The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-07-22
People And Pastor
 Exchange Greetings
Purse of Gold Presented Rev. J. B. NihiIl By Parishion-
 CTS of St. Patrick's.
EMBOSSED RESOLUTIONS
 IN AFFECTIONATE TERMS
Takes Up His Work As Perm anent Rector of St. Au-
 guStine's This Week.


 The parishioners of st. Patricksl church last evening presented Rev. James B. Nihill, founded of the parish | and continuously it's pastor for a per iod of a. quarter century, a purse of 1 more than, 1000 in gold, a set of en- crossed resolutions testifying to the 1 direction in which. he was held and expressing the regret at his going while wishing him a full measure of success in his new field the permanent rectorship of St., Augustine's
 The spacious assembly hall in the church structure was, taxed beyond it's capacity. The presiding officer was Alderman John H. CoughIin who in a few well chosen words briefly outlined the nature of the gathering Rev. Father Picker and John J. Morrissey were delegated a committee to escort Father Nihill to the rooms. Upon his appearance the assemblage arose and he was rendered an ovation. He was visfbly moved by the sincerity of the that he controlled his emotions.
 Upon the seating Of the assemblage George T. Kelly, one of the original trustees of the parish arose and after referring to the uRexampled loyalty and devotion of their pastor submit ted the following resolutions:
 Whereas, by deserved promotion to the position Of permanent rector of St. ,Augustine,s parish in this city, our pastor, Rev. James B. NdhiH, is about to terminate his long and naith- ful pastorate of St Patrick's parish, therefore be 1t
 Resolved, That we, the parishioners of St. Patrick,s parishs express our appreciation of the extensive and magnificent work which Father Nihhl has accomplished for this, parish and Of his untiring zeal and devotion to <1f of mind and character which have distinguished his spiritual leadership and that we tender to him our sincere gratitude for the long years of self Sacrificing effort which he has given to the parish and by which he has strengthened its religious life in such wonderful measure and through which we have our beautiful church edifce and that we further convey to him our deep sense of obligation for the great work which he has done as a citizen in developing the northern section Of our city, and be it further Resolved, That while we deeply re- gret the loss which we sustain by. Father Nihiu's retirement from this parish, still we congratulate him upon this advancement in his priestly work which he so richly merits, and con gratuIa.te St. Augustine's parish upon its good fortune in obtaining Father Nihill as it's pastor and we assure him that he will ever have our best wishes and prayers for his continued
 The resolutions were adopted by a rising vote. MT. Kelly then addressed Father NihiI1 In behalf of the parish toners and in an appropriate speech presented the purse of $1,050 in gold.
 John B. Brady, John M DonnelIy, and John H. Cough1in each ffeelipgly recalled the hardships and adverse conditions which Father Nihi1I under went in order to build such magni-z ficent edifice for the people of St. Pat rick's to worship, in. The tenor of the remarks were that he was kind and faithful to all, deMNted to his parish, was alwaSs a d64r friend when in trouble; and an exemplary priest in all respects. That God would spare him for many years so that he may continue to preach the doctrine of Christ and perform his sacred func- tions as efficiently as he has done for the last 26 years was their fervent wish
 Father Nfhi1l responded very feel gin1y. Among other things he said: .'Gent1emen, the position in which stand tonight is a very embarrassing one. You have made me the center of everything yet without your loyal ty, sincerity and sympathy how could I accomplish what has been done. As You know did not enjoy good health and never expected to live long enough to see this beautiful structure com p1eted. Thirty years ago, an eminent physician informed me that I had tuberculosis and could not live but a short while. but had the melancholy experience of attending his obsequies. You have always exhibited a, kind and splendid spirit towards me as a priest and a citizen I can assure you. that have been of the same disposition. "A priest stands by his people in all their troubles of life no matter how dangerous they may be. He is a guide, an instructor, a solace and a comforter to them. We all have our weaknesses but you have generously overlooked them in me and we stood shoulder to shoulder in bearing the burden which was ours in common. You have shown yourselves loyal, sincere, devoted. and charitable to me at all times and wherever I go, you will occupy a greater part of my a,ffec- tions and love. May God bless and preserve you all and shower his choicest benedictions upon you and when life's battle is over, may we all meet where there will be no sorrow but everlasting joy, happiness, and peace.''
 The Italian liner d'Aosta which ar-