Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-06-01
NE MORAL DAY !.
And Its Observance by the
G. A. R. at WaterviI|e.
The Post Attends Service at St,
Frances de Sales Church.
An Impressive and Eloquent Sermon b.
Rev Father Chariand.

Watcrville. May 30.-(SpeciaD. Never
in the history OF this city has there
heen more appropriate observance
Of Memorial Sunday as that which has
just closed here, today. 1t was some
thing out Of the usual course Of events
for the Grand Army Of the Republic to
attend service as an organization at a
Catholic church. but the diversion of
today from the regular practice viii be
a pleasant memory To those OF the ola
soldiers who attended, as time gathers
on apace.
st. Frances de Sales church was
crowded to the doors AMI hundreds
stood out upon the grounds ana
listened to the music and the address
as the notes and words Of both came
out through the open windows me
church Interior was tastefully decor
sted, the altar being hung heavily In
evergreen and streamers Of bunting, on
which We're Inscribed Latin patriotic
sentences. and small flags hung from
every point OF the sacred altar
a banner Of red with 'Dirigo' IN let
ters Of gold hung on the right pr the
altar The Latin Inscriptions on the
streamers We're as follows: 'Et
Patria, "Habitare Fratres In tnum.
Est Pro Patria Mori.' 'Dulce III
Decoruin. "Religio FIT Guam f'enum
| Ell Guam Jocunuum' over 100 guests
OF the church were seated within the
iaItar rail together with the band The
procession which had formed on Com
mon street arrived at the church at 2.ls
fsS In Z nc fAftntktfR
Marshal and Aides.
Watervilie Military Band.
90. H. % Regiment, ~ G.. ;. NJ
Heath Post.
sons OF Veterans.
Relief Corps.
city Council.
L'Inion Lafayette.
St Jean Bapttste Society.
L'J'nion St Joseph
The members Of the Grand Army
| marched with firm and steady step. al
though II was plain to be seen ihat m
hair had grown greyef. the form more
stooped The French societies iooke1
| timely in their bright uniforms. h.aeh or
ganlzation carried the Stars and stripes
al the front.
Fully 1850 people secured admit lance TO
| the interior of the church and listened at
tantiyely to the exercises. AT 81, Rev.
Father Bergeron Of Fairfield. entered
from the vestry. attcndsd by two altar
/ buys AT once the band played a seiee-
ton which was followed by prayer py
Rev. Err Bergeron. The choir sang with
good effect the following selections;
Deus in Auditorium, "Alleinia. and
| 'iMagnl;icat" Rev. Father Chariand en-
tered the church al this point. and after
| 4 few moments in devotions before the
altar. stepped to the altar rail and began
his address.
The reverend gentleman was IN good
voice and was heard in every part OF the
great room. As he proceeded with his
discourse il was plain to be seen
that the popular priest was earnest
and eloquent often, to his sur
prise. during some patriotic passage
, or some reference TO the loyalty
of the Catholics to the American Union.
his hearers burst into applause. This was
something unusual in a church and on
Sunday. but the expressions of approval
did not emanate from the members OF the
, spsaker's own church. They had remained
on the outside giving up their pews and
seats to strangers. The address was
strong In eloquence, earnest In delivery,
stirring In effect and brilliant as well.