The Portland Daily Press

CONSECRATION OF BISHOP TIERNEY.

Imposing Ceremony in the Cathedral of

St. Joseph at Hartford.

Hartford, Conn., February 22.-In the presence of a vast assemblage, estimated at between 4000 and 5000 persons, gathered within the walls of St. Joseph's cathedral this morning, the Rt. Rev. Michael Tierney, D. D., of New Britain, was consecrated bishop of the Roman diocese of Hartford. The solemn and impressive ceremony was rendered brilliant by the presence of nearly 400 clergymen, embracing bishops, professors of universities, vicars general, rectors, curates and priests from all over the country. The musical service was rendered by a choir of 100 singers, with a grand organ and a large string orchestra accompaniment. The Most Rev. Dr. John J. Williams, Archbishop of Boston, was consecrator, assisted by Bishop Beaven of Springfield and Bishop Harkins of Providence. The notary was the Rev. F. DeBruycker of Willimantic. Bishop Tierney was accompanied by the Rev. J. Mulcahy of Waterbury and the Rev. Thomas Broderick of this city. The entire ceremony occupied over three hours, and was of absorbing interest throughout. The cathedral is the largest Catholic church in New England outside of Boston, and presented a brilliant spectacle. Every seat was occupied and the aisles and vestibule were crowded with people packed to the doors. The high altar and chancel were lighted with hundreds of candles in golden candelabras, and brilliant electrics reflected the handsome decorated interior of the cathedral. Lieutenant Governor Cady, State Secretary Phelan, Comptroller Staub, Treasurer Sanger, Mayor Hyde and other prominent state and city officials and citizens occupied conspicuous seats fronting the high altar. The ceremony was distinguished by a very large number of prominent ecclesiastics of the church.