Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1892-02-12 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

FINANCIALLY SOUNDER. THAN _EVER THEY WERE,  and that was a token of long llfe ; but of far greater consequence was the energy that predominated in the Guild. He thought if anyone could have seen the sight the previous morning of 100 men and their sons going to church and kneeling in their scarves protesting their religion publicly, especially in these days when religion was made light of, it would have made anyone feel proud—(applause). It had been Father ' Sharp's constant endeavour, while making them loyal Catholics, to make them also worthy citizins of their town, and te feel a proper self-respect, and to realise that men had their eyes upon them. Speaking on behalf of the Guild, he hoped that Almighty God would raward Father Sharp for the many years of untiring work he had spent amongst them, and whether his last days were spent at Skipton or elsewhere, the speaker hoped he would be consoled with the thought of the useful years he had spent among the Guild of St. Stephen's—(loud applause). He I. egged Father Sharp's acceptance of the chalice and an album of subscribers. The chalice, which was of most beautiful design and workmanship, and very prettily chased, is of solid silver and gilt, with paten to match. The stem of the chalice (valued at £25) is hexagonal in , shape, with an embossed knop and escalop piece, and was designed and supplied tioni the establishment of , Mr. I. Fattorini, Caroline:.quore, Skipton. Running round the bottom of the .chalice is engraved the following inscription :—" R. P. Richardo Sharp, S.J., Gilda virilis S. Aloysii, xxi. annos nata, A.D. VI. Id. Feb., 1892." The album accompanyirg the chalice was most elaborately bound in red Russian leather, and on the title page was inscribed : "Twenty-first anniversary of the Guild of S. Aloysius. Album of subscribers. Skipton, Feb. Bth, 1892." On the second page is a statement of the objsct of the presentation, signed by Messrs. Thos. Fatt4rini, president; John Barry, secretary; Richard N. Myers and Thos. Reddington. stewards; while the third , page bears the names of 75 subscribers.—Father Sharp, who on rising to acknowledge the gift, was  CHEERED TO THE ECHO, said it came as a perfect surprise to him, but at the same time every word Mr. Fattorini had said concerning his being heart and soul with the men from the beginning was most true. He well remembered when he first spoke to the Guild 17 years ago he said if a dozen men would stick to him he would stick to them, and his words had proved true. Lately he had been rather bothered, as he had kept the Guild journal without a break since 1875; but several weeks ago he had occasion to go away, and do what ho would no one could give him the minutes of the meeting held during his absence—(latighter). He had tygun to get anxious about that piece of paper, but he quite understood the meaning of the missing minutes now. To tell them a secret he thought when Mr. Fattorini mentioned the testimonial it was going to be a new h rt—(loud laughter)—but he must say he was both delighted and surprised. He was heartily pleas -d with the chalice, which he would have consecrated at once, and Use for the first time when next the Guild met for Holy Communion. lie thanked them very very sincerely— (applause).—The next toast was that of "The Queen," which the chairman proposed in happy terms, and dwelt on the loyalty of Catholics to our Queen and constitution. He included the Prince and Princess of Wales in the toast, and observed that it saddened the heart of every loyal subject to think of the loss which the Prince and Princess of Wales had recently sustained; and as Catholics they deeply sympathised with the Queen and the late Prince Albert's illustrious parents.—The toast having been honoured with music, Fr. Gordon briefly proposed "Success to the Guild of St. Aloysius," and on behalf of the visitors heartily congratulated the members on attaining their majcs rity.—Fr. Sharp suitably acknowledged the toast, and wished the members many successful years anti everything that the blessing of God could give them, especially the one grace of perseverance. He concluded by reading congratulatory letters from the Bishop of the Diocese and Fr. Loughlan—a familiar figure at the Guild's annual gatherings.—Mr. Barry submitted "The Visitors," which Fr Walmsley responded to; while Fr. Sharp gave "The Chairman," who, in acknowledgment said it had given him the greatest possible pleasure to receive such a Yorkshire welcome. —The enjoyable proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the decorators, which was proposed by the Chairman. During the evening the following musical programme was very creditably rendered, Mr. A. J. Bolton accompanying on the pianoforte : Violin solo, Fantasie,' Mr. Jas. 11. Harragan; part song, Three doughty men,' choir; song, Cam' ye bv Athol,' Rev. C. Gordon; song, Mona,' Mr. J. Harragan (encored) ; One of us shall be a queen' ('Gondoliers '), choir; song, The happy Fatherland,' Rev. J. R. Cowgill •' song, The Arab steed,' Fr. Collins; song. The bugler,' Mr. R. Myers; duet, 'strike the silver strings,' Miss Harragan and Mrs. F. Boyle; song, 'Anchored,' Mr. J. Barry; song, The convivial roan,' Mr. E. Boyle (encored) ; part song, Old Daddy Longlegs,' choir; song, The flying Dutchman,' Mr. R. Batterden. s  EXCITEMENT wag caused at Matlock, CU Mon ray, by the attempted suicide of a lady visitor, a patient at one of the hydropathic institutions. .  -NEM  Nirtho, litarriageo, and paths.  Mariam.  Colne—Feb. 6, at the Baptist chapel, by Rev. R. S. Latimer, Constantine 4mith, Bent-st ,to Marga.rett Gordon, Spring-lane, both of Colne. Nelson—At the Congregational chapel, Manchesterrd., by Rev. Alfred E. Killon. Jihn Hy. Hardacre, Fleet-st., to Annie Mary HoTdea, Pendle-st., both of Nelson.