Cresco plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1913-1945, 1918-07-19
Father Whalen Given Reception.

Father Whalen Given Reception.
Father Whalen, who recently volun-
teesed his services as a chaplain in the
national army and has been accepted
for a commission, was given a fare
we'll reception by the Knights of COL
umbus at their hall on Monday even
ing. In addition to the membership of
that order, about 20 non-members,
warm personal friends, of Father
Whalen, were present.
When something over q hundred had
assembled, F. A. Huber called to or
der and very nicely stated the object
of the gathering, and called upon
quartette composed Of Messrs. Ster-
ling Bockoven, F. D. Mead and Chas.
and Joe Burgess who sang a popular
patriotic song and responded with an
encore in which the words of the song
were strictly original and had special
reference to incidents connected with
the recent liberty bond meetings over
the county in which Father Whalen and
the boys in the quartette participated,
and between whom q firm friendship
has arisen.
Following the songs. several of those
present were called upon for brief re-
marks, among them Robt. Thomson,
DR.. Kessel, D. A. Lyons, Father Ho-
gan of Decorah, c. w. Reed, Father
Ryan. DR.. Fortin, o. J. McHugh and
Lieut.. Gerald Lyons, who oil paid trib-
ute to Father Whalen as good citi'
zen, . faithful priest and companion
able man. In all the talks there was
mo sadness of farewell but all re-
flected the sentiment of the singers
jingle ''Tnere'H be . jubilee when
Father Whalen gets back home.
Lieut.. Lyons spoke chiefly Of camp life
and gave timely admon,tion in stat
ing that when the boys leave home,
that family farewells should be said at
home, and that as the trains left the
station, the boys shall be sent away
with Z smile and not with tears.
In behalf of the Knights of Colum.
bus, Mr.. Huber presented Father
Whalen with purse of over $50 and
later he was presented with q fine
wrist watch by his on-Catholic friends.
Father Whalen responded by thanking
those present for their gift and ex-
pressions of good will and friendship,
and said he was greatly pleased to be
given the privilege Of going to the
front in til, performance Of his duty to
his country, and that he would carry
with him happy memory Of the gath
ering and treasure, the good will and
friendship of the people Of Cresco dur
ing his absence.
During his stay in Cresco as chap
lain at the hospital and in charge of
the Chester parish. Father Whalen has
made many friends among ill classes
and creeds, and the same traits of
character which have made him 20
popular in Cresco and Decorah or
wherever the stationed was doubtless
the influence that led Archbishop
Keane to choose Father Whalen as one
of three priests recommended from
about fifty applicants from this do
ceses. While primarily Catholic
chaplain. bis Cresco friends know that
consolation, good cheer and care will
be given by Father Whalen to all the
soldier boys, Catholic and Protestant
alike.
Father Whalen has received notifica-
ton that his application has been for
warded to the war department and he
will doubtless soon be given his COM
mission. He expects to leave Cresco
the latter part Of this week to visit at
Decorah and Waukon. -"
We understand that he will be sue
ceeded in his work here by Father Nc
Donnald, who has been assistant 1T the
Church Of the Assumption.