Produced by Bryan McIvor of Film Entertainment Video Services a Catholic mass of thanksgiving on the retirement of Father John O’Brian from St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in the village of Coundon near Bishop Auckland in County Durham on Wednesday 8th April 1987. As well as the service inside the church, the film also records a celebratory buffet lunch laid on inside a local social or working men’s club. As well as the food a presentation is made to Father O’Brian and a jazz band performs...

Produced by Bryan McIvor of Film Entertainment Video Services a Catholic mass of thanksgiving on the retirement of Father John O’Brian from St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in the village of Coundon near Bishop Auckland in County Durham on Wednesday 8th April 1987. As well as the service inside the church, the film also records a celebratory buffet lunch laid on inside a local social or working men’s club. As well as the food a presentation is made to Father O’Brian and a jazz band performs music to which many of the parishioner’s dance to. From Victoria Lane in the village of Coundon St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. Title: Holy Mass in Thanksgiving for Father John O’Brian. 8.4.87 Title: at St Josephs Church Coundon Outside the church a group of women gather chatting together happily. In the background a priest who speaks with the group. Parishioners make their way into the church. Inside the congregations sing a hymn as a procession of clergy make their way towards the alter behind the holy cross. Each of them bows as the approach the altar, at the rear an older priest walking with a stick. At a microphone a priest in light blue vestments leads the mass of thanksgiving for Father John O’Brian, the older gentleman seen walking with a stick and now seated on the far side of the altar. The priest leads the congregation in pray and speaks kindly of Father O’Brian and his work. Two bible readings are followed by a speech made by a priest who gave the second reading. Five children come forward to the microphone and gives prays of thanks. A second hymn is sung as children come forward with gifts for Father O’Brian. At the altar the priest prepares to give communion. Communion is given first to the priests and then to the congregation who line up to receive bread and wine. The children sitting in the first few pews sing a hymn, the adults around them listening. The service comes to an end and the priest leave the altar to the sound of the congregation singing another hymn. Again, at the rear is Father O’Brian walking with a stick. The hymn over the congregation begin to leave the church, others chat or sit in contemplative pray. Inside a local working men’s club parishioners sit at tables around a large room drinking and chatting happily. On tables nearby food including quiches, sandwiches and cakes laid out as a buffet. Father O’Brian takes a seat beside a stage as a parishioner and friend gives a speech about his achievements. Father O’Brian is presented with a gift before giving a speech himself. Speeches over people continue to chat or help themselves to the food on the tables. On stage a jazz band perform for a couple dances to the music. Other appear on the dancefloor including several older women who dance together. Title: Best wishes Father O’Brian End credit: A Film Ent—Video Presentation. Tel Stockton 553120