Welcomed Him Home

Seldom, if ever, in its liistory has the lawn in front of St. Patrick's rectory, Northfleld, presented so brilliantly illuminated and animated an appearauce as it did last. night. The occasion was tüe return of the highly esteenied pastor of the parish, Rev. L. P. Goldriok, from a month's vacation, the flrst he has taken since he took charge of the Xorthfield ehmch, nine years flgo. ïhose nine years have been years of assiduous application to the spiritual and material affairs of St Patrick's ehurch, and the result is Shown in the handsorne church, rectory and other property whieh belongs to it Nothing could have shown the exceeding popularity of Fr. Goldrick among his many friends in Ann Arbor and other parte of the county than the neartiuess of the reception he reeeived last evening. The lawn in front of the beautiful house was crowded with old and young, rich and poor, regardless of creed or nationality, all eager to show their gratification at having this popular priest at home again in their midst, fully G00 people being present. Everything had been admirably arranged by the committee of arrangements in charge of the president of the occasion. Philip Duffy, and counseled by Fr. Dwyer, who has had charge of the parish during Fr. Goldrick's absence, and who acted as toastmaster of the occasion. The house was illuminated from top to bottoin and the lawn was strung around with Chinese lanterns, making a vory handsome nppearance. Among the many present from outside the congregation were Rev. Frs. E. D. Kelly, of Ann Arbor, and Frank T. Kennedy, of Ypsilanti. On the appearance of Fr. Goldrick at the entrance to the grounds about 8:30 p'dock die having been purposely detained in Ann Arbor unlil that time') a chorus of ladies and gentlemen struck up a welcoming song which was continued until he reached the house. The Beethoven quartet of Ann Arbor. then sang "Three Doughty Men," after which Rev. E. D. Kelly in e few words welcomed Fr. Goldrick back to his home and his people. In the course of his remarks he said that Fr. Goldrick always had a picnic at SVhitrnore Lake, July 4th, and on that occasion he "held up" everyone in Howell, Brighton, Northfield, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and other places in order to make it a success, bue he hoped that hereafter he would dispense with the holding up procesa. He then spoke Of Fr. Goldrick's liberality of spirit, generosity and kindly feelings towards his fellow men and hoped that bib image would be photogniphod on tbt hearts of all with whom he carne ii contact. He concluded by again bid ding Fr. Goldrick a hoarty welcome. 1 E. X. Bilbie next rendered a beautl ful selection on tne violin witli plant accompiiuimout by Miss Mlnñie Davis whlch was enthusiastically encorec and willingly responded to. "Sleep on thy pillow," by the Beethoven Quartè was the next nnmber on the piogran and it was followed by Fr. Frank T Kennedy, of Ypsilanti, who welcomec Fr. Goldrick home and then proceedei to liken his return first to the ok Roman conquerors who were received wlth open hearts and hand by their countrymen, and secondly to the yrod igal son, who having gone from home had returned after having spent al his substance, to find everybody gla to see him and the fatted calf killet for his reception. His remarks were received with loud applause and laughter. A solo, "Little lost child," by Frank Ryan was followed by Jas. E. Harkins, who sang a welcoming song which waa heartily encored. Philip Duffy. tlie president of the evening then made a few remarks and invited those present to sit down to the tables and enjoy the refreshments that had been provided for the occasion. This afforded a breathing spell during which time everybody visited! with their friends and heartily enjoyed it. After refreshments the Beethoven quartct rendered a selection, "Will no one bid me welcome home," and Allie Long played a violin solo accompanied by Miss Davis. Philip Duffy in a few words then gave Fr. Goldrick a hearty 'Oead Millia falthe" and assured him of the goodwill that existed towards him by his parishioners. He had lived n Xorthfield 46 years and in that time hey had had many priests to minister ;p them all of whoni had been backed Up by the ConI'&?&tion in whatever hey wished to carry out. The Cathoics of Northfield had no diTisions or dissensions among them and their hurch and no one had done more for he parish than Fr. Goldrick. In concluding he asked that. gentleman to accept a small donation from his people. as he knew that his exchequer must be somewhat depleted by reason of his absence from home. The small donation amounted to over $100, Fr. Goldrick in response said he liad received notice from Fr. Kelly that on no account must he fail to be in Ann Arbor by 6 o'clock this night as an urgent matter demanded his presence, consequently he had hurried home. He said he feit something like the Irish boy who when he first donned his regimentals was asked by his niother if he did not know her, to which he replied, "Upon my word, mother, how should I know you when I hardly know myself!" He thanked the congregation for their many past. kindnesses to him and also for their hearty, handsome welcome, and assured them that while absent he had of ten thought of his Northfleld home and his people of St. Patrick's chnrch. Fr. Dwyer thanked all those who had (aken part in the program of the evening and also thanked the people of Northfleld for their kind treatment of him during his stay among them. A couple of songs from Jas. E. Harkins wound up an entertainment that was almost an ovation to its recipiënt.