The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1905-02-22
Stationed at Pensacola.

Father Gardeners first mission was
at Pensacola, Fla. During his long
career as priest he labored faithfully
and well in many places of this do
cese. He spent some time in Eufaula
and also at Selma. Whilst in the lat
ter town he had charge of the mis-
sion on the old Rome and Dalton rail-
road for two hundred miles. Many of
those whom he attended then have
settled in Birmingham, which city at
tracteG settlers from all over the
state. These often speak with the
greatest esteem and affection of their
old pastor He was also stationed
under Bishop Manucy at ApalachiCola.
He here spent many years. Finally,
in January. 1894, he was transferred
by Bishop O'Sullivan TO the Cathedral
where he labored faithfully till a few
months ago. when he was forced by
illness to desist from active duty and
to go to the Providence Infirmary.
Here he was most eCifying and pious
and though far from well himself Wis
tied and encouraged the other sick.
Last Christmas day he insisted on say
ing his three masses. Since then on
special occasions, though with an eff
fort, he celebrated the holy sacrifice.
He said mass on the Feast of the Cir
cumcision and on the Epiphany. FIR.
Shaw gave him the last sacraments
on Monday night but on yesterday
morning he seemed considerably bet
ter. In fact he seemed stronger than
usual. and when death came it came
instantaneously without agony or
pain. His death was sudden but not
unprovided for. He had done his duty
we'll in life; he was perfectly resign
cd to Gods holy will; he had received
the consolation of the Holy Church,
whose devout minister he ever was,
and, so, when God called him he was
prepared. He will be mOurned by his
brother priests to whom he was a
model, to whom from a ripe and long
experience he gave an edifying exam
pie, to whom he was ever most cour-
teOus, considerate and kind He will
be missed by his many old friends
among the laity with whom he often
spent a pleasant hour discussing old
en- times. The young also will miss
his encouragement and his good ma
ture and the gentle words of advice
he ever gave. How true the poet
When a good man dies,
For years beyond his ken.
The light he leaves behind him lies
Upon the paths of men.
The body will be brought to the
church to-day and the cathedral So
cieties will guard it till tomorrow
when a solemn mass of requiem will
be offered for the repOse of his soul.
Priests from the neighbOring parishes
and as many as possible from distant
points will attend the services. Fa-
Their kirwan, his most intimate friend,
will preach the funeral sermon. Many
d fervent prayer will be uttered for
his souls welfare and the memory
shall live for many years to come of
the good and gentle Father Gardiner
Father Gardeners surviving rela-
tlveS are two nephews ana a niece.
His only sister married distinguish
ed surgeon in Dublin, DR.. O'Neill, and
her daughter is Mrs. Harrington, wife
OF Hon. Timothy Harrington, member
OF parliament for the Harbor Division
of Dublin, leader of the Irish parlia-
mentary party and several times lord
mayor of Dublin.
The funeral of Father Gardiner will
take place at o'clock on Wednesday
morning at the cathedral and the in
terment will be in the Catholic GENE
terry.