Opening of a New Catholic Church at Cheviot.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 27, 3 July 1902, Page 6

Opening of a New Catholic Church at Cheviot.

(From an occasional correspondent.) The development of the Cheviot settlement has naturally attracted the interest of the variou* religions bodies and several churches have already been erected to meet the spiritual requin nvnts of that rapdly increasing district The latest movement is the building of a beautiful Catholic Church (by far the most imposing structure in Mackenzie), on the splendid site purchased by Bishop Grimes some eight years ago, and which his Lordship generously presented to the Catholics of Cheviot on Sunday, June 22, on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the church. The sacred edifice, which ia dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, affords seating accommodation for 250 people. Built in the style of early English Gothic, it comprises a nave 50ft long and 24ft wide with open timber roof and hammer-beam trusses, and an apsidal-endecl chancel, 21ft in length by 16ft wide, separated from the nave by a lofty and richly moulded arch. The communion rail which is open Gothic panelling is exquisitely worked, while the altar in tasteful Gothic is in pleasing harmony w'th its surroundings. The sides of the nave and chancel contain double-lighted traceried windows, with cathedral glass in varied tints, and an elaborate three-light window of a similar character is 'placed above the west wall. A diagonal panelled dado runs the length and width of the church, and the walls are finished in sage green. The sacristy, 10ft x 10ft, is at the east end, and porch, Bft x Bft, at the west end, of the south side. The west end of the main roof supports an octagonal Bpire rising 54ft. The church, which has jußt been completed and furnished at a cost of £820, reflects great credit on the architects, Messrs Collins and Harman, Christchurch ; while the contractor, Mr C. Jansen, of Cheviot, deserves much praise for the excellent manner in which he has executed the work entrusted to him. The new building is not only a convenience for the Catholics of Cheviot, but an ornament to the township of Mackenzie.

The opening ceremony was performed by the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes, S.M , under the most favorable circumstances. The weather was beautifully fine, and a large and influential gathering was present at the important event. At 11 o'clock his Lordship solemnly bleeped the new chnrcb, being assisted in the ceremony by the Rev. Father Marnane, S.M., of St. Mary's, Christchurch, and the Very Rev. Father Price, rector of the parish. High Mass was subs*quently celebrated by the Very Rev. Father Price. After the first Gospel, his Lordship the Bishop preached an eloquent and touching discourse from the text ' I have loved O Lord the beauty of Thy House, and the place»where Thy glory dwelleth.' He paid a warm tribute to the zeal and devotion of the rector, to the faith and generosity of the Catholics of Cheviot, and appealed to the liberality of the parishioners to defray the debt etill remaining on the chnroh that it might soon be offered unfettered to the great God in whose honor it had been raised. The appeal resulted in a collection amounting to £44 3s 6d. The music of the Mass, which was beautifully rendered by the Hawarden choir, was taken from Mozart's First and Murphy's in D, Mr. W. H. Dudderidge presiding at the organ with his accustomed ability. The principal vocalists were : — Mrs, C. T. White (soprano), Mrs. W. Dudderidge (contralto), Mr. C. T. White (tenor), Mr. W. Dudderidge (bass). At the offertory Mr. C. T. White gave a very pleasing rendering of Neidermeyer's ' Pater Noster.' In the evening solemn Vespers were sung by the Rev. Father Marnane, S.M., his Lordship the Bishop occupying a throne in the sanctuary. At the conclusion of Vespers, and prior to the Bishop's perm(<n,theVery Rev Father Price appealed to hiß parishioners to assist his Lordship in the great work of his cathedral. He emphasised the euterprise as a most unselfish one, and worthy of the most liberal support. ' The people of Cheviot,' continued the rector, 'by giving all the material assistance they could to the great work, would not only be discharging a duty incumbent on every Catholio in the Diocese of Christchurch, but they would also be giving a practical proof of their gratitude to his Lordship for the munificent gift he had that day presented to them.' The Bishop then preached a poweiful and convincing sermon on the necessity of an infallible Church, explaining with wonderful clearness the Catholic doctrine of the Pope's infallibiltty. The service concluded with solemn Pontifical Benediction. The scheme of a sixpenny weekly collection in aid of the Cathedral building fund was enthusiastically taken up by several prominent ladies of the parish.