OPENING OF CHURCH AT NEW BRIGHTON

New Zealand Tablet, 21 December 1911, Page 2582

OPENING OF CHURCH AT NEW BRIGHTON

(From our Christchurch correspondent.) - On the afternoon of last Sunday week, in the presence of a large gathering, the fine church, just erected at New Brighton, one of the popular seaside resorts of the citizens of Christchurch, was solemnly blessed, and dedicated in honor of the Immaculate Conception by his Lordship Bishop Grimes. Among the clergy in attendance were the Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., V.G., the Very Rev. Father Price, Administrator, the Rev. Fathers Barlow (Penrith, New South Wales), Hoare, S.M., and Dignan, S.M. (St. Mary’s, Christchurch North), Graham, S.M., 8.A., ancl Quinn, S.M. (St. Bede’s College). After, the ceremony of blessing the new church his Lordship the Bishop, who preached' the dedication sermon, prefaced his remarks by indicating the reasons that induced the late Dean Ginaty to acquire so central and favorable a site for its erection. Although keenly realising the need of a church in that portion of St. Mary’s wide parochial district, and sparing no effort in the accomplishment of this desire, the late Dean had not the privilege of being present at the laying of the foundation stone, and had passed to his eternal reward ere its construction was far advanced. This beautiful temple would, however, remain an enduring memorial of what was his last undertaking for the glory of God and the good of souls. , His Lordship delivered an eloquent discourse on the / Divine Mission of the Catholic Church,’ based on the first, second, and third verses -of the 121st Psalm': ‘I rejoiced at the things that were said to me. We shall go into the house of the Lord. Our feet were standing in thy courts, 0 Jerusalem. Jerusalem, which is built as r city, which A s compact together.’ In conclusion, his Lordship appealed to the congregation, which crowded the church to the doors (many more being obliged to remain outside), to contribute generously to the cost of the building, one generous subscriber having already given £SOO, nearly half the sum required. . Tlie impressive ceremony was closed with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, at which the Bishop presided, the music being provided by the choir of St* Mary’s Church, with Mrs. Cronin at the organ. The church, which is a handsome structure in red brick, with white stone facings and tiled roof, was designed and erected- by Messrs. Luttrell Brothers at a cost of £I2OO. It is provided with seating and all internal furnishings and completed throughout, accommodation being provided for 200 persons. A collection realised £6O, with further substantial promises.

With the Church of the Immaculate Conception there are now four churches in the extensive parish of St. Mary’s, Christchurch North, in charge of the Marist Bathers. There are quite a number of Catholic residents at New Brighton and its vicinity, and now that facilities are so well provided for attendance at Mass it is anticipated that there will soon be a considerable permanent congregation.