Presentation to Father T. McKenna, Pahiatua

New Zealand Tablet, 17 April 1913, Page 19

Presentation to Father T. McKenna, Pahiatua

There was a crowded congregation at the 10.30 o’clock Mass at the Catholic ciiurcn on Sunday, April 6 (says the Fahiatua Herald). People were present from all parts of the district, some having come from as far as Rakaunui, despite the inclement weather, in order to say good-bye to Rev. Father McKenna, who is about to visit Ireland. After Mass, Mr. IT. McSherry, having made a few preliminary remarks, presented Rather McKenna with a handsomely illuminated address. The address was worded as follows:

‘ Rev. and dear Father, —To all men who have left Home there comes in later life the call of home, the longing to revisit the scenes made happy by memories of boyhood’s years. That call has come to you, and you have answered it. Before you go, however, we desire to mark our appreciation of your worth during the years you have spent amongst us ; of the work you have done; and the warmth of our regard for you as a priest worthy of your sacred trust. The churches, the convent, the school, the presence of the good Sisters of St. Brigid in our midst, are monuments plain for all to see of the efficiency and zeal of your administration, but dearer to our remembrance even than these is the memory of your conscientious discharge of your priestly duties, of your cheery encouragement and loving care for the sick and distressed, of the kindliness of your generous nature towards all. This is the side of a priest’s life least known in a mixed community to those who are not of his flock, but best known to those who are. Now that you are about to visit the dear scenes of your homeland, and to see again those loved ones you left when you came to labor amongst us, we desire to assure you of the feelings of esteem and affection which we have for you. We hope your holiday will prove a thoroughly enjoyable one, and that at its close you will return to us, where we pray that God may spare you many years of health and strength amongst us. (Signed on behalf of the Catholics of Pahiatua by the members of the committee.) Pahiatua, April 6, 1913.’

After the reading of the address, Mr. E. Sullivan, on behalf of the congregation, eulogised the good work done by Father McKenna in Pahiatua, referring particularly to his business ability and his kindness to those in trouble. He also wished Father McKenna an enjoyable holiday and a safe return to his parishioners in Pahiatua. He then presented Father McKenna with a purse containing 95 sovereigns. Father McKenna, on rising to reply, was much moved. He found it difficult, ho said, to know what to say or how to say it. He then gave a short resume of the progress made by the parish since he took it over, more than nineteen years ago. He exhorted his congregation to be steadfast in the practice of their religion and support freely the various societies connected with the work of the Church in this district. A short statement was then given, showing that the parish was in a very sound financial position. Fie proposed leaving Pahiatua on the following (Monday) night for Auckland, whence he would sail for Vancouver, thence through America and on to Ireland. After leaving Ireland, he proposed to visit Rome and see his Holiness the Pope, and from there he would return to New Zealand and his congregation ni Pahiatua, which he hoped to reach in about ten months’ time. He thanked the congregation for their generous gift, notwithstanding the many calls there had been on them during the past few years. He would not forget them on his journey; he hoped they would not forget him, and he begged that they would extend towards his successor, the Rev. Father Long, the same kindness and good feeling they had always shown towards himself.

The illumination of the address, which was most tastefully done, was the work of Miss E. Burgess.

The Very Rev. Dean McKenna (Masterton) and Rev. Father T. McKenna (Pahiatua) were entertained

by the members of the Tararua Club on the night prior to their departure for Great Britain. Mr. W. Wakeman, president of the club, occupied the chair. In proposing the toasts of the guests, Mr. Wakeman referred to their general popularity throughout the district, and the respect in which they were held by all classes of the community. On behalf of the members of the club he wished them a pleasant journey and a safe return. He also made a presentation to each of them, and asked them to accept the gifts as a token of goodwill from their friends in the Tararua Club. Mr. Toss will, president of the Pahiatua Lawn Tennis Club, also made a presentation to Father T. McMenna, who, he said, had done more to assist the Pahiatua Lawn Tennis Club than any other member, having been president for several years. A very pleasant evening was spent.