OPENING OF A NEW CHURCH AT MAKIKIHI

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 24, 11 June 1903, Page 4

OPENING OF A NEW CHURCH AT MAKIKIHI

(Fiom our W'amuite cot respondent )

May 8

Tnrutv Sunday was a lcd-letter day for the parishlont'i s ot Makikihi, it Ik nm tlu> oc easu n t the opening ol the new < hutch in the dust net The ceremony \wis perlotmed by his loidslup Kight Kov Dr Grimes, Bishop of Christ chute h Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father ( v (_'onnt'll, the choir, under the baton of Mr C. .1 Goldstorie rendering Farmer's Mass in B Hat, the soloists 1 emg Me 1 - ms C ,1 tl nd W Goldstono, G Evans, Miss Kent, and Mis .) T Quum. whilst Miss V Wall presided at the organ which was lent by Mrs W. Quinn At Mass his 1 oidshm pi cached an el client sermon from the gospel ot the clay , ' And Jesus coming spoke to them saving . All powei is given to Mo in heaven and in earth Going, theiefoie teach ye all n.it ions, bapt l/ing them in the name ol the Father, and ol the Son, and of tho Holy Ghost teaching thorn to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you ; nnd behold i am with you all days cv en to the consummation of the

world.' After the sermon his Lordship made an appeal to the congregation to give according to their means, so that the church might be, as far as possible, free from debt. At the collection subsequently taken up the people showed their .generosity by contributing a sum of £165. Father Ttegnault heartily thanked those who had in any way contributed towards the church, and all who had helped or sympathised. He also thanked the Rev. Father O'Connell for coming to assist at the opening, he being the prime mover in having the church erected before he was removed to Christchurch. There was a crowded congregation. The chuich stands on an admirable site on the west side of the railway, a very fine view being obtained from the line. Although not nuitp finished, the inside finishing and furnishing are worthy of notice, the wood lining and rafters of the roof presenting a solid appearance. The windows are of cathedral stained glass, those for the sanctuary being the gift of Mr. Nicholas Quinn. They are lfot as yet placed in position, but will present a very fine appearance when this is done. The plans of the church were kindly prepared free of charge by Mr. O'Connell, of Christchurch, who also supervised the erection of the building. Great praise is due to the contractors for the excellent way in which they have carried out their work. After the ceremony his Lordship and the clergy were entertained by Mr. Nicholas Quinn, whilst the choir was likewise treated by Mr. William Quinn. In the evening his Lordship preached in St. Patrick's, Waimate, to a crowded congregation. On Monday evening the Catholics of the district held a social gathering in honor of his Lordship and Father O'Connell, a report of which will appear in our next isstoe.