Norwich bulletin., 1920-07-05

delivered the address of welcome, after three cheers for him had been given by the gathering.
 Mayor Ierou in his address of vel come said:
 I wish to extend, in behalf of the city, a hearty welcome to our distinguished guests. We feel honored in having you with us tonight. I also wish to express the same welcome to former and pres ent members and friends of the parish, who have gathereS here for this reunion.
 It seems very appropriate that the 18th anniversary of this parish should be held on the Hath anniversary of the indepndence of our country, for the in fiuence of the churches of the country is conducive to good government.
 As we look back over the period of T5 years of service which this parish has rendered to the country it is a rec ord that you can all feel proud of, for from a humble beginning of but zoe worshippers, coming from all parts of eastern Connecticut, many times under great dicultes, you have now so well established yourselves and have such a large congregation. It seems to the speaker that you owe that little gath ering of 200 worshippers a debt of gratitude, for. it was this humble be- ginning together with your own earn -eSL 6nOTlS, that HdS IlduH pOSSiUl5 lIc erection soon upon these grounds where we are gathered tonight, a building in keeping with your present day needs.
 I want, as chief executive of this city to congratulate you upon your success and also to congratulate you upon hay ing in charge of your affairs, a man who has given so freely of his time and eloquence to every movement beneficial to our city and a citizen who has the welfare of the community always at heart, Father Keefe.
 In short address Fr. Keefe paid trib- ute to Rev. James J. Smith of New Haven and Rev. John M. Fitznaurice of Water bury, both former pas rs of St. Mary's church, who have done much to promote the work of the church in this com munity. Father Feefe then introduced Rev. Maurice McAuliffe, president of St Thomas seminary at Hartford.
 Rev. Fr. McAuliffe spoke as follows:
 It is grea pleasure to be present this evening and to share in the joys of this parish jubilee. 1 recall my many wis it's, or rather my eomings and goings among you in the early days of my priesthood. I am glad tonight to testi- fy publicly to your sturdy faith, unsel- Ash geperosity deep piety, love and veneration of Gods house and His anointed. You are the heirs of the glor- ious traditions of the past sevnty-five years, and are worthy scions of the mo- ble founders of the church in these parts You make this day memorable in the history of the diocese not only by your festive joy but also by the sub stantal offerings for new St. Mary's that will be worthy of this ancient par ish.
 The day is most historic, the birth If in 1an hn ri in fond memories the seyenty-ffth ann!- versary of the establishment of the par ish. For God and Country has old St. Mary's planted, labored, and borne fruit. She has reflected the life our great church whose mission may be fittiigly and truly named: For God and Coun- try.
 fhe first and supreme duty of every human being is the service of God on earth and the attainment of eternal life hereafter the second is the fulfilment of