Newsletter, Issue # 58, June, 2010

St. George's College
Old Boys'
Association

ON, Canada

Part 4 of 4

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

I have never, ever written about the following in any of my previous articles before, but feel it is high time I did so, in the hopes that it will inspire you and others to have more faith and believe in the power of prayer. Since the beginning of 2010, I have been praying intently to God for many things, more so than I have ever done before, and stunningly, to my surprise, He has answered at least 90% of my prayers. For example, I prayed for two people who have been needing transplants for years. After praying for a couple of weeks, they both got their transplants, when they were not supposed to receive them for at least another year. The both got their transplants in the same month too. One was a lady who was going blind, and is now able to see far better than before. I also prayed for the closure to many difficult situations that were occurring in my personal life and the lives of others, and lo and behold, they happened. Situations that seemed to have no resolutions in sight, suddenly were ended after praying for them. I am still stunned. The Lord’s blessings on me have secured a deeper faith in Him from me lately. If it can happen to me, it will to you too. Just believe in him, ask for his help when there is absolutely no resolution in sight, and he will help. You’ll see.

It is with the saddest heart that I must declare the following news of the passing of a culinary icon. The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 74. Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Cap'n Crunch. The gravesite was piled high with flours. Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never really knew how much he was kneaded.

It is said, that the Jesuits were founded in 1534 by (an ex soldier) Ignatius Loyola, and confirmed by the then Pope, as a Catholic religious order in 1540. Its male members comprised of priests and brothers, engage in preaching the gospel of Christ and converting non-Christians to the Catholic faith wherever possible. An apostolic ministry, their influence can be found in over 112 nations on six continents. They are well known in the field of education (schools, colleges, universities, seminaries, theological faculties) History reveals that in 1837, the first two Jesuit Priests came to Jamaica, followed by a few more who while in the process of sailing from Latin America, were forced to disembark in Jamaica due to a very bad storm in the area at the time. These are the priests who were responsible for the building of our alma mater, St. George’s College. The College was the first of several social, charitable and educational institutions in Jamaica to be built by them. As our teachers, the education they gave us, the discipline they taught us, and the lessons they gave us in believing in, and loving Christ, made us all what we are today. The school is responsible for churning out students who are well known around the world for their individual talents in sports, academia, and a variety of well know and respected areas within international workplaces. There are many of us who are not in that category of geniuses, but In My View,  we should be very thankful for receiving the education they gave us, as there are literally thousands of us today, all over the world who are now upstanding citizens within our communities, great husbands and fathers, and overall, just well rounded beings to be associated with. We should forever be thankful of to these white-robed men of Christ for all they taught us. Unfortunately, it is reported that the number of novices entering the Jesuit sect continues to dwindle each year. For the continued benefit of  Jamaica, and yes, the rest of the world, I can only hope and pray that these numbers turn positive in the years to come.

In continuing, The Pillsbury Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very 'smart' cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky in his youth and turning into a crusty old man later in life, he was considered a roll model for millions. 

The Annual Family mass and brunch was a hit this year with the over 140 in attendance. It marked the 25th Anniversary of our Association Chapter’s existence within Ontario, and the 160 year of the birth of the old school. All the association presidents were summoned to be honoured at this year’s event. From the first president, Peter Rickards, to the current one, Milton Hart. (Yours truly included) each received a commemorative pin and a plaque made from the salvaged wooden flooring of the O’Hare building before its recent restoration. This was to commemorate each president’s individual dedication and leadership during his tenure. Michael (Buski) Charley and Pat Ferguson (Uncle P) were also recognized for outstanding service to the association over the years and Stanley Chin and Carl Chang presented with the Knight of St.George medals for their tremendous support to the Schools Endowment and Building Funds. This was a truly wonderful event, and to top it off, it was great to see and hear Rev. Fr. Kenneth Hughes S.J., former headmaster St.GC (1987-1992), keynote speaker for the event. Unbelievably, the only thing that has changed within his countenance, is his hair, -- from fiery red to pure white. I asked what he was doing to remain looking so healthy. He only smiled, and made a funny comment about me not having any hair at all. We both laughed at the comment, and simultaneously, for a split second, like me, I am sure his mind flashed back in time when was he was dressed in a white robe, and I in a khaki uniform, both standing on the unforgettable grounds of 2 North Street.. May God bless him. Congratulations to the association’s executive for a job well done, and to our master chef, John Flynn (who keeps insisting he is no relation to Errol). With the aid of his son and dear wife Annette, his food preparation, presentation and taste were second to none. How is he going to top the food at next year’s event??

Doughboy is survived by his wife, Play Dough; two children, John Dough and Jane Dough; plus the bun they had in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

If you haven’t bought tickets to the Annual Summer Ball, please do so, as it is the only main fundraiser we have for the great school of ours in Jamaica. Check our website  www.stgctoronto.com for information on this big event, and call me 416-712-4242 when you are ready to buy tickets. A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.

During the terrible situation that happened in Jamaica recently, the school was broken into and suffered some malicious damage to equipment and property to the tune of over Ja.$300,000. In stepped Knight of Old, Carl Chang, who had everything repaired or replaced in time for classes to resume the following Monday morning.

May God continue to bless him and all that he does for the school.

A Gaaaaannnneee!!

 Neil Dalhouse