Opening of the New Roman Catholic Church, Paeroa.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3898, 27 June 1881, Page 2

Opening of the New Roman Catholic Church, Paeroa.

Yesterday morning, although ushered in with hail, rain and sleet, a number of ladies and gentlemen proceeded to Paeroa by the p.s. Patiki, for the purpose of witnesssing the opening of the Church of St. Mary Immaculate. Among the gentlemen on board were—the Rev Father Fynes, Messrs J. Sheehan (M.H.R.), Mclltione, Cloonan, Haydon, Graham, Cookson, McLiver, Ibbetson, &c, and we also noticed among the ladies Mesdames Cookson, Haydon, and the Misses Mcllhone, McLaughlin, Brown, Macdonald, Sheehan, &c. The journey up to Paeroa was very fatiguing, no less than six hours and a-balf being occupied in the passage. The sea was what, in nautical language, might be termed " choppy," and the unpleasant motion of the vessel caused several young ladies an undesirable feeling of uneasiness. Upon the way up several ladies and gentlemen enlivened the passage with anthems and harmonium selections, notubly Miss Sheehan and her brother, Miss Mcllhoue and Mr Ibbetson. The choir also sang several hymns. When arrived at Paeroa, the instrument was carried to the new Church, and the impressive ceremony of declaring it open for the service of God wae »t puce proceeded, witlj.

TSiE OPENING CEREMONY. The Key Father Fynes, in his gorgeous ecclesiastical robes, attended by Father O'Reilly, and acolytes, proceed in procession around the new building, and sprinkled it with holy water. Alter the same ceremony had been performed in the inside of the church, the service commenced. The choir sang the " Kyrie" and "Gloria" from Farmer's mass, and acquitted themselves fairly, while Miss A. Mcllhoue officiated at the instrument in a very satisfactory manner. Alter the Epistle and Gospel had been read, the Rev. Father Fynes addressed an interesting sermon to his flock. He said it was the habit of Protestants to calumniate the Catholic Church with the statement that she offered idolatrous worship to the Virgin Mary. Such was not the ca3e, as they only recognised one God, the Allpowerful and Omnipotent Creator of Heavenand Earth. Thenagain, the Protestants objected to the dedication of Roman Catholic Churches to the protection and patronage of the Saints; and yet while doing so, they professed to believe in the " Communion of Saints." Such was their inconsistency ! Was it not showing their great love for the Saints—who were now in Heaven, by dedicating their churches to them, so that they might exercise their fatherly love and care to protect their churches? Certainly it was. The oration, although lengthy, was listened to with marked attention to its close. The choir then sang the " Sanctus " (Haydn), " Agnus " Dei " (Farmer), and " Haec Dies," and after the Benediction had been pronounced, the congregation left for home. THE CHURCH. The church is a neat-looking building, erected at a distance of about a quarter of a mile from the township of Paeroa, and overlooking the Ohinemuri river. The land on which it has been erected was formerly the property of Mr W. H. Wicolls from whom it has been purchased at a very moderate amount. The land obtained, tenders were called for the erection, and that of Messrs Thompson and Sinclair (£274) was accepted. The church is built in Gothic style, and from plans gratuitously supplied by Messrs Mahoney and Son, architects, Auckland.

THE DIMENSIONS of the building are: length 46 feet, breadth 24 feet with studs 14 feet in length, and gable of 26 feet. The altar and tabernacle are made of kauri neatly carved and Tarnished. The altar rails are also of kauri. The vestry room, (at the rear of the church) is 18 feet by 10. The cost of the whole building was about £350, and its erection was mainly due to the exertions of the much-loved spiritual leader of the district, the Key. Father O'Beilly. THE EETTTBN. The return trip was far more enjoyable than the trip up. The choir sang several sacred pieces ; and after a journey of about five hours, the steamer landed her passengers at the Shortland wharf about 9 o'clock. In concluding we may express our feeling of delectation, when we consider that the Paeroa people, are ever mindful of the future state, and the new church testifies to the thoroughly genuine feeling of religion that pervades our Paeroa friends, and will add one more substantial testimony to the Lovers of God and the due appreciation of His mercies.

ADDRESS TO FATHER FYNES

Prior to the departure of the steamer» the following address was presented to the liev Father Fynes, being read by Mr James Corbett, of Hikutaia :—" Paeroa, June 26th, 1881.—To the Very Rev. H. J. Fynes, V.G.—Eev. Sir,—lt is with feelings of the greatest satisfaction that we, the Catholics of Ohinemuri, beg to give you their most hearty welcome on this your first visit amongst us, and to assure you that no effort will be spared by us to make this, and every visit paid by you, a pleasure to yourself and a profit to ourselves. We beg to tender our best thanks through you to the Key. Father O'lteilly, for it is owing to his example and untiring zeal since he has come amongst us that we are indebted for this beautiiul church, the consecration of which we are called on this day to witness. Praying God that a long and successful life may be allotted to you, we remain, your devoted children in Christ, the Catholics of Ohinejiuki."—The rev gentleman acknowledged the presentation in suitable terms, and at the close of his remarks cheers were given lor him and also for the Her Father O'lleilly.