The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-06-25
DoNALDSONTILLE LAST SUNDAY,

To the eye of . visitor, the qniet, home-like
town Of DonAldsonville presented last Sunday
all the appearance of an uuequiyocal Vanity
Of expectsnt.sight seers Of all ages, oolors and
conditions-fron bald heads to faxen curly
pates. from fairest blonde to unmixed
senegambian, from the high-bred scholar to,
the simple peasant. All classes assembled in
the extensive grounds surrounding the church
for the donble purpose of witnessing the solemn
ceremonial of laying the corner stone, and, ut
the same time, OF contributing to the fund for
the erection of the new parish church; aud,
Judging from the visitors' persistence in
patroniEing the refreshment tables of the Fair,
they had evidently determined that soon
tribution I" was the main duty of the day foe
them. These refreshment tables covered .
large extent of the spscious church yard, and
were protected from the sun by ample sail
cloth awnings, and in view of the tempting
bills of fare the cosy side tables and the charm
ing Hebes in attendance, the irresistible at
traction Is easily understood, for surely never
before was there in Louisiana a restaurant
served by such incompatible walters as thess
fair daughters of Ascension and St. James par
ishes.
There were other reasons why these tables
were hard to quit, not the least popular one
being the moderate charges made for all the
nice things furnished; one effect of which was
that many persons, charmed and surprised at
being so literally treated on suoh an occasion,
would return again and again to stand the
charge But this episode, however pleasant,
must be put aside for the great event of the
day, the
LAYING OF THE CORNER STONE.
The preparations for this ceremony had been
made close beside the venerable edifice within
whose walls the blessings of Heaven have been
invoked upon so many generations Of the faith
fal in this favored parish. The foundations
for the new church are already level with the
ground, and large quantity of brick are being
made on the spot for the continuance Of the
work. The building will be in the purest
Gothic style, finished with tower 165 feet
high, to stand, we trust, for ages, heaven
pointing landmark, directing all voyagers
both upon the mighty Mississippi and the
dignif1ed Lafourche, towards that enc port for
which every Christian bark should steer it's
course.
The dimensions of the church will be, for the
body of the Cross, 16s by 81 feet, with 100 feet
extent of transepts, and height of 80 feet to
the ridge. The location of the corner stone is
at the extreme end of the church and imme-
diately behind the grand altar.
At the appointed hour, towards the setting
of the warm summer sun, the assembled thou
sands of spectators gathered about the new
foundations aud awaited the approach of the
procession, which was now seen coming out
from the old church in the usual impressive
order, having the banner of the cross in front,
with the accustomed attendant, surpliced
acolytes carrying candles, censers and holy
water, after which came the long line of priests,
followed by the venerable Bishop Elder, of
Natchez, with mitre and full episcopal robes.
The effect of the procession was heightened by
the presence of the Sisters of Charity with
their charming line of little girls, wearing
their traditional pure white wells, and also by
the attendance of the zea1ous Father Thevis,
of Holy Trinity Church in New Orleans, who
came at tho head of q number of his parish
toners, accompanied by fne brass band and
theSbeautiful banner of their Society.
The Bishop having arrived at his improvised
throne near the corner stone, the clergy being
grouped upon the platform on either side, all
stood silent and entranced, while one of the
bands played with much feeling that well
! known, exquisite hymn, "Die Kappelle, THE
Chapel--than which nothing could have been
| more appropriate to the occasion.
Now came forward the eloquent FIR. NJ. Millet
who, in the melodious accents of France, &c
sweet to the ears of his cultivated audience
gave expression to a flow of lofty thought
that seemed truly inspired by the deep sol
emnity of the occasion. Particularly whel
he spoke of the blessings which were t.
come upon the parish and upon the paste
and people who here erect the first tempt
in the diocese of New Orleans, dedicate
ia honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
every man in the crowd wished that he to
were one of the favored residents of Ascensio
parish. We wish we could reproduce in Eng
lish the happy opening remarks of the orator
wherein no alluded to the Significance Of til
ceremony, the benediotion of the "Pierre
! (stone), q reminder of that pierre" g.
Peter), that received the benediotion of on