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Gansett Has Uses Aside From Racing To Be Scene of Catholic Ceremonies, Shrine Circus For Crippled Children, Etc. PAWTUCKET, R. I., May 26.— In keeping with a long established policy of close cooperation with all local charitable, fraternal and religious organizations, Narra-gansett Racing Association, through its president, James E. Dooley, has announced the various activities, other than racing, for which the big Rhode Island course .will be used this summer. In all cases the complete facilities of the park will be placed at the disposal of the various, organizations free of- charge. On June 9 and 10, the Holy Name societies of the diocese of Providence, R. I., will repeat the beautiful religious ceremony that made such a tremendous impact upon the whole state last year, when 50,000 men attended the holy hour." This year will be marked by even more elaborate ceremonies, according to the Reverend Charles J. ONeil, moderator and organizer. At 10 a. m. on the morning of Saturday, June 9, a pontifical mass will be celebrated by the Apostolic Delegate, assisted by a massed choir of 7,000 children from the parochial schools of Rhode Island. His Excellency, Richard J. Cushing, archbishop -of Boston, will deliver the sermon, from the specially erected altar in the infield. The congregation on this occasion will consist only of women and children. At the holy hour, on- Sunday evening, June 10, which will be for men only, the Apostolic Delegate will preside while His excellency Russell J. McVinney, bishop of Providence, will deliver the sermon. At this service will be presented a living rosary, an inspiring spectacle formed by men bearing torches which are raised on high as their particular prayer is being recited. The largest attendance in the history of the park is anticipated. Property for Circus Parking On June 13, the Ringling Bros, circus, for the first time, will be using the lot adjacent to Narragahsett Park. This particular tract of land has no parking facilities. So, in cooperation with the police of East Providence, the Gansett management agreed to permit the use of their huge parking lots by the circus visitors. The East Providence police will man the track lots and all parking fees thus derived will be credited to the East Providence police relief fund. The annual Shrine Circus, operated by the Palestine Shriners Temple, will hold its 28th renewal at Narragansett Park for six days, August 6 to the 11, inclusive. The net proceeds of this great festival is devoted to the upkeep of the Shriners convalescent home for crippled children at Springfield, Mass. Matinee and evening performances are given daily and during the years the circus has played at Gansett, the financial success has been greater than anywhere else in the country for a similar cause. Mainly through its annual function at the Rhode Island course, the Palestine Temple has immeasurably strengthened its organization. Besides maintaining its convalescent home at Springfield, it has been able to contribute to numerous hospitals for crippled children and has acquired real estate at Warwick, R. I., where, through the media of the circus operation and generous donations received, it plans to build its own hospital at a not-to-distant date. Narragansett Park has been designated as a relief station and evacuation center by the Council of Defense of Rhode Island. Already several test runs have been made and preparations are still in progress in this work of such vital national importance. During the winter months many clubs have enjoyed movies of important races run in the past at Narragansett. These films are always available upon request.
