Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1925-01-16
To The People OF St. Paal's Church,
Washington.

Nearly three score years have passed
away since Iwas appointed assistant in the
parish of old St. Matthew's, of which this
parish of St. Paul's was a part. 1t was my
first mission, my first taste of real life; |
may say my first home. because it was the
home of my heart. The church was dingy
and old fashioned but very devotional, and
the soft light that fell from the dome on
the altar made me think Of another world.
Ihad known the first pastor, and as a
child sat on the altar steps and listened
to his wonderful eloquence. He was my
ideal, and next to God worshipped him.
heard him say his heart strings were
wrapped around every brick in the old
church, and that was my feeling. too; but
he was called away. and died far away
from the place that he loved. was proud
to follow in his footsteps and had no higher
ambition than to live and die in that place.
This place where St. Pauls stands was
farm. Cows were pastured here. goats
wandered over the hills, and worn-out
horses found a burial place on these
grounds. But loved the place and loved
the work. and felt that | would wish to
cling to the old church even in ruin and
decay. even until the stars were shining
through the broken rafters and weeds
gathered around the crumbling old walls.
taught in the little red school house
which has since blossomed into college.
and thought had found a home for life.
But it was only dream. was called to
another mission. This is a part Of our
training. The Bishop says to one, Co."
and he eoeth. and to another. Come. and
he cometh. and to a third. do this" and
he doeth it.
This was the most crushing blow ever
had in my life. None was like it except
my mothers death. There were tears. and
breaking hearts. and partings that were
forever; but went my way. went along
the riverside and along the banks Of the
canal. taught catechism by fresides. and
celebrated mass In cottages along the
canal. planted trees. and built school
houses. and bought land for a Grave
for myself in an old churchyard at
Rockville. where the morning sun throws
the shadow Of the cross over the grave.
The only spot in all the world that could
call my own. But always cherished the
hope that when my mission was ended
should return here and die at home at last.
After fifteen long years the summons
came to return to the old church and build
the new one. The schools built are gone,
some of the churches are torn down, but
the grave is still there, and year after
year journey up to the spot and see the
names loved to hear carved on the old
gray stones, and see the grass growing
green over the children whose voices made
the music of my life. and the hands and
hearts that were faithful and true in my
early days have been dust for many a
year. Most of those who started in life's
race with me are gone and the greatest
grief that comes with old age. the one that
stamps the wrinkle deepest on the brow. is
to see each loved one blotted from life's
page. and be alone on earth.
am rounding out now the fortieth year
of my life in Washington. have very
little to hope for and very little to fear this
side OF the Grave. But have one ambi-
ton yet. One desire is unfulhlled. One
hope is laid up within me. To see on this
spot school that will be worthy Of the
parish and worthy Of the church. There
are schools in abundance. but we need
school to show the little ones the way to
heaven, to teach them to love their coun-
try and to love their creed to love their
neighbor. and not their neighbours wife or
their neighbours goods. Such school we
wish to have. and | hope to live long
enough to see that wish realized This
task is impossible for one man. but with a
CONGREGATION like this and each one doing
his duty it becomes easy. and with your
cooperation lfondly hope to see it realized.
hope to live long enough for this task.
Long enough to leave behind us a monu-
ment to the zeal, the faith and hope and
charity of the people Of St. Paul's; a
monument which we hope will last until
time shall be no more.
J. F. MACKIN.