The Bozeman courier., 1927-07-01

st. Louis. Only three deputations reached !
st. Louis, the first, the second and the
fourth, whilst all the members of the
third expedition under Old Ignace were
massacred by hostile Sioux.
First Priest Among FIatheads
The missionary whom Divine Provi-
dence had chosen for the new fold was
Father Peter j. DeSmet, S. j., who, on
March 27, 1840, set out from st. Louis
under the guidance Of Young Ignace.
City they joined the annual expedition
of the American Fur company and start
ed with a party of some 80 people, April
80, for Green river, which was then the
rendezvous of all western travel.
About the same time that Father De-
Smet left st. Louis for the Rocky noun
tains, Peter Gaucher most unexpectedly
appeared in the F1athead camp on Eight
Mile creek in the Bitter Root valley with
the joyful news that the long-des1red
Blackrobe was surely coming under the
guidance of Young Ignace. Peters home
ward Journey during the ominous
months of winter was remarkable feat.
Death stared him in the face time ana
again through cold, starvation and sheer
exhaustion. The announcement that the
priest was coming filled the whole tribe
with supreme Joy, and the chteI detailed
at once band of 10 warriors to go ahead
and meet the man of God, whilst he was
to follow with the rest OF the tribe. Inc
Westport caravan arrived at Green river
June 80 and here a most pleasing sur
prise was in store for the missionary.
The 10 Flathead warriors who had been
sent ahead to meet him had reached the
spot some time previously and were wait
ing for him. The following Sunday, July
5, Father DeSmet celebrated mass before
motley but respectful crowd OF 1ndl-
ans and white fur traders, trappers and
hunters. The altar was erected on a little
lelevation or mound and decorated With
boughs and garlandS Of wild flowers. The
vault of the temple was Gods own azure
sky, and the floor the boundless expanse
of the wilderness. The spot became
known as 1.-THE Prairie Of the Mass"
Bidding farewell to his travelling COM
| panions the missionary and his Indian
escort proceeded toward the headwaters
of the Snake river, and some eight days
journey through mountain dehles
brought them to the main body of the
Flathead. The latter were encamped in
Pierre Hole valley, on the line that di-
VideS Idaho from wyoming, south OF
Pleasant valley, and had made the jour
ney Of about 800 miles from their home
to meet the Blackrobe. They had beer
joined by detached bands OF Nez-Perces
Pend d'Oreilles, and Kalispell, and num-
bered in all about 1000 souls. In theil
encampment a good lodge or tepee haC
been erected for the missionary. A livel!
demonstration of Joy, in which all, men
women and children took part, made
Father DeSmet most heartily welcome
} With marvellous eagernesS the whOl
tribe set about learning their religion
! duties. 1.-THE great chief" writes th
; missionary, was the first up at the dawl
] o fday, and mounted on his horse, h
rode through the camp to arouse hi
= people, crying out to them: Courage, m
children; open your eyes. Address you
i, first thoughts and words to the Grea
, Spirit. Tell Him that you love Him, an,
l ask Him to have pity on you. Courage
r for the sun is about to appear. 1t i