The Press., 1897-01-14

1861. REV. DANIEL E After less than two weeks illness, Rev. D. H. Lawlor, pastor of St. Edwards church, passed away at 8 a. m., Monday. He became i'll on the last day of the old year with an acute attack of Bright's dis ease, and on Sunday, the Sd inst, was re- ported in a dangerous condition. He grew rapidly worse until Thursday, when an improvement began, and on last Sum- day very encouraging report was given out from the altar by Father O'Keefe, of Monson. But about noon there came a decidNd change for the worse, and soon 1t became evident to Dr. Newton, the physician in charge, that nothing could save the sick priest. He struggled long with death, and must have suffered great ly, but he was cheerful even in his dying moments, and touchingly resigned. Sew eral of his parishoners, who were anxious to see him when they heard that he was dying, were allowed to come to his bed side. He knew them and gave them his blessing, and bade them and the world goodbye. He asked to be turned in his bed so that he could face the church, and in that position he peacefully expired. His death causes regret to every mem Der of his parish, for during his short pas torate here, he had endeared himself to them all. He was ever ready with a friendly word or a comforting suggestion for any and all, and no one could converse with him without feeling that the needs in the lives of mortals were his cares, and the anticipation of the higher life of im- mortality, his joy. He was stern and un- fInching in the direction of duty, but ex- ercised kindly firmness withal. As devoted priest, he was beloved by his own flock, and as a generous large-heart- ed man, he was respected and admired by those outside of 1t.
 The last rites began Monday evening, with the placing of the body in the church, where 1t lay in state until the interment. It rested in a massive black casket, and was arrayed in a full set of vestments. The hands were folded on the breast and held heavy brass crucif1x. Large mum. bers of people were always present. es. pecially in the evening. Watches were shared by members of the A. O. H., and St. Edwards T. A. & L. society on Mon. day and Tuesday nights, respectively.
 The funeral services began at 10 a. m, yesterday, but long before that time the church was packed to the doors, and the aisles were crowded. A special train from Willimantic brought about 250 peo- pie and seats had been reseI ved for them in the center aisle. The church was of crape hung from the center beams in the ceiling, and wore caught up at the projecting corners, and then continued around the walls. Inside the sanctuary the drapery was most effective. The al- tar was almost all black. On one side was the inscription, "Ave Crux," and on the other, "Spes Unica." The taberna- cle and upper part of the altar was further embellished by bands of purple and black silk, on which, in white letters, were in- scriptions from the prayers for the dead. The ceilings and walls of the sanctuary were abundantly draped, and the windows on either side of the altar were darkened by strips of black. The remains were placed at the altar steps, in the center aisle. Several beautiful floral pieces lay pillow from the Children of Mary, on which was the inscription, "Thy Will Be Done." Ferns, bound with 8 wreath of parsies, and floral cross, were from St. Anne's society wreath of roses came from St. Edwards T. A. & L. society a beautiful piece was a Gates A1ar, from the A. O. H. There was also 8 wreath from the children, and one from the altar boys, as we'll as several handsome bo- quets from relatives and friends in Wind sor Locks and Willimantic.
 Thege were about hundred priests in attendance at the ceremony. Previous to \ the mass the office for the dead was chanted. The leaders were Bishop Tier ney, Rev. P. F. O'Keefe, of Jewett City, and L. Fitzsimmons. The charters were Revs. J. Corcoren, of New Haven; T. Fitzgerald, of Springfield, and M. H. May, of Colchester. The responses were read and chanted by the whole body of priests, and were a very impressive part of the ceremony. The solemn high mass of re- | quiem was then celebrated, at which Bish- op Tierney was celebrant, with Deacon Father Keenan, of Stamford; sub-deacon, Father Cronan, of Wallingford; deacons of honor, Fathers Mclaughlin and Grady, Fof Springfield assistant priest, Rev. J. A. MuIcahy, of Hartford masters of cer- emonies, Revs. J. D. Coyle, of New Ha- ven, and M. H. May, of Colchester; cen- sor bearer, Rev. J. E. Clark, of Water bury. The main body of priests in at- tendance filled all the available space in the sanctuary, in front of the small altars and outside the railings. At the conclu- sion of the mass the remains were blessed by Bishop Tierney. Then followed the funeral address, which was given by Rev. | w. J. McGuirk, of the cathedral in Hart ford. He took for his text, And will raise me up faithful priest, who shall do according to my soul" Kings, fl 35. He paid an eloquent tribute of praise to the deceased he spoke of him as one of many-sided excellence, who followed earn estly hIs divine model in eloquent and ap. pealing teaching of the gospel, in minis try to the poor and sick, and in personal sacrifice. He spoke of Father Lawlor's bright career while in college and semi. Il nary, and called to witness his subsequent il popularity to attest to his worth. If any one trait could be taken apart from all he possessed, Father McGuirk would choose