NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH, GORE

New Zealand Tablet, 10 April 1913, Page 36

NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH, GORE

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE * On Sunday last the ceremony of blessing and laying the foundation stone of the new Catholic Church, Gore, was performed by his Lordship Bishop Verdon, assisted by the local and visiting clergy. The new church, which is being erected in Ardwick street, will be a splendid edifice, and one which, while bearing eloquent, testimony to the devotion and generosity oJt the Catholics of the district, will prove a handsome addition to the architecture of the town, for it will, when completed (says the Matuura Ensign) be without question the most striking building in the district. To Very Rev. Father O'Donnell and his people great credit is due for their unwearying efforts in promoting the building of the church of which they have every reason to be proud. Though heavy rain fell during the first part of the proceedings the weather cleared later when the speeches were made so that the large number who attended listened in comfort. The ceremonies began with the celebration of Solemn High Mass in the church at East Gore, at which his Lordship Bishop Verdon presided. Very Rev. Mgr. O'Leary (Lawrence) was celebrant, Very Rev. Dean Burke (Invercargill) deacon, Rev. P. J. O'Neill(Riversdale) subdeacon, and Rev. Father Coffey Adm. 'St. Joseph's Cathedral) master of ceremonies. The music was Butler's Mass, the ' Gloria ' being from Turner's Mass of St. John the Baptist. The occasional discourse was preached by the Very Rev. Dean Burke, V.F. The ceremony of blessing and laying the foundation stone took place at 3 o'clock, and was performed by his Lordship the Bishop, assisted by Very Rev. Mgr. O'Leary, Very Rev. Dean Burke, Very Rev. Father O'Donnell, and Rev. Fathers Coffey, P. J. O'Neill, and Tobin. His Lordship the Bishop, in the course of his address, said it gave him very great pleasure to see so many present on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the new church, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather. A few days previously he had been shocked and grieved to hear of the great calamity that had befallen the town, and he sympathised most sincerely with those who had suffered. They should remember that they were all in the hands of God, and what came to them was by His holy will. As he had said, it gave him great pleasure to see such a large gathering at the invitation of the worthy pastor. Their presence would encourage him in the part he was taking in the erection of a house of God. Only 30 years ago the church on the hill was built, and at that time it was quite adequate for all needs. There were only a few people in and around Gore at that time, and that old church was a credit to those who built it. But since then the town had advanced beyond all expectation, and large numbers had settled comfortably on the laud and in the town. The congregation had increased and the building was altogether too small, so it was absolutely necessary that a new church should be erected in keeping with the advancement of the town and to enable all the congregation to assemble therein on certain days, times of mission, and for special festivals. And as the church was necessary it was their duty to contribute generously towards its support. 'God has been good to you,' continued his Lordship He has showered His blessings upon you and it is right and just that you should show your love and gratitude to Him by contributing towards the church to be erected in His honor. ... It has been reserved for you and your pastor to erect a grand church which will be an ornament to the whole town and reflect the greatest honor upon all who assist towards it.' His Lordship went on to say that the. great King David had desired most earnestly to erect : a magnificent temple in God's honor. He prepared | plans, selected a site, and stored up great riches to build a temple that would be renowned in every country in the world. But God did not will that David should consummate this desire. The glory of the project re-

mained for King Solomon. Continuing, his Lordship said their pastor had been successful some years ago in securing the magnificent property on which the church was to be built, and he was fortunate indeed in obtaining it when he did. For some years past Father O'Donnell had been collecting money in the hope of erecting a church. He hoped they would encourage their pastor to continue in the work until completion. He congratulated them on the ground secured, the construction so far carried out, and the fact that so much money had been raised up to the present time, and he trusted they would do their best and never pause until the church was finished and completely out of debt. - , Mr. D. L. Poppelwell (Mayor of Gore) expressed his pleasure at seeing such a large number present, especially representatives of other . denominations. Speaking as Mayor of the town he would like to say from a municipal point of view the value of such a building in the centre of the town was much appreciated. Most of them would .reside at Gore for the rest of their lives, and anything that gave people that contentment of worship for which they were disposed could not but help the town. Every townsman would bo proud of* the new church to which it would be an ornament. For a long time there had been a feeling that a new church was wanted, and as things had progressed it simply rested with the people to complete the work. In less than 12 months they would have the privilege of seeing a fine building completed * and opened for worship. Very Rev. Mgr. O'Leary and Mr. C. J. Anderson, M.P., delivered brief addresses. Very Rev. Father O'Donnell thanked his Lordship the Bishop, the visiting clergy, and others for their presence at the ceremony, and the people of Gore for their generosity in times past and since the church had been started. He said that the portion of the church that was being erected would cost very nearly £4OOO, according to the architect's estimate. The sum of £BOO had been received since the building was started, and there had been a good sum in hand prior to that. Special thanks were due, he added, to Messrs. Kingsland and Ferguson for having presented the foundation stones. At the evening devotions the sermon was preached by the Rev. Father Coffey. Rev. Father Tobin presided at the organ both morning and evening.