National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1873-08-11


churches were generally slim, some exceptions
being noted to this In the Methodist churches,
most Of which were well filled, tho special In
ducement being the nnal announcement OF tue
details OF the great camp.mceting Of this de-
nomination which begins this week.
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
"Reminiscences. OF tho Parish Tho Old and
the New Church-Tho Services Ncster-
dny-sermoa by Father Mnrx-Thc Pub
lican md the Pharisec.
Many q time, when the writer OF this sketch
was boy, he gathered blackberries and chased
rabbits on and around the site Of the Church OF
the Immaculate Conception, corner OF N and
Eighth streets. At the time referred to all that
section northward as far as boundary street,
where "thc woods" began, was known as the
'.siashes," or the hunting. ground Of school-ur-
chns, while the southern portion, as far as New
York avenue, was vast common, dotted here
and there with tenement-the only prominent
buildings in the vicinity being the block known
as "Franklln row."
In that ncighborhood the boys OF the SODIUM
bian Academy" better known as "McLeods
school," which then occupied the site OF Mr.. W.
NJ. Cats beautiful residence, on Ninth street,
had their battle-ground and race-course; and
here that famous old pedak ogue, who, as rigid
dtsclplinaran, was the terror Of the rising gene
ration, used 10 put up prizes, consisting OF small
bags Of apples, brought from his farm-now
alenwood cemetery-for the winners Of the foot
races, which he always inangurated during the
race week at tho old race-course, now the beau
tiful site OF "Mount Pleasant" In order TO keep
the boys from playing truant and going to the
races. These were the times In which old Jake
Dixon ran "FloridA" and other celebrated nags,
| aud when Eslins cockpit, near the race-course,
| was the scene Of many bloody encounter be-
tween game chickens, and occasionally between
| bears and dogs.
The Northern Liberties have wonderfully
| changed since the time whereof we write. Now
| the central part OF the parish OF the Immaculate
Conception, more recently known as "Crow Hill, "
| Ia one Of the most populous sections OF the city
The old almshouse near by has long since dis
| appeared, and stately mansions have risen on
Its site and on the garden that surrounded IL, as
well as on the squares OF ground that were for
merry attached to 1t as q graveyard for the poor.
TIE OLD CHURCH.
The edlnce In which the nourishing congrega-
ton OF the Immaculate Conception now wor-
ships Is built plainly aud Substantially OF brick,
hut being only forty.three G3y seventy-nve feet,
| aud capable OF seating not more than six hum
dred people, It is entirely too small for the grow
Ing wants OF the parish. IL was erected In 1865,
aud for the first year was attended from st. Pat
| riok's church. The parish was before that time
q part OF 81. Patrlck's, and embraces all the ter
u
The east side OF Thirteenth To the west side OF
Third street.
Oh the INST OF septemi ,cr, 1865. Rev. p. F. Nc
| Carthy, then assistant pastor OF ST. Patrlcks
| church, was appointed pastor OF the Church OF
| the Immaculate COncep ton, and since that time
| has made wilderness of irreligiou-ence the
/ h0t-bed Of Know Nothingsm-bl0om with the
| flowers OF true Christian charity. Two Of the
| largest benevolent and u importance societies IN
| the city, besides branch OF the IT. Vincent de
| Paul Society, with nourisling day and Sunday
| schools, are connected wit this church, and the
| congregation Is numerous and edifying.
TIE NEW cEuRcH.
| About two years since Father Mccarthy, with
| characteristic energy, commenced the erection
| OF a more cOmmodious church edince adjoining
the Old one, IN order to meet the demands OF his
| rapidly growing congregation. The walls art
now 10, and this week the work Of roofing viii
begin; but it will probably he a year before the
| edinoe will he ready for divine service. The
| building Ia OF Gothic style, and constructed OF
brick. with Manassas stone trimmings. II Is i9t
| by GOfcet, and will De OF sufficient capacity &c
| seat 800 people. The height OF the ceiling
/ from the door will he 80 feet. The tower In al
ready two feet above the peak OF the roof, and
the spire Will be isD feet III height. The entire
cost Of the structure will he about <6o,0OO. II
section OF the city. When The new church shal
| nave been finished the old one will bs used fol
l school and society purposes.
THE SERVICES YESTERDAY.
| Yesterday morning, at i0:.I0 O'Clock, high mas;
| was celebrated by Father Mccarthy, and tn,
choir, which Is one OF the best In the city, sans
| the nTst gospel, Rev. Bernard A. Marx, assist
| ant pastor, assembled the steps OF the allar. and
| after reading the circular % Archbishop Bayle,
| announcing the "Triduum," (nef etofore noticed
in the REPuBLIcAs,) proceeded 10 read, as th,
| text OF his discourse, the gospel Of the day
| taken from st. Luke, xyii:9 II, in which Is re-
lated the parable Of the Publican aad the Pharl
| see.
| Father Marx said that 10 the gospe, lust real
there was n striking example Of pride on the on,
II "a n fhAF IA %