Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-02-22
LOCAL ITE MS.

we DeiieNc uninterrupted celebration mere III
the ''22d of February for the last sixty
years, at least, is part of the history Of our
city which is credtable to the patriotism Of
our people. In Washington's lite time this
was the place which was his county town"
he often visited it: he had here some Of
his most intimate friends he wnrshipped in
one Of its churches; he interested himself in
its prosperity: he attended the meetings Of
its citizens; and reviewed its citizen soldiery.
There are Yet living among US some who
have looked upon his stately and vene-
rablc form, and grasped his friendly hand.
\" wonder, then, that our people freshly
remember the anniversary Of his birth, and
celebrate it with every token Of respect for
and attachment 10 his memory. May the
good old custom never cease. May the cele-
bra'ion of Washington's Birth Day continue
in Alexandria, to the end Of time
DEDICATION OF ST. MARY's llALL.--The
lowering appearances of the sky on Sunday
afternoon. seemed to portend untavorable
weather for the above ceremony: but just "a
the procession of the Young Catholics Friend
Society was being formed. at its former place
of meeting. strong wind arose, and the
clouds speedily passed away. leaving the
bright sun to shed his beams upon the scene.
~ L.,
pastoral residence Of st. Mary's Church, on
Duke street, and an acoylte bearing the
cross, supported by two great lights. borne
by other acoylites in surplices, took the head
of the line, which was closed by seven acoy-
lites, the last bearing the vessel Of holy wa
ter, and the clergy and bishop in their robes
of Office.
As tue procession moved along Duke and
ROYAL streets, to the Hail. the bell of St.
Marys Church, rs well a. that on the Hall,
was rung. and the Bishop was received at
the front door of the latter by MessrS Coylc
and Laphen, of the building committee, who
escorted him TO the principal stand. As soon
rs those who could obtain admission were
seated, Mr.. James Fitzpatrick, as President
of the Society, addressed the Bishop, as
follows
Right Rev. Sir: The Young Catholics Friend
Society. of Alexandria, being DESTROYS of giving
EXPRESSION to their feelings this occasion, the
first opportunity they have had since they came
under YOUR spiritual care and jurisdiction. have
imposed upon me the pleasing duty to bid you
welcome and offer you their warmeSi congratGia-
tions on this your first visit to this congregation
since it has been added to your Diocese, and
10 assure of their earnest desire To cooperate
with YOU in all your undertakings for the interest
of our Holy Religion, hoping that no act or decd
of theirs will give you cause to regret lis ac-
ccss;on; but on the contrary that they may ever
continue to merit. that Paternal so!icitude and in
terest YOU have already manifested by your KIND
and prompt acceptance Of the invitation from this
Society to visit this place, for the purpose of dcdi-
eating this Hall.
Thi- cditicc, as you may already be aware. was
erected by the eXcrtCns of the Young Catholics
Friend Society, aided chcerfully by their fellow
citizens of all denominations. This hall which you
arc now about to bless is intended for the Sunday
Schools and the meetings of the Society. The
Rooms below for free schools. for the poor children
of the Congregation; both objects worthy o! our
united and untirng efforts To bring to successful
completion.
The Society take no little share of pride to them
selves in accomplishing SO successfully the erection
of this building. believing it to be the first Tor The
purposes designed, erected 10y any OF our sister
societies in the country. while we hope II IS but
the pioneer of what may soon he seen in every
city and town throughout our beloved country
But Right Rev. Sir. il was not my intention when
began, or is it now my desire TO tire you and this
assembly with lengthy address, but to try ana
give an expression of the sentiments OF the society
towards you--thcrefore in conclusion OF these Few
brief remarks, beg you to accept the assurance OF
of our high esteem and respect. praying that you
may be long spared, enjoying ut the same time
health and strength {" perform the sacred duties
Of the Holy Ministry. and in administering to the
spiritual wants of all under your care
To this the Bishop made a most icrvid and
eloquent reply, congratulating the Society
upon the accomplishment of its undertaking,
and explaining the ceremonies used in the
dedication of the building to the purposes OF
Christian education, in most able manner.
He then recited the prayer of blessing, AZ
follows:--
Bishop--Our help is in the name Of the Lord /!
1HpHuuHts.-N no ulIut lledNcu anu
BiShop-The Lord be with you
Northumberland with thy Spirit.
B;shop.-Let u pray.
We humhly offer Thee our Supplica'lons, u! God,
the Father Almighty. on behalf Of this house. and
it, Inhabitants and their affairs. that Thou would st
vouchsafe Ia bless aud Sanctfy it. and make II
abound in all good; and grant To them, .! Lord,
abundance from the dew Of Heaven. and the sub
stance of life from the fairness of the Earth and do
Thou bring the desire of their vow To the consum
nation of Thy mercy. Nouchsatc to bless and
sanctify therefore this house. as thou dds vouch
safe to bless the dwelling place of Abraham. OF
Isaac. and of Jacob. and the angels of Thy light
shall dwell within its walls and protect it and those
who nhabit it. Through Christ, Our Lord.
AneHdnpts.--Amen.
The Bishop then passed around the walls
of each room. sprnklng them with water
which had been previously blessed, AZ the
emblem of purity. and the procession having
reformed. proceeded to st. Mary's Church.
which was found to be so denscly crowded
that few of those who had attended the cere-
monies at the Hall could procure seats.
Nespers were then sung, Rev. Peter kroes
officiating. and after the anthem "Magniti
cat" Bishop McGill rose, and for an hour
and ten minutes addressed the crowded as
sembly in a discourse admirably suited to the
occasion. Taking as his text the 35th and
Both verses of the 9th chapter of st. Mark 5
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