Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-05-31
MEMORIAL DAY
And Its Observance by the
G. A. R. at WaterviIIe.
The Post Attends Service at St.
Frances de Sales Church.
An Impressive and Eloquent Sermon by
Rev. Father Charland.

Waterville, May 30.-(SpeciaD.-N
in the history CT this city has there
been a more appropriate observance
of Memorial Sunday as that which has
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 will be
a pleasant memory to those of the old
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 and
listened to the music and the address
as the notes and words of both came
out through the open windows. The
church interior was tastefully decor
ated, 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 of the
| altar. The Latin inscriptions on the
streamers were as follows: "Et
| Patria, "Habitare Fratres In Unum. =
Est Pro Patria Mort, "Dulce EFT
| Docorum. "Relgio Et Guam Bonum
Eft Guam Jocunoum." Over 100 guests
of the church were seated within the
altar rail together with the band. The
| procession which had formed on Com
mon street arrived at the church at lis
and was seated in the following order:
| Marshal and Aides.
| Waterville Military Band
| Co H. I'd Regiment. n. q. 5. NJ.
Heath Post
Sons of Veterans.
Relief Corps.
| City Council
L'Union Lafayette
| St Jean Baptiste Society.
| L'union St. Joseph.
The members of the Grand Army
+, marched with firm and steady step. al
| though it was plain to be seen that the
| hair had grown greyer, the form more
| stopped The French societies looked
| finely in their bright uniforms. Each or
| ganization carried the Stars and Stripes
/ at the front.
Fully 1900 people secured admittance to
/ the interior of the church and listened at
/ tentively to the exercises. At ~, Rev.
/ Father Bergeron of Fairfield. entered
| from the vestry. attended by two altar
boys. AT once the band played selec-
/! ton. which was followed by prayer by
| Rev FIR. Bergeron. The choir sang with
| good effect the following selections:
| Deus in Auditorium '.Alleluia. and
| 'Magniiicat." Rev. Father Charland en-
| tered the church at this point, and after
| Il 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 it 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
| speakers 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.