NEW CHURCH AT DEVONPORT

New Zealand Tablet, 6 March 1919, Page 33

NEW CHURCH AT DEVONPORT

FOUNDATION STONE CEREMONY. The solemn blessing of the foundation stone of the new church at Devonport was attended by several hundred parishioners and their friends on Sunday, February 16. His Lordship Dr. H. W. Cleary, Bishop of Auckland, officiated, and with him were- the RevFather M. Furlong (Rector), Dean Cahill, and Fathers Golden, Holbrook, Bradley, and O’Byrne. After the religious ceremony speeches were delivered by his Lordship the Bishop, Mr. W. J. Napier, Mr. A. Harris, M.P., Mr. A. E. Glover, M.P., and Mr. J. Henderson, Mayor of Devonport. . His Lordship the Bishop, in complimenting the Rector and people of Devonport on the zeal and energy they had displayed in pushing the work ahead, drew an analogy between a lighthouse and the magnificent monument to the glory of God which was being erected in Devonport. The function of the lighthouse was to warn mariners' of shoals and breakers ahead and guide them safely into harbor. The church would be the lighthouse from which warning would go out against the shoals which threatened the safety of the soul. In concluding, he asked everyone present to shoulder his or her full share of the burden in defraying the cost of the new building. Mr. W. J. Napier gave an interesting resume of the history of the parish from the day, many years ago, when six or seven people used to meet together in the public school to assist at Holy Mass, down to the present day. He made an earnest appeal to all to do their duty in the matter of subscribing to the building fund.

Mr. A. E. Glover, M.P., snoke of the architectural beauty of the new church, which, he said, was a credit to the Catholic community, and which would be an ornament to Devonport.

Mr. A. Harris, M.P., said that as one who was not a Catholic lie would like the Catholics of Devonport to accept his hearty congratulations on the progressive spirit they were displaying in erecting such a fine building. He wished the project every success. A very happy speech was that of Mr. J. Henderson, Mayor of Devonport, while congratulating the Catholic body on the fine building they were erecting, said he was proud to be a member of the kirk next door, which, by its good example in erecting a modern'' church, had urged the Catholics to do likewise. (Laughter and applause.) His fervent hope was that the Anglicans, who owned the section on the other side, would soon commence building operations. As competition was good for business, he thought it might also be beneficial to religion. With the three churches together the members of each would strive in friendly rivalry, each in their own way, to further the greater honor and glory of God, and, at the same time, maintain the cordial relations which have ever existed between the various religious bodies in Devonport.

At this stage the collectors entered upon their duties, and to good purpose, the collection yielding £220. During the afternoon suitable music was rendered by the choir, under the direction of Mr. Leo Whittaker, A.T.C.L. At the conclusion of afternoon tea, which was provided by the ladies of the parish, Father Furlong expressed his thanks, and the thanks of the church committee to those who had contributed

so liberally to the cost of the new church. He particularly wished,' to thank those friends of other faiths who were present for their kindly interests, and m many cases for their liberality. I.he old wooden church, with its picturesque spire, which has served the needs of Devonport for many years, is fast disappearing. The new structure, which is of Gothic design, is being built <round the present church. The outer walls, to a height of five feet, will be in rough cast, above that a red pressed brick will be used. The roof will be of Marseilles tiles. With the green slopes of Mount Victoria for a background, the new church should be very pleasing to the eye.