Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-09-16


plimentary, and every one has proved
a success. The last effort of the
organization, a play written by a
member, and the cast composed OF
members, received very hattering
notices from the press and public.
While the lyceum retains a portion
Of the receipts from plays for ex-
penses and repairs of the lyceum and
its objects, the balance is used for
some worthy object. With the pro
ceeds of their entertainments, and
excursion, and contributions, the
lyceum last year erected the O'kane
Memorial Altar in st. Mary's Church
at cost Of $1,000.
Rev. Dennis OKane, to whose
efforts the congregation of st. Mary's
church are indebted for this organi-
cation that provides innocent amuse-
ment and recreation for the younger
members Of the congregation at the
time in life when temptations are the
strongest, and also providing means
Of improvement for members of more
mature years, was for 10 years pas
tor of st, Mary's church and trained
many of the members in their faith.
Upon the Jesuits relinquishing St.
Mary's parish in May, 1891, Father
O'Kane was transferred to and
placed in charge of the parish of
Chapel PIT. Maryland, where he died
in August, 1891. News of his death
was received with regret in Alexan-
dria, whose people liked and respec-
ted him irrespective of their religious
beliefs, while to his old congregation
it was particularly distressing, for
by his untiring zeal and solicitude
for their welfare and many acts of
kindness had endeared himself to
them all.
The growth of this organization
from its modest beginning to its
present proportions is the best testi-
monial to the personelle Of its mem
bership, and the ability and exertions
of those who have filled its Offices.
1t is recognized as one of the leading
social organizations OF the city, and
its members are numbered among
our prosperous, enterplising, and
respected citizens, and are always
found in any movement that has for
its object the advancement of Alex
andria. Its members have been en-
trusted by our citizens with the most
important positions within their gift,
and always to the satisfaction of the
community. Another source of pride
to its members was the raising last
winter of one of its honorary mem
bers to be priest Of the church and
is now stationed in Richmond. Rev.
Richard l.. Gaines life was already
filed with good works, and his ex-
ample had always been beneficial to
our young men, and many years for
duty in his chosen calling is wished
him by its members.
We have endeavored to show the
advantage of residence in AleXan-
dria for persons of the Catholic faith
who may be seeking new fields for
investment of their capital, for in ad-
dition to a Catholic Church and
schools, we have this organization
that cheerfully admits to membership
those who bring sufficient recommen-
dations from the pastor of their last
place of residence, thus enabling them
to become at once acquainted with a
large number of our citizens. Visit
ing Catholics are also made welcome,
every courtesy being shown them, the
members being jealous in this respect
to perform their share in maintaining
that reputation for hospitality for
which our city is famed.
While the organization is proud
of its past and has great hopes for the
future, it is not unmindful of the debt
of gratitude due the late Father
O'Kane, which it can never repay, and
to its spiritual advisers, at different
times, in the following order: Fathers
Heating, Broderick, and Gerard Of
Jesuit order, and of Fathers McCar
thy and Fallon of the Secular order
of priests, and in the present spiritual
advisor, Rev. H. j. Cutler, the Ly-
ceum has an energetic friend and ad
visor who will assist it in every effort
to keep the organization in its present
leading and Aourishing condition,
willie in his assistant, Rev FIR Kene-
fck, the members have a genial and
popular fellow-member. The presi-
dents of the Lyceum have been
Messrs J. F. Rafferty,, 1SS9-'90: P.
J. Murphy, 1891: J. P Quinn, 1892.
The present efficient and energetic
officers are as follows: President, ].
H. Rice; 1st Vice President, L. H.
Dolan; I'd Vice President, VIM. Kel-
": Recording Secretary, Thomas E.
Lannon Corresponding Secretary,
Herbert J. Baker; Treasurer, Francis
P. Quinn; Librarian, Louis E. Shu
MON opd Sarnaopt of rms William