Last Mass at St. Peters

To the Editor of the Free Press.

The 2nd of July was an eventful day to the Catholics of Harper’s Ferry. Father O’Farrell, of Petersburg, said the last mass in St. Peter’s Church, which has stood like a sentinel guarding the village for over 65 years– b[r]aving tempests, and the shot and shell that were hurled against it during the war. To Rev. M. A. Costello, D. D., now deceased, is due the preservation of the church, for he remained to guard it when Bishop McGill, the Bishop of Richmond, offered him an opportunity to go to Ireland, his native land, but he refused to leave and died at his post, and now lies in our church yard, awaiting his call to Judgement.

Many eminent priests have served as pastors. Among those most prominent are numbered Archbishop Kain, of St. Louis, and Bishop Van de Vyver, of Richmond.– The church was built by Rev. John Golden in 1830– corner stone being laid on the 25th of October of that year. It was dedicated on St. Patrick’s day, 1832.

Among those who officiated at the last services held in the church were Fathers Bowler and Wilson, and Rev. Lawrence Kelly, the present pastor. Fathers O’Farrell and Bowler are both natives of the parish and said their first masses on the same altar they offered the last one they will ever celebrate in the old church. The last benediction was given by Father Bowler.

A most eloquent and affecting sermon was delivered by Father O’Farrell. Many tears were shed when he bade farewell forever to the old landmark and dear church, which for over 65 years has done its work so nobly. The new church will be erected as soon as possible and will be of gothic architecture and of Indiana greystone.