The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-03-12
Motor Chapel To
 Invade Wilderness
New Departure for the Catholic
 Church Extension Society

The motor propelled church is the latest and most improved mode of car ry1ng religion to the wilderness.
 The first motor chapel ever built in this country will soon enter into duty for the Catholic Church Exten- sion Society to supplement the mis- sionary tasks now being performed by railroad chapels. The car was built by the American Locomotive Com pany on a standard two-ton Alec chassis at a cost to approximate $8,- 500, and will serve in those sections of the Southwest where members of the church are widely scattered on ranches and settlements. It will pen citrate regions that railroads do not reach.
 Starting from Brownsville, Texas, the chapel, in charge of two priests will work it's way along the Rio Grande River westward through the state. It will carry all the religious equipment commonly found in church.
 The car is known as the Motor Chapel St. Peter It was presented to the Extension Society by a member of a western branch of the Woman's Auxiliary.
 In addition to the other equipment a 20 X 50 foot gable roof khaki tent, with 1-2 foot walls, will be carried on top of the chapel. It will be erect e0 ana stretched over the whole car when shelter from rain or protection against the heat of the sun is re- Quired, so that services will be pos sible in all kinds of weather.
 According to the plans announced the car. will remain at each stopping time daily services will be held for all Catholic people in the territory. To assist the priests stereopticon lec- lures the doctrines of the church will be given, the power for the lam tern being supplied by an electric lighting system with which the car is completely provided.
 The equipment includes all the us- uaI church parapherna.lia, and essen tia1s for carrying out the rites of the church in regular formS ana with ap -propriate solemnity.
 The exterior construction readily discIoses the nature of the mission for which the car will be employed. The name of the society is lettered in gold the full length of the car and the side panel discloses the name of the car and the coat of arms of the society. The eight cathedral win dows, with cross design in the cen of the car distinguish it from com mercia1 vehicles and give to it an appearance of individuality.
 A feature of the body is the fold ing door construction and the ingen- iousIy installed drop platform which give approximately double floor space to the car when services are being held. The sides of the car open by means of folding doors, which cover the rear and rear half of the sides and are adjusted to form the sane tuary walls.
 In the center of the platform exten- sions is set the handsome quarter sawed oak com mbinatfon altar and vest ment cabinet, with it's ornamental brass accessories. Along the outer edge of the platform are fitted de- mountable brass standards, with heavy silk cord guards. The floor of the entire platform is covered with deep green Brussels carpet, and a green draped curtain hangs from the platform to the ground.
 Entrance and exit are by an oak stairway fanked by brushed brass standards and brass chain guards. which lead from the ground to the altar.
 In the ecclesiastical equipment are included folding confessional, a folding. organ, and a folding rack fit ted with large tubular bells for out side use and a small chime for use at the altar.
 When the altar is not in use it is pushed to the extreme rear and the space in front is given over to living quarters for the priests. A large oak cabinet fitted with several compart- ments occupies the forward interior space and contains lockers for the personal effects of two persons, lock- CTS for folding cots and bed clothes, drawers for books, stationery, type | writer, cooking utensils, tableware, and a light supply of provisions Another oak cabinet built in one side of the interior of the car con tains compartments for towels, lava tory and drinking water supplies, a medicine cabinet fitted with a mir TOT, and a drop door Arrangement to serve as a com bination wash stand and | typewriting desk. On the, opposite side of the interior is arranged 8 drop leaf, with adjustable metal | brackets, to serve as a writing desk and general table.
 i AS many as three cots can be erect
 ed in berth style, suspended by means | of brass chains, so that the priests l and a chauffeur may be accommodate ed. Two extra army folding cots are | included in the outfit to be used when l desired outside the car
 Two 30 gallon tanks are attached i below the body, one to serve as an | auxiliary gasolene tank and the other as a reservoir for an extra supply of water The general dimension: l of the car are a length over all of 21 | feet; width of feet inches and 8 height from the ground of II feet | inches A number of leaders of the i Catholic Church will be present a l4he dedication which will probably
 take place in Chicago The motor