Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1849-06-21
THE CORNER STONE.

and under the patronage Of the Ever Blessed
Virgin, conceived without sin, this corner stone
of the church, Of the HOLY NAME OF
MARY, was laid June XIV, A. d. MDCCC-
XLIX.
II On the parchment was written,
II To THE HONOR AND GLORY OF Gop
This church was commenced August i
lsis, in the two hundred and ninth year of
the settlement Of Newport, when the members
of the Catholic Church numbered five hundred
and eighty six souls, out OF the whole popu'a
ton of about nine thousand.
The trenches being dug, By voluntary and
cheerful hands, the first stone was laid August
Is, and the foundation walls wete commenced
the day following.
This corner stone was laid, Iune IA, ls49,
under the rontfcate of His Holiness, Plus TX
an exile at Gaeta, with the appreciation Of Rt.
Rev. VIM. Tyler, Bishop Of tho diocese OF
Hartford, which embraces the States of Con-
nesiicut and Rhode Island, in the seventy
fourth year of American independence, during
the administration OF Zachary Taylor, Presi.
dent of the United States, Henry b. Anthony
being Goy.rnor Of the State of Rhode Island
and Rev. James Fitton, Pastor of the Catholic
congregation at Newport. At an eveniful
period, when the Continent Of Europe is being
revolutionizcd by wars and the overthrow OF
thrones, when many, Notwithstanding earth is
but pilgrimage in which men, IN consequence
Of original sin, have been condemned to cat
their bread in the sweat Of their brow, are,
after near six thousand years that it has pro-
duced its thorns and ,hi,lles, attempting, they
say TO mclorate the condition of society, and
under the name of Socialism, Fraternity, etc.
about to re der earthly home an Eden ! Time
will tell rle result, and some future generation
who will read This, will, it is hoped, pro6t BY
tire admoniion
Together with the above, were deposited in
the cavity, Eewn out Of solid block Of Free
Stone, copies Of the several Catholic periodi-
Gals Of the country, containing the latest Eu-
ropean news, and proceedings of the last Pro-
vncial Council held at Baltimore, pamphlets,
a copy Of the Herald Of The Times, and of the
Nerpor Daily Nees, published that morning,
Sermon on Confession and true Conversion
by the Rer James Fit,on, just published, some
OF the latest specimens of American coin, a
large number Of medals, &c &c.
THE CHURCH.
The edifce is of the eleventh century,
purely Gothic style. 1t consists nave, aisles
porchcs and chanccl 1t is built of sized
brown stone from the Middlesex Quarry of
Connecticut, with all the dressings and mould.
ings neatly cut.
The site is most eligible, the front being on
Spring street and facing the west, with Leven
and William streets on the north and south,
and leaving ample ground for the parochial
residence of the Pastor, and space for lawn
flowers, DC.
The front Of tho church is decorated by
breaks of massive butltesses with ancient base
and drip stones. The tower is placed at the
north west corner, and is also supported BY
breaks of massive but,resscs and is to support
dows, 10 admit, as ii were, the peni,ent's
sighs TO ascend on high and receive heavens
propitous blessing. The tower is TO be
lighted by six richly carved windows, in the
first and second story, and IN the third by eight,
lowers. The spire will present a beautiful
outline when completed surmounted with its
cross, the emblem of mans salvation. The
aisles are to be lighted from the ives, front by
richly carved symetrical windows, the nave
over the front door by one larger, and the ga
bic by rose window. On the south west
angle is to be smaller porch finished with
pointed gable and cross.
The side walls Of the church are supported
by massive butresscs and drip stones and TO be
finished with corLel table and coping. All the
windows Of the church in the aislcs below and
in the nave walls above will present heauti-
ful contrast in massive flame like racery flow
ing into the main and secondary branches.
Standing at tho grand west door and looking
towards the high altar, placed IN the deep
chancel in tho distance, We find the ancien,
clear story revived, the nave being supported
by an avenue oftwelve clustered columns, with
It's collateral accompaniments, the aises divided
by the points OF Gothic arches.
The roof is open, with oil the ,ru.scs filed in
with beautiful carved tracery OF varied designs
and forming gothic arches at all the intersections.
The main mouldings of the trusscs are TO be en-.
riched with guided ball-nowers. The pancling
between the trusscs Is to he finished in polygra
matte figures, symbollzing the unity and mys,cr
les ol divine religion All the windows are to be
filed with cm;iazoned glass, bearing symbols OF
the Savior's passion.
Looking to the east, we behold a gem the
chsncel with its richly decorated altar, scdias
piscina and credence tables Over Il high al.
tar in the distance, is to he placed the msgniiccn,
window in stained glass repressntinp the as