Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, April 3, 1908, Page 1

LD THE BEMIDJI DAILY PION EER VOLUME 5. NUMBER 296. Historical Society, MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA, FRIDAY' EVENING, APRIL 3, 1908. FORTY CENTS PER MONTH LOCAL CATHOLIC CHURCH IS A VERY FINE EDIFICE Church Building Is a Grand Testimonial to the Persever- ance of the Congregation, the Members Which Have Done Excellent Work. Rev. Fr. 0'Dwyer, the Trustees, and the Building Com- mittee Did Their Work Well.---Bemidji Congregation Overcame Difficulties Since Organization, ST. PHILLIPS CATHOLIC CHURCH.® THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. (From left to right, bottom row)---P. Dicaire, P. J. Russell, E. J. Gould. (Top row)---Dr. Tuomy, Rev. Fr. 0’wyer. (A. Danaher and J. F. Gibbons, members of the committee, were absent when picture was taken.) Trustees---Matt Thome and P. J. 0’Leary. Pastor of Church---Rev. Fr. 0’Dwyer. The members of the St. Phillip’s congregation are pardonably proud of the fine Catholic church which was recently dedicated in this city with appropriate ceremonies. The church is undoubtedly one of the best religious edifices in this part of the state and is a splendid addition to the many fine structures in this city. The history of the Cathelic church in Bemidji commences almost with the organization of the village, and antedates the advent of the railroad, by nearly two years. Rev. Father Murphy, who was stationed at Crookston, made oc- casional visits to Bemidji in 1897, and held services wherever a suit- able place could be found, in pri- vate houses, store buildings, and occasionally, over the present store building of Charles Nangle. In 1898 the erection of the build- ing-on West Third street, now used as an auxiliary school building, was commenced, and completed the fol- lowing year, and was named St. Philips church. The lumber was donated and enough cash was raised to buy the furnishings, the chief contributors among the few Catholic famlies being Nangle, Thome, O’Leary, Meyer, Doran and Mc- Lernan. The non-Catholic citizens were then, as later, liberal contribu- tors. As Bemidji increased in popula- tion, the congregation grew rapidly, and in the spring of 1905, it was de- cided to sell the church building and site and erect a new structure ina more central location, and a site was secured on the corner of Seventh street and Beltrami, facing the court house square, 75x150 feet, one of the city. The Townsite company gener- ously donated one lot, Messrs. Thome and Mayer another, and the third was purchased. Father O’Dwyer succeeded Father Murphy as pastorin the fall of 1905, and immediate steps were taken looking to the erection of a church building in keeping with the increas- ing wealth of the parish and the reputation of Bemidji as a thriving, hustling city. Excavating was commenced in October, 1906, and the foundation was completed before cold weather. In the spring of 1907, work was commenced on the super-structure, and the church was completed and ready for occupancy October 15th. The building is a handsome Gothic structure 42x80 feet, - built cf Twin City pressed brick, backed with tiling and cut stone trimmings, surmounted by a tower 125 feet high from the sidewalk to the top | of the Cross. The windows, fourteen in num- ber, are beautiful Cathedral glass, one in front and one behind the altar, being magnificent works of art and arg 6x20 feet in size. The windows were donated by members of the congregation and by the Ladies Aid, and too much credit cannot be -given the latter organi- zation for its noble work for the church. The interior is furnished in a style in keeping with the beauty of the interior. The seats are oak, beautifully carved, as is also the altar rail. The high altaris a work of art and must be seen to be fully appreciated. It was built by A. F. Panchot, one of the best altar build- ers in the west. The seating capac- ity is 500, including the gallery, which is separated from the choir loft, the latter being an entirely new feature in church architecture. No little credit is due to the build- ing committee which had the work in charge, consisting of Messrs. O’Leary, Gould, Russell, Decaire, Danaher and Tuomy; and to the trustees, Messrs. O’Leary and Phome. To Father O’Dywer, how- ever, belongs " the great credit for making it possible for Bemidji to have one of the most beautiful cities. He found the parish in a chaotic most beautiful church sites in_the | church edifices north of the twin ‘|and indifferent condition, but by his untiring energy, learning and piety, kindness of heart as a priest and a citizen, he has welded the parish in- to a harmonious whole, a power for good in the community. He is idolized by his parishoners, and re- spected by all. This fact is evi- denced by the generous contribu- tions from non-Catholic friends, for which he and the gentlemen in charge of the building operations are deeply grateful. Held by Special Request. The LeMoirs are giving excellent satisfaction at the Brinkman Family theatre. They showed to a crowded house last night and their new change of program was thoroughly appreciated by all. Sampson, the strong man, by special request, has been engaged for tonight and to- morrow night. Don’t fail to attend this week. Complete change of film tonight. Matinee tomorrow afternoon. 4 Food Sale. The Ladies of the -Methodist church will hold a food sale at I. O. O. F. hall tomorrow afternoon and evening. M. & 1. LOSES TAX CASE AND MUST PAY $1,403.85 Did Not Report All Its Earnings. Court Orders Judgment for the State. St. Paul, April 3.—Judge Lewis yesterday filed his decision in the case of the state against the Minne- sota & International Railroad com- pany, granting judgment for the plaintiff in the sum of $1,403.85. The action was brought to recover a portion of the gross earnings tax for the three years 1899 to 1904, in- clusive. The defendant contended that the income over which con-| troversy arose was exempt from taxa- tion as it was not derived from the operation of the railroad. The court finds that during the| period mentioned the defendant failed to furnish a true return of all its gross earnings for taxation in| that 1t failed to rsport the gross re- ceipts derived from loading logs from the water to the cars, on which service the earnings amounted to $64,069.15, and upon which there is Local news on last page The court also finds that the de- endant failed to report the gross re- ceipts derived from the service of picking up and loading logs which had fallen from the cars, which earn- ings amounted to $9,628.41, and up- on which there is a tax due of $125.93. The defendant operates a railroad | " running north from Brainerd and a large part of its income is derived from the transportation of logs and lumber. Decided Not to Locate Here. J.7.Waddell and James H. Spencer of Mankato spent yesterday in the city looking over the grounds as to the advisibility of -establishing a wholesale fruit store in this city. The gentlemen looked over con- ditions here thoroughly and ascer- taining that the Northland Produce company is handling fruit at whole- sale, decided that they would not enter the field as competitors. It is regretted that Messrs. Wad- dell and Spencer did not see fit to engage in some other business and locate in Bemidji, as ‘they come| highly recommended by Mankato | busiuess men as being very desir- able additions to the-business inter- { due a tax of $1,277.92. ests of any community. BEMIDJI ELKS INSTALLED OFFIGERS LAST NIGHT Will Now Take Up Active Work of State Convention to Be Held July 6-7-8. Bemidji Lodge, No. 1052, in- stalled the newly-elected officers of the lodge, Thursday evening, and also received reports from the secre- tary and treasurer which indicated that the youthful body which will entertain the State Association of Elkson Jully 6-7-8, is in 2 most ex- cellent condition. C. L. Decker, who retires from the chair of exalted ruler after hav- ing served as the head of the lodge since its organization, in -December, 1906, acted as grand exalted ruler, and installed the new officers, the following acting as grand lodge officers: W. H. Bowser: esteemed leading knight; H. Dickie, es- teemed lecturing knight; Dr. Blakeslee, esteemed loyal knight; Scott Stewart, esteemed inner guard; C. ], Covington, secretary; A. A. Cont'nued on Last Page dren’s Hats. The entire production of America’s largest and most celebrated manufacturers in Suits, Coats, Skirts and Dresses will be on display all day Monday, ‘April 6th, 1908. Everyone of the new beautiful styles that this great house man- ufactures will be represented in this sale; each garment an exclusive model and can be deliv- ered during this sale. your measure and delivered in time for Easter. Hundreds of styles to choose from. Also orders taken to This will be the largest, most superb sample line ever brought to our Opening Sale. buy your Easter Suit, Coat, Skirt or Dress. insure best styles.. MILLINERY. An excellent opportunity to Making selections early will We will have for your inspection an especially large display of new creations in Easter Pattern Hats, Trimmed Hats, Sailors, Misses’ and Chil- Also just received a new line of School Hats. Monday, April 6¢h, is the day at - THE BERMAN EMPORIUM