The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-05-31
TOURING GAR IS
 GIFT TO PRIEST
 WHO LIVED HERE
Rev. William O'Rourke Re ceives Seven Passenger
 Gar From Friends.

Presentation of a seven passenger
 touring car to Rev. William A. O'Rourke, of Belvidere, H., as an evil dence of the esteem of his flock, took place last week. Father O'Rourke is "a former Bridgeporter, the son of John J.. O'Rourke, of 473 Main street. A throng of admirers witnessed the presentation, which came in the na- lure of surprise to the young priest i The BeIvidere Republican of May sf23, speaking of the presentation, says; The presentation of the handsome ilStud ebaker car to Rev. William A. iO'Rourke, assistant to Rev. J. P. Joyce, pastor of St. James Catholic 1 1church,- Tuesday afternoon, was ac- Accompanied by several informal ad- s dresses in appreciation of the work of the popular assistant pastor and depression of the regard entertained by his many friends.
 The machine is a seven passenger s touring car, 40 horsepower, four scy1inder and the price $900s It is lthe new 1917 model and was furnish Jed by H. H. Collier, the representa- I tive here. In a pocket lin the car I was an envelope containing a check flor the amount needed to pay for the automobile license and also a lap lrode.
 The subscriptions. to the fund came not only from members of St. James parish and others in adjoining coun- ties and from points in other states, sbut many citizens here outside the church afHliation Joined in securing I the ,testipa onial-st,ss
 Many friends assembled at the Col l Her garage and in several autofno obiles were driven to the parish house. I where the presentation car had pre- i ceded them. A delegation entered l the house and demanded that Rev. w. i A. O'Rourlxe make an appearance i outside, where a, large throng awaited ! him. Complying with the request ] and accompanied by a number of f priests who were visitors for the day i though with no intimadon to the lat ter for what purpose, J. J. Shanesy l observed that he had a few words to say on the occasion.
 ! The visiting priests in the company
 were ReVs. Thomas Finn, J. J. Elan 1 nigan and Marchesino of Rockford; I D. J. McCaffrey. of Marengo, P. H.
 McKeon. of Harmon, James O'Brien,i ] of Chicago; and Fathers Donovan and I F'eeley.
 Then followed several addresses which were listened to with much i friendly interest by those who had gathered on the lawns and about the ] automobiles and which were in sub- | stance as follows:
 Remarks by Mr. sIlanesy.
 Station Agent shanesy said. ad- dressing Rev. O'Rourke; Your I friends are here. representing a large ! number of those who cannot be pres I ent, wish me to express the esteem,
 admiration and regard in which you
 are held by the people of Belvide ere
 and the surrounding country and
 many others elsewhere. A few ! years ago you came here as a young
 boy and we felt then that under the ] teachings you would receive and the environment you could not help mak ] ing good, but we did not then know l that you would endear yourself so I widely to the people of the cornmun- ] ity as you have done. This is not a 2 demonstration of the pad1sh alone. but ] of the city and county and even from 1 those in distant states. Seldom are the living eulogized; this is generally reserved until after one is gone, but i your friends decided to change the 1 custom and express their appreciation now. We, therefore. as an expres- sion of love and esteem from all I those who have been referred to pre- 1 sent you with this beautiful car. If I you ever want to get Back at the man
 who started this thing and pulled 1t through you might inquire for the taddress of Jimmie Moan"
 Father O'Rourke said. in response:
 Reverend Fathers and kind
 
 Really do not know what to say There comes a period in every mans life when he finds words inadequate to express the sentiments of his heart And this is one of mine. If I were gifted with the tongue of a Cicero, and Ethe eIoquence of a Demosthenes might. in a faint manner do justice to the English language, but being a poor frail weakling in the hands of Jour mother tongue I will do my best Friends, you honor me much indeed, and this great token of esteem fills me with joy and sorrow joy with the knowledge of possessing your love, friendship, and affection, and sorrow in the thought that can never repay lyou for your great kindness to me.
 am sure that this event would never have bloSsonned forth in this life Of tmine were it not for my kind pastor: whose strong and sturdy shoulders, I am sure were constantly at your backs. thank him, and you all, es- ipecia1Iy James Moon whom Mr.
 Shanesy landed, from the depths of my heart, and may your love for me lnever grow cold but continue to in ' crease as the years pass by.
 Kind friends, am lost in this val Hey of surprise and anna cement so all I I can say is, you know my sentiments, I know yours. You have expressed Eyours, but words cannot convey more
 so all can say is may the Good God treward you and bless you and yours in abundance. I thank you aII"
 Rev. Joyce said: TT had not intend
 ed to speak. Candidly, this is the hap
 piest day have spent among you. It
 is glorious when a community ex-
 presses it's appreciation of ones eff
 forts. You know Father O'Rourke
 we'll. No matter where you may go
 you will never find a priest more
 faithful to his duty. In the four years E he has been with us not once has this f been sIighted. None could be more
 faithful to God the sick, the blessed sacrament than Father O'Rourke.
 hope he may long enjoy the car and