OXFORD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1772, 24 October 1879, Page 2

OXFORD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The new Roman Catholic Church at West Oxford is now completed, and is in appearance and finish quite an acquisition to the public buildings of the township. It stands to the left of the main road, between the Terminus Hotel and the Bank of New Zealand. The site is an acre, which was presented to the committee by Mr H. B. Johnstone. The Church is erected of timber, sawn in the neighboring bush, and the substantial foundations ore of concrete. The building is weather boarded, and covered with a shingle roof. In order to maintain its position in the heavy gales which are periodically felt in the district, buttresses are erected outside. The main building is 22ft x 40ft, and the studs 12ft. All the principal wall timbers are Sin i '2in, those supporting \ the roof beams lOin x 6in. The sanctuary is 14ft Gin i 14ft Gin, the sacristy is 14ft Gin x 7ft Gin, and the porch 7ft x sft. The inner walls have yet to bo lined and seats provided before the date of consecration by Bishop Redwood, which is expected to bo on Novembor 23rd. The roof is open, and lined with matched boarding. The sanctuary is lined with dadoing in Gothic arches and pilasters, the aacristy is lined and ceiled. All the wood I work as finished is in very goad taste. The lighting is by a quatrefoil stained glass i window in the sanctuary, a large western window in three parts, and seven smaller ones iu the walls, all of stained glass, supplied by Joues Bros., of this city. The architects are Messrs 0. G. and O. J. Chapman, of Rangiora, and the contractors Messrs Boyd and Koir, of the same town. The design reflects great credit on the architects, and the excellence of the workmanship is highly creditable to the builders. The ohuroh-yard is being cultivated and planted, and a neat fence erected in front of the Church adds to its appearance. An art union, of which the principal prize is a section of land, will shortly be held in aid c£ the building fund.