Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1894-05-04
St. Johns Church Dedicated {.

st. Johns Catholic Church at Forest Glen
on the Metropolitan Branch OF the Bati
more and Ohio Railroad, was dedicated OF
Sunday morning last with most imposing
services. Cardinal Gibbons and Bishop
kcane, OF the Catholic University, drov
from the lnstitutlon To the site OF the church
to avoid the crowds which went on thu
trains to witness the services. The dedi
catory exercises commenced at 1880 O'Clock
in the morning, the Cardinal, assisted by
Bishop Keane, and number OF the clergy
and acolytes, in professional order, walking
around the new edfice and Educating i
Tor the good work.
svrAd the church by the central aisle The
cardinal took his position beneath the Grim
son canopy on the left of the altar, attired
in the regal robes of his office, while the
priests ranged themselves around the chan
Gel rail. The candidates for confirmation
to the number of eghty-five, and members
of the congregation and others filled the
seating capacity of the edifice, large num-
Der standing throughout the services.
The dedicatory sermon was delivered by
Bishop Kcane. He chose as his text the
parable OF the mustard seed and the lump
of leaven. His thoughts were happily con-
ceived and admirably expressed and through
Its entire length the discourse was eagerly
listened to.
comparison was drawn in the humble
start of the parish TO the growth Of the
mustard seed. He told how, In the last cen
fury, when an important delegate was need
ed by this country TO send to the nations OF
Europe, they came to that secluded spot and
chose its first pastor, Rev. Father John Car
roll. How, when the great battles were be-
ing fought for the liberty Of this country,
Washington and franklin were accustomed
to look to this hidden spot to advise with its
brilliant representative of Christ, pouring
forth his earnest supplications for the free
dom OF our land.
IL was here in the early colonial times
that Father Carroll was made project apes.
tolic of the church in America, the head OF
all the churches, and performing the duties
OF bishop by special dispensation OF the
Pope 1t was from here that the able pas
tor went to England and was consecrated
bishop ON August Is, $780, so that he might
assume the duties oil the office OF the See OF
Baltimore, which had been established in
1888. A wonderful result of that great man.
work was witnessed by the holy services.
Then followed in conclusion perspective
picture of the increase OF Christs kingdom
from that small beginning in the Holy Land.
After the celebration OF solemn high mass
Cardinal Gibbons made short address lie
congratulated the parish on the success IN
erecting such a monument To God, and
trusted they would bear in mind the hum
BILE origin Of the present edifice. He was
always glad to assist at ouch exercises and
see the increase of the Gospel.
The confirmation exercises Of the large
class next followed, the cardinal admins
tering the sacrament. Before confirming
the members the cardinal addressed few
well chosen thoughts to the class, Informing
them that the sacrement OF confirmation was
given TO remind them that they were SOL
diers Of Christ as well as of their country.
Cardinal Gibbons and Bishop Keane were
assisted in the services by Rev. Fathers
Mackin, Scaulon, Griffith, Dillon, Riordan,
Barry, Rosensteel, Dolan and DR.. Allen.
The music during the services was excel
lent, the choir being selected from the singers
of the different churches of Washington,
composed of the following: Mesdames Wet
eel and Waters, the Misses Wetzel, Miss Big
gins, Miss Lackeye, and Messrs. Waters,
Forsyth, Randolph, Mahar and Bechtol.
st, Johns Church as it stands TO day Is
undoubtedly one Of the handsomest churches
in the county. The cornerstone was LAID
on Nav 18th of last year amid imposln 8
ceremonies The building is OF red sand.
stone. in Gothic style of architecture, and
presents beautiful appearance, The cost
of erecting the edifice was about $l4,OUO
1t is dedicated TO the memory OF It's nrst
pastor, Rev. John Carroll, afterward the first
Archbishop Of Baltimore.
Some of the most noted diVines in the
country have been connected with the mis-
sion, among whom may be mentioned Arch
bishop Chapele, Bishop Thos. Foley, heV.
Francis d. Boyle, Rev. james f. hackin
and many others
The present edifice is the third structu re
erected since the founding Of the mission In
the last century by Father Carroll.