VALEDICTORY

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4467, 19 June 1930, Page 3

VALEDICTORY

EAiREAYELL TO REV. FATHER McDermott. It was with feelings of regret that members of St. Mary’s Parish foregathered in the schoolroom on Tuesday evening, the occasion being a farewell social evening to their Parish Priest, Rev. Father McDermott. Community singing was indulged in with Mr. Les. Alattar at the piano and vocal and elocutionary items were rendered by Mrs. S. Barber and Messrs H. Hakaraia and ti. F. Smith,-accompaniments being played by Mrs. Barber and Mrs. AY. Bowden.

At a suitable juncture Mr. M. B. Bex-gin presented Rev. .Father Alc-Deimot-t with a cheque from his parishioners and in doing so said that once again they had assemhled in the- schoolroom to perform in some degree an unpleasant task. It. seemed but a. short while ago since Father McDermott came to Fox ton entrusted with the curing of souls hut seven years had elapsed since then and if it seemed but a little while it was because pleasant days were ever short and because Rev. Father McDermott bad administered to the spiritual wants of his parish and discharged his duties in a demeanour which had never caused any anxiety or unpleasantness. He had discharged his duty as Priest of the Parish harmoniously, pleasantly, trustfully and confidentially as became his religion. To sum up a good priest was a difficult task as it would be an easy matter to overlook some cardinal virtue and ha. would not attempt such an undertaking. There was one outstanding charaeteristic about. Father McDermott, however, which called for public recognition and that was his tender care and Priestly love of the cliild-x-eii and poor of the parish. In a most unostenatious manner he had aided the poor and indulged the insatiable appetite of the children for pleasure. That Vas a virtue any man, no matter what his vocation or standing in life, might strive to emulate. Father McDermott had lived seven yeai-s in the parish and during that time had set before them an example of a humble religious life catering for the greatest longing- the soul of man can receive and which any priest might justly feel proud of. He had proved in his daily life that truth that the highest faith makes still highest man. .They all felt the pangs of grief at parting, but in this case it was assuaged or alleviated to some extent to know that. Rev. Father McDermott’s successor had already endeared himself in the hearts of the people of Foxton. It was only a few months ago that they had gathered together to bid farewell to Father Brennan and the hope had been expressed on that occasion that some day he would return. The wish had also been expressed, and he knew that he had spoken on behalf of every parishioner in Foxton and Shannon, that the parish could support both Failier McDermott and Father Brennan.- However, Father McDermott was now going to a laud whei-e the people were good, where the land was kind, but where the winds blew cold and he trusted that he would reap some real satisfaction in knowing that he was taking away with him the best and kindest wishes of his Foxton and district parishioners. Only last Sunday when saying farewell, Rev. Father McDermott had asked his eongregalion to remember him in their prayers and he could assure him that the request was not made in vain. It was no small tribute to him to see so many representative business people and representatives of: other, denominations present that evening. It spoke volumes for the earnest esteem and goodwill in which he was held. If, said Mr. Bergin, in conclusion, during- your seven years spent in Foxton in the performance of your high and priestly duties in the fulfilment of your vocation we leave not been able to endow you with worldly wealth, you have won a place in the hearts of the people of your parish. (Applause). Rev. AY. H. Walton (Anglican) endorsed all that Mr. Bergin had said and referred to the friendly spirit, which had always existed between himself and the guest of the evening. The priestly effice which Rev. Father McDermott had occupied so well could not be adequately understood by the people. It was a great responsibility and yet had been cheerfully undertaken. He. was very pleased to be present and could assure Father McDermott that the prayers of his congregation would go with him to his new parish where he felt sure he would'carry on the good work he had done here. On behalf of the local golfers he also extended their best wishes as well as those of the citizens of the town. They all joined in wishing him God speed. On rising to reply, Father McDermott was greeted with a rousing reception. It had been truly said, lie stated, that the hardest word in the 'human speech to say was ‘•goodbye” and that was what he had to do that evening. They had all experienced partings at some time or another but it was doubly hard when a poison had been associated with people over a long time, During his seven years in Foxton he had certainly had a verypleasant time. His work had been rendered much easier by the cooperation of the people of both Foxton and Shannon who had carried out very creditably every little thing they undertook and he wished to take the opportunity of thanking them all for their goodness. It had been said that the parish was not wealthy but it possessed a wealth of good souls and

that was the main thing. The people had done very well by him and he knew that lie was taking away with him their best wishes and he would always look hack with pleasure on ! lie time spent in Foxton, his first parish. He would always have a longing or ‘‘draw” to Foxton. He had only done his duty here and had spent seven pleasant and enjoyable years in Foxton that he could never forget. He thanked Rev. Ha lion for his remarks and all those present and those unable to attend for their expressions of good will and handsome present. All then joined in singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” after which cheers were given for Rev. Father McDermott.

A tasty supper was provided by the ladies -after which dancing was indulged in until a late hour and a very pleasant social time spent.

Rev. Father McDermott leaves for Elfham on Friday. Rev. Father Brennan will take over his duties this week end at the local parish. It will be remembered that Father Brennan relieved Father McDermott for some mouths during the latter’s visit to Ireland last year.