Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1878-10-04
Pleasant Anniversary.
ELLIcoTr Cry, Sept. 18th, 1878

Mr.. Editor In the papers of last week
was announced that Father Dougherty would
celebrate the tweniy-fifth anniversary of his
ordination 10 the priesthood, on Tuesday,
September the oath, at his parish church in
Elicott City. Accordingly on the morning
Of the above named day Grand High Mass
was celebrated by the Reverend gentleman
himself assisted by deacon and sub-deacon.'
very eloquent sermon was preached on the
occasion, upon the Dignity of the Priest
hood" by the Rev. Father Boyle, of St.
Matthew's church, Washington, D. G.
The vocal music was rendered by the church
choir with the addition OF several maze voices
from Rock Hill College, accompanied by the
Orchestra of the above named institution.
Immediately after the exercises at the church,
Father Dougherty, in the company of several
clergymen, among whom were Rev Father
Chapelle, D. D., Fathers Boyle, Griffin, Lyman
and Others, yielding to the invitation OF Bro.
Betelin, the President of the College, visited
the professors and students. They were met
by hearty welcome and ushered into the
hail. amid the applause of all present, which the
College band played "Vira: pastor bonus"
This was succeeded by the following adj
dress TO Father Dougherty by Frank Hutton,
of Montgomery county, in the name OF the stu
dents, at the close of which handsome pres
ent, consisting of a well-hlled purse of money
was handed to the Reverend gentleman.
DEAR AND REVEREND SIR:
In addressing few words to you on the
happy occasion of your Silver Jubilee, We
merely give expression to the sentiments of
| gratitude and love, which the Faculty and
Students of Rock Hill College entertained for
you their spiritual Father
We fell ourselves honored in being allowed
to congratulate you on the happy results which
have attended your prestly labors during the
past twenty-five years
The mission of ''St Rose, in Montgomery
county, Maryland, and with itinseparably con-
necie,l The Woodlands, y formed the COM
mencemeGt of your sacerdotal career II
was there that you first gave evidence of those
many and ennobing qualities that have since
endeared you to the hearts of other congrega-
! tons. There it was, that from a loving and
admiring people you first heard the name
| "Father" fall on your ear, as music to de-
| lighted hearer. There it was that by Your
hand, most dear and reverend sir, some OF us
were admitted into that glorious old church,
of which we to-day, are happy in protesting
ourselves members. Permit us, therefore, 10
thank you in an especial manner for the great
blessing which you, holding the place of God,
conferred upon u.s.
Dear, Reverend Father Dougherty, when
we recall the many favors that God has Law
| ished upon you with so bountiful a hand (;
when we remember what happy and loving
congregations it has ever been your lot to lead
on the road to Heaven, and the reciprocal
love that has always existed between you and
people, and now behold you surrounded by
so many holy priests, old acquain tances. affec'
tionate friends-all participating in the JOY
of your Silver Jubilee, we are irresisiaby
forced to raise our voices in praise and thanks
giving to our merciful Father, from whom all
good gifts and blessings proceed.
Though God alone can adequately metz
out 10 you the rich reward which you so wei
merit, yet you will give us great pleasure
beloved father, by accepting the little presen
that we offer you as a slight token Of our re
spect, gratitude and love.
In concluding, we hope and pray, tina
twenty-five years hence you may celebrate thu
Golden Jubilee of your espousal TO Christ
while from the bottom of our hearts we say
"May calm and sunshine long be thine"
Father Dougherty then in a few words ex
pressed his heartfelt appreciation for the un
expected compliment, and while the bant
renewed their harmonious strain, he bid adler
to the students, whose faces seemed to speal
the words above quoted. D. q.