The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-29
FATHER M'NAMARA.

HIS LIFE AND WORK, TRIALS AND VICTORIES,
PERKS AND DETERMINATIONS TELLS HIS
OWN EXPERIENCE.
Father Mcnamara narrated his history and expe-
riences to large audience last evening at the john
son Street Methodist Episcopal Church, Brooklyn.
His hearers laughed and applauded every fresh re-
mark and he himself laughed and almost wept
for Joy and assured his hearers repeatedly that
they were more Irish than the Irish them
selves" He moreover announced that he "fclt
good" and over to Brooklyn "to have
a good time" but that he had not expected to feel
so happy at that early stage of the proceedings This
remark was elected by the audience singing hymn
composed by the reverend speaker for in his
Water street Mission, and set to the familiar air of
"The Harp That Once" This performance. which. it
may be remarked, was characterized by very gen.
eral difference of opinion among the singers the
correct pitch pleasing to the good father that
he came to the conclusion that wherever he went
the people were just as Irish as in Water street and
hearers sing another hymn to the tune OF Irish
Molly, o.!
He then commenced his address, He said:-"God
has wonderfully blessed me and the work that have
in hsn... II prospers 1t extends and the people are
every day accepting II with new manifestations Of
Joy" Though he did not expressly say SO. II was
understood by those present that the .'worK aludeI
to was the ''Irsh Independent Catholic Church"
Father Mcnamara said that IL was unnecessary to
speak of IL just then, and merely added that the
whole world lis ringing WIN iha n al ,s sns
keep 1t out Of their columns arc Influenced by fear
OF losing the good opinion OF some innuennui per-
sons lie saiu lit has been taken up outside OF New
York and Is coming back to It, That European
papers in all languages arc full of it; that it IL
much alarmed about it," He also said that it was
source of wonder to many men why he was allowed
to he ds nSs
his defence has come. for he said he was lin the
hands of God and could not be touched till He
wished it,.
"T was BORN said the holy man. and II You want
to know where you have Sny 60, 70 LOOK me a ,or
am, however. good deal OF an American, for
Irishman mskes pretty good ,aa,o Yankee ,,.r
don for adding one more fact 1 born forty
eight years ago." The speaker then rchearsed the
tense Catholic, and destined for the priesthood
in boyhood by his parents. lie also said. This
heart has suffered TINS mind has endured untold
hut have always persevered in holding to prin-
ciples. He condemned the Catholic religion for its
adherence to the cause OF sectaran cducstion for
Withholding the Bible from the people aud because
the members do not indulge In religious expe-
riences" and Finding Christ in the same manner as
the Methodists.
WV VERY uSeArLAxr.
II was always cautious OF girls '-naughterl-con-
tjnued the anchortic teacher 81 have awhole bundle
of love letters from girls all the United states.
written to me since opened my mission in Water
street. Continued laughtcr.) But All always very
wary about them know how dangerous II Is to get
meddling with them, and know that EFFORTS are
made to get me into false position have had
detectives follow them up. and know what speak
or so I'll tell you how get even with them. read
all the letters TO the women down IN water street.
tT,oars of laughter) have u whole library OF theni
lLaughter.) l know that it's q delicate thing Tor
man to- tnlk about his experience this way but
you have Inc here I'll tell you almost everything.
guess 1 won't tell you quite all. But one woman
made love TO in Water street, before the whole
congregation. Another said to me, sure you are
not going marryy' said To her, DO you know
decent irish girl with little fortune, that would
have nc?' tI,osrs of laughter.) 49,.
Father McNamara concluded with q few words as
TO his conversion aud fracas with the Catholic
Church and thanks to his audience for their kind az
tcntion to his remarks