Bishop Gercke to Officiate at
Ceremonial Tomorrow Morning
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ORACLE, April, 1927 - At a solemn high mass, the Rt. Rev. Daniel James Gercke, D. D., Bishop of Tucson, will dedicate St. Helen’s chapel at Oracle, at 10 o’clock tomorrow morning.

The chapel has been built by Charles L. Gilliland and his wife, Mrs. Helen Galey Gilliland, of Philadelphia, who have a palatial residence at Oracle. Construction work has been handled by John P. Steffes, and Henry O. Jaastad was the architect. In memory of her parents, Mrs. Gilliland also has donated a golden chalice and siborium, the latter being a cup with lid, for the Blessed Sacrament. All the furnishings and vestments are likewise being provided by Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland. The chapel, completely furnished, has cost about $5000.

Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Thomas M. Connoly, pastor of All Saints’ Church at Tucson. Father Tiburcius Wand, superior at the San Xavier Mission, will be the deacon of the Mass. Assisting at the ceremonies will be Padre Delgado, O.C.D., pastor of the Church at Florence, of which church the Oracle chapel is a mission, Father Philip R. Schweitzer, who will be the assistant rector of the new chapel, Rt. Rev. Mgr. Peter Timmermans, Vicar General of the Diocese of Tucson and the Rt. Rev. Mgr. Louis Duval of Nogales.

The music will be furnished by the Indian choir from San Xavier mission.

After the dedication, Bishop Gerke will administer Confirmation.

At noon, a luncheon will be served at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland.

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Banquet Given at Oracle

After the recent dedication services at the new St. Helen’s chapel at Oracle Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gilliland entertained many friends and priests at a beautiful out of door banquet. Among the guests were E.C. Clark of Tucson, Mr. and Mrs. M. Kannally and Miss Bremmer of Chicago , Misses Kannally, Lee Neal and Vincent Kannally, Mr. and Mrs. William Huggett, Mr. and Mrs. Jamison, Mr. and Mrs. L.C. Terry, Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Lawson and others of Oracle.

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ORACLE, April 10, 1927 - Seldom have the people of Oracle witnessed such a gala occasion as that of last Wednesday when the beautiful little chapel of St. Helen’s, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Gilliland to the people of Oracle, was dedicated by Bishop Gerke and a score of reverend assistants. The beautiful and inspiring dedication service of the church was used, and an accomplished choir from San Xavier mission provided the music. So large was the attendance that many were compelled to remain outside the chapel. Following the dedication a large class was confirmed by Bishop Gerke.

El Rancho de Los Robles, the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Gilliland, was the scene Wednesday of a charming function honoring the Bishop and their many visiting priests who participated in the ceremonies at St. Helen’s chapel during the morning. Nearly one hundred guests sat down to the repast. The intermissions between courses were featured by the sparkling and unfailing wit of the Rev. Fr. Schweitzer, toastmaster, and the more serious though highly entertaining responses of the speechmakers. A happier throng of merry makers was never assembled and all departed with a sense of profound gratitude toward his host and hostess for one of the most delightful social events in the history of the community.