The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-06-26
PURSE TO FATHER o'REILLY
Amounted to Little Over sI,25o-The
Address by Mr.. Creamer.

NJ "a learned that the amount OF money
presented to Father O'Reilly, pastor OF
the Sacred Heart Church. OF TINS clty'
nv his congregation on Wednesday night
was something over $3.50 peculiar
interest attaches to the exact aInouht.
Fathr O'Reilly has served at the cnu.cn
about twelve years and a half, ana MS
neonla set out to give him a sum that
would aggregate as many hundreds as
years. In this they succeeded getting
together 81 go for the twelve years anu
a half The purse was presented by Mr.
James ]. Creamer. who. in making the
gift. spoke as followsi
eve have assembled here this evening
to rejoice In an event that occurred q
quarter Of a century ago, ana inc soou
w,tIl and happiness displayed Is an EVIL
dence that this event has been the cause
OF much Joy to many people.
,-Twenty-five years ago to-day. IN a
foreign land, young man laid ASIDE all
worldly matters and became "A minister
~ God by receiving the Sacrament OF
Holy orders. He gave up nome ana
kindred that he might assist IN making
others happy by bringing to them the
light OF faith and the holy CONSIDERATIONS
OF the Catholic Church.
Twelve years ago the Sacred Heart
Church, of this city, received for It's pas
tor a priest known to very rev OF the
ma rtshtoners; but his acquaintance was
quickly and happily gained. not by q
few, but by every man. woman ana ch,ia
under his care. His advice ana wise
counsel has extended beyond the conl'hes
Of his parish, and among those who are
not Of his belief In religion. 1t Is al
most unnecessary to say that his work
among us as priest and man has made us
feel that our work was one OF love ana
that no task was hard In which he was
assisting We are not unmindful that IN
sorrow and sadness he was our first ana
greatest consolation; In JOY and nappl-
Sness he was the first to rejoice with US;
when death came among us none other
than he could bring that consolation
which has made 1t endurable. He has
nursed our sick closed the eyes OF our
loved ones In death, reared our children.
that they might be In future years credi-
table men and women He has been to
us a father In all that the word Implies.
Is II any wonder, then. that We meet
o.day ITO celebrate the silver jubilee in
the holy priesthood of the Rev. James B.
tO'Reilly, our beloved pastor? We real
lie, Rather, that had we consulted your
wishes no public expression would be
given on this occasion, but those people
could not be restrained at this oppor-
tunfty from presenting this outburst OF
their love, confidence and esteem to you.
F. 1t is my OledsdHI OulS W SNSSA'o ~ w
the happy greetings and Joyous congratu-
latio,is your Practitioners and friends
feel on this Joyful occasion Of your silver
Jubilee, and we believe that. as fitting
climax of this season. 1t would be
great pleasure to see you visit that land
In which you first saw the light Of day
and be welcomed home by that loving
mother and fond father. whose prayers
and blessings have been with You since
You left them many years ago; and we
hope that 1t may be made convenient and
agreeable for you to do so. and we wish
YOU a pleasant voyage. an enjoyable visit,
and a safe journey back to your flock.
"On occasions Of joy and happiness
among friends 1t Is customary that some
little token of remembrance be given to
those we love, and 1t Is my great pleasure
Tonight TO present on behalf of the
Sacred Heart parish, your friends in this
city and State this little memento We
know 1t will not be considered for It's
intrinsic value. and 1t should not. but
only as token of love Oh this day Of
your silver jubilee, and we hope that
many more years of usefulness may be
allotted to you In the holy priesthood
and that your efforts may be crowned
with that success that brings the reward
of Well done. thou good and faithful
servant