ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2697, 9 October 1871, Page 2

ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH.

The ceremony of consecrating the new altar of St. Joseph's was performs! yesterday by ihe rev. Dr Moran, assisted bv all the clergymen of his diocese. For the first time in Dunedin, we believe, the full ritual was use 1, and the ceremony occupied over two hours. At its termination grand High Mass was celebrated by his Lordship, wlo preached from Kings 1, ch. viii., defending the ceremonials of the Church. Of court e they could be carried to excess; but such were reprehensible. With regard to thote of the Church, this could not 4 be said, because its ceremonies were ancient and universal ; they had been performed by tSe greatest, the most learned, and the holiest of mankind, and they had the sanction tf the Church. The ceremonials ware the exigencies of human nature ; and were useful to them as individuals and as neighbors, useful to them individually as enabling them to do their duty, and to show their respect and veneration for their Creator; and they were useful to them as neighbors, because it reminded them of the duties of religion. Each ceremony, therefore, if properly observed, was a sermon in itself, as in some way or another it was Intended to call to mind some proof of religion. His Lordship concluded an able sermon by congratulating the congregation on the fact that the Church was free from debt. The music incidental to the service was chosen from Guonod’s and Rossini's masses, and was excellently rendered by the choir, which was strengthened by several lady and gentlemen amateurs, Mr Leary wielding the baton and giving the principal solos. Mr Sykes, who presided at the organ, played with his usual ski.l the voluntaries, &c., during the services which were largely attended, * The following particulars regarding alterations that have been effected, are furnished by the architect, Mr Lawson V/The western end of the bijilding was taken down, the walls were lengthened, and vestry rooms built on each side. Increased accommodation has been afforded for several hundred more people than could formerly be. seated, and the internal appearance of the church is vastly improved. New seats have been finished from end to end, the building supplied with three fine gasaliers, and a truly beautiful altar erected. As a work of art executed in Dunedin, we may justly be proud of this new altar. It shows beyond a doubt that the Kakanui stone is admirably adapted to the purposes of ecclesiastical decoration, of however elaborate a character it may be. The steps and platform, as well as the altar, super-altar, and tabernacle, are constructed entirely of stone from Mr Hunter’s Kakanui quarries. The altar proper is seven feet in length, exclusive of the reredos abutments, which support the super-altar on either side, and the width and height are of proportionate dimensions. The front of the altar, which is deeply recessed and flanked by circular carved columns on either side, is subdivided into three circular panels, with quarterfoil sunk and moulded internal ribs. The centra of each panel being filled in with suitable monograms ; the principal panel having the crown of thorns intertwined with the letters 1.H.5., and appropriate ecclesiastical and national emblems intertwined in a similar manner, adorning the other panels. The effect of this portion of the work is peculiarly rich, the panels being well surk, and the carved foliage exceedingly well ,«j. lieved throughout. The flanking columns. l •.L 1. il . • i • « Q .. _ *

which bear the projecting front of the altar tablet, are chased in chequered patterns, with moulded and carved bases and boldly, foliated capitals. Over the columns and ex. tending under the altar tablet are trefoil arched openings, the spandrils between which are tilled in with floral relieved ornaments, the arches extending the columns being finished with pendants carved in fine relief. In the centre of these—and, as it were, rising from the body of the altar—is the figure of a dove with outstretched wings j and extending towards the central carved panel referred to, are beautifully-executed star-formed rays—giving a rich central effect to the whole composition. The tabernacle is in itself a complete and well-executed piece of art, richly moulded and decorated in keeping with the body of the altar.' With its flanking tiny buttresses, life-like doves, and graceful, tapering canopy, it gives an appropriate finish to what we may truly designate a work of high art. The altar has been designed by Mr R. A. Lawson, and carried out under his infractions by Mr David Hunter. Mr Louis Godfrey executed the whole of the carving. The altar is placed in a circular recess, at the western end of the Church, and on each side are placed excellent paintings of onr Saviour and the Virgin Mary. Immediately above the altar is a beautiful painting of the chief of the apostles.