Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-10-27
HallOWell Local News.
Dedication OF the Roman Catholic Church
I'm HallOwelI.

HallOWell Local News.
Dedication Of the Roman Catholic Church
I'm HallOvell.
The Catholic church in this city, which has
years past, has now been fully completed,
and is structure that may be considered
among the most elegant and attractive in this
vicinity; highly creditable to the enterprise.
liberality and perseverance of the church and
society worshippng therein. After the pur-
chase of the lot, which is most eligible one,
on Second ST., near the centre of the city,
the members of the church and society COM
menced the work of grading and laying the
foundations, which occupied many months,
and involved an amount of labor that would
have discouraged any but an earnest and
united people. The site is an elevated spot
west of Second St., substantially walled and
terraced toward the East, overlooking the
Kennebec River, and affOrding an extensive
and diversified view to the North, South and
East, for many miles. The church was
erected on the summit of this double terrace,
with the tower and spire toward the East,
surmounted by gilded crosses, and becoming
ornamented finish. The architectural ap-
pearance, both external and internal, is pleas
ing to the eye, and the variegated stained
glass windows afford subdued and grateful
light to the audience room and vestibule.
The renowned Schumacher Of Portland, exc
cuted the frescOing in his usual artistic man
ner, giving the interior style and finish of
striking appropriateness. The altar and sa-
cristy, as well AS the elaborate decorations
within the chancel, are regarded with the ut
most sanctity by the faithful worshippers, and
nc INF fol sH<,a
pattern. The church affords sittings for be-
tween three and four hundred people; and
the entire cost Of the church and grounds will
be, as we are informed, about nine thousand
dollars We also learn that the amount of
about six thousand dollars has been contrib
uted by the members Of the church and soci-
ETY. in this city, since the enterprise of build
ing was inaugurated; an evidence of devO-
ton to the interests of their own religious
belief that may well be regarded as a worthy
example for other denominations to follow
The services Of dedication were conducted
by Rt. Rev. Bishop Healey of Portland, as
sisted by the pastor, Rev. Father John MUIR
ply and his two brothers, Rev. Fathers
Stepeen and John Murphy, and Rev. Father
Wissell of Gardiner.
The Rev. gentlemen, arrayed in their
robes of office, followed by eight boys with
candles, crosses, &C., after preliminary
services before the altar, marched down the
broad isle to the grounds upon which the
church stands, chanting in Latin the ritual of
conservation; and, after returning to the au-
dience room, continued their march around
the side isles to the altar. These march
ings and chantings were in part repeated
with music by the choir, which was artistical-
ly performed by select company of vocal
lists, with organ accOmpaniment.
Bishop Healey read from the 18th chapter
of Matthew, and then prefaced his discourse
by remarking that he had looked forward to
the dedication of this church with much in
terest; and the result of the efforts of the
members, comprising thirty-five families, to
build house of worship, were most salts
factory. He also paid a complimentary trib-
ute to the people Of the city, of other faith
and practice, for their generosity and neigh
borly kindness in cordially aiding this enter.
prise.
The Bishop founded his dicourse upon
words found in LIST Peter, I'd chapter and 9th
verse: ''But We are chosen generation, a
royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar
people that we should shew, forth the praises
of him who hath called you out of darkness
into his marvellous light"
From this text the Bishop proceeded in
the delivery of a very able and interesting
discourse, which was listened to with marked
attention by the large audience, composed OF
members of the Catholic church and society,
with many of our citizens of other denomi-
nations. The old testament history of the
Jewish nation was reviewed at length by the
speaker, as type of the new dispensation
under the reign Of the Messiah and his chosen
followers. From the beginning of the world
to the food the only one and true God was
wOrshipped; no idoatry is mentioned until
after that event, when the people were sepa
rated and began to 20 astray, until the days
of Abraham and onward, when idOlatry be.
came fesrfully prevalent. All this time the
Jews maintained their nationality, though
often in exile, and cherished the hope of the
advent of coming Savior under whose rule
the royal priesthood should be permanently
established, and peculiar people raised up &c
declare the news of salvation to a lost world.
Christ came to his own, and his own received
him not According to some the Savior came
in vain; but it will not be in vain to those
who embrace the faith and doctrine. liz
came to discriminate. There is some Lord
one faith, ono BAPTISM" and through regu
lar succession this faith has come down e
the nations of the earth to-day, and all ma,
enter into this household of faith, and become
heirs of salvation.
We can give but meagre sketch Of the
arguments of the Bishop, which were skill
fully arrayed and fairly presented.
The closing exercises consisted of chant
ings, readings, and music; the entire ser
vices continuing about two hours. A liberia
contribution was taken to aid in extinguishin,
the small debt remaining against the society
Country guide boards are queer affairs
some Of them at least. While riding through
several towns east Of the Kennebec river re
cently,A doubt arose as to which road to tax,
at certain point where four roads met an,