THE LATE FATHER MULVIHILL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2038, 25 March 1907, Page 2

THE LATE FATHER MULVIHILL

memorial unveiled. A little after half-past two on Sunday afternoon a very largo provision left St. Mary’s Church for tho Makaraka Cemetery to be piosent at the unveiling of a memorial over the grave of tho late Father Mulvihill. The procession was loci by bis Worship tho Mayor, Mr. '' • L. Rees and the Rev. Father Lane, followed in turn by the members of the local branch of the H.A.C.8.5., the Children of Mary, the Acolytes, and the scholars of the Convent School. The whole of those in procession were accommodated in traps, which when in motion measured fully balf-a-mile in length. 3be crowd at the graveyard was very

large. After the choir, under the loadersin]) of Mr. Palairet, had sung “Nearer My God to Thee,” the Rev. Father Lano made a few remarks. Tlio.v were gathered, he said, to pay their last token of respect to a clergyman who had died just a year ago. The last words of farewell had been spoken in the rite which unsigned him to the grave; hilt still the people in whose interests he had labored and in whose cause he had died had eagerly grasped the opportunity which the anniversary of Ins death afforded to prove the gratitude they experienced owards him dining his life-time was not defunct and that his services as priest and citizen were not yet forgotten. '1 here fore they were gathered there in their hundreds that day to assist in the unveiling of a monument to a man who was the friend of each am everyone present. His (the speaker's) experience of the deceased gentleman' during an association extending over four years justified him in stating that a nobler or more selfsacrificing priest had never had the same success in this district as had the gentleman whose loss they that day deplored. His name would always he associated with the most prosperous period of the life of the Catholic Church in Poverty Bay. If the Catholic community now had five Churches 'and the necessary clergy, the credit therefor was due to the self-sacrificing labours of 1' a-tlier Mulvihill. His indomitable energy in the midst of physical infirmities was really marvellous. He subordinated his own interest to those of his people, to the advantage of the religion, and the betterment socially of the people of his parish. His power over his people was magical. He felt that lie was addressing not only members of the Catholic congregation, but members of otliei congregations also. If Father Mulviliill”had taught one lesson it was: “Love God and your fellow-men irrespective of creed.” He was well known for his broad-mindedness. It was a source of congratulation to all that tho funds for the monument had been subscribed by people of all classes and denominations. This showed that the people of Poverty Bay coidd recognise merit wherever they found it. On behalf of the people of the parish of Gisborne and Ormond be. thanked all for tlieir hearty co-operation. This help was appreciated not so much foi* its intrinsic worth as for tlio indication .t gave of the love felt for the late pastor. They would never look upon bis like again. The fine monument before them would act as a memorial for many years, but there were mown ments more lasting any of granite or marble could be— —in the hearts of the people of Poverty Bay. Mr. W. L. Rees said be felt honored in being asked to speak about a gentleman whom he bad known and honored during bis lifetime. Father Mulvihill and those who resembled him wore the salt ot the earth —they kept it from detoriirating—they were tlie lights which triwieij .i.ho 'tempi'sl^FoSW«x=■«.» the sea of Life into the haven of safety. He was quite content to follow in the steps of his Father, and lead a humble life. While loyal to his own church he was not oidy tolerant but sympathetic to people of other churches—he only demanded to see obedience to the dictates of God. Father Mulvihill came from a race which had always been great, which was great before Greece and Rome flourished; and his countrymen were still making lasting nanjes for themselves in all parts of the world. He was a great believer in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Ho had shown an example to all men of how years of sickness could be borne by persons while still doing tlieir duty. His life was an example to all those in charge of children to teach them to grow lip at all times with the whole of tlieir hearts. His name was wrtten on thousands of hearts in Poverty Bay in words of love:

His AVorship the Alayor then unveiled the monument. He had, lie said, not much to say—the previous speakers had covered the ground completely. Outsiders who had met Father Alulvihill must respect him ill the highest degree, and would agree that he was an extremely broad-minded man. His soul had gone earlier than was expected to the place of spirits to’ which they were all bound. He (the speaker) had known- Father Afulvihill intimately, and he offered the congregation his sympathy in the loss they had suffered. The congregation were to be congratulated on erecting the monument in such a short time, and he thanked Father Lane for asking him to unveil the monument.

During intervals the choir sang the oratory hymn “It is Sad to Think,” “Pie Jesu,” and “In Paradisum,” from AA’iegand’s Boquiem Mass. The children sang "Jesus, Gentle Saviour.” The monument, which was made by Messrs. Frank Harris and Coy., is an elegant structure. It is composed of Aberdeen gray granite, all the faces being polished. The monument rests on a base of Melbourne Milestone, on top of which aro two granite bases. All the faces of the die are polished. The monument is surmounted by a Gothic cross, which is well relieved with carving, as also are the cap and the base on which the cross rests. .The total height of the monument is 12 feet, and though the design is simple to a degree,- the general effect is excellent. The grave is covered with cement, on which shells have been superimposed. A blue stone korbing, with a double rail coloured to similato aluminium, runs round the grave. The inscription on tbo monument is as follows: “In Memoriam. The Bcv. Thomas Mulvihill, for eight years rector of St. Mary’s Church, Gisborne. Born at Tarbert, Ireland, April 21st, 1808: ordaned Maynooth, Ireland, on June 18th, 1892; died March 23rd, 1900. Bequiescat in pace. This monument was erected by public subscription.”