THE CHURCH IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Tablet, 12 September 1912, Page 19

THE CHURCH IN NEW ZEALAND

IN THE PATH OF THE PIONEERS (Contributed.) r It should have been mentioned in connection with the parish of Lyttelton that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (St., Joseph's conference), during the seven years of its existence, has performed admirable work in its Mission to Catholic Seamen, with an average membership of six. THE PARISH OF TIMARU. In the succession of events, Timaru may be looked upon as the eldest daughter of the missionary house at Christchurch. The Rev. Father Chataigner, S.M., having planted the Cross in the City of the Plains, directed his steps south, towards the end of the -sixties. On reaching Timaru—a village by the seahe at once recognised its prospects as the future capital of South Canterbury, and forthwith secured church property for possible requirements. To his foresight is owing the possession of the beautiful and extensive block now crowned by the Convent of the Sacred Heart. For some years, private houses, a small public hall, and later the little parlor of the presbytery, did service for church purposes. The ‘ mustard seed * was a few Irish immigrants. An increase of population necessitated the building of a church, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1873. This modest little wooden structure, when enlarged a few years later, presented quite an imposing appearance. In 1910, a fire conpletely demolished this landmark of pioneer zeal and piety. Father Chataigner, authorised by Archbishop (then Bishop) Redwood, introduced the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, renowned for the solid religious training and education of their pupils. Their convent in Timaru must have cost nearly £30,000. The girls’ primary school begun under the direction of Fathers Chataigner and Goutenoire, is also a fine structure. The late revered Dean Foley, S.M., authorised and aided by our beloved Bishop, Dr. Grimes, brought to the parish the Marist Brothers, for whom he purchased a valuable site, and built a commodious monastery. In 1902 a beautiful brick church was built at St. Andrews, a settlement in the southern portion of the parish. Thanks to the zeal and energy of the priests for the past fourteen years, the generosity of parishioners, and the handsome donations of local and distant friends, the great want of Timaru for the last twenty years is now supplied in the spacious and much-admired Church of the Sacred Heart. His Lordship Bishop Grimes, assisted by the Right Rev. Dr. Verdon (Bishop of Dunedin), Right Rev. Mgr. Mackay, Y.G. (Oamaru), and other dignitaries laid the foundation stone of the beautiful edifice in February, 1910. At its completion in 1911, the Bishops of the Dominion and our illustrious Metropolitan, Archbishop Redwood, assembled for the blessing and solemn opening. The Benediction of the Most High has produced visible fruit in Timaru, which is noted for the faith and loyalty of its Catholic people as well as for the grandeur and solidity of its church property. It possesses a first-class high school, two well-equipped parochial schools, and a parish hall for the Young Men’s Club. A fine presbytery forms a' suitable centre-piece of the other buildings. > The parish of Timaru originally extended from the Rangitata to the Waitaki, but gradually it has developed five separate parishes, with eleven very fine churches, nine of which have been blessed and opened by our devoted Bishop. From the foundation of Timaru, the following priests have officiated there:The Rev. Fathers Chataigner, Goutenoire, Thos. Keane, A. Sauzeau, T. Devoy, P. McGuinness, J. Goggan, D. O’Hallahan, J. Foley, P. Regnault, M. D. Browne, W. B. Purton, Binsfield, Pertuis, J. Coffey, J. Tubman, A. Aubry, Hurlin, W. J. Lewis, H. McDonnell, P. Aubry, A. Le Petit, J. Taylor, J. Le Floch, P. J. Finnerty, J. Bowden, F. Kerley, P. J. Smyth. The membership of the various confraternities , and societies are: Sacred Heart Society, 86 men, 210 women; Chil-

dren of Mary, 58; St! Anne’s Guild, 70 Altar Society, 140; H.A.C.B. Society, 197; Catholic Men’s C1ub,153; Celtic Club, 110; St. John’s Club, 45; Avoca Club, 34. ' ■ |l, (To be continued.)