Palmerston North Catholic Church

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 70, 29 November 1890, Page 3

Palmerston North Catholic Church

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW v EDIFICE ... We are indebted to the Herald for the following.: — On Sunday, December 7th next, a special train is to run, irom tfTanganui, calling at all intermediate stations, en route to Palmer ;stbn, when the above Church will be solemnly opened and blessed by His Grace Archbishop Redwood, Metropolitan of New Zealand. The originality and beauty displayed, and the excellent character of the design of this new Church, does .every credit to the architect, Mr Larcomb, and the building forms one of the most imposing structures on the Coast. The pastor of the mission, the Rev Father Patterson, has accomplished a work to which he has devoted a considerable portion of his time «nd energy in the raising of the means and ways for the erection of an edifice, a credit to the architect, the builder, and all concerned, as well as to the town it adorns. It has been an up-hill fight, but by dint of what seems almost like superhuman energy Patterson has been enabled to accomplish the object he has so steadily kept in sight. The tower and spire will be 120 ft iigh, with louvres and ornamental boulsters. A large Celtic gilt cross on the top of spire, and 4 small gilt crosses on Tower. There is also a large organ gallery. The length of the Church is 5 1 ft by 34 ft wide. The sanctuary is 23ft x 23ft. There are three altars, and a beautiful screen prettily ornamented at the back of the altar. At the back of the screen is a passage from the priest's sacristy to the boys' vestry. There will be five arches holding on to clustered columns in the sanctuary. There will be a gallery, to stretch across tfee church, and a place for the choir. There is a good-sized confessional built from the outside, thus not taking up any room from the nave of the church. The auditorium is 10ft broader and 14ft longer than the old Chapel. The whole is so constructed that for a comparatively small cost two spans can easily be added to the nave of the Church, giving in the whole seating accommodation for 600 persons. The full length of the church at present is 74ft. The tower is capable of holding a peal of bells. The position of the Church is good and prominent, and the spire can be seen for many miles around Palmerston North. The Rev Father Patterson and his good people deserve every praise for the special efforts they have put forth to make the new Ghuroh un fait accompli. The Church wilt be finished in each detail with seats, paintings, altars, and altar screen. The water is laid on in case of fire, and there will be four beautiful chandeliers carrying 15 lights each in the nave. There will be 70 lights throughout the Church. [.On Friday morning an attempt was: made to burn down the building, butitwas frustrated by Messrs Newth and Oliphant two energetic members of the Palmerston Fire Brigade.]