USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Gloucester > The book of the three hundredth anniversary observance of the foundation of the Massachusetts Bay Colony at Cape Ann in 1623 and the fiftieth year of the incorporation of Gloucester as a city > Part 10
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there were fifty children of Sunday School age, and steps were im- mediately taken to furnish Essex with a permanent place of worship. This was quickly accomplished within a few months, and the Essex mission has been regularly attended from the parish of St. Ann's.
Land has been acquired at East Gloucester for a permanent church on Sayward Street to care for the Catholic population of this growing section. Near the Eastern Point section the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered for the first time this year in the Hawthorne Inn Casino. It is evident that there is much to be done in a material way in this section of our parish.
As we look back with a just pride on the accomplishments of the past and as we contemplate what we have today and anticipate what even another year will bring about, our great satisfaction is that God has been honored by these accomplishments and labors, for it was not done for man. It was for God and for His Work that our buildings were erected and property acquired, it was in order that the Holy Sacrifice might be offered in a temple as worthy as means would allow, that there might be an opportunity to gather our children for instruction in the eternal truths and to instruct them to live accord- ing to God's law that serving Him here they might be happy with Him forever.
How clearly the purpose of God's church stands out on an occasion like this, how clearly our eternal destiny comes before us as we realize the passing of time. Three hundred years is a long time measured in terms of earthly existence, but it only serves to show us how actually short our lives are. And if the past does not make us see it clearly, then a glance into the future, only a short fifty years from now, will cause most of us to realize vividly that others will occupy our places at any celebration that may then take place, that we must strive while time is ours to serve God well.
In the earlier days it was not easy for pastor or people to dis- charge their essential duties, but they nobly made the effort and the sacrifices that were necessary, never thinking of us who are here to- day and who look back to the example they gave us. Many of these strong sturdy characters walked the distance from here to Salem to attend Divine worship. They sacrificed a share of their worldly goods that they might have the opportunity of worshiping God and receiving the Sacraments close to their own homes, and those of late years gave their means and erected this beautiful temple of God in which we worship today. Although time and conditions have changed, how much easier it is for our priests and people to discharge their duties,-how little effort and time it takes from our lives to attend Divine worship and receive the Sacraments, how little of our means it takes compared to what it cost the pioneers who formed this parish, but their example only served to inspire those who came after them, and priest and people have in each succeeding decade accom- plished much for God's greater honor and glory in the eternal welfare of souls.
As the work of the past has redounded to the greater honor and
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ROMAN CATHOLIC CLERGY
REV. MYLES D. KILEY, P. R. St. Ann's Church REV. F. G. MARTINZ Pastor of Church of Our Lady of the Good Voyage
REV. JOHN McKENNA Pastor Sacred Heart Church, Lanesville
REV. ALFRED T. MacDONALD St. Ann's Church
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glory of God, so may what we do in our time be accomplished for the same purpose,-may we be ready to assist in doing our share of material upbuilding of our parish,-may we employ the means which Providence has so abundantly placed at our disposal to sanctify our souls, to know, and love, and serve God during this life that we may attain eternal happiness that He has reserved for those who serve Him.
SACRED HEART CHURCH, Lanesville Historical Sermon By Rev. John McKenna
"My dear brethren, this is the first day of the celebration of Gloucester's Tercentenary, and, we are asked to begin the exercises by turning first our thoughts, and our minds and hearts to Almighty God, the Supreme Ruler of the world. After paying due submission, and adoration to Him ;- we thank Him for all His gifts, graces and blessings which have been so bountifully and generously bestowed upon us individually, collectively and locally.
In reviewing the years that have come and gone, we can trace the mighty efforts that were needed, and very generously made, by priests and people in this part of the city of Gloucester. Beginning, with next to nothing, by the great sacrifices of our Catholic people, and the encouragement, and substantial aid of our dissenting brethren, in certain instances, we have this really good and substantial church, sacred to God's honor and glory, and for the salvation of souls.
What a good and great work, then, has been done for the religious, and consequently moral uplift, of our people, and the community in which they live! Not alone have you my dear brethren "The House of God," but frequently you repair to it, for the consolation of your "Holy Religion." Of it you profit continually, for you are told: "My House is a House of Prayer." Thus The Divine Master speaks of it, as He drives out all that savors of wordly pursuits and commerce. In His holy indignation He cries out: "My house is a house of Prayer, but you (desecrators thereof) have made it a den of thieves."
I know, my dear friends, that you not only respect this Church, but you will so do while you live; and you'll use it for your spiritual uplift, and betterment. There is much more that might be said, on this occasion, but my time is limited, my dear people, as I have to re- turn to another church in Rockport.
As a concluding word, I shall ask Almighty God to bless this Church, to bless this congregation, and to bless the city that today begins its Tercentenary Celebration, and may God bless us pastors, and people, and the entire city. Amen.
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ALLOCUTION ON THE OCCASION OF THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF GLOUCESTER August 28, 1923. OUR LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH BY REV. F. G. MARTINZ.
"Gloucester the fishing port par excellence puts on its decorations to celebrate the festivities of the 300th Anniversary of her foundation. The Glorious Stars and Stripes float gracefully from the mastheads of her war craft, pleasure boats and fishing schooners lying at anchor. It flies majestically from all the public buildings and is seen in ca- pricious forms on the residences of its citizens.
Fervent prayers go forth to God's throne for the divine protection given to the fisherfolks of Cape Ann. It is just that we Portuguese and Catholics in whose veins circulates the blood of its Saints, Heroes and Martyrs should associate ourselves with the general movement, by participating in the grand pageant and great parade to pay homage to that little band of settlers who came here in 1623 endeavoring to estab- lish this great Republic. It is our duty, therefore, to come before the altar to pray to God in behalf of this great country of ours, whose hospitality is always appreciated and where we came to worship God as we pleased, find a just remuneration for our labor and a stimulus to aid us in carrying on our enterprises which have become tremend- ous in size.
May God shower his blessings abundantly upon all those who so fearlessly worked for the true progress of our city.
Our Portuguese Colony has given its help to the best of its ability by their hearty co-operation and sincere aspirations, As a crown of its endeavor in this beloved city, we erected this temple as a perpetual monument of our faith, insoluble and indestructible as the union of our hearts. Our faith causes miracles and enlightens the soul with the sacred fire of charity. Our first temple which was erect- ed on the 9th of July, 1893, was enveloped in flames on February 10, 1914. Hardly had the timbers ceased smouldering when the spirit of the community had united and on May 23rd of the following year was dedicated this beautiful sanctuary which marvelously arose on the ground of this new world where Columbus came to implant the Labarum of the Cross. The emblem which always has been the beacon of our great discoverers. With their eyes fixed on this beacon Bartholomew Dias discovered the Cape of Good Hope; likewise Vasco deGama opened to civilization the doors of the Orient and Fernando Mendes Pinto discovered Japan. In mentioning these courageous men we cannot but think of that brilliant Latin figure Magellan, whose glorious name will never be forgotten.
May God bless Gloucester, its citizens, its conscientious and hard working body of city officials and may it always be distinguished through the space of time by its honest labor, its perfect virtues both civic and moral and above all for its piety and faith, "Giving to God what is God's and to Caesar what is Caesar's."
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JEWISH SYNAGOGUE Historical Sermon By Rabbi Sidney A. Gordon
"There is no doubt that every man, woman and child, indifferent of nationality or race is rejoicing this three hundredth anniversary of Gloucester. Three hundred years ago a company of fishermen and farmers had wandered on the waters, until they reached this bay and decided to settle here, and from this small company has grown out our city of Gloucester. There is a Talmudical legend that the Roman King Hadrian (in the early part of the second century) once passed by a small village, and he saw an old man planting a fruit tree. "Why are you planting this fruit tree, old man, you don't ex- pect to eat the fruit of that tree ?" he said to the old man. And the old man said to him, "It is true that I might not eat its fruit, but I have to do something for the future generations, as my forefathers have done for me."
One of the main principles that makes a town, city and country to populate, is the confidence, fraternization and co-operation of every individual to his fellow-men. Should a town disagree amongst them- selves, distrust and contend, and instead of increasing that place, there will be a decrease. The powerful Rome was the strongest nation in the world as long as they were united together, but as soon as they began to quarrel and fight between themselves, having every time a new king, and every new king slayed his predecessor with all his adherers, under such conditions she could not exist any more, and she perished. On the contrary, we see our glorious country, the United States, has grown out to be the mightiest land in the world, because it has lived on the principles of democracy and brotherly love. And it is the duty of everyone to join and rejoice this three hundredth anniversary, for it demonstrates that the people of Gloucester have lived peacefully and happy, being every political, social and religious group united under the one flag of the stars and stripes, as all Ameri- cans, trying each one to the best of his abilities for the good and well being of the public, and the Jewish people of Gloucester, although we are a young community, about half of a century yet-the Jewish people have taken part in every enterprise of the city having many successful business men, and are also members in all the different organizations, social and educational. They have a Jewish religious center, a Hebrew Sunday school for the Jewish children, and a ladies' auxiliary society, which is very active in all charitable affairs, which has done admirable relief work during the World War. We are also well represented in the present three hundredth anniversary celebra- tion. May it be the will of God this year which marks the first of the fourth century with prosperity, peace and honor. Amen.
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THE FISHERMEN'S MEMORIAL OBSERVANCE
The religious services at the churches were followed in the afternoon by the impressive Fishermen's Memorial observance at Marine Park, near Blynman bridge, Western avenue, at 1.45.
Since a record was kept from 1830 some 6000 men have sailed from this port never to return. Very early we find evidence of the toll old ocean exacts from those who go down to the sea in ships. In 1716 occurs the first notice of these oft-repeated calamities. In that year five fishing craft, comprising one-tenth of the tonnage of the port and 20 men, estimated at a fifteenth part of the entire population, perished in the waters about Cape Sable. In March, 1766, nineteen vessels sailed for the Grand Bank and while on the passage, encountered a violent gale in which nine schooners with their crews foundered, 40 men perish- ing.
The dark days of the Revolution were intensified by the wholesale losses of fishermen-patriots on board privateers. Sixty wives were widowed and many children left fatherless by the loss of the privateer "Gloucester," in 1777. The next year, 1778, the "Cumberland" foundered carrying down with her the flower of the town. Four years later a large number of the town's best were drowned in the privateer "Tempest" which sailed on a maiden voyage and was never heard from. Such is the sad tale that comes down the years. Truly a record written in tears and the anguish of its womankind. At a conservative figure more than 8,000 men have been sacrificed in the fisheries reckoning from the beginning of the industry.
At the Marine Park, fronting the beautiful Gloucester Bay, the citizens assemble annually, on a Sunday in midsummer, to pay tribute to these devoted men. The white garbed school children, many of them the daughters of fishermen, sing their hymns of requiem and join with the citizens in strewing the waters of the bay with flowers and foliage, a testimonial that the memories of the brave can never, never die.
On this Tercentenary occasion this ceremony seemed especial- ly appropriate and a large concourse, gathered at the appointed place, entered into the spirit and solemnity which invested the occasion.
The exercises, as customary, were under the auspices of the Gloucester Fisherman's Institute, Rev. George E. Russell chaplain. At 1.45 in the afternoon the assemblage, in procession, left the Community house under command of Colonel Charles F. Wonson,
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officer of the day, the Waino band furnishing music. Arriving at the park the order of exercises was as follows :
Brass Quartette "Last Hope"
Invocation
Rev. J. H. C. Cooper
Chorus Address
Mayor William J. MacInnis "Passion Chorale"
Memorial Prayer
Rev. John Clarence Lee, D. D.
Chorus
"Scatter Flowers on the Waves"
Chaplain George E. Russell
Reading roll of the Dead Taps Band
Dead March in Saul
Rev. J. H. C. Cooper, rector of St. John's Episcopal church made the invocation :
"Almighty God, maker of Heaven and Earth we lift our hearts to Thee on this sacred occasion when we are gathered together to pay the tribute of our loving memories to those who have lost their lives.
We enter upon this service with very solemn hearts and we in- voke Thy blessing. Grant Thy blessing to rest upon all the exercises of this program and to those who have lost their loving ones may You cause peace, comfort, and strength, and inspiration to be brought to them.
Let Thy blessing rest upon everything that should be done this afternoon."
After the singing of "Jerusalem the Golden," by the chorus, Mayor William J. MacInnis gave the following well con- sidered address :
"Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Master, walking by the Sea of Galilee, came upon four fishermen, who at His bidding left their nets, followed Him, and became fishers of men. The romance of Jesus and His fishermen disciples has humanized the lives of man- kind ever since. For nearly 20 centuries the name of fisherman has been glorified. The shining places in history of the fishermen disciples of the Christ have in no uncertain way directed attention to the occupation which moulded and strengthened the lives and characters of men who, until the end of time, will be saints in glory.
The call of the sea is the call of the ages. Its mystery, its profundity, its challenge have appealed successfully to men of every generation. Jason and his argonauts still hold us spell- bound, but no more so than the thrilling tales of masterful hand- ling of Gloucester vessels in the terrific storms of the fishing banks.
The sea requires a sturdy manhood, unflinching courage, and unceasing vigilance. In return, it gives opportunity "to see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep."
"Jerusalem the Golden"
Band
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In the summer-time of the year we gather in this beautiful place in memory of the men of Gloucester who during the year have given their lives in the fishing industry and to pay tribute to those who year after year have found their last resting place be- neath the waters of the ocean.
For 300 years Gloucester men have gone down to the sea in ships and have done business upon the great waters. They have made our fishing industry an honorable calling. What manner of men were they, these men who year after year of the history of Gloucester from the very beginning have sailed from our harbor over the wide courses of ocean, have fished upon the Banks, have endured the hardships of the seasons, have returned with varying cargoes-sometimes successful, sometimes unsuccessful-have weathered the gales, have been shipwrecked, and finally on the last voyage have gone to their eternal sleep on the bed of the ocean? Since 1623 they have come to Gloucester from the countries of the world, from east and west, from north and south-kindred spirits-venturesome, hardy and courageous. They came to Gloucester as strangers and they learned to call it home. From all lands they came, as if drawn by a magnet, men of different races, nationalities, customs and tongues. Always re- taining their individualities, they became one in purpose-"As distinct as the billows, yet one as the sea."
The sons of the men who came as strangers and called Gloucester home, often followed their sires in the industry, and native son and adopted son were equally welcome within the gates of the city.
And perhaps nowhere else in the wide world can a parallel be found to the experience of the city of Gloucester with the men who have come from all nations to earn their livelihood in our fishing industry during the last three centuries. Differing in all respects in nationality, customs, environment and language, the inherent goodness underlying their courage and ability overcame their differences, and 300 years of experience in Gloucester has proved that while-
"East is East and West is West, And never the twain shall meet, Till sky and sea stand presently At God's great judgment seat,"
it is eternal truth that-
"There is no east, and there is no west, Nor border, nor creed, nor birth, When two strong men stand face to face, Though they come from the ends of the earth."
REV. GEORGE E. RUSSELL Chaplain Fisherman's Institute COL. CHARLES F. WONSON Marshal Procession Fisherman's Me- morial Observance REUBEN BROOKS Author "My Own America" Sung at Community Praise Service, and Poem "To The Sons of Old Cape Ann"
RABBI SIDNEY GORDON MISS MARY BROOKS Author of "Scatter Flowers on the Waves" Sung at Fisherman's Memorial Observance
DANIEL T. BABSON Chairman Red Cross Activities
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We meet today to pay our tribute of love and respect to the men of Gloucester who sleep on the bed of God's ocean. To them Gloucester gives willing homage. They did their part to build this old city. As fishermen and citizens they were loyal and true, and the name of Gloucester shines brighter today because of their industrious citizenship. We look out over the sea to rejoice that the great Captain, in His own good time, will gather His children to His arms. As we render our tribute of love to their memories, may we partake of the courage which lives eternal in our fisher- men and say, in the words of Stevenson :
"Under the wide and starry sky Dig the grave and let me lie; Glad did I live and gladly die, And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse you grave for me: 'Here he lies where he longed to be; Home is the sailor, home from the sea, And the hunter home from the hill.' "
The memorial prayer was by Rev. John Clarence Lee, D. D., pastor of the Independent Christian (Universalist) Church.
"Almighty God, Supreme Ruler of the universe, we would praise Thee for Thy goodness and would worship Thee in spirit and in truth. We are gathered here today in sacred memory of the loved and lost, and in our human need of sympathy, of consolation, of divine mercy and eternal hope. Dear Heavenly Father, we love Thee, as the ever loving Father and Friend of all mankind. All that Thou doest is for the best, and we bow in submission before Thy holy will. We thank Thee for the gift of Thy son, who came into this world to bring life and immortality to light, and who said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." We would thank Thee for the faithful lives and good deeds of these brave toilers of the sea, whose mortal existence is ended, but whose immortal souls have returned to Thee, who gave them. Will Thou especially comfort the mourning for those who were near and dear. May sweet recollec- tions of the past give them hope and peace for the future. Enable them to say with faith and trust, "Thy will, O God, be done." By Thy grace, we pray, protect the living, those on land and those that are far off upon the sea. May we all feel that Thou art not far from every one of us, for in Thee we live and have our being.
In the name of Christ, our Lord and Savior, to Thee be praise and glory, now and evermore. Amen.
After the singing of an ode by Miss Mary Brooks "Scatter Flowers on the Waves," Chaplain George E. Russell read the names of the drowned fishermen for the year. "In loving tribute to
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the fishermen who lost their lives on the great waters during the year, 1922, we strew these flowers on the waves. The names read as follows :
Walter Mckay John Blondin John Tutty
Patrick Powers Ernest Cavanagh Antoine Dias
Gustaf Peterson Clifford Hawes John H. Houghton
Mark Goss Paul Roblet John P. Quadros
Capt. Chas. L. Joyce Chris Johnson Eugene Prioux
Charles Myron Lennox Thomas Merchant
John Powers
Avery Goodwin James Gardner
Fred Thorne
Andrew Hanlon
William Fudge
Jeremiah Clarke
Joseph Muise
Matthew O'Brien
As the mention of each name a girl scout cast a bouquet on the waters of the bay.
At the conclusion of this individual tribute the following was read after which the entire assemblage cast their flowers on the water.
"In memory of all seamen who through all the years have found a last resting place in the waters that wash every shore, we lovingly strew these flowers."
These emblems were carried on the out-going tide into the Bay which, for quite an area was carpeted with these tributes of affection floating seaward.
"Taps" were then sounded, the band closing the exercises with the "Dead March in Saul," after which the procession reformed and proceeded to Stage Fort Park.
"SCATTER FLOWERS ON THE WAVES" By Miss Mary Brooks
Scatter flowers on the waves; There our fathers found their graves, Brothers, sons and husbands sleep Strew your garlands o'er the deep.
Ebbing tide of summer day Bear these blossoms on their way, North and East to bank and coast Where they lie whom we love most.
Christ, who shared the fisher's lot, Marks each grave a sacred spot He will guard each wave-washed bed, Till the sea gives up its dead.
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CONCERT AND COMMUNITY PRAISE SERVICE
After the Memorial exercises at the Marine Park, the con- course proceeded to the auditorium tent at Stage Fort Park where Community singing and a concert in harmony with the spirit of the day and occasion was given, several thousand participating. The day was pleasant and the scene, as the assemblage sang the old songs and hymns, was most inspiring.
PROGRAM
Chorale, "Now Thank We All Our God"
Cruger
Waino Band, John A. Jacobson, leader
Community Singing
Under the direction of Arthur B. Keene of Lynn
America America the Beautiful
The Star Spangled Banner My Own America
Three Hundred Years Ago, O. W. Lane Anniversary Chorus, Soloist, E. Alan Brown Largo, Handel, Community Singing "Lead Kindly Light" (In memoriam) "Come, Thou Almighty King" "O Come, All Ye Faithful"
Waino Band
Overture, "Athalie," Mendelsohn
Waino Band
Community Singing "The Son of God Goes Forth to War" "Prayer of Thanksgiving" "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"
"Onward, Christian Soldiers"
Intermission
PART II
Waino Band
Sunny South, Lampe Community Singing Old Folks at Home Old Kentucky Home Dixie
Suite; Anthony and Cleopatra
Gruenwald
1. In the Arbor 3. Solo Dance
2. Dance of the Nubians
4. Anthony's Victory
Waino Band
Community Singing Annie Laurie
Lustspiel, Kela-Bela, March Fantastique, Fucik
Flow Gently Sweet Afton
Waino Band
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