Still Very Ill, 15 June 1892
The Dead Priest, 16 June 1892
Lying in State, 17 June 1892
Laid in the Grave, 18 June 1892
From
The Pittsburg Press, 17
June 1892.
The Body of Father Mollinger Placed in the Chapel.
Several Thousands View It.
The Services To-Day Were Imposing but Brief.
Arranging for the Funeral.
Priests Who Will Take Part in the Exercise.
No Will Has Yet Been Found.
At 10:30 o'clock this morning the remains of the late Father Mollinger were taken from his residence into the little chapel on Mt. Troy, where for so many years he had been accustomed to bless the people and cure them of their ailments and infirmities.
Most impressive was the procession that preceded the remains. Around the residence, on the streets and on the porches of houses was one of the largest crowds seen on the hill since Monday. Most of the people were women. The men were working to-day. Sitting on the benches in the church yard were rows of women and children, patiently awaiting the procession, and the church was filled with those who were anxious to see the dead priest placed before the altar. Policemen were on hand to keep the crowd back from the entrance to the residence in which he had lived. One stood at each gate, and all were obliged to stay out. None but those who had business were permitted to enter the residence. A post office carrier came with a large batch of letters and papers for Father Mollinger. They were left at the house as usual.
Just before the procession from the house, two mother superiors came out. Several priests were there, too; but only the pallbearers and Dr. King were allowed of all the people, an entrance. The remains of Father Mollinger have not been well preserved owing to the extreme heat, and it would have been difficult to keep them over to-morrow. The casket in which they lie is a very plain, but rich one. It is trimmed with black, has solid silver handles, and on the lid is a small silver image of Christ on the cross.
At 10:30 the chimes in the new chapel of St. Anthony began to ring and
the bell in the old chapel was tolled. It was a signal that the body
would soon be removed to the altar, where it is to lie in state till
to-morrow. The crowds began to gather. The street in front of the late
residence of the priest was packed. From the parochial school came a
procession of boys and girls which numbered 300. They were preceded by
Father Meyer and the altar boys who bore the crucifix and candles. All
marched around the house and came out on the street, forming two divided
lines, through which the coffin was to be borne by the pallbearers.
The strong voice of Father Meyer was heard reading the service for the
dead. A few moments later the voices of the singers rendering the De
Profundis, psalm 129, gave notice that the procession had begun. The
crowds of people uncovered their heads. The form of Father Meyer, in his
official robes, was seen coming from the door, preceded by the vested
altar boys bearing incense and the crucifix. Several singers accompanied
Father Meyer, assisting in the chant.
The body in its casket came next. The pallbearers were Michael
Creuner, C. Papsert, H. Krancer, Andrew Weiblinger, Jr., Emil Andrews and
Adolf Hepp. All the last named were trustees of the church.
Arriving at the church the choir sang an exultabant and a miserere.
There was a prayer and the service for the day was concluded.
There was but little decoration in the interior. A few vases of cut
flowers were placed by the chancel, and several potted plants. The casket
containing the remains was placed in front of the chancel.
The church will be kept open all night and the body will be guarded by
young men from the various societies in which the late priest was
interested. Thousands will view the remains.
To-morrow there will be a great funeral. Rev. Father Meyer has charge
of the funeral arrangements. It is expected that Bishop Phelan, Rev.
Father Ward, Rev. Father McTighe, Father McDermott, Father Griffin,
Father Murphy and Father Danziger will be the celebrants of the last
rites of the church. The services will begin at 9 o'clock to-morrow
morning. Solemn high mass will be celebrated by Father Wall, with Father
Kauffman of St. Peter's as deacon, and Father Langst as [sub-deacon].
Father Schwab, of St. Mary's, Sharpsburg, will preach the funeral sermon,
and Father Danziger will chant the service.
The remains will be interred in the Holy Name cemetery. It is expected
that the services will last at least two hours. Thousands will be
present.
"No will has been found as yet," said the late private secretary,
Adolph Hupp, this morning.
"I have been told by an intimate friend of the late father," said a
gentleman this morning, "that there is a will and that Father Mollinger
had told his friend that he had one. He also is reported to have said
that the new chapel was his own and that he proposed to do what he
pleased with it. I believe someone knows where the will is and that after
the funeral it will be brought forth. I am of the opinion that there will
be a surprise in store for someone when it is read."
One of the most important questions that engage the mind of the clergy
and the people is, who will succeed the dead priest. It was said to-day
by several who are in a position to know that Father Dangelcer will
succeed Father Mollinger. It is stated that for several years he has
studied medicine, and that he is well versed in the study.
Many of the afflicted people who came to Mount Troy from a distance will
remain till Monday. One young man who came with his mother from Junction
City said that his mother had received a blessing just before Father
Mollinger took sick, and that for the first time in years she was able to
walk without crutches. Others who came too late will remain to do honor
to the dead.
