CONSECRATION OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AT CARTERTON.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5353, 24 May 1878, Page 6

CONSECRATION OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AT CARTERTON.

On Sunday morning, April 5, the weather was threatening, and as rain fell occasionally, people living at a distance from Carterton were deterred from visiting it, but notwithstanding the cloudy sky and occasional showers a great many strangers were present. Long before the hour for Divine service arrived the pretty new church was well filled, many of those present being members of other denominations. Soon the building was so crowded that those who were at all late had to remain outside, and during the morning there were considerable numbers who stood at the doors and windows in the hope of hearing or seeing something. The Eight Rev. Bishop Redwood, who visited the district to attend the consecration, was presented with an address of welcome, which thanked, him for coming to open the church. After the dedication ceremony, ; there was mass, which was sung by the Rev. Father Halbwach, the Bishop in mitre and cope assisting. His Lordship then preached an eloquent sermon, taking for his test the following words from the lesson for the day :—“ lam the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd giveth His life for His sheep.” At the close of - the service there was a collection, which realised over £2O. There was also service at 6 o’clock in the evening, .when there was again a large attendance. The building, which looks exceedingly, well, was designed by Mr. Turnbull, of Wellington, and has been well and faithfully built by the contractors, Messrs. Bishop and Auckland, the material used being heart of totara. Carterton is a district famed for its timber and sawmills. Hence the wood was obtained at low rates, and the total : cost of the church was kept within £4OO. The whole of the outside has been completed, but. the interior has not been finished, and will not be for some months. This .well-designed , edifice, with its graceful spire, may well be regarded as a monument constantly calling to mind the zealous manner in which the Rev. . Father Halbwach has watched the interests of his ** flock, and the kindness and sympathy he is ever ready to evince to those who are distressed and afflicted. The attendance at the ceremony showed that the rev. gentleman was highly respected by many who do not belong to his church. Of him it may be said, “ A man he is to all the country dear.”