Arizona republican., 1906-03-16
CATHOLIC CHURCH.

CATHOLIC CHURCH.
 The first religious services of tha Catholic church were conducted by Rev. A. Eschallier of Florence, AriZ., as early as the commencement of the survey of the city in 1870, and then at regular intervals. A congregation was not organized until 1880. when an adobe churcn was built under the di- rection of the very Rev Edward Gerard of Tucson. This church build ing was dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 1882 the parish ob- tained a resident priest in the person of the Rev. Joseph Bloise, who was succeeded by the Rev. F. H. Jonven- ceau in 1SS7 The rapid growth of the congregation by English speaking Catholics made it necessary to give Father Jonvenceau an assistant. Rev. P. Timmermans. now pastor of Cliff ton and Morenci, and Rev. Michael Vandermaeen, now pastor of Yuma, successively held that position.
 In January, 1896, the parish was en- trusted by the right reverened bishop to the care of the Franciscan Fathers of the province of St. Louis Mo. who now attend to the spiritual needs of the congregation.
 Following is the list of rectOrs of the parish since 1896: Rev. Seraphim Lampe, O. r. NJ. January. 1S96-Aug- ust. 1896; Rev. Novatus Benzing. O.. F. NJ, August. 1S96- September. 1903; Rev. Matthias Rechteiner, O. r. NJ, September, l9O3-August, 1904. Since then Rev. Novatus Benzing. O. F. NJ, is again in charge of the parish.
 Besides great number of individual Catholics the congregation at present consists of 127 English speaking fam flies. Great efforts have been made toward bringing under religious inhu- ences the Mexicans who live in the valley New churches were erected for them at Wickenburg in 1901, and at Tempe in 1909.
 Efforts among the Pima Indians of the county have proved more success ful. Cnapels have been built for them at Gila Crossing, Salt River Reserya- tion and Casa Blanca. At Gila Cross ing a most prosperous day and board ing school with 1S6 pupils is conduct ed by the Sisters of St. Joseph.
 In Phoenix the old adobe church was replaced in 1902 by the construc- tion of the basement for a new church at a cost of $16. .OOO. The same was dedicated in February, 1903, under the title of the Immaculate Conception by the Rt Rev. Henry Granjon, bishop of Tucson. Its seating capacity is 500. With the steady growth of the parish it is hoped that means will be found to complete the building at some fu- ture date.
 With the church are also connected various religious societies, as the Altar society. Watchers guild, an English and spanish branch Of the third order of St. Francis, and a Spanish branch of the Society of the Children of Mary.
 The order of religious services with English and Spanish sermons is most complete. Every Sunday throughout the entire year three masses are cele- brated and three sermons are preached, two in English and one in Spanish, be- sides services every Sunday and Fri day evening and many other occasions.
 The young are provided with. five ance of the pastor. his assistants and the teachers of the parish school.
 The Catholic Social Union provides amusements for resident and visiting Catholics. It holds its social meetings at St. Anthony's hall, in one Of the school buildings every Tuesday even ing
 St. Joseph's hospital. managed ex- clusively by the Sisters of Mercy, has twice in late years enlarged it's capac- ity Although it is not free institu- tiOn, no one forgets that it always has served charity patients. that it is not q money y-making institution. and that its very existence is a blessing to the community