Father Arthur D. Murray, O.F.M, will leave the pastorate of the Shrine of Immaculate Conception about the middle of September to become chaplain of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla.

He will be replaced by Father Thomas J. Giblin of the Immaculate Conception Church in Moultrie, Ga. He was procurator at the Franciscans’ Siena College in Albany, N.Y. for several years and served a pastorate in New Jersey before going to Moultrie three years ago.

A farewell party for Father Murray and Father Kevin Farrell, who is being transferred to New York, will be held at the Shrine Aug. 23 from 3 until 5:30 p.m.

The following tribute to him was paid by the adjoining Protestant Church:

Father Arthur

Word has come this week that Father Arthur Murray, who for the last six years has been pastor of the Roman Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, will be leaving the city in August to undertake a new assignment. the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and Central Presbyterian Church have enjoyed a happy relationship of mutual service to the community for many years, and the history of our relationship goes back to Father Thomas O’Reilly and his successful effort in 1864 to save not only his own church building but the buildings belonging to this and to three other Protestant denominations from invading troops. That was a long time and it set the stage for the cooperation which was to follow.

This cooperation became increasingly real and significant for us with the arrival at that church in 1964 of Father Arthur. A native of Morristown, New Jersey, he brought his own radiant faith and good humor to this city and has served it well. During the time of his pastorate, the membership of the parish has been established, the church building has been completely renovated, and the congregation has observed the centennial celebration of its present structure. During these years, also, the Roman Catholic Church has moved through experience of the Second Vatican Council and, among other things, a new spirit of openness to other Christian groups has become evident. This spirit has been made manifest to us in Central Church, in the person and ministry of Arthur Murray.

He has worked alongside us and among us with cordiality and conviction and he has made for himself, for his congregation, for the Franciscan Order, for the Roman Catholic Church, and for the Christian community through his life and work.

He leaves to undertake the chaplaincy of the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida, and he carries with him the affectionate good wishes of the Session and congregation of Central Presbyterian Church and our prayer that in this and in every undertaking God’s blessing may go with him.

John Randolph Taylor for the Session of Central Presbyterian Church