The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-11-03
THF MANCHESTER CATHOLICS
TO HAVE SPLENDID EDIFICE

faith According to statistics made by
the late lamented William Saggett there
are now in the city some $50 Catholics. IL
the adjoining little village OF Swa1Isboro
be included, the number which will be in
Guided in this parish will in all proba bill
ty be something over 400.
y NEW ERA.
The establishment of a church in Man
chester, and especially the erection of tho
ma gnifcent new Cathedral In the city OF
Richmond. will be the beginning OF a
new era for the Catholics in this section.
Not very many years ago there were
only three Catholic churches in Rich
mond. Now, If the Manchester church IS
included the number has increased to
six. All of this is but another evidence
of the increase of Catholicism in this Sec
ton of the State during recent years.
The Catholics of this city have always
been an integral part of the congregation
of St. Peters Cathedral, in Richmond.
s 1t was in the face of many difficulties
that they were enabled to worship togeth
or regularly. This was especially true dur
ing the days when there was no rapid
transit and getting to and from Rich
mond was exceedingly inconyenient.
1t meant much for them to have to
trudge through mud. snow and sleet on
a winters day to meet with their mora
fortunate brethren III Richmond.
THEIR REWARD.
And now, after many long years of pa
tent waiting and earnest service. their
reward is to be the possession OF their
own new church building. a school, and
by the presence among them OF resi-
dent pastor.
The church was erected through the
generosity of Mrs. Thomas Ryan. of New
York. and is admirably located, the loo
being slightly elevated above the street.
The building is easily accessible from all
parts OF the city, being situated near the
center 1t is also in easy reach OF the
street-car lines-the Eiull-Street line bs>
ing only three squares away ana the Pes
ry-Street line passing Immediately is
front Of its d5or. The building is con-
stGuctcd of brick. one corner OF which Is
sur!nounted by Il beil-tower. The white
wallis of the interior OF the building. tho
beautiful sloping roof and the stainad-
S}ass windows. all go TO rake Il very
leasing combination. There are six al
tars, together with all the decorations
Usually found in Catholic churches
THE NEW SCHOOL,
The new brick school-brilding. located
i;is: across the street and almost opposte
the church-bulding. is now about feahy
! to receive the finishing touches. .a:s
building is composed of several rnoTIS. SO
| arranged as tn suit the different classes
| The present schoel-huildnS. situated I'M
| rrcdiately alongside tho church. VIII. IN
| all probability. DC use'! as temporary
residence fer the pastor. The school
opened this year With about fifty pupils
Z; These are Under the care and direction
/ of Miss Susie fireman. whose zeal amt
eapabiIty has won far her the esteem
| of both pupils and parents.
! with the dedication of the church, the
| establishment OF the school and the pres
encc of a resident pastor in their midst.
| the Catholics OF Manchester will soc their
| fonGast -cpcs realized.
Their number has Increased gradually
| from q mere handful TO several hundred
souls
RAPID INCREASE
| Is this Increase has been accomplished
| ir the face of difficulties so great as tho
| Catholics os Manchester have had to coz
tend with. it is fair TO presume tEat, with
greater facilities at their disposal. they
/ will see within the next decade tllctr MINI
t her increased to twice the present size
| The church and the school VIII both
| soon be established factors In the MO
| of the city and their influence VIII Do
impressed upon its people.