The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1895-04-13
FATHER PARKE.
Some "Reminiscences nhd Anecdotes of tho
Dead Vicar General.

Some ltomlnIsccncus nhd Anecdotes Of tho
Dead flcnr General.
Tho largo charity anu broad humanity
Of tho lato Father II. f. Parko will per.
haps noyor DO known until tho Great
look is opened, aud In this short sketch
tho writor aims to toll moro OF that
which allloi him to tho affections Of
tho pooplo than to speak OF his spirit.
ual illustrations. In his company
Tho blcaEeSt day In his presence
Was Ike Il rose III June.
This reference TO his disposition
typiiics his every day character aud
catholicity OF spirit OF which | shall
speak hereafter. Ills whole life from
tho orphan boy to tho beloved priest
and dirnitary OF tho Catholic church
was Il OF sulf.sncriilcc.
For many years his venerable gray
head and delicate franc was n familiar
object on tho streets OF this city; his
face attractive, because Of its spirituality
OF expression, and his form on account
OF its sIightnoss. All that has passed.
into eternity, but he has left behind
him Il memory that will DO cherished
long by all who knew him.
Many anecdotes nre related OF Father
Parko and among tho many, all interest.
Ing, q few will serve to show his char
acser, and lovable disposition. His
friends wcro rs numerous among tho
Protestants rs among his own crcod.
lilo was hclptul to all, aud no bettor
illustration OF his amiablc heart eau be
given than that related to tho wri,or by
4 friend OF tho late Samuel Jepson, Of
tho Fourth Street ". L. church, who
was associated with Father Parke in
disin,orested charities. They were
close friends in the Cause OF ~clevatiug
humanity and alternating distress.
They happened 10 meet on one occasion
at the death bed OF an unfortunate aud
joined their miuistrations in making
his last moments as peaceful "a possible.
The dying man requested some ono to
sing. and to the surprise Of Father"
Jepson. as he afterwards related tho
scene, Father Parkc sung that beautiful
hymn. the comfort Of the dying. and the
hope Of the living.
Jesus lover otny soul.
Let me 10 Thy bosom ty.
"Nover in my litc," said Mr.. Jepson
to his deeply affected listener, did |
hear that gracious song so beautifully
rendered; it was really a soul poured
cut in heavenly harmony, n volume of
melody not measured by earthly stand.
ards."
Ono Of the most pathetic features in
connection with the tragic death OF Fa.
Their Patko was tho fact that for some
months he had been engaged on the
books OF tho diocese in settling up the
accounts, His duties had been very
arduous, and about two days before he
was crushed to death he remarked to n
fricnd: well, l have finished my
work on the books; | an feeling very
weary, l now think | shall take somc
rest."
Alas! with him it was eternal rest.
Speaking OF him the other day n life
long friend told two good anecdotes OF
Father Parke. 81 had some business
with the late Bishop Whelau," said this
gentleman. "aud called on him Jus,
alter vespers. When the bishop came
into the par!or OF the episcopal resi-.
dencc no was laughing; in fact, he con-
linued in this humor so long that |
asked him what was amusing him so
much, and hon Bishop Whelan, with
the characteristic twinkle in bis ewes.
remarked: lam thinking OF tina. voice
coming from that little creature in
there"
That little creature" referred to was
Father Parke.
When Bishop Whelsn took charge OF
the Wheeling diocese he was looking
around for n man to take charge Of tho