Ilion High School - Class of 1923

Utica Observer - June 1, 1931

Father Jess Says Initial Mass in Ilion

Article 9

Father Jess Says Initial Mass in Ilion

Second Native of Village to be Ordained is Given Dinner at Utica and Reception at Night

Ilion - Before a congregation that filled the Church of the Annunciation, the Rev. Alfred W. Jess, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Jess, 41 Sixth Avenue, said his first solemn Mass yesterday morning at 10:30.

Father Jess was assisted by the Rev. M. E. Serrault, assistant pastor of the Church of the Annunciation, as arch priest. The Re., Jeremiah McCarthy, of St. Patrick's Church, Oneida, was deacon, and the Rev. Edmund Pierce of St. Anthony's Church, Utica was sub-deacon. The latter two priests were graduated from Niagara University and ordained last year.

The sermon was given by the pastor, the Ref. J. B. Gilloon.

The priests marched from the vestry around the church to the front entrance, then to the alter, accompanied by the altar boys, with John Scott as leader; Robert Kerr as cross bearer, and Richard Hines and George Morey as acolytes. They were all in red cassocks. The ushers were Samuel Jess and Kenneth Tillinghast.

A special musical program featured the services, with John L. Brennan, director, and Mrs. Albert English, organist. Several selections were played by the orchestra.

Andre Sharon, cello soloist of the Rochester Symphony Orchestra, played Handel's "Largo," at the offertory. The choir sang the Mass "Harnmerel," with Miss Dorothy ... Harvey Robinson, Miss Helene Byron and Mrs. Edward Hoffman, soloist... and friends motored in Utica for dinner at Hotel Martin following Mass.

A reception was held last night at the home of his parents when friends called to congratulate the young Ilionite, the second native son to be ordained. He received many cards and telegrams of congratulations. Also gifts from individuals, and a large gift of money form the congregation.

Before receiving his assignment in the Trenton, N. J. diocese , Father Jess will spend the next weeks at his home here.

Those who attended the ordination exercises at Trenton, N. J., Saturday, were the Rev. M. E. Serrault, show acted as sponsor; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Jess and family; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Haley, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Horan, Mrs. Hattie Jess, Samuel Jess, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Fake, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Sprague, Edward Conklin, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Rockwell and daughter Mark O'Donnell and William Weber of Ilion.

Mr. and Mrs. A. Cleghorn, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bray and son, of Utica; Alfred Lake, Mrs. Carrie Stewart and daughter, Edna, of Mohawk; Mrs. James Love, of Syracuse, and Michael Murphy, of New York City.