Banquet Given in Honour of Curé Labelle

As soon as they received news that Curé Labelle was on the way back from Europe, the people of Saint-Jérôme began busily preparing a grand reception to welcome him back. Not only had Labelle successfully accomplished his mission, but he would be returning to the country accompanied by a French and Belgian delegation. To the strains of La Marseillaise, they were welcomed by a crowd of some five thousand massed around the train station at Saint-Jérôme. The delegates were taken by horse-drawn carriage to the church for a religious ceremony, and then toured the village, visiting the various water powers and the major businesses. Lastly, a grand banquet awaited them in the brand new market hall, lavishly decorated for the occasion. The festive atmosphere was heightened by music provided by the local brass band, accompanied exceptionally by a choir.