USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Trenton > History of the city of Trenton, New Jersey : embracing a period of nearly two hundred years, commencing in 1676, the first settlement of the town, and extending up to the present time, with official records of the population, extent of the town at different periods, its manufactories, church history, and fire department > Part 13
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In 1853, Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosevelt Bailey was appointed Bishop of Newark and Trenton, which formerly belonged to the Diocese of Philadelphia, and was attached to the Diocese of Newark.
Bishop Kendrick, of Philadelphia, and his brother, now Bishop of St. Louis, and Archbishop Hughes, of New York, have on several occasions officiated here, in Saint John's Church.
The church on Broad street was built in 1848, and enlarged by building the addition on the west end, in 1856.
In 1862, the sisters bought the handsome property on Broad street, and fitted it up for the education of orphans. The con- gregation increasing rapidly in numbers, in 1865, in order to
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give them better accommodations, the property where Saint Mary's Church is now built was purchased.
In 1868, they purchased the property on Bank street, from Mr. McCully, and in 1870 built the parochial school, in the rear of the church.
The parishes were divided January Ist, 1871, the Assanpink creek being the dividing line : Saint John's south of the creek, and Saint Mary's north of it.
The solemn ceremony of dedication of St. Mary's Church took place on Sunday, January Ist, 1871, and was performed by the Rt. Rev. James R. Bailey, Bishop of Newark, assisted by a large number of clergymen. The exercises were conducted with all the solemnity and impressiveness that characterize Catholic ceremonies.
At ten and a half o'clock a procession was formed, consisting of the bishop, clergy, and acolyths, who made the circuit of the church outside and inside, singing the litany of the saints and appropriate psalms, and sprinkling the walls with holy water, after which a pontifical high mass was sung, at which the follow- ing priests assisted : Celebrant Bishop Bailey, D. D., minister assistant ; Dr. Carrigan, V. G. of the Diocese ; first deacon assistant, Father Makin, of this city; second deacon assistant, Father Kirwin, of Burlington ; first deacon of the mass, Father Lesen, O. M. C., of Syracuse, New York ; second deacon of the mass, Father Peter, O. M. C., of this city; master of cere- monies, Father Young, of New York.
Several other clergymen occupied seats in the chancel. The vestments worn on the occasion were very handsome and valu- able. The set is complete, and was manufactured in Marseilles, France, and presented by the Rosary Society.
Rev. William Clark, D. D., S. J., of Baltimore, preached the dedication sermon, and it was a masterly effort.
The presence of so many clergymen at the altar, the brilliancy of the numerous lights upon it, the glitter of the rich vestments, and the swinging of censers amid the smoke of incense, com- bined to make up a striking tableaux, which could not fail to impress every beholder. Among those within the chancel rail
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were Father Gehering, O. M. C., and Father Leonard, of Bor- dentown.
This church is built on historic ground. It was in its imme- diate locality that some of the severest fighting of the battle of Trenton took place, which culminated in the capture of the entire Hessian army. On the very spot where it stands, the old City hotel formerly stood, which was the headquarters of Colonel Rahl, the Hessian commander,* and it was in the vicinity where this hotel afterwards stood, that he was shot and mortally wounded, while endeavoring to rally his men, in order to stop the advance of the patriot Americans, on the morning of the ever memorable 26th of December, 1776.
As a writer in one of our daily papers appropriately says : " Times have changed ! Where tipplers were wont to assemble and indulge habits of intemperance, where the clash of arms and the roar of battle was heard, and where the blood of patriots flowed freely, a noble church has been erected, upon whose altars the unbloody sacrifice of the new law will be offered daily, and the prayers of the faithful will ascend from within its sacred walls, as the incense to the Throne of the Most High, to invoke His blessings and to appease His anger ; and in due time a stately spire will point heavenward, holding aloft the emblem of salvation."
Ground was broken for the church on the 23d of April, 1866, and on the 15th of the following July, the corner-stone was laid by Bishop Bayley, with appropriate ceremonies, and on the Ist of January, 1871, the church was dedicated to the service of Almighty God.
The length of the church is one hundred and sixty feet, width sixty-six feet, and fifty-eight feet in the clear, height of the roof eighty feet ; the height of the ceiling in the nave is fifty-four feet ; over the side aisles it is thirty feet, the whole resting upon four- teen massive columns with foliated capitals. The spire will be about two hundred feet high. The edifice is, built of stone, in the Gothic style of architecture, with an ornamental slated roof
* Father Smith has preserved a part of the foundation wall, which is in front of the church, at the southern door of entrance, under the flagging.
M*
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having two pitches. In the front, just above a large and hand- some window, there is a fine bas relief of the Papal coat of arms.
On entering the sacred edifice one is struck with admiration at the splendor and magnificence that greet the eye on every side. In front is the high altar, with its bas reliefs, statuary, crocketted gables, pinnacles, and finial crosses. Behind this is the chancel window, with its admirable grouping of figures and blending of colors, illustrating a heavenly scene, and showing to great advantage the beauty of form and grace of outline of the numerous pinnacles and other ornaments of the altar. Above is the frescoed and vaulted ceiling, reminding one of the star- gemmed canopy of night, with its countless stars. On the walls of the nave the life of the Blessed Virgin is pictured by the brush of the artist, and between the windows, the sufferings and death of our Divine Lord are represented upon canvass with such clear- ness as to bring vividly before the mind the scenes that were enacted upon Calvary over eighteen centuries ago. Let the eye wander wherever it may it will fall upon some object calculated to raise the mind above the affairs of this world, and direct it to the contemplation of heavenly things. In such an edifice one feels that he is really in a Christian church, and not in a public hall.
The ceiling, which is arched and groined, is painted of a deep lapsis lazuli blue, studded over with gold and silver stars. The ribbed arches that support it and traverse it in every direction are of a rich cream color, the edge and elevated portions of which are in many places covered with golden tracery. The dark blue shade of the ceiling, relieved by the lighter coloring of the ribs or bows, throw out with beautiful effect the surround- , ing paintings. In the nave there are eighteen large panels, each of which is intended to contain a memorial picture. These pictures are the gifts of liberal members of Saint John's parish, and the societies attached thereto. They represent scenes con- nected with the life of the Blessed Virgin from her conception to her death. Beginning at the right of the altar, and turning toward the front entrance, we will name them in the order in which they occur, giving also the names of the donors as far as ascertained.
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The Annunciation to Saint Joakin. From Francis L. and John Demmer.
The Welcome of Saint Anne. From Catherine and Robert Wilson.
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin. From Julia and John Cahill.
The Presentation in the Temple. From Ann and Edward Cawley.
The Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel, when an ambassador from the King of Kings saluted the humble Virgin with the words, " Hail ! full of Grace !" From Miss Marie Melica Hargous.
The Marriage of Joseph and Mary. From Bridget and Ann Donohoe.
The Visitation. From Louis Hargous.
The Nativity of our Saviour. From Philomena and John Brennan.
The Adoration of the Three Wise Men from the East. From Mrs. Donovan, in memory of Timothy Donovan.
The Flight into Egypt.
The Prophecy of Saint Simeon.
Christ in the Temple, Disputing with the Doctors.
The Marriage Feast at Cana, in Galilee.
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Christ's Farewell to His Mother, before entering upon public Ministry.
Christ Prostrate under the Cross, meeting His Mother.
The Crucifixion.
The Burial of Christ.
The Death of the Blessed Virgin. From Father Smith, pastor.
The average size of the pictures is nine feet in width, by four- teen and a half in height. In some of them there are as many as nine full-length life-sized figures represented. Each of these pictures is a volume in itself. But to dwell upon them sepa- rately, and point out their merits and beauty as works of art, would occupy too much space. They are simply grand, and seem to increase in beauty with each succeeding visit. In clear- ness of outline, in the wondrous brilliancy of color, in the accurate reproduction of the most delicate tints and shadings,
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in richness and mellowness of tone, in the rarity and complete- ness of their finish, in all, indeed, that distinguish genuine works of art, they are something to be admired, if not wondered at. This is the verdict of those competent to judge.
Suspended from the walls on each side of the church are four- teen exquisite paintings. They are in heavy walnut frames, beautifully carved. They are twenty by forty-two inches in size, without the frames, and were presented by the Sodality of the Assumption. The paintings are executed in oil upon canvass, and are the work of artists in Munich, Bavaria, from which city they were exported to this country. They represent some of the most striking and important events of our Saviour's passion, from the time He was condemned to death to His burial, and are used in the beautiful devotion known as the Way of the Cross. As works of art they are faultless, and indeed what has been said of the memorial paintings is equally true of these.
There are three altars. The side altars are dedicated respect- ively to Saint Joseph and Saint Anthony. The grand altar is built of the finest of white marble, highly polished, and is all that the most fastidious could have desired in this magnificent temple of ecclesiastical art. The style of architecture is Gothic, being thus in harmony with the style of the church. It rests upon massive foundations extending a considerable distance below the floor. The extreme length is sixteen feet, the altar table being twelve feet long. It is reached by three steps, which are over three feet from the floor. Below the altar table, which is three and a half feet above the highest step, there are three recesses, formed by the projection of eight clustered columns, with foliated capitals. In the central recess is a finely executed bas relief of a lamb. The other recesses are filled with represen- tations of the cross and other pious objects in bas relief. Back of this front there are two wings, extending two feet on each side, the recesses of which contain bas reliefs. On these wings are two statues, nearly life-size-one of Saint Patrick, the other of Saint Bridget. Saint Patrick is dressed in full episcopal robes. In one hand is held the crosier, while the other is extended in benediction over his faithful children. Under his feet are numerous serpents. Saint Bridget holds in one hand a
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pen, and in the other the Book of the Gospels spread open. The statues of these illustrious saints are very fine.
The windows are of stained glass. The largest and most beautiful of these is the one in the chancel. The size is twelve by twenty-five feet. In the centre is a representation of the coronation of the Blessed Virgin. To her right and left appear the Father and Son, jointly holding a crown, adorned with her superabundant virtues, which shine, like precious stones, above her head ; while above this the Holy Ghost is seen descending in the form of a dove. Below and around this group there are choirs of angels. In the extremes, on either side, the four evangelists are represented, upon tasteful pedestals. The upper portion of the window is enriched with foliations, the spaces being filled with appropriate designs. If it is looked upon as a means of assisting devotion the design is perfect, and if it is viewed as a work of art merely, it is a gem of rare beauty in the way of stained glass work. It was presented by Miss Marie M. Hargous.
Fourteen large side windows admit an abundance of light in mellowed rays. There are four different patterns of them, thus giving quite a variety. The colors are blended with considerable taste, care being taken to have a predominance of those colors that more readily admit light. In the top of each the Chalice, the Host, the Lamb, the Cross, the Tiara, and other interesting and sacred objects are artistically represented in the glass in foliated surroundings. The windows were presented by the following parishoners, beginning in the same order as with the pictures in the nave : Julia and John Cahill.
I. Catherine and Robert Wilson. 2. 3. Ann and Edward Cawley. 4. Miss Marie M. Hargous. 5. Bridget, Ann and William Donohoe. 6. Louis Hargous. 7. Catherine and John Fritts. 8. Mrs. Margaret Meredith. 9. Catherine and Felix McGuire. 10. Ellen and Peter Grattan. II. Anacletus Kessler and John Dewan. 12. Elizabeth and John Kale. 13. Mary Ann and Nicholas Bendel. 14. Margaret and Patrick Nolen.
The pews are made of chestnut, with mouldings of black wal- nut, finished in oil. All the doors of the church are of solid black walnut, in some cases having chestnut panels. The con
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fessionals are of the same materials, elaborately carved. There is a gallery running across the end of the church for pew-holders, and above this is the organ gallery, containing an organ that can justly be classed among the largest in the United States. It has thirty-six stops, from which it will be seen that its power and range is very great, and three stands of keys. It contains two thousand pipes. These vary in size from three inches to nine- teen feet in height, the large ones being almost of sufficient dimensions to allow a moderately sized man to pass through. The organ can hardly be said to be new, because the pipes and bel- lows were in use before it was purchased by Father Smith. But with these exceptions it is new, as experienced organ builders were engaged for many months in rebuilding it, from the best materials that could be procured. With the modern improve- ments that have been added, the value of the organ is not less than ten thousand dollars, although the original cost was con- siderably less than this sum. It is a remarkably clear and sweet- toned instrument.
In point of size and beauty of finish, Saint Mary's Church is probably without an equal in the Diocese of Newark. Taken as a whole, it is admirably proportioned. Indeed, its great size is not at first apparent, save to a practiced eye. From this cause, if examined in detail, we find a grand harmony prevailing throughout the entire building. Good taste, as well as good judgment, is displayed on every side. As a temple of worship, it is a lasting monument to the zeal of the Catholics of Trenton, who, though poor in this world's goods, are rich in faith, and shows what has been accomplished by their free-will offerings, judiciously expended ; and, as a building possessing many archi- tectural beauties, it will be pointed out with pride, as one of the sights of our city. It is no exaggeration to say that thousands of dollars have been saved in building this church, through the economy, judgment, and indomitable energy of Father Smith. Nor was this result brought about by using inferior materials, for the very opposite is the fact. Although burdened with the care of a parish numbering nearly four thousand souls, whose spiritual wants he faithfully ministered to, yet he could be seen at the new building early and late, personally superintending the work.
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Neither the heat of summer nor the cold of winter deterred him. Of him it can be truly said : "I have loved, O, Lord, the beauty of thy house." Father Smith has taken charge of the new parish. He was succeeded in Saint John's parish by Father Makin, who was formerly pastor of that church.
The entire cost of the church was about ninety-five thousand dollars. There is seating capacity for one thousand five hundred persons.
In Trenton, at the beginning of this century, there was but one Catholic church, for the Catholic population was very small, there being only thirty families, Irish, French, and German. The small chapel, erected on the corner of Lamberton and Market streets, was built by the Rt. Rev. Michael Eagan, D. D., O. S. F., and Bishop of Philadelphia, in the year 1814, and dedicated to Saint Francis. From the above date until 1846, when the Irish built their new church on Broad street, there was only this congregation. After the division, the Germans alone were too small in numbers to support and pay the debts. of the church, and it was closed. At this period, Mr. Peter Hargous paid the debt, bought the chapel, and presented it to Bishop Bayley, of Newark. The Rt. Rev. Bishop permitted the Ger- mans to use it, and on the 23d of June, 1853, the Rev. Father Gemnier, the first German priest, was appointed, who, in 1856, removed to the west. He was succeeded by Father Anton Muller, O. M. C., from Philadelphia, who remained until Feb- ruary, 1859, when Father Gemnier returned and took charge of the church, remaining until June, 1865, when he permanently retired from active service to Saint Mary's Hospital, Philadelphia.
In June, 1865, the bishop sent Rev. Father Storr, who, seeing that Saint Francis' Church was too small for the congregation, which by this time had considerably increased in numbers, bought the Methodist Church in Front street, for eleven thou- sand dollars. Father Storr was removed in 1866, and the congregation remained for a few months without a permanent pastor, but the Sunday service was performed in the old church, by priests sent by the bishop from Newark.
During this year (1866) the celebrated missionary, Francis X. Weninger, S. J., visited Trenton, and, by order of the bishop,
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blessed the new church in Front street, and gave a highly successful mission for eight days, after which he left Trenton, and the bishop appointed the Rev. Francis Gerber, D. D., as permanent pastor of the church. Under his charge the priest's residence, near the church, was built, at a cost of six thousand dollars, in 1867, and in 1869 he built the tower on the church building.
On account of his failing health, Father Gerber asked and obtained permission from the bishop to go to Europe, and sailed for Germany in November, 1869. He was succeeded by Father Peter Jachetti, who took charge of the church until the return of the bishop from the Vatican Council. On the return of the bishop, he offered the charge of the German congregation entirely to the Franciscan Order, whose Mother House is in Syracuse, New York, and the assembled fathers there, in Novem- ber, 1870, accepted this congregation, and appointed Father Jachetti, above named, as pastor.
After the congregation had left the old church and opened the new one in Front street, they named it "Saint Boniface Church," but Bishop Bayley, by a decree dated March 2d, 1868, ordered that the title of the church be "Saint Francis of Assisum."
In 1869, the Franciscan Sisters came from their Mother House in Philadelphia, and took charge of the German Catholic school. The schools are situated under the church, and the children number about two hundred. The members of the church are required to send their children until they are twelve years of age, or until they are instructed for their first communion. The children receive instruction in the catechism and the duties of their religion, and in the summer they are taught the English and German languages. Every day before school they attend the church, and assist at the mass.
The church is fifty by eighty-five feet. It contains four hun- dred and sixty pews. The communicants number about two hundred and thirty families. In the congregation there are three beneficial societies-the Saint Boniface, the Saint Joseph, and Saint Peter's. Their object is to perform their religious duties, and render assistance to their families during sickness.
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On Sunday, the 9th of October, 1870, Saint Francis' Church was the scene of very imposing Catholic ceremonies. The Bishop of the Diocese, the Rt. Rev. James R. Bayley, paid an official visit to the above parish, and celebrated mass at eight A. M.
At ten o'clock a grand high mass was sung, with deacon and sub-deacon. On this occasion the bishop administered the sacrament of confirmation to eighty-seven candidates, many of whom were girls, who were robed in garments of snowy white- ness. The candidates advanced by two's inside the chancel rail, and were confirmed. Their deportment was edifying, and gave evidence of the thorough preparatory training they had received from their pastor, Father Peter. Before administering the sacra- ment, the bishop preached a brief but eloquent sermon, in which he gave a lucid explanation of confirmation, and pointed out the priceless gifts that are bestowed upon all who receive it with proper dispositions.
In the afternoon a new cemetery was' consecrated by the bishop. It is a spacious lot of ground, situate on the corner of Washington street and Roebling avenue, in the rear of the Soldiers' Children's Home. A procession was formed at the church, right resting on Greene street, which moved at three o'clock. It was composed of children who had been confirmed, the Emmett Guard, the Trenton Beneficial Society, Saint John's T. A. B. Society, Saint Francis' Beneficial Society, Saint Boni- face Society, Saint Joseph's Society, Saint Vincent de Paul Society, the Sodality of the Assumption, and others. The clergy occupied carriages. All of these societies carried flags and banners, which added much to their appearance. There were not less than two thousand persons in line, and full as many followed on the sidewalks. It was probably the largest turn-out of any religious denomination that ever took place in this city.
In the centre of the cemetery a large cross was erected, at the foot of which the bishop, assisted by several clergymen, began the impressive ceremony of consecration, after which they made the circuit of the enclosure, and returned to the cross. At the conclusion of this ceremony, the bishop preached an able ser- mon to the. multitude present, after which the immense crowd returned to the city, without accident of any description. In
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the evening, the Rt. Rev. gentleman delivered a most eloquent, instructive, and interesting lecture in Saint John's Church, to a large and attentive audience. His subject was upon what he had seen at Rome.
In the year 1843, a Universalist society was formed here ; they held their meetings every Sunday in the saloon of the City Hall. Their pulpit was supplied by Mr. Whitcomb, of Hightstown, Asher Moore, Charles C. Burr, and John Gihon, of Philadelphia. When Mr. Moore removed to Hightstown, he preached altern- ately in that place and Trenton ; but resigning his charge there, no further stated preaching was held in Trenton until the Rev. George Collins, of Philadelphia, commenced preaching here in 1852, devoting half of his time to his congregation here, and half to his church in the city. They never erected a church here, but held their meetings in the lower saloon of Temperance Hall for some time, when they were finally discontinued.
The Evangelical Lutheran Christ Church was formed July Ist, 1869. For nearly a year previous, services were held mainly by students from the seminary at Philadelphia, belonging to the Pennsylvania Synod.
According to previous notice, Jacob Miller, Thomas Penning- ton, John Keller, Henry H. Lantz, Henry Mohrfeld, Louisa Mohrfeld, Ellen Gettler, Abbie Kafer, and Amos H. Barthole- mew, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, met in the Sunday-school room of the Evangelical (German) Lutheran Trinity Church, and organized the Evangel- ical (English) Lutheran Christ Church. The pastor of the Ger- man Lutheran Church, Rev. George F. Gardiner, was present and acted as chairman during the organization.
The first settled pastor was Rev. Amos H. Bartholomew, who was installed on Sunday, October 10th, 1869, by the Rev. C. P. Krauth, D. D., who preached an eloquent discourse on the occasion, from Acts, chap. x., 38 verse, at which time their first communion was held. It being quite stormy at the time, only ten members were present and communed. Up to December 12th of the same year, the services were held in Mr. Gardiner's church, usually in the afternoon. Afterwards, for the purpose
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