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 OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES TELLS HIS
OWN EXPERIENCE.
Father Mcnamara narrated his history and expe-
riences to largo audience last evening at the John
son Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Brooklyn.
His hearers laughed and applanded 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
n good time" but that he had not expected to feel
so happy 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
1.-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 was pleasing the good father that
he came to the conclusion that wherever he went
the people were just Irish in Water street. md
IL they weren't he made them so. He also made his
hearers sing another hymn to the tune OF Irish
WONDERFULLY BLESSED"
He then commenced his address. He said :-"7od
has wonderfully blessed me and the work that have
in hxna. II prospers it extends, and the people are
every day accepting it with new manifestations Of
joy." Though he did not expressly say SO, It WAS
understood by those present that the worK alluded
to was the '.Irish Independent Catholic Church"
Father Mcnamara SAID THAT III was unnecessary TO
speak of it Just then, and merely added that the
whole world lis ringing with IT, that all the papers
that any courage full OF it, and those which
keen IL out OF their columns iphuenced by fear
Of losing the good opinion Of sofne infucntai per-
sons" lie said lit has been taken up outside Of New
York and + somns DSrs 70 Of ss.t p
serious matter and that the Italian Church Is very
much alarmed about it," He also said that it was
source of wonder to many men why he was allowed
to live though he did not reveal the source OF peril
to his existence. He did, however, know whence
his defence has come" for no said he was lin the
hands of God and could not be touched till He
NATURES TRADE MARX.
"I was born" said the holy man, land IL you want
TO know where you have only got to look ut me, for
carry the map OF ireland stamped in my face.
am. however, good deal OF an American y.. Tor
when he wants to. / will beg the ladies' par
don for adding one more fact. ! was born forty
eight years ago." The speaker then rchearsed the
events Of his early lie; how nc was an in
tense Catholic, and destined for the priesthood
in boyhood by his parents lie also said, This
heart has suffered this mind has endured untold
agones and this soul has been wrung with injustice
but have always persevered in holding to prin-
ciples" He condemned the Catholic religion for its
Adherence to the cause of sectarian education, 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
the Methodists.
VERY UNGAIL.AST.
II was always cautious OF neutrality-suspicious.
finued the anchoritic teacher. 81 have whole bundle
of love letters girls all the United states,
written to since opened my mission in water
street. CONTINUED lsughtcr) But am always very
wary about them. know how dangerous II Is to get
meidling with them and know that Efforts are
made to get me into false position. have had
detectives follow them up and know what speak
Of 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 whole library OF them.
iIaughter.) l know that it's delicate thing Tor a
man to tnlk about his own experience this way; but
you have me here I'll tell you almost everything.
I 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 to marry? said TO her. do you know =
de sont irish girl with little fortune, that would
have ne?" 1iosrs of laughter)
Father Mcnamara concluded with few words as
10 his conversion aud fracas with the Catholic
Church and thanks to his audience for their kind at
tcntion to his remarks,