INTERESTING CEREMONIES.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 29, 7 November 1884, Page 18

INTERESTING CEREMONIES.

Timaru October, 22, 1884. It having been known that Miss Gerity was to be married on the 15 October to Mr. Michael Denehy, the parish priest, the members of the choir and the congregation were determined, in recognition of her services as organist to the Church, not to allow the occasion to pass unmarked, and those who attended the Church at any time will bear witness that the young lady's services called for recognition, as she always played with singular sweetness and taste. Miss Unity's friends therefore subscribed for the purchase of a handsome piano, ■which was presented to her at the Presbytery on Monday evening, 13th of October, by the Rev. Father Devoy, in presence of several friends. The Rev Father after having explained in well-chosen chosen words to the the yonng lady the object of the meeting that night read the following address, and Mr. T. O'Driscoll, Miss Gerity's step-father, suitably replied, and returned thanks for the beautiful present on behalf of his daughter.

" Dear Miss Gerity, — As the happy day for your wedding is just to band, I thought that we should not let such an important event pass by without giving you some token of the respect and esteem in which you are held by everyone in the parish, both priests and people. For many years you have held the important post of orgauist in our beautiful church, and we can all bear testimony to the very devoted and most efficient manner in which you performed your duties, which were self-imposed, and which you perseveringly and zealously discharged for the greater honor and glory of God, and without any pecuniary remuneration. We cannot forget also, at this time, the many other services which you have rendered at concerts and entertainments in aid of the good works of the parish. You were never found wanting when your splendid talents as a musician were required to help to m ike those entertainmeuts a success. On those occasions, as in the discharge of your important duties in the church, you have always merited the esteem and praise of all who came in contact with you by your lady-like, quiet, agreeable, and unassuming manner. I have

therefore, much pleasure in presenting this address to you, and in alking you to accept the accompanying present on behalf of the priests, present and past, of the parish, also on behalf of the parishioners and the choir. And we all join in wishing you, and the young gentleman to whom you are so soon to be united in the bonds of holy wedlock, happy days and God's choicest graces and many blessings here and hereafter. " (Signed on behalf of the above.) "F. Devoy, S.M., P.P., M. db H. DuvAii, " F. L. HARKKY, F. BUGEITB, "F. BUBNS, > T. DBLANY."

The marriage ceremony took place on the Wednesday following and occasioned a good deal of stir amongst the many friends of the bride, and members of the congregation. The ceremony took place at the early hour of nine o'clock, and so intense seemed the excitement to have been that by that early hour the church was densely crowded by persons of all denominations. The bridegroom, accompanied by his best man, Mr. Kdmond Dennehy, Messrs. F. Burns and Gallop, arrived punctually at the time appointed, followed shortly after by the bride's mother, Mr. D°.nnehy, sen,, and other members of the family. At about a quarter past nine the bride arrived, and was conducted to the altar by Mr. T. O'Driscoll, followed by her two bridesmaids, the Misses Dennehy and O'Driscoll. Miss Gerity's dress was the object of general admiration among the female members of the congregation, being of ivory -white- satin with long court train, trimmed with rich Valenciennes lace, and adorned with pearls. She wore also a flowing bridal veil, with wreath of orange blossoms. The bridesmaids wore pink nun's veiling, veils and wreaths. The marriage ceremony was performed by the parish priest, the Rev. Father Devoy, assisted by the Rev. Father Grogan. As a compliment to the fair organist, the choir sang Carl Maria von. Weber's beautiful Mass in G. The musical portion was rendered beautifully, and was the theme of general praise. At the conclusion of the service, as the wedding party passed out of the church, Mendelsohn's "Wedding March " was played. A numerous party attended the happy pair to the residence of the bride's parents, where a splendid breakfast awaited the numerous guests. Miss Gerity has always been held in the highest estimation by the members of the congregation aud by all others who know her, and it is not surprising, therefore, that so large a crowd should have assembled to witness her marriage, and to wish her happiness.