WAIMATE

New Zealand Tablet, 17 April 1913, Page 57

WAIMATE

The contractors, Messrs. Harding and Co., of Timaru, have just finished the tower which completes the new Churcn of St. Patrick, Waimate. The plans of this handsome building were designed by Mr. Petre, of Dunedin, whose skill in church architecture is justly admired. The foundation stone was laid and blessed by his Lordship Bishop Grimes, on January 26, 1908. The first part of the structure, comprising the nave and the porch up to the base of the tower, was built by Messrs. Murtagh, Mills, and Ford, of Oamaru. The ceremony of tue blessing and opening took place on October 24, 1909. His Lordship Bishop Grimes, blessed the church, and preached the dedication sermon, and his Lordship Bishop Verdon celebrated Pontifical High Mass. The building of the tower was begun oh September 18, 1912, and is now completed. Its height is 93 feet from the ground, and its square outside dimensions are 19ft Sin at the base, and 16ft at the summit. It is surmounted by an octagonal dome and a gilt cross. A view of it can be obtained from the express as the train from the south is approaching Studholme Junction. As seen by advertisement the tower will be blessed and dedicated next Sunday, and no doubt all the Catholics of Waimate will take part in the ceremonies, whilst their friends of the neighboring districts are invited and expected to favor Waimate with their presence. The bells, which have been ordered from Dijon (France), are expected to come to hand in a short time.