The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-02-24
HANDSOME EDlFICE,
The Elkton Catholic Church Re Opened on
Sunday with Impressive Servtce.

HANDSOME tUiflCt.
The Elkton Catholic Church Re-Opened on
Sunday with Impressive Services.
The special services attending the re-
opening of the Elkton Catholic Church
on Sunday attracted large audiences
especially in the afternoon, when the
edifice was completely thronged, many
being present from distance. The ser
vices were of an impressive character
at both of which the musical program
was most attractive. Solos were sung by
the noted baritone, Del Puente, and his
wife, Madame Helen Campbell, at the
Vesper Service. The church as improv-
ed is beautiful place OF. worship and
was greatly admired.
The impressive ritual of the Catholic
Church affords wide opportunity for the
display of artistic taste and effect.
Music at once refining and elevating,
the spiritual handmade of emotional
worship, has always constituted special
feature of the public service OF this
church. At the service of Sunday, the
Importance of this part OF the service
was intelligently considered, aud Father
Bermlng ham whose ear has been educa-
ted TO the concord of sweet sounds,
assisted by his 'pable choir master and
SOLOS, Mr.. l.. ]. Flnnan, made the highest
record ever reached in this community
in the class of music rendered. 1t is
true they had to go out of Elkton 10
secure the talent. But laudable ambi
ton carnot be limited by geographical
lines, and the Inspiring tones of that
Incompatible Baritone Signor Del Puente
and Madame Helen Campbell fully
rewarded their effort. They sang
straight TO the hearts of their auditors.
and rendered them more receptive
of religious impression. This is the
highest mission of the II asterful and
mastering art of music and melody.
Solemn pontifcial mass was celebrated |
at II O'Clock, Right Rev. A. A. Curtis,
Celebrant, Rev. J. Smith of St. Philips, |
Philadelphia, Deacon; Rev. D. ]. Flynp,
of st. Mary's, Wilmington, Sub deacon;
Rev. Father Sylvester, of the Church Of
the Sacred Heart. Wilmington, and Rev.
W. j. Birmingham, pastor, Deacons of
Honor; Rev. j A. Lyons, V. G., Master
of Ceremonies;
After the singing of the gospel, Father
Lyons preached, taking tue following
text as the subject of his discourse: How
beautiful are thy tabernacles, . Lord; it
is good to dwell therein.
At the offertory Mr.. L. J. Finnan rem
dered the tenor solo "Ecce Panis'' and
Peters Mass in d was excellentIy rend-
cred by the choir
The Vesper Service was sung at 3. Bop.
m, Rev. j. D. Carey officiated, assisted
by Rev. Fathers Smith and Sylvester.
Fishes Vespers iu G and Peters Mag
nificat" were efficiently rendered by the
choir. Right Rev. Bishop Curtis spoke,
basing his remarks upon the Catholic
Church. Signor Del Puente sang Gior-
za's 20 Salutaris Madame Helen
Campbell sang Gounod's Ave Maria"
Mr.. sher A. Scott accompanying both
selections on the organ.
The ushers were Messrs T. ]. Murray
Daniel aud VIM. Feehly.
The regular choir was composed of Mr.
l.. J Finuap ,sdirector, Mr.. F. Y. Finnan,
organist, Mrs. l.. j FInnan, Mrs. F. J.
Kerr, Jr, Misses Marcel la Reagan, Ella
Feehly, Julia and Lizzie Hartnett, Bes-
sic Finnan, Lottie Halves, Katie Brake,
Nan Manlove; Messrs Daniel. John, Will
liam and Roger Feehly.
Although we have heretofore noticed
the improvements made i'll the interior
decorations of the Church, and which
are the result of Father Bermingham's
capable and popular passionate of it, an
additional wcrd relative thereto, would
seem proper in this connection.
Ii every century of the history Of the
Catholic Church, the highest coutribu
ture have been laid by willing votaries
upon her affairs. The most pathetic
scenes, the most memorable events in
the life of the Saviour himself, have been
depicted upon the walls of her grand
observation-disclosures the teachers of
the highest architectural art-by the
inspired pencils of the worlds greatest
masters. Shrines of art as we'll of devo-
ton, the intelligent direction of the
recent Improvements in the Elkton
Church, has developed highly creditable
of he worlds greatest
religious pictures Mr.. Leeds of Phlla
delphia has placed behind the main altar
an artistic copy of Leonardo da Vincrs
Last Supper" 1t is the capturing
center that fixes the eye on entering the
structure. Over the altar scarcely less
effective picture of the "Annunciation"
is pleasing accessory of the decoration
about the chancel.
The general effect of Mr.. Leeds work
in drawing, proportion, and tone is
admirable, and we congratulate Father
Birmingham in having secured SO cap
able an artist, to render attractive |
shrine at which his parishloners are |
hereafter to worship, amid such agree