The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1917-12-29

Camp Gordon, Atlanta, Ca, Dec ii.
Billy Sunday, famed as the origina-
tor of The firebrand "hit-the-trail" va
riety of soul-saving, is having his own
troubles down in this Southern state.
With record of seven weeks behind
him, Sunday is having more trouble
getting enthusiastic crowds than ever,
in his life. And he admits it.
One evening this week Sunday
threatened to quit when only 1900
turned out in bad weather to hear and
to see him. True, the stormy weather
kept them away, but out at Camp
Gordon, where 10000 sons of Uncle
Sam are being conditioned to meet the
foes of democracy, between 1000 and
5000 men arise in the early morn,
face bleak winds and tramp several
miles in some instances to attend Mass
at the Knights of Columbus hall.
Billy Sunday never tried a. m.
serEce, so the comparison is some
what strained, but, nevertheless, the
fact that four of the six Masses at
his single evening service is rather "a
shock to the Sundayites. At the 8,
$3.50, 9 and $3.50 o'clock Masses at the
K. of G. hall the Catholic soldiers wor-
ship in manner that has been a
startling revelation to the non-Catho-
lie brethren, many of whom have made
special trips to the camp in order to
see the phenomenon of thousands of
American youths indulging in divine
service.
Hundreds Of Communicates Weekly.
In truth, the Knights of Columbus
building coupled with the Northern
troops now quartered here have done
much missionary work for the Church.
Many years of antagonism against
Catholicism have hardened the hearts
of Southern Professionals, but few
months of true-hearted religion, prac-
ticed quietly but reverently thirteen
miles from the big city, have brought
about marvellous changes. Non-Cath-
olics are awakening to the lesson that
is presented at their doors and are
daily becoming more tolerant and con-
sequently less biased.
There are six Masses celebrated at
Camp Gordon every Sunday. The first
is at o'clock and is attended mainly
by communicates, numbering hundreds
weekly. At the succeeding Masses the
building is crowded to the doors with
soldiers, and the evening service is
likewise attracting more than a thou
sand every Sunday.
Plans are now under way for the
Christmas season, when it is hoped
that every soldier will approach the
sacraments. Three priests are now
connected with the camp. The post
chaplain is the Rev. James A. Horton,
of Atlanta; his assistant is the Rev.
B. Bellama, of Birmingham, Ala. The
Rev. Frank A. Wanenmachei is regi-
mental chaplain of the Three Hundred
and Twentyseventh Infantry. Another
priest has been appointed to the X. of
G. building for special work among the
Slavs of the camp, but his name has
not been made public.
Everybody WeIcome."
Aside from the spiritual work of the
X. of c. building, much has been &C.
complished to make the camp home
like and enjoyable for the boys. The
big recreation hall is considered one
of the prettiest in any camp, and is
more popular than any one of the ten
Y. M. c. A. buildings. A pianola dis
penses music all day long and VIC
trola vies with the other instrument for
popularity. Four or five entertain
ments a week are staged, the talent
being provided either from among the
professional talent in camp or by cit
liens of Atlanta. Basketball practice
is under way and every conceivable
method of recreation is to be had. The
most popular offering of the building,
however, is the unlimited stationery
placed at the disposal of the men.
Last Sunday more than eleven hundred