The solomn reopening and blessing of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church at Osgoode. which was damaged by fire last Armistice Day, was carried out yesterday in the presence of a notable gathering, ecclesiastical and lay. Mgr. J. H. Chartrand, vicar-general, blessed the beautiful new edifice. He represented His Grace the Archbishop of Ottawa.
The pastor Rev. A. Gorman welcomed the visiting clergy and expressed heartfelt thanks to all who had so unselfishly assisted in the rebuilding of the sacred structure.
Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father F. Corkery, South Glouchester, a former pastor of the church. Rev. M. J. Gorman, of Farrellton, acted as deacon, and Rev. M. T. O'Neill, of Richmond, as sub-deacon. Rev. Father John O'Neill, St. Brigid's Ottawa, delivered the sermon.
Among the clergy present were Mgr. J. H. Chartrand, vicar-general; Mgr. W. E. Cavanagh, Almonte; Canon T. P. Fay, St. Brigid's Ottawa, Rev. Father F. Corkery, South Glouchester; Rev. Father P. C. Harris, Metcalfe; Rev. Father M. P. O'Neill, Richmond; Rev. Father John O'Neill, St. Brigid's Ottawa; Rev. Father M. J. Gorman. parish priest at Farrellton, a brother of Rev. Father G. H. Gorman, of Huntley, a cousin of the latter; H. J. Morin. architect, of Noffkle, Morin and Sylvester; George Cashman, contractor; Michael McCloskey, foreman of works, and Robert Strang, decorator.
When the old structure was destroyed by fire, Rev. Father P. C. Harris of Metcalfe, formerly of the Blessed Sacrament church, Ottawa, disregarding the danger entailed, removed the sacred host and vessels to safety.
Rev. Father Gorman informed The Journal last night that it seemed fitting that the church should be reopened and blessed on the day that the Pope made his broadcast from Vatican City.
