VISIT OF HIS GRACE ARCHBISHOP STEINS TO WAIKATO. Consecration of the Roman Catholic Church, Kihikihi.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1275, 31 August 1880, Page 2

VISIT OF HIS GRACE ARCHBISHOP STEINS TO WAIKATO. Consecration of the Roman Catholic Church, Kihikihi.

His Grace Archbishop Steins, accompanid by Father Walter Macdonalcl arrived in Waikato on Saturday, by the afternoon train, being met at the Te Awaniutu terminus by Father Golden and Major Jackson. The visitors were driven thence to the residence of Major Jackson at Kihikihi, where they remained over Sunday. The ceremony of consecrating the new church at Kihikihi was commenced on Sunday morning at 11 o'clock, His Grace officiating, assisted by Fathers Golden and Macdonald after which Mass was said. There was, notwithstanding the threatening appearance of the weather, a very large congregation, the building being crammed from the Altar rails to the door. At the close of Mass the Archbishop delivered a brief address. He expressed himself as being greatly pleased with the building, and commended the zeal of the people in erecting a temple, a house of prayer to God. He made a fitting reference to the temple erected by Solomon, and contrasted its glories with the glories of the True Sacrifice, which, as foretold by the prophet Malachi, would be offered in every place from the rising to the setting of the sun. He concluded by forcibly admonishing parents to instruct their children in the principal mysteries of religion, and in general to impart to them such moral and religious training as would render them worthy members both of the Church and the community, and prepare them for a Crown of Glory hereafter. The discourse was listened to with the deepest attention. In the evening the church was again crowded, when the Archbishop preached an eloquent sermon from the Gospel of the day, Luke, vii., 11 and 16, showing how our Divine Lord attested the truth of His doctrine by miracles, and how Divine Providence disposed all things by bringing together so great a multitude, as recorded in the Gospel narrative, to be eye witnesses of the stupendous miracle of tfye raising to life the dead son of the afflicted widow, while being carried out, on His ontering the Qity of Nain. Several candidates presented themselves for confirmation — chiefly adults — when the Archbishop gave, from the Acts of the Apostles, a very instructive discourse on the object of the Sacrament of Confirmation, its institution, and its essential matter and form. The offertory during the morning and evening services was ve^y ; good, and quite equalled expectations.. The Chief Manga (Rewi) had Intended to be present at the openingceremony in the morning, but on account of the rain he was too late. He, however, met the Archbishop after service at the residence of Major Ja.ok&on, an 4 cjinecj with him there ; several visitors being of tlje company. On meeting his Graoe the old chief addressed a few words to him, which were in effect as follo^s: — That although he was a member of a different church he welcomed him and the fathers, bocause they were bringing the woi-d of God to all people, European and Maori. Th^re were a number of Maoris in the Church. Tfye Church, which was then opened, is q, i?ema,rl£ably neat littlo structure, and from. the commanding position which it occupies, on a bold eminence in the cetytrr qi the surveyed township, forms a jta«4 mark for miles in every direction. Ii is only just

doflipleto^ in.- |act, one off two tilings 3^s remain $> bo done* such as var-h-ishing. the* interior,** &c. The area of the ground is 2\ acres, and the building is 37 feet long (including tower) and 20 feet wide, with a stud of 12 feet. The tower, iucluding spire and cross, is nearly 50 feet in height, but on account of the position of the building ie appears to be very mucli higher. The main building is lighted by bix pretty Gothic windows, and the tower, which is divided into three floors, is lighted and ventilated by Gothic windows, with louvre boards instead of glass. There is a bell in the tower, but its tone is not remarkable, and the congregation are taking steps to provide themselves with one more suitable. The design and execution reflect the highest credit on the architects and builders, Messrs Mandeno, Thomas. Allen, and Maunder. The Altar rails and the Altar itself are made from designs by Mr Mahoney, architect, of Auckland, and the effect is really very pretty. At the service on Sunday, the Altar was lighted by a profusion of wax candles and a grand collection of beautiful flowers.