ST. MARY'S CHURCH, OTAIO.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2234, 15 May 1880, Page 2

ST. MARY'S CHURCH, OTAIO.

Tlio handsome new church at Upper Olaio, creeled by the late Charles Meyer, Esq., in memory of his wile, was duly consecrated on Tuesday last. The structure is of white stone, and occupies a commanding site in the centre of a lovely panorama. The design of the building is chaste, and the decorations are tasteful and appropriate. The nave is capable of accommodating 100 people. The chancel is embellished with stained glass windows, and there is a suitable vestry and organ chamber. The floor of concrete is covered with a rich brusscls carpet of ecclesiastical design, The altar-table, the gift of the Eev. C. Coates, of Waimatc, is of carved wood, having in the central panel a floriated gold cross, and

is certainly a beautiful piece of workmanship. The super-fontal is of crimson cloth with ornaments of white and gold silk, and a gold colored silk fringe. The lectern is a large carved eagle standing in a massive pedestal of polished wood. This was the gift of Mr Rhodes the pi-esent owner of Blue Cliffs. The prayer desk is also carved and polished, and together with the beautiful worked snper-frontal, is the gift of Mrs Bradshaw. The stained windows in the chancel have been erected as a memorial to Mr Meyer by his friends. There is also, in connection with this church, a handsome endowment exclusively for the payment of the minister’s stipend. At the consecration services the prayer was read by the curate (Mr L. 0. Brady), and the usual procession followed. Among those who took part in the ceremony were the Most Rev. the Primate, The Yen. Archdeacon Harper, Revs. L. C. Brady and C. Coates, and a number of choir-boys from St. Mary’s, Timaru, with their choir-master and organist, Mr Gooch.