The interesting and edifying ceremony of opening one of the new Churches that now beautify our good old town, which under the auspices of their estimable and esteemed Founder, the Rev. James Roche, have already filled the wide world with their celebrity, took place on Sunday last. The day was particularly fine; and at an early hour thousands congregated from all parts of the compass to witness the joyous and sacred solemnities, and to offer their homage to the Omnipotent Ruler of the universe, in the new Temple dedicated to His honour and glory. The building which is 166 feet in length, 60 feet broad in the clear, and 70 feet in height, with a spire 222 feet high, is in the style of the decorated gothic of the 14th century; and both in external form and internal accommodation and elegance, reflects the highest credit on its projector and all concerned in its erection. The Lady Altar, which was presented by Mr. J. T. Devereux, M.P., is a perfect gem, being chiselled from Caen stone, richly warmed by the marbles of Galway and Cork which may be also seen to great perfection in the Grand Hall of the new lecture rooms in Trinity College, and the Capella of the Catholic University. The stained-glass window adjoining this Altar is the gift of the Rev. Founder, and displays much artistic skill and elegance- the figures being well conceived and the colouring clear and brilliant. The ceiling is panelled and decorated in the medieval style by Mr. Barley of Dublin, partner of Mr. Hardman of Birmingham, who has fully sustained his well-earned fame, in this department of the arts, by the superior manner in which he has executed the work assigned to him. We do not recollect seeing his style of church decoration carried out in so perfect a manner, except in the magnificent College Chapel of Ushaw College.

Pontifical High Mass, the Bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. Furlong pontifically presiding, commenced at 11 o'clock; the Rev. James Roche P.P., celebrant; deacon, Rev. Thomas Roche, Enniscorthy; sub- deacon, Rev. J. Barry Wexford; master of ceremonies, Rev. W. Murphy, Wexford; assistant priest, Rev. W. Murphy, Enniscorthy; deacons at the Throne, Rev. J. Lacey P.P., Gorey, and Rev. L. Kirwan, P.P. Piercestown. A large number of clergymen were also in attendance, including Very Rev. Dean Murphy, Very Rev. L. Cosgrave, Provincial Franciscan Order, the Rev. Gentlemen of St. Peter's College etc. The following gentlemen acted as stewards, and were particularly attentive and courteous to all in the sacred edifice, and notwithstanding, the vast and crowded assemblage the utmost order and regularity prevailed throughout, Richard O'Connor, Laurence Devereux, John Bransfield, Moses Doyle, Patrick Lambert, Patrick Roche, Richard Joseph Devereux, William Caulfield, Thomas Redmond, Arthur Kavanagh, Richard Walsh, (Aldermen) John Pettit, John Stafford, Michael Finn, James Pettigrew, Robert Furlong M.D., James Doyle, James Lambert, Joseph Pettit, Esqrs.

The splendid vestments worn by the deacons at the Throne and the Ministers at the altar, and the Chalice, all used for the first time on this great occasion, were the gifts of the late lamented Countess of Shrewsbury. The Choir, which was prepared and presided over by Miss Du Lang, was most effective, particularly on the Gloria,Credo, and Agnus Dei, notwithstanding the necessity of using an Harmonium, the new Organ not yet being completed, and equalled some of the best sacred music we ever heard in , either London or Dublin. After the Postcommunion, the zealous, and beloved Pastor of the Parish ascended the pulpit, and delivered a sermon.

SOLEMN DEDICATION

The Church of the Assumption was solemnly dedicated on the Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, 1859. The ceremony was performed by the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Furlong. The High Mass was sung by Most Rev. Dr. Whelan, Bishop of Bombay.

The Sermon was preached by the Most Rev. Dr. Moriarity, Bishop of Kerry.

CONSECRATION

This Church was consecrated by Dr. Furlong on Sept. 5th 1860.

On September 9th in celebration of this event, High Mass was sung by Most Rev. Dr. Whelan. The sermon for the occasion was preached by the Most Rev. Dr. McHale, Archbishop of Tuam. The Pope, granted a Plenary Indulgence, to all present
 

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