Newspaper Article 1909 – Valedictory The Very Reverend Dean Smyth

THE HASTINGS STANDARD TUESDAY, JULY 6, 1909.

VALEDICTORY.

THE VERY REV. DEAN SMYTH.

A SYMPATHETIC FAREWELL.

HIS DEPARTURE UNIVERSALLY REGRETTED.

The VERY REV. DEAN SMYTH, S.M., late Parish Priest of Hastings, and recently appointed Supervisor of St. Mary’s Seminary, Meeanee, who received such a sympathetic farewell last evening.

The Very Rev. Dean Smyth was born in the County Limerick in September, 1849.  His early studies were made at the Seminary and Jesuit College, Limerick.  In 1870 he entered the Society of Mary at Dundalk, remaining there for three years studying rhetoric and philosophy.  The three following years were spent in France in the pursuit of his theological studies.  On his return to Ireland he was ordained priest by Dr McGettigan, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland.  His first labours in the sacred ministry were at Jefferson College, Louisiana, where for five years he acted as Professor with conspicuous ability.  After this he was appointed assistant parish priest to the populous parish of the Holy Name of Mary, Algiers, New Orleans.  At the end of two years failing health obliged him to seek rest in his native land.  A milder climate was considered necessary, and in October, 1885, he arrived in Wellington with Archbishop (then Bishop) Redwood.  A little later he […] Christchurch.  Here again in consequence […] trouble, the climate proved rather severe, and he returned to Hastings in the early part of 1889.  Since then he has laboured long and well in our midst.  His works speak for themselves.  All, regardless of class or creed, will miss his genial smile and kindly ways.  Hastings to-day mourns the loss of one of her best citizens.  Regretfully we say “Good-bye,” and wish him every success in his new sphere of labour.

The new St. Patrick’s Hall was taxed to its utmost last night to accommodate the from 400 to 500 people who assembled to bid farewell to the Very Rev. Dean Smyth who today takes up the important office of Superior of St. Mary’s Seminary Meanee [Meeanee].  The gathering was presided over by His Worship the Mayor and was representative of all creed and classes of Hastings citizens.  Speakers were selected to represent the Government, the Municipality, the Anglican Church, the medical faculty, and the people generally.

Apologies were received from Sir William Russell, W. Nelson, T. N. Williams, Mr Scannell, Dr de Lisle, Mr B. J. Dolan and others whom circumstances prevented from attending.

The function was opened by an efficient orchestra, under the baton of Mr Percy Tombs, rendering an overture, “Triomphale,” followed by the singing of a part song, “Radiant Morn,” by the members of the Sacred Heart and St. Matthew’s Church choirs.  Mr E. V. Hudson sang tee grand old song “Father O’Flynn,” most expressively, although he was not heard to the best advantage through the drapings on the stage interfering with the softer passages in this most beautiful Irish gem.  He responded to a hearty encore.  Miss Ruby Cronin played a mandolin solo in a most artistic and delightful manner, and was re-called.  Prior to the Dean’s reply, Mr A. V. Avison sang, “If with all your Hearts,” of which he gave a most delightful rendering, his fine tenor voice giving the utmost delight to the audience, who loudly demanded his re-appearance.  Mrs V. R. Roach acted as accompanist in her usual capable manner during the evening.

THE MAYOR PRESIDES.

The Mayor (Mr J. A. Miller) said that a noticeable and pleasing feature with that evening’s gathering was the assemblage of all classes of the community, irrespective of creed, which was proof of the respect and esteem in which the Very Rev. Dean Smyth was held.  During his 23 years’ residence in Hastings he had laboured diligently for the good of his parishioners and church, and also for the advancement of the district, and he (the speaker) trusted he would be long spared to continue his good work.  (Applause).  He was pleased that the Dean would not be removed to a distant part, where there would be little opportunity of seeing his kindly face, but, as it was, the Dean would have an opportunity of looking them up now and then, just to show that he had not forgotten his old friends.  He (the speaker) had to thank him for his personal friendship, and he might say that the first letter which he (the speaker) received, congratulating him upon his election was from the Very Rev. Dean Smyth, and that letter he would certainly cherish.

PRESENTATION OF THE ADDRESS.

Mr J. T. Blake said that he, as one of the oldest parishioners, could not let the present moment pass by without thanking Dean Smyth for the many kindnesses he had shown to him and his family and for his kindly and valuable advice he felt deeply grateful.

Mr Blake on behalf of the parishioners, then presented Dean Smyth with a beautifully illuminated address, which read as follows: –

To the Very Rev. Dean Smyth, S. M., Very Reverend and Dear Father – “It is with deep regret we meet to say farewell to you.  We cannot permit you to depart without placing on record our appreciation of your noble priestly labours amongst us.  For over 23 years you have been our devoted pastor, and trusted guide, working unceasingly on our behalf, giving of your best, spending yourself to promote our interests, both spiritual and temporal.  You have been a true father to your people.  Your zeal for our spiritual welfare has ever been the same – earnest and unflagging.  Thousands have been blessed by your priestly ministry.  Your untiring energy and administrative ability stand revealed in our beautiful church, fine convent, large and comfortable schools, commodious hall and neat presbytery, all of them worthy monuments to your name and memory.  We are very grateful, dear Reverend father, for all you have done for us and our parish.  We had proudly hoped to see you spend the remainder of your days in our midst, but Providence has ordained otherwise.  While we so regret your approaching departure, we desire to express our appreciation of the high esteem in which you are held by your superiors, as testified by your appointment to so important and responsible a charge as Meanee Seminary.  We earnestly pray that God’s grace may be ever abundantly with you, to enable you to fulfil the onerous duties of your new position, and whether near or far from us you will always hold the same warm place in our hearts that you have ever held.

Signed on behalf of Parishioners –
C. ODONOGHUE
W. Y. DENNETT
D. O’REILLY
J. HENNESSY
J. T. BLAKE
F. PIMLEY
J. A. POTHAN
S. HUGHES

PRESENTATION OF A PURSE OF SOVEREIGNS.

Mr W. Y. Dennett, as an old parishioner, said that it gave him great pleasure to be present on the occasion of the silver jubilee of Dean Smyth’s priesthood, and after spending so many years together it was hard for priest and people to part.  During his many years of labour in this district the people had learned to love him, which made the pain of parting so much greater.  He (the speaker) well remembered the time of the Dean’s arrival in Hastings.  In those days there was only a little old church.  There was then no Presbytery, Convent or School.  But very shortly after the Dean arrived he set to work to enlarge the Church, then followed the erection of a Presbytery, convent school, and the [illegible] and his latest labour was the building of the fine hall in which they sat (Applause).  Truly his devotion to his people would make his memory live long in their hearts.  The Dean was also the means of bringing the Sisters to Hastings to teach in the school, and the formation of a branch of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which was far reaching in its alleviation of poverty and suffering.  He had shared in the sorrows and joys of many present that evening, and the grief of their parting would cause their cup of sorrow to overflow.  On behalf of the parishioners he had much pleasure in handing Dean Smyth a purse of sovereigns which little showed the wealth of the kindly feeling in the hearts of the parishioners.  The Dean’s good work would ever be remembered by them, and they hoped he would reap a Heavenly reward and blessing. (Applause).

ON BEHALF OF THE CHOIR

Mr A. V. Avison, conductor of the Sacred Heart Choir, on behalf of its members, presented the Dean with a silver inkstand and an enlarged photo of members of the choir.

THE ACOLYTES’ GIFT.

Mr P. Carroll, jun., on behalf of the acolytes, presented the Dean with an enlarged photo of themselves.

The Acolytes also gave him on behalf of the Children of Mary, a beautifully bound photographic album containing groups of the School children, the different parish Societies and views of the Church buildings.

MR DILLON, M.P., SAYS A FEW WORDS.

Mr A. Dillon, M.P. […] friendship during the […] which he heartily appreciated.  He well remembered the Dean’s predecessor, Father Reganer [Reignier], who had for many year’s laboured amongst the poor and deserving throughout Hawke’s Bay, and when succeeded by Dean Smyth, the latter continued in the noble work and had endeared himself to one and all.  It also gave him great pleasure to see the Rev. Mr Hobbs seated on the platform as it bore evidence that their departing friend had gained the friendship and esteem of other denominations.

THE REV. MR HOBBS’ APPRECIATION.

The Rev. Mr Hobbs said that he had to apologise for the absence of the Rev. Mr Kayll, who was unfortunately unable to be present that evening.  He (the speaker) felt that he had been somewhat unfairly treated on the present occasion.  He, like everybody else, did not wish to be present, as they would much rather not have had any occasion for such a gathering. (Applause.)  However, it was impossible for him (the speaker) to be content to absent himself on such an occasion, as Dean Smyth had been a very intimate friend of the speaker’s for many years. (Applause.)  He believed, however, that the parish of Hastings, and far beyond it, would benefit by what at present appeared to be their grief, as the good labours in which the Dean would be engaged would be of distinct gain to the district.  He felt that he must congratulate the Archbishop of Wellington, on being able to supply his diocese with a man who was both severe and gentle to train the students for the very solemn work before them.  He (the speaker) as a young man had the desire for the priesthood and had always felt grateful to those with whom he was associated and who tried to mould his character.  A child to be well trained must have the best teacher, and in this respect, the Archbishop of Wellington, had been most fortunate in securing the services of the Rev. Dean Smyth (Applause).  In conclusion he had to thank the Dean on behalf of himself and his congregation for the many kindnesses extended to him, and he hoped Dean Smyth would be long spared to continue his good work. (Applause)

ON BEHALF OF SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL.

Mr A. L. D. Fraser said that he had been asked by Sir William Russell to say a few words on his behalf and he could assure those present that it was with regret that Sir William had been unable to attend, as he was a very old friend of the Dean’s, socially and politically. (Applause.)  He would not refer to their departing friend as a priest, as it was only his own people who could do so.  As a citizen, he was known to take a keen interest in all good works of a public nature, which had only been consistent with the other good labours in which he had been engaged, (Applause).  His was being removed for the purpose of continuing his good and noble work, and it had been said of him, “Well done thou good and faithful servant, go one step higher.” (Applause).  To the departing Dean he would say, “may all your to-morrow’s be as tonight,” (Applause).

DR MACDONNELL’S SPEECH.

Dr Macdonnell said that he had been asked to apologise for the absence of Dr Nairn.  The members of the medical profession in Hastings had been brought into close touch with the Rev Dean Smyth in his frequent attendance upon the sick, and at times when the Dean had had occasion to administer solace and comfort to the departing and those who remained.  It was only those who had witnessed this work of his that could appreciate the comfort that had been extended by the Dean to those who had felt the sad pangs at the time of loss by death.  It was pleasing to know that the Dean was not going far away from them, and that upon certain occasions they would perchance have the pleasure of associating with him.  He had well and nobly held up the traditions of his Church, and could be looked upon as a man who “practised what he preached.” (Applause.)  He hoped the Dean would be long spared to enjoy health and prosperity, and when his closing days came he would receive the same spiritual comfort which he has so often extended to others to comfort them in their last hours. (Applause.)

MR H. IAN SIMSON.

Mr H. Ian Simson said that he could endorse the remarks of previous speakers, and the trouble was that they had said so much, that it left little for him to add.  He had also been asked to be brief (laughter).  One thing he would say, that he was glad that the Dean had been removed to Meanee, as he would now be associated with the speaker (laughter).

THE DEAN’S FELLOW-WORKER.

The Rev. Father Quinn said that to see such a large gathering representing every class and creed was indeed a great source of pleasure to him, as it was an indication of the high esteem of which the Dean was held. It was now about two and a half years since is had been his good fortune to be associated with the Dean.  You have to live with a man before you know him (laughter) and he could honestly say, that even with the aid of a microscope, it would be impossible to detect any fault in Dean Smyth.  He was indeed a man who forgot himself – his heart and soul was engaged in helping others.  he was one he could look upon as a good advisor, in fact his departure was to him was like the parting of father and son.  He trusted that Almighty God would bless him in his work.  He again said “Good-bye and God bless him,” (Applause).

DEAN SMYTH’S FAREWELL WORDS.

In his reply Dean Smyth said that there have been certain philosophers we are told who have denied their own existence and he thought there were times with ourself when we are placed in such extraordinary circumstances that we may be pardoned if we do not know ourself.  This reminded him of a little legend which is said to have happened tin Limerick.  “In the olden days the people of Limerick could not come to an understanding with regard to the election of Mayor.  At last they agreed to elect, as Chief Magistrate of the city, the first man that crossed Thomond bridge leading to the town.  It so happened that the lucky individual was a poor man carrying a bundle of rods, or scollops as they were called there.  People laid gentle hands on him, telling him they were about to make him Mayor, and led him into the city and robed him in his robes of office.  He was naturally almost beside himself, and a little later on in the day his dear wife, who had been anxiously searching for him, found him seated in the Mayor’s chair, robed in his magnificent robes.  Regardless of conventionalities she ran up to him, saying, ‘Shon!  Shon! don’t you know me!’  ‘How would I know you when I don’t know myself,’ was his reply.”  The Dean said he felt himself to be very much in the same plight.  When listening to the beautiful address and the eloquent speeches, prompted no doubt by kindly and generous feeling of heart, he asked himself, “Am I Father Smyth at all, or has there been a transmigration of souls?”  He sincerely hoped this had not happened, and that he was still the same Father Smyth.

RETROSPECTIVE

In the address and the eloquent speeches he had been spoken of as priest, pastor, citizen, and reference had been made to the success which had attended his efforts in the parish during the last 35 years.  Well he could say without any shadow of vanity of egotism, that he had tried to conceive the true idea of priesthood and what a priest should be in himself, in his relations to his people, and to the public at large.  A Priest is not placed merely to fulfil certain functions, but he is there to educate and bring out what is best and noblest in the human composition; to do his share towards increasing the reflection of the adorable Trinity which is in man, and thereby to bring out the noble qualities of the mind the heart and the will – the mind to know, the heart to love and the will to do.  To succeed in these it requires that not only shall he have been in the church every Sunday, but also in the nursery of the churches, that is the schools.  They had referred to this in their address to him.  And it is on this account that priest and people unite and build and maintain their own schools, and this he considered was one of the noblest works in the parish.  The Archbishop, in speaking to them of the necessity of attending to their schools, said he would rather see a school than a church in the parish, because if we had no schools our churches will soon be empty.  When he came to the parish of Hastings 23 years ago there was a small, neat church, but no school or presbytery, and he might tell them that the first offering he received on that Sunday was spent in buying that necessary commodity – a bed.  In 1888 their school was established with an attendance of 30, which has now increased to 285.  It would be ungrateful of him were he not to avail himself of the present opportunity of testifying his gratitude to the Sisters of St. Joseph for the excellent work they have done in the school in every department of school training, and also controlling the Christian education of the young.  The increasing population had demanded a larger church, and again the parishioners had come forward, and the present church was opened on the 12th May, 1893.  Three years later new convent was built.  We have now built this hall at a cost of £970, thus making a total of £10,000 having been spent since he came.  To whom is this due?  It is to the people themselves, who with their generosity and constant efforts had assisted him in the further advancement of religion in the parish.  He offered his sincerest thanks for what they had done, and he also offered his thanks to the other religious bodies who had so kindly given them their support and good wishes to the furtherance of their works.  The address had given him proof of their sympathy, and their loyalty was shown by being present that night to wish him “Good-bye and God-speed” in his new work.

A DIVIDED HEART.

They had also given him a tangible token of their efforts on their behalf.  The poet has said, “Man wants but little here below, nor wants that little long.”  In his case that was so, and it was his intention to tell them that to-morrow he would be taking to Meanee half his heart and leaving one half in Hasting.  He should also be leaving one half of the purse of sovereigns in Hastings and the other half he would take with him to Meanee where he was to conduct a college for students.  There he would erect a stained window from the parishioners of Hastings.  The other half he would ask them to accept as part liquidation of the debt on S. Patrick’s Hall which is now £400.

IN HARMONY WITH ALL.

He wished to thank them one and all for their kindness to him during the period he had been in Hastings.  He had worked in harmony with them, and he did not think any people could have placed greater confidence in their priest than they had done with him.  He wished to thank Rev. Mr Hobbs for the kind words he had spoken that evening, and also for what he had said in his church last Sunday with regard to his departure.  He had always held Mr Hobbs in the highest esteem and he know him to be a man devoted to his people.  In the floods of ‘97, he had found Mr Hobbs devoted to one and all regardless of creed and class (Applause).  And he hoped that Mr Hobbs would long be spared to the parishioners of St. Matthews.

His Reverence then thanked Mr Dillon who had come that night at some disadvantage to himself; the other speakers, the orchestra St. Matthew’s choir, and the organisers of that gathering.  In thanking the medical profession, of which Dr Macdonnell and Dr Barcroft were the representatives that night, he spoke of their kindness and courtesy to him when meeting them.

He also thanked his fellow worker Father Quinn, who had been his right hand for nearly three years.  His advice to his people was to keep him as long as they could.

CONCLUSION.

Continuing Dean Smyth said that in a few weeks they would have another priest and one who had been admired and esteemed by every creed and class.  They had heard the old saying “Le Roi est Mort!  Vive le Roi!”  In a few weeks they will be saying “Father Smyth has gone!  Vive Father Keogh.”  He wished Father Keogh all success in his new sphere of work.

Concluding he said: “Duty calls me from you and I must say goodbye, and may God bless you.”

After the speeches, the function took the form of a conversatione, during which Tomb’s orchestral band discoursed sweet music.

The Rev. Dean then mingled with the people in the body of the hall and received a hearty handshake from nearly everyone present.

Loud cheers were given for the departing Dean and the proceedings concluded with “God Save the King.”