Letter from Father J.A. Kelly praising William West Durant for arranging the dedication ceremony of St. William's on Long Point August 1890 *

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Oneida May 20, 1891.

Mr. W. W. Durant.

My Dear Friend.

I can not tell you how proud I am of the friendship which has lasted for years between me and your worthy family.  I must congratulate you on the successful manner in which you perfected the bestowal of your gift by your noble and generous hospitality to all on Dedication Day.

To you is due the entire credit.  Who else arranged and planned the programme and cared for the guests?  Be assured, dear friend, it will be the desire and study of my life to do something, not to repay your kindness, but merely to show my appreciation.  I am so deep in your debt now that I can never extricate myself.  I rather enjoy it, too.  

Having the church off your hands and one care less, I do hope you will have some rest.  Command me in anything and see how quickly I will respond.

Yours Sincerely,

J. A. Kelly

P.S.  

The choir are so enthusiastic over the trip that I fear it will be necessary to send them to the Utica Insane Asylum for a while.  They had a magnificent time.  I only regret you gave me that cheque.  I could refuse it for myself but not for them as they are wage-earners.  I hope soon to meet you in New York and see your yacht.

J. A. K.

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*Copy of document found in Records of the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese on 11th floor of the State Library in Albany