Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1892-06-01
Buena Vista.
OF THE CATHOLIC CIfuECH-cHyRCH
OFFICIALS PRESENT-THE INTEREST MANI
FESTED-STAUNTON LARGELY REPRESENTED.

DEDICATION OF THE CATHOLIC C1rUHCH-CIItRCH
OFFICIALS PREsENT-TIIE INTEREST MANI
FEsTED-sTAUNToN LARGELY REPRESENTED
Correspondence of the SPECTATOR.
BUENA VISTA, VA, May Both, 1S92-Yester
day was of more than ordinary Sabbath day
interest here, the dedication of the neat little
Catholic Church being the occasion which
elected it. This is the eighth Church of as
many different denominations of christians
worshiping ''under their own vine and fig
tree at Buena Vista, fully fiedged city
standing where three years ago the fields were
growing wheat and grass
The membership of the Catholic Church
has been gradually increasing, and a few
months since they were organized into a con
gregation with a temporary place of worship
under the care of Father L. Kelly of Clifton
Forge, and attached to the Lexington Mis-
sion. The effort to erect church building
followed, and now that purpose is com
pleted, with the further purpose in view thai
the present edifice will become the location Of
a school attached to more stately temple OF
worship. In addition to Father Kelly, the
CuulCu OiuSieiio PiCoCllo On tllC VI titS
dedication were Right Reverend J. Frioli
Vicar General of the Diocese of Richmond
NJ j. Ahern, theological student of the
Diocese and Father John McVerry, OF
Staunton. The choir of st. Francis Catholic
Church of Staunton were also present as fol
lows, and rendered the music arranged by
Professor F. w. Walter, who was the organ
list. The dedicatory services were conducted
by the Vicar General, assisted by the officials
named. The musical programme was exc
cuted under the direction of Professor Walter
by the choir as stated, Misses Mary Walter
and Josie Scanlon (sopranos) and Misses
Annie Walter and Mary Lyon (altos), and
Messrs George F. Mcmahon (tenor) and Will
liam F. Walter and r. E. Murray. Follow
ing is the programme
Vide Aquam Kyrie Ellison; Gloria
Credo.
0fertoi,e-Creatora Alne Sideram.
,Sa'etas; Ben adietus; Agnns Del: Ven
Creator.
Including the dedicatory services High
Mass was celebrated, Father Kelly officiating
after which the sermon followed, delivered
by Father McVerry.
The beautiful altar and decorations and
the statues displaying exquisite agriculture
and much expense, were doubtless unex
pected attractions of the occasion. Upon the
tabernacle, which occupied central position
stood the statue of the Savior; ON the right
the Virgin Mary; and on the left, st. Joseph
These statues and other accompaniment OF
the worship, with a considerable sum OF
money, were the offerings of a Northern
lady, who prefers to withhold her name
from the public.
The auditorium Of the church could not
begin to hold the assemblage present.
The music was pronounced by those here,
cultured in the science and accomplished
vocalists, to be of a very high order.
The handsome grounds upon which the
edifice is erected, corner of Chestnut avenue
and Twenty first street, were donated by the
Buena Vista Company. Messrs. Sitterding
& Dreher were the contractors, who are
largely engaged here in building enterprises.
Mr.. Dreher resides here and Mr. Sitterding in
Richmond, where he is one of the most
progressive men of that city.