By George Coleman

Father Edward J. Banks, who has served St. Paul of the Cross Parish since its inception 14 years ago, has assumed the pastorate of St. Michael’s Monastery Church in Union City, N.J.

Father Richard Leary, who has been with the church since he resigned as principal of the former Drexel High School, is the new pastor.

A farewell program March 23 at the church at 551 Harwell Road, NW, was attended by parishioners and friends, including Msgr. Michael Manning, who represented Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan and other priests.

Dr. Charles Goolsby spoke for the parishioners and Alderman Q.V. Williamson for the city of Atlanta.

Others who spoke briefly and presented gifts were: Mary Wells, Altar and Rosary Society; Leroy Idlett, Holy Name Society; Elie Jones, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Archie Meyer, credit union.

The choir was directed by Grady Belcher.

Father Banks came to Atlanta in the early 1950’s with three other Passionist priests: Father Emmanuel Trainor, Father Gabriel Gorman, and Father Flavian O’Donnell. He is the last of the original priests here. They began services in the basement of McLendon Hospital.

Father Banks had previously served in Union City, New Jersey and as Chaplain of the 108 Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard. He is a native of Lowell, Mass, and was ordained a priest of the Congregation of the Passion, May 30, 1936.