Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-08-07
MAINE DISPATCHES.
THE MORNING STAR LAUNCHED.
Destined for Missionary Work in the
North Pacific-A Memorable
Event in Bath.


The missionary steamer Morning Star was
launched, Wednesday noon, from the yard of
the New England Shipbuilding Co, in the
presence Of a large concourse of people, in
cluding many prominent men from out of
town Previous to the launch there was a
short and appropriate religious service, con.
Quoted by Rev. o, H. Folsom, ,of the Winter
Street Congregationallst Church. PRAYER
by Rev John o. Fiske, and dedication ad.
dress by Hon. Alpheus Hardy, chairman of
the Prudential committee OF the American
Board Of Commissioners Of foreign missions
His speech was briet and good one. At the
close he christened the steamer in the name
of the A. b, OF +, c. aud named her the
Morning Star"
The Morning Star was built By the Congre-
grtionaist board of foreign missions. The
steamer is 1918 in length, 80 wide, u , in
breadth and 47l,05 gross tonnage.
She is built for the missionary work on the
Micronesian Islands, and will be ready for
sea the 10th of September. She will sail from
T
its headquarters.
The steamer is very strongly built and of
the best possible materially barkentine rugged
and will be coppered II feet forward. l3 feet
seventy-tive passengers, including the crew
and missionaries and native teachers, The
main cabin is built of pine finished with wal
nut. contains five state rooms, pantry and a
large saloon.
Forward are the apartments of the crew
and native passengers. The steamer has $50
horse power engine. % in. stroke, 2S in. cy-
Under, built by the Goss Marine Iron
Works. which also made the boilers and
water tanks.
The engine will be put aboard at once.
passengers and freight is a perfect one and
will cost S45 900 when ready for sea Over
900 stockholders own in the steamer rang.
ing from infancy to 3 score years.
Capt. Isaiah Bray of Boston, who has been
in the employ of the Board of Commissioners
for six years, and was commander of the
Morning Star No 3, will have charge of this
steamer. Mrs. BRAY and daughter will ac-
company him on his trip. The steamer is
guaranteed to make knots an hour when
under steam, and will take 100 tons of coal a
year. The yearly voyage OF the steamer, up
wards of $4,000 miles, which by a sailing yes
sci would take 9 months, with this steamer
will be made in months, by the use of steam
during calms. This is the largest and only
steamer in the missionary work in the North
Pacific.
The English have vessels on the South
Pacific.
The steamer takes a crew of A. including
the officers. Mr.. Garland of Dedham, Mass.
is mate. +. G, Snow of Boston, engineer.
The figure head on the steamer is beauty.
1t is carved missionary woman holding a
bible in her lett hand and pointing to it with
her index finger of the right. 1t is nicely
gilded.
Capt Berry says that vessel with auxil-
isry steam power is absolutely necessary in
the route traversed owing to the frequent
cslms, strong currants and the difficulty in
landing at the islands. There are one thous-
and islands called Gilbert and Caroline
groups. Two-thirds of these have already
been reached by vessels and more will
probably be reached before this vessel is
done. The population of the islands is l25,
600.
Arthur Logan, son of Rev. L. W. Logan of
Ohio, will sail in the steamer for Honolulu.
1t is estimated that 5000 people witnessed
the launching. Five hundred came from out
of town on excursion trains. A large party
launched on board