Furnishings of three churches sold at auction

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by PETER OWENS

Following the sale at auction of three Catholic churches in Eastern Southland, some of the non-ecclesiastical furnishings of the churches have also been sold.

In early March, St Mary’s church in Riverdale, Christ the King church in Mataura and St Kevin’s church in Wyndham were sold at auction.

The sales came after various factors, including a shortage of priests, led to the amalgamation of five Eastern Southland parishes based on the Blessed Sacrament Parish of Gore in 2016, and a subsequent decision to close and sell three of the seven churches in the area.

By reducing costs of maintenance and administration the parish will be able better to look ahead and be a more effective presence in the community. Masses in Balfour, Waikaka and Tapanui will continue to be provided as well as in Gore.

On April 29, Bayleys auctioned off, on-site, some of the non-ecclesiastical furnishings of the three churches that have been de-consecrated and sold. Large crowds gathered for all three auctions and once again Julie Mitchell of Bayleys organised the sales.

The actual auctioneering at all three venues was conducted by Hayden McCallum of Bayleys’ Invercargill office. The Gore parish is most grateful to Bayleys’ employees, Julie Mitchell and Hayden McCallum, as well as the other Bayleys staff in attendance at the auctions who donated their time and especially to Bayleys which did not charge any commission or other charge in arranging and undertaking the sales.

There was a total clearance of all lots at the three auctions and they were attended by people from all over the South.

There was a strong representation of woodworkers both commercial and amateur as well as people seeking fittings appropriate for the furnishing of wedding venues.

Chris Boyle represented the Dunedin diocese at the Wyndham auction, with Paul Corcoran and Paul Langford attending at Mataura and Riversdale respectively.

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