[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 126 (Monday, July 28, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S7565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS CATHEDRAL

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
anniversary of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Cathedral in Reno.
  Construction on Saint Thomas Aquinas began in 1906, after Reno's sole 
Catholic church was destroyed by fire. Father Thomas Tubman led the 
effort to build a new church for Reno Catholics. He planned to 
construct a larger, more centrally located church, explaining that 
``The time has come for making the structures in Reno attractive as 
well as useful. The Cathedral will be one of the finest buildings in 
the State.''
  On June 21, 1908, Saint Thomas Aquinas opened its doors to 
parishioners with a remarkable dedication ceremony. Over 3,000 people 
waited outside the new church long before the ceremony was set to 
begin. At 10:30, dozens of priests and bishops, 120 Knights of 
Columbus, 2 bands and hundreds of parishioners were led by the chief of 
police and 16 patrolmen in a march from the convent of the Sisters of 
Mary to Saint Thomas Aquinas Church. Upon arriving, the Knights of 
Columbus encircled the new church as Bishop Grace blessed the buildings 
exterior. A high mass was then celebrated with the church filled to 
capacity. About one hundred worshipers were unable to enter, and 
instead waited outside the building, listening to the beautiful music 
from the choir and organist.
  To celebrate its centennial anniversary, Reno Catholics reenacted 
this special ceremony last month. They joined in procession once again 
and marched together to the Saint Thomas Aquinas Cathedral, where a 
celebratory mass was held. As they marched, they rejoiced in 100 years 
of memories at their place of worship.
  Today, Saint Thomas Aquinas Cathedral prominently stands in the heart 
of downtown Reno and will forever remain in the hearts of Catholics who 
have worshiped here in the last 100 years. I am pleased to honor Saint 
Thomas Aquinas Cathedral today. I know that it will continue to serve 
Nevadans as an outstanding religious institution for another 100 years.

                          ____________________