Dedication of the basement chapel at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph

02/10/1878 |

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A dedicatory service was held at the newly completed basement chapel at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph. This service was followed immediately by a pontifical high mass and then in the evening by a vesper service.

More details

The dedicatory service:

Led by Thomas Galberry, who was assisted by Thomas Walsh, James Campbell, and S. D. Sheffrey
The ceremony
Galberry, Walsh, Campbell, and Sheffrey circumambulated the exterior
Campbell and Sheffrey chanted Psalms 119, 120, and 121.
They were met at the door to the chapel by a cross bearer and two candle bearers
The cross bearer and candle bearers preceded into the sanctuary, followed by Galberry, Walsh, Campbell, and Sheffrey.
Litany of saints sung.
A procession of clergy processed around the interior of the chapel, chanting the psalms as they did
After this, the dedication service was completed.

The pontifical high mass:

Led by E. P. Wadhams
Deacons of Honor: Hugh Carmody and Rev. Father O’Brien
Deacon of the Mass: James Campbell
Sub-Deacon: Tierney
Assistant Priest: Thomas Walsh
Master of Ceremonies: B. O’Dougherty
Soloists: James Ahern, Mrs. J. Bow, Bridget Cahill, James Gavin, Michael Lagan, Jacob Lunzerbolz, and Nellie McGuire
Ushers: Thomas McManus, E. Lancaster, William M. Cabe, P. M. Carty, T. Farrell, William Carrigan, and Thomas Boyce.
The epistle: Colossians 3 12-17, read by M. Tierney
The gospel: Matthew 13 24-30, read by James Campbell
Sermon: Louis de Goebriand

The vesper service

Led by Thomas Galberry
Bridget Cahill sang the solo in “Tatum Ergo”
Service included Psalms 100 and 112.
W. Broderick gave the sermon.
James Fitton followed the sermon with some remarks.

And then there's this

Special trains brought people from neighboring towns.
Along with the clergy who participated in the event, the article reported that Patrick T. O’Reilly and 21 other priests attended the ceremony.
Public officials in attendance included:

Charles C. Hubbard
Richard D. Hubbard
George G. Sill

Neat little tidbit

Prior to giving his sermon, Louis de Goesbriand announced the death of Pius IX, and he announced a requiem mass for the pope to be held in the basement chapel on February 16, 1878.

Caught my eye

“Bishop Wadhams, the celebrant of the mass, is said to be a convert from the Protestant faith.”
“The singing, although probably somewhat marred in its effect by the comparatively low ceiling of the chapel was very satisfactory, Miss McGuire executing the difficult soprano passages in the mass with finish and precision.”
From Louis de Goesbriand’s sermon:

“Not quite ten months ago, the corner stone of this church was laid, and now we are assembled to dedicate this basement, which is in itself a beautiful building, although not to be compared with the more glorious structure which is to arise on these walls.”
“I do rejoice to see you here this morning. This church will be the church of your bishop, who now occupies his cathedral chair for the first time. From this day, for many ages to come, this chair will be connected with the history of this diocese.”

From F. W. Broderick’s sermon:

“As we stand here to-day witnessing the ceremonies attendant upon the erection of another monument to religion, we feel that there is a new Jerusalem, as prophesied by the Psalmist.”

For the record

Louis de Goesbriand was the Bishop of Burlington, VT.
According to the article, James Fitton was the first Catholic priest to arrive in Hartford, in 1830.
Charles C. Hubbard was the state comptroller.
Richard D. Hubbard was governor.
Patrick T. O’Reilly was Bishop of Springfield, MA.
George G. Sill was the former lieutenant governor at this point. The current lieutenant governor was Francis Loomis.
Joseph H. Sprague was mayor of Hartford.
Edgar P. Wadhams was the Bishop of Ogdensburg, NY.
Thomas Walsh was the vicar general of the Diocese of Hartford.

Source

Unattributed. “The new cathedral,” Hartford Daily Courant, February 11, 1878, page 1.

Thomas Galberry
Cathedral of Saint Joseph

History

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