Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-07-17
100 YEARS old.
Centennial Of the Catholic
Church at Damariscotta,
Duly Observed With Appropri-
ate Religious Exercises.
Oldest Catholic Church Standing
In New England.

~ WSW eu6s 0uVs
Damariscotta, Me-, July 16-The
centennial anniversary celebrating the
building of the Oldest Catholic church
now standing in New England was
held today in st. Patrick's church in
this town. 1t was attended by Bishop
Walsh of Portland and by many
priests from all sections of Maine and
throughout the New England states.
A Solemn Pontifical Mass was cele-
brated by Bishop Walsh. The sermon
was delivered by Rt. Rev. M. c. Nc
Donough of Lewiston, vicar general
of the diocese.
A Catholic church was built in Bos-
ton prior to the erection of the one
here, but the Boston church has been
destroyed. GovrnOr kavanaugh played
an important part in the erection of
this church, subscribing generously to
the building fund. Rev. John Lefevre
de Cheverus, who afterwards became
the first bishop of Boston. made the
trip to this town, a long and tedious
journey at that time, and blessed the
church.
Damariscotta, Me, July 16.-The cell
ebratiOn of the centenary of ST. Pat
ricks Catholic church. the first to be
established in New England, was be-
gun today, over 500 people being in
attendance. The weather conditions are
ideal. the air being cool and the sky
cloudless. At IL A. NJ. the visitors
formed A procession, headed by the st.
Cecilia Boys Band of Lewiston, and
marched 10 the church, where Ponti-
flea, High Mass was celebrated. Right
Rev. Louis 5. Walsh bishop of Port
land, was celebrant. He was assisted
by Right Rev. Mgr. NJ. G.. Melon
ough of Lewiston, vicar general of
Maine. Others assisting at the mass
We're Rev. James NJ. Harrington Of
Orono and the Rev FIR A. A. Hamel as
deacons of honor Rev. A. c. LaRivere
as dracon;- and rev. James A. Carey
as master of ceremonies. Rev M. T..
Curran as thurifier, and Rev. FIR.
j.. J. Ahearn. PASSPORT, the Rev. ]. J.
McGinness, Sanford, and Rev. FIR.
John Houlihan, Dexter, as acolytes In
bred priests in attendance The semi
narians chanted the mass and promi
nent citizens of Portland. Biddeford,
Bangor, Lewiston. Augusta and all
other parts of the State.
After the ceremony the procession
was again formed and marched to
the famous old ,Kavanaugh mansion.
built by Governor Edward kavanaugh
in 1903. The present owners of the
property extended the courtesies of the
house and grounds. A banquet was
spread on the lawn which was attend
ed by the visiting clergymen. presi-
dents of the Maine Historical Society.
the New England Catholic Historical
Society and church dignitaries.
Following the other exercises Right
Rev. Mgr. McDonough of Lewiston de-
livered an historical address of much
interest.
During the day the people visited the
old churchyard and the graves of old
time celebrities with great interest. The
yard Is kept in splendid condition. Es
pecial interest centered in the graves of
Gov. Edward Kavanaugh. John Fitger
aid. a famous Revolutionary soldier. and
Commodore John Madigan of the United
States navy.
About 20 representatives from The two
councils of knights of Columbus in Port
land arrived here on the O'Clock train
from that city this morning. and the
three divisions of the Ancient Order OF
Hiberrinns and the Irish American Re
lief Association are also represented
Other organized bodies throughout the
State have sent delegations and many of
the historical societies throughout New
England are represented.
Since the destruction of the church In
Boston that at one time bore the title Of
oldest" St Patricll's has been so known
Governor Kavanaugh, together With
Bishop Cheverus, Father Matignon. Mi
chael Burns, James Smithwish. Robert
AskinGs and several others of the faith,
subscribed enough money so that the
main portion of the building was COM
pleted and blessed by Bishop Cheverus
who made the long and at the time te-
Continued on rage Ten.)