A NEW CHURCH

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1925, Page 3

A NEW CHURCH

BLESSING AND OPENING OF ST. PAUL’S CATHOUO CHURCH), KOKATAHI.

The ceremony of blessing the new Catholic Church at Kokntahi was performed yesterday morning in ideal weather and in the presence of large ciong'regatiwi amongst whom were many visitors from Hokitika and the surrounding districts. Rev. Dr. Kennedy, deputed thereto by His .Lordship Bishop lirodic, and assisted by Rev. Father Campbell C.S.S.R., who is engaged in conducting a Mission in Hokitika, officiated at the ceremony.

The rite of blessing a new church consists in the recital of the liturgical prayers and insalms, and in the .sprinkling of the l outer walls of the empty Church with Holy Water. The Church is then entered whilst the Litany of the Saints is recited. Tho interior is then blessed with Holy Water. After the blessing Mass, a Mi--.su Cantata, was celebrated, the music- being ably rendered by St. Mary's Choir under the eondmtorsliip of Miss Ailecn Daly.

The building stands on a central section in the settlement in front of the factory and lias- a very stiikin appearance. The section cm which it stands was donated some years ago by Mr T. ("rough. Tho- church built by Mr C. O’Neil of Riccarton. Christchurch, is Gothic throughout. The walls of imposing height are weatherhoarded and painted outside and match-lined and varnished inside. The dimensions are 43ft. by 20ft. with porch and Sacristy 12ft by 10ft, and 12ft by Bft respectively. The sanctuary is commodious and is raised free the body of the Church. Tho Altar, seats and confessional are neat and appropriate. The Church is dedicated to the glory of God. under tho patronage of ML Paul the Apostle. The occasional .sermon was preach eel by Rev-. Father Campbell C.S.S.R. who took for his text:—“Doing the truth in charity, wo may in all things grow up in Him who is the head, even Christ.” (Ephesians, 4. 15.) The Rev. Preacher stated that the opening of a new church was a memorable event in the history of a parish, and in the lives of those associated with the work. It lmcl consequences that were not confined to the present generation, Imt its influence would lie- prolonged into the future. He congratulated the congregation on its achievement which was an eloquent proof of the religious spirit that animated them. The congregation was well advised when it those as the patron of their new Church the Apostle, St. Paul. 1 lie doctor of the Gentiles was not only (lie .interpreter of Christ's teaching, in 11 is written words, which form our Christian inheritance, but also in his life. From the day of the Apostle’s memorable conversion be never wavered in bis loyalty to Christ and His Church. Interwoven in the account ol his apostolic lalamrs, is Ids own spiritual autobiography, lii.-i struggles, that by prayer, mortification and tbe pmctiie of heroic virtue, charity and purity, ho might make sure of his own vocal ion and election. The congregation present that day resembled the congregation founded by the Apostle. It had inherited the same faith, it worshipped Hod in the same way l,y sacrifice, the sacrifice being no other than that of the living Christ present in the Holy Eucharist. We might well take to heart that in erecting a Church primarily intended for sacrifice-, we should remember the Apostle’s injunctions in regard to the dispositions which should have a dominant part in our religious lile. The Rev. preacher exhorted the coiurrcgatiou to a great love lor the Mass and fidelity in their attendance thereat. The life of St. Paul was subjected to unprecedented trials and dijlicultics, the very reading of which causes us aiiia/.emenl, hut we are encouraged by his heroism under trial, bis buoyancy, bis confidence. “I know whom I have trusted” told tbe source

of siuli courage. llis words and his life teach us that sulferings are inseparable from life, and acceptance ol them the test of the true follower of Glirisl.

Tim Rev. Dr Kennedy thanked I’alitor Campbell very warmly for the favour he had conferred on them i'i interrupting the .Mission and coining to preach at. their function. His eloquent panegyric on their patron would ho long remembered and would serve as tin incentive to them. He apologised for the absence of llis Lordship Bishop Brodie, who sent them bis blessing and congratulations and who hoped to come to visit them in their church at an early date. He thanked Alt’ Crough for i.is generous gift of the section, and complimented the congregation on the realisation ol their desires to have their own Church. Complimentary references nere made fo the Choir, Altar So7T.'ty and acolytes for their assistance, and to Air (’. O’Neil who had carried out the work In their entire satisfaction. The total expenditure incurred is something over C70I) ol which £SOO is in hand.