The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-01-24
FATHER PRENDERGAsT DEAD.
He Was Held in The Highest Esteem
BY All.

The news of the death of Father
Prendergast sent a wave of sadness
throughout the community. This was
not confined to the members of his
church but TO members of all denomina-
lions. He had won host of friends
during his stay in this city, and there
was the greatest sympathy expressed by
the people generally.
Father Prendergast was native of
New Jersey, having been born at Phil
lipsburg, in that State, where his rela
tiveS now reside.
His education for the priesthood was
completed at St. Mary's College, Bel
mont, CASTOR county. He was then 26
years of age. This was four year ago
He came direct from college to take
charge Of the Church of the Sacred
Heart in this city, and has remained
here ever since, serving his people IN
the most acceptable manner. He was
considered by his church as the most
promising young priest i'll the State. and
it is sad blow that he has been cut
down in the early prime of his life. A
life that was so full of promise and
usefulness.
His illness was of very short dnra-
ton. Sunday before last he conducted
the services at his church, though ut
the night service he complained of feel
ing unwell.
On Tuesday he was confined to his bed
with severe attack of grip. which
developed rapidly into pneumonia. On
last Saturday under advise of his physi-
elan, he was taken to Rex Hospital,
and on Sunday morning the end came.
Father Quinn. of Goldsboro. who came
to conduct the services at the Church
of the Sacred Heart, and Father Howe,
Of Southern Pines, We're with him before
his death and administered the last sad
rites of the Catholic church.
The body soon after death was remov.
ed to the Church of the Sacred Heart,
and in his priestly robes he laid i'll state.
surrounded with lighted candles. banked
in a background OF beautiful white
floral tributes of many designs.
Yesterday morning at 0 O'clock a
solemn mass of Requiem was celebrated
by his Bishop, Right Rev. Leo. Haid.
O. s. b.. assisted by Father Quinn, Of
Goldshoro, as deacon; Father Anthony,
q. s. T.. of Greensboro, sub-deacon:
Father Howe, of Southern Pines, Pres
hyter-Assistant, and Father Joseph. o.
S. b., of Salisbury, master of ceremony
After mass Bishop Haid preached an
eloquent sermon. He paid the dead
young priest the highest tributes. He
dwelt upon his devotion to the cause in
which he was engaged, and the great
unselfishness of his nature. How he
looked after the poor and gave with an
unstinted hand. The choir closed the
services by singing Nearer, My God.
to Thee"
The members of the Catholic church
were not alone in their bereavement.
The pastors of the several Protestant
churches called and rendered their SYM
pathy, and Sunday morning DIR. Pittin-
ger, who was unable to fill his pulpit.
requested Rev. Mr.. Osborne, who oc-
cupied his pulpit. to ask the congrega-
tion to pray for the members of the
Catholic church in their hour of sad
ness.
Father Prendergast had one of those
warm kind dispositions that made
friends of all Of those with whom he
came in contact.
The remains were taken to his former
home at Phillipsburg on the PIG train
this morning. They were accompanied
by Mr.. Miles. his brother-in-law; Father
Quinn and Mr.. p. j. O'Brien.
The following gentlemen acted as pail
bearers: Messrs. James McGlenn, w.
W. Robbins, Geo. Gill, John Bragassa.
Will Linehan, John r. Ferrall. A. Dughi
and Mr.. Miles.