Charlevoix county herald., 1912-11-30


has given the famous Mount
of the Holy Cross its name
several Colorado churchmen partici
pated In a unique and impressive com
nnemorative service a short time ago
Bishop Benjamin Brewster. Arch
deacon Dennis, Rev. J. w. Hard OF
GSienwood Springs, and Rev. T. {
smith OF Grand Junction. Colo, braVed
The hardsflips of one of the toughest
ssteepest trails In the Rocky mountains
tn opder to make long-contemplated
pilgrimage 20 the Mount OF the Holy
Gross. The star and scrip OF these
modern pilgrims was represented by
blanket rolls, knapsacks. grub" and
religious yestments. Supplies were
packed on burros as far as those faith
fui and sure-footed animals could be
taken. Then the pilgrims struggled
the rest OF the way on foot, crawling
ever huge boulders and risking life
and limb until at last they had reach
"a place on Notch mountain. far
above timber line, from which glori-
GUS view of the Mount OF the Holy
GROSS rewarded their efforts.
After selecting large rock as the
altar. the churchmen donned their re-
ligious Vestments, and the commem-
oratiye service was held. after which
the altar was marked with n cross OF
loose stones.
inspiration for Artists.
J Sishop Brewster's missionary dis
7tFsct Ga western Colorado includes the
Mcunt OF the Holy Cross, which has
inspired poets and painters for gen
s>rations. A trip to the mountain has
been long in contemplation and a
short time ago the start was made
from Red Cliff The difficulties of
the journey were we'll understood by
the churchmen, who have all lived
IN the Rocky mountain country many
years. There are only two available
routes from Red Cliff. one being Is
miles long, with mountain climb at
tho end, and the other up the can
Won, a route some six or eight miles
IN actual length, but taxing the
strength OF the best mountain climber
all the way. The latter route was
chosen with Il miner of the neighbor-
hood as a guide.
The dignified churchmen scrambled
NO che creek bed. alternately pushing
AVID pulling the burros on which had
been packed their camp equipage.
Camp was made at night, well up the
divide, and the next morning the bur
ros were left behind. while the pill.
grims started on the rough and peril
Gus part of the ascent. After climb
ing the divide. the clergymen found
Notch mountain looming in the fore
ground Notch mountain faces the
Mount OF the Holy Cross. From its
TOP one can look across great rock
strewn basin, above timberline, and
can get the full majesty OF the giant
Cross OF snow which gives the larger
mountain It's name. Notch mountain
above Underline. is simply a grea
pile of boulders thrown together al
ir from tho wheelbarrow of some
giant workman. Scrambling over these
boulders proved hard and dangerouI
work, and with torn clothes ant
bleeding hands the clergymen finali!
fsJOOQ Ou anu
X superb view of the object OF thei
trip.
A storm was threatening. but a.
the religious service on the mountain
progressed, the clouds lifted and tn,
cross OF snow doomed white in tn
sunshine. The clergymen unite Il
declaring that It was the most impres
siye hour OF their lives Snow field
we're or every hand. and the pine-cla
Rockies stretched out below. In tn
Immediate vicinity, however. Their
was no yerdure. save the Alpine fov
ers and grasses that flourish abov
tJmberline. even in the rockiest loca
sites. Longs Peak and other prom
aent mountains could be seen in tn
distance, and TO the north the in
pressiye Gorge range was outline
against the sky.
There should be some means OF lie
ting the public glimpse this impret
sive spectacle" said Rev. f. G. Smitl
who took part in the Holy Cross SER
Ice "This view Is one OF the creates
IN the world. beyond all doubt. A ira
could be made from Red Cliff. whic
would enable tourists to make th
round trip In a day, with an earl
start Even with the trail In It's pre-