Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1895-05-02

Mcerschaert, ID. d., bishop, and vicar
apostolic Of the Indian Territory,
Guthrie, o. r., conducted the servi-
ces, assisted by Rev. Ildcphonse Kalt,
Monett, Mo. Rev. Bernard Murphy,
Krebs, ] r., Rev. Arthur Versavel
and Rev. w. II. Ketcham, Muskogee
Mother Superior NJ. Virginia OF Naz-
areth institute, Muskogee, and one OF
the sisters, were also present and had
charge of the music.
The day was beautiful one and
this circumstance added to the fact
that Catholic services were novelty
and never witnessed by one In half
dozen Of our people brought out
very large attendance. The house
contained probably a hun
dred persons more than could find
seats, and this after double row Of
chairs had been placed in the aisle.
1t is but fair TO say that the attend
ing Protestants largely outnumber
the Catholics, but the membership
here of the latter is much in excess Of
what is generally supposed and there
were confirmed twenty-one adults
during the recent visit Of the bishop.
The especial services consisted in
the conservation of the church to the
service Of God and also Of the bless
ing Of the bell, not q little ceremony
being connected with the latter rite.
This bell was exclusively a gift, as
its inscription made clear; "Chero-
KEGS to the Catholic Church at Vinita,
/. r., 1s95"-as very pretty thought.
During the ceremony, as in baptism,
sponsors were required Of the class
from which the donors were, and
Judge L. NJ. Landrum, and ]. L.
Dameron, were selected as goliath
ers and Mrs. Tim Shanahan and Mrs.
John Ellison as godmothers. As will
be observed, a portion OF these are
Protestants and Mr.. Rlakency and Il
number OF members OF the orchestra
who lent their aid for the occasion
were also non-Cathollcs. TO these
tho hishop desired especially that his
thanks might be extended and also TO
those non-Catholics in the audience
who showed by their presence their
interest in the work. He was also very
cordial in his thanks TO those who had
contributed to the erection Of the
building.
The bishop announced the selection
of Rev. Arthur Versavel as pastor OF
this church aud that after October he
would make his home here, when It
was hoped house would be erected
Cor his use. TO aid in this work the
SPEAKER promised TO contribute his
mite as he had done toward the build
ing of the church. In the mean time
services would be conducted here The
last Sabbath in each month; there
| viii, however, be no services mex
month.
The alter of the church is the gif
Of Mother NJ. Katherine Drexel, o
Philadelphia, daughter Of the famou
banker, of the firm Of Drexol, Morgan
s. Co. This lady is said to expeud al
income Of 100000 year almost ex
clusiyely among Indian and freedmen
missions.
A brief sketch Of some Of the dig
pltarjes who ofiiciated on the occasion
described above may not be unintersr
ing. Rlshop Meerschaert was born fl
Belgium and is apparently somewha
under sixty years OF age. Among an
company Of gentlemen he would be
= CONSPICUOUS figure and has an especial
Is well formed head; contrary to wha
might be expected he is extremely al
fable and easy in conversation an
bearing. His vestments during tn
services Sunday were as rich as gol
trimming could make the riches
silks. When the bishop, formerl
from Matches, Miss, came 10 his pre-
ent field in 1891, the diocese contalI
: ed twelve churches and twelve priest
now there are 81 buildings an
twenty-three priests; the membershi
reaches l2,300.
Rev. Versavel, who is to hay
charge Of the church at this place, Is
young man who came from Belgium
! but a few months since. lie is ii
only son Of wealthy parents and ha
much to give up In deyoting himse
to the work OF the Catholic church.
Rev. w. II. Ketcham is bett'
O known to our people than any Of h
a associates. He Is well versed in ter
poral as we'll as church affairs and
(. very popular here and also at Musk
4 gee, where he makes his hom'
3 He was the nrst resident Catholic mi
e sionary 10 the Cherokees and Cree
y in the west; strange as it may see
he is a convert to the faith-was forI
J., erly Protestant
!. Mother Superior Virginia, the he'
a Of Nathareth institute, Muskoge
IS is recognized as an excellent WON'T
8 and is very popular among patro
and pupils Of the school most Of who
II are from the Cherokees. The slst
Q with her was the music teacher at Il
/, institute and IL may be interesting
r know that the music Of the mass WI
!, her own composition.
IN LANDMARK has disappear
IS LSl this week in the removal of u
g law sign OF Jonathan Gore. Mess