ST. PATRICK’S, RAKAHOUKA.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 33, 10 November 1894, Page 5

ST. PATRICK’S, RAKAHOUKA.

Sunday, 4 th November, was a notable day for members of the Roman Catholic communion resident in and about the Rakahooka district. On

that day the new church, to which the title of St. Patrick has been given, was dedicated to public worship. The building, which is of the Gothic style of architecture, was designed by Mr W. Sharp and erected by Mr McGregor. It occupies a site at the junction of four roads, and is therefore admirably situated so far as the convenience of worshippers is concerned. The ground—half-an-acre—-is the gift of Mr M. Scully. The church, which is provided with a belfry and vestry, is built of wood, and presents a very neat appearance. A large shed has also been erected for the accommodation of the horses of people from a distance, and it is intended to enhance the natural beauty of the spot by planting a number of suitable trees. The opening ceremony attracted a large gathering, and ere the Invercargill contingent, who drove out in McGregor’s drags, reached their destination, the accessions of riders and drivers at various points en route' made quite a cavalcade. In addition to the Rev. Father Vereker, pastor of the parish, there were present on the occasion the Rev. Fathers Walsh (Riverton), O’Leary (Lawrence), O’Heill (Milton), O’Donnell (Gore), and Burke (Queenstown). A procession having been formed around the church, the litanies usual on such occasions were recited by the clergy, and on entering the building appropriate prayers were read. Then followed solemn High Mass, the celebrant being- the Very Rev. Father Walsh, the Very Rev. Fathers O’Leary and O’Reill acting as deacon and sub-deacon respectively. The dedication sermon was delivered by the ReV. Father Burke, who, in an eloquent and able discourse, developed the idea suggested by the question —“Why am I a Christian?” The preacher based his arguments in support of the truth of Christianity on prophecy, the miracles of Christ, the wonderful spread of Christianity, and finally its extraordinary conservation throughout the ages. A feature of the proceedings was the manner in which the choir of St. Mary’s, Invercargill, under the conductorship of MrT. J. Anthony, gave the musical portion of the service. It included the rendering- of Lambillote’s Mass, and the singing, In admirable style, of Gounod’s “ Ave Maria ” by Miss Morrison, with violin obligato by Mr McGregor, a member of the efficient orchestra by which the 'choir was supported-. Miss Roche presided at the organ, which was kindly lent by Mr Lillicrap, local representative of the Dresden Company. At the close of the sermon Father Vereker thanked those who had contributed to the success that had attended the day’s proceedings. He complimented the architect and contractor] on the highly satisfactory manner in which their respective duties had been performed ; especially thanked the choir and orchestra for their beautiful rendering of the music incidental to the occasion ; and made grateful acknowledgment of the kindness of the visiting clergy,' who had not only come long- distances to take part in the opening, but had made liberal donations to the building fund. Special reference was also made to the admirable dedication sermon de-. livered by Father Burke. At a later stage in the proceedings Father Vereker announced that as a result of the collections made that day, with the amount already in hand, the church would be opened free of debt. He eulogised the efforts of the settlers, who, although comparatively small in number, had, without] exception, contributed most generously to the erection of the church. It should be added that visitors were most hospitably entertained by Mesdames Fahey, Hanning and Ross, who converted the shed into a refreshment stall, decorated it with ferns, etc., and provided an abundance of good things for one and all. The weather was fine, and the church, which will seat over two hundred worshippers, was opened under the most auspicuous circumstances.