Farewell to Father Keenan, Riversdale
When it became known that Rev. Father Keenan, acting on the advice of his medical adviser, had decided to relinquish his charge, the people in the parish where he has done such good work for the past thirteen years decided (says the Mataura Ensign) that they could not let him depart without showing their appreciation of his labors and the esteem in which they hold him. For this purpose some sixty ladies and gentlemen from Balfour, Riversdale, and Waikaia assembled in the Oddfellows' Hall 011 the afternoon of March 18, and no doubt had the function been held in the evening the hall would have proved far too small, as Father Keenan is held in the very highestesteem by all who are acquainted with him, and is revered by his numerous friends. His departure from the district will be a distinct loss. Mr. Martin O'Shea presided, and in proposing the health of Father Keenan stated that they had met for the purpose of saying good-bye to one who had been in their midst for the past 13 years engaged in a good work. When he (Father Keenan) came to Riversdale the roads were bad, and consequently his work was not so easily accomplished. Nevertheless his whole heart was in his labors, and he had done an immense amount of good in the district. He had done his utmost for the building up of the churches at Riversdale, Balfour, Lumsden, and Waikaia. The church was losing a fine man, and they all regretted that ill-health was the cause of the departure of a man for whom everybody had the greatest respect. On behalf of the people the speaker said it was a duty of great pleasure for him to ask Father Keenan acceptance of a well-filled purse of sovereigns as a mark of the appreciation and esteem in which he was held by them. He trusted that wherever the departing guest took up his abode that he would enjoy many years of good health. Father Keenan feelingly returned thanks, and stated that the people were instrumental in bringing about the present satisfactory state of the churches. They all responded to the various calls nobly, and the parish was practically out of debt. This state of affairs was helped to a great extent by the assistance that had been given from all denominations. During the many years in which he had been engaged in the work of the parish his labors had been rendered easy by the assistance of all the congregation, young and old, which had been given in a thoroughly harmonious manner. He concluded by thanking the people for their handsome and thoughtful present, and stated that in Father O'Neill they had a conscientious and capable priest, who, he was sure, would maintain the present satisfactory state of affairs. Rev. Father O'Neill in a brief speech said he was not the least bit afraid that he would not get along well with the people, and he was sure that if he met with the same kindness that had been shown to Father Keenan he would be successful. Refreshments provided by the ladies helped very materially towards the enjoyment of the afternoon.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZT19130410.2.39
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New Zealand Tablet, 10 April 1913, Page 27
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536Farewell to Father Keenan, Riversdale New Zealand Tablet, 10 April 1913, Page 27
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