The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-06-14

stands upon the highes. place IN their esu-
nation as a leader in all churchly work and
as man of high moral and christian vir-
tues
ST, COLUMBIA CHURCH.
But few, comparatively, Of our readers
were privileged Thursday to see this new
building of which so much has been said.
Therefore brief description may not be
considered out of place. 1t stands at the
northwest corner of Columbus and Wash
ington streets, fronting south, Its dimen-
sons are l67 feet long by 70 wide with n
height at the side walls Of AZ feet, approach
ing to 90 feet at the ridge Of the main roof
1t is built in the gothic style and surmount-
ell by a spire reaching the height of lSd feet
from the ground. The auditorium, or main
body of the church is l05 feet in length by
GS feet in clear width, GO feet high in the
nave and 80 feet in the aisles. The ceiling
is in form of three noble arches, and is sup
ported by II large huted columns which add
much to the grandeur of the interior. Sepa-
rated from the main body Of the church by
a railing is the sanctuary, 30 feet in depth
by GS feet high and extending across the
church. Connected with this on either side
are two vestry rooms, connected by passage
ways, while three large vestibules in front
give ample entrance and exit for the congre-
III IN tha
set at the back of the apse is p feet in di-
ameter, and reaches to a height of 20 feet,
surmounted by a cross. 1t is beautiful
piece of workmanship. On either side of the
church and within the atar-rail are The two
side affairs of "St. Joseph and 1.-The Bless
ed Virgin" from which on stated occasions
the mass is said. At the back of the church
is a roomy gallery wherein has been placed
a handsome and richly-toned organ, manu-
featured expressly for this church by +.
Witzemann of Chicago. 1t is pronounced
by competent musical judges to be a very
fine instrument and well worthy place in
so noble a house of worship. The frescoing
of the church has been in good taste. There
has been no elaborate display of colors, neut-
raj tints being used, and so well and so
tremendously laid that the effect is one Of
quiet rest, as should be in 6 building where
all should be at rest and peace.
DEDICATION,
The dedication of the new church took
place on Thursday last beginning at ten
O. clock II was a genuine gala day, and
from the neighboring cities and towns large
number of catholics came to the city to take
part in or witness the ceremonies.
Shortly after nine o'clock the procession
formed, under direction Of NJ. X. Riordan
and Jas. Ford marshals, marching from ST.
COLUMBIA church through the principal streets
to the new church in the following order:
Fitzgerald Band,
Div. No. 8, A. o. H., Utica,
Div. No. Z, A. o. H., Ottawa,
Div. No. 8, A. Q. II Ottawa.
Father Matthew I. A. Society, Ottawa,
Dedication Society
On the opening of the doors of the church
shortly before 10 o clock, the auditorium
rapidly filled with worshipers and specta-
tors, the societies in the procession taking
seats reserved them, and by the time the
dedication ceremonies began there were all
of q thousand people within the walls. The
scene within was beautiful one. The beau
tiful stained glass windows tempered and
enriched the food Of light from glorious
June sun, and to the beauty of the walls and
furniture was added wreath of flowers
tastefully arranged on the three affairs of the
church Certainly in point of grandeur OF
proportions and beauty of decoration and
furniture there is aot an auditorium In this
part of the state that can compare with it.,
and in his few remarks on that subject in
his address the Bishop though evidently
approaching keenly their feelings could not
tell in words half the laudable pride the
members of the congregation that day felt
as they saw for the first time (as many of
them did, their new churchly home.
The ceremony of dedication differed but
little from the every Sunday High Mass.
The presence of the Bishop and the multi
tude of visiting priests did indeed add to the
impressiveness of the mass, but all attend
ants of the church found all natural and in
place, after the blessing professional was
finished.
The procession emerged from the vestry
and moved down the central aisle of the
church
Father Donavan with cross,
The Anchorites,
The clergy,
Celebrant, Deacon and Sub-Deacon,
Bishop Spaulding.
Altar boys bearing crozier and holy water.
The organ sounding the Mendlessohn
Wedding march the procession moved down
the center aisle and out and around the
l. nAa9N