Te Awamutu

New Zealand Tablet, 10 July 1913, Page 53

Te Awamutu

The blessing and Opening of the new Catholic presbytery at Te Awamutu took place on the first Sunday in June. The ceremony was performed by his Lordship Bishop Cleary. The church (says the Waipa Post) was filled to its utmost capacity, and the large marquee, which had been erected at the entrance, was utilised to seat part of the congregation. Visitors were present from all parts of the district," including Hamilton and Te Kuiti. The Rev. Father Lynch, in extending a hearty welcome to Bishop Cleary, said they were always glad to see him among them, and especially on the occasion of the opening of their new presbytery. The collections would be in aid of the presbytery, and he trusted that the collection that day would be worthy of the object and worthy of the visitors. The Bishop delivered a very eloquent and impressive sermon. The building which they had erected was one they might be proud of. When most of those present were gone the building would still be there, though it would show the effects of rain and storm, and in time would decay like the mortal body. He congratulated the architect, the builders, and all those who were responsible for the building they had erected. Mrs. Sullivan presided at the organ. The collection amounted to over ,£l3O. The new presbytery, which adjoins the Catholic church, occupies an ideal position, the main entrance facing Alexandra street, and is entered through a piazza. On each side are two tablets, with the following names of the building committee:Captain J. A. Hope-Johnstone, D. Moroney, D. O’Shea, P. Rice, P. O’Sullivan, J. Corboy, F. McGovern, J. de Coek, A. Kay, F. Kay, D. Cavanagh, C. Rauch. The rooms are all commodious and well lighted, and consist of bishop’s room, priest’s room, dining-room, parish room, housekeeper s room, and kitchen, with hot and cold water service, scullery, and pantry. On the western side is a brick verandah, with semi-circular arches and brick tiers. The ceilings throughout are of eternite divided into panels, with wood battens. Oiled rimu is the tnmber used throughout the building. The mantels, which are of special design, are both simple and pleasing. The whole of the interior is finished with Keen’s .cement. Marseilles tiles have been used in the construction of the roof. Local bricks have been used throughout, with a cement base and rough cast gables. A semi-circular drive has been laid out, with cyclone gates at either end, which divide the entrance to the church and presbytery respectively. ,