NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH AT NEW HEADFORD, SHAND’S TRACK.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2051, 20 September 1880, Page 3

NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH AT NEW HEADFORD, SHAND’S TRACK.

The Roman Catholic residents in the vicinity of Shand’s Track have found for some time past that _ a larger church was necessary for their spiritua wants than the little building in which they have hitherto worshipped. The district is under the supervision of the Rev. Father Ohervier, and to his zeal, aided by the hearty response of the Catholics of the district to his appeal, is due the erection of the very pretty little church, which was solemnly dedicated and set apart for spiritual uses yesterday by his Lordship Dr. Moran, the Bishop of Dunedin. The plans for the new edifice, which is in the Gothic style of architecture, were prepared by Mr T. B. Jacobsen, of Hereford street. The main building, or chancel, is 60ft. in length, by a width of 30ft., with sanctuary at the rear 16ft. by 20:t., at the rear of which is the vestry, 15£b. by 20ft. The height of stud is 18£t., whilst from the floor line to top of roof ridge the distance is 33ft. The main building is lighted on either side by five two-light lance windows, divided from each other by buttresses. The front elevation shows a large three-light Gothic window, above which is a very ornamental rose window, and the verge from apex to eaves forms a very striking feature in the appearance of the building, being patterned out in ornamental Gothic design. In keeping with the other features of the structure there are two massive buttresses in front, whilst the entrance is gained by two porches, one on either side, with Gothic side lights and doors en suite. The church is roofed with slate, pierced for ventilation, which is secured by five ornamented ventilators. The top of the roof is finished with ornamental cresting. The bell tower rises to a height of 66ft. It is roofed with lead and boasts a fine-toned boll. _ The interior of the building presents a finished appearance, the walls being wainscoted to a height of 4ft, the residue being plastered. A massive arch separates the sanctuary from the chancel. The magnificent altar with its rich appointments and decorations reflect the highest credit on Mr A. J. White, to whom has been confided that portion of the church fittings. It was beautifully decorated with floral contributions, and the general effect of the whole scene of yesterday was one not to bo easily forgotten. The interior of the root is of open timber work, stained. The windows are a striking feature, being patterned out in a very chasto manner. The materia! used is rusticated timber, the whole standing on a concrete foundation. The grounds are tastefully laid out and securely fenced. Tha opening services on Sunday were wol. attended. Indeed, the church was crowded by residents in the district, and friends^ from Christchurch and Lyttelton. The service or dedication was a most imposing ritual, too celebrant being the Right Reverend Dr Moran, Bishop of Dunedin. Solemn vespers and benediction wore celebrated in the evening, at which the choir was strengthened by several voices from other parts of the diocese. The collection in aid of the debt met with a very liberal response.