The Colfax gazette. [volume] (Colfax, Wash.) 1893-1932, 1907-11-22
Work of the Jesuit Fathers.

try, one OF the choicest spots IN the In
land Empire.
Work of the Jesuit Fathers.
The Jesuit fathers established mis-
sion among the Coeur d'Alene Indians
more than 20 years ago. Their first
mission, known as Coeur d'Alene, was
located on the Occur d'Alene River, near
where CataldO station is built, and there
they labored among the Indians, bring
ing them into the fold and in measure
civilizing them. 1t was at this point, on
Christmas, 1851, that was dedicated
historic church, still standing and used
for religious worship, built without the
use OF a nail, there not being pound OF
nails in this entire northwest country.
All supplies used at this mission came
from Walla Walla, the nearest as well as
the only supply point at that time.
Pilgrimages were made when necessary
in OK carts, and it took several weeks to
make the round trip. How different
now
The mission was moved from the
banks OF the Coeur d'Alene River and
established where it is now located in
1881. Its name was changed to De
Smet, after that famous Catholic mis-
sionary who labored among the Indians
from the Missouri River to the Pacific in
the early history of our country, and
who has left name for zeal and intelli-
gence surpassed by no man of his time.
The mission buildings and the Indian
village are located an ampitheater Of
the mountains, on rising gro md against
the wooded hills, and seem be envel-
Oped in a little world all it's own.
Spread before are the gently rolling hills
covered with wheat fields and sleek kline
and comfortable homes, while as back
ground, extending in semi circular shape,
are the wooded mountains, the first
breastWorks of the COeur 'Alene range.
1t is an en- semble of mountain scenery,
Of wooded slope, OF low-lying hills, of
sylvan dells and creeping valleys that
enchant the senses and charm the imag-
nation No wonder that the fathers
selected this beautiful and fertile spot
for their mission, little thinking at the
time, without doubt, that it would soon
be near so much business activity and
wealth, but here it is, secluded, yet with
in touch and hearing OF the hustle and
activity of modern development.
Mission Church and Buildings.
The visitor approaches the mission
with reverence and respect. In the CEN
ter OF a group of buildings stands a
magnificent church, of Roman architect
ure, that can be seen from a distance.
We enter its sacred portals. 1t will
comfortably seat between 800 and 400
people. Many paintings, works OF art,
cover the four walls, and statues and
images are found as in other Catholic
churches. Some OF the fresco work in
and around the altar speak of the skill
and patience it must have taken to
place them as here found. The ceiling is
lofty and there is a feeling of rest and
contentment born of the general fitness
of things.
To the left as you approach the church
are the buildings used for the sisters
school and the living apartments. The
sister superior very kindly showed the
scribe everything connected with this
part OF the mission. Seven sisters live
and work here. enjoying no sinecure.
Contrary to general belief they have two
schools here, one for whites, the other
for Indians. The white girls come from
as far as Montana. Both classes looked