francis de Sales by his Grace- the Archbishop of Wellington, assisted by the Rev. Father Hol'ley. Mass was celebrated by Rev, Father Holley. The choir of St. Mary's Church, Blenheim, sang the music, Turner's Mass of St. Cecilia in B Flat. His Grace preached on the duty of man to his Creator. lie exhorted his hearers to render that homage to Alnuighty God, which, after all was only an act of common justice, which would be demanded from each and every ' one of them. In conclusion his Grace thanked all those who raised the funds to build the church, and the contractor, who had completed the work faithfully and well. His Grace felt sure that by their offerings that morning the debt on the church would be reduced to a minimum. After Mass Rev. Father Holley thanked those who had assisted that day, and more especially the choir Avho h a d rendered the music so well. A sum of nearly £70 was collected, and the building, which has cost £360 to erect, has now a debt which does not exceed £80. The erection of the church does great credit to the Catholics of the Upper Wairau and the untiring energy of the priests of the parish.

The church is a neat and substantial structure situated on three acres of land on the outskirts of the township. It is constructed of hardwood and is ceiled and lined throughout arid fully finished. Three Gothic windows on each side provide ample light and ventilation. The walls are lofty and the ceiling, broken by nicely designed principals, is carried up into the roof. -The sanctuary is recessed as usual, and the altar has

tS' .^-graces conferred by lts worth £ =££*