National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-09-01
THE NEW AND THE OLD.
Dedication of a Catholic Church al
Manassas.
OF Catholic Societies from this
City-An Immense Gathering and I'm
posing Ceremonies - Celebration
of the Fortieth Anniversary
oTthe Ninetcenth-St. Bap.
list sunday-sohool.



Yesterday was the day set apart for the dedi-
cation Of new Roman Catholic church at
Manassas Va, aud large number of citizens
of Washington, members of the various Catho.
lie societies, took part III the ceremonies. The
Baltimore & Potomac depot at an early
hour yesterday morning was besieged
by applicants for tickets. Two special
trains were chartered for the occasion, and
fully 1900 people availed themselves of an op-
portuuity to visit the historic ground near
Manassas. The streets leading to the depot
were alive with society men in their splendid
rcgalias, aud martial music by the bands re.
minded one strongly of "St. Patrick's Day
parade" Tho first train rolled out of the de-
pot ut Sis Il. IN, and three-quarters of an
hour later another one was made up for the
remainder Of tho dedcators
After tho arrival Of the second train at
Mauasses the ceremonies commenced. The
societies paraded US follows: Knights of st.
Patrick, l6O men Knights of 81 Peter 60 !;
Knights Of st. Joseph, IS X nights Of St.
Joseph, No l, 30 Knights of s.. Columbkill,
30 Knights of st. Bernard, of Georgetown, 30 I;
Knights of ST. George German, 80; Knights.
of st. Patrick, Alexandria Va, 40 W. CT
Hibernian Society. No. 1, 1SD; Hibernians O.
Georgetown, so West End II. b. s., 90 Hi
b. Society, 100; Knights of st. Augustine, No.
l, 1902; Knights of st. Augustine No. 2, 100
Knights of St. Augustine, No. 3, So St.
Peter Il. c. Society. CO.
1t is estimated that fully 5000 people wit.
messed the ceremonies, the roads leading to the
village of Manassas being crowded with visit
ors from the surrounding country. Owing to
an accident to Bishop KeaDc last Friday, he
was unable to be present. Bishop Elder, Of
Natchez Miss, OBLIGATED, assisted by Fathers
Walter and DeWolf of Washington, Heating
Of Alexandria, and Kelly, of Richmond. Father
Donohue pastor of the new church, acted rs
deacon. The dedcatory services were held in
the open air, the church being too small to nc.
cOmmodate the thromg Bishop Elder dclv-
cred beautiful address, taking for his
subject: The church n dwelling place of God
with men, At the conclusion of his remarks
the clergy, preceded by three acolytes made
circuit of the building, sprnklng holy wator
and reciting the Psalms of David. A similar
ceremony WAS performed inside the edifce,
after which high mass was celebrated. The
music was rendered by the following choir
Mesdames Cronin, Washington d. c., and
Normcnt, Emmettsburg, Nd, soprano; Miss
Esputa, Washington, ID. c., alto; Messrs. William
Daily and James Smith tenor and Messrs. James
and Fred. Daily basso The religious ceremo.
mics being over, the spectators and participants
We're escorted TO neighboring grove where q
boulkiful rcpast prepared by the ladies OF the
new church. was partaken of. Sightseeing
was next in order, and the battlefield of Bull
Run, Confederate cemetery at Manassas, and
other points of interest were visited and dis
cussed. At o'clock p. m. warning whistle
from the locomotive caused rush for the cars,
and soon the excursionsts were stcaming
homeward, tired, but pleased with their Sun.
day ut Manassas.
The new church, which is frame structure
about 20 feet by 80, built in the Gothic style,
will be known hereafter as "rhc Church of
All Saints" 1t has seating capacity of 300,
and the interior adornments and decorations
are very rich, the frescoing being dove.colored,
with blue trimmings aud other work about
the sacristy and sanctuary dark blue aud
gold. The church supplies u long.needed want,
aud fourshing congregation will be the re.
suit of yesterdays proceedings.