Putnam patriot., 1915-06-11
PUTNAM, CONN. FRIDAY, JUNE II 1915

 able to bring this about He has created new interest in the various church societies and was the organizer Of the Sacred Heart and Holy Name society with large membership The parade of this society in May, 1913, was one of the biggest demonstrations of its kind ever held in this city.
 And now this latest improvement, the largest he has yet undertaken, the building of fine rectory to replace the one that has been in use since 1855, is under way. 1t is evident that af ter 50 years use and service the old rec ctory has become altogether inadequate and the little old two story wooden structure altogether antequated for the needs of parish that is developing as fast as is St. Mary's parish. When the new building is completed it will be one of the most modern, well equip ped, substantial and convenient rec tories in this state and will probably outcass any such building anywhere in parish the size of this.
 The New RectOry
 The new building is to be plain but substantial with an ,eye to long period of use and existence. It will have a foundation of granite, will be of brick with granite trimmings above the ground, and will have a slate roof. It will occupy a site just east of the old building and will be 4SX67 feet and contain in all 2l rooms. It will be sur rounded with spacious piazza and porches and will be three stories in height.
 The basement or cellar will be floored with cement and will contain the boiler room with handy bins for coal; also bin for coal to be used in stoves upstairs. There will be separate places for church and general stores. The laundry will be located here and there will be cupboards and shelves for gen, eral uses as desired.
 On the ground floor will be a kitchen, with a kitchen pantry and serving pantry; ,also maids room. There is short hall then comes din. ing room and two offices on one side and the other pastors chamber, study, bath and toilet rooms. Doors will lead out onto the piazza and porches. All of the rooms will be light and airy
 in, of the building will be two maids cham bers, closets, hall and bath. 0a one. side will be chamber, study and bath and on .the other two chambers and smoking room.
 The third story or attic will contain five chambers, bats and closets.
 The arrangement is most convenient with large halls running north and south. There will be ample room for the accommodation of the pastor and two assistants, as 1t Is intended t9 add Polish priest to the parish, and there will be plenty of room to entertain wis. iting priests whenever occasion re , quires.
 The accompanying picture will give the reader an idea of how fine the building will look when completed.
 CHARLES F. BEDARD
 Rev. Charles F. BedaTd was born in Canada and was educated there at La val university. He was ordained to the priesthood by BishopI Larocque and came to Connecticut to work among the French Canadian popuIa- tioD, 21 years ago. He was curate at St. Mary's church at East Hartford, going from there to Danbury and re- mained at St. Peteris church but two months and then went to St. lJames's parish, sDanielson, and then to St. Anne's church in Waterbury as eurate and iwas subsequently, transferred to St. Anneis church in Hartford.
 Er. Bedard sremained in Hartford i for F years. When he assumed his duties there the church was heavily in debt. During his pasrorate the base ment of the church was remodeled into parish hall, the parochial school was remodeled and improved and it's equipment added to, bell installed and a property was bought and re- modelled into parish house and paid for and the parish grew, fiourised and was left, upon the transfer of Fr. Be dard, in prosperous, healthy condi- tion.
 From the above it may be seen that Er. Bedard had proved himself as an able and efficient executive before he came to this parish where he has contin ued along the same progressive lines. Although the physical welfare and it's rapid development have taxed the timera and energy of the priest he has yet fulfilled his spiritual duties in the parish to the fullest. In the church and home he is minister spiritually and temporarily, ready to listen to the slightest trouble, respond 10 any call, i, extend sympathy to the sick iand needy and his time and talents are at The service of his flock. Is it to be wondered at that St. Mary's parish is advancing in importance, spiritually and temRoreily, under the guidance of a man who commands reverence and love as priest of the church and the confidence, respect and esteem of all eitizeus as man.