OPENING OF THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 719, 9 October 1876, Page 3

OPENING OF THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The new Catholic Church in Barbadoes street was opened yesterday morning by the Right Rev Dr Redwood. His lordship arrived from Wellington on Saturday afternoon by the Otago, and the public reception by the congregation which it was intended to give him was dispensed with at his desire.

At half-past ten o'clock yesterday morning the members of the Christchurch Branch of the H.A.C.B. Society met presbytery and escorted him to the sacristy. After robing, Bishop Redwood, accompanied by Fathers Chataigner, Chareyre, and Claffy, as deacon and master of ceremonies, preceded by a cross bearer, six acolytes carrying candles, and two censor bearers, marched in procession to the main entrance, where the blessing of the church commenced. The procession continued to march around the building, the choir meanwhile singing the Litany of the Saints. At the conclusion of the ceremony Bishop Redwood preached a most impressive sermon, taking for his text the words from St Paul " without faith it is impossible to please God," concluding by thanking all, more especially those not members of the congregation, who had so liberally contributed towards the erection of the church, and invoked a blessing upon them and their families. After the Pastoral blessing, a collection was made, Mr G. Palairet, organist to the church, playing a number of organ recitals, followed by a beautifully arranged " O Salutaris" by Schulthes, of the Oratory, London, the music of which seemed sweetly to accord with the words of the hymn. High Mass was then solemnized by the Bishop, assisted by the deacon, sub-deacon, and master of ceremonies. Haydn's Imperial Mass, No 3, was taken by the choir for the occasion, The soprano solos being sustained by Miss Winter, who kindly gave her services for the day, and the others by various members of the choir This beautiful music was exceptionally rendered throughout the whole of the mass.

In the evening the usual vespers were sung, the Bishop officiating. His Lordship again preached, continuing his subject from the morning. The day's ceremonies were brought to a close with a solemn benediction.

The church was very beautifully decorated throughout, the floral display at the altar being exceedingly tasteful, showing to very great advantage the carving with which the altar is adorned. The work of the sanctuary throughout is exceedingly rich and graceful, and when the stained glass windows, already on their way from London, are added, the appearance as a whole will be complete. The side altais were also very neatiy decorated with flowers.

Large congregations were present both morning and evening, and the aggregate collections amounted to over £2OO. Bishop Redwood remains in Christchurch a few days longer, and then proceeds to Timaru and Waimato, before he takes his final departure. It may be mentioned that Mr Mountfort was the architect for the new church, which was long required, and is a credit to the Catholic portion of the community.