Preparations for Francis McFarland’s funeral continued as McFarland’s body lay in repose

The body remained on view at the convent.

Francis McFarland’s coffin was moved to Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, where it was placed on a catafalque.

Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church was opened to the public as McFarland lay in state.

The church closed to the public.

1. The catafalque was “under a canopy of purple and white; at the head is a massive crucifix and on each side candlesticks with burning tapers.”
2. Other church decorations:

• Black and white colors were on the columns
• A huge white cross in a black foreground had been placed at the altar window.
• The “burning tapers” around the catafalque were supported by columns
• There were additional purple and white decorations

1. The Courant estimated that McFarland’s body was “viewed by thousands of people”.
2. The Courant also estimated that approximately 8,000 people visited the church.
3. A special train went to Providence tonight to pick up priests from Rhode Island. It was due to return in the morning.

1. At some point today, McFarland’s body was transferred to a “metallic coffin” that was “covered on the top with heavy plate-glass, and made airtight.” The coffin was alternatively described as “an elegant silver-mounted casket.”
2. It isn’t entirely clear that the church closed to the public at 10:00 PM, but the crowd was described as “obtaining a view of the remains of Bishop McFarland” until 10:00 PM.

Preparations for Francis McFarland’s funeral began yesterday.

A vault to hold Francis McFarland’s coffin was under construction on Farmington Avenue near the convent.

Francis McFarland’s funeral will be held tomorrow.

“There has already been a large arrival of the clergy from various parts of the diocese, and the funeral will undoubtedly be one of the most imposing ever attended in Hartford.”

The vault for Francis McFarland’s coffin was temporary.  As soon as the Cathedral of Saint Joseph was completed, the plan was to move his body there.

Unattributed.  “The late Bishop McFarland,” Hartford Daily Courant, October 14, 1874, page 2.

Unattributed.  “Bishop McFarland,” Hartford Daily Courant, October 15, 1874, page 2.