The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-05-23

With all the solemnity that charac- terizes the offices for tfeN dead in the Catholic church. funeral services Tor Rev. Father Charles J. McElroy were held this morning at St. Augusflne' church The spacious edif1ce was thronged during the pontihcal mass and it is estimated that at least l, oo0 people were present at the impressive ceremonies.
 The majestic roll of the organ, the chanting of the black robed priests, the incense laden air and the solemn hush that pervaded the church, com bined to form a scene that Will live long in the memories of those who were in attendance. Fully 100 priests took part fin the services They com pIetely filled the chance1 and 1t was then necessary for some to find seats outside the altar rail while others were assigned -toE front pews.
 The interior of the edifce was drap- ed in mourning colors which added to the so1nbre nagnificence Of the pie ture. The pillars were swathed in black as were also the stations of the cloths on the altar and the pulpit was draped in purple
 s-the priests chanted and the choir sang the Latin responses, the kneel- ing crowd of worshippers looked on with awe In the congregafion were V and professional men. Ard near them in the same reverentia1 attitude were persons in the number walks of life. It showed the great hold Father Me- Elroy had upon the afr fections Of those with whom he camezinto contact. : Many persons to whom Father Mc-. Elroy's rare human traits were i'm tinnately known held handkerchiefs to their eyes and wept with unrestrained. emotions as the solemn services pro-. ceeded. They were sorrowful as they realized that noble spirit had de- parted They knew his high ideals and how earnestly he had striven to defend the right both as an American citizen and soldier of God.
 This spirit of mourning had been manifested all during yesterday and in the solemn watches Of the night while the body reposed in state in front of the altar. There was one long procession of people who had come for a last glimpse of the clergy man they had esteemed so highly.
 All through the night devout mem bers of the parish sat on guard over the remains. Men on their way to work this morning stopped at the church to view the features and as the hour grew later the number of visitors increased. By g this morn ing the throng that wished to attend the services began to arrive. 7 The pews were rapidly filled and by 10 o'clock there were no vacant places in the big church except a few seats reserved for the clergy and members of the bereaved family.
 Delegations from the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society formed a guard of honor for the body during the night and members of these same organizations acted as ushers during the services today.
 The ce1ebrant of the mass was Rt. Rev John Milan of Hartford, bishop of the diocese, and q fellow student with Father McEIroy at the Troy seminary. Other officers of the mass were:
 Assistant priest, Very Rev. S. v. G.; deacons of honor, Rev. Treanor; deacon of the mass, Rev. John D. Coyle; sub-deacon, Rev. James B. NihilI; master of ceremon- es, Rev. John G. Murray, chancellor. Rev. Thomas J Finn. P R., | NorwaIk.
 New Hartford, and w. H. Kennedy | ,f Norwich; Censer bearer, Rev. Jo- seph Barry, Midd1etown. i
 At the close of the mass the eu1ogy | vas delivered by Rev. T. J. Finn, F. | R. of St. Mafy's church, Norwa1k. l He lad been curate under Father McElroy in Derby and because of his ong acquaintance with the deceased clergyman was exceptionally qualified | O speak concerning his character and Father Finn is an elo- ,uent speaker and with his fine dic- ion and splendidly carrying voice it vas easy for those far in the rear of he church to hear him. He spoke as folIows:
 Tribute To Dead Priest.
 tsvery reverend and reverend clergy, | fearly beloved brethren and ladies md gentlemen. We are assembled lere today to offer up prayers to the Holy Mother Church for the eternal est of the soul of one who has been faithful dispenser of the exercises if God.
 ssIn the death of Rev. Charles J. NcElroy, the diocese of Hartford has ost an exemplary priest and this par sh of St. Augustine Of Bridgeport parish of which he was proud; the ,arish of his youth and over which 1e later presided in the years of his ,riesth hood-that parish has lost il, ais death an energetic priest.