Death Of Father Elie
p. 79 · Read in the full issue
In Tahiti
From Our Own Correspondent MANGAIA, Cook Is.
WE have recently learned of the sud den death in Tahiti, of the Rev.
Father Elie Mkrie Cavalier of the Sacred Heart Fathers.
Father Elie, with Father P. van Megan (novA at Honolulu) pioneered Catholic mission-endeavour upon this island.
A Frenchman, the late Father Elie was noted for his genialit- and had many friends at Mangaia outside of the sphere of his labours. The building of the first Catholic Church was one of the monu ments to Fr. Elie’s three years’ stay, this native-built edifice being now replaced by a permanent concrete church, upon the same site. He was transferred to
France about 1934, and remained in his homeland for a period before taking up a station in the Societies.
He was skilled in many branches of carpentry and mechanics, which enabled him to use native materials to the best advantage in his church. He was also an amateur electrician, and would advise on the wiring of the locaL picture-show of that period, while sewing-machines! in need of repair would likewise be given his attention The versatile little French priest was a fluent English linguist; his address of welcome to the guests at his “church warming” is still recalled by those who had the pleasure of being present at a dinner memorable for excellence and lavish hospitality, and remarkable in that the majority of the guests were Pro testants.