MILITARY AND CIVIL. 23!

Nativity. The work of constructing this magnificent edifice commenced early in the spring of 1896. The old St. Dunstan having been removed from its original position, there on that site the freestone walls of the new cathedral rose to their required height. The measurement being 200 feet in length, and in breadth it is 90 feet in the nave, and 120 feet in the transept, while its steeples when completed rise to the height of zoo feet. Over the centre of the transept is placed a campaniIe—or hell tower—raising to the height of some 60 feet over the main building, this is adorned with a handsome copper covering and surmounted by the Holy Cross. Though in an unfinished state the edifice nevertheless gives ample promise of being esteemed as one of the most elegant ecclesias- tical temples in the Dominion of Canada.

Of the interior of the structure during the period of its opening the Charlottetown Watt/mum gives the following graphical description, viz :—

“The interior of the new edifice, though not finished, pre- sented a grand and imposing appearance. The decorations were on an elaborate scale and were made with excellent taste and in several new and pretty designs. The main altar had three large crosses beautifully illuminated, whilst on an arch above a transparancy across the front of the sanctuary, which dazzled with brilliant lights, were artistically set the words, ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo,’ ‘Venite Adoremus,’ and ‘Adeste Fidelis.’ Surrounding this arch was a representation of the Star of Bethlehem. In addition to these decorations the front of the choir gallery and the pillars and walls were decorated with wreaths and crosses wrought in spruce, which looked very handsome.

“ The opening of the new Cathedral has been looked forward to with unusual interest during the past year, and when it was announced that Midnight Mass would be celebrated in it on Christmas Eve, all felt greatly elated. Nor was this feeling confined to St. Dunstan’s congregation alone. The pride and pleasure felt by its members were generously shared by our fellow-citizens generally, many of whom testified to this fact by attending the Midnight Mass, and contributing liberally to the building fund. From the moment the doors swung open at 11.30 o’clock, there was simply a procession from the street to