South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-07-17
Pensioners Pay
Fitting Tribute
to ReU. DeGroote
Present Testimonial to De-
parting Pastor at Meeting
at St. Patrick's Hall.

NAiNA IA AaoN A-bAt AaAN o. AAtN-'t7
tribute TO their pastor, Rev. John F
De Groote. c. s C. who leaves
Wednesday afternoon 20 assume
charge OF the Sacred Heart church
at New Orleans after "a years OF
service at the local church. AT a
meeting held at s.. Patrick's hall
the pastor was given a testimonial
OF the high esteem in which he is
held by his congregation.
Father De Groote had planned "a
leave for the south today but his
plans were altered by the death OF
Ex-S Sen Charles A Hagerty and ne
will remain until Wednesday 20 OF
ficiate at the funeral services.
The meeting last night was for
mally opened by DR. John Berteling
who requested a report from the
finance committee. They reported
that after all expenses had been de-
frayed. they were still able 20 pre-
sent Father De Groote with a hand
some South Bend gold watch and
chain and a check for $1,000 90
Father Flynn. departing assistant
pastor, also was 10 be presented
with a check for 10000. DR.
Bertellng then appointed a commit
tee TO accompany Father De Groote
from the Parish home 20 the hall
those being named including W. A
McInerny. Z. r. Wills, W. d
O'Brien. Frank Murphy J B
Weber and John Gehring
a. y
Groote and his Guard or Honor wac
signal for renewed applause from
the standing audience, which did
not cease until the esteemed past OF
and Father Flynn had been accom-
panied 20 a seat of honor among
his oldest practitioners on the plat
form.
Musical Program
An excellent musical program
was then given. Mrs. Marjorie 3
Galloway opening the entertainment
with a piano solo. Mrs. Florence
Baer was introduced by DR.. Bertel-
ing and sang The Lord is my Light
and Thank God for a Guide" and
Thank God for You" in a pleasing
manner. Mr.. Prick and Miss Jos
ephine Decker also appeared on the
program. Miss Maude Weber act
ing as accompanies during the vOca
selections
William A McInerny who CAV
/ the principal address OF the even
/ ing. extolled the many virtues O
Father De. Groote and spoke 10
( the congregation in expressing nj
/ regret at the transfer Of the pastor
Mr. McInerny said that In a polit
and dignified manner. ST. Patrick
, parish resented the influence tina
! did not consider the wishes OF tn
( parish paramount in the matter. HI
/ said that. however. s.. Patrick
congregation could at least look for
ward to the time when Father ID
/ Groote would return 20 South Benz
| II in the meantime he was not made
! bishop Mr.. McInerny then pre-
sented Father De GrOOte and Fathe
/ Flynn with an envelope. contain
I ing tokens Of the TarishiOners' re
gard for them. and after expressing
! the hope that the pastor woul'
, carry the watch until his return q
( St Patrick's, he presented Fathe
I De Groote with a beautiful watch
Father De Groote responded in
voice filed with emotion. saying tina
the present situation was very try
inb but that the experience gave hin
a deeper understanding Of the sig
nif1cance of our Lords Last Supper
when Christ surrounded hlmsel
for the last time-w with his disciple
and then departed Father De
Groote said that while in South Benz
he mad always received the hearties
cooperation in all his undertakings
particularly telling Of his pride il
the st. Vincent de Paul society. II
further said that the memory OF hi
work and associations in South Ben,
would live in his heart forever
After the meeting, Father De
Groote personally babe each mem
Der Of the congregation at the meet
ing a fond adieu.