The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-21
MOUNT ST. SACRAMENT.
Indians Confirmed . Hilltop in the Turf
Mountains.

Indians Confirmed ON . Hilltop in the Turti @
Mountains.
Chicago Inter Ocean.
Bishop Walker. OF North Dakota, relates the
following incident of his experience among the
Indians:
1.-THE Church of the Resurrection, a frame
edifce on the reservation of the Turtle Mountain
Indians nears completion. The poor people for
whose worship it is reared are glad indeed to
have this evidence of love and sympathy from
Christian white people before their eyes. Neg
lected, wronged, and oppressed for long years
by their pale-faced neighbors. these faithful
Chlppewas have shown notwithstanding, a
marvellous faith. Glad, indeed that the
time is approaching when they may have the
regular illustrations of the church of their
love. With great difficulty has their little
sanctuary been built Their distance from the
railroads is great that the time consumed in
conveying materials from the nearest shipping
point was enormous; and the expense. too, was
correspondinRly large. But liberal giving from
those who recognize the Nations debt to the
Indian has hslped US to meet and overcome
these hndrances. Thorough work, however,
cannot be done for these people until home
this purpose at least 5000 more than the sum
now in my hands will be needed. There are ~
houses to-day on the reservation where family
can lind shelter for a night except at great dis
comfort. The home for the missionary is
therefore an essential for the work.
During the summer, before the walls of the
church were re AIRED. I held confirmation on
one of the hillsides. No walls surrounded and
no roof covered that gathered group of red men
ana women Inc canvas OF tepee was spread
upon the ground to form a sanctuary; so to
speak. dry goods box covered with piece of
white muslin-in this respect We were unrubri-
cal-served altar. Seven Indians, men
and women. advanced towards our sanctuary
and stood on its outer edge. hymn was sung
by the gathered congregation of red people.
After address proceeded with the confirma-
ton Office. Never in all my life have I oticiat-
ed at more touching service. The solemnity
and awe with which these poor people Joined in
the service moved me to tears. Groups of pa
gan Indians clustered near apparently very
deeply interested and impressed. | then ad-
ministered the holy communion to the
newly-confirmed and to other Chris
tiaD red who present The
Rev. j. j. Emme gah bowh who was with me, as
sisted in the service and acted as interpreter.
The whole scene was that think would
have touched the heart of the indians fercest
foe. / have read somewhere that the original
name of beautiful Lake George in the northern
part of the State of New York, was Lake st.
Sacrament, because on its borders shortly after
its discovery by white men similar holy
witnessed. There the reared alter in
the forest bv the waterslde, there were the ROBBED
priest and the consecrated elements and the
bending natives and tho communicating wor-
shippers and the rising anthem the praise of
the Crncifed One. l know not whether the
tradition is true, but do know that in this
year of grace of 1887, a hilltop in the Turtle
mountains was made sacred by such solemn
ty, and am not SIRE that there would be an
unftness in calling that small mountain far
away to the north. from this day on the Mount
of ST. Sacrament"