The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-06-25
TRIBUTE OF
THEIR LOVE
Congregation Celebrate Jubi-
lee of Father O'Reilly.
A BEAUTIFUL OCCASION
Has Proved Wonderful and Touching
Manifestation of the Love Of a Con-
gregationfor Pastor-Publ'c
Reception Last Night.
BEAUTIFUL OCCASION
Has Proved Wonderful and Touching
Mantle .+a+ion Of tbe Love Of Con-

With the puDno feCeptloh Heiu ioS'
night in Belvidere Hall. the celebration
of the twenty-ffth anniversary OF the or
dination Of the Rev. Father James B.
o'Reilly, pastor OF the Sacred Heart
Church, OF this city. was brought to an
end.
The celebration has proved a wonderful
and touching manifestation OF the love
OF a congregation for pastor. who DUR
Ing the past ten or twelve years has de-
voted himself heart and soul to the good
of his people. It was not OF his choice that
the demonstration was made. but the
CONGREGATION forcibly took matters into
their own hands and observed the event
ia manner befitting Its interest and
importance. The exercises began last
Sunday, and, extending through fou.
days, came to close last night with
the great public reception.
THE CHILDREN.
One OF the most notable features OF the
entire celebration was the greeting given
by the children on Tuesday afternoon
to the beloved pastor. The exercises were
held at 5 o'clock In the basement OF the
church in the presence Of an audience
which entirely filed the place. A pro-
gramme Of unusual excellence was car
ried out. All of the children who attend
the Sacred Heart School were there, each
little girl being dressed in white. The
different classes We're represented by
speakers who told Father O'Reilly OF
their regard for him. One little tot OF six
or seven years presented him with
fand-painted booklet. containing portraits
of the children. One of the girls was
Protestant, who like all others who have
met him, has learned to love the genial
and kindly pastor of Sacred Heart. and
she, too. arose to express her pleasure and
happiness at the suspicious event The
boys declared roundly that they would
grow UP to be men and stand solidly
around their pastor. and give him any
protection and help he may need at any
time In his life.
Father O'Reily was visibly affected by
the scene. Particularly was this the case
when the tiny little girls gathered to-
gether and sang Sweet Jesus, Bless
Him." those In front kneeling down that
the heads Of the others behind them might
appear. Again was the scene a striking
one when the children sang OF the silver
Jubilee. to the accompaniment OF little
silver bells they carried. Father OReilly
made such response as his feelings would
permit, and then the little ones all knelt
and received his blessing.
JUBILEE MASS.
Yesterday morning the jubilee mass
was celebrated. Father O'Rellly OBLIGATED.
and the church was crowded again. About
seventeen priests, many of them from out
of town, were present in the sanctuary.
The church was beautifully decorated
with candles and palms and flowers.
Va f~V In la
preached by one OF the visitors who took
occasion to pay q. high and deserved
tribute to the pastor Of Sacred Heart He
dwelt particularly upon Father O'Reillys
kindness and thoughtfulness toward the
young priests who have from time to time
been associated with him at the Sacred
Heart Church. He admitted that the love
felt by the congreEa alton for .tlle pastor
was great, but he declared that through.
out the State Father O'Reilly was held
in almost equal esteem by his fellow
ministers. The difficult mass in Latin was
sung by children who did wonderfully
well. They have been in training some
time for the occasion. and they acquitted
themselves In a splendid manner.
Presented With Purse.
The reception last night was a fitting
ending to the celebration. Great number 3
OF the friends ana ADMIRERS OF the pop
ular priest gathered to shake him by
the hand and express their love and es-
TEEN for him. Captain Frank Cunning
ham was present and sang several solos.
STEMS Orchestra was also there with Its
sweet music. Among those in the audi
ence were Catholics from all parts of the
city. including many priests. The china
Of TIE evening came with the presenta-
ton to Father O'Reilly of a purse OF money
amounting to nearly $1,000. The entire
congregation contributed to the fund. and
the purse was presented by Mr.. Creamer
with appropriate remarks. In his speech
MIR. Dreamer expressed the hope that the
purse would enable Father O'Reilly tc
pay visit to his old home and his
aged parents in Ireland. 1t Is known
that he has long desired to do SO. Father
O'Reilly made suita BILE response to the
address. although he was almost too at
| fected to give utterance to his thoughts
| He expressed heartfelt thanks for the
| wonderful tribute paid to him, and de-
| clared that he was unworthy OF 1t all
| The exercises closed after a most de.
| llghtfu evening. The attendance was
| very large and very enthusiastic. All OF
tho people went forward and shook Father
| O'Reilly by the hand.
| rAnNIykyA u AhIIEDc