A, POPULAR PASTOR.

Thames Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 10302, 24 July 1907, Page 2

A, POPULAR PASTOR.

RIGHT REV. MONISIONOR O'REILLY, In tendering jour hearty congratulations to the Right Rev. iMbnsdgnor O'Reilly on the completion of the 29th year of his pastorate at Thames and sincere pleasure at complete recovery from his recent illness, w» are but echoing the wish of not only his • congregation but the many with whom he has at various times come into contact. Montrignor's record is in itself full testimony to his excellence as a minister and a man. He has made himself .beloved by the adherents of his church, and. he has deservedly earned the high esteem and respect of otheia. His sympathetic nature, kindly words, and many other excellent attributes have many times lightened the load of those who sought his advice, and that he has endeared himself to his congregation ample testimony has been given, while his welcome to-night but serves to accentuate that feeling. Twenty-nine years' ■continuous service is a record! of which he may well be proud, and each year has but brought him and his congiregation into closer touch. In the performance of his public duties he has displayed a tactfulness, deliberation, and: a concdliatory spirit that haive had an influence wider than perhaps the rer. gentleman himself realises. There has never been a harsh ■wore spoken by the rev. gentleman, and his dlisintlerested mission has been to do the greatest good for the greatest numlher irrespective of creed or religion. That being so he deserves well of his congregation, though the welcome extended +r» him will, we are sure, .be shared iby many friends. That he may long be spared to carry on his good ministration is a hope that is as sincere as it will be «en•nal -.-■;.' •' .-.., • ■ ' • ■ 1 1 • ' 1