New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-07-28
DIR. BURTSELES FAREWELL.
MUCH AFFECTED BY THE PARTING.
UNCERTAINTY AS TO THE EXACT DATE OF his
DEPARTURE AND HIS DESTINATION.

UNCERTAINTY AS TO THE EXACT DATE OF HIS
DEPARTURE AND HIS DESTINATION.
The large congregation of the Roman Catholic
Church of the Epiphany filed every scat and aisle OF
the building yesterday morning. For hour before
the services began, men and women stood in groups
on the pavement in front Of tho church. and the
preston Of their faces apd the low tones in which
they spoke bctOkened the expectation OF affect
ing sccne For hour after the doors OF the church
had been closed other groups Of men and women
guarded its front. The eyes of many were heavy
and their checks were stained with tears They had
listened 10 what in all probability the farewell
sermon of the Rev. DR.. Burtsell. seldom has
preacher or priest received more touching proofs OF
love and attachment from congregation than did
Dr. BurtSell yesterday from his. His great emotion
in pronouncing his words Of farewell TO his people,
to whom he had miniStered for twenty three years.
apparent to all. His voice wavered; he falered
In his speech; he repeated his words. But the mem.
bcrs Of his congregation listened with rapt attention
to every syllable that fell from his lips. The silence
was sepulchral, and when he finished his touching
discourse there few eyes in all the large house
which showed trace of tears
High mass was celebrated by the Rev. p J. Lam
nigan, after which DR.. Burtse read chapter from
the Gospel Of ST. Luke. After comment
ing upon its contents, has been his
custom during the months in leu
of sermon, he announced that he had a few words
10 say " tic wished u them,
however, as few possible. He had been brought,
he said. since childhood. under Catholic Influences and
he would be, In Gods mercy. faithful H. those
teachings. 1t had been his object to sancfy himself
through the priesthood and to be able in consequence
| 10 sanctfy others.
Il have never done agght knowingly, knowinsly.'
he added IN positive tones that would IN any way
turn any one from the path OF duty. As far lay
| IN my power, have tried u make my congregation
which would be detrimental to tho REy Church 4
| my own knowledge There IS such Wing as human
ird!iy, ana through human iTailty may have mado
Twenty three years ago-I remember 1t well-wo
| began TO form congregation: 1t was AZ Twenty.
second 81 and secondaye in the LITTLE dspensay that
! our services for almost two years, while the new
| church was being built. since that time no human
| motive has prompted me to labor for You. labord
for my self. felt PLEASURE in doing my duty, a, =
father would feel in dong his duty % MS Children
trumphs. l have been ever with you sill Tor these
twenty three years found it easy 10 minister YOU :
credit upon myself, for l have simply fulfilled my
| duty. II Gods own command. When ! came
hero at first almost too young % undertake such
work successfully Ii you only realized the care
which rested upon me. you would overlook the fall
Tie district when came here was a crowded one.
There We're only two churches. yet my congregation
| was small IL grew gradually, year by year,
until now it is Of the finest in the city, II Will
not dare proIong my words added the Doctor. I
| Win Won Yon vii ever live ,n,hr,ncd tlere You
| will be tho constant thought of my mind hope
You Will take 10 remember me in yOlF prayers.
Pray pray that God may influence me- that we may
be unied in Him. You will be faithful 10 God and
10 the Holy Church. Through His grace we will all
be faithful / hope God Will give me grace 70 per-
to the end. And hope that Will show, for
your part that the fruit Of my teaching, viii be Your
continued fidelity 10 God and 70 your Church No
greater gift has been granted 70 yOn than that OF tho
Catholic faith 10 know that You are with Him III
the faith. | hope and trust that YOU my people,
call YOU my children in the spiritual Nense-l hope and
trust that none of yOu will b. untrue 10 yonr God.
Pray for me. l want your prayers do not wish 10
think that for any reason connected with me any ono
should be alcnatcd in any from the Holy Church
That would be greater trial and cause me lar more
pain than my present troubles
At the close of the services he pronounced the ben
edfctiOn gave the congregation h> blessing. Theirs
i still doubt among the members or the churcn
when the Doctor Will leave the city. and % what
place he will CO. II is said that he may be sent 20
baltimore He presented the teachers of the sun
day school and the members II the choir Yesterday
large Photograph, Of the church and III, school which
he founded. There will be meeting Of the choir
dcc de upnn some present TO the Doctor IL is also
said that the parish Will give him parting memento.