The morning news., 1894-11-23
-.nurR M,mAHoN,s eoopBY.
pa+riok's Congregation Presents
l. u.,dsorna TestinnoniaI


,- Rev. P. II. McMahon, who is to
- after a pastorate extending over
,..ars. in a most expressive manner
last night.
,-t. farewell reception was arranged
,.-.r. congregation and there was a large
-1 present at the church at s o'colck.
.-,, f,IIowfng committee had charge of
s,ereises. NJ J. Barrett. chairman;
a. - bowling Frank Hoyt Lawrence
T. II. Doyle, J. Mannion, Joseph
hrs p Barrett, c. a. O'Brien, Thomas
49, James OBrien, Joseph Kava-
1S,6 Thomas Flood, N. p. Corish,
Ll-,--,ss FITZGERALD, J. j. Barrett and r.
A. Nugeut.
-,-Ls committee met in the basement of
~ efurch and proceeded to the pastors
si5anre where it met Father McMahOn
sorted him to the church. The or
a-i.- e.' nlaved a march as the committee
st-rsj with Father Mcmahon. The party
1roesa5ad to the altar, where it was met
r. Mr. NJ A. O'Byrne, who, in behalf of
Lo donors. presented to Father McMa-
too handsome purse from the congre-
mon a smaller purse from the children
- he sunday school, a silk eassock from
rbe choir and stole from the teachers
of the Sunday school.
1rr O'Byrne, in making the presenta-
zion said that he was gratified at being
seIarted to act as spokesman Of st. Pat
rf.k's congregation, amongst whom he
- horn and raised and had spent many
If the bappiest years of his life. He felt
sa5 he said. when he thought of the oc-
cssion which called the congregation to-
ether. and that on this occasion words
0f pride and gratitude must be mingled
with those of sadness.
"It was appropriate" said Mr.. O'Byrne,
.4o call attention to the work accom-
njisbed by Father Mcmahon during his
nastorate at st. Patrick's. When he
dsr,a ia it there was debt of about
IS mo upon the church, bearing interest
AT per cent. The church was in an un-
finished condition. In fact, was a mere
shell. having simply been put in condition
far temporary use. There was no pas
+rsl residence, and the pastor was COM
nelIed to use u rented house which was
very inconvepient and entailed privations
which it was not proper the clergy should
be subjected to, The whole cuhrch was
in an unfinished condition. Since COM
ing to St Patrick's Father McMahon has
built a pastoral residence at a cost of
$3.50, has paid off the church debt of
5000 has put the church in a practically
finished condition, has put in a new Or
gan at a cost of $1,000, has embellished
the church with statuary and stained
glass WINDOWS anu ptONlueu many lIl-
provements including granite steps at
the entrance In all this has involved the
collection and expenditure Of amounts ag-
gregating $4,000, in addluUn TO the cur
rent expense.
In appreciation of the valuable serv-
ices and indefatgabe zeal displayed by
Father Mcmahon during his pastorate,o
said Mr. O'Byrne, who is now about 70
take his departure for another and a
of oil
Pensioners desire to show him some sub
stautial recognition of his work. In mem
ory of the days spent amongst them, in
token of lasting friendship and respect,
which neither time nor distance can
change, and thankfulness for kindnesses
oft received, the members of the congre-
cation present him with purse made up
of contributions of grateful and loving
hearts, and hope that the cares. of life will
rest lightly upon his brow and
that the burdens and trials and sorrows
or this earthly pilgrimage will be light
ened by the golden chains of their love.
IN behalf of the Sunday school teach
ers, l present him with stole, the liz
sigma Of his priestly office, which will be
worn as it has always been in the past,
in a manner worthy his priestly calling.
The little children confded to his fatherly
care in the Sunday school, desire to show
their appreciation of his efforts in instill-
ing in their minds the beautiful doctrines
of the Christian faith, by presenting him
with purse collected from their little
savings In behalf of the choir, whom he
has always assisted in bringing the music
Of tho church up to the best standard and
obtaining for them an organ of modern
make and splendid tone, fit to peal the
praises of the Divine Master, 1 ask him
to accept this elegant cassock."
Mr. O'Byrne concluded by saying that
the virtues and devotion to duty which
characterized the labors of Father Nc
Mahon in the cause Of religion whilst here
would certainly shine with greater luster
in his new field. The congregation at Au-
gusta was to be congratulated, he said on
having a spiritual head who was a lover
OF justice and charity, who would rule
with a strong, yet tender, firm, yet
gentle hand. THE years of his pastOrate
at Savannah" he said, will be remem-
bered
As one bright memory others may pass,
Back into the shadows forever,
But it, far and fair, bright and true to
the last,
Sheds radiance that will perish never
With reverent minds and affectionate
hearts those who have been committed
70 MS spiritual charge for the years that
nave past, reluctantly bid him goodby
'-' 4444ll 1Ou Speeuy u lOHB anu DedCeI VI
me IN this world and in the great here
aIler eternal happiness"
rather Mcmahon was evidently touched
py the remarks of Mr.. O'Byrne, and made
feeling reply, addressing in turn the con-
EIesaton, the children of the Sunday
School, the teachers and other organiza-
uons connected with the church. Much
Ieehng was exhibited, many of the female
members of the congregation being moved
10 tears. At the close of Father McMa-
non remarks he left the church with the
committee, going to the pastoral residence
a4Jolnlng the church, where a large por-
loh OF the congregation followed him, to
nld him goodby. Father Mcmahon will
leaVe the city the latter part of the week
lor Augusta, where he will take charge of
81 Patrick's parish, the leading Catholic
parish Of that city, and generally consid-
eieq the second best In the state, the
first
amer Mcmahon was born and reared
W. savannah, within stones throw of
o. Patrick's church. He was educated
az 81 Patricks school, and afterwards
spent six years at All Hallows College
AZ dublin, concluding his studies at St.
HaIy Seminary in Baltimore, where
H' graduated in 1873, and was ordained the
T'"e year at the cathedral in Savannah.
''Iilng the giyfppu yaare of his nVIogf f-