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Imposing Ceremonies of Dedication
The new HolyNameChurch, Danforth and Gough Avenue, whose pastor is the Rev. M. Cline, was solemnly opened and blessed last Sunday morning. Sunday, the 14th of March, 1926, the fourth Sunday in Lent, was therefore, truly “Laetare Sunday” in the parish of the Holy Name Toronto.
“Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad with her, all you that love her!” cried out Isaias of Old, and this was the spirit of joy and happiness that was manifest in the hearts and on the faces of the parishioners who thronged from al sides to the dedication ceremonies of their glorious new church. For many years, in hope and indomitable patience, in much labour and striving, they had waited this hour of the beautiful fruition of their dream. Now they were a hundredfold rewarded. The magnificent church of the Holy Name was a reality at last! Their hearts swelled with pride, and the unbidden tears welled to their eyes as they drew near and were confronted by that lofty and superb façade, at one graceful and massive, chaste and ornate.
On through the long future years that noble structure, which their sacrifice had helped to build, would stand there, proudly dominating the great thoroughfare of Danforth, and showing forth the Holy Text emblazoned on the front: “In nomine Jesu omne genu flectatur” – “At the name of Jesus every knee shall bend.”
Great Crowd Present
The day was bright and cheery, and the sun flashed back in dazzling rays from polished pillar and fluted architrave. Vast as is the size of the church, it could not hold half of the crowd that thronged to the dedication ceremonies. Inside the church the beauty of the scene was unforgettable; the sun’s rays strained in through the brilliant tinted windows of the clerestory, and through the stained glass windows of the nave, and were reflected from the golden vestments of the clergy, from the marble of the sanctuary, and from the mighty pillars of the main aisle.
The beautiful music of the Mass rose and fell in solemn cadences, the sound of prayer from the vast throng was as the voice of many waters.
Bishop MacDonald Officiates
The ceremony of the blessing was performed by Rt. Rev. Alexander MacDonald, Bishop of Hebron. The celebrant of the Pontifical Mass was the Rt. Rev. Bishop O’Brien of Peterborough, with the Rev. Fathers Gehl and J. O’Brien as deacon and sub-deacon. Fathers O’Connor and Sneath, both former assistants of Father Cline, were Deacons of honor. Father Coyle was assistant priest and Father Cabana was master of ceremonies.
Rev. W. A. McCann Preaches Sermon
The sermon was preached by the Rev. W.A. McCann, pastor of St. Francis’ Church, Toronto, who in the course of an eloquent peroration, said it, was a hopeful sign of generous catholicity to witness the many new edifices consecrated to the service of God. Quite outstanding among these was HolyNameChurch whose very walls proclaim the attributes of Him Whose name was graven above it doors. The architectural grandeur of the building suggested the glory and beauty of Him Whom it will henceforth shelter in His Eucharistic life. It is meet that outside friends today congratulate pastor and people, upon the success with which they have carried out their noble undertaking. He added that I was indeed a glorious edifice testifying to a strong faith, a generous spirit of sacrifice, and above all to the ardent love and deep reverence of its builders. This faith, this self-sacrifice, this love and reverence, he continued, will not fail of a blessing from Him Who never suffereth good works to go unrewarded in His sight.
Those Present
Among those present in the sanctuary were: His Lordship Rt. Rev. Alex MacDonald, Bishop of Hebron; His Lordship Bishop McNally of Hamilton; Rt. Rev. Monsignor Hartigan, of Prescott; Rt. Rev. Monsignor MacDonald, of Glen Nevis; Rt. Rev. Monsignor Blair, President of the Catholic Church Extension Society; Rt. Rev. Monsignor O’Sullivan, President of St. Augustine’s Seminary; Rev. Fathers Englert, Leyes and Gehl, of Hamilton; Father P. McGuire, of Peterborough; Rev. Fathers McMahon and Devine, S.J., of Guelph; Rev. Father Hayes of Kalamazoo, and Rev. Father Noon, of New Bedford, Mass. The following priests of Toronto were also present at the Mass: Rev. Fathers Cline, McCabe,McRae,Malouf, S. McGrath, Carr, Davis, Barrack, McCann, William O’Reilly, D. O’Connor, Coyle, Dollard, J. Hayes, O’Leary, M. McGrath, J. O’Connor, Barcelo, Carberry, Culliton, Lellis, Muckle, Coughlin, C.Ss.R., McCandlish, C.Ss.R. and J. N. Fullerton.
The Banquet
The boys’ choir, under the able direction of Mr. Somers, performed their part admirably, and added to the effectiveness of the ceremony by their sweet and devotional singing. About one hundred priests were afterwards entertained, with the three Bishops, in the spacious Community Hall, by the Rev. Pastor, Father Cline. Rev. Father Peter McGuire, of Peterborough, was toast-master. A sumptuous repast was spread and the toasts of “The Pope,” “The Hierarchy” and “The Clergy” were spoken to by the Rt. Rev. Bishops and by other of the clergy.
In the evening special services were held in the new church, the preacher on the occasion being Rt. Rev. D. MacDonald, of the Diocese of Alexandria.
A Beautiful Structure
In character the south or front elevation follows the general line of Mary Major of Rome. Built of Indiana cut stone the outside dimensions of the church are: length, 170 feet; width 68 feet, and the height is 100 feet to the crossing of the transepts. The high altar, Communion rail, pulpit and baptismal font are of the same material, with panels of marble. The ceilings are vaulted throughout and the height of nave and transept from the floor to the crown is 60 feet and the aisle is 30 feet. – Catholic Register.
REPRINTED FROM “HOLY NAME PARISH 1913-1927” A PARISH HISTORY PUBLISHED 1927 |  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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