USA > Illinois > Stephenson County > The history of Catholicity in Stephenson County; Illinois > Part 4
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The main altar span is raised two steps above the floor of the nave and occupies 24 x 25 feet of space ; the side altars, 7 x 18 feet. The pulpit, of different woods, is handsomely finished and durably constructed.
There is a large sacristy at the north of the main altar, and a robing room for the boys is on the south side. In the basement of the church there is a large winter chapel, also furnace rooms, coal rooms, etc.
The parochial house has two stories and a basement in height; it contains twenty-one rooms and four closets. In the basement there are two pantries, a dining room, a store room and wine vaults.
Owing to the grade of the lot, which slopes to Union Street, the basement rooms, both in the house and church, have pleasant open frontage.
The first floor of the parochial house has an ante-hall seven feet in width, separated from the foyer hall by a stairway ; in the
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latter there is a handsome oak staircase, the balustrade of which contains 3,000 pieces. On the right of the hall is a reception room, an entrance to the church and a west chamber ; on the left are two libraries. There is also the pastor's bedroom, and a closet on this floor. The windows in the east and west ends of these rooms are set in curved fronts.
The second floor has a library and living room over similar rooms on the first floor, with assistant priest's chamber, bath room, clothes closet, etc.
On the third story, there are four large rooms; one for a store room ; another for a general room and two large bright rooms for the housekeeper.
The house, like the church, is built of stone, with terra cotta trimminngs. The entire expense of the church, when completed and furnished, was over $40,000.
For convenience in all its parts and good taste in all its appointments, it is not surpassed by any church, outside of Chicago. Well lighted with gas, comfortably heated with steam in winter and admirably ventilated in summer, worshipers find it free from distracting discomforts, and come to it as to a haven of rest and peace.
The parochial house adjoins the church, and communicates with it, by means of a vestry. It is comfortably, though not expensively furnished ; all the pieces are of hard wood, upholstered with plush or with leather. The mantles are elegant and below them are fine fire-places, beautifully tiled, some of them con- taining gas logs which, when lit, on a chilly evening, give de- lightful warmth and "a dim religious light " provocative of reflection and meditation.
On the walls of the parlor are two pictures, highly prized by the pastor, to whom they were personally presented, one, of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, by the Sisters of Mercy of St. Xavier's Academy, Chicago, and the other, a life size portrait of Cardinal Gibbons, by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Wis. Both are painted in oil and are the work of artists belonging to the com- munities that presented them.
HIGH SCHOOL SRIDENTS' LIBRARY
S ANGELES CAL.
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The Cardinal sat especially for the portrait and considers it one of his best pictures.
Aside from its excellent furnishings, St. Mary's Rectory is one of the prettiest and pleasantest dwellings imaginable ; there is not a dull, ill-lighted or, in any sense, unpleasant room to be found in it, from basement to garret.
The interior of the church is grandly furnished. The altars of marble and onyx are very beautiful ; the walls are frescoed in water colors, the work of David Dasso of Chicago, and the aisles are matted. The sacristy memorial windows bear the names of: Revs. John Cavanaugh, Ferdinand Kalvalage, Thomas O'Gara, Thomas Kennedy, George Rigby, M. J. Hanley, T. L. Hendricks, F. J. Murtaugh, M. Stack, Thomas F. Mangan and M. Welby.
The plans for the new church were drawn by G. Stanley Mansfield, of Freeport, the architect, and being found perfectly satisfactory, by the committee who had the matter in charge, were accepted. Everything connected with the building of the new edifice has been creditable to the designer.
One of the very satisfactory features of the affairs of St. Mary's Church is the harmonious completeness with which every thing was arranged, from the very first. There has been no lack of proper and suitable altar furnishings, no shabby, half-worn vestments, no defects or deficiencies anywhere; everything essential to the ceremonial of the Catholic Church has been present, and all things have been new together.
The choir, which has an excellent name, for fine voices and good work, comprises the following young people: Miss Mary Brennan, organist ; Mrs. Leo Thro, Miss Maggie Carey, Mrs. M. Ellsworth, sopranos; Miss Jennie P. Tracy, mezzo soprano ; Miss Nonie Reardon, contralto; John P. Lawless, tenor; Edward Lawless, baritone; John Rau, Frank Rogers, bassos. J. E. Car- roll, the able director, drills the choir and keeps it up to its high standard.
That there should have been a universal sentiment of joy among the parishioners, on the completion of the church, was quite natural, and it is needless to state that its dedication was a
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matter of special interest to each of them, for the occasion was one of personal as well as general satisfaction.
THE SOLEMN OPENING OF ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
In the presence of a large number of clergymen and other friends and spectators, from home and abroad, the first solemn
SIDE VIEW OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
opening of St. Mary's new Catholic Church occurred on Wednes- day, October 28, 1891.
It was the intention to dedicate the sacred edifice on this occasion, but in consequence of the illness of Archbishop Feehan, and the non-arrival of Bishop Cotter of Winona, Minn., whom the archbishop supposed to be present to act in his place, the
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dedication was necessarily deferred. The disappointment was greater than words can express, for every man, woman and child had been actively engaged in making grand preparations for the- occasion, and all were generously interested in its success, towards. which all had contributed both labor and money.
The Catholics of Freeport have every reason to be proud of the work accomplished by them in the year 1891, and Rev. W. A. Horan is to be congratulated on the grand success which, in union with his devoted people, he has achieved.
In one short year, he caused the erection of a church, also of a. parochial residence, freeing both of them, in the same brief period, from every cent of debt. Nor is this all; the school house was. enlarged and a beautiful hall, for public purposes, was constructed above the school rooms. Too much praise cannot be accorded the superlative energy that accomplished so much in so short a. time. The expressions of appreciation and admiration that the speakers of the day lavished on the pastor of St. Mary's were richly merited by him and were music to the ears of his devoted flock.
At 10 o'clock, on the eventful day of the solemn opening of St. Mary's new church, an immense throng of parishioners and guests was present in the handsome edifice. The altars appeared even more beautiful than usual, plants and flowers being used in great quantities as decorations. The services throughout, were very impressive and in perfect keeping with the occasion. Rev. Father F. Kalvalege of St. Francis' Church, Chicago, the veteran clergyman, who was the second pastor of St. Mary's Church, was the celebrant of the Mass; Father White of Wisconsin, was the deacon ; Father Flaherty of Rockford, sub-deacon ; Father Byrne of Rockford, master of ceremonies. The sermon, which was elo- quent and appropriate, was delivered by Rev. P. J. Muldoon, chancellor of the archdiocese of Chicago, a man of great ability, a brilliant orator and a zealous priest, who could not fail to be inspired by an occasion so entirely in accord with his own desires. and aims.
The speaker based his remarks on the words "His house will be the house of prayer," and said: "No words can be too
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strong, too expressive, with which to thank the people for their generosity in giving this noble gift to God. It is, indeed worthy to be a house of prayer, emblematic of all that is good. What is prayer, but speech with God ? And where may we so fittingly speak with Him, as in the temple erected to His honor, by a lively faith and supernatural charity ? Then we must believe in some
CH
REAR VIEW OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH AND RESIDENCE.
higher being, else we cannot have prayer, and not having prayer we would not need a house of worship. It is from God we receive all kindness and mercy ; to Him we owe, for that reason, the unbounded thanks that will be offered unceasingly in this His temple.
" In the building and erection of every church there is shown a belief in God. It is not from earthly vanity that these temples are reared. We realize there is a God from whom we receive all
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blessings. Our hopes are not on the earth, for we have not our abiding city here. We understand that there is a home above, and it is for that reason that we give loud acclamations in tones of joy, when such temples are built. These buildings declare that there is a God and that we are held responsible for our deeds with regard to our neighbor and to our God. The erection of such a structure must be based on a desire to love and serve God.
" We are here to-day and away to-morrow. We must account for the things in our possession. We are to use our abilities for God. We cannot prepare for heaven in a moment. It is our duty and we are expected always to do good.
" I can say no words too strong in praise of the work of St. Mary's congregation. I do not say it with flattery, and I say it after having seen all the churches of the diocese, that there is none more beautiful than this. There may be some grander and larger, none are more complete, none more artistic. You have seen great changes in your parish in a year. The old church, which stood so many years, has been replaced by an edifice com- plete and furnished throughout.
" In olden times the people were not allowed to present any- thing to God that was defiled or imperfect. You seemed to have this object in view when you prepared your church to give to Him. You have brought it to Him without a blemish. Your work is wonderful, when you consider the size of the parish and the size of the city itself. It is always easy to build a church, but many times it is difficult to pay for it, when finished.
" When we see this people carry their gift to God, we call it wonderful. It shows love for Almighty God and it recalls visions of the olden time, when the people came bearing their most precious gifts. It is not the mechanic nor the designer who has done this, but the spirit which has opened the hearts in generosity. May you live long to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
"Some of you may have heard thirty years ago the same voice asking blessing upon the seed he had sown, that you hear to-day blessing the growth thereof.
" Here is where your children will receive their first blessing.
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It is here that you will be carried on your journey to your last. home.
" In all that has been done you should be thankful to God. Nobody can do much unless there is some guiding star. You have had your guiding star. He has led you to become an ex- ample of zeal to the people of the diocese. Pray for him, that he may be spared to you and may be led on to complete his great work.
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AN INTERIOR VIEW OF ST. MARY'S PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE.
" God will return a hundredfold what you have given Him. With a church, home and school, you have all that goes to make up a great congregation and to fit your children to become true American citizens. In all this, love and thank Him, for no. praise can be too much, in return for such favors."
Hayden's Imperial Mass was rendered by ladies and gentle- men of Chicago, Mr. Winder presiding at the organ. It was a. magnificent treat in the church music line. Mrs. Dr. Hemmi
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rendered a soprano solo, " O Salutaris," Mr. A. E. Dasso gave the " Veni Creator " as a tenor solo, and Miss Coffee, Mrs. Hemmi and Mr. Dasso sang a trio.
After mass, all repaired to the new hall which had been handsomely decorated with flags, bunting and pictures. There at noon a banquet was given to the clergymen and others in at- tendance.
Great credit was given the ladies of St. Mary's Church, both young and old, for the magnificent spread they prepared, as well as for the beautiful arrangement of the tables and the elegant serving of the repast.
A number of toasts were proposed and happily responded to by several clergymen in attendance, who were loud in praise of Freeport and Freeporters.
The Chicago choir and the members of the home choir were entertained at the parochial residence.
The clergymen who were in attendance at the solemn open- ing were :-
Rev. Thos. F. Cashman, Chicago.
Rev. Daniel McGuire, Chicago. Rev. F. W. Pape, New Vienna, Ia. Rev. D. B. Toomey, Polo, Ill.
Rev. L. Erhard, Somonack, Ill. Rev. J. J. Flaherty, Rock ford, Ill. Rev. Stephen Woulfe, Rockford, Ill. Rev. W. White, Hammond, Wis. Rev. J. Nicholas, Elkhorn, Wis. Rev. A. Beuter, Shannon, Ill.
Rev. H. M. Fegers, Sterling, Ill.
Rev. O'Connor, chancellor Peoria diocese, Peoria, Ill.
Rev. F. L. DuFour, Niagara, N. Y.
Rev. P. J. Muldoon, Chicago.
Rev. F. Kalvalege, Chicago. Rev. J. E. Shanahan, Apple River. Rev. M. Luby, Maytown, Ill.
Rev. A. O. Walker, Sinsinawa. Rev. P. F. Byrne, Rockford, Ill.
Rev. A. J. Carroll, Rochelle, Ill. Rev. G. Brady, Portage, Wis. Rev. C. Hudt, Hampshire, Ill.
Rev. F. Antil, Savanna, Ill.
Rev. J. F. Power, Spring Valley, Ill.
Rev. Weldon, Bloomington, Ill. Rev. Shannon, Brimfield, Ill.
Rev. C. Kalvalege, Freeport.
Michael Horan, father of Father Horan, Miss Horan, a sister, Michael and Thomas, brothers, all of DeKalb, and Stephen, another brother, of Rockford, were also in attendance.
Many letters of regret were received by Father Horan from all over the country. Bishop J. Shanley of Fargo, North Dakota, wrote as follows :
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DEAR FATHER HORAN :- I cannot tell you my disappoint- ment at being unable to be present at your church consecration Oct. 28th. Over a month ago I promised to begin a week's mission in Fairbault, Minn., on Oct. 25th. I have tried to change the time of the mission, but without success. Your good people and yourself deserve all honors for your wonderful work, and for that reason, as well as for my deep regard for yourself, I would wish to be with you on that great day. With best wishes,
Fraternally yours,
J. SHANLEY.
E
AN INTERIOR VIEW OF ST. MARY'S PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE.
His grace, Bishop M. F. Burke of the Cheyenne Diocese, writes from St. Mary's Cathedral under date of Oct. 21. He says :
DEAR FATHER HORAN :- I have been away from home at the Indian mission in the interior of the State for the past two weeks, and on my return I found awaiting me, your very kind letter of invitation to be present at your dedication, on the 28th inst. I thank you very much for your kindness and sincerely regret that it will be quite impossible for me to be with you on the happy occasion. I am engaged this week; next week
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will be all alone and could not possibly get away even if the dis- tance were not so great. Trusting to have the pleasure of visiting you on some other occasion, and wishing that you may be long spared to your good and generous people to enjoy your beautiful church, I am with great respect,
Very kindly yours,
M. F. BURKE.
A sacred concert was given at St. Mary's Church after the opening ceremonies and was in all respects worthy of the ladies- and gentlemen from Chicago who participated, and highly ap- preciated by the very large audience that had assembled. There. were present many of Freeport's representative citizens, and none but words of praise were heard regarding the efforts of those who, were on the program.
The first number was the gloria from Mozart's 12th Mass,. given with fine effect and in good chorus by the choir. This was- followed by an alto solo, " Dreams," by Streliski, rendered by Miss Frances McCaffrey, a lady who has a beautiful voice that she knows well how to use. Later in the evening, she sang a selection from Handel's Messiah, " He was despised and rejected," displaying to good advantage the remarkable strength of her voice. Agustin E. Dasso, who belongs to the choir of St. Patrick's. Church, sang " Cujus Animam," by Rossini, in a clear and high tenor voice, and in a highly acceptable manner ; this was followed by a solo, " Aria Attilla," given by Mrs. Dr. S. Hemmi, in a soprano, voice of wide range, cultivation and sweetness. She quite capti- vated the audience. " Inflammatus," by Rossini, was a soprano. solo and chorus that made a good impression, Mrs. E. G. Stevenson. taking the solo part. This was followed by a bass solo, " Pro- Peccatis," F. A. Langlois singing for the first time in Freeport. This gentleman is a member of the cathedral quartette and it is always a pleasure to hear him, for he is a favorite everywhere .. Mr. Langlois and Charles Moore, the well known tenor of St. Mary's, Chicago, sang "O Salutaris," by Verdi, in a manner that was highly appreciated. Carl Bernhard, the baritone soloist of St. James', was also with the party, and his rendering of "The Jewess " evinced talent of high order. The trio " Te
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Prego O Padre," gave ample scope for the excellent voices of Mrs. Hemmi, A. E. Dasso and F. A. Langlois. The last number on the program, " Good Night," was the finale to a concert that was richly enjoyed by every one whose good fortune it was to attend. Should these ladies and gentlemen appear in a concert in Freeport again, it is certain they will be warmly welcomed.
G. STANLEY MANSFIELD,
Architect of St. Mary's New Church and Parochial Residence.
John H. Winder, the organist of St. Patrick's church, Chicago, a gentleman eniment in his profession, played the accompaniments on the pipe organ. David Dasso made the arrangements for the concert, and his efforts were sincerely appreciated by the people of St. Mary's and by other interested citizens.
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ST. MARY'S HALL AND ST. MARY'S SCHOOL BUILDING.
Next to the church, Father Horan and his people hold the school to be the most precious possession of the congregation. To its progress the pastor has ever devoted an untiring energy and an unceasing vigilance. Hence there was no surprise when, in the spring of 1891, he announced that a new school building, with a hall for public purposes, would be erected during the sum- mer, and that the expense would be met with the proceeds of entertainments, lectures and concerts. The work was immediately begun and energetically pushed forward.
The hall was built under the direction of the following com- mittee : J. P. Younger, president ; John E. Hogan, secretary ; F. Chas. Donohue, treasurer; Charles McNamara, John M. Peck, Martin Flanagan, James O'Rourke, Patrick Reedy, John J. Sweeney.
The contracts for the construction of the building were made with R. D. Dirksen, carpenter work; E. Bamberger, mill work ; M. Scanlan, plastering; Kruze & Metzgar, brick; Bongye & Schwartz, painting and glazing; Wm. Ascher, stone work; Free- port Water Co., steam heating.
The structure is of brick and stone, two stories and a half high, and 54 x 104 feet in dimensions. The first floor comprises four school rooms, two class rooms and a library. On the second floor is the hall referred to above. A movable partition enables the Columbus Club to separate their part of this extensive audi- torium from that devoted to entertainments, but on a great occa- sion, when the audience is likely to be large, this barrier is removed.
Heated by steam, lighted by electricity, and admirably ventilated, St. Mary's Hall, with a seating capacity of six hundred, can be adapted, by removing the chairs, to any parish purpose required. Within its walls, since it was first opened, on the evening of Thanksgiving day, in '91, there have been school exhibitions, dramatic entertainments, lectures and concerts, parties and bazaars. It has saved the parish hundreds of dollars of hall rent, always exorbitant, and has indirectly
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brought to the congregation a handsome profit, for many an honorable money-making scheme has been carried out, with marked success, that could never have been undertaken had there been no St. Mary's Hall. To sell a hundred dollars' worth of tickets is a profitable matter, when there is no hall rent to pay ; not so, when at least forty dollars of the hundred must be given
ST MARY'S SCHOOL
ST. MARY'S SCHOOL AND HALL.
for the use of a hall, inconvenient, perhaps, as well as unsuitable.
The corner-stone of St. Mary's Hall was laid on Sunday, July 19, 1891, at 5 p. m., amid a large concourse of people, who listened with eager attention, to the eloquent and thoughtful address of Rev. E. J. Dunne, since consecrated Bishop of Dallas, Texas. The stone
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bears the inscription "Religion, Science, Peace, 1891," and encloses a box containing papers, coins, and other objects indicative of the laws and customs of our age.
Hon. Wm. Onahan of Chicago, addressed an iminense audi- ence, on the occasion of the opening of the hall, and he but. headed the procession, as it were, of distinguished men who have, at short intervals, in the past five years, presented, for the consid- eration of St. Mary's people, their noblest sentiments, delivered in their best style.
John Lawless and Leo Thro were appointed stage managers, and all entertainments presented in the new hall, were conducted under their direction.
A series of enjoyable social events occurred during the winter that followed the opening of the hall, and both dramatic and literary programs were presented, "The Shamrock and the Rose " being particularly successful, as was also a varied enter- tainment given by the Young Ladies' Literary Association. The pupils of St. Mary's school, likewise, afforded pleasure by the frequent presentation of interesting and original programs.
The hall is, in fact, admirably adapted to the presentation of dramatic entertainments. The stage is wide and deep, and bril- liantly illuminated with electrical border-lights and foot-lights. The several sets of scenery, parlor, prison, forest and landscape, are easily arranged and give suitable environment for almost any sort of drama. The drop curtain, which represents the origin of the "Star Spangled Banner," was painted by David Dasso, a gifted Catholic citizen of Chicago. It presents a picture of the Bay of Baltimore, with Fort McHenry, and its battered flag, in the distance ; the waves are lapping against the sides of a noble ship, a British man-of-war, on the deck of which stands Francis Key, the author of our national song, in the midst of a group of British tars. He has been captured and brought on board, where in the " dawn's early light," he beholds the star spangled banner, begrimmed indeed, but proudly floating over the fort. This he- is triumphantly saluting, with hand and voice. At the top and left side of the picture appears a mammoth flag, gracefully
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draped, while at the right there stands a large vase of flowers. The curtain as a whole, is very pretty and effective.
During the winter season, there is a social gathering of Catholic citizens in St. Mary's hall, every two weeks, except, of course, in Advent and in Lent. A musical program is followed by dancing and refreshments. Thus are Catholic young people brought together, instead of being left to wander about among those not in religious sympathy with them, and therefore likely to be dangerous companions.
The first school connected with St. Mary's Church was in existence during the time of Father Kalvalege's pastorate. It was
MR. AND MRS. P. H. MURPHY.
intended, principally for the German portion of the congregation and was discontinued soon after being established. The next effort to institute a school was made in the time of Rev. T. J. Murtaugh who, with the assistance of ex-Ald. A. J. McCoy and others, raised money and purchased the two story brick building which is still standing, and forms a part of the new school house and hall. The lot adjoining was also purchased, thus enlarging the grounds. The building was found to be well suited for school purposes, and capable of accommodating two hundred and fifty pupils. It was Father Stack who went to the Mother House of the Dominican order at Sinsinawa Mound and secured the num-
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ber of Sisters necessary to conduct the new school, which opened in August, 1873.
The Order of Dominican Sisters was established six hundred years ago, by St. Dominic, a Spanish nobleman of great sanctity and wisdom. His Order, both of priests and nuns, has given many saints to the church, and was approved and confirmed by the learned Popes, Gregory IX., Boniface IX., Innocent VII., and Eugene IV. The object of the Third Order of Dominican Nuns is to provide religious instruction for girls living in the world and exposed to its trials and temptations. From Spain, the Order spread rapidly through Italy, France, and other parts of Europe. About 1812, it was established in Ohio and Kentucky, and, a few years later, in Wisconsin. For a year before and a year after receiving the religious habit, the noble women belonging to this Order remain in the training school, at the Mother House, Sinsinawa, Wis., preparing for their important duties as religious teachers, duties demanding the acquirements of the best secular teachers and, in addition to them, the ability to give religious instruction by word and example.
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