Crusaders Cap Top Lineup For Mission Drums

By Michael J. Pisani
DCN June 5, 1963 issue

With the disbanding of the famed Reilly Raiders, the Society for the Propagation of the Faith's MISSION DRUMS contest has found it necessary to replace that corps with another of equal stature -- the Crusaders from Rochester, New York. This sixth annual MISSION DRUMS Senior Drum & Bugle Corps Competition will again be held at the Boston College Stadium. The contest beginning at 8:00, will include the Hawthorne Caballeros, the Lt. Norman Prince Princemen, the Crusaders, the Conn. Hurricanes, the Interstatesmen, the New York Skyliners, the Yankee Rebels, and the Archer-Epler Musketeers. The date -- Saturday night, June 22.

For people unfamiliar with the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, it is a world-wide, pontical society which gives missionary societies the "authority to preach, labor, build and evangelize." Although missionary societies may suggest where they would like to work they must be sent or authorized by the Congregation of the Propagation of the Faith. The mission societies take over until the mission territory is "ready to be turned over to the native clergy."

Currently, about 300 missionary societies and 200,000 missioners are working in 700 mission territories.

MISSION DRUMS is a main gear in the money-making machine employed by the Society. This contest, which boasts probably the finest potpourri of senior drum corps in the drum corps world, has enjoyed many large crowds in past contests. This year should be no exception, for the roster is to be "the finest ever."