OPENING OF THE NEW CHURCH at KIMBOLTON

New Zealand Tablet, 19 March 1914, Page 17

OPENING OF THE NEW CHURCH at KIMBOLTON

(From an occasional correspondent.)

The new Catholic Church at Kimbolton was opened by his Grace the Archbishop of Wellington,'on Sunday, March 1. There was a large attendance, which included many non-Catholics. His Grace delivered a most interesting sermon, in the course of which he illustrated how inalienable was God's ownership of man, and showed that man's ownership of property was in no way to be compared to it. It was an impressive discourse, and was listened to with rapt attention. The new church, which was dedicated to St. Patrick at the wish of Rev. Father O'Dwyer, was formerly a Masonic lodgeroom, and was purchased by the Catholics of the district early last year. The necessary alterations were carried ( out by Mr. Patterson, of Apiti, under the supervision of Mr. Robin Hood, architect, of Feilding, who has earned the gratitude of local Catholics, not only by making his charges very reasonable, but also by giving an extremely handsome donation to

only claim he ever made was for the recognition of the honesty of his intentions and his desire to do his duty. The success of the cause was not due to anv one man ; it was due to the fidelity of the people, their loyalty to their leaders, their self-restraint, and their magnificent discipline. In that matter, not enough credit had been given to the Nationalists of Ulster. They had been subjected to daily insult and attack. They had been depicted as demons of bigotry by men who themselves were described by Lord Pirrie as ' past masters of intolerance.' Through it all they remained loyal to the advice of their leader, Mr. Devlin. No greater exhibition of real foi'titude and natriotic self-restraint had been seen in the history of the world. It proved their title to self-government.

the church funds. The church is painted white, with red facings. A pediment and the addition of a handsome entrance porch have much improved the appearance of the building. The interior decorations are carried out in crimson and white. The Stations of the Cross, which are exceptionally beautiful, were given by Mr. Cornish, who also has been noted throughout for his generous help to the Church. Mrs. Chittenden gave a very fine statue of our Lady, and Mrs. Cornish one of the Sacred Heart, and also the harmonium; Mrs. Bauer and Mr. Shapleski, and other local Catholics have been always ready with financial and personal help. Special mention should be made of the valuable assistance given by the Feilding Choir, who sang Webb's ' Mass in G ' in good style. The donations during the day exceeded all expectations, so much so that the church is now nearly free of debt.

His Grace the Archbishop at the end of Mass, in replying to Mr. C. Chittenden's eloquent address of welcome, said it was with pleasure he had heard of the generosity and help the Catholic Church Committee had received from their Protestant friends and neighbors, and while recognisitig they were in possession of some > part of the truth of Christianity, he naturally wished 1 they had the whole truth held by the Catholic Church from the time of Christ and the Apostles.