Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-10-23
FATHER o,HARA's FAREWELL.
He is Presented with Handsome
Purse by His Pensioners.


Purse by His Pensioners.
Rev. Father T. O'Hara, Of st. Patrick's
parish. was presented with purse Of
$500 and an address by his parishioners
last night. After the Vesper services,
which It was understood were to be the
last he would conduct at st. PatrCk's
before taking his leave, the mem bers OF
the parish assembled IN the school room
Just south Of the church.
Mr.. Frank Hart acted as chairman,
and appointed Mr.. Michael Naughtin and
MIR. NJ. J. DGOner a committee to escort
Father O'Hara 10 the meeting. When the
committee returned with the Reverend
Father, NJ. A. O'Byrne, Esq, on the part
OF the parisnloners, made the presenta-
ton. He said that il was with feelings OF
pride and qualification that he performed
the pleasant duty. when you came
among us seven years ago." be continued,
addressing the Father, ''our finances
were in a bad condition, ana there
was no fit place OF worship. But
you have changed all this. Where
once stood the old church
there now stands an edIfice which is the
pride of the parish and lasting monu-
ment to your devotion to duty and to US.
Your pensioners, recognizing that, de-
sire to testify their gratitude tor all the
services you have rendered. We hope
that the burdens OF your future may be
light, and that the CROSSES may not be set
heavily on you. We would desire to have
you with us always, but since it is not to
be, rest assured that no matter what dis
lance may separate us our love will ever
be the same for you. You have been an
instructor and you have the esteem Of all
present"
In conclusion, the speaker said: 1--WE
will treasure up in memory's book what
you have done for US, and our hearts
O'ertiow with JOY, and yet withal we are
sad-sad because we must beg leave
to say FAREWELL"
Father o. Hara, in replying, said: "Very
dear friends and brethren, cannot help
feeling deeply all that has been so beau
tifully said by your eloquent spokesman.
And L assure you that much more am l
touched by the expressions of sympathy
and regret than by any substantial proof
OF your affections, however great it may
be. Seven years ago did come into this
parish, and under adverse circumstances
L found very good work begun by my
predecessor, but 1t was necessary that
some one should take hold and carry that
work TO completion. No matter how
Jealous, or earnest, or full of the spirit OF
God one may have been, he would never
have accomplished any thing without your
support and generous offerings. l amnOt,
as you know, one to fatter, but can say
candidly aud truthfully that there has
not been one moment since | came among
you that / was discouraged at the work
which | undertook in 1870. / always met
with cheerful cooperation on your part.
You were always willing to help carry on
the work which now completed is a spec
tacle to God and the angels and man.
hope that the great God will hereafter re-
ward you for all the good you have done.
There are moments, dare say, In
everyone's life which compensate for ali
the ills that may have been suffered. This
is such a moment, and it Is the most joy
full of my life. l thank you for the adj
dress and the substantial evidence Ofyour
feelings. Wherever God may demand
my services l will always remem Der you
and pray for you. If it was Gods will
that L should remain here l certainly
would continue to appreciate your love.
leave with regret and sor-
row. Wherever l go l shall
remember your kindness. What more
can l say except farewell / humbly
pray to God tonight that we may all live
as followers of the humble Saviour, and
that we may meet some day under
brighter circumstances. Dear friends,
God bless YOU"
Father O'Hara was deeply moved while
speaking, and many of his hearers wept
silently. 1t is believed that Rev. Father
Bazin, of Macon, will succeed Father
OHara, and that Rev. Father Quinlan
Will be Father Bazin's assistant.