Father Malain named Mr. Nederland
By Faye Dismukes
ETC staff

They say that behind every great city is a great pastor – at least they would if they were from Nederland.

Father Dan Malain, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church, Nederland, was recently named Mr. Nederland 2008 as a part of the Nederland Heritage Festival festivities.

Father Malain may have had second thoughts about the “honor” of being named Mr. Nederland as he sat through the Mr. Nederland banquet Feb. 16. Being roasted by fellow priest Father Bennie Patillo of St. Elizabeth, Port Neches, and parishioners Jack Fitch and Larry Newmann brought gales of laughter from the sold out crowd gathered at the Pompano Club in Nederland.

“This city has a strong sense of community. One of the things that makes the city that way is the school system,” Father Malain said. “Students go from the four elementary schools to the two middle schools and are fed into the one high school. The city is always coming together, never apart. I think that’s the key thing that makes Nederland a united community.”

Long recognized in the community as a strong supporter of Nederland youth, Father Malain was presented his own Nederland letterman jacket by Newmann, who is athletic director for Nederland ISD.

Mayor Dick Nugent also presented Father Malain with a proclamation declaring Feb. 16 Father Dan Malain Day in Nederland. A treasure box filled with hundreds of letters from the youth of St. Charles was also presented to Father Malain.

Touted for his presence at sporting events, his activities in the community include serving on several local committees and as a board member for the Nederland Education Foundation.