The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-12-20
ST. John the Baptist.

The city parish of this name, presided
over by the Rev. Father Jeremiah Moyni-
han, affords an interesting topic of Observa-
tion and comment. Quite an essay could
be written on its history and prospects, but
the very limited space at our command
will confine us to brief sketch.
ITS ORIGIN.
This parish, in it's property aspect, is q
remarkable monument of sagacious enter
prise. But few years ago it was favor
lite hunting ground of snipes and wild ducks,
now, every evidence of the swamp has dis
appeared, and architectural triumphs con-
secrate the region to busy civilization. The
jiudicious location of market, the facilities
of an omnibus line, and the central attrac-
ton of Catholic Church, attracted an in
fiux of population which rapidly built up
the wild suburb into handsome quarter.
1t is well known that the chief credit of
this enterprise and forethought is due to MIR.
Irwin, and the whole episode is an illustra-
ton of the financial value to the public that =
may sometimes centre in one citizen. A
few more such men, and our railroads would
soon be built, our city would resound with
the hum of countless manufactures.
ITS RELIGIOUS ASPECT.
In this respect Father Moynihan himself
is the central object Of the picture. First, q
frame church of modest proportions was pro-
vided for the devotion of his flock, then the
Convent of Dominican Nuns on one side,
| and the extensive brick schoOlhouse on the
other, successfully reared their massive ma
sonry, an ornament to the neighborhood,
and a testimonial of indomitable zeal in
the pastor.
Very recently the old frame church has
disappeared suddenly and mysteriously.
The devout worshiper who left it's portals
one day, might have returned the next, to
find nothing but vacant space, without even
the ruins of sudden destruction. The
whole building was removed to another
part of the square, more suitable to its
modest pretensions, thus making room for
the splendid edifice which Father Moyniban
is about to erect to the worship of God.
1t is said by those who have seen the
, plans and model of the proposed church,
that it will be q splendid specimen of &C.
!. clesiastical architecture, and credit to the
city The mere fact Of the old church hav-
= ing been removed, gives an Earnest Of
mence the campaign with the earliest open
ing of spring. The sinews of war will
hardly be wanting, as any one will be as
: sured who knows the indomitable energy
and wonderful success of the Rev. pastor
of that parish in providing ways and means
y for his daring enterprises. 1t Is rurnored
that one check alone of those In his possess
'' sion calls for twenty thousand dollars.
While speaking of the Church, we must
not omit mentioning the remarkable skill
:, and care displayed by Messrs. Lincoln e.
Ready, in the removal of the old building.
Notwithstanding the size and weight of the
edifce, we are assured that not the slight
est damage of any kind was occasioned by
! the operation. 1t is said thas the same gen.
10 tlemen contemplate making q contract for
le raising the Hotel Dieu some five or six feet,
g to be sustained ut that elevation by sys-
10 tenn of brick columns. 80
10 EDUCATION. ..i.5. p.
ie The advantages in the way of schools Sc
l. cured to the Catholics of st. John the Bap-
10 lists, are too we'll known to require being
W dwelt upon in this connection. The capa-
40 cious schoolhouse and spacious convent
no guarantee ample accommodation for all
IN The devoted band of nuns whom Father
III jeremiah brought across the ocean to take
~ possession of the latter institution, have
already set the seal of their fitness and ca
IL, paeity upon the Intelligence and manners o
til their young charge.
VS. ---------1I-
cb CHRISTMAS AND New YEARS PRESENTS
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