The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-03-14
LIVERMORE.
An Important Event in the His
tory of the Catholic Church.

Editor Morning Call: On Tuesday morn
ing next, st. Patrick'S day, will occur one OF
the most important ceremonies ever known
In the history of the Catholic Church in this
county, where one of the pioneer missions
so long and successfully flourished. This
event will be the dedication and laying OF
the cornerstone of Father Powers beauti-
full new church at LiyermOrc.
Possibly it would be more correct to say
the beautiful new Catholic Church. Father
Power himself would doubtless prefer that
form of description, but so closely is this
faithful laborer identified with the incep-
ton, planning and providing for the new
edfice, that in the minds of the whole par
ish it is Father Powers church." and will
remain so for many a long year,
The parish over which Father Power pre-
sides is one of the largest and most flourish
ing in the county. For several years past
the accommodations afforded by the present
house Of worship erected in 1872 have been
entirely inadequate to the demands OF the
growing congregation, and, after much de-
liberation, 1t was decided that new church
must be built.
On the first day Of July, 1890, therefore,
the contract was let for an ediice to cost,
according to contract, Sl1, $50. Later, how
ever, number of important changes were
made in the plans, ETC., which, it was seen,
would bring the price of the building up to
between $1,000 and $4,000, which amount
Father Power himself undertook to raise,
and has succeeded in doing so.
The entire congregation has made prodig-
ious effort, and next Tuesday will be to
them gala day indeed.
Arrangements have been made for enter
tanning great many guests on that day. 1t
Is expected that large number OF visitors,
n ,fnO rI,r
Y NJ. |. at San Francisco, San Jose, San
Leandrn, Haywards and elsewhere, men,
bers of the clergy and friends of the congre-
cation will be present arriving on the II
O'Clock train Tuesday morning. These Will
be met at the depot by the local council, Y.
NJ. l., known as Alameda Council, No. AZ.
They will be accompanied by the Liver
more Cornet Band, aud the guests will then
be escorted to the church.
The ceremony of laying the cornerstone
Will be performed by his Grace Archbishop
Hlordan, who will be assisted by L. j..
WEIGH Of San Francisco, the architect,
Thomas r. Bassett of oakland, master
builder, and various others who have been
engaged in the construction Of the edifce.
Alter the laying Of the corners stone his
Grace will proceed TO the dedication of the
house, attended by the foll0Wing-named
gentlemen: Rev. L. Larkin of San Fran
cisco, master OF ceremonies; Rev. p. Power
of Livermore, celebrant; Rev. j. F. HarTing-
ton OF San Francisco and Rev. NJ. King of
Oakland, who will assist at the thr0ae,
While the chanters will be Rev. T. Nc
Sweeney Of Oakland and Rev. NJ. p. Scan
lon of San Francisco. The mass will be
celebrated by Rev. Father Power, pastor,
assisted by Rev. S. 2. Casey as deacon,
Rev. n. O'Reardon as sub-deacon, and Rev.
1. Larkn as master of ceremonies. Men
delssohn's Mass, No. 3. in G minor will be
rendered by a select choir of some of the
N ba
on the great occasion will be preached by
Rev. Father Gleason, the beloved pastor of
st. Andrews. Oakland, the stoutest de-
lender of the faith in California. The
Catholic ladies OF Livermore, noted for their
hospitality and good works, have in hand
the preparation of an elaborate dinner,
which will be spread in the old church, Of
which all visiting strangers attending the
dedication are cordially invited to partake.
The new church is of Gothic design,
chaste and beautiful in architectural pro-
portions. The inside measurements are
ninety-two feet eight inches by fifty-six
feet; height from floor TO ceiling, ffly-twO
leet clear; depth in the main 100 feet. An
exquisite rose window will admit the tenn
pered light at one end, and four beautiful
memorial windows have been donated by
Mr. Peter McKcaney, Mrs. NJ. Hupers, Mrs.
NJ: Mulqueeney and Mr.. James C5ncannOn.
The parsonage owns some thing over three
acres OF land, which will be beautified by
trees and floral plants. The old church is
to be remodeled and retained as a Sunday
school building, library and halls for the
meetings of the different societies connected
with the church.
The congregation is TO be congratulated
upon its enterprise and liberality in provid-
ing so convenient q structure for carving
on the good work OF the church, and great
credit is due Father Power for his devotion
and zeal, which have SO ably brought about
this desirable contamination.
LiUe1Rore, March IS, 1891. AEK