The Dickinson press., 1905-06-10
DEDICATION,

parlSh Will see no prOuQer DAY than
June 7, 1905, when their beautiful new
church-represen.ing their untiring
effort and liberal giving-was dedicated
by Right Rev. Bishop Stanley.
The weather was ideal-bright and
sunny, yet not too warm; the air clear
and fresh from the recent rain, the dust
conquered by welcome showers.
There were present, beside Bishop
Stanley, to assist in the dedication,
Very Rev. Thomas Egan, V. G.. and
Rev. J. A. Lemieux of Fargo; Rev. John
Quillinan of Casselton; Rev. J. W. Con-
sidine of Mimic; Rev. ]. A. Lalande Of
Wild Rice: Rev. d. V. Collins of Man
dan; Rev. FIR. Powers and Rev. FIR. Plus
of Richardson, and the local priests,
Rev. T. L. Rabsteinek Of St. Joseph's
and Rev. John Dignam of St. Patrick's.
The dedication ceremonies began
promptly at o:3o a. m. with the conse-
Grafton of the outer walls. After the
ceremonies at the church entrance the
people followed the priestly procession
and completely filled the church.
The litany was chanted beautifully by
Rev. FIR. Lalande. with responses by the
other clergy. This was followed by the
dedication of the interior of the build
ing, Rev. Dean Collins reading the
versicles and Rev. T. L. Rabsteinek the
pom as the procession passed
around the church.
Pontihcial high mass was celebrated
by Very Rev. FIR. Egan with FIR. Lemi.
eux Deacon and FIR. Plus sub-deacon.
The choir sang Borde.es mass, the
voices blending most tremendously.
Rev. FIR. Powers preached the sermon
and by the magic of his voice and the
flower of his rhetoric no less than by the
force OF his thought. held the closest
attention of the audience. He said in
part:"It is sometimes difficult for others
to realize why Catholics erect such
beautiful and costly churches, adjoining
them with frescoed wall and fretted
column. with speaking picture and
breathing statue. 1t may seem reli-
| gious extravaganza. Not SO to the
| Catholic. To him the church is the
house of God; the place where His
honor dwelleth'; where God is really
present. This prompts him to erect a
fitting place. beautiful and appropriate,
and to introduce much Of pomp and
grandeur into the services Of worship,
to burn incense in costly golden vessels
and to decorate the affairs with fragrant
flowers. And why should not the Catholic
do this? The Saviour is ever present,
the center of Catholic devotion, the sun
which gives light and warmth. This is
why in every country and in every cline
Catholic churches are SO beautiful"
Father Powers then spoke of the
blessed eucharist-a compendium OF
miricles in the change of material bread
and wine into the real body and blood
of the Saviour, and of the no less won
derful miracle of multiplication. He
then quoted various passages of scrip
ture to show that Jesus promised the
eucharistic miracle, that he fulfilled his
promise and that St. Paul confirmed it.
He said: catholics believe in Christ,
believe His words and believe them
literally; believe that in the eucharist is
present the real Christ-a priceless and
cherished treasure, our hope in life, our
consolation in death and u glorious
reward in heaven"
Bishop Stanley said it was with deep
qualification that he viewed the grand
work done by St. Patrick's parish. Not
quite a year ago he met representatives
of the parish to see what could be done
about suitable church ediice. 1t was
a pleasant and enthusiastic meeting and
$4,000 was raised then and there. The
enthusiasm grew and the church grew
with it. Bishop Stanley congratulated
the people of St. Patrick's upon their
courage to undertake and their faithful
ness to fulfill, and on behalf OF the par
ish thanked others for aid rendered
He urged the people to raise at once
any deficit there might be that the
house belong entirely to God. The
bishop referred to the church as a "ittle
gem, n of the prettiest any OF US visit
ing clergy have eve seem"
Miss Rose McHugh sang the "Ave
Maria" as an ofertory solo and the
choir chanted the prayers, followed by
the elevation of the Host and benedic'
ton which ended an intensely interest
ing and very beautiful service.
The dedication musical program
was fine and greatly enjoyed. The
organ used is a new n but it will be
replaced about Christmas by a large
pipe organ. The tone Of this is excep'
~tionally good. Miss Ray played a:
usual and the regular choir was assisted
by Jay Reed and Mrs. c. w. Harding
and Miss Rose McHugh of Bismarck
Mrs. James Mcdonald sang the "Sanc'
tus" very sweetly and Mrs. Harding
rendered several solo parts.
Pink roses were used in lavish profu'
sion todecorate the affairs, supplemented
by white carnations and other flowers
and potted plants adorned altar rail and
window lodges.
i BANQUET.
Following the dedication exercises,
Father Dignam entertained Bishop
Stanley, the visiting priests, Architect
Hancock, the trustees of the church and
the building committee at a banquet in
! the parish house. The place cards
bearing a pen and ink sketch Of the
church and a shamrock in natural colors
the work of Miss Sco6eld-were much
: admired and cherished as souvenirs.
Nc formal speeches were made. The
, hour was one of DELIGHTFUL informal