OPENING OF NEW CHURCH AT TUAKAU

New Zealand Tablet, 13 November 1913, Page 11

OPENING OF NEW CHURCH AT TUAKAU

Notwithstanding the dull. and threatening aspect of the weather there was a large congregation at the impressive ceremonies in connection with the opening I ~ ‘ ~ ~ * I O of the Catholic church at Tuakau on Sunday morning, October 26 (says the Fukclcohe Times). The surrounding districts were well represented, large contingents coming from Mercer, Onewhero, Buckland, Pukekohe, Pukekawa, and even from Auckland. The Tuakau Band kindly volunteered its services and

on behalf of the. company, presented to the Bishop the following address, printed in gold on white satin, and signed by every 'representative Catholic family in the district: - - : - ? -'-- ■* ■ - « 'My Lord, is with feelings of very great joy that we, on behalf of the congregation of St. Andrew's, bid you welcome on the occasion of your first official visit to Tuakau. Bearing in mind your recent indisposition, we feel deeply grateful that you should give us the privilege of seeing you amongst us. We hope you will appreciate the endeavors we have made in the

played outside the church before and after the ceremony, and afterwards in the Domain, to which the congregation adjourned for a picnic luncheon. High Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Edge, Ronsonby, in the presence of his Lordship the Bishop (the Right Rev. Dr. Cleary). The choir are to be congratulated upon the capable way in which they sang the music, Biederman’s Mass in G. No one listening to them would have believed that this was their first public effort. Miss Gladys Foley presided. at the har-

matter of erecting our new' church, the completion of which has filled us with so much consolation, and we feel that we can hardly thank your Lordship sufficiently for sending the diocesan missioner to help us out of our difficulty. It is more than gratifying to us to witness the many First Communions that have already taken place in the church, and the great number who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation at your hands this morning. May God, Who has begun so soon the good work, in our church, make it fruitful and ever-

monium, and handled the instrument with quite professional skill. At the close of the Mass his Lordship the Bishop addressed the children at some length on the subject of Confirmation. The Sacrament of Confirmation was administered to some eighty adults and children. His Lordship was subsequently entertained at lunch in the old church, a large number of guests sitting down, ' whilst the ladies and children picnicked in the adjoining domain. Luncheon being ended, Mr. M. Black,

lasting. We notice with keen interest your many good works in your diocese, and particularly your zeal and cfevotedness . for the spiritual welfare of the children of this Dominion. s' ' In conclusion, we -beg you to accept the assurance of our filial love and devotion to your Lordship, and beseeching your episcopal blessing, we beg to subscribe ourselves. your Lordship's loving children.' ■ His Lordship, who was manifestly touched at this cordial expression of loyalty, congratulated the con-

gregation upon the great efforts the}' had made in building the church, and rejoiced with them in the consummation of . the work. He experienced great pleasure in being present that morning, and he heartily commended the laudable spirit which had actuated the people in erecting such, a beautiful edifice to the service of God.

A short afternoon service brought the proceedings to a close, his Lordship giving the Pontifical Benediction. A pleasing feature was the fine way in which the choir arid the whole congregation sang the beautiful choral part of the service. The church and its appointments cost £llOO, and the handsome collection of £lls reduced the remaining debt to £3OO, which is a remarkably satisfactory result. The Bishop took occasion to compliment the whole community of Tuakau upon the kindly and admirable feeling that existed between them. Mr. Finch was thanked for his free-will service in using his brake and horses for the occasion. The luncheon arrangements were altogether satisfactory. The ladies responsible were Mesdames Foley, T. McGahan, Hugh McGuire, and B. G. Geraghty, Misses

When Father Tigar came to Tuakau in March of this year—only seven months ago—four walls and an unlined roof represented the new* church. The acetylene light was installed and the interior was painstakingly and artistically converted from a mere shell into '* a mag- - j • '"*• -* uiiyn iULU a maH~* nificently appointed church. Father Tigar was the completing architect of th» building. His was the mind that conceived the lovely high altar, planned the side altars, devised the adornment of the sanctuary, and by a clever device added the appearance of height to the walls. The handsome seats are the result of his skilful draughtsmanship. In a word, in all the appointments of the church may be seen the handiwork of a practical director, backed by the passionate enthusiasm of the experienced priest. Seven years ago Father Tigar came to this Dominion, from the missions in the West Indies at the repeated invitation of the late Bishop Lenihan. The people of Tuakau will hold in affectionate memory the inspiring service which ,he has rendered in completing ‘ the building of the church, which now stands as a monument of the generosity of the people of the parish.

McGuire (2) and Miss Foley. It was a splendid example of hospitality. Although the parish takes a very proper pride in the things accomplished in the way of material progress, tender memories will still Unger about the old church. It has with it the associations of nearly half a century, it being some 44 years since the original building was erected. This was in the time of the Very Rev. Dr. McDonald, a great Maori missioner, and brother of the well-known and well-beloved Father Walter McDonald. This first building was 24 x 14 feet in size, and eight years later, in the bright days of Father Golden, the floor space was doubled, another 24 x 14 feet being added. In the usual way these beginnings and subsequent improvements were loyally subscribed for by the parishioners. The builder of the first church was Mr. John Poland, who still remains a respected settler of Tuakau. To Rev. Father Kehoe must be given the honor of commencing the new church at Tuakau. But we are sure that the whole Catholic community will join with us in acknowledging that it is very largely due to the whole-hearted enthusiasm of the Rev. Father Tigar, 0.P., that Tuakau parish today is indebted for its handsome place of worship.

The New Church. Standing in its elevated position, facing the main trunk road from Tuakau to Raglan as it winds to cross the Waikato river, the new church forms a striking feature of a charming rural landscape. The simple lines of the building are chaste, the lighting is ample, and the rusticated concrete of which the building is constructed gives it an air of permanence. The church site, of one and a half acres, was given by Mr. C. Dromgoolj sen. In June, 1912, the foundation stone was laid, but as we have said already it was not until this year that the more pretentious scheme was entered upon and carried to its successful completion. A sweettoned bell has been erected in a miniature turret over the porch. The ceilings, the dados behind the altars, and the other wood fittings are in oiled rimu. The seats are of kauri and are not only substantial but of an elegant type. The well-finished confessional is of rimu, built to the diagonal. On the walls are Stations of the Cross. From the , substantial stone font at the door entrance the eye travels to an exquisite, piece of carving which came from those masters in the art of expression in wood, the Tyr'olese. It is the calvary, and the figure of the Christ is a remarkably convincing

work of art. The high altar is an artistic masterpiece. It is of Oamaru stone, the three steps leading to it being of marble. The baldachino, which occupies, the prominent central position in the picture, is especially fine, with the figures of two angels, one on either side". Above the altar on a stone bracket a. fine statue of St. Andrew has been placed. At the entrance to the sanctuary on either side stand the Sacred Heart and

mens they are of this kind of art. The following is a list of gifts to the new church:High . altar, the Maguire family; Sacred Heart altar, Mr. Enright; Lady altar, Mr. C. Dromgool: statuesSt. Andrew, Mrs. T. McGahan; Sacred Heart, Mr. Corneille; Blessed Virgin, Mrs. Lockery; St. Joseph, Mr. John Dromgool; St. Joseph pedestal, Miss Murray; angels, Mr. T. J. Murray; St. Andrew’s stone bracket, Mrs.

Lady altars, each surmounted by their appropriate statues. These altars are of stone and are simply but effectively adorned with appropriate sacred symbols. To the right of the Lady altar stands a handsome statue of St. Joseph carrying the Holy Child. These various works represent the gifts of parishioners and of well-wishers. Before the statues of the Sacred Heart and Blessed Virgin hang brass' lamps, the generous offerings of the little boys and girls of the parish. The

J. McGahan; altar rails, Mr. Barclay Geraghty; monstrance, Mrs. H. Maguire; ciborium, Mrs. Barclay Geraghty; pyx, Mrs. M. Black; high altar candlesticks, Mrs. O’Connor and Mr. B. Geraghty; vestments (green), Mrs. W. Campbell; thurible and boat, Mrs. Lockery; sanctuary lamps, Mrs. T. McGahan and Mrs. Foley; asperges vase, Mrs. Barnaby; brass bracket for the lamps, Mrs. Smith and Miss Magean; calvary, Mrs. Linborg; font, Mr. Corneille; processional cross,

church choir is suitably provided for, and it is to be noted that their situation follows the ancient custom of being beside the altar. The altar rails, in keeping with all the other appointments, are of superior workmanship. The church and the furnishings throughout carry the impress of chaste design, and the whole scheme has been carried . out in excellent taste. The altars, with their exquisite carvings, were the work of Messrs. McNab and Mason, of Auckland, arid very fine speci-

Mr. Kerrigan; altar crucifix, Mr. Sarjonovich; sanctuary bell, Mrs. H. Black; altar charts, Mrs. J. S. McGahan; branch candlesticks, Mr. J. J. Dromgool, Miss Bruce, Mr. C. Dromgool, Mrs. Maguire, Mr. Bruce; Sacred Heart lamp, little boys of the '•congregation; our Lady’s lamp, little girls of the congregation; church bell, the brothers Griffin; harmonium, Mr. M. Foley. Donors of the seats: Mr. T. McGahan, Mr. J. J. Dromgool, Mr. M. Foley, Mr. Poland, Mr. C.

Dromgool, Mr. Barclay Geraghty, Mr. F. : O’Connor, Mrs. Maguire, Mr. Black, Mr. T. J. Murray, Mr. J. S. McGahan, Mr. J. McGahan, Mrs. Limborg, Mr. H. Maguire, Mr. Lockery, Mr. P. Geraghty, Mr. J. F. Dromgool. The.colored rose window was given by Mr. H. Murray. A finely executed vestment chest and the holy oils cupboard, both of choice woods and excellent design, were made and presented by Mr. Johnson, of Tuakau. A good deal of the iron work about the church was generously given by the local blacksmiths, Messrs. Pierrot Bros. The altar cloths and laces and the hangings were the work and gift of the ladies of the Altar Society. The painting and oiling of the church and much labor in clearing the grounds and in path-making were generously done by the men of the congregation, to whose generous co-operation too much praise cannot be given.