Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-07-24
CHURCH DEDICATED
Large Contrseations Attsndsl the
 Ssrvicss It St Jessph's

St Joseph's Lithuanian church was dedicated yesterday by the Very Rev John Synott, V. G., attended by large humber of priests from different parts of the Hartford! diocese and from other pa; ts Of the country.
 The program aS announced herein Saturday was carried out in detail. Several thousand people were in at. tendance. After the ceremony of dedi- cation there were two solemn high masses with the following officers: First. celebrant. the Rev Joseph Lie tuvenikas of Baltimore, Md; deacon, the Rev Joseph Gricius of Boston; sub- deacon, the Rev Peter Saurusaitis, pastor of the church; master of cere- monies. Michael Kruzas. Second. cele- the Rev Father Fleming; sub-deacon, the Rev Father Dunigan; master of ceremonies. Michael Kruzas.
 At the first mass the sermon was by the Rev Father Milukas of Shenan- doah, Pa, and at the last mass by the Rev William J. Slocum, pastor of the Immaculate Conception church of this city, who said in part: '.This dedica- tion is something more than mere formality It shows the sentiment of the members of the parish, and it is an improvement to the community and the public at large. The dedication is also something more than religious 1 act it is the fulfillment of hopes of the Lithuanians who desired to see tenn. l pie to the living God for their nation ality equal to any in the city. The erection of a church is certain to mean great sacrifices of toll and expense, in order to obtain these there must be in the hearts of the people religious mo- 1 tive. People do not do such things without a strong motive, and in this case the motive is the love of and faith | in God.
 But religion does not reach the point desired by God simply by the erection of house of worship, or by demonstrations or parades. It is not l all of religion to carry banners and have bands and fireworks, although some people feel such is the case. An inner religion is also required, relig- ion which makes us love to keep Gods laws. Such a religion is naturally in- spired to renewed activity by magnifl- cent churches, fine music and statues of the saints. The man who does not | try to live up to the teachings of his religion or take part in the sacAments of his church is but tinkling brass.
 You have not the struggle in build- ing churches that the pioneers of the faith had. But with the church nov dedicated you should make better citi. zens, you should make every act that of a Christian. It is your duty to the state and the nation and you should show yourselves worthy of it. Live the principles of faith, hope and char
 ity. Life in itself is a race In which
 the best man wins. The trouble with
 foreigners to these shores is that in
 prosperity they forget their obligations.
 The danger of the many going wrong
 lies in the seeds of dissention sown by
 few. Be faithful to your obliga- tions."
 Solemn yespers were held fin the
 evening, the place being crowded to
 the doors. About 5000 was raised for
 the church fund during the day. The
 weather was pleasant and Iithuanians
 drove to town from nearby towns
 while large numbers came on the cars.
 It was big day in Brooklyn.