Codex Lethbridge
Transcription: 11
Transcription:
{[Left page; appears to be a story break]
to present it his respects. But the most interesting part for these who had charge of the financial department, was to see that the large silver plate standing under the bell had now disappeared under a profusious accumulation of what we generally call green-Backs [underlined].
Yes, it was a grand ceremony, a joyful one, a beneficial-one [double underlined] remarked the Treasurer, and one which will be long remembered, especially by the Catholics of Lethbridge.
The next day, some Twenty young men, were busily engaged all the evening, placing the bell on the top of the stone Tower. That very evening the bell for the first time, sent far and wide, its Angelical voice. Deo Gratias! Said again our catholic people, stepping out doors, the better to hear the aerial music…. Listen now and hear … There is the voice which will call us hereafter to divine worship!
How beautiful it sounds!! how harmonious!!
Many a tear rolled down the cheeks of the pious listeners. Many a joyful event was now suddenly recalled to memory…. A solemn baptism… a joyful marriage…. and tears rolled on and the sound of the bell continued….
In some places, however, the tears were not at all of joy for the Bell is not only the universal messenger of happy tidings…. as it rejoices with the happy and joyous, so by its lugubrious knells and mournful strains it partakes in the sorrows of the faithful. Oh! Thou! Our faithful friend be welcome amongst us !!!!
Today again we feel that we are nearer our homes!!!
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[Right page]
1888 [written in the front margin]
As everything in and around the church improved, so also improved and increased the Catholic population.
If the population increases we must make room for them. If we expect a priest amongst us we must provide a shelter for him… Let us make an addition to the church – Let us add to it a sanctuary, let us build a room for the Father.
At the East end of the church a large ogival opening had been left, temporally closed with lumber. A building 24+18 f. was added to the church; The half of it to be used as a Sanctuary, the rest for the residence of the priest.
When the outside work of this building was terminated, the father came himself for several weeks to Lethbridge to finish all the inside work. This frame addition cost about $600°°
The new Sanctuary being ready, the father had some handsome things in store for its ornamentation. A large box had arrived from Belgium, containing beautiful candlesticks – candelabres [sic] – artificial flowers vestments – altar linen etc.-
The father had also purchased two handsome statues of Mary and St Joseph. A rich carpet covered the floor of the Sanctuary and the temporary altar with all its ornamentation looked majestic.
Another great acquisition for the church was a reed organ. This instrument purchased from the Bell Organ Co. cost nearly one hundred dollars and added very much to the solemnity of divine services.
Almost everything was now provided for. The church – the sanctuary – the fathers [sic] rooms – everything was ready and in good shape. The priest only was wanting.
[End page]}
to present it his respects. But the most interesting part for these who had charge of the financial department, was to see that the large silver plate standing under the bell had now disappeared under a profusious accumulation of what we generally call green-Backs [underlined].
Yes, it was a grand ceremony, a joyful one, a beneficial-one [double underlined] remarked the Treasurer, and one which will be long remembered, especially by the Catholics of Lethbridge.
The next day, some Twenty young men, were busily engaged all the evening, placing the bell on the top of the stone Tower. That very evening the bell for the first time, sent far and wide, its Angelical voice. Deo Gratias! Said again our catholic people, stepping out doors, the better to hear the aerial music…. Listen now and hear … There is the voice which will call us hereafter to divine worship!
How beautiful it sounds!! how harmonious!!
Many a tear rolled down the cheeks of the pious listeners. Many a joyful event was now suddenly recalled to memory…. A solemn baptism… a joyful marriage…. and tears rolled on and the sound of the bell continued….
In some places, however, the tears were not at all of joy for the Bell is not only the universal messenger of happy tidings…. as it rejoices with the happy and joyous, so by its lugubrious knells and mournful strains it partakes in the sorrows of the faithful. Oh! Thou! Our faithful friend be welcome amongst us !!!!
Today again we feel that we are nearer our homes!!!
[End page]
[Right page]
1888 [written in the front margin]
As everything in and around the church improved, so also improved and increased the Catholic population.
If the population increases we must make room for them. If we expect a priest amongst us we must provide a shelter for him… Let us make an addition to the church – Let us add to it a sanctuary, let us build a room for the Father.
At the East end of the church a large ogival opening had been left, temporally closed with lumber. A building 24+18 f. was added to the church; The half of it to be used as a Sanctuary, the rest for the residence of the priest.
When the outside work of this building was terminated, the father came himself for several weeks to Lethbridge to finish all the inside work. This frame addition cost about $600°°
The new Sanctuary being ready, the father had some handsome things in store for its ornamentation. A large box had arrived from Belgium, containing beautiful candlesticks – candelabres [sic] – artificial flowers vestments – altar linen etc.-
The father had also purchased two handsome statues of Mary and St Joseph. A rich carpet covered the floor of the Sanctuary and the temporary altar with all its ornamentation looked majestic.
Another great acquisition for the church was a reed organ. This instrument purchased from the Bell Organ Co. cost nearly one hundred dollars and added very much to the solemnity of divine services.
Almost everything was now provided for. The church – the sanctuary – the fathers [sic] rooms – everything was ready and in good shape. The priest only was wanting.
[End page]}
