Morris tribune., 1893-04-12
NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH.
It's Structure Almost Comhleted and q
Beautiful Edifce it Proves to Be.
When the Work was Done and the Wig
orous Way in Which 1t was
Pushed.
a Credit to Those who Backed the
Scheme.-Its General Appreciation.

The new Catholic church, now in
course of rapid completion, and to be
dedicated and known as "Church OF
the Assumption" is not only credit
to its pastor, Father Geo. Gaskell and
to the membership of the large asso-
citation over which he presides so sat
isfactorily, but also a credit to Morris,
and the business men and people of
the city generally recognize the fact.
The ground was broken for this
new church on May 30, 1892. The
plans for its construction were drawn
by G. f. Struck, of Minneapolis, a
we'll known architect. The stone work
on the foundation was begun June l.,
the very next day after the ground
was broken, and pushed with vigor,
being completed with blue granite
August 4. The frame work was begun
at once, and the whole exterior struc-
ture, except the windows, and the
interior, except furnishing and fitting,
being completed Nov Is.
Considerable delay was then occa-
stoned by the failure of the windows
to arrive, but it was perhaps just as
we'll, as time was given in which to
thoroughly dry out the interior of the
structure and put it in splendid con-
dition for completion and opening
this spring.
The style of the building is Gothic,
and its location is on Third street,
between Colorado and Nevada avenue,
where it has splendid facilities for
drainage, and is at present away above
highwater mark,
The stained glass, which is very
fine, was furnished by Brown & Hay
wood, of Minneapolis, the twelve big
and beautiful windows in the audi
forum being donated by individual
members of the congregation. The
pews were made by the Minneapolis
School and Furniture Co. and are of
solid oak with walnut trimmings, and,
therefore, both substantial and hand
some. The pews are Lightweight in
number and will comfortably seat $50
persons. The altar for the new church
is being constructed by F. X.Hirsches,
of Shakopee, and will cost completed
$3.50.
Beside the donation of auditorium
windows by tho congregation, some
of which cost round sums, may be
mentioned the new bell, manufactured
by Campbell & Sons Of Milwaukee,
and presented to the church society
by VIM. Wunsch, and which cost,
complete, $241. The sanctuary lamp,
costing $50, was presented by Mrs.
Mark Coleman. It is the purpose to
light the structure eventually with
electric lights, but for the present two
large chandeliers will be suspended
from the dome of the auditorium,
which will be sufficient until better
facilities are afforded.
1t may be added that the immedi-
ate surroundings of the new church
will be beautified as soon as may be,
but as it stands now, or will stand in
a few days when all the windows are
in place, and the debris necessarily
resulting from construction has been
removed, an ornament not only to the
immediate surroundings of the struc-
ture, but to all Morris.
The main building is 81x45 feet in
dimensions; the sanctuary 28x21 feet;
the sacristy 17x22 feet; height of walls
% feet; height of ceiling in audi
forum, 36 feet. In front of the altar,
extending across in front of its plat
form, will be a handsome and sub
stantial railing, adding materially to
the general completeness of the audi
ence room and the architectural
beauty of the interior of the structure
as whole
Father Gaskell assumed charge of
the congregation of Catholics in Nor
ris on October 20, 1886. OF course it
has grown immensely in numbers
since, for not only is he an earnest
and able advocate of the doctrines in
which he believes, but he is an affable
gentleman, who has made himself
personally we'll liked by good many
citizens who are not members of his
church.
The chances are that several SER
vices will be held in the new church
before the formal dedicatory services
to be heard early in June. This state
ment is made upon the authority of
Father Gaskell. A good many citi-
zens will doubtless attend the first
meetings, in recognition Of the fact
that the Stevens county Catholics are
rushers, and in that respect, at least,
an example for every other religious
denomination in the county.