New Presbytery at Omakau, Central Otago.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11, 18 March 1909, Page 424

New Presbytery at Omakau, Central Otago.

(By telegraph from - our special correspondent.)" - March 17. For a considerable time past extensive alterations and improvements have been in progress in and in connection with, the parochial house,- Omakau. These amount praa...tically to an entire rebuilding of the presbytery, together with the addition of new rooms, oratory, verandah, etc. The work has been solidly and thoroughly done, under the personal suporvision" of the pastor, the Rev. Father O'.Dea, - and the result is a handsome, commodious, "and permanent structure inside and out. The building has also been finished off, as to its interior fittings and furnishings, with excellent taste, and both pastor and people are to be congratulated upon the result of their joint exertions. It is now one of the most comfortable presbyteries in the diocese. The accommodation consists of nine rooms — dining room, 20ft by 12ft; bedrooms, 14ft by 14ft and 10ft by 12ft ; oratory, 10ft -by 14ft ; bathroom, 6ft by Bft; kitchen, 16it by 12ft; servant's bedroom, -12ft by 10ft ; pantry, 9ft by 7ft ; hall, -25ft by sft. . The building material is stone, faced with cement, with corrugated iron roof and embossed zinc ceilings. All the outhouses — stable, coachhouse, washhouse, and dairy — aro new. The total cost of the improvements is over £700. The house is comfortably furnished throughout. The grounds are tastefully laid out,- and when the work is finished will present a

very pleasing appearance. Water ,is supplied by a hydraulic^ ram, and circulates. throughout the building from a high-pressure boiler. The house is supplied with electric bells. The blessing ' and opening of the new presbytery took place shortly before 11 o'clock this morning, after which Solemn High Mass was celebrated . by the Rev. Father McMullan (Ranfurly), Rev. Father ODea being deacon, Rev. Father Hearn subdeacon, and Rev. Father Coffey master of ceremonies. The occasional sermon — an impressive and telling discourse on the life of St. Patrick and his missionary labors — was delivered by the Rev. Father Murphy (Riverton) from - Gen. xii., 1-2. The music ~of the Mass was pleasingly sung by the choir, Miss Flannery presiding at the organ. - The collection,in aid of the building fund amounted.to £160. There was a very large congregation at the ceremonies", and the Rev. Father ODea was the recipient of congratulations from friends and parishioners on the excellent work which was brought to a happy termination on this 'auspicious occasion — the feast of Ireland's patron saint.