The Washington herald., 1908-03-02

With a eulogy OF his predecessor. the
late Father D. ]. Stafford. that moved
many Of his hearers TO tears, Father
William T. Russell. new pastor Of ST.
Patrick's Church. made his first official
appearance in Washington yesterday
morning before congregation that taxed
the capacity OF the church.
It being the first Sunday OF the month,
Father RusseIls initial sermon formed
part Of the celebration Of solemn high
mass, participated in by several prelates
OF note not connected with St. Patrick
parish
Filled with remembrances OF the magnif-
ieent presence and eloquence of their late
beloved pastor, the members of the con-
gregation waited with eagerness TO hear
the first words of their new spiritual
leader.
Life Of Predecessor.
That Father Russell should choose as
the subject for his first sermon the lessons
formed in the life Of his predecessor was
considered most fitting.
Il lad been generally rumored that the
sermon would be partly a tribute 10 the
late Father stafford and it wss, OF
course, taken for granted that the new
pastor would at least touch upon the sub
ject so dear to the hearts Of his new
flock. But, there were few present who
expected such an eloquent tribute TO the
memory OF Father Stafford as was paid
by the new pastor.
His hearers were deeply impressed by
the words OF praise and tenderness
spoken. At the rectory at the close of the
service Father Russell was besieged by
members Of the congregation, eager 20 ex-
press their congratulations.
Father RuSSeIIs Sermon.
Father Russell chose as his text the
first line OF the Lords Prayer: "Our
Father. who art in Heaven" His SER
mon follows:
During the past month I have been a silent
witness cf events that have moved the hearts Of
the people Of ST. Patricks to their innermost
depths. Prevented hitherto by the ezigences Of ny
position from giving utterance 70 the feelings tha
sdTgsd within my bnoast I am now free. and
claim as my priyilese-nay, 7 demand as nv right
the opportunity to pay my tribute 10 your late
iamenJed psstor. my esteemed friend.
Never has this church. Sanctifed by the msloUed
memories of Catholic iifs IN Washington exhibited
more strikngiy lis Catholic character than upon
the occasion when you. my dear brethren with
bowed heads and grief-seared hearts placed at the
foot # this altar the mortal remains of YOUR be-
loved pastor. Protestant and Catholic knelt side
by side that day; Jew and Gentle mingled their
tears Of sou7w; the rich forgot for the moment
Their wealth. and the poor were unmindfu OF their
miserleE- The man in lifes high places aud the
lovly born disregarded the usual distinctions as
they assembled around that Hfeless form 20 offer
their grateful tribute q respect and affection 10
one who, having shown himsels all things to all
men. had str.en to win all men TO God With
tTae priests desotiou.
All Conditions of Life.
Putting aside ali prejudices and religious differ
ences representative mon Of various creeds and
all conditions Of life moved b. the same generous
spirit Of trle charity which had attracted them
% this spot, with one accord lifted up their hearts
70 our Father, who &, IN Heaven. to thank Him
for the benefits He had voucsafed to then, through
the mnistrations q His faithful priest and 20 leg
in behalf 0f his departed soul the mercy and for
elveness ne Abored unsclfshiy to obtain for
otheTA II was fitting termination of such life
With the outpoured precious ointment Of love and
sorTow and devotion was he annointed for has
burial
He who 50 frequently brought horne 10 the mind
OF men the Fatherhood Of God. and presented in
his own conduct a constant reminder of his belief
II The brotherhood Of man. has passed 10 his
eternal reward We shall not look upon bis like
again. The Vcid be has left by his premature de-
parture from the scene of his activities cannot h,
hlled By ans other He had no peer; lie was
without a rival; he has now no successor Dr.
Stafford have no SUCCESSOR
There are some natures rarely gifted 50 richly
endowed with reeenerating lower 50 filed with
vital foFee and sweetness that touching other lives
they leave upon them after the imprint Of their
oSn high thouSht, feeling and action Of their
symnRthies as wide earth their love Is s,-our
As death These souls ara not forgotten essly-and
such one WAS your lameuted pastor
Who can forget that memorable Sunday after
noon. not many weeks ago. when from every corner
~ the city and women thrunged together 10
DO the memory of the dead priest honor. whom
great crowds along the streets and outside the
ballding unable 10 obtain admittahce. begged and
pleaded for this privilege. that they might testify
their TcspCrt and deVutiOu 20 him. who bv some
ret Il Kindness. by word of encourasenaept
by the inspiration. the uplifting Of his influence
had sapped to himself their loyalty and their lover
An Impressive Scene.
Who can forget the impressive scene oF the
memorial oelebration itself a scene unprecedented
~ the history Of our land. when our couutry's rep
resentatlEcs assembled 70 pay the highest tribute IN
their power to private citizen. and he a Catholic
priestl We Catholics viii always feel our hearts
burn within u.s. and a strong upxelling Of ferYent
gratitude to those outside the church. whose fervid
oioQucnce gave voice 10 their own thoughts and
feelings whose soulful words embodied cur silent
SORROW, whose wide charity held our affection in
its golden setting. The President and Vice Presi-
dent cf our beloved land, the executive OF the
District Of Columbia. and nOn-Catholics of almost
eTey shade q belief united iu harmonious praise
Of one in whose life in whose character each in
diyidual bad found something 10 attract him. some.
thing TO stimulate and strengthen him. something
Ter him % reverence, % admire. and 70 love
He has gone 20 his reward But say not that he
Is dead-a great soul never dies He lives In ever,
soul in which he has implanted the germ Of a
virtuous thought He lives in eTery sin-scarred
he fffgi
Cf pain. and qucksned into life again with viyvinr
spirit q faith hope. and love. Is there a man
who has been thrilled by his eoquencs in the
balls %. whose memory That marvellous and In
iEitahle voice will not continue to rererierate in
trumpet tones. exhorting the faltering to a hipbar
cbdnayCr. WITH fstheriy accent sWeety pe-ss,adinr
the Weakling and The Indifferent 10 renewed effort
in the struggle for the attainment Of life's Coalg
he Is net dead. but lives and ever shall as long
a5 there breathDs man. woman. or child who
because Of him, viii feel again the glow Of viTtue
IN the embers of sinful heart as long as The
potent example Of his life shall Law a s-r,,,g
wrongful impnlse and the wrongful deed; Is long
as there exists some storm-tossed soul for whom
he SCI a marx Of everlasting light above the
bowling senses, ebb and fow.''
Every Good Man Lives.
He lives. indeed. as eTcIy good man lives a,
long as there Is Heaven 70 welcome the weary
but perssTering. snd a God Of justice and mercy
Who viii say. We'll done. thou good and faithful
servant"
Those who witnessed the sorrow which pervades
the community at the death OF your beloved pas
tor Nigh. well ask wherein lay the secret n the
attractive force that drew an men 10 him so
irrysistb,y 10 cannot be traced 70 any neritorios
coloring Of his faith. his views or opinions. He
was priest. he spoke priest. and as a priest
he was esteemed ard honored by all Never did
any King e1rsdieney fashion his expressions for
TIE purpose Of winning empty applause The secret