Chronicles of Notre Dame du Lac
Edward Sorin, CSC -- Translated by John M. Toohey, CSC, 1895

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1848

pg 128       time in the principal parish.  Probably they had formed their 
School in    plans for those same schools.  In a word, it was impossible then 
Brooklyn, NY to find employment for more than two, and the three others 
             returned at once.
                  The history of Kentucky and of Cincinnati serve as an 
             explanation of this little phenomenon.  However, the minor chapter 
             was satisfied even at this price to have a footing in Brooklyn, 
             one of the first posts in the United States.  And what is still 
             more consoling, this first school is in the hands of a very able 
             pastor who is devoted to the house.
             
                                 7.  Blessing of the Church
      
                  It took place on Nov 12th in presence of a numerous concourse 
             of people and of the F. Visitor, who had the consolation there to 
             celebrate the first solemn mass.  F. Cointet having been 
             authorized about a year before to bless it, the ceremony could not 
             be performed by anyone else.  The mass, which the music-master of 
             the college had been preparing for two months, was executed to 
             perfection.  The sermon of the occasion was preached by one of the 
             two clergymen candidates, the Rev. Mr. Ivers, who acquitted 
             himself of this duty in a manner to please his entire audience.  
             The sermon was excellent, but rather long.