The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-04-27
Fhe New Church and the Ladies' Fair In
AlgierS.

| va ~AAN sAAS >ss~$fSS S"AA AA
Algiers.
Algiers, during the week which ended or
Monday last, was the centre of attraction to
all lovers of ref ned enjoyment on both sides Of
| the " Father of Waters" Us the grand Fair fol-
the benefit of the now church was in progress
the whole time, with undated interest and O
host of new and startling wonders nightly
This church, being one of the few gems of
gothic art in the South, or perhaps in the coun-
try, short sketch of it's history might not
prove uninteresting to many readers of the
STAR.
Rev. Father Bellanger, s. NJ, the present
honored pastor, is himself the designer and
architect of this beautiful structure, and MI.
Leonard, of New Orleans, the builder. Taking
charge more than three years ago, on the death
of the loved and revered Father Denis, his pre-
decessor, Father Bellanger found the affairs of
the parish environed with many difficulties,
mostly of o pecuniary nature, however, but
from which only the tact and address Of tho
pattern, faithful priest, having the glory Of
religion and the spiritual welfare Of his flock
at heart, could extricate it. The congregation
is not rich one, as may be supposed, though
not lacking in zeal and fsrvor; but tho old
church, being untenable from age, it was re-
solved to build a new one, which should not
only be a source of pride to all Cath olics, but
also an architectural ornament to the town.
The Rev. Father on assuming control set about
to accomplish this purpose, and in May, 1870,
the cornerstone was laid by his Grace, the
Most Rev, Archbishop. Thenceforward the
work never languished, until it has now reach
ed near state of Completion. With the pews
ready to be put in their places at the close of
the Fair, it will be thrown open for divine
worship on the first Sunday in May next, three
years after the laying of the cornerstone.
The interior of the church, rs has been al
ready stated, is purely gothic, though no ella
borate frescoes grace the walls. The glare
and glitter of paint are nowhere to be seen,
but in their stead is the SHOWN white, rough
stuoco on tho massive walls and solid, enduring
ceiling, groined and arched in the highest
style of art. The roof is supported by two
rows of stately columns, extending on each
side from the entrance to the chancel-spaciouf
between and gracefully arched overhead.
Above the main entrance vestibule is q
beautiful oriol window, which is desigHed to
admit the light after 1t passes through the
stained glass setting of the frame; and another
but smaller window of the same description
overhangs the choir gallery, which latter is
small but very neat, semi-circular in shape and
directly over the vestibule. Three bow win
dows and three of the oriol class will permit
che light of day to stream in upon the Sanctu
airy from the rear or east end. The body OF
the church will be lighted by fourteen lofty
bow windows, five on q side and four in the
front. or west end, all adorned with stucco and
the frames set with French glass. Affairs, pewf
and other appointments will be of material
and finish to correspond with tho imposing
grandeur of tho whole.
To raise tho necessary funds to complete this
beautiful edifce was tho object Of the late
Fair, and the good people of tho town, with,
out mach distinction as to sect, Joined hands
with couamendable unsnimity, and showed by
their hearty support during the week that the
desire to make it q success pervaded one and
all. The ladies worked with ceaseless energy
labor of love to them-ably assisted as they
were bymany generous friends in New Orleans
including, among others deserving the men.
tion, the sweet singers, Miss Theresa Cannon
and Miss A. Wagner, and Misses Lizzie Burns
and Emma Doyle.
The Fair opened on Easter Monday night
with the beautiful religious drama of the
"Chinese Mother" which was enacted to a
crowded house, the leading roles being taken
by the Misses Doyle and Burns, and Miss n. j.
Forester, of Agiers. Racine's Esther" was
performed on Tuesday night to another large
auditory, BY . number Of young and beautiful
Creole ladies Of New Orleans, foremost among
whom, - is her won't in ali good enterprises,
was Miss Cannon. The play, as rendered, was
sersat 60 al lofeEs o. the FFsnoh drama.
Wednesday Mas = es1n ti1sp 6 the Faif, Ger oa