The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-06-26
ST. RAPHAEL DAY
Solemn Dedication Where
Padres Prayed.
FOUNDED BY FRANCISCANS.
Archbishop Riordan breaches on
Faith at the Blessing of a
Church i'm San Rafael.

St Raphaers Church, San Rafael, was
reded Gated yesterday with imposing cere-
monies. The Most Rev. Archbishop Rlor-
dan delivered the sermon in the morning,
and Rev. John Conlan, rector OF st. Fran
els Church. this city. preached in the
evening.
Rev. Hugh Lagan has been in charge OF
the parish of ST. Raphael during the past
ten wears. His ministry has been so sue
cessfui that it became necessary to make
consid cradle additions to the church edi-
fee. The reverend gentleman had been
equally successful during his Oakland pas
torate. Gis popularity in San Rafael was
attested in a marked manner yesterday.
when people of all creeds flocked to st.
Raphaeps for the dedicatory exercises.
AS matter of history the church is one
of the oldest in California. The Mission
of ST. Raphael was established in 1917. In
1852 the old adobe mission church crum bled
away in a temblor, and soon afterward
new frame building was erected, which
filled the needs of the parish for nearly
thirty years. When Father Lagan took
charge he infused new life into his flock,
one of the fruits of which was the COM
pletion Of the handsome church edlhce
dedicated yesterday.
There was an unusual gathering at the
dedication ceremonies While the crowd
was pressing forward to gain admission
bevy of country girls in white muslin
dresses and blue sashes stood little dis
lance away to wait till the throng had
passed, when in voice only audible to
those in the immediate vicinity they sang:
Come to the church in the wildwood,
No lovelier spot in the dale;
No spot is so dear to my childhood
AS the little brown church in the vale.
The dedication was performed by Arch
bishop Riordan, with the assistance of
several priests. AS he passed around the
church there were acOlytes with lighted
candles and many priests in his train.
Solemn high mass was held at IL A. NJ.
Rev. P. Scanlon of ST. Joseph's was the
celebrant. Rev. John E. Cottie of st.
Bridget's officiated as deacon. Rev. j. Nc
Quade as sub-deacon and Rev. W. p.
Kirby of ST Mary's Cathedral as master
of ceremonies. Among the other visiting
of St. James, P. }. Cummins of ST. Charles.
F. Lagan Of Sacred Heart and P. Cleary
of Petaluma.
The musical exercises, which were of an
exceptionally nigh character. were under
the direction Of Professor Sullivan of this
city.
Archbishop Riordan congratulated the
people of San Rafael upon their good
fortune in being located in valley that
was unsurpassed for climate and pictur-
esaue beauty by any other region in State
renowned throughout the globe for natural
attractions. He also congratulated them
upon the enlargement of their church
building, which, he held. was evidence of
the increase of Cathalicity in the country.
His sermon was an impressive appeal to
the congregation to make their conduct
conform to their faith. He referred to the
power of example in life. The true Chris
tian was the man whose faith could be
measured alODa hU his RELIGION
was condition, not a theory. Without
good works salvation was dream. The
Catholic church is enduring; it can
never be shaken. The Arch bishop con-
cluded by again admonishing his hearers
that conduct was the vital element in the
career of every truly religious man or
woman.
In the afternoon the Archbishop and
the visiting clergy were entertained at
dinner by Rev. Hugh Lagan. the rector of
st. RaphaePs. The ladies OF the parish
also spread an appetizing lunch for the
benefit of all visiting friends.