THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH, TEMUKA.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1934, 6 May 1880, Page 2

THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH, TEMUKA.

The new Catholic church at Temuka, the foundation stone of which was laid a few months since by his Lordship Dr. Bedwood, the Bishop of Wellington, is fast approaching completion, and as regards Church architecture is very much in advance of the other places of worship in the township. It is built of stone, on a concrete foundation, and is situated on a slight eminence about two hundred yards to the east of the railway station, and immediately opposite the little timber built church now used for Catholic worship, and which for some time past has been found inadequate to the wants of the district. The nave is 100 ft. in length by 40ft. in width, clear of the walls, and is lighted by seven windows on each side. The east window is of large dimensions, being pierced for three lights, similar in design to the east window in Christ’s College Chapel, only larger in proportion. The building is of a massive character, the walls being 2 r t. 6in. in ‘hickness and 20ft. in height from the floor line to roof plates. The stone used has been quarried on the banks of the Opihi river, about fourteen miles above Temuka, and is rough ashlar, with dressings of the well known Oamaru stone. The main entrance will be through the centre of the tower, which for a height of 60ft. will correspond in material used with the main bnilding. The ground dimensions of the tower are 12ft. square within the walls. This will be surmounted by a lofty spire, of a very tasteful design, to be built entirely of Oamaru stow’, and will rise to a further height c£ 52; t., making a total height of 112 ft. from base to spire. The tower also contains a belfry, in which will shortly be hung a peal of three bells, now on the way from California. The roof has a bold pitch, rising on either side to a height of 40ft. from wall plates to apex, with open timber work in the interior, which, when stained and varnished, will have a good effect. A spacious gallery will also be erected at the west end, where provision will be made for the organ end choir. There are three entrances, viz., the main entrance through the tower, and also two lateral doorways. A beautiful feature in the church will be the windows, all of which are being sent direct from a celebrated manufactory in France. The building is expected to he completed in about five or six weeks from this date, and will reflect the greatest credit on all connected with it. The Catholics of Temuka are greatly indebted to their priest for this work, as it is mainly owing t» his untiring energy that it has been carried out to a successful issue. The architect is Mr J. Evans; the contractors are Messrs Eiley and Findlay, of Christchurch, to whom credit is duo for the efficient manner in which the design is being worked oat.