Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1912-12-17

amongst whom were many of
Father Brennan's converts. The con-
tirmation exercises in the Catholic
church are very impressive. The
candidates for confirmation assembled
in the old church at three o'clock,
and together with the Rt. Rev.
Bishop and attending clergy, marched
to the new church. After prayer by
the Bishop, the examination of the
candidates by the Bishop took, place.
This examination in Christian doc
trine was interesting and instructive,
not only to the candidates, but also
the great throng that had come to
the church to witness the confirma-
tion exercises. This being concluded,
and the Bishop being satisfied as to
the fitness of the candidates, his
Lordship assembled the throne and
vested for the ceremony. The cere-
mony though brief is evidently full of
significance, and all present took a
lively interest in everything through
out, After the confirmation exercises
the Bishop preached short but very
interesting and instructive sermon.
In kind, fatherly manner he warned
the young people of the dangers to
their faith which surround them on
hand in our times. He told them
eloquently of the Importance of pray
er, and of frequenting the Sacraments
of the church, and assured them that,
if they would follow the direction of
their church in matters spiritual,
they would be happy in time and in
eternity. After the sermon the Bishop
proceeded to the altar and, assisted
by the clergy, gave Benediction of the
Blessed Sacrament
This concluded the exercises of the
day--a day long to be remembered by
many of our citizens--a red-letter day
in Wausan.
About forty priests from all parts
of the state, and even some from out
of the state were present and assisted
in the ceremonies. The Bishop and
priests were served an elaborate din
ner in the st. James hall at 1890
by the ladies of ST. Monicas society,
turkey being the prominent dish on
the menu. The hall was beautifully
and lastly decorated with cut flowers
and palms. After-dinner-talks were
given by the Bishop and several
priests. The ladies of st. Monica's
society will also serve supper at
J O'Clock TO the Bishop and visiting
priests.
The Bishop will depart tomorrow
morning for Athens where he will adj
minister the sacrament of confrma-
ton to a large class of candidates
Thursday morning. That he leaves
Wausau well pleased with the present
condition and future prospect OF
Catholicity in this city, was very evil
dent from his remarks during the
day, but especially from his sermon
at the confirmation exercises.
REMINISCENT.
The first Catholic service held in
Wausau was at the home of Hon. w.
d. McIndoe, on what was formerly
called Main street, now First, on the
spot where now stands the public
library, in 1S49, Rev. Fir. S. Dale, a
missionary priest, officiating. There
were then only about 400 settlers in
the village, about 100 of whom pro-
fessed tie Catholic faith. He was
followed by other priests, periodically,
until 1857, when services were held in
G. A. Singles hall every two months,
and in 1860 in Ringle's hall, and
monthly services later in the old
engine house. The same year a
lot was secured, which adjoins St
Mary's church location, and deed
was secured for said lot on the 10th
of July, 1851, for $50. The first Cath
ole church building was begun in
1867 and finished and dedicated some
time later. In 1875 there were 8
Catholic families in Wausau, or about
400 members. Since then there have
been three congregations created il
Wausau and five churches established
and erected, three of which have beer
lsupercedei by larger and more mod
ern buildings, the last being ST
James new and imposing edifce. VI
to present date there are about $50
enrolled members of the faith in al
tendance regularly al these thre
churches. AT the present time Their
are 800 families members of st james
, church and individual mem bership O
: 1900.
A spick, span new stock Of the yer
latest styles of oyercoa-s for meh an
boys can be found al Seim Bros
manufactured from the best Of ma
terials and at decent Dri',es for goo
4 goods and artistic Tailoring. at Seil
= Bros exclusive clothing store, opp
Il -