The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-28
Bust Presented to Rt.
Rev. Bishop HarkinS.
Testimonial From Laity Of
Providence Diocese.
Addresses by Dist. Atty. c, E. Cor
man sni Mayor f. D. McGuinness.

The testimonial OF the Catholic laity Of
the diocese Of Providence 10 Rt. Rev. DIR.
Iarkins in celebration of the tenth
anniversary Of his conservation. was pro-
sented last evening mt Spink's assembly
rooms Some 800 OF the leading men and
women in tnc diocese gathered TO partici-
pate in the auspicious exercises
The Gift was In the form of IA bust OF
the reverend bishop himself, ana tho
work has been pronounced by artists and
experts To bc the finest imaginable, true
20 facial lines and most lifelike In every
lineament
The bust stood upon pedestal directly
back OF the bishops seat. lt was yelled in
Roman colors, flanked by American flags,
and all about IL were attractive lowering
plants ferns and palms. Surmountins
all was the coat-of-arms Of tho bishop.
The seats were arranged facing the en-
trance.
Tho ceremony began by the reception
COMMITTEES walking down the middle of
the hall. followed 10y Bishop Harkins and
Mayor McGuinness, arm in arm. They
We're followed by Hon. Charles T.. Cor
man, president of the laity committee
and Michael j. Harson, secretary.
The party were seated, with Mayor
McGuinness and Samuel j. kitson, the
Boston sculptor, on the bishops right
German and Vicar General Doran. also
Lieut.. Gov. Aram j. Pothier of Woon-
socket, in the absence of Governor Charles
Warren Lippitt in New York, at tho
Grant tomb dedication.
The orchestral music which had en-
1ivened things during the hour of assem-
bling ceased at $3.50, and u. >. District
Attorney German arose and delivered an
eloquent address, In which he rendered
the thanks of the laity TO the bishop. He
also presented Mayor McGuinness, who
spoke ieelingly of the reverend and dis
tinguished guest of the evening and his
highly successful administration OF the
affairs of the church since he came 10
Providence from Boston, 10 years ago this
month.
The mayor spoke of the loyalty of the
people to the church and TO the bishop,
and the great respect men OF other DC
nominations had for him. He said it was
a pleasure 10 note the great harmony that
existed between the laity and the clergy.
The veil was suddenly dropped from the
splenCsd bust of the bishop, and the
mayor closed his remarks with the presen-
tation, on behalf of the laity.
Bishop Harkins arose and feelingly ex-
pressed his thanks for the handsome gift.
He thanked the laity for their help since
he came TO this diocese to serve as bishop
The long and successful administration of
Bishop Hendricken was referred to- and
it was noted that it was just - years
since the conservation of that beloved
clergyman.
Bishop Harkins spoke of his 10 years
worl. here, and he said that, while IL had
made his life 10 years shorter, he was fully
repaid by the events of the past few days
He referred TO the remarkable growth Of
the Catholic church in this diocese, and
he declared it to be one-thIrd of the entire
population in Rhode Island, as it was also
In Massachusetts,.
He thanked the laity for the gift, and
he expressed the hope that he might live
the next 10 years, SO that he might be able
TO carry out some Of the plans which he
had IN contemplation for the extension of
.he church. The bishop urged the people
TO organize Catholic clubs, and To get to.
tether in more friendly and sociable
way whenever iu was possible.
Bishop Harkins was then made the sub
>sct of personal congratulation from every