Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1893-09-04

John Nolan as accompanist. The soloists
were Mrs. Demers, Mrs. McAlice, Miss
Winn, Messrs. Butler, Otto and Casey.
The Evening Recsption.
The reception in.the evening was the
attraction and long before the time ar
rived for the exercises to begin the vestry
was filed to overhowing. The room was
neatly decorated with bunting. Lambre-
quins faced the front OF the altar, while
In she background were seen two large
American flags, and upon each side Ire.
lands national colors were festooned and
at the immediate front was a bank of
potted plants and choice bouquets, which
lent fragrance to the scene. Upon each
side of the entrance was also placed bou-
quets and richly bloomed plants, ,enlisting
with the Stars and Stripes In giving him a
warm greeting to "Home, Sweet Home"
The orchestra, under the direction of
Prof. Demers, rendered selection, and
shortly afterwards, as the pastor, escorted
by the committee and accompanied by
the Rev. Father Hurley, entered the ves-
try, there were cheers that made the walls
of the edifice creak and join In the well
come. Thirty-four young misses attired
In white sang the song of "Welcome" ex-
cellently. Master Thomas Riley, mem
Der OF the parochial school, then delivered
an address of welcome to the pastor,
which was credit TO himself and his in
structors. His clear distinctive voice ar
ticulated every word in tones that could
be heard In every part of the house, and
the address was full OF remarks not only
most appropriate to the occasion, but
which penetrated the minds of many
listeners. The little fellow by bis mas
terly eiocutionary powers made deep
impression upon the pastor and all pres
ent, and at the close OF his remarks he was
met with great applause. As he closed
his address he presented Rev. Father
Fit zgerald with beautiful basket OF
flowers which also contained n 900 in
gold.
Recovering from this, the first surprise
OF the evening, the pastor with considera-
BILE emotion spoke as foilowes:
al arrived Wednesday night last unex-
pectedly to you as departed In a quiet
manner, and, as l entered my home, l
said, q am all right now.' Soon learned
from my valuable assistant that the parish
was all right and everything prosperous.
left my work In good hands and ap-
preciate hts efforts at all times. | am
thankful for thsao alton given me-"
Referring to his quarter of a century's
work as a priest he believed In everyone
making a record, and recognizing his
weaknesses he had tried to do his duty.
at Is grand thing to celebrate silver
jubilee. In my IS years among you there
has been no differances and many little
events have served to bind US together In
friendship. This reception is an impetus
which will serve to make me work harder,
and AZ long as ! remain l shall do my
duty to my God. thank you all from
my heart"
The children sang prettily, "Watch Over
Him." which selection was succeeded by
a tableaux of twenty five little girls
termed "The Crown of Roses" denotine
| his years OF service. Miss Mamie Hawley
appeared with large bouquet and in 9
neat speech presented II to the Rev. Father
Hurley from the committee. He was
taken greatly by surprise though man
aged to respond feelingly and paid high
tribute to the work Of Rev. Father Fitz-
gerald.
Nine misses gave a recitation entitled
"The Last Hymn" In a manner which
called forth much praise. The girl chorus
sang "God Bless Our PASTOR" which was
followed by surprise number three.
The Rev. tather Hurley assembled the
platform and in brief though touching
remarks presented to the pastor a costly
set of imported vestments of silk and gold
and In conclusion said:
"Msy your life be spared to observe
your golden jubilee and then not q thread
OF silver but solid gold shall we give
YOU"
This surprise was too much for the rev.
erend gentleman and he was visibly af-
fected. With a blessing for all the
happy occasion was brought to a close by
adopting set OF resolutions to Rev.
Father Hurley for his able work in this
celebration and reception.
Then those who could, gathered and
shook hands with their leader and con-
gratul ations were In order.