ST. MARY'S CHURCH.

Colonist, Volume XLV, Issue 10407, 13 May 1902, Page 1 (Supplement)

ST. MARY'S CHURCH.

FAREWELL SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION TO THE VERY REV. DEAN MAHONEY.

-A farewell social was given on April 30th to the Very Rev. Dean Mahoney, who is on the eve of his departure for the Old Country_on a visit. There was a large attendance St. Mary's Hall being crowded, many citizens other than the member of the congregation of St. Mary's Church being present. A capital programme of songs, duet, cornet and pianoforte solo, and recitations being presented,- in which Misses Scott, N. Driscoll, Higgins (2), Duff, Mrs Pratt,' and Messrs H. O'Beirne, Stilling Duff, T. Condell, C. Trussell. and W. Ryder took part, and several of the performers were recalled. The Rev. George Mahony presided. The Chairman referred to Dean Mahbney's jubilee which was celebrated two years ago. He said they had met that evening to honor Dean Mahoney and show their esteem for him. Dean Mahoney' s health had not been what it should be, and his physician had ordered him to take a trip to the Old Country, and that evening they desired in a practical and tangible manner to show the esteem they had for Dean Mahoney. They gave the Dean a tqken of their esteem two years ago, but he spent it on the Ohurch. . The token they would give that evening they desired the Dean to take and spend in having a good holiday. He called uponi^fcg Dr Duff, who on behalf of the congregation of St. Mary r s Church, presented Dean JMahoney with a beautifully illuminated address and a purse of one hundred and twenty~five sovereigns. DrDuff read the address as follows :—

" To the Very Rev. Dean Mahoney.

I "Very Rev. and dear Father, — It is with somewhat mingled feelings that we 'address you" on this occasion, feelings of joy and gratitude for your partial restoration to health, and of sorrow for our approaching separation. You have now officiated as a pastor in this parish for the long period of seven and twenty years, and during a considerable portion of that time you were, practically* alone. Never sparing yourself, you have labored in season and out of season, with an energy and perseverance seldom paralleled, not only in connection with your immediate charge, but cheerfully undergoing the severest mental and bodily | toil in originating and perfecting schemes for the amelioration of the temporal and spiritual conditioa of your fellow-oolonists. "As might have been anticipated, however, excessive, continuous, and exhausting toil began to tell. Your health became seriously impaired, and a temporary exemption from work an imperative necessity. Complete change, of scene having been recommended by your physicians, you are now on the eve of departure from these shores, in order, as we fondly hope, .entirely to recuperate your overtaxed powers in the invigorating breezes of your native land. 11 But though absent in body you will be present -with us in. spirit; and our best wishes and fervent prayers for your welfare will follow you in all your wanderings. ". Begging your acceptance of the accompanying souvenir, and hoping to welcome you on your return in renovated health and strength, fitted anew for efficient service in the Master's vineyard.

We remain, . Very Key. and dear Father, " Signed on behalf of the parishioners by — Geo. Mahony, S.M., Chairman ;A. G. Duff, H. G. . O'Beibne, A. P. Bxjbnes, Jas. Armstrong, L. J. Frank, C. A. Seymour, W. E. Pabmenter, Geo. Frank, J. Kelly, M. -Malonb, M. J. Levy, T. MoMahon, F, Day ; B. Crisp, Hon. Secretary. « Nelson, April 30th, 1902." After refreshments had been liberally supplied, Dean Mahoney, who was received with rhucK applause/ very, feelingly replied, and thanked them for the beautiful address and handsome gift of money. He referred , to the large amount of sympathy shown him during his illness by Catholics and nonCatholics. He commended his congregation for their loyalty, which had enabled him to do what he had, and there was not one penny of debt on any of their buildings, excepting the Orphanage, which he looked upon as colonial more than parochial. ; He said his heart was full of gratitude, and words could not express his feelings. He would take their handsome gift, and spend it as they desired. He had to say Good-bye to them, but he hoped to return improved in health, and to see them all once more. (Applause.) Judge Kobinson, representing the many friends of Dean Mahoney in Nelson who do not belong to St. Mary's Church, also spoke. He said the congregation of St. Mary's had shown their high appreciation of Dean Mahoney by their handsome present, which had come entirely from that congregation. He assured them that many citizens outside of that congregation joined in wishing Dean Mahoney a safe return to Nelson, and that he would come back entirely recovered in health. (Applause.) " Auld Lang Syne" was sung, and the larger number of those present had the opportunity of shaking hands with Dean Mahoney* and wishing him ' ' God speed and a safe return. ' ' We understand that Dean Mahoney will leave Nelson on Monday for Wellington whence he will leave in the steamer Athenic for England. i