The Great 1913 Flood of Dayton was only “great” in the old time use of the word, meaning, “huge.” The stories shared at the Calvary Cemetery commemoration service on March 24 were witness to that fact.
The somber side of remembering the victims and survivors of the natural disaster in prayer was coupled with remarks by Father Scott Wright reflecting this happening during Easter 100 years ago and we are thinking of it now during Holy Week. “The metaphor to our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection is clear; the hope of the city’s resurrrection in the hearts of all who suffered, especially for lost loved ones, was truly an act of God.”
“As we prayed the Lord’s Prayer and heard the Chaminade Julienne Choir sing “Oh God Our Help in Ages Past”, it made me think of those who were trapped in buildings and attics for several days,” said Lynn Alejandrino, “I have read personal accounts of those who were in the Flood and they must have said the Our Father and sung hymns to keep their faith that they would live through it.”
The CJ Choir, directed by Joe Whatley, also sang a requiem called “Burial of the Dead”. He consulted with Emmanuel Music Director Gary Geisel to find a funeral hymn from the time period. Calvary’s St Henry Memorial Chapel was used for funeral services for at least ten flood victims in 1913. The song was a fitting tribute to their souls.
Thanks to Julie Walling Photography for the coverage of the event. Her photos are posted here. Separate stories from the Flood will be posted in individual entries.