The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-12-21

TRIBUTE TO
FIR. CLARKE

Last evening in the school hall of st.
Theresas Psrochial school on Manton
avenue, notable exercises were held in
commemoration OF the 18th anniversary
OF the ordination OF Father owen r.
Clarke, pastor of ST. Teresa's.
The spacious hall was crowded 10 the
doors and the greatest enthusiasm pre-
vailed. At the commencement of the ex-
ercises the choir or the church sang
GLORY 10 God" The Apollo Male quar-
tet then rendered two selections followed
by a reading by Miss Anna Herbert. The
Apollo mixed quartet then sang.
After a pleasing recitation by Miss An
ME Oates, Bernard McTiernan, master OF
the school, delivered an eloquent ad-
dress TO Father Clarke, saying In part
ADDRESS TO PASTOR.
Reverend Father and Fellow Parish
ioners-This Is day OF praise and thanks
giving, because II is the silver Jubilee
OF our beloved pastor. friend and father
At the solemn services in the church this
morning we saw him honored by the pres
ence OF our right reverend bishop and
many brother priests. During the day
the large number OF people who came
from far and near 20 offer their con-
graduation was a proof OF the high es-
TEEN, love and respect in which our dear
pastor is hold. With Feelings OF the deep
est gratitude, love and veneratlon we,
the parshioners OF st. Teresa's. have
assembled here this evening 20 manifest
outwardiy that feeling of honor and rev.
erence which all cherish deep In their
hearts for one who has labored so faith
fully and so successfully for our tenn
poral and spiritual Advancement AS
his parishioners we feel that we are cele-
brating a family feast. FOR he is in very
- 60 flNF II IA
parish.
When, at the request OF your bishop,
who has always held you in the highest
esteem, you came here We saw at once
that you were determined 10 DO, 10 the
best OF your ability, the work OF sue
cessful parish priest The financial con-
dition OF the parish. II known a. the time.
would have discouraged the bravest heart.
But you came TO a faithful. generous peo-
pie who, seeing you putting heart and
soul into your work enabled you 10 pay
off in one year. $4,000 OF the parish debt
"a wonderful accomplishment OF your
prudence. energy and successful business
ability, and a lasting testimony TO the
generosity OF your pe~~e. And now. in
stead OF having $4,000 debt. as IL was
when you came, IL Is only $4,000.
CHURCH DEBT REDUCED.
."Twenty-nine thousands OF parish debt
rent expenses and several improvements
made 10 church property, speaks we'll for
your business ability. Through your un-
tiring efforts, aided by those accomplish
ed teachers the Christian Brothers and
the Sisters OF Notre Dame, you have
maintained the high standing OF st. Ter
esa's parochal school Through your
zeal and Aainestness and fidelity TO duty
souls-h have been strengthened in7the fai,h.
and the example OF your priestly life has
enthused your entire flock. s-.
while 70 the world the sacred priest
hood which you have honored for a quar-
ter of a century is mystery TO us chill
dren OF the church. you are In very truth
Christ's representative. the source Of d.
vine truth, the minister OF the sacra-
ments, the dispenser OF the manifold
graces OF God. To sum IL up in one
phrase, as did the most eloquent Father
OF the Church, you are another Christ
Hence In honorins you. dear pastor, we
are honoring ourselves and we know that
we are honoring the Eternal Pastor-our
divine Lord and Saviour. whose words we
have known from childhood, He tnat
heareth you. heareth Me- May your
days be heightened for many a year, until
they roll on to your golden jubilee: and
when, according 10 Gods will. they glide
into eternity, may you hear the blessed
words OF Him whose sacred priesthood
YOU bear; Well done, good and faith
full servant; enter into the Joys of thy
Lord"
FATHER CLARKE REPLIES
Father Clarke responded TO the address
with much feeling
In conclusion Holy God. We Praise
Thy Name" was sung with much effect
by the choir.