ASHBURTON CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2433, 23 January 1882, Page 3

ASHBURTON CATHOLIC CHURCH.

[By ThlbseaehJ ASHBURTON, Jannary 22. A confirmation service took plaoe this morning in the Catholic church, Bishop Bedwood officiating, assisted by the Rev. Father Ooffey. About twenty-five adults and children of both sexes were confirmed. The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new church began at a quarter to one. Bishop Redwood and Father Coffey, and about 250 people were present, the number being small owing to the rain, which fell heavily last night and this forenaon, but the weather cleared up just before the ceremony began. Mr Joseph Ivess read an addreßs of welcome to the Bishop, and hia Lordship having briefly replied, prooeeded with the ceremony appropriate to such occasions, being supported by Father Coffey. The Bishop delivered an address, and in concluding expressed a hope that the congregation would make an effort to construct the church unembarrassed by debt and worthy of themselves and the district and of the Catholic Church. At the conclusion of the service contributions amounting to £SO were laid on the stone including a donation of £5 from Dr. Redwood. Amongst the visitors were Mr Weybourne, of Lyttelton, clerk of works, and Mr P. W. Pttrie, architect, of Dunedin, from whose designs the church will be erected. The building, when completed, will accommodate ono thousand persons. The lerjgth of it is 115 ft. and the breadth across the transepts 62ft. height 70ft. to the top of the ridge, and the combined height of the tower and spire is 116 ft. The cruciform plon has been adopted, the transept being C2ft. long by 22ft. broad. The aisles and nave togother are 62ft by 38ft. The sanctuary will be formed as an apse of at the centre of the transepts. The vestries, &c, are designed as adjuncts to the apse. The general style will be that of the fifteenth century Flemish. As a memento his Lordship was presented by Father Coffey on behalf of the congregation, with a silver trowel bearing a suitable inscription. The trowel I was a piece of neat workmanship, reflecting credit on Mr Quinn, the local jeweller.