The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1888-04-28

HtE1Eu1uE VI OlC pAco0uG E41opCAouo
society. Mass was celebrated at inter-
walls during the next two years, and for
many years after Anoka was mission
field for the Catholic society. From
1853 to 1873 it was under the charge of
Fathers GEMS, Manrer and McDermott.
Under the spiritual guidance of these
faithful and jealous priests the mem.
bership constantly increased until
Father McDermott came here as a re-
sident priest In 1866 the Catholics
purchased of the Congregational society
their old church, and from that time
st. Stephens church has fourished and
prospere6 as has none fits co-workers.
Father McDermott was succeeded by
Father McCauley, and his successors
were Fathers VIM. McGolrick, Hayes,
Bruton, Connolly, and the present pop
ular and able priest, Rev. Father Will
liam Brennan. The latter came to
Anoka in September, 1888, and he has
proved faithful pastor OF his church,
and an exemplary citizen.
Soon after taking charge Of this
church he decided that a better and
larger church was actually necessary
and like a careful business man he be-
gan to consider the matter of ways and
means. Having at heart the interests
OF his people, he did not rush in precip-
itously and build tbs church, thus cast
ing q heavy debt upon the shoulders OF
his people, but he went to work earn
estly and carefully, consulting the con-
dition of the members. A start was
made, and the Catholic portion of our
community literally responded. Little
by little has the amount been increas-
ing, until to-day there has been raised
and pledged between nine and ten
Thousand dollars towards building the
new church. This sum guarantees a
success of the enterprise, and Father
Brennan has had plans prepared for a
handsome edidce that will be q credit
to this city.
THE NEW CHURCH
will occupy the site of the present
building and will be 124x5O feet with a
wing for the Sacristy S2x24 feet. The
body of the church will be 1OOx50, con-
tanning four rows of pews of twenty
seven each, making 108 in all, with a
seating capacity Of 500 persons. The
sanctuary will be 24xM feet, and the
gallery will be 20x50 feet, and will &C.
commodate 100 persons, giving the
church seating capacity of at least
60O The interior will be lighted by
sixteen large stained glass windows,
besides many smaller ones. The wall
of the building will be twenty feet
high and the ceiling Of the church will
be as high as the roof will permit, thus
making the audience room spacious
and beautiful. The church will be
built of cream brick with Lake Superb
or red stone trimmings and the design
is model of symmetry and architec-
tural beauty.
| It is expected that work will begin on
the new church as soon as the frost is
out of the ground, and contractors are
now figuring on the estimated cost, and
the contract for the building will prob
ably be let in few days. The cost
will be in the neighborhood of $4,000,
probably over running that figure. The
inside will not be fully completed for a
x,oo,. NJ 1ooc+ I,7,t for,o pororv ooofo Mill
be provided as soon as possible and tie
congregation will use the new building
for worship by next winter. The build
ing will be heated by two furnaces.
When fully completed the interior of
the church will be the most elegant and
handsome Of any in the city. The walls
will be frescoed and the furnishings of
the altar and the body of the church
will be in keeping with the beauty Of
the structure.
This is an accomplishment that not
only Father Brennan and his people |
may we'll be proud of, but it will be the
delight Of every citizen of Anoka, and
the reverend gentleman should have
the liberal support of all.
THE BUSINESS AFFAIRS
of the church are placed in the hands
of a board of directors, consisting of
Bishop Ireland, Bishop Grace of St.
Paul, and Father Brennan, with James
McArdle as secretary, and Robert
Hunt as treasurer. The three resident
have the control of the ord1n-
airy business affairs of the society, but
cannot contract debt of more than
$500 without the consent Of the two
bishops. There are 40 families con-
nected with the church, making total
of about 1000.
SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES.
A few years ago the Sisters of Mercy
school in this city and