The Rev. Monsignor George P. Graham, J.C.D., Ph.D., has retired from St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church in Levittown after a 20 year tenure. Upon his retirement, Msgr. Graham thanked his many friends, parishioners and the Levittown community.

Msgr. Graham, whose first assignment was at St. Joseph's in Hewlett where he remained five years, continued his education throughout his career in several dioceses.

In 1957, when the Vatican split the diocese, the Brooklyn section contained Brooklyn and Queens and the Rockville Centre section contained Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The monsignor left the Brooklyn Diocese and joined the Rockville Centre one. He became vice chancellor of the new diocese and received his doctorate to work as a judge for such rites as marriage. He served as chief judge from 1967-1981 before coming to St. Bernard's.

In the meantime, the monsignor continued going to school at New York University and received a doctorate in religious studies. In addition, he taught Catholic doctrine part time at St. John's University and Molloy College.

Msgr. Graham explained that approximately one month after he came to St. Bernard's the church was in danger of closing.

"It was in danger of collapsing, so we closed it, condemned it, and reopened the current structure in 1985," he said. Currently, he explained, the church is constructing a new center to be used for several activities, including meetings.

In addition, the monsignor noted that throughout his tenure, he has been involved in various parish societies and used to give speeches at local high school graduations before the practice of doing so was outlawed by the supreme court. His other involvements included serving as chaplain for the Levittown Fire Department.

" They gave me a beautiful little statue on the day of my retirement. I received so many thoughtful gifts," he said, adding that the whole day of retirement was gratifying due to the amount of wishes he received from the community.

When asked what he felt was his greatest accomplishment while at St. Bernard's, the monsignor said "I suppose a concern for the teachings of the church; get to know them and live by them. One of the things I've encouraged is different bible study groups," he said. "I've tried to teach the liturgy of the church."

Msgr. Graham added that throughout his career he has found much enjoyment in teaching religion, and has educated children in elementary grades, students in upper levels as well as adults.

"I hope to be able to [still] be involved in some courses for adults," he said of what he would like to continue after retirement. "I hope to be involved in the liturgy, perform some morning Masses and be available for confessions."

Msgr. Graham plans to keep busy throughout his retirement. This fall, he has lectures set up at various local conventions. He recently gave a talk at Kellenberg High School and is hoping to teach a six week course in religious studies at the school come September.

The monsignor added that while he never was much of an administrator, since he preferred to be more involved in the teachings of the church than the managerial aspects, he did the job when necessary.

"You just have to pick good people and make sure they get the job done," he said. "When I had to be an administrator, I was. But I preferred not to be."

Msgr. Graham added that he is very happy that he will be able to remain on the premises of St. Bernard's following his retirement.

"It's a beautiful community, and after being here for 20 years I've often thought that if I ever had a family and wanted to find a place to live, Levittown would be the community I'd select," he said. "The people in Levittown have been very kind and great to me."