New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-07-19
SfLVERJUBILEE oFSE STEPHENS cHURc Fl
CELEBRATION TO-DAY OF THE FIRST QUARTER
OF cENTEURY OF SOUTH BROOKLYN
ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH

VI NENIEUHX OF SOUTH BROOKLYN
ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH.
INC SILVER jubilee Of ST. stephens Roman Catholic
Church. at Summit and Hicks sts, win be celebrated
with special services to-day. The church occupies
one OF the largest and finest structures in South Brook
lyn IL has been IN for the last eighteen years.
Before mat time small building adjoining now occu-
pied by the parish school, was used II had been
built for St PauPs Protestant Episcopal Church and
sold for $4,000 when the fine stone church at Clinton
and Carroll SITS. erected St. stephen,s parish
was set of from st. Peters in 1906 and the Rev.
O. j. Doris was put in charge. He was succeeded
few years later by the Rev. James Moran and he in
turn in 1872 by the Rev. Edward O'Reilly. The
parish had grown IN numbers and strength and Father
OReily speedily set on foot the movement which
eliminated In the erection Of stately building for
the Of the large congregation which listened to
him. The cornerstone Of IL was laid in 1873, and
the structure was opened In 1875. It is built OF
brick with Bellevle freestone trimmings and is Of
modern Gothic architecture. It's dimensions are 17s
feet in depth from the entrance TO the val back OF
the altar while the width is rs feet. The seating
capacity is 1900 One Of the conspicuous features Of
the building is the lofty spre, rising 225 feet from
the base TO the summit. II can be seen at a great
distance especially down the Bay Until recently 1t
was surmounted by large cross in which set
700 gas Jets, lighted by electricity, which made the
symbol of the faith which the church stands con-
spcas all South Brooklyn at night and it could
be seen far out at 1t was made in Bohemia, on
the order Of Father O'Rey and cost several hundreds
of dollars Since his death last December it has been
taken down. it had become unsafe.
For sixteen years Father OReilly at the head
of the parish and managed its affairs wisely, albeit
after somewhat peculiar methods. One Of the especial
features Of the services at ST. Stephens has been the
music led by Albert Caswell, and many wellknown
singers have iD the choir. The church property
is valued at 600. but it IS burdened with debt
2rO no chm md ari-
under the care of the Rev. ~ j. Kilahy, who became
assistant munster in 1887 and since Father OReilly's
death has been pastor In charge, regular rector
having been appointed by Bishop LOughlin. lie is
assisted by the Rev. Messrs. J. 4. Fitzgerald and
Joseph ReddingtOn Father Kilahy was born in Br9ok
Ign, and educated at St Francis College and NJ
agara University. In 1878 he was ordained. lie
was at the Church Of St. Agnes before he went 10 IT.
Stephens.
An elaborate programme Of exercises has been
prepared for today. A handsome souvenir will be
presented to those who attend, containing illustrations
Of the church and IL especial features in the way
Of stained glass windows representing its patron saint
and Others. II is expected that Bishop Loughlin
VIII preside his ,,n health 5t Viii permit IT.
choice rendered by several well known solo sing
ers, as well as the largely reinforced choir
celebrant being the Right Rev. Bishop Conroy, Of
Rev f. McCaje Of the Church of the Visitation and
the sub-deacon VIII be the Rev. L. J. Hickey, Of the
Church of st. Francis Xavier The Rev Father Khahy
will act a master Of ceremonies and the deaTons OF
md The a9ar viii ie T+chIy decorated with flowers
brilliantly lighted with cOnsecrated candies, and boys
will swing incense and bear the sacred books Tor the
service. The eugy Of NE occasion Will be delivered
by the Rev Walter Elliott, % the Paulst Fathers, IN
York whose eloquenco has been heard before IN
Brooklyn with great acceptabIlty, notably when ne
Jubilee two wears ago, II Is expected that the spacious
building will be crowded In every part.