The Daily empire. (Dayton, Ohio) 1865-1867, 1865-11-27
Dedication of New Catholic
CHURCH at Piqua.
IMPOSING CEREMONIES.

iluifh AZ tihit fidN'f ~ III u n.
The building Is a large and Beautiful
structure at the sonth side of the town, a
tower one ghnndred and eighty feet in
hight, containing a town-clock, and a
chime of three bells stands at the front OF
the building. The Church Is II feet long,
30 feet Yidesapd is 81 feet ia the clear to
the ceiling, and IS capable of seating one
thousand persons. q,
Archbishop Purcell ofCincinnati assisted
by Bishop Luers, are of Fort Wayne, Ind,
conducted the ceremonies of the occasion.
Revs Meittnger. and Donaheo the resi-
dent acting pastors. Revs. Deiters of
Springfield, and Hemsteger from Columbus
were in attendance. The occasion was en-
| livened by the presence Of three brass bands.
one from Piqua, one from Wapakonetta aud
the Regimental Band from Dayton, each of
which discoursed music appropriate to the
occasion. Over five thousand people IN all
were in attendance, and no disorder was
any where observable.
The interior of the Church in appearance
to say the least, is splendid. Beautiful
fresco paintings renders its appearance
complete aud perfect The Altar presents
an impressive and imposing appearance,
having a beautiful sky-painting above, with
the dove of peace floating in mid-air, and
the "all-seeing eye, looking down as 1t were
upon all those in attendance. Back of the
tabernacle is beautiful portrait repre-
senting the Savior. and upon the
left of the altar is a statue of Joseph.
while upon the right is statue of the Vir-
gin Mary, both of which are surrounded
eapdlesticks and wreaths of flowers.
The center of the tabernacle beafsa crlfcf-
fix. with cherub on either hand bowing
rever0ntly toward the same. The upper
part is made attractive by several minarets
together with seven candlesticks with
lighted tapers, a figure of gospel light
above all of which is the Cross. A
representation of the last supper adorns
the front and neither part Of this beautiful
tabernacle. In front of the altar were seen
several young and beautiful girls, with
wreaths upon their heads, and robed in |
white, as an emblem of original innocence
and purity. -l-A- - -
The gallery is large and well proper
toned, from which an elegant choir dis
coursed vocal and instrumental music in
elegant style. The walls are decorated
with different scenes which fnally led TO
the cruciiixion of the Savior, in all present
ing an impressive and attractive appear
ance.
The opening discourse was made, by
Bishop Luers, of Fort Wayne, who had |
been the first minister to the Church in |
fiqua- lie spoke nf the freedom of relig- |
ious worship as being an emanation from
God, and that the Catholic Church was the
first to assert and vindicate that freedom. |
That he regarded it as the only true church, |
as well as the first; that it would last to all |
time, and to it the world must come for its |
true salvation.
He was succeeded by Archbishop Pur-
cell, who said this was a day tile Lord had
made, and that we should all be thankful |
TO him for the charity of this people, which
had led to the erection of this. noble and
beautiful editice
He spoke of the prosperity of the Cath
o1ic church, the spread of the cross and
the numbers protesting the faith, in tones
of the greatest encouragement. Her march
was ever onward, and faithful adherents
came from all quarters by railroad and pri-
vate conveyance with her societies and
banners. They came to-day to dedicate
this beautiful temple which forms that
mystic ladderwhich Jacobsaw in his vision
from earth to heaven. as it was
felt and known in the days of the ancient
Jews. 1t now became the House of God,
and would no longer be known a. the
House of Man.
The church was composed, he said, of
those who were of one mind and followed
had commanded to do as he liad,done. and
who had obeyed this divine command Ia
every respect. cAhd4o3
The Apostles had said mass, as he have
done. He had bowed reverently at the
same altar in Rome, where Christ himself
had knelt and changed his body and blood
into the bread aud wine of the Eucharist.
The Jews had their types and figures, but
we enjoy the reality.
He regarded this as the best and true /,
church universal In its character and TO !
which the whole world must eventually
come for true salvation. The eminent d. ,
vine then returned his thanks to the Pro-
testant people for their liberality, in aiding /,
In the completion of this beautiful temple, ,
which would be lasting ornament to their :
'ity.
F1his discourse was followed by an inn /
Dreseiye benediction. Which concluded the !
ceremonies of the occasion.
We returned TO the city, delighted with '
-hn nlnasnnI aN nnIi ennna of the lnN Lhrnnnh 1