The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1896-04-04
RE-OPENING.
Thirtieth Anniversary of St. ThereSa's
Catholic Church, Port Deposit.
Communicated.

live miles from its mouth lies the quaint and
picturesque town of Port Deposit. Days
were when the waters of the turbulent river
knew no craft but that of the birch canoe,
and the Ioamy soil of its banks yielded only
to the tread Of moccasined feet, for the
pcaccabc Susquannock, noble of character
ana statuesque Of physique here spent their
days indulSing in the sports dear to the heart
oi the led Man. In time however, the
Course of Empire" never loathe to seize
advantageous opportunities, fully appre-
eiated the business facilities at hand bv re-
cogni2ing the water lower and nearness to
the Pennsylvania forest region, consequently
the once rugged and craggy little cove be-
came Port of Deposit, and to tho present
has it so remained for much that makes life
pleasant and good
GRADUALLY and steadily growing in busi-
ness capabilities, through the lumber and
granite industries, an ever increasing popu-
latlon nnecessitated both corporeaI and spiritual
provision, and so to-day are the faithful
"ole 10 number themselves among the many
souls in the Diocese of Wilmington, and to
worship III the tasteful and artistic little
church under the guarding care Of that Great
saint of our holy religion-Theresa. MANY
obstacles arose TO confront the zeal of priests
who attended from the Diocese of baltimore
as they were obliged to offer the sacrifice of
the Mass III the houses Of different families,
Dut they braved both severe weather and
lncommodious travel for duty's sake until
the demand for Il church became imperative.
Through the untiring efforts of that prom
inent citizen and most loyal gentleman, Mr.
John keaveny, The ground was obtained, and
in 1865 the ebuilding of granite was erected, dur
ing the pastorate Of Reverend Father Reardon
Dedicated in the year following by Most
Reverend Archbishop Spaulding, of BaIti-
more. priests from different localities then
attended. among whom was one weIl-known
to-day, Right Reverend John Fohy. Bishop of
Detroit
About 1868, Father Joseph Barry was ap-
pointed shepherd of the little flock and for
Il years labored earnestly for the welfare of
the people respected and loved by both the
Catholics and On-Catholics) until called to
Baltimore. where he is now pastor OF st.
Josephs Church. Then followed his sue
cessots Rev. Eugene A. Hanna. Rev. J. d.
Carey, Rev. Father Quigley, Rev. McManus
and the present pastor, Rev p. 2. ArDd.
whose energetic and ambitious work has
enabled the child OF st. Theresa. to count
herself among the most devotional homes of
worship within the jurisdiction of His Grace
our Bishop.
Nesting under the bluffs, facing the west
with the cross on the tower looking out far
over the waters, surely. indeed the world
weary sou! could find no spot more reposeful
in which to enter and have few moments in
humble alteration before the lights eternal.
The hand of the artisan has converted the
once plain into the beautiful The frescoinp
done by Emmart and Quartly, of Baltimore, is
IN terra Gotta and cream. This with the ivory
appointments OF the woodwork and subdued
light of the stained windows, forms striking
background for the marbeiZed altar the
adorniaS angels and exquisite statues
recently imported from France. In the
sanctuary are the Holy Mother and st. joseph.
''iN "i''i PiNN', 'ol. L lhcltSu Ill ueT Cufmelltp
habit and superb figure of Christ pleading
with arms outstretchcd On brackets in the
nave of the church stand st. Aloysius st,
Patrick and st. Anthony of Padua The new
stations imported from Germany, were
blessed and hung at the beginning of Lent.
and the oak pews from Michigan, are of Il
comfortable and pretty design
An innovation introduced from Europe bv
the pastor-seen by him while travelling
abroad-is communion cloth of red felt Oh
which is embroidered in ecclesiastical SCRIPT
the text-"I am the Bread Of Life which came
down from Heaven, he that aateth this Bread
shall live forever John 4, /.
Easter Sunday night the statues will be
unveiled with all ceremony. and Easter Mon
day morning at 10 o'clock solemn High Mass
will celebrate the thirtieth anniversary. It
is the intention of Father Arnd to have all of
predecessors in the sanctuary with the Right
Reverend Bishop A. A. Curtis, of Wilmington,
and Very Reverend J. l.. Lyons. Vicar-Gen-
era! Of the Diocese. who will preach the
sermon. The choir under the direction of
Sir. A. l.. Barry, will render Peters Mass in
D.. assisted by Prof. George Mehring. of
Philadelphia, and at tho oifertory IN Ave
Maria, OF AIilards, with violin obiisato will
be sung by Miss Kerwin.
reverend 2. p. Arnd was born in Bati-
more in st. Michael's parish. He received
his education at st. Mary's Of the West. in
Kentucky. ana was ordained by Bishop, in
April, 1898. He was Immediately given
charge of this parish, with Rising sun. Como.
wingo and Pilottown as missions. where he
has labored indeiatigably for the honor and
glory of God and of those entrusted to
his care. Pious, jealous and unassuming.
with helping hand, ever ready to raise the
distressed. comfort TIE sick and assist his
his fellow man. May Gods grace attend him
through life ard 50 gain the record promised.
'Thcy who instruct others unto Justice
shall shine as stars for all eternity"