Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-06
ERVEDTWENTY YEARS
REV. VALENTINE F. sCHMITT TO
OBSERVE ANNIVERSARY.

Rev. Valentine F. Schmitt pastor of st.
Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, located
at Sd and C streets northeast is rounding
his twentieth year of service as pastor of
this church, and the circumstance will be
impressively observed with the celebration
in commemoration Of the event. Great in
terest is already being manifested by the
congregation in the anniversary, many hav-
ing called at the rectory to extend their
congratulations to Father Schmitt in recog-
milton of his fidelity and achievements.
Those who have been members of the con-
gregation throughout the pastorate Of
Father Schmitt declare that his ministration
has been a most successful one, and that
not only have the parishioners profited
through his priestly zeal in the working out
of his divine calling, but that his admins
trative ability has weighed nightly in
seph's Church property.
Out of Difference to the wishes of
Father Schmitt the celebration will be
purely of a religious character. The pastor
high mass at 1870 o'clock Sunday morning,
with Rev. Ignatius Fealy, the assistant
pastor Of the church. as deacon. The SER
mon for the occasion will be delivered by
Rev. Timothy Crowley of the Dominican
House Of Studies at the Catholic University
of America. The regular choir of the
church will furnish the music for the serv-
ice. This organization is made up exclu-
sively of young ladies, under the direction
of one of the Sisters of Notre Dame in con-
nection with the parish school, The sister
also presides at the organ. 1t Is declared
that few choirs of local Catholic churches
are better versed in the more approved
scores Of church music, and their interpre-
tation Is said to be of most creditable
has been prepared for the anniversary cere-
mony Sunday. Under the direction Of
Father Fealy. comprehensive scheme of
sanctuary decoration is being prepared,
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boys will be emphasized. Indeed, practical
~ all of those engaged in various labors
in connection with the church have been
vying with one another in preparations,
that the day may be memorable one for
Father Schmitt.
st. Joseph's Church has had an interesting
history, in which Father schmitt has played
dominant part. It was started in 1868
bered by the older residents Of this city
as a wartime" pastor of st. Aloysius
Church. The cornerstone was laid by Car
dinal Gibbons october 25, 1868.
Father Schmitt has a notable record of
service with the federal forces during the
civil war, and is an active member Of the
Grand Army Of the Republic. He is declared
to have accomplished great deal Of good
during his pastorate of twenty years. ST.
Joseph's parish has been the scene Of much
activity during the past two years, and
many improvements are In contemplation.
1t is the desire. of Father Schmitt and
Father F'ealy that their church should
anticipate, if need be. the very ma
terial improvement that is expected to
accrue in that section of the northeast
after the completion of the new union sta
ton. 1t is their belief that Greater Wash
ington will more than ever be the Mecca
of travellers. and they are promoting
movement in the church to make st.
Joseph's, which is close to the terminal,
one OF the most notable of the Catholic
edihces of the city. Many of the promi-
nent members of the parish giving
serious thought to the desires of their
clergy In this regard and, in voicing like
ambition, express the hope that Father
Schmitt may be spared to direct the further
Identification and enlargement of the par
ish property.