Presentation to Father Smyth.

Hastings Standard, Issue 420, 8 September 1897, Page 2

Presentation to Father Smyth.

A very pleasant reunion was held to-day in the Catholic schools on the occasion of Father Smyth's birthday. The Sister Superioress (Sister Catherine) presided, and the following address, read by Miss Delia Doherty, was presented to the Rev. Father ; To Yery Rev. Father Smyth. Yery Rev. and dear Father, Once again your devoted children gather around you to wish you a happy birthday. We have been looking forward to this thrice welcome day for some weeks; and, indeed, feel overjoyed to have you now in our midst. We did not forget to pray for you, our beloved " Soggarth Aroon," at Mass (his morning, nor to ask the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and St. Joseph to spare you to us for many long years to come. As a favor to-day, we ask you dear Rev. Father to forgive any pain we may have caused you in the past; assuring you we will strive earnestly to do better in future. In proof of the sincerity of our greetings we promise to work hard in school till our examination. When we leave school we shall often look back with pleasure on the many happy days spent under your guidance ; especially to the return of your birthday. We ask you to accept dear Rev. Father with our united good wishes this little gift as a mark of our love and gratitude. "Wishing you again very many bright and happy returns and begging your blessing on our teachers and ourselves. We remain, dear Rev. Father, Your loving and grateful children, The Pupils of the S. Heart School. Hastings, Bth September, 1897. Father Smyth in replying praised the children for their school work and for their general conduct and thanked them heartily for the address. In addition to the address the children presented Father Smyth with two statues of the Guardian Angel for the church. The following programme was rendered by the children : —" Birth Day Ode," the children. Miss Delia Doherty read the address on behalf of tho school, A floral greeting from twelve children to Father Smyth, each of the children presenting a flower with a suitable recitation. " Deep in Canadian Woods " (chorus), the children ; piano solo, "Irish Diamonds," by Miss Delia Doherty ; actionsong, "Come and drill us" by the infant children ; recitation, " Son of a King," Miss Maud Shanley. The accompaniments were played by Miss Doherty. The school was beautifully decorated by the Sisters and children, and in commemoration of the day Father Smyth gave the children a holiday and comfits.