Evening journal., 1907-03-16

the Very Rev. Charles McKenna, Of
New York city win preach the sermon
and make a special address TO the Hi
bernians. Father McKenna, who has
been many years in the service of the
church, is one Of the greatest Domini-
can priests IN this country, and has a
wide reputation as speaker and
teacher of the doctrines Of Christianity.
At 7.3O o'clock the Rev. John II.
lDougherty. of Cambridge Nd. viii
preach at the solemn vesper service.
and ST. Patricks choir viii sing at both
services. b In all tomorrow will be a
red letter day in the history of the
church. and it is expected that the at
tendance will be larger than any that
has heretofore gathered in the edihce.
The pastor the Rev. William ]. Ber-
mingham. extends most cordial well
come to all to attend.
Brief History Of Church
St. Patrick's Church was founded
twenty-five years ago and has grown
from a struggling parish to one Of the
most powerful In the diocese, having
IA membership Of over 1000.
Its first pastor was the Rev. Father
Fallon, who for six years had charge
Of the parish. and who died seven years
ago in the rectory
The second pastor was the Rev.
Father Bradford.
The Rev. Father Flynn. now at Mt.
st. Mary's, Emmettsburg, Nd, was the
third pastor of St. Patrick's and dur
ing the four years that he labored
among its people he built the present
parochial school. which is largely at
tended by children of the parish.
Father Flynn was succeeded by the
Rev. William J. Birmingham. the
present pastor Of the church. aad one
who has endearcd himself to the hearts
Of all who know him. His friends he
numbers by the hundreds. and not only
are they confined TO those Of his own
faith, but the hand Of good fellowship
is extended to him by thousands I'm
this city and elsewhere.
As preacher Father Birmingham
has but few equals. With a word he
can bring forth a tear or a smile, and
his utterances from the sanctuary are
those Of a close student and a deep
/ thinker. Father Birmingham, when he
came to ST Patrick's seven years ago,
and when he assumed charge Of the
parish. found it groaning over a ,Slbt
Of $4,000 which in three years he
\ lliquidated and publicly burned the
mortgage in the church
This being accomplished, Father
Birmingham took up the work Of inn
proving. beautifying and enlarging the
church. In this work he has expended
/ S24 600, making the ediflce one of the
] f.. q .fN
/ improvements to Church
Der Christian or Pagan. as he en-
ters the portals of ST. Patrick's there
steals an awe as he gazes upon the
wondrous beauty Of the church. Upon
each side Of the auditorium are seven
windows Of mosaic design. through
which are cast rays Of light upon the
marble altars and exquisite marble
sanctuary. At night the edifice is light
ed with electricity. presenting a pic
ture which in Itself inspires a religious
fervor in the hearts Of all who behold
it.
Father Birmingham was ordained al
Mt st. Mary's. June 1, 1884, and his
first pastorate was at Dover, where he
remained one year. From thence he
] went 10 'ot- dui - Whtit A'i Ni5 ~
years he was curate under rather Fa,-
lon, and the succeeding year he spent
as curate under Father Kelly. At the
end of this period Father Birmingham
became pastor of ST. Josephs on the
Brandywine, where he remained five
years. going 10 ST. Patricks on June
/ 1. 1900. His ardent work there is
known wherever the name - Father
Birmingham Is known. His personal
ity is suck &c attracts one to him al
lonee.