Emmetsburg Democrat Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa 19 March 1913 St. Patrick's Day Fittingly Observed. High Mass at Assumption Church, Ladies Serve Meas and "Handy Andy" Rendered at The Iowa in the Afternoon and Evening. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather the St. Patrick's day exercises, which were held in this city on Saturday instead of Monday, were fairly well attended and they were very creditable. At ten o'clock a number of the Ancient Order of Hibernias walked to Assumption church where they attended high mass. At the close Very Rev. P.F. FARRELLY preached one of the most instructive and scholarly St. Patrick's day sermons ever heard in this part of Iowa. In his opinion, St. Patrick should be ranked with the greatest of Christ's apostles. No one in the history of Christianity had done more to spread the light of faith and no one had labored with more lasting benefits to religion and to humanity. The name of Ireland's greatest saint is revered throughout the civilized world. He was a close relative of St. Martin of Tours, one of the pious and learned men of the fourth century. At the age of 16 he was sold as a slave. He spend six years in captivity, during which time he herded sheep in Ireland. While in servitude he learned much about the beliefs and the customs of the pagan Druids and he also became familiar with the Celtic language. He finally escaped from Ireland. He spent several years in the school of the celebrated Germain and he also studied for some time in the institution of southern France. Palladius visited Ireland before St. Patrick, but his mission was not successful. Finally Patrick was consecrated a bishop and Pope Celestine commissioned him to convert Ireland to christianity. He spent 60 years in the island, often undergoing great hardship, but in most cases he was kindly received and his conversions were suprisingly numerous. He built churches and schools and encouraged Christian progress in all parts of the country. He had great faith in the power of prayer. He often prayed one hundred times each night and as often during the day. God bestowed special spiritual blessings on him and granted him the power to perform miracles. St. Patrick prayed and fasted for forty days on Croagh Patrick and fervently asked God to give to the Irish people the grace to persevere in their devotion t otheir religion. During his life he conscecrated 850 bishops. Two hundred years later Ireland became known throughout western Europe as the "Land of Saints and Scholars". The successful efforts of the Irish missionaries in assisting in the conversion of parts of Germany, France and northern Italy are now acknowledged by all impartial students of continental history. Father FARRELLY referred briefly to the centuries of persecution which the Irish people had undergone because of their loyalty to their religion and he appealed to his listeners to cherish fondly their faith which had been preserved for them amid such trials and sacrifices. It is needless to day that the sermon made a profound impression on all who heard it. At noon and in the evening elegant meals were served in the basement of St. Thomas church by the Assumption ladies. Teh ladies were liberally patronized considering the day and they had an abundance of choice victuals for all who called. They also conducted a bazaar during the afternoon. The net receipts were $166 for the dinner and $80 for the bazaar. "Handy Andy" at The Iowa. In the afternoon the Irish comedy, "Handy Andy," was presented at The Iowa by home talent. There was a large house during the afternoon and in the evening every seat was taken. T.J. COONAN played the character of "Squire Egan." His appearance and his voice made him a favorite with the audience. He was as good as a professional. C.J. McNALLY as "Mr Murphy", W.P. KERWICK as "Mr. Furlong," and Jas. W. NEARY as "Edward O'Connor" more than sustained the characters they impersonated. Better selections could not have been made for the cast. "Dick Dawson" found a realistic representation in P.J. WALSH and M. MILLER, as "Squire O'Grady," made things warm enough for "Mr. Furlong" to suit the most critical audience. Carl BERGER's part was not difficult, but he did exceedingly well. As "Oonah Rooney" Miss Mary O'BRIEN proved herself the winsome, happy, cheerful Irish girl it became her to represent, while Miss Vera RUTLEDGE appeared in the difficult, pathetic part of "Mad Nance." He interpretation of her lines were decidedly realistic As "Fanny Dawson", Miss Julia DRUMMY did all that the exacting impersonation required. She proved herself a sweet, talented singer, rendering most creditably "There in Only One Ireland" and responding to a hearty encore with " When I Dream of Old Erin." Miss Rose CARMODY sang "Isle of Dreams" and "The Days of the Kerry Dance." She has real ability as a vocalist. Both selections were highly pleasing to the large audience. The Gaelic visitors, Michael GRAHAM and John RYAN of Chicago, showed the cleverness and the skill of their race in dancing reels, jigs, honrpipes, the "Blackbird," "Humors of Bandon," and "Connaughtman's Rambles". There are perhaps no better dancers in the United States. They are young gentlemen and they make friends whenever they come to Emmetsburg. They added much to the pleasing and entertaining features of the evening's exercises. The writer has never seen better work on the stage by amateurs. They have reason to feel proud of their efforts. The afternoon receipts were $78 and the evening's $267, making a total of $345. Cathy Joynt Labath Palo Alto County, Iowa USGenWeb Project http://www.rootsweb.com/~iapaloal/paloalto.htm