The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-09-28
|hs New Roman Catholic Church
Dedicated to Worship by
Bishop Brondel.
american Flag and the Papal
Colors Are Prominent In thu
Decorations. 5
n Intsresting Sketch Of Congregational
lam In Montana by Rev. w. 4.
Bell, of Helena.

The main Altar OF th0 new ROMAN CAtn-
lilo church, At the corner OF Ninth avenue
md Hoback street, was = blaze OF color yes
brday forenoon when the Rt. Rev. j. B.
brondei, Of the diocese Of Montana, in full
|anon,oals, formally blessed the new
truoture, according to the beautiful and
ritual Of tho church. Natural
lowers Of yellow and white, tho papal
|olors, decked the altar. The smaller al
|ars on either side were also filled with fra
Erant blossoms which mingled their per-
|ume with the incense from the censor. NJ
Rev. Toilet sung the high mass. beginning
Il 10 O'Clock. The structure, which has q
eating capacity but for 26O people, was
|rowded, the aisles and every inch Of room
being taxed to accommodate the people
Who Desired to witness the ceremony, which
llso included the blessing Of tho largest
Ihurch bell in the state. At the
high mass Bishop Brondsl preached an
.Iloquent and instructive sermon, dwelling
With emphasis on the fact that the church
Knows no nationality, % indicated by it,
eame-Catholic. He spoke In English, but
brsfaosd his remarks BY a few words in
herman 10 those who we're not familiar
With the English tongue. Az the conclu-
lion Of the mass began the ceremony OF
blessing the bell, which took place un-
beneath the spire. From the altar tho
procession of clergy and acoylitss moved
between two double rows Of evergreens n
Ewined with the American colors. Bishop
Brondel wore his full vestments, and bore
bid ~croxier in one hand. He was assisted
by Father Toilet, six acolytes and a choir
Be sixteen persons. After the blessing the
bishop gave the bell the name of st. Boni-
lace.
The new edifice Of worship il . neat and
substantial brick structure built TO accom-
modats 4 portion Of the Catholic populs-
ton Of Helena. It cost $500 and is fully
bald for. In this connection it may be in
Eeresting to note that it is rule OF the
Catholic church, which Is observed every
where, not to bless Z church until 1t ID en-
kirely paid for, and the members of ST.
Hslana's parish have the satisfaction of
knowing that their church starts of tree
from incumbrance. The building stand
p . lo. 1oonloo. Adjoining this ii,
which Is erected comfortable
dwelling which will probably be bought as
h residence for the parish priest. Ihe bell
which was blessed ysstsrday will DO hoistsd
t0 its position in the spire in q few days,
hnd til clear notes may be heard next Sun
lazy calling upon the congregation to wor-
ship the Lord. It weighs 2.345 pounds and
ID from the McShans foundry ut Baltimore,
Md, and cost $419.
The interior OF the chuch il appropriately
hnd comfortably furnished. A large oil
painting Of st. Helena, the mother Of Con-
6tantins tho Great, occupies u position over
The main altar, whore it may be seen from
hi parts Of the building. One OF the side
hltars is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin o.
Lourdss, andthe other to ST. Joseph. An
excellent organ has been placed in the choir
Curtin. OF this city.