Putnam patriot., 1916-12-08

quarters Of the order now housed in I
Hsftford.
The celebration of the morning wss
largely attended. PToteslants united
with their Catholic townsmen in at
tending services. The church WAS
filed at all masses and there was a
large gathering of dignitafIes and
clergy Of he church from all parts of
New England Doubtless Rev Fr.
Nygen was present in the spirit TO be-
STOW blessing upon the assent lage.
The heart and the thoughts of FIR Van
zen MORT in far-otf Holland flew across
the broad Atlantic and were with his
beloved people. Rev. Charles Bedard
was present in person to listen 10 the
commentator and praise both of his
predecessors and himself for the work
done and being done for this important
parish. The fine new rectory WAS
spoken of time and again as a monu-
ment to FIR. Bedard's energy and abii-
ty. The reduction of the church debt,
the line new quarters for the parochiai
school, the fine cemetery property,
and every and all of the great i'm
provements made within the past few
years were touched upon. 1t was a
united parish membership that took
part in the fiftieth anniversary eelebra-
lion, proud of the parish, proud of its
pastor, proud of its leaders aud proud
TO be members of this large congrega-
ton. From the scattered families that
the missionaries came 10 minister TO,
the parish has grown to number 1000
souls of five nationalities and ranks
we'll with any parish in the state.
The formal celebration of the Golden
Anniversary begun al O'Clock in the
morning. In the darkness, long be-
fore sunrise the working people Of the
parish gathered al the church for early
mass which was celebrated by Rev.
Adrian by keman, assistant to The pas
tor. The church was well filled with
worshippers.
o'clock just as the sun vas coming up
over the eastern hills forcasuug a glo-
fious fall day. This mass was especial.
Is for the children and they turned out
in large numbers. The mass was cele-
DRAFTED by the pastor, Rev.C.F f. Bedard.
AT O'Clock followed the the solemn
pontilical high mass celebrated by
Rev Archbishop Roy, auxiliary of
Cardinal Begin Of Qaehec. The arch.
bishop was assisted in the service by
Err Van Open with Rev. E. Lemon
fagne acting as deacon and Rev. b. vi.
Donnelly rs sub deacon.
The large auditorium of the church
was crowded to the doors. Bishop J j.
Milan of the Hartford diocese was pres
ent, also many visiting clergymen. 1t
was glorious service such as has sci.
dom been seen in Putnam.
Following the mass Rev. L. Belle.
rose of Taftville, former North Gros-
venoFdale boy, delivered a short ad
dress in French, taking for his theme,
"The Church and Home.' His re-
marks were punctuated with words of
commentator and praise for the pres
ent condition of the parish and for
those who had labored so faithfully
ana so well for the past fifty years to
bring about this present most saIisfac-
tory status. He congratulated those
who were members of the parish in
being so blessed in their religious en-
vironment.
Rev. Walter McCrann, assistant pas
tor at Norwalk, former Putnam
young man, delivered an address in
English. He outlined the growth of
the parish from the insignificant mis-
sionary field to its present Importance
with membership of 1000, half the
population of the city. He touched on
the various events as they occurred
during the fifty years of progress and
congratulated the priests and the peo-
pie upon the Importance of the parish
at this time of their golden anniversa-
~ celebration. He predicted . bright
future for the parish under the able
guidance Of the pastor.
There was special music by the full
Nine O'clock choir, under the direc.
ton of Miss Elizabeth Byrne, director
and church organist. The music was
beautiful and the best ever heard In
the ehurch. The choir WAS assisted by
an orchestra composed of Emmetg Ir.
wing, LIST violin, Henry Gsgne, End
violin, Amide Lucier, cornet, Henry
Gaudette, flute and William Pechie,
bass.
At the ofiertory duet, Ave Maria,
was beautifully sung by Miss Lorens
Gallant, soprano' and Ovilia Guertin,
bsss. The choir rendered Losch's
mass. The volume and tone Of the
united choir was excellent.
At one O'Clock dinner was served
to the church dignateries aud visiting
clergymen, at the new rectory.
The celebration will close this even.
ing with solemn pontifical vespers and
benedi ,tion, Rev. Archbishop Roy of
Quebec officiating.
Music will again be furnished by the
Nine O'Clock choir and orchestra, the
choir singing Mattield' yesper service.
There will be duet, $40 Jesu Nile,
sung by Joseph Riyard, tenor, and