Arkansas intelligencer., 1848-03-11
Catholic Church at Fort Smith.


On last Sunday, pleased to state was
decicated the Catholic Church at Fort Smith
The Ri. Rev. Bishop Byrne, assisted by the Rev.
Messrs. WalsA and Monaghan, performed the ce-
remony of consec ra ton. After which the Bishop
exhibited the grounds of Catholic belief and prac-
,ise f; ard expatated at some length on the dis
cipne ana uiiggSsage Of the church, in SO clo'
quent, philosophical, and impressive manner as
to delight all who had the happiness to be present
on the occasion. The Rev. Mr.. Walsh, by whose
exertion this church was built, celebrated mass
fter she close of tho gospel, the Bishop address
n u then ssembly on the unity Of the church. II
fteed not be sad here, where his lea rned Reve-
!, ence is we'll known and appreciated, that he
listened TO with great interest and delight by
SIS hearers who no doubt, could have listened to
aim for hours.
On w ednesday the Bishop officiated in the
hurch dedicated to Saint Patrick,) and having
essed and distributed the ashes, explained the
ctrine, intention, and ritual of the church, in
IS thrilling, imposing, memento which she pre-
nts to her children; and on this occasion one
>nvert was received into the pale of the church.
Rapid preparations are making to put into ope-
alton the college. on the sixteenth section under
! e patronage of Bishop Bvrne and ere long we
nay expect 20 see fourishing literary institu-
ion, on western border, equal to the wants Of
the whole country, and too that will be under
the patronage and supervision Of men whose en-
ergy in the cause OF education has rendered them
distinguished all over the world.
When the college gets under way, what then is
% prevent the Catholic emigrants Of Maryland
and kentucky from seeking home upon our fer
tile soil, where they will find land good and cheap,
water and timber excellent and abundant, on a
navigabIe stream, in a healthy climate, and what
to the Catholics is of more Importance than all
earthly advantages, church of thier creed and
clergymen Of their faith 10 administer to them
the consultations of their religion
These inducements are also EXTENDED 10 the
emigrant who is fleeing the realms of iron despots
in Europe-of the thousands who are seeking
asyIums on our happy shores, from slavery and
starvation. To the emigrant of moderate circum-
stances, who gathers up his little estate and quits
unhappy and misruIed Ireland and seeks home in
the new world. here are inducements, temp!ngy,
invitngy held out.
We congratulate the citizens Of Fort Smith,
and of Crawford county generally, on the speedy
prospects of fine college, not only upon the great
advantages it will be in educational view, but
t he fact that such an institution will invite emi-
grafton to county.
We are assured shat in short tIrno the erection
of Catholic church will be commenced in this
city; and, also, at no distant period n Female Se
minary will be established here, under the super
vision of the " Sisters of Charity" We know
that eligible location could not be selected
for this object; and we have every reason TO be-
lieve that such institution, at this point, would
be well supported.
CHLoRoFoEM IN THE AaMY.-The Washington
Union notices the late surprising advantages found
TO result from the use of ChIoroform in surgical
Notwithstanding the pain, and preventing
writhing of The body, and says:
I'VE understand that The Surgeon general of
a. ha Of tba bnS nj