Church will call for formal objections to proposed interior alterations

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 23, 6 November 1984, Page 12

Church will call for formal objections to proposed interior alterations

Recent publicity over the proposed alterations to the fifty-five year old St Joseph's Church in Ohakune has prompted Bishop Cullinane to come out strongly in favour of the proposed changes which were presented to the Ohakune Borough Council at their last meeting. In a statement to Parish Priest, Father Neal Wilson, the Bishop said that he and his advisory committee were prepared to support the alterations as they will encourage not only full participation in the mass but also a clarity of expression. He added that the. proposals did not include structural changes which would alter the exterior of the church. Proposed work includes providing a new smaller chapel, a lounge and extending the mezzanine floor. Alterations would also be made to the Nave area and to the foyer. The borough council has, however, received six letters protesting against the changes. These are largely based on the fact that the church is registered with the Historic Places Trust and should therefore remain in its original form. (At its meeting on 18 October, Ohakune's mayor, Mr Bill Taylor, said he was sorry the borough council

had become involved in the matter. "The church congregations seems to be riven in two over this situation," he said. The council accepts some responsibility in the matter as it was the body which registered the church with the Historic Places Trust. The matter was referred to the Town Planner for further investigation. Father Wilson is disturbed by the adverse comments which he believes are unnecessary. The renovations inside the church will cost $5 1 ,000 none of which needs to be

raised by parishioners as the money is in hand as a result of the recent sale of the land surroundingthe former St Joseph's Primary School in Arawa Street. The protests centre around complaints that the church is unique and should not be altered in any way. Father Wilson says he understands these fears but hastens to add that the recommended changes will encourage the bringing together of people in friendly, comfortable surroundings. The church currently has a capacity of 200 people but the average attendance at

Sunday service averages 8090 people leaving a great number of empty seats. Under the new proposals, St Joseph's will seat 150 people in the body of the church. The mezzanine floor and lounge can also take additional people in the event of a large funeral or wedding. Before the second Vatican Council came out with their suggestions in the mid 1960's, a church was expected to be cold and in many cases unwelcoming. This highlighted the fact that to go to mass was in many ways a sacrifice. Mass was also conducted in Latin which most parishioners were unable to understand. The changes within the Catholic Church in the past twenty years have had the theme of gathering people together to worship God in an easily understandable way. Father Wilson said he is hopeful the proposals at St Josephs will continue in that theme. He wants parishioners to come to church to spend time with each other and God. The new lounge will be a meeting place both before and after mass. He believes that once people see the proposed plans and listen to the arguments he and the parish Council have put forward, the changes within the Church will go head with parishioners' full support. Mary Anne Gill