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GOULDING'S
Catholic Churches
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NEV/ YORK CITY.
ILLUSTRATED.
O^^ LIBRARY \
"^ MANHASSET, N. Y.
SAINT PATEICK'S CATHEDRAL.
FIFTH AVENUE.
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CATHOLIC CHURCHi:
NEW YOEK CITY,
SKETCHES 0'
TH1-:
^TORY AND LIVES OF
WITH AN INTROUUCTION ON THE EARLY JIISTORV OV C:
ON THE ISLAIv'b, ANP LIVES OF THE MOST KEVKRLM!
iDriKi> i;y
-JOHN GILMARY SHEA.
PltlJLlSHTKD WITH THK COMMENDATION OF HIS EMINKNC!
JOHN CARDINAL MoCLOSKEY.
NEW VOT.T-
LAWIlENC!fc a • ING & QO.
1j3, 134 ANU 138 K.A88AT; STKEEa.
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L
V\vV^S5 THE
CATHOLIC CHURCHES
NEW YOEK CITY,
SKETCHES OF THEIR HISTORY AND LIVES OF THE PRESENT PASTORS.
WITH AN INTRODUCTION ON THE EARLY IHSTORY OF CATHOLICITY
ON THE ISLAND, AND LIVES OF THE MOST REVEREND
AUCUBISHOrS iVND BISHOPS.
KDITED BY
JOHN GILMARY SHEA.
PUBLISHED WITH TIIK COMRIKNDATION OF HIS EMINENCK
JOHN CARDINAL McCLOSKEY.
NEW YORK: LAWRENCE G. GOULDING & CO.,
132, 134 AND 136 NASSAU STREET.
1878.
Entered according to Aet of Congress, in the year One Thousand Eight Hundred
and Seventy-seven,
By LAWRENCE G. GOULDING & CO.,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washlmgton.
KLECTUOTirED AND IRINTEI) HY
THE NATIONAL PRINTING CO.,
16, 18, 20 AND 22 CHAMBRRS STREET, NEW YORK.
TO HIS EMINENCE
JOHN CARDINAL McCLOSKEY,
ARCHBISHO*P OF NEW YOKK,
THESE SKETCHES OP THE
CATHOLIC CHUKCHES OF NEW YORK CITY,
ALL BUtLT ■\VITHIN HIS LIFKTIME,
AND IN ALL OF WHICH, A3 IN ALL THAT PRECEDED TIIEM,
HE HAS KNELT IN YOUTH OR OFFICIATED IN MANHOOD, AS
PEIEST, BISHOP, AECHBISHOP,
AND
CARDINAL,
AKE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.
^-a
PREFACE
THE work liero i)resented to the pulillc shows perhaps more strikingly than any ordinary con- ception woukl pictnre the actual position of the Catholic body in New York City. The churches which are the sanctuaries of more than half the i)0])ulation of the great commerci.al city of the AYestern World; the clmrches which each Sunday are crowded by fully three-fourths of all church-goers in oiu- metropolis ; the churches where four- fifths of all who enter the fold of Christ by baptism re- ceive that sacrament; the churches whose ministry exer- cises a moral influence over a vast majority of the people — these churches are traced here from their origin, described by pen and pencil, and the jiastors made known to whose hands the si)iritual care is confided. The paro- chial schools, created instinctively by these chm-ches, where by the self-sacrifice of this one denomination a perfect army of their children recei^•e a gratuitous education, and whose numbers the public schools, with the wealth of a State and city at their command, can barely treble; academies for higher and the highest education of both sexes; three
6 PREFACE.
incorpoi'ated colleges ; hospitals ; asylums for orphans, the uncared for babe, the aged and forsaken; homes for the neglected and shelterless; communities devoting their lives and energy to Avorks of mercy — are all presented here, briefly, indeed, for justice to their self-devotion would re- quire volumes.
A general sketch of the early liistory of Catholicity on this island, and of the illustrious prelates whom the succes- sors of St. Peter have placed in the See of New York since its erection, makes the picture a complete one to all who Avish to examine and see the progress and in- fluence of the Catholic Church in New York City.
It has been the aini of the jniblishers to make this a work of enduring value by calling to their aid all the finest Avork of typography and art. It is a vohime to be a monument and a pride in every Catholic family, for to each the Chiux-h and its clergy have associations that endear them, and blend Avith all the" joys and sorrows of life, their sacrifices here and their hopes hereafter.
As the publishers have spared no outlay in collecting material, or on the literary and artistic execution, they copyright the work, and notify all that no unauthorized use of the contents in violation of their rights Avill be permitted.
CONTENTS.
PAGK
INTRODUCTION 17
THE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS OF NEW YORK 33
Rt. Rev. Richard Luke Concanen, of the Order of St. Dommic, First
Bishop of New York • 33
Rt. Eev. John Connolly, of the Order of St. Dominic, Second Bishop of
New York 39
Rt. Rev. John Du Bois, D.D., Third Bishop of New York 44
Most Rev. John Hughes, D.D., Fourth Bishop and First Archbishop of
New York 49
His Eminence John Cardinal McCloskey, First Bishop of Albany,
Second Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Priest of the Holy
Roman Church, under the title of Sancta Maria Supra Minervani. 59
Pastoral Letter Dedicating the Churches of the Pkotince
OF NE-flT York to the Sacred Heart of Jesus 73
THE CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW Y'ORK CITY 81
The Cathedral Church of St. Patrick, Mott Street 81
Very Rev. William Quinn, Rector of the Cathedral, Vicar General 104'
Roll of Honor 105
Church of St. Agnes, East Forty -third Street 107
Rev. Harry C. Macdowall, Pastor of St. Agnes' Church. 119
Roll of Honor 121
Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori, South Fifth Avenue 123
Rev. Joseph Wirth, C.SS.R., Pastor of St. Alphonsus' Church. . . 131
Roll of Honor 133
viii CONTENTS.
PAGE
St. Andrew's Church, Duane Street and City Hall Place 135
Rev. Jlidiael Ciirran, Pastor of St. Andrew's Church 143
Iloll of Honor l-l"
St. Ann's Church, East Twelfth Street 149
Very Eev. Thomas S. Preston, Vicar General and Chancellor,
Pastor of St. Ann's Church 159
Roll of Honor 163
Clmrch of the Annunciation, 131st Street, Manhattanville 165
Rev. Jeremiah J. Griffin, Pastor of the Cliurch of the Annuncia- tion 175
Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Sullivan Street 178
Rev. Father Anacletus da Roccagorga, O.S.E., Pastor of the
Church of St. Anthony of Padua 185
Roll of Honor 187
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 189
Roll of Honor 192
Rev. Bernard Anthony Schwenniger, Pastor of the Church of the Assumption 193
Church of St. Augustine, 170th Street, Morrisania 195
Rev. John J. McNamee, Pastor of the Church of St. Augustine. . 201 Roll of Honor 203
Church of St. Bernard, West Fourteenth Street 205
Eev. Gabriel A. Healy, Pastor of St. Bernard'.s Church 213
Roll of Honor 215
Church of St. Boniface, Second Avenue and Forty-seventh Street 217
Rev. Matthew Nicot, Pastor of St. Boniface's Church 221
Roll of Honor 222
Church of St. Bridget, Avenue B 224
Roll of Honor 231
Rev. Patrick Francis McSweeny, D.D., Pastor of St. Bridget's Church 233
Church of St. Cecilia, East 105th Street 236
Roll of Honor 240
Rev. Hugh Flattery, Pastor of St. Cecilia's Church 241
Church of St. Columba, West Twenty-fifth Street 244
Roll of Honor 252
CONTENTS. ix
PAGE
Rev. Michael McAleer, Pastor of St. Columba's Church 253
Church of St. Gyrillus and St. Methodius (Bohemian), East Fourth
Street 257
Rev. A. V. Vacula, Pastor of the Church of St. Cj'rillus and St.
Methodius 201
Churches of St. Elizabeth and St. John, Fort Washington and Kings- bridge 264
* Roll of Honor , 270
Rev. Henry A. Brann, D.D., Pastor of St. Elizabeth's and St.
John's 271
Church of the Epiphany of Our Lord, Second Avenue 274
Roll of Honor 282
Rev, Richard Lalor Burtsell, D.D., Pastor of the Church of the
Epiphany 283
Church of St. Francis of Assisi, West Thirty-first Street 286
Rev. Eugene Dikovich, O.S.F., Pastor of the Church of St.
Francis of Assisi 293
Church of St. Francis Xavier, West Sixteenth Street 296
Roll of Honor 308
Rev. David Merrick, S.J., Pastor of the Church of St. Francis
Xavier 309
Church of St. Gabriel, East Thirty-seventh Street 312
Roll of Honor 321
Rev. William H. Clowry, Pastor of St. Gabriel's Church 323
Church of the Holy Cross, West Forty-second Sti-eet 326
Roll of Honor 333
Rev. Charles McCready, Pastor of the Church of the Holy Cross. 335
Church of the Holy Innocents, West Thirty-seventh Street 338
Roll of Honor 344
Rev. John Larkin, Pastor of the Church of the Holy Innocents. . . 345 Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Ninety-seventh Street and
Broadway 349
Rev. James M. Galligan, Pastor of the Church of the Holy Name
of Jesus 353
Church of the Jlost Holy Rede<^mer, Third Street 356
Rev. Thaddeus Anwander, C.SS.R., Rector of the Church of the
Most Holy Redeemer 307
X CONTENTS.
PAGE
Church of the Immaculate Conception, East Fourteenth Street 370
Rev. John Edwards, Pastor of the Church of the Immaculate
Conception, East Fourteenth Street 377
Roll of Honor 379
Church of the Immaculate Conception, 151st Street, Melrose 381
Roll of Honor 385
Rev. Joseph SLumpe, Pastor of the Church of the Immaculate
Conception, Melrose , 387
Church of St. James, James Street 390
Roll of Honor 401
Rev. Felix H. Farrelly, Pastor of the Church of St. James 403
Church of St. Jerome, Alexander Avenue and 139th Street 406
Rev. John J. Hughes, Pastor of the Church of St. Jerome 409
Roll of Honor 410
Church of St. John the Baptist, West Thirtieth Street 413
Rev. Bonaventura Frey, O. Min. Cap., Pastor of the Church of
St. John the Baptist 423
Church of St. John the Evangelist, Fifteenth Street 426
Roll of Honor 43C
Rev. James McMahon, Pastor of the Church of St. John the
Evangelist 437
Church of St. Joseph, Sixth Avenue and West Washington Place .... 440
Pioll of Honor 450
Rev. Thomas Farrell, Pastor of the Church of St. Joseph 451
Church of St. Joseph (German), East Eighty-seventh Street, York-
ville 454
Roll of Honor 458
Rev. Joseph Durthaller, S. J., Pastor of the Church of St. Joseph,
Yorkville 459
Church of St. Joseph (German), 125th Street and Ninth Avenue, Man-
hattanvillo 462
Roll of Honor 464
Rev. Anthony Kesseler, Pastor of the Church of St. Joseph,
Manliattanville 405
Church of St. Joseph, Washington Avenue, near 176th Street, Tre-
mont 468
Rev. Nicholas J. S.Tonner, Pastor of St. Joseph's Church,Tren}ont. 471
CONTENTS. ^
PAGE
Church of St. Lawrence O'Toole, Eighty-fourth Street, near Fourth
Avenue, Yorkville 474
Eev. Father John A. Treanor, S.J., Pastor of the Church of St.
Lawrence O'Toole 479
Roll of Honor 4g2
Church of St. Mary, Grand Street 483
Roll of Honor 503
Rev. Edward J. O'Reilly, Pastor of the Church of St. Mary .... 505
Church of St. Mary Magdalen, East Seventeenth Street 509
Rev. Adam Francis Tonner, Pastor of the Church of St. Mary
Magdalen ^n
Roll of Honor 522
Church of St. Michael, West Thirty-second Street 515
Roll of Honor 52i
Rev. Arthur J. Donnelly, Pastor of the Church of St. Michael ... 523
Church of (he Nativity of Our Lord, Second Avenue 527
Roll of Honor 532
Rev. William Everett, Pastor of the Church of the Nativity 533
Church of St. Nicholas, Second Street 53^
Roll of Honor 544
Rev. F. J. Shadier, Pastor of the Church of St. Nicholas 545
Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Fordham 543
Roll of Honor 550
Rev. John Fitzpatrick, S.J., Pastor of the Church of Our Lady of
^^'"''^y 553
Church of Our Lady of the Seven Dolors (Our Lady of Sorrows), Pitt
Sfeet '.... 556
Roll of Henor f-nr^
Rev. Father Laurentius Vorwerk, O. Min. Cap., Superior at the
Church of the Seven Dolors 5g2
Church of St. Paul, East 117th Street, Harlem ' .' 554
Rev. Eugene Maguire, Pastor of the Church of St. Paul, Harlem. 569
Roll of Honor ^r-i
Church of St. Paul the Apostle, West Fifty-ninth Street, near Ninth
Avenue ,._„
Rev. Isaac T. Hecker, Pastor of the Church of St. Paul the Apostle 5^g
xii CONTENTS.
PACE
Roll of Honor (Church of St. Paul the Apostle) 583
Church of St. Peter, Barclay Street 586
Rev. Michael J. O'Farrell, Pastor of the Church of St. Peter ... 621 Roll of Honor 624
Church of St. Rose of Lima, Cannon Street C2C
Rev. Richard Brennan, Pastor of the Church of St. Rose of Lima . 035 Roll of Honor 037
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, West Fifty -first Street 639
Roll of Honor 042
Rev. Martin J. Brophy, Pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 643
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, High Bridge 645
Roll of Honor 648
Rev. James Augustine Mullin, Pastor of "the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, New York City." 649
Church of St. Stanislaus, Stanton Street 651
Rev. Francis X. Wayman, Pastor of St. Stanislaus' Church 655
Church of St. Stephen, Twenty -eighth Street 658
Roll of Honor 097
Rev. E. McGlynn, D.D., Pastor of St. Stephen's Church 671
Church of St. Teresa, Rutgers Street 673
Roll of Honor 680
Rev. Michael C. O'Farrell, Pastor of St. Teresa's Church 683
Church of the Transfaguration, Mott Street 687
Rev. James H. McGean, Pastor of Transfiguration Church 697
Roll of Honor 699
Church of St. Vincent de Paul, West Twenty-third Street 702
Rev. Edmond Aubril, Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul's Church, .... 715 Roll of Honor 716
Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, Lexington Avenue 718
Roll of Honor 722
Rev. Father Joseph H. Slinger, O.V., Pastor of St. Vincent Fer- rer's Church 723
Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (Mortuary Chapel of Calvary
Cemetery) 724
INSTITUTIONS.
St. John's College, Fordham 728
CONTENTS. xiii
PAGE
College of St. Francis Xavicr 729
Manhattan College 730
De la Salle Institute 730
Manhattan Academy 731
The Sisters of Charity (Mount St. Vincent's Academy, local Acade- mies, Asylums, Hospitals) 732
Ladies of the Sacred Heart 737
Academy of the Sacred Heart, Manhattanville 739
Academy of the Sacred Heart, Seventeenth Street 739
The Sisters of l^Iercy 740
Sisters of the Good Shepherd 742
The Little Sisters of the Poor 744
The Sisters Marianites of the Holy Cross 744
Ursulines - '^'^^
The Jlissionary Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis 745
The Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis 746
The School Sisters of Notre Dame 746
The Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic 747
St. Michael's Convent of the Presentation Nuns 747
The Sisters of Christian Charity 747
The Mission of the Immaculate Virgin 748
ILLUSTRATIONS. Portrait of his Emmence Cardinal McCloskey, frontispiece.
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Mott Street, destroyed by fire October 6, 186G. . 78
St. Patrick's Cathedral Rebuilt 80
Church of St. Agnes, East Forty-third Street 106
Rev. Harry 0. Macdowall, Pastor of St. Agnes' Church, faces 119
Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori, South Fifth Avenue 122
Church of St. Andrew, Duane Street and City Hall Place 134
Rev. Michael Curran, Pastor of St. Andrew's Church, faces 143
Church of St. Ann, East Twelfth Street 148
Very Rev. Thomas S. Preston, V.G., Pastor of St. Ann's Church, faces 159
Church of the Annunciation, 131st Street 164
Rev. Jeremiah J. Griffin, Pastor of the Church of the Annunciation,
faces 175
Church of St. Anthony, Sullivan Street 177
Rev. Father Anacletus da Roccagorga, O.S.F., Pastor of St. Anthony's
Church, faces 185
xiv CONTENTS.
PAGE
Church of the Assumption, West Forty-ninth Street 188
Rev. Bernard Anthony Schwenniger, Pastor of the Church of the
Assumption, faces 193
Church of St. Augustine, 170th Street, Morrisania 194
Rev. John J. j\IcNamee, Pastor of St. Augustine's Church, faces 201
Church of St. Bernard, West Fourteenth Street 204
Rev. Gabriel A. Healy, Pastor of St. Bernard's Church, faces 213
Church of St. Boniface, Second Avenue and Forty-seventh Street. . . . 217
Rev. Matthew Nicot, Pastor of St. Boniface's Church, faces 221
Church of St. Bridget, Avenue B 223
Rev. Patriclf F. McSweeny, D.D., Pastor of St. Bridget's Church, faces. 233
Church of St. Cecilia, East 105th Street 235
Rev. Hugh Flattery, Pastor of St. Cecilia's Church, faces 241
Church of St. Columba, West Twenty-fifth Street 243
Rev. Michael McAleer, Pastor of the Church of St. Columba, faces. . . 253 Rev. A. V. Vacula, Pastor of the Church of St. Cyrillns and St.
Methodius, faces 261
Church of St. Elizabeth, West 137th Street 263
Rev. Henry A. Brann, Pastor of Elizabeth's and St. John's, faces .... 271
Church of the Epiphany, Second Avenue 273
Rev. Eichard Lalor Burtsell, D.D., Pastor of the Church of the Epi- phany, faces 283
Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Thirty-first Street, between Sixth and
Seventh Avenues 286
Eev. Eugene Dikovich, O.S.F., Pastor of the Church of St. Francis of
Assisi, faces 293
Church of St. Francis Xavier, West Sixteenth Street 295
Church of St. Gabriel, East Thirty-seventh Street 311
Rev. William H. Clowry, Pastor of the Church of St. Gabriel, faces. . . 323
Church of the Holy Cross, West Forty-second Street 325
Rev. Charles McCready, Pastor of the Church of the Holy Cross, races 335
Church of the Holy Innocents, West Thirty-seventh Street 337
Rev. John Larkin, Pastor of the Church of the Holy Innocents, faces . 345 Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Boulevard, near West Ninety- seventh Street 348
Rev. James M. Galligan, Pastor of the Church of the Holy Name, faces 353 Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Third Street 355
CONTENTS. XV
PAGE
ChurcU of the IniiiuicuJate Conception, East Eourtcenth Street 369
Rev. John Eilwards, Pastor of the Church of the Inmiaculato Concep- tion, faces ^77
Church of the Imnuiculato Conception, ISlst Street 380
Eev. Joseph Stunipe, Pastor of the Church of tho Iniinaculate Concep- tion, Melrose, faces 387
Churcli of St. James, James Street 389
Eev. Eelix II. Farrellj', Pastor of St. James' Churcli, faces 403
Church of St. Jerome, 137th Street 405
Eev. John J. Hughes, Pastor of the Church of St. Jerome, faces 409
Church of St. John the Baptist, West Thirtieth Street 414
Very Rev. Father Bonaventura Frey, 0. Min. Caji., Pastor of the
Church of St. John the Baptist, faces ... 423
Church of St. John the Evangelist, East Fiftieth Street 425
Rev. James !McMahon, Pastor of St. John the Evangelist, faces 437
Church of St. Joseph, Sixth Avenue 439
Rev. Thomas Farrell, Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, faces 451
Church of St. Joseph (German), East Eighty-seventh Street 453
Rev. Joseph Durthaler, Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Ydrkville, faces. 459
Church of St. Joseph (German), West 125th Street 401
Rev. Anthony Kesseler, Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Manhattan-
ville, faces 405
Church of St. Joseph (German), Washington Avenue, near 17(ith Street. 407 Rev. Nicholas J. S. Tonner, Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Treniont,
faces 471
Church of St. Lawrence O'Toole, Eighty-fourth Street 473
Church of St. Mary, Grand Street 482
Rev. Edward J. O'Reilly, Pastor of St. Mary's Church, faces 505
Church of St. Mary Magdalen, East Seventeenth Street 508
Church of St. Michael, West Thirty-second Street 512
Rev. Arthur J. Donnelly, Pastor of St. Jlichael's Church, faces 523
Church of the Nativity of Our Lord, Second Avenue 526
Rev. AVilliam Everett, Pastor of the Church of tho Nativity, faces 533
Church of St. Nicholas, Second Street 535
Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Fordliani 547
Church of Our Lady of the Seven Dolors, Pitt Street 555
Church of St. Paul, East 117th Street. . . .* 503
xvi CONTENTS.
PAGE
llev. Eugene Maguire, Pastor of St. Paul's Church, Harlem, faces 5G9
Church of St. Paul the Apostle, West Fifty-ninth Street 572
Very Eev. Isaac T. Hecker, Pastor of the Church of St. Paul the
Apostle, faces 579
Cliurch of St. Peter, Barclay Street 585
Rev. Michael J. O'Parrell, Pastor of St. Peter's Church, faces (521
Church of St. Peter, built in 1786, taken down in 1836 623
Church of St. Rose of Lima, Cannon Street 625
Eev. Richard Brennan, Pastor of the Church of St. Rose of Lima, faces. 635
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, "West Fifty-first Street 638
Rev. Martin J. Brophy, Pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, faces 643
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, High Bridge 644
Church of St. Stanislaus, Stanton Street 650
Rev. Francis X. "Waynuui, Pastor of St. Stanislaus' Cliurcli, faces .... 655
Church of St. Stephen, East Twenty-eighth Street 657
Rev. E. McGlynn, D.D., Pastor of St. Stephen's Church, faces 671
Church of St. Teresa, Rutgers Street '. . . 673
Rev. Michael C. O'Farrell, Pastor of St. Teresa's Church, faces 683
Church of the Transfiguration, Mott Street 686
Rev. James H. McGean, Pastor of Transfiguration Church, faces. . . . 697
Church of St. Vincent de Paul, West Twenty -third Street 701
Rev. Edmond Aubril, Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul's Church, faces . . 715
Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, Lexington Avenue 717
Convent of the Sacred Heart, Manhattanville 738
INTRODUCTION.
THE Catholic Churches in New York City comprise the new Catliedral of St. Patrick, the noblest and finest temple erected to the worship of Almighty God in the Western world, and fifty-four churches, many of them elegant and spacious structures, elaborate in their adornment, not adapted to any capricious taste of the day, but ever-speaking monuments that in the midst of the world and the worldly proclaim that all is vanity except loving God and serving Him alone.
They are unmistakably cluu-ches, erected for divine worship and at personal sacrifice. They are permanent, not to pass after a few years to ignoble uses, but devoted for all time to their holy purpose.
Nor are they merely for the gratification of a fcAv
rich worshipers, with a thin congi-egation scattered tlu-ough
a vast nave. They are the cliurches of full one-half the
population of the gi-eat commercial city of America,
crowded not once only, biit at successive services every 2
18 INTRODUCTION.
Sunday and holiday, and each time by a new congrega- tion come to adore God in spirit and in truth.
They have been built mainly by the contributions, freely and generously given, of those who depended on their daily exertions in some department of honest toil for their o^^n support and advancement. This gives even the poorest and humblest Catholic a personal interest in the most splendid of these ecclesiastical glories of our metropolis. As the chm-cli which he has helped to rear, where he has joined in the holy sacrifice, been fed with the Bread of Life, where he has perhaps been united to the truly Clu-istian wife by the holy ties of sacramental marriage, where his children have been enrolled in the chui'ch by baptism — as all tliis, it is more near and more dear to him than an earthly home. He looks up to its Gotliic arch or its fretted ceiling, to all the rich tracery of the altar, the breathing j)ictures, the vestments and sacred vessels worthy of the service of God, and feels that they are his ; and that, beautiful as they may be, they are but a faint image of the glorious things pre- pared for him hereafter, if he is but faithful to the end.
It is only when they at last begin to fathom what the Chm-ch is to the Catholic, that those separated from us can begin to imderstand wliy we are so ready to make any sacrifice to rear a worthy temple to the Most High, and all the more ready as om- faith is pm-er,
EARLY HISTORY. 19
deeper, stronger ; and this is more clearh' seen in those who have not been led iiway by that insatiate desire for worldly affluence and j^rosperitv A\'hich has been the bane and destruction of so many.
Every Catholic church in New York City has been erected or relmilt within the last fifty years, and most of them within the last two decades. How great, then, have been the sacrifices ! for the church never stands alone. There is scarce a parish which has not a suit- able residence for the clergy, fine parochial schools, and within its limits an asylum, industrial school, academy, college — some institution for the ditfusiou of learning, or the relief of spiritual and temporal wants.
As the creations of some monarch with the revenues of a kingdom, these churches Avould in the pages of history have given perpetual lustre to his name ; and cer- tainly the meed of praise that would justly be bestowed on one man, is as deservedly due to the Catholics of all races and lands who, gathered here, have shown that in their love and attachment to their holy Faith, they had but one heart and one soul.
When the Catholic navigator, Verrazzano, and the Catholic Gomez, about the year 1525, entei'ed the mag- nificent Bay of New York, and marked the green sum- mits of the Highlands of Navesink, and the shores clad in forest and verdant meads, they were charmed with its beauties. Beside the ship bearing the flag of France or
20 INTRODUCTION.
Spain, no vessel then rippled the surface but the frail canoe of the natives, Avhich darted wonderingly across its waters.
" The very large river that forced its way amid hills to empty into the sea," as one described it, received the name of St. Anthony, and Catholicity set her cross of pos- session on the soil. But it Avoidd have been a wild dream to imasrine that in three centuries and a half the Church against which half Europe seemed rising in revolt would have planted tlu-ee episcopal sees on the shores of that bay, its ^^•aters lave the borders of tliree dioceses, one presided over by a prince of the Chiu-ch. Who coidd foresee that the rocky island at the mouth of the river, with its lake and streams and scattered wigwams, would give place to a city, ^x\ih a Catholic population far ex- ceeding that of many a city in the Old AVorld, with an array of churches siu-h as it is our purpose to trace from their origin to their present condition of spiritual grandeur and xisefulness?
If these Catholic pioneers had any aspiration for the future of the faith, these hopes were rudely broken, when, nearly a centiu-y after their visit, Henry Hudson, a native of fallen England, led the ships of Calvinistic Holland into oiu- glorious bay, and, giving his own name to the river, left the Dutch to name the city and set- tlement they founded, New Amsterdam.
For a time the Catholic history is a blank. In the
EARLY HISTORY. 21
new colony no religion was tolerated except the Calvin- ist. The Catholic Hollander who had fonylit bravely be- side his Protestant fellow-citizen against the Spanish rule was rewarded by being deprived of all political power. He could not even emigrate to America; but we are nevertheless requested to praise Holland for establishing religious liberty.
The few Catholics who reached New Netherland were sent by misery, accident, or trade. In 1643, when the settlement was twenty-eight years old, a Catholic jjriest, a hero of the faith, torn and mangled by the barbarous Moha'N'S'ks, and broken down by a year's slavery, ^\as ransomed by the kind-hearted Hollanders, and lirought to the island Avhere New York now stands. In the little hamlet clustered under the rude fort, the heroic priest. Father Isaac Jogues, the pioneer priest of New York City and State, found but two Catholics — a Portuguese woman, and a }'oung Irishman from Mary- land ; and tlie ministr}' of the Clnuxh began with the sacrament of penance. His stay was but a brief one, but it inspired the people with respect for a religion that could produce such heroes.
This missionary liad scarcely sailed for Eitrope when another, Father Francis Joseph Bressani, a native of It- aly, fell into the hands of the blood-thirsty savages ; and he, too, rescued by the Dutch from slavery, descended the Hiulson to New Amsterdam. If there were any
22 INTRODUCTION.
Catholics he did not find them during liis brief stay within the hospitable walls of the Dutch town. Of course, in their destitute condition, neither of these priests, without chalice or vestments, could have offered Tip the holy sacrifice in our city. When Father Jogues, a few years later, Avas rewarded for his laborious mis- sion-life by the crown of martyrdom, some of his vest- ments and sacred vessels reached Ne-w York, precious relics of a holy priest.
New York has ever been cosmopolitan in its char- acter, and the beginnings of the Catholic Church in this city are no less so. The first four Catholics recorded as having been on the island belonged to as many differ- ent nations — a tyY>e of the diversity wliich prevails to this day, when the Catholic flock and its clergy show representatives from almost every land and clime.
After that "visit of these two priests, a Jesuit Father from Canada occasionally made his way to New Am- sterdam, mid generally found, among the shipping in the harbor, some Catholic, liappy to avail himself of the ministry of a priest. Such were the flying visits of Fathers Le Moyne and Vaillant
But dm'in<r the Dutch rule, Catholics were few and transient. The Church had no foothold on ^lanhattan Island. One day, in midsmiimer of 1664, however, a squadron of four English vessels, bearing the flag of the Catholic Duke of York, as Lord High Admiral, entered
EAliLY HISTORY. 23
the biiA', and tlie group of officers on their decks gazed ■with delight on the fair prospect as they anchored near the Narrows. They came to claim the colony for James, Duke of York, on whom his brother, Charles II., ignoring the Dutch title, had conferred it.
Under the new rule, religious freedom was at last proclaimed. The new colony of New York was opened to our faith. Lieutenant Anthony Brockholls, of a Cath- olic family in Lancashire, came over in 1674, as second to Governor Andros in the direction of the colony, \'\'hicli was indeed ably governed for se^'eral years by this accomplished gentleman, some of whose descendants in om* day have retm'ned to the faith he professed. A fcAv Catholic settlers amved, and James at last resolv- ed to make such arrangements that they should be able to worship God in the free air of the New World ac- cording to the dictates of their conscience. The Jesuits had for half a century zealously attended to the spirit- ual wants of the Catholics on the Chesapeake. They now extended their care to New York. When the brave, po- litic and able Colonel Thomas Dongan, an Irish Catholic of noble family, came out as Governor, in 1683, Father Thomas Harvey accompanied liim ; Catholic Governor and Catholic priest alike being escorted out of Boston, where they landed, by the Puritan militia of that place.
Father Henry Harrison had preceded him, and be- gun his labors in June ; and Father Charles Gage, Avith
24 INTRODUCTION.
two lay brothers, soon followed. The little mission was organized to minister to the Catholics in the province, and rejjlace the French missionaries among the Indians within the limits claimed by England.
A room was fitted up as a chapel in the Governor's house within the fort, and here, for the first time, mass Avas off"ered in the City of New York. Opposite the Bowling Gieen, Avhere the statue of the last British royal ruler once stood, is noAv a row of buildings looking up the brilliant kaleidoscope of Broadway, with its ever-chang- ing waves of the votaries of fashion, commerce, and toil. These buildings occupy nearly the site of the old fort, and not far from the center of the row was the spot hallowed by the first mass ever offered on the Island of New York. Here, in a private oratory, mass was said — the little congregation consisting of the Governor and some Catholic officers and gentry, in all the bravery of the gay reign of Charles II., relieved by contrast with the soberer garb of the humbler adlierents of the ancient faith.
The Fathers found Catholics scattered tlu'oughout the various settlements of New York and New Jersey, and we can trace their ministrations from Esopus to Staten Island, Woodbridge, and Elizabeth ; but the general feeling was unfriendly.
Education has ever been the aim of the Society of Jesus ; and these Fathers, true to their mission, opened a
EARLY HISTORY. 25
Latin Scliodl on tlie gronnds now occupied by the stately edifice of Trinity Chvu-cli. It was the first educational institution of tlio kind in the city, and was attended by the sons of the best families, eager to avail themselves of the advantages it aff"orded.
Under the wise and able rule of James, and the Governors appointed by him, civil and religious libert^' were secured to the colonists, in the grand New York Charter of 1683, and in the Legislature Avhich was es- tablished and which passed the charter. Then Catholics began to settle in a colony which offered them a home and the rights their manhood claimed. ]\Iany of these •\Aere persons of means, education, and ability, who would have been singidarly serviceable to the colony.
While Catholicity was tlms acquiring a home in New York, and in the minds of the more intelligent some of the veils of prejudice were lifting, the horizon suddenly chang- ed. James IL was hurled from the throne. When the news reached New York, Leisler, a fanatic maniac, seized the reigns of government, and commenced a system of terror. In his mad deliriimi he saw nothing but Popish plots, Jesuit conspiracies. William of Orange looked on in sublime unconcern at the ruin of New York, as if pleased to see the province peculiar to his predecessor reduced to the utmost misery.
The Catholic clerg}-, no longer safe, left the colony; one to reach Maryland by devious ways, the others to
26 INTRODUCTION.
return to Europe. The Catholics of means wlio had settled removed to other parts ; some to Canada, some to other English colonies. Those who remained in order to save their property made no show of their faith, jind in the next generation Dongan and Brockholls ceased to be Catho- lic names in the Colony of New York.
Under Governor Fletcher, in l(!i)G, the number of Catholics in the city, according to an official report made to him and transmitted to England, was only nine. .
Yet the fanatical hatred aroused by Leisler lived, and the next Governor, the Earl of Bellomont, was of a temper to give it a most fiendish character. Coming from Ireland, where his father. Colonel Coote, had been one of the blood- iest butchers of the Irish Catholics in Cromwell's time, Bellomont inherited all the sanguinary ferocity of the father, combined with the shrewder statecraft of the un- principled politicians of his time.
By his personal influence and vote in council, the New York Legislatm-e, abandoning its broad charter of liberties for one less comprehensive and manly, passed, in 1700, a law by which any Catholic priest entering the colony or its limits, as claimed by England, was con- demned to imprisonment for life. If he escaped from bondage and was recaptm'ed, the anointed priest of God was to swing on a gallows, like a mm-derer.
In the same spirit was the law that any one who harbored a priest, who gave him a night's shelter or a
EARLY HISTORY. 27
meal, was punished by a heavy fine and the pillory. Other enactments disabled Catholics from holding any office or even casting a vote for any civil or military position in the colony. With a name that recalled its Catholic Lord Proprietor, New York excluded Catholics from its borders.
For years Catholics were almost unknown in the City and Colony of New York. Dm-ing the wars with Spain, the privateers occasionally brought a priest into our harbor, among the prisoners taken on the vessels ; and the rec- ords show how shamefully they were insulted and wronged. The negroes in the Spanish Colonies were instructed in Christianity, and ennobled by its hopes; but every Spanish negro captured in these vessels, though free by Spanish law, was sold as a slave in New York. The priest and his white countrymen were finally released, but the negro remained to represent the faith.
In 1741, a wild delusion seized the town. An ac- cidental fire in the fort was ascribed to a plot among the negroes to desti-oy the city. The Spanish negroes be- came especial objects of terror. Many negroes and some whites were aiTested, and perished on the scaffold or at the stake, convicted on the loosest and most unsatisfactory evidence. A belief gained ground that a Catholic priest was the originator of the supposed plot. A harmless, non- juiing clergyman from England, who had been acting as an humble teacher, was tried; and, as justice and com- mon sense alike had fled, poor Ury was hung.
28 INTRODUCTION.
Witli such a fate before them, few r'atlioHcs dare enter New York. Almost the first one "\A'ho makes any figure wna John Leary, who resided in Courthiudt street, and became popular with the gentry as one who kept and imported horses, famed for their excellence. The street often Avent by his name. His rehgfion was avowed ; and the popu- lar rumor of the dav assures us that he did not neglect his Easter duty, but tliat he A^'ent every year to Phila- delphia for confession.
In 1755, a number of Catholics entered New York City. They were not })risouers of war, for they had long been Bi-itish subjects ; they were not rebels, for they had done nothing against government. They were the unhaj)p}' Acadians of Nova Scotia, who, as Popish recusants, had been deprived of their estates and ])i-operty, and carried off, to the mnnber of seven thousand, to be scattered along the coast from New Hampshire to Georgia.
Several hundi-ed reached New Yoi-k; but in tlie Gov- ernor, Sir Charles Hardy, they found an inexorable enemy. They were scattered tlu'ough the colony, the childi'en bound out, the adults put to labor. At every alarm they were huddled into the jails. Some, who had made their way from Georgia and South Carolina, were seized on reaching Long Island, in the following year, and treated with even greater cruelty.
The several hunth-ed Acadian Catholics melted away : . many dying of broken heai-ts ; many perisliing- from the
EARLY llISTOltY. 29
noxious air and iiltli of the prisons of that day; many, used in their own land to ease and comfort, breaking down prematm'ely vmder tlie unaccustomed toil. Others escaped to Canada or Illinois — - perhaps by way of the Six Nations, who, Indians as they were, were less cruel than the whites.
This body of compulsory emigrants did not form a permanent body of Catholics in New York, and no trace of them appears thirty years later.
Among the class known as Redemptioners — those who were sold at auction for a term of service, in order to pay their ^^^''^•'^'^g'G money — were, doubtless, not a few Catholics, about this time, both German and Irish. Their number did not equal that in Pennsylvania, where Catho- licity had from the first enjoyed a degree of freedom.
The little body of Catholics that had grown up in the City of New York a huncb-ed and ten years ago, began to long for the occasional visit of a jiriest. Few could afford what was then a long and tedious journey to Philadelphia, in order to approach the sacraments, and have mamages blessed and childi'en baptized. They were too few in number to make any effort to secure a per- manent pastor, to whom tliey could ofiFer no adequate siq?- port. But Providence did not forsake them. In sj^ite of penal laws and the bitter prejudices prevailing, the Jesuit Fathers in Philadelphia gradually extended their pastoral visits to scattered Catholics in New Jersey ; and just be-
30 INTEODUCTION.
fore the Revolution the Rev. Ferdinand Steinmeyr — known on the mission by the name of Fanner — entered New- York, lie was a man of great learning, a mathematician of such excellence that the Royal Society of London elect- ed him a memlaer. He was more than the equal of the learned New York Governor, Cadwallader Golden; but he had to enter the city in disguise, and reach Wall street without exciting observation ; there, as tradition says, to meet a few Catholics in the house of a good Gennan.
When the colonies rose against England, the feeling against the mother country was combined with tlie old cr}' against the Catholics. The first flag raised by the Sons of Liberty in New York was inscribed "No Poj)ery." An Irish priest, who had entei'ed the colony and ministered to some Scotch Catholics, fled Avith his flock, before the rising storm, to the more tolerant soil of Canada.
The English army took and held New York. Among its soldiery, both from the British Isles and Germany, there were Catholics, who had enjoyed the services of jiriests in Canada, Ijut were alloAved none in New York. A French Augustinian priest, who had been brought in a prisoner, ventm'ed to officiate for the Catholics in the city, who, on learning his character, had eagerly sought to enjoy the consolations of relig-ion. He had been pa- roled, and did not suppose that English authorities, who allowed the Catholic priest to exercise his ministry in Canada, would take tmibrage at his doing the same in
EARLY HISTORY. 31
New York. He applied to the commanding officer for per- mission, and, mistaking the answer, proceeded to offer vip the Holy Sacrifice. He was at once aiTCsted and kept in close confinement, like the unfortnnate American prisoners, perhaps undergoing the horrors suffered in the old Dutch Church in Nassau street, or the old Provost Prison, now the Hall of Records.
Down to the days of the Revolution, not only was Catholicity proscribed and the Catholic worship prohibited by a terrible penal law, but every Protestant who held any office under the colony had to take an oath that he believed none of the characteristic articles of the Catholic fiiith.
"I do solemnly and sincerely, in the presence of God, profess, testifie and declare, that I do believe that in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper there is not any Transubstantiation of the elements of Bread and Wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, at or after the con- secration thereof by any person whatsoever; and that the invocation or adoration of the Virgin Mary or any other Saint, and the Sacrifice of the Mass, as they are now used in the Church of Rome, are superstitious and idolatrous."
Such was the history of Catholicity in New York, from the time its Catholic explorers raised aloft in its waters the symbol of its triumphs — visits of heroic missionaries covered with wounds ; a brief period in the rule and reign of James II., as Duke and King, when the Church had
32 INTRODUCTION.
jDastors, school, a flock ; a j^eriod under the penal laws, when Catholicity was under the ban; and at last deliver- ance b}' a Revolution, which, in its outset, seemed bitterly hostile to the Church.
Wlien peace came, the Catholics looked aroimd for each other. They found that they were really a consider- able body, able to support a pastor. Then came repre- sentatives of foreig-n jDOwers — consuls of France, Spain, Portugal, and Germany. Wliile New York was capital of the United States, foreign ministers from Catholic powers resided here, and were coiuied by the hig-hest society; several Catholic members of Congress also lived here dur- ing the sessions of that body. With the prestige given by these personages, and by Catholic merchants of means who made the city a home. Catholics no longer felt that they were helots. They were freemen in a free land.
THE
Archbishops and Bishops of New York.
RT. REV. RICHARD LUKE CONCANEN, D.D.,
OF THE ORDER OF ST. DOMINIC. FIRST BISHOP OF NEW YORK.
THE splendor of tlie Catholic Church in this country, as we see it in our time, towards the close of the nineteenth centurj', with a hierarchy, an Archbishop residing- in New York — holding-, too, one of the highest dignities in the Church, that of Cardinal Priest — Suffragan Bishops throughout the State, and the neighboring State that was in old time part of New York, with magnificent churches, the services carried out with splendor, accord- ing to the impressive ritual of our Holy Mother — all this could not have been dreamed of in the beffinnino- of the present age.
A hundred years ago the Catholic gifted with fore- sight who should have told his Protestant neighbors that such things would ever be, would have been deemed insane.
The few Catholics in New York had no church,
no priest, no bishop. Those in Pennsylvania and Mary- 3
34 INTRODUCTION.
land were more blessed ; yet nowhere tlu-oughout tliis beautiful land, from which the united arms and courage and endiu-ance and wisdom of Protestant and Catholic, side by side in the council hall and in the battle-field, had at last banished their old oppressors, had a Cath- olic bishop ever been seen.
The missionaries who in the days of James II. laid the comer-stone of our Church in this city, organizing a congregation in their little chapel witliin the walls of Fort James, were under the spiritual jurisdiction of Dr. John Leyburn, Yicar Apostolic, first of all England and then of the London District.
Tlie Catholics in the colonies — and among the rest those ^\\\o, at a later day, ■\\-itli many misgivings at- tempted, or were forced to fix their home in New York — looked up to the successors of Bishop Leybm-n as their prelate ; but none had ever crossed the ocean. A bishop was personally unknown.
When the country recovered from the exhausting war, the new governments in most of the States left religion comparatively free. The Catholics in America at last received a bishop, in the person of the venerated John CaiToll, first Bishop, as • he was later, first Arch- bishop of Baltimore.
His diocese was the whole United States, as fixed by the treaty of peace. He could not A'isit it all, but he did ^asit New York, and gave an impulse to the
EARLY HISTORY. 35
faith. Under the guidance of that great prelate, the Irish, the German, and a few American Cathohcs, began to form prosperous congregations. New York, in its re- hgious life, throve under the fostering care of the illus- trious Archbishop Carroll. Ilis grand and noble figm-e is associated witli the early annals of the Church in oiu- city ; here, as elsewhere, guiding pastors and flocks with the rare judgment and singular gifts with which God endowed him in selecting him to be the coraer-stone of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church in the United States.
But he felt from the first that the diocese in its vast extent Avas beyond his power, or that of any one bishop, to direct properly. His mission, he felt, was to organize, harmonize, and quicken the Catholic bod}', so that when it had a life of Its own, it could be divided into different dioceses without leading to ineAatable con- fusion.
The increase in New York Avas, he saw, mainly from the green shores of Ireland ; increasing when the gallant struggle for freedom was crushed in blood, and the very national existence was swept away. He appre- ciated the zeal, fervor, and imd}'ing faith of the Irish Catholics ; and he looked forward to the appointment of some gifted priest of the land of St. Patrick, St. Bridget, and St. Columbkille, to build up the stately edifice of Catholicity in New York. And we see the same
36 INTEODUCTION.
thoiig-lit in tlie suggestion of the name of the Apostle of Ireland as titular of a cathedral.
"The number of Catholic congregations daily spring- ing up in every direction," wrote this great prelate, "has at last induced Pius VII., the present venerable Pontitf, wlio, in the midst of tribulations most bitter to nature, but equally glorious in liis Divine Master, so worthily fills the Pontifical chair, to erect Baltimore into a Metropolis or Archbishoprick, and to establish four new suffragan dioceses, namely. New York, Philadelphia, Bos- ton, and Bardstown."
Addressing the faithful in the new dioceses now passing under other spiritual heads. Archbishop CaiToll says : " To multiply the means of salvation and increase vigilance over the sacred interests of religion, bishops ever present and near to them are now to be given to the separate portions of this once so extensive diocese, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and ye vast countries of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. The Lord has spoken to Peter, Peter by his successors to Pius VII., and the apostolical succession begins after so many ages to display itself to you, that it may be continued through your chief pastors, even to the remotest jjos- terity."
For the See of Ncav York, that illustrious Pope se- lected a learned, able, and courageous Irish priest, well known at Rome, and particularly dear to the Holy Father,
EARLY HISTORY 37
Father Richard Liike Concauen, of the Order of St. Dominic, whose mei'it had ah-eady caused his uoinination to a see in Irehmd, and who had been prior of con- vents of his order at Lisbon and Rome, and Librarian of the famous Casanate Library.
He was consecrated at Rome on the 24th of A^jril, 1808, by Cardinal Antonelh, Prefect of the Congregation of the Propaganda. The CathoHcs of New York looked forward with pleasure to the reception of so illustrious a prelate, and great hopes for Catholicity were entertained. But all were dashed, as months passed and no tidings came. At last it was learned that Napoleon had pre- vented his embarkation from Ital}' ; and ere long New York, which had put on its robes of gladness to welcome its first bishop, had to put on those of mourning, for the sad news came that their bishop had died mysteri- ously at Naples, in 1810, as he was at last on the point of embarking for his see. This was a sad blow to the new diocese ; and, as the sovereign Pontiff was hurried off from Rome a captive, it was impossible for some years to fill the vacancy and give the wido■\^'ed Church of New York a bishop.
New York was thus left in a wretched condition — a diocese without a bishop, with none to guide and direct, as only a bishop can. Zealous Jesuits came, and, aided by a few priests Avho joined them, projected woi"ks on which the progress of religion depended. The
38 INTRODUCTION.
corner-stone of a new church was laid. The Dominicans whom the late bishojD intended to bring were indeed sent elsewhere, with the means he had collected ; but Trappists sought to foimd a house here. The Jesuits opened a college ; and Ursuline nims from the Island of Saints crossed the Atlantic to begin one of their suc- cessful academies for training young ladies to all the accomplishments, virtue, purity, and self-sway of a truly Cliristian maiden.
But all such institutions needed the fostering care of a bishop. Tliose in New York lacked it. They faded away, leaving the Catholics disheartened and discouraged.
EARLY HISTORY. 39
RT. REV. JOHN CONNOLLY,
OF THE ORDER OF ST. DOMES^IC, SECOND BISHOP OF NEW YORK.
NAPOLEON, dazzled and elated by the career of ^-ictory whicli Heaven granted to liis 'arms, thought that all things, human and divine, must bend to his will. The courageous Pontiff, Pius VII., was torn from his see. Napoleon fell, as if struck by the lightnings of Heaven. The crime and the punishment were evident to the whole world.
By one of those sti-ange dispositions of Providence, which no human mind can foresee, the power of Protest- ant England was employed to restore Pope Pius VII. tg Rome. Wlien the affairs of the Church could be resumed, he resolved to give New York a bishop at once. Again he looked to the sons of faithful Ireland. The Rev. Father John Connolly, of the Order of St. Dominic and prior of St. Clement's Convent in Rome, where he had spent much of his life, was appointed Bishop of New York. He was consecrated in Rome, Nov. 6, 1814, but did not reach New York till the 24th day of the same month, in the following year. He is the first of otn-
40 INTRODUCTION.
hierarchy who came to us consecrated in the Eternal City. He was received with great joy by his flock, happy at last to have a bishop in their midst. He found in his large diocese at least seventeen thousand Catholics, scattei'ed far and wide, with only fom- priests to aid him in ministering to them ; and two of these were soon withdi-awn from him. All the institutions projected by the zealous mis- sionaries and begmi by the devoted Catholics of New Y(5rk had ^-anished. Evervthing was to be created anew bv Mm, and the burden Avas immense. He did not slu'ink from the toil which would have appalled many a younger man, but bravely undertook the discharge of the duties imposed on him by the sovereign Pontiff.
He was a native of Drogheda, having been bom in the year 1750. He had studied in Ireland, then in Belgium, and finally entering the Order of St. Dominic, to which he felt that God called him, he was sent to St. Clement's Convent in Rome. His life had been one of constant, active ser^nce, and he was for years the agent of the Irish bishops in Rome.
He visited his native land on his way, less to see liis kindred than to appeal to the zeal of priest and Levite to join him in the field of his labors. Faithful Ireland could not see her children in America exposed to lose the faith. Bishop Connolly obtained for his diocese several ^oriests full of zeal for man and lo^'e for God, and some candidates for holv orders, on whom he soon conferred
EARLY HISTORY. 41
the priesthood; New York then fii-st witnessing the confer- ring of that great sacrament by which the apostoHc powers are continued in the Church. He made visitations of his diocese, erecting shi'ines of rehgion in Utica and Rochester, thus taking possession of Central and West- ern Xew York, where in early times the Jesuit Fathers had their flourishing missions among the fierce Iroquois.
The Orphan Asylum in New York City, which has so long been a home to the fatherless, was established by him, and placed under the direction of Sisters of Charity from the community founded by Mother Seton, to whom, doubtless, as hei'self a native of his diocese, he appealed for aid in terms which she could not refuse.
He went to Baltimore in 1817, to attend the conse- cration of the Rev. Ambrose Marechal as Bishop of Stau- ropolis and coadjutor to Ai-chbishop Neale. The ceremony was performed by Bishop Cheverus, Bishop Connolly and the Very Rev. ]\Ir. DeBarth as assistants. His retm'n to his diocese, so ill provided with priests, must have made his bm-den seem all the more onerous after witnessing the Seminary and other institutions at Baltimore. The * yellow fever, which soon afflicted New York, found liim, however, zealous and um-emitting in the parochial labors he was compelled to discharge ; and in those days of trial he showed all the heroism of the 2irlest, and, were that possible, more than liis usual charity and benevo- lence.
42 INTRODUCTION.
His next great effort was to • secure more Sisters, in order to place the charity schools under their care.
But if his labors were great and his resources were small, he was gladdened by the reception of converts into the Chm'ch, several of them clergymen of Prot- estant denominations. Bishop Hobart, of the Episcopal Church, enjoyed the friendship of Dr. Connolly, and e\'i- dently was approaching the light of truth. When Dr. Hobart went to Europe, he -sasited one of liis former ministers, who had become a priest and entered a religious community in Em'ope, and he bore lettei's from Bishop Connolly to friends in Rome. He never became a Catholic, but his daughter died in the faith, the wife of one who left a bishopric in the Episcopal Chvu'ch to enter the fold of Clu-ist.
In 1824, Bishop Connolly, feeling the weight of years and his severe mission labors, solicited the Holy See to give him a coadjutor, and to appoint his faithful eolaborer, the Rev. Michael O'Gorman ; but before the question could be acted U2:»on, the zealous first-ordained priest of New York fell sick and died at the bishop's house ; and within a week a second priest was bm'ied from the same dwelling. At Rev. Mr. O'Gorman's funei'al the aged bishop contracted a severe cold which prosti-ated him, and led to a fatal malady. Yet he struggled through the winter, discharging the duties wliicli had now increased beyond the ability of a priest in the jjrime of life and strength.
EARLY HISTORY. 43
He officiated till within a week of his death, and ex- pired on the evening of Sexagesima Sunday, February 6th, 1825, at his residence, 512 Bowery. His body was taken to St. Peter's, and lay in state there till the 9th, when it was conveyed to his cathedral.
Almost at the close of his career, in which he had many and grievous trials, his jieople, in a public resolu tion, declared that he justly possessed the confidence of all, and that his wisdom, piety and zeal had excited the admiration of their fellow-citizens ; that Ids conduct, man- ners and example recalled to their minds what we read of primitive simplicity in the history of the apostles of the earlier ages. And he won this esteem, not by bril- liant or showy gifts, but by his solid virtue, his zeal, devotedness, and charity.
44 INTRODUCTION.
RT. REV. JOHN DU BOIS, D.D.,
THIRD BISHOP OF NEW YORK.
THE prelates whom we have thus briefly sketched had been selected in Rome, and set out, with the blessing of the Holy Father and consecration in the Eternal City, to a diocese and a flock in a strange and distant land. The Rev. John Du Bois, who was appointed Bishop of New York in 182(3, was one already identified with the Church in the United States by years of labor as a zealous missionary priest, by the foundation and du-ection of ]\Iomit St, j\Iary's College at Emmittsburg, whicli has been to this day the Alma Mater of thousands of highly cultured Catholic gentlemen, and the seminary which has filled the country with well-trained and zealous priests. He had, too, under God, been greatly instru- mental in guiding to success Mother Seton's labors to establish the Sisters of Charity in America. Few men were better known to the bishops and clergy of the United States, or more highly esteemed.
Schoolfellow of RobespieiTC, he was one of the faith- ful priests whom France, fallen into the hands of such men, drove from her shores. Bishop Du Bois came to
EAELY HISTORY. 45
New York full of years and experience ; known, respect- ed, revered. He was consecrated at Baltimore, Oct. 29, 182G, his episcopal cross and ring- Laving been the gift of the illustrious Charles Carroll of Carrollton. He found immense wants. The Catholic emigration increased rapidly. Short-sighted men, under the old trustee system, with mistaken views of their rights and duties, were blindly crippling the Clnu-ch, and preventing its usefulness. Fa- naticism had been aroused among the Protestant bodies, miprincipled men seeking popularity by wild attacks on the Church, and the basest and most disgraceful inventions and forgeries. But amid all the oppositions, Bisho2> l3u Bois went bravely on. Able theologians and controversialists, like Varela and Le\nns, vindicated Catholic truth a)id ex- posed the hollowness of Protestantism as a system. The eloquent voice of a Power called forth resources for the orjihans. The Bishop labored to endow liis diocese with a second Mount St. Mary's ; but, though he failed in this, religion generally prospered. He visited all parts of his diocese, and encouraged the building of chm-ches where- ever one could possibly exist, obtaining aid from Rome, and from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. So rapid was the i)rogress of the faith during his episco- pate, that every year beheld new chm^ches rising. Yet he was not fitted by age to cope with the difficulties at- tendant on the rapid increase of Catholics, mainly, then, by emigration from Ireland.
46 INTRODUCTION.
He was a man of sixty, having been born in Paris, August 24, 1764, of respectable and wealtliy pai-ents. A pious and truly Clu'istian mother had trained him in childhood ; liis faith had been confii'med and deepened under the tuition of the Jesuit Fathers, at the College of liOuis le Grand. Thoug-h the world was seething- with coming revolution, and that very college numbered among its scholars men who were to figure as the most impious and cruel wretches of the French Revolution, young Du Bois devoted himself to the ser^^ce of God. Trained in the Seminary of St. Magloire, he was ordained in 1787. He was at once charged with duties. Besides being cin-ate at St. Sulpice, he was chaplain of an ex- tensive Asylum for the Insane and for (Orphans. Amid all the hoiTors of the Revolution, he stood at his post, till friends showed Mm that it was his duty to fly. NaiTowly escaping death, he reached a vessel for the United States, and landed at Norfolk, in Virginia, in 1791. Bishop Carroll received liim to liis anus, and with letters from Lafayette to Monroe, Pati'ick Henry, the Lees and Randolphs, Mr. Du Bois began missions at Norfolk and Richmond. He supported liimself by teaching while min- istering to liis flock. After a time, Frederick became the scene of his labors, and here he began a church; but in 1805 he took possession of Mount St. Mary's, and reared a log cabin, which was soon rej)laced by a brick church. Then a school rose beside his chapel of the
EARLY HISTORY. 47
woods. The blessing of God was on it, and it grew, giving priests to tlie Cluu-ch and well-trained citizens to the State. Such had been his life of devotedness to his sacred calling. ^Making the visitation of his diocese, he fovmd Catholics where he was led to expect none; hundi-eds, where he was told they were numbered by tens. Impressed with the great necessities of his flock, he went to Europe to solicit aid. He endeavored to give his people chiu'ches, priests, schools.
He found but two churches in New York City. Under the influence of his zeal, the Catholic faithful, with their wonted devotion and liberality, soon reared St. Mary's, Clu'ist Church, St. Joseph's, St. Nicholas, St. James, and St. Paul's at Harlem.
Eminently a man of action. Bishop Du Bois was ipiick, and, to some, seemed to rule with too strict a hand ; but to the faithful who came to him A\atli their cares and solicitudes, and to the young Avhom he loved to instruct, he was all kindness and indidgence ; con- soling, -winning, impelling all to virtue and sacrifice.
But liis severe labors in early life, with the burden of the episcopate, told on his constitution. He solicited a coadjutor from the Holy See ; and, soon after the ap- pointment of Bishop Hughes, in 1837, Dr. Du Bois was struck with paralysis while walking in the street. From the effects of this he never fully recovered, and by the advice and wish of the Sovereign Pontiff, resigned the
48 INTEODUCTION.
administration of his diocese to his coadjutor. He passed liis remaining years in preparing to render an account of a Avell-spent Hfe. Bishop Du Bois died in the episcopal residence at New York, December 20, 1842, full of years and merits, and was laid beside his predecessor beneath the Cathedi'al.
i
ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS OF NEW YORK. 49
MOST REVEREND JOHN HUGHES, D.P.,
FOURTH BISHOP, AND FIRST ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK.
THE clergyman selected as coadjutor to tlie vener- able Bishop Du Bois, was one of his old pupils, who had, as a priest of Philadelphia, evinced not only theological learning, hut remarkable dialectic skill, and a deep knowledge of the time and country, and that fitness for governing men so frequently conspicuous in the Nor- man-Irish race, to which, like Wellington and Palmerston, he belonged.
As coadjutor, bishop, and finally archbishop of New York, he restored the true polity of the Church, and hj his singular tact and skill, overcame difficulties and put an end to false systems that had baffled others, and seemed to many ineradicable. In exposing the doctrines of the Church, he was clear, lucid, and timely. When- ever any question of the day aflPected Catholic interests, he was outspoken, frank, decisive, and vigorous. To our Protestant countrymen, he was the great representative of Catholic thought, and his utterances, copied througli the press of the country, were read by men of all creeds
and every shade of political opinion. 4
50 , ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS
What Cfitholicity in New York owes to " Bishop Hughes" can hardly be estimated. He taught his flock that the best road to secure the respect of their non- Cathohc countrymen was to be sincerely and frankly con- sistent, practical Catholics; and as American citizens, to assert their claim to all rights conferred on them by the Constitution, while showing that they were worthy to ex- ercise them.
John Hughes, bom at Annalogan, in the County Tyrone, Ireland, June 24th, 1707, had from boyhood longed and prayed to God to be allowed to become a priest. There seemed no answer to the prayer, for his brief terms at a grammar school, where he made rapid progress in English studies, were interrupted and broken off by the necessity for his helping hand on liis father's farm. His father's emigration to America, followed by liis own in 1817, opened a brighter prosjiect to the young man. The enticements of independence in the New World did not lure liim from his choice of the sanctuary. As soon as he became aware of the character of Mount St. Mary's, he applied for admission, ready to enter on any terms, or undertake any position, so that he was allowed to study for the priesthood. There was no posi- tion open but that of gardener. With characteristic en- ergy, he did not hesitate a moment, and began his course of Latin privately amid his plants and floAvers.
There was no mistaking his vocation. Dr. Brute en-
OF NEW YORK. 51
rolled him among the regular scholars, though young Hughes stoutly held to his agreement hy retaining the superintendence of the garden. He rapidly passed over the usual classical and mathematical course, to tind in philosoph}' and theolog}' his real element. As teacher and j^refect, he showed coolness, ability, and discretion ; making himself master of the dispositions and capacity of those committed to his charge.
Even before his ordination, he evinced his skill in controversy by an able answer, in the Catholic Miscel- lamj to an attack on the CHiurch. He was ordained at Philadelphia, in St. Joseph's, the oldest Catholic Church, October 15, 182G, and then spent some time with the Rev. Dr. Hurley, an Augustiuian, who had already taken a deep interest in the young priest. After a brief pas- torate in Bedford, he was called by Bishop Conwell to St. Joseph's, Philadelphia, and was for a time at St. Mary's, during the sad days wliich befell that Chm-ch. His elo- quence won him a host of admirers, and his judgment and prudence secm-ed him the support of all. One of his projects was a Catholic Tract Society, for which he wrote the extremely jjopular work, " Andrew Dunn." He founded St. John's Asylum for Orphans, and was ever ready to meet attacks on religion with his clear and logical answers.
He attended, in 1829, the first Provincial Council held in this country, being theologian to the Administra-
A. LIBRARY ^^^
^ MANHABSET. N. Y.
52 ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS
tor of Pliiladelj)liia, while Bishop Conwell, at Rome, lU'ged liis name as one fitted to become liis coadjutor. He erected St. John's Chmx'h, in Philadeljihia, which was dedicated in 1832, and soon after engaged in a written and afterwards in an oral controversy with the Rev. John Breck- enridge, dien considered the ablest advocate of the Cal- vdnist denomination in the United States. The consummate ability of Rev. Mr. Hughes, in presenting the Catholic argument, with telling force, was felt by all, and by no one more deeply than the Rev. Mr. Breckenridge, who, of course, claimed the victory, but who found that he had lost all his prestige.
On the recommendation of the Baltimore Council of 1837, the Rev. Mr. Hughes was selected as the coadjutor to the venerable Bishop Du Bois of New York. On the 26th of November he was consecrated, in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York, Bishop of Basileopolis, m x}artibus hifidcUum, by Bishop Du Bois, assisted by Bishop Fen- wick of Boston and Bishop Kenrick t)f Philadelphia. The care of the diocese soon devolved upon him, by the ill- ness of the venerable Bishop, and he at once appeared before the Catholic body as their leader.
The best element in the Church at once rallied around liim ; the rest were soon conscious that anv struffSfle would be too unequal. He found the churches in the diocese ill administered in their temporalities and loaded with debt. By various means he labored to rescue them
OF NEW YORK. 53
fi'om (lanrrer, and by a sounder system place them in a healthy and prosperous condition.
Education was ever dear to him. A college begun by Bishop Du Bois, at Nyack, was destroyed by fire soon after its opening, and difficulties had prevented any new attempt ; but, in 1839, Bishop Hughes secm-ed a fine property at Fordham, and established St. John's College, which has continued to this day to be the leading Catho- lic Universit}' of the State.
During a voyage to Europe, in wHch he secm-ed aid for liis diocese in many forms, he obtained also several Ladies of the Sacred Heart, in order to found an academy of the highest grade for young ladies ; and their institution, originally at Astoria, but for many years back at i\Ianhattanville, has long enjoyed the highest reputation among Protestants as well as Catholics.
Dm'ing liis absence, an attempt was made by the Very Rev. Dr. Power, and other clergymen, to recover for the Catholic parochial schools the proportion of the education money which had for many years been allowed to them. The school question was before the pubhc when he returned. Before a committee of the Common Coimcil, he, by a most brilliant argument, maintained the justice of the Catholic claim, against great lawyers retained by the Public School Society, and distinguished clergymen of the ]\Iethodist, Presbyterian, and Dutch Re- formed bodies. The Common Coimcil rejected the petition
54 ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS
of the Catholics, really without consideration of the merits of the question.
An appeal to the Legislatiu'e led to a less prejudiced system than had liitherto ruled New York City. The great defect of the new system was that it excluded all i-eligion from the public schools. But much was gained in regard to the school-books and the teaching. What- ever may be the errors of individuals, a Catholic child cannot legally be compelled to learn, as a school-lesson, an insult to his religion, or anything contrary to its teachings. But this point was not gained without an event unparalleled in our history. The candidates of the two political parties then dividing the countiy pledged themselves, if elected, to oppose the Catholic claim. The Catholics, who met at Carroll Hall to agitate the ques- tion, had no alternative except to put forward candidates of their own. The Bishop's action drew upon him the coarsest vituperation and abuse. But the Catholic ticket polled so large a vote as to show party leaders that Catholic citizens were not blind tools in their hands, but men who knew their rights.
In 1841 Bishop Hughes convened the first Diocesan Synod of New York, and established many wise rales which bore abundant fruit for the good of souls.
Emigration and the natm-al growth of the Catholic body had constantly swelled the number of the faithful ; churches were springing up in all parts of the diocese.
OF NEW YORK. 55
and there was an urgent demand f(ir priests. Finding the burden too great, Ijishop Hughes obtained a coad- jutor in the person of tlie Rt. Rev. Jolui jMcCloskey. Tliat tlie native American agitation and outbreak of 1844 did not injure New York, was due mainly to the de- termined character of the Bisliop and the manHness of his flock.
When the pubUc mind had I'egained its usual sanity, he pursued his plan of increasing the efficiency of the Catholic schools. He obtained several Fathers of the Society of Jesus, in 1846, and endeavored to secure a Commmiity of Brothers devoted to teaching.
Finding that, even with a coadjutor, it ^\-as impos- sible to meet the wants of his diocese, he solicited from the Sixth Provincial Council of Baltimore, which he at- tended, a division of liis diocese. The Holy See, at the request of the assembled Fathers, accordingly established the Sees of Albany and Buffalo.
War was then raging with Mexico, and Government offered to Bishop Hughes a diplomatic appointment, in the hope of restoring peace ; but as the position would have been an anomalous one, and not likely to be pro- ductive of good, it was declined.
He reorganized the Sisters of Charity in his diocese, who then separated from the Emmittsbm'g Community ; and they have since prospered in a way to justify the wisdom of the regulations he inspired.
56 ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS
The Provincial Council held at Baltimore in 1849 recommended the elevation of New York to a Metropol- itan See, and on the 3d of October, 1850, Pope Pius IX., by a brief, advanced Dr. Hughes to the dignity of an archbishop. The step was follo^ved by the establish- ment of the dioceses of Brooklyn and Newark, leav- ing to the Archbishop the City of New York and the counties on the Hudson. Under his care, now confined to these, religion made rapid progress. New York be- held a Provincial Council of the Chm-ch assemble in its venerable cathedi-al ; an Ai'chbishop surrounded by seven suffragans. The proceedings were, in their magnificence, a striking proof of what had been accomplished dm-ing his episcopate.
Archbishop Hughes was one of the Fathers Avho stood aroimd the immortal Pope Pius IX. when he de- fined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 1854. He was deeply impressed by that grand gath- ering of the Catholic episcopate, and on his return, by his eloquent portrayal of the dogma and its definition, as well as the universal testimony to the belief of the world, aroused anew the piety of the Catholics of New York.
The old Protestant alarm was excited. The Catholic Church was increasing too fast. Erastus Brooks opened the attack, and though the Archbishop exposed the fallacy of his statements and arguments, the Legislature passed
OF NEW YORK. 57
an act — unconstitutional, of coui'se — by virtue of wliicli, in more than one case, property bought by the iVrch- bishop at a judicial sale, and paid for by him, would be given back without any consideration to the very parties whose interest had been sold by order of a court of law. The absurd act ^vas soon repealed, as may well be imagined.
Ai'chbishop Hughes sought to resign his liigh office and spend the rest of his days in retu-ement ; but the Pope waraily dissuaded him from such a step, and he bore the bm-den to the end. He had long felt that New York shoiild possess a cathedral worthy of the faith, and of the great city. Providentially, the trustees of St. Patrick's Cathedral possessed a block of groimd sold by the Corporation of New York nearly a centm-y ago, and more than fifty years since, occupied for a time by a Catholic college. The street on which it fronted — Fifth Avenue — had become the most desii-able one in New York. On this he resolved to commence a cathedi-al so grand that the plans called for three-f{uarters of a million of dol- lars. He laid the comer-stone in 1858, with great pomp, and adopted the plans di-awn up by Mr. Ren^ick for the edifice. He aroused the zeal of the wealthier Cath- olics to carry on so noble a work, and contributions came freely in, till the outbreak of the ci^-il war para- lyzed the coimtry.
Tlie new Cathedi-al, however, did not di-aw from
58 AECHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS
other and necessary claims. Religion and charity were never more earnestly attended to, and in the trials which began to gather around the Holy Father, the voice and exertions of" Archbishop Hughes were prompt and decisive. Sympathy and material aid were alike afforded.
The civil war induced the Govermiient at Washington for a second time to iu*ge on Ai-chbishop Hughes a quasi diplomatic mission. Tl>e existence of the country, to whose well-being he had given his manhood and his talents, was imperiled. He ^dsited Em'ope, and did much to cultivate a friendly feeling towards the United States.
During his stay in Europe, he took part in the as- semblage of the bishops at Rome, on the occasion of the canonization of the Japanese martyrs. His health was, however, much impaired. It declined after liis return ; and he was unable to perform any public functions, or even say mass. The disease gradually prostrated him, and he expired on the 3d of January, 1864.
He was eminentlv a great man. None, not even Bishop England, ever exercised such influence over Ms own countrymen, and Catholics generally throughout the United States ; and that influence was never exerted for his own aggrandizement, but unselfishly for their best interests.
OF NEW YORK. 59
HIS EMINENCE JOHN CARDINAL McCLOSKEY,
FIRST BISHOP OF ALBANY, SECOND ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK,
CARDINAL PRIEST OF THE HOLY ROMAN CHURCH,
UNDER THE TITLE OF SANCTA MARIA
SUPRA MINERVAM.
THE Church of New York, orphaned by the death of the ilhistrloiis Archbishop Hughes, was now for the first time couiniitted, in the providence of God, to one born witliin the diocese — born when that diocese, embracing more than the whole State, had but two churches. His hfe may ahnost span the rise and progress of the Catliohc comnnniity in the Empire State.
Born in Brooklyn, March 10, 1810, the young son of two emigrants from Derry Avas carried over to St. Peter's Church, to receive the waters of baptism ; for Brooklvn had then no clnu-ch and no priest to baptize the future cardinal. As a boy, he crossed the river in a row-boat on Sunday, to hear mass in St. Peter's. At the age of twehe he was sent to Mount St. Mar}''s, that hive of priests, and, after a seven years' studious course, was graduated.
He returned to his widowed mother, and debated
60 ARCHBISnOPS AND BISHOPS
with his own heart the great question of a choice of state. The well-trained young American youth had tal- ents and energy to command success. The world lay tempting before liim ; but he resolved to devote his life to the service of God, and returned to Mount St. Mary's, where the President welcomed, as a seminarian, the grad- uate whom he knew so well.
He was ordained priest in St. Patrick's Cathedi-al, New York, January 12, 1834, but 2:)roceeded to Rome, where for two years he attended the lectures at the Roman College. With the ecclesiastical lore thus acquired, and an insight into the management of the great affairs of the Chm-ch in its capital, winning friends among those then in office and among students soon to exercise high functions, the young American priest was a type that refuted the wild ideas of this country jjrevalent iu Eu- rope.
A tour tlu"0ugh several countries added to his expe- rience, and on his retm-n, in 1838, he was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's Chm-ch, New York. Here he be- came singularly beloved; and, when, in 1842, he was named Rector of the Theological Seminary, his congrega- tion felt the deepest anxiety. But they were soon to lose him. He was selected as coadjutor to Archbishop Hughes ; and when lie was consecrated, in St. Patrick's Cathedi-al, March 10, 1844, the venerable Dr. Power — who had him- self more than once administered the diocese, and was no
OF NEW YORK. 61
liiitterer — declMrcd, in liis sermon, addressing the newly- consecrated l)isli()p, that, had the selection been left to the clergy of the diocese, they Avould have chosen hhu.
For three years Bishop McCloskey continued to re- side at St. Joseph's, discharging nnich of the episcopal duty in regard to the general and special -sasitation of parishes in distant parts of the State. AVlien the Dio- cese of New York w^as di\'ided, he was translated to the See of Albany, in May, 1847.
The oriranization of that diocese, and its harmonious and successful progi-ess, prove how well, for seventeen years, he directed it in the way of God. He found much to be done ; but, \inder his gentle yet persever- ing energy, schools, academies, asylums, and clnirches, sprang up in all parts. The neglected and negligent were gathered in; congregations, by the help of zealous priests, gained new fervor, and a Catholic life, subtle in its power, pervaded liis w^hole flock.
On the death of Archbishop Hughes, the voice of the bishops of the province coincided with the wish of the deceased, and the desire of the clergy, expressed yeais before and still unchanged, although so long a time had passed. He returned to New York as its second arch- bishop. What he has accomplished is too well known to need detailing here at length. Under his care, the Catholic Protectory, fur the rescue of unfortunate childi'en from vice, has grown to be an immense organization,
62 ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS
without an equal in the country ; as great a blessing to the State as it is iin honor to the Church.
Archbishop McCloskey, as soon as peace dawned again on the land, resumed the work on the new Cathe- di'al, and has lived to see its completion. He earn- estly encouraged the erection of new chmxhes in his diocese, and especially in this city, in order to divide the labor which had outgrown the capacity of the paro- chial clergy. His learning and zeal benefited the whole Church in this country, by his influence in the second Plenary Council, held at Baltimore in 18(56, Avhere so much was accomplished to form a distinct code of doc- trine and discipline for use in the numerous dioceses now covering the country.
These decrees, with those of the Councils held in the Province of New York, he solemnly promulgated as the law of his diocese, in a Synod held at New York in September, 1868; and special rules were laid down regarding the administration of the sacraments, the cele- bration of the Holy Sacrifice, and all that coidd lend dignity to the Avorship of God. Ho earnestly recom- mended liis clergy to arouse piety by frequent missions and the diffusion of good books.
The Ai-chbishop of New York was soon called to more conspicuous labors. In the Council of the Vati- can, convened by the Sovereign Pontiff Pope Pius IX., on the 8th of December, 1869 — the fii-st General Council
OF NEW YORK. (53
of the Cliurch since the close of thut hehl at Treat — Arclibisliop McCloske}' was a proniiiieut figure, no less respected for his great ecclesiastical learning, and the matured experience of a long episcopate, than for the mild and gentle firmness in upholding the truth that al- ways characterized him.
Tlie seizure of Eome by Victor Emanuel made the reas- sembling of the Council for the time impossible, and Arch- bishop McCloskey was again amid his flock, guiding them, in his peaceful and quiet way, to the haven of eternal life.
Tlie Catholic Chm-ch in the United States had erown during the pontificate of Pius IX. to magnificent propor- tions. Her archbishops and bishops had, in the Council of the Vatican, evinced learning, devotion to the Church, a freedom in the expression of their theological opinions, which attested alike their sincerity and the perfect free- dom of debate. It was no wonder, then, that this new- bora Church, with its hierarchy less than a centmy old, attracted the attention of the whole Catholic world. To manifest his regard for the Chm"ch in the United States, which had ever been so . grateful to him — and outspoken in its attachment, and liberal in his hour of need — the immortal Pope Pius IX. resolved to call one of the bishops to a place in the Sacred College.
There was universal joy when it was known that, in the Consistory held March 15, 1875, the Holy Father had created Archbishop McCloskey a Cardinal Priest of
CA ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS
the Holy Roman Church. Announcing tliis promotion in his joui'nal at Rome, the able and eloquent Monsignor Nardi wi-ote : —
Among the prelates about to be promoted to the pm'ple, Pius IX. has given a new example in selecting for that honor an American prelate. We need not say here anything in praise of Mgr. McCloskey. There is no American Catholic who does not know him. After performing \^■ith wisdom and meekness his duties over the Diocese of Albany he was trans- ferred to New York, first as coadjutor and then as successor to the illustrious Archbishop Hughes, who left behind him a great and beavitiful memory. In the ten years which Archbishop McCloskey has governed this diocese — the most im])ortant in the United States — he has invigorated and strengthened Catholic institutions, has almost completed a magnificent ca- thedral, which will be the most beautiful in America, and has won for himself the esteem and the lo^'e of all. It is just, therefore, that such an honor should be bestowed upon him.
But not only Archbishop McCloskey is it that the Holy Father thus seeks to honor In the elevation to the greatest dignity of the Cliurch, he intends, certainly, first and foremost, to reward him ; but none the less likewise to honor the great, generoiis, and faithful Catholics of America.
The insignia of his high dignity were at once sent, and, for the first time in the history of the Chiu-ch, the emblems of the cardinalate were borne across the Atlantic.
On tlie 7th of April, 1875, Comit Marefoschi, of the Pope's Noble Guard, in his brilliant unift)rm, presented to Ai-chbishop McCloskey, at liis residence in Madison Avenue,
OF NEW YORK. 65
a letter from Ciirdinal Antonelli, aud a case containing the zuccetto, or sknll-cap, addressing him an elegant fe- licitation in Latin. The Cardinal responded, in the same language, and then Monsignor Roncetti, the Papal ab- legate, entered with his secretary. Dr. Ubaldi, and, address- ing his Eminence in French, congi'atulated him and the Catholics of America, whom the Holy Father wished to honor by this appointment. He asked Cardinal McCloskey to fix a day for the formal presentation of the berretta.
On the 22nd of April, 1875, this ceremony took place in St. Patrick's Cathedi'al. The clun-ch had never before witnessed its equal. The sanctuary was di'aped in scarlet, and filled with members of the Catholic hierarchy of the United States ; their rich mitres and copes contrasting with the gay uniform of C-ount Marefoschi ; priests filled the nave, wliile the pews revealed persons of distinction in every path of life — tlie brilliant, the accomplished, the wealthy; those moving in the higher and more Immble walks of life — all animated by a feeling of respect for the Cardinal, and of gratitude to Pope Pius IX.
The Cardinal was seated on his tlu'one, calm and gentle, as is his wont. Opposite, nlmost surrounded by flowers, was Archbishop Bayley of Baltimore, who, as holding the most ancient see with almost primatial honors, was to impose the ben-etta on the head of the Cardinal.
After a Pontifical High Mass, celebrated l)y Bishop
Loughlin of Brooklyn, Cardinal McCloskey advanced to 5
66
AllCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS
the gospel side of the altar. Archbishop Bayley arose, and took a position in front of the altar. Dr. Ubaldi then received from Count Marefoschi a parchment roll, from which he read to the Archbishop of Baltimore his authority to confer the beiTetta ; foUo^ving it by the reading of a second roll to Cardinal McCloskey. After these official documents, Monsignor Roncetti addressed the Cardinal, and then approached Archbishoji Bayley, who had been ap- pointed Apostolic Delegate. After replying to the ablegate, the Archbishop of Baltimore addressed Cardinal McCloskey as follows : —
Your Eminence — Our Holy Father the Pope has con- ferred upon me a great honor in appointing me Apostolic Delegate to give to your Eminence this mark of the eminent dignity to which you have been raised, and I value it the more because it affords me an opportunity of exjjressing publicly my sentiment of affection and veneration towards your per- son and charactei'. There were rimiors in times gone by that it was contemplated to bestow this honor upon certain eminent prelates, and especially upon yom* distinguished predecessor, to whom the Catholics of these United States owe so great a debt of gratitude. It is an honor, I may say it now, which we had in some manner a right to expect, on account of the number of Catholics and the importance of the Catholic Chm-ch in the United States. We had a right to exj^ect it also on account of the greatness of oiu* country ; the position it occupies among the nations of the earth, and the infliience it is to exert over the future destinies of the human race. It was right and proper also that we should have a representative among the intimate
OF NEW YOKK. gT
councilors of tlio Holy Father. There is nothing anomalous or contrary to the principle of our Republic that we should have in oiu' midst a Cardinal of the Holy Church, and we are con- fident that your appointment will continue to be regarded, as it is now regarded, a new element of strength and harmony to all. We congratulate your Eminence on your appointment to so high an office. It will increase your cares and responsi- bilities, but it will also inci-ease your means of usefulness as an honored citizen of the Republic and a faithful bishoj) of the Chm-ch of God, and it will give new brightness to the crovni of glory which God, the righteous Judge, will bestow upon you on that day when He will render to every one ac- cording to his works.
He then took the beiTetta from the salver, and, ad- vancing to Cardinal McCloskey, placed it on his head. The new Cardinal's return of thanks to Archbishop Bayley, and a beautiful address to the people, followed by a Te Deum, closed the remarkable ceremony.
His singular elevation made no change in the life or duties of the Cardinal. He soon after Agisted Rome, where other ceremonies of usage fctlloA\ed, and he for- mally took possession of the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, of which he bears the title.
On the death of the great Pope, Cardinal McCloskey was STunmoned to the Conclave, and crossed the ocean ; but the voice of the Sacred College had, guided by the Holy Ghost, selected a Sovereign Pontiff in the person of Pope Leo XIII. before he reached Rome. He pro-
68 AECHBISHOrS AND BISHOPS
ceeded to the Etcriuil City to pay liomag-e to the new Pope, and from his hands received the Cardinal's Hat — the List ceremonial connected with liis appointment.
His return to his diocese was marked by a most imposing reception in the Catliedi-al, on the 29th of May, 1878.
After the chanting of the anthem, Ecce Sacerdos Magnus, the Vicar General, in the name of the clerg}^ of his diocese, read an addi-ess of congratulation most appro- priate in feeling and language. The Hon. John McKeon, in the name of the laity, then addressed his Eminence, and his words may well close this sketch, as the sincere feeling of his whole diocese: —
YouE Eminence — To me has been assigned the gratifying duty of presenting to you, on behalf of the Catholic laity of this city and diocese, their congi'atulations on yom* safe return from the Eternal City. Many more worthy than myself might have been selected for tliis honorable position, but you will permit me to say none could perform it with more sincere affection toward yourself personally. It is difficult to express the deep-seated reverence and love which are entertained for you by the large and faithful flock committed to your pastoral care, and you can well understand how embarrassed any indi- vidual must be, as the organ of such a body, in giving expression to their feelings. Born in our midst, your course in life from childhood has been before us. It has been conspicuously marked with piety and zeal. You have discharged "with meek and quiet spirit," but with an Impress- ive efficiency, the functions of yom- sacred office as priest.
OF NEW YORK. 69
bishop, archbishop, and at hist cardinal, in such manner as to seciu-e the affection and veneration of not only the peopU; of your own flock, but also the admiration and esteem of those who differ from you in religious faith. Clu-istian charit}' has been uniformly developed in all your acts. We all know that under your administration new temples have been erected to the ever-living- God, and our seminaries of learning have been increased in number. Homes for the rescue of the young from destruction, refuges for the comfort of the old and hospitals f n* the sick, have also been organized. In a word, numerous works of religion, benevolence, and mercy stand forth as monu- ments of yoiu" devotion to the cause of Catholicity. With your kind permission, they are referi'ed to solely for the pm-- pose of expressing to you the sincere gratitude of the people intrusted to yom* care for this yom* holy work.
To Pius IX. of inunortal memory the Catholic laity of this diocese are indebted for having selected you as one of the princes of the Chm-ch. Wlien the news of the death of this great Pontiff reached us, the son-ow of the Catholics of your diocese was deep and sincere. They remembered the higli distinction confeiTcd upon them by his selection of yourself as one of his Ecclesiastical Senate — that body to whom the Supreme Pontiff may have recom'se for advice in the exercise of his holy office, and upon whose demise rests the responsi- bility of selecting his successor. From the earliest ages this sacred council has been composed of those who have attained a character for those qualities befitting the office. They were, in the language of one of the earliest of the Popes, to be dis- tino-uished men, their morals unimpeachable, their words oracles, their expressions a rule of hfe and of thought to others— the salt of the earth. The Council of Trent directed
70 ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS
that the cardinals sliould be selected, as far as possible, from all nations. The result is that by this system of selection the great and holy office of chief of the great Clmstian Republic is open to the humblest as well as the most exalted of man- kind. Nothing could have been more touching than the appeal made by the present Pontiff, Leo XIIL, in his address to the College of Cardinals, on his election, when he told them that they hold in the Church the place of the Seventy of Israel ; and that he luimbly besought their prayers and co- operation in his exhausting labors.
It was too a conclave of this Sacred College you were summoned to attend to elect a successor of the late Pontiff". While we regret that you were unable to arrive in time at the Vatican to give expression to your choice, we still rejoice that you had the happiness of being present at the installation of the present Pope, and heard his declaration of the deej) sense he felt of the solemn obligations assumed by liim, but yet with a spirit filled with undying faith in brighter days for the Holy Chm'ch.
The unanimity with Avhich the selection was made of the distinguished prelate who was chosen, shows that the spirit of the Holy Ghost directed the counsels of those on whom responsibility rested.
We all are conscious that the period in which Leo XIIL assumes his charge is but a continuation of the perilous scenes tlu-ough wliich his predecessor passed. It is one fraught with deep anxiety ; but the present Supreme Pontiff wiU be found possessed of that wisdom and tnie religion which must advance and protect the unity and efficiency of the Catholic Chm-ch tlu-oughout the world. May we not hope that the day is not far distant when they who are disaffected toward religion
OF NEW YORK. 7I
will learn from the example of ovir own country, that the peace and prosperity of nations are best promoted h}' governments leaving the exercise of religion — the ministi-ations of its rights and every matter appertaining thereto — free and untrammeled by governmental interference 1
For us, jonv childi'en, it is a satisfaction to know that at the first Consistor}' held by Leo XIII. you had the privilege of receiving at his hands the cardinal's hat, the emblem of the great dignity confen-ed on you b)' his predecessor. To you beloners the distinction of being the first cardinal selected for the American continent. It Is also consoling to the laity to know that you had the opportunity of informing the Holy Father of the prosperity and wonderful increase of the Cath- olic foith in the United States, to make known to lum our peculiar wants, and to assure him of the undying devotion and loyalty of the Catholics of this country to him as the spiritual Head of the Chm-ch.
Once more in the name of your people we offer our hearty welcome on your retm-n to your home in renewed health, and Ave pray that yoiu* life may be spared to continue your labors, to enjoy the respect and love of all, and to stand forth as the ornament, the honor, and glor}' of the Chm"ch.
72
PASTOEAL LETTEE.
PASTORAL LETTER,
DEDICATING THE CHUKCHES OF THE PROVINCE OF NEW YORK
TO THE
SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
Venerable Brethren of the Ckrgy and Beloved Brethren of the Laity :
Wishing to . have part with our bretliren of the epis- copacy in the propagation of a pious and sakitary work, and to make you sharers in the many spiritual privi- leges and blessings which it brings with it, we have re- solved, with the Divine assistance, to dedicate our re- spective dioceses, together with all their churches, religious houses, charitable and educational institutions, collectively and singly, to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. And we have appointed accordingly, the approaching feast of the Immaculate Conception, the great patronal festival of the Church in these United States, as the day on which this solenm act of consecration shall take place.
We feel sure that you will welcome this announce- ment with sincerest pleasure. For in the gloomy and per- ilous times upon which we have f;xllen, every new ray of light, every fresh gleam of hope, every additional source of strength and courage, is hailed with jo}'. Tin's better light and hope, this additional strength and com--
DEDICATION OF THE CHURCHES. 73
age, will be given to you in the efficacious and beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart which it is the object of this act of consecration to promote.
There is a moral darkness overspreading tlie earth. The light of Divine Faith, the only true light to guide our footsteps, has become obscured. In some places it is burning dimly, in others it is wholly or well-nigh ex- tinguished. Yet men are seen to " love the darkness rather than the light, for their ways are evil." They have risen in open revolt against God and against His Christ ; against the supremacy of His dominion over the minds and consciences of individuals and of nations. The most essential truths of His revelation are rejected ; the holiest mysteries of His religion are scoffed at and denied ; the very life of Clu-istianity is threatened. Irreligion, in- differentism, inibelief, with their attendant train of evils, abound on every side. As a consequence, or rather as a means to an end, the Church is persecuted. Her Supreme Pastor is held in l)ondage. Her bishops and priests, in certain 250'"tions of Europe, are forbidden the exercise of their rightfvd jurisdiction and authority over the members of their own flock ; some are proscribed and exiled ; religious comnuniities are despoiled of their property, driven from their homes, made subject to in- dignities and hardships the most cruel and unjust. Even the faithful laity are not spared. Although we, in our free and favored country, are hajjpil}' protected from
74
PASTORAL LETTER.
extreme trials such as these, still, as children of the Church, we are members of one body in Christ; and when one member suffers all the members suffer with it. Our sympathies, therefore, go out strongly and warmly to oiu' struggling and afflicted brethren in other lands. Our prayers are for them as well as with them. All together we lift up our voices, saying, " How long, 0 Lord, how long!" "Thy arm alone is powerful to save." Still we fear not, we do not despond. We "know in whom we have trusted." We know His promises ; we believe His word. " I am with you all days." " Upon this rock I have built My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Even now the voice of the same Divine ]\Iaster, ever present in His Church, is speaking to holy souls within her bosom words of sweet comfort and encouragement; telling them whither they shall go for help and jjrotection ; how best in the long protracted struggle they may obtain courage to endure and strength to overcome. If you hear not these words, you still may learn their imj)ort from a practical re- sponse that is given to them. Look around you, and what do you behold 1 Almost everywhere you see bishops and priests, religious men and women, holy servants of God, devout believers, both of high and low degree, coming together in pious confraternities, in associations of prayer, in pilgrimages; and all, as if moved by one common impulse, hasteniug to have recourse for succor
DEDICATION OF THE CHURCHES. 75
and protection to the compassionate Heart of Jesus. There they confidently hope to find a sure asylum, a safe refuge from every danger. There also is the never fail- ing fountain of infinite love and mercy, the overflowing soiu'ce of every grace and blessing. Let us hasten, then, to this same Divine Heart, and we too " shall di'aw waters with joA' from the fountains of the Saviour."
This, dear brethi-en, is the motive which prompts us to ordain the solemn act of consecration in which you are invited to take part. In order that you may do this the more worthily, we exhort you to prepare yourselves beforehand by a good confession and by a devout re- ception of Holy Coromunion on the great festival day itself, if possible.
It is fitting also that you should join in this act as a public profession of your faith, especially in all the great mysteries of redemption, which have their most expressive symbol, as well as their living source and centre, in the Adorable Heart of the God man, the " Word made flesh, and dwelling among us."
You will ofier it, besides, as an act of reparation for the daily outrages and insults, the sacrileges and im- pieties, the indifference and unbelief, which so grievously afflict and wound this Divine Heart, so tender and com- passionate, so patient, charitable, forgi\ang, notwithstanding the ingratitude and wickedness of man.
But, above all, you wiW seek to consecrate your
76
PASTOKAL LETTER.
dwn hearts to tlie Heart of yoixr clear Sa\noiir. You will take His for yom* model. You will study its lessons and teach them to your children. " Suffer the little children to come to me, and forbid them not." See, then, that you bring them to the loving and tender Saviom* who wishes to press them to His heart, and have them walk the nearest to Him. But in vihixt way can you bring them to Him and keep them by His side, where they ^vill be secure from harm ? You can only do so by giving or securing to them a sound Catholic education; b}' taking care that their faith and morals shall be guarded from the risks and perils to which they must be inevitably exposed wherever the first essential element of true education — that is to say, religion — is excluded or ignored. Remember that the interests of the soul are higher f;xr than the interests of the body. " Seek first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all things else will be added imto you." Watch, then, and pray both for yourselves and for all those intrusted to you. Pray for our still suffering Pontiff, for the necessities of the Church, for the conversion of sinners ; pray for your enemies as well as for your friends. Commend all to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, that so you may find help and protection during the days of life, pardon and mercy at the hour of death.
The reverend pastors are requested to read this let-
DEDICATION OF THE CHURCHES. 77
ter to their congregations on the two Sundays jireceding the 8th of December. On that day the High Mass will be celebrated with all due solemnity. After mass the sermon A\ill be preached, and then the act of consecra- tion, a printed formula of which is sent to you, will be read aloud, the people meanwhile kneeling and accom- panying with their hearts the words of the priest. The ceremony will close with the " Te Deum." Where the urgency of time or place requires it, the act of conse- cration may take place at vespers, with Benediction of the most Blessed Sacrament.
The gi-ace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the charity of God, and the communication of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen !
Given at the Archiepiscopal residence, New York, this 15th day of November, 1873.
■j-JOHN, Ai-chbishop of New York.
■f-JOHN, Bishop of Brooklyn.
f DAVID W., Bishop of Portland.
■f- FRANCIS PATRICK, Bishop of Hartford.
t LOUIS, Bishop of 13urlington.
t STEPHEN VINCENT, Bishop of Buffalo.
fJOHN J., Bishop of Albany.
-[■JOHN J., Bishop of Boston.
-[-BERNARD J., Bishop of Rochester.
t PATRICK T., Bishop of Springfield.
•j- FRANCIS, ]5ishop of Rhesiua, Coadjutor of Albany.
78
PASTORAL LETTEK.
f THOMAS ¥., Bishop of Providence. f EDGAR H., Bishop of Ogdensburg. t MICHAEL A., Bishop of Newark.
ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL.
MOTT STREET. DESTROYED BY FIKE, OCTOBER (irii, 1866.
THE
Catholic Churches
OF
New York City.
THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK.
MOTT STREET.
THE erection of Xcav York into an EpiscoiJal See, and the appointment of the learned and eloqnent Dominican Father C'oncanen as first bishop, had been hailed with joy by the Catholics of New York City. The Catholics numbered nearly sixteen thousand, but the pre- carious ministry of pastors had left them often almost as sheep without a shepherd. They were almost desti- tute, in 1809, Avhen news came that the Bishop would soon arrive.
Archbishop Carroll, who had hitherto been unable to do all he desired for this distant portion of his diocese, now sent two zealous Jesuit Fathers, Rev. Anthony Kohl- man and Rev. Benedict J. Fenwick. Laboring without cessation and with zeal, they soon brought the tepid Ijack to the practice of their religious duties, encouraged the pious, attended the sick promptly, cared for the poor, and, by constant instructions, brought all the scattered and disheartened flock to St. Peter's, with many a Prot- estant, anxious to hear Avhat the Catholic doctrine really was.
82 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Then it was at once apparent that St. Peter's was utterly inadequate for the wants of so large a flock. Father Kohlman immediately looked around for a site that would suit for a new Catholic church, intended for futui'e as well as present wants, and especially for a cathe- dral. Canal Street was then the utmost limit of the city. Before you reached it you came to fields, and beyond it all was country, with scattered houses, country seats of gentlemen, and the humbler houses of small farmers. Two great roads ran up the island — Broadway and the Bowery road — which led up to the Stuyvesant Bouwerie. At a point about eqiially distant from these two main thorough- fares, and hence easy of approach. Father Kohlman secm-ed a site for a church. Between it and the lower part of the city was the Collect, a large pond of fresh water, dis- charging its contents by two outlets — into the North River by Canal Street, and into the East River near Roosevelt Street. Around the site of the new chui-ch were clumps of woodland, grassy hills and meadows. Streets were projected on paper, that misled the builders ; for the edi- fice is not parallel to the streets that were actually laid out by the authorities.
At the suggestion of Ai'chbishop Carroll, this new church was to bear the name of the hol}^ apostle of Ire- land. So large a part of the Catholic body that had gathered at New York were of Irish origin, that the sug- gestion was most creditable to the patriarch of the Ameri-
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK. 83
can hierarchy, and showed his veneration for that great apostle, and his attnchment to tlie |)riests and people of the faithful Isliind of Saints.
St. Patrick is in himself eminently the pati'on of an opjiressed and })erseciited race. He was bom of a pious ftimily, that gave several members to the sanctuary ; he was of that nation of Britons which, imder the repeated attacks of pagan nations — Picts, Saxons, and Angles — had been di-iven from the fertile lands where they lived in civilized and C'liristian happiness, and had been forced to seek a refuge in the mountains of Wales and Cornwall, or on the shores of Gaul. So utter was the breaking up of the nation that, though St. Patrick names his native place, disputes have arisen as to its location; but it would seem to be among the Britons on the Continent, as all his kindi-ed were there, his ties were there : thence he was carried off a prisoner, and thither he retimied to devote himself to God.
A predatory fleet of Irish vessels swept the shore of Gaul with fire and sword, carrying off captives and plun- der, and leav-ing ashes and blood. Patrick, wliile a mere youth, was thus earned away by the pirates while at a villa of his father. The Irish little knew the blessing they were bearing to their shores. Despised for his faith and his race, as his conquerors' descendants were to be, the young man felt that God had visited him for his own good. His faitli grew stronger ; his prayer was constant ;
84 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOKK.
and he soiight escape only when he beheved it to be the will of God.
In his own land he devoted himself to the service of Heaven. In the solitude of Lerins he acquired a fund of sacred learning that caused WTiters of early ages to speak ()f him with respect. But he felt called to con- vert the race among whom he had, in God's providence, been thrown, and in Avhom, amid all the fai;lts which paganism nourished, he discerned the traits of character which, guided by the gospel, would make it a nation of saints.
Full of this thought he accompanied St. Germanus of Auxerre to Britain to combat heresy, and sa^v Palladius depart to attemjit the mission to which he longed to de- vote Ills life. When that holy bishop failed, Patrick was himself consecrated bishop and sent by Pope Celestine.
He was the instrument chosen by God by whom Ireland became Christian. Paganism yielded without excit- ing a single persecution, or reddening the soil with the blood of a martyr. In other hinds the roll of saints begins Avith martyrs; in Ireland alone, with confessors. Her martyrs are of a far later date.
He implanted the fiiitli firmly. It struck deep and Angorous roots. No heresy ever rose in Ireland. None ever gained. AVhen the English Government used all its force to implant the Protestant heresy there, they failed ; they could neither compel nor seduce. They could exter-
CATHEDRAL CHURCH (W ST. PATRICK. 85
minate indeed, and fill up wasted provinces with Protest- ants from England, Scotland, France, Germany, and even New England ; but In a few years the Catholic element wovild preponderate and all others dwindle. Catholicity alone can thrive on the Island of St. Patrick.
Many leading C'athollcs entered warmly into the pro- ject of a church in honor of this great saint on our Island of ]\Ianhattan. A subscription was opened to pay for the ground and commence the necessary work. The Hon. Andi'ew Morris, a wealthy chandler, Cornelius Heeny, for years a benefactor of the Church, and Matthe\\' Reed, led the subscriptions with g-enerous donations. On the 8th of June, 1809, the Very Kev. Mr. Kohlman, as Vicar Greneral of the diocese, with his assistant, and the board of trustees of St, Peter's Church, walked in solenui pro- cession to the ground. Father Kohlman addressed the assembled Catholics, congratulating them on their faith and corn-age, and reminding them of the sacred debt so many owed to the holy apostle whose name the church was to bear, and In which they might soon hope to see a bishop presiding. The corner-stone was then laid Avith all the ceremonies of the Roman ritual.
But the work went slowly on. The bishop whose presence was to give life to the undertaking died at Naples, unable to reach his flock. The wars which had so long desolated Europe Avere felt beyond the Atlantic, and the United States became involved In hostilities A\Ith
86 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OP NEW YORK.
Great Britain. This, of course, checked emigration to our shores and produced distress in all parts of the country. It was not till the year 1815 that St. Patrick's was ready for divine ser^dce, nor was it then completed. Tlu'ough all this time no bishop had reached the Catholics of New York. One had been appointed, but as liis aiTival could not be certainly expected, the Bishop of Boston, the loved and revered Doctor John Chevei'us, was recpiested to dedi- cate the new cathedral, the venerable iVi-chbishop of Balti- more having been unable to accept the invitation of the Catholics of New York'.
On the 4th of May, 181.5, the feast of the Ascension of om' Lord, a procession moved to the edifice, the Mayor and Common Council and the trustees of St. Peter's Church taking part in the ceremony. With the Bishop of Boston were the priests of St. Peter's, Rev. Benedict J. Fenwick and two assistants, with Father Maleve and the Rev. Mr. Pasquiet. It was the finest chvu'ch edifice yet opened to Catholic worship in the United States, and was dedi- cated with impressive ceremonies, the most imposing yet witnessed in New York.
Ground was secured near the Cathedi-al for a ceme- tery, and the new Bishop, Dr. Connoll}', on arriving, found the church wants of his flock provided for to an extent unequaled elsewhere in the United States.
In a letter to Ai-chbishop Carroll, Dr. Cheverus refers to an account which appeared in the New York Gazette.
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK. 87
It is worth citing, to show how the church was regarded in that day, wlien New Yoi'k had just erected a City Hall, and old Trinity Church was one of the most pre- tentious buildings of the place. It will increase oiu* respect for the Catholics of that da}-, who had the courage to undertake and the liberality and perseverance to complete a church so much in advance of those erected by far wealthier denominations.
" The new Catholic Cathe(h-al in this city, which was begun in the year 1809, and lately so far completed as to be fit for divine service, Avas last Thursday (Ascen- sion Bay) solemnly dedicated to God, under the name of St. Patrick, by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Che-\'erus, Bishop of Boston.
" This grand and beautiful church, which ma}^ ji^i^tly be considered one of the greatest ornaments of our city, and inferior in point of elegance to none in the United States, is built in the Gotliic style, and execiited agree- ably to the design of Mr. Joseph Fr. Mangin, the cele- brated architect of New York. It is one hundred and twenty feet long, eighty feet Avide, and between seventy- five and eighty feet high. The superior elegance of the architecture, as well as the novelty and beauty of the interior, had, for some months past, excited a considerable degree of public curiosity, and crowds of citizens of all denominations daily flocked to it to admire its grandeur and magnificence ; but on the day of its consecration the
88 CATnOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK
concourse Avas immense. I^pwai'ds f>f four thousand per- sons, consisting principally of the first families in New York, including- the members of the Corporation, the pre- sent (John Ferguson) and former Mayors (De Witt Clinton), with many other officers of distinction, were able to find admittaiu'e within, l)ut a far greater number, for want of room, Avere compelled reluctantly to remain without. The ceremony of the dedication, Avith the solemn service of High Mass Avhich followed, Avas long and impressiA'e. The Rt. llev. Consecrator, after the gospel of the day Avas sung, deliA'ered from the altar, Avith his usual spriglitly elo- quence, an ajjpropriate address from the Avords of the 45th alias 4Gth Psalm, 8th A'erse : 'I luxA-e loA-ed, () Lord, the Ijeauty of thy house and the place Avhere th}' glory dwel- leth,' to his numerous admiring and attentiA'e audience."
Tlie 2)raise Avas not exaggerated for Ncav York in 1815. Thirteen years later, a guide-liook, after men- tioning that it AA'iis the largest religious edifice in the city, says it is built " of stone, in massiA-e style, the Avails being seA'eral feet in thickness, the roof rising in a sharp angle to a height of more than a hundred feet, and forming, Avith tlie toAver, a most conspicuous object in approaching the city fi-om the east. The front of the building is faced Avith hewn In-oAvn stone ; and seA'eral niches are left open for statues tliat are to be placed. When completed it Avill be the most impressive-looking edifice in the citA^"
CATIIEDEAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK. 89
The erection of so noble an edifice liad a most bene- ficial effect. Catholics were raised in j)ublic esteem. A community which could concei^'e and caiTy out such pro- jects was one entitled to respect.
The pews were ofi^ered for sale on the 15th of May. (Seventy-seven out of one hundred and ninety-five were sold, and j^i'oduced $37,500 ; one being purchased by the writer's family. Sevei-al of the pews, esteemed from their proximity to the altar and pulpit, brought a thousand dollars each.
When Bishoji Cirtnnolly finally reached New York, in the ship Sally, November 24th, 1815, after a stormy passage of sixty days — a severe trial for one nearly sev- enty— he could at least feel proud of his Cathedral, the finest church in the city, and the finest Catholic church in the country. Thence for more than sixty years it was the scene of all the great episcopal acts of the diocese and the Province of New York. Here priests have been ordained to the ser^^ce of God, bishops consecrated, the pallium conferred, synods held for the diocese, provincial councils, and finally, the berretta of a cardinal presented to the archbishop.
Before the close of the year 1815, St. Patrick's Ca- tliedi-al witnessed the ordination of a j^riest. Bishop Con- nolly having raised to sacerdotal orders the Rev. Michael O'Gorman, who had accompanied liim from Ireland, and
90 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
who stands as the first of the long hne of j^riests or- dained within the venerated walls of old St. Patrick's.
The C*athedral was at first luider the trustees of St. Peter's Church; but in April, 1817, the Legislature passed an act incorjjorating ihe trustees of St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Bishop Ijeing- the president of the board.
Soon after Bishop Connolly was installed, a charitj- school, as it was then called, was opened in the base- ment towards Mott Street, where it was continued for some years, initil a brick building was erected especially adapted for a parochial school. It was supported by a collection made in the con^reefation and bv a share of the State School Fund, then divided between the schools directed by the different churches and those established by the Public School Society, an organization intended to care for those who belonged to no chm'ch.
The care of the orphans was another need. A small frame building on Prince Street was secured, in which thi-ee Sisters of Charity, in June, 1817, began their noble work in New York. To support this charity, " Tlie New York Roman Catholic Benevolent Society" was formed, by a few zealous gentlemen, in April, 1816. The famous singer, Madame Malibran, gave a concert in aid of the good work ; members flocked in, and the Society was duly incorporated by the Legislatm-e in 1817. It is the oldest Catholic organization of the kind in the State, and
CATHEDKAL CHUKCH OF ST. PATRICK. 91
may look back with pride on its more tluiu .sixt}' years of service for tlie orphan.
The modest frame structure was soon found to be inad- equate. The g-round on Prince Street was secm-ed, and tlie central part of the present brick edifice was commenced.
The Cathedral had cost about ninety thousand dol- lars, and in 1824 there remained a debt of fift}'-three thousand, sadly cripj^ling the Catholic body, whose con- tributions went to pay interest instead of meeting the. wants of religion and charity. Bishop Connolly resolved to make an effort to relieve the Cathedi'al from the heavy biu'deu, and called meetings of Catholics to devise a general system of collection, and a2:)peal to the more wealthy citizens for aid. The matter was taken np in a way that showed the love of the people for their bishop; and so much of the debt was paid that Bishop Du Bois, in 1830, could announce that it was reduced to twent}- fom* thousand dollars.
The want of a more extensive cemetery was already felt. The ground around St. Peter's was very contracted, and the plot originally 2^^u-chased for St. Patrick's was not very large. Additional ground was acquired in 1824, so as to extend to Prince Street, from Mott to Mulberry. This new portion was solemnly blessed by Bishop Con- nolly in August, 1824, assisted by the Rev. Mr. O'Gorman and the Rev. Mr. Sluuiahan. The imposing ceremonies were recorded at lengtli in the papers of the day.
92 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
At vespers the Rev. Mr. O'Grorman delivered a seraion in Ii'ish in the Cathedi'al, and made a powerful appeal to his hearers, which resulted in a collection of four hun- dred and fifty dollars towards the payment of the cost of the new ground.
But before long the eloquent priest, New York's first ordained, was laid out in his sacerdotal robes before the altar where he had received his mission and so often min- istered. Within a week, in November, 1824, another of his clergy Avas stricken doMii, and the venerable Bishop Connolly was left almost alone at the Cathedral ; Ijut though he had himself, at the Rev. Mr. (I'Gorman's fune- ral, contracted a fatal disease, he continued his duties as bishop, and his labors as parish priest through the winter of 1824.
But in February, 1825, St. Patrick's Cathedi-al, hushed with awe, received within its walls the lifeless body of its venerated bishop, wliich had lain in state in St. Peter's, and, after a solemn requiem, was conveyed to his Cathe- dral church, and deposited near the altar, on the 9th of February, 1825.
The Cathedral, however, put on its robes of glad- ness when, in November, 1826, Bishop Du Bois, who had been consecrated in Baltimore, entered it. " On the feast of All Saints I took possession of my see," he wi'ote. "With what an impression was not my heart pen- etrated at the sight of the immense crowd aaIucIi filled
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK. 93
the Catliecli-al ! I estimate the number of tlio faithful present at more than four thousand. They were only the representatives of more than 150,000 others who were not present."
The new Orphan Asylum was opened in the same month, and ere long tlie parisli school-house ex-ected; but Bishop Du Bois was unable to secm-e for the boys a Community of Brothers, who should do the same good among them that the Sisters of Charity now did among the girls of St. Patrick's j^arish.
In December, 1833, the trustees of St. Patrick's Cathe- dral, finding that the cemetery was insufficient for the wants of the Catholic popidation of New York, espe- cially after the experience of the cholera season, purchased, with the Ijishop's consent, a block of ground on First Avenue and Eleventh Street.
During the anti-Cathalic excitement of 1836, a mob which had collected in the lower part of the city re- solved to attack the Cathedral. There was loud talking and deep threats ; but time was wasted, and the faithful had timely notice. The authorities were warned, but the congregation, depending on their own good hearts and stout arms, rather than on the vmcertain and often inef- fectual efforts of public magistrates, prepared to defend the Cathedral. The cemetery had just been inclosed h\ a brick wall. In this, at proper height, loopholes for musketry were made, and men belonging to the militia
94 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOEK.
companies, accustomed to handle arms, \\'ere di-awn up within. Along' Prince Sti'eet, where the approach of the mob was expected, the cobble-stone pavement was torn up and taken in baskets to the Avindows of the houses, which had also a few muskets. In this guise they awaited the attack.
The mob advanced up the Bowery in a compact mass, full of the spirit of destruction and religious hate, but as they neared Prince Sti'eet, a storekeeper Avent out and counseled the leaders to adopt some military pre- cautions. By their ad^ace, a small scouting party was sent forward to reconnoitre. The appearance of Prince Street, the fortress-like look of the brick wall, the mili- tary attitude of bodies of men, were a sight for which they were not prepared. They came to plunder and destroy. They had no idea of fighting men like men. Completely crestfallen, they hastened back to the main body, as if fleeing for their lives. A panic spread, and the mob melted away.
As the attack might be renewed, the guard was kept up during the night at the Cathedral, which became the centre of a kind of God's camp of defense ; but the impression was produced, and no subsequent attempt was made on the Cathedral, even in 1844 or 1855.
By this time a house on Mulberry Sti-eet, opposite the Cathedral, had been purchased for the residence of the bishop, who had previously lived at some distance.
I
CATHEDRAL CHUIICU OF ST. PATRICK. 95
No bishop had been consecrated in the Cathedral till the appointment of the Rev. John Hnghe.s as co- adjutor to Dr. Du Bois. He was consecrated in St. Pat- rick's Cathedral, January 7, 1838. Every preparation was made to render the ceremony imposing. Ecclesiastical vest- ments were obtained from other parts, and the clergy of the diocese attended in numbers. As the church could not hold all who woidd undoubtedly desire to witness the ceremony, platforms were erected outside at the windows, to accommodate the faithful.
The ne^^dy appointed was consecrated Bishop of Basi- leopolis in partibus infidel'mm, by the venerable Bishop Du Bois, assisted, as required by the canons, by t^^'o bishops, the Right Rev. Francis Patrick Konrick, Bishop of Philadelphia, and the Right Rev. Benedict Fenwick, of Boston, who had, in the early days of his priesthood, labored so devotedly in New York, and especially in the erection of the Cathedi-al itself
A few years after, an improvement in the Cathedral, projected by Bishop Du Bois, soon after his installation, was carried out. The Cathedral was extended in that }'ear, 1838, to Mott Street, and a convenient sacristy made. This allowed room for a much finer sanctuarv, which was a beautiful Gothic work, and the rest of the church was made lighter to correspond Avith it. The heavy, massive columns, which gave a somber air to the nave, were re- duced without loss of strength, and incased so as to be
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liighly ornauieiital. This iiii])r()venient, wlucli was singu- larly effective, was comjileted in 1842 ; and on the feast of the patroii saint of th(i Cathedi'al, this addition was blessed hy the liisliop, with the usual ceremonial.
On Sunday, the 28th of August, 1S42, the Cathedral witnessed tlie convocation of the first synod ever held in the diocese. The Holy Sacrifice was offered by Bishop Hughes, then administrator of the diocese, and a sermon was delivered by the Rev. John ^VIcElrov, whose life we have seen extended almost to a hundred years. Bishop Hughes jjresided in the syn( xl ; the promoters were the Very Rev. Drs. Power and Varela. Sixtv-four other priests formed tliis most imjjosing gathering of the clergy yet seen. Among them were some who fill a place in the history of the Chm'ch — Rev. John McCloskey, who Avas to become a cardinal ; Rev. 1). AV. Bacon, to be Bishop of Portland ; Rev. A. Byrne, Bishop of Little Rock ; Rev. J. J. Conroy, Bishop of Albany ; Rev. J. Loiighlin, Bishop of Brook- lyn ; Rev. Bernard O'Reilly, Bishop of Hartford ; Rev. William Quarter, Bishop of Chicago ; the Rev. John Har- ley, President of St. John's College ; the Rev. Ambrose Manahan.
During the next decade the Cathedi-al witnessed the consecration of many bishops. On the 10th of March, 1844, Bishop Hughes, assisted by Bishops Fenwick of Boston and Whelan of Richmond, consecrated the Rt. Rev. John McCloskey, Bishop of Axiern and Coadjutor
CATHEDRAL CKUllCU OF ST. I'ATlllCK. 97
of New York ; Rt. Rev. William Quarter, Bishop of Chi- cago, and Rt. Rev. Andrew Byrne, Bishop of Little Rock. On the 17th of October, 1847, assisted by Bishop Walsh of Halifax and Bishop McCloskey of Albany, he con- secrated Rt. Rev. John Timon, Bishop of Buffalo. On the 30th of October, 1853, ]\Ionsignor Gaetano Bedini, Archbishop of Thebes, and subsequently Cardinal, conse- crated in the same sanctuary the Rt. Rev. James R. Bayley, Bishop of Newark, Rt. Rev, John Loughlin, Bishop of Brooklyn, and Rt. Rev. Louis de Goesbriand, Bishop of Biu'lington.
The See of New York Avas meanwhile made a Metro- politan. In October, 1850, Bishop Hughes announced his promotion to the congregation of St. Patrick's, and pre- pared to go to Rome to be invested with the palliiun. He also made known a project whicli had for some time occupied his mind, the ei'ection of a new cathedral, on the groiuid in Fifth Avenue which they had long owned. Meanwhile nothing was omitted to render the services of the chiu'ch more imposing in the ohl Cathedral. Among other improvements, a fine new organ, T)v Erben, twenty- eiffht feet wide and fortv-seven feet high — at the time one of the largest in the city — was erected early in 1852.
St. Patrick's had now become a ]\retropolitan church, and soon witnessed a Provincial Council. On the 1st of October, 1854, the Archbishop, with the Bishops of
Albany, Boston, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Hartford, and Newark,
7
98 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
moved in procession from the episcopal residence tlnongli the streets to the Cathedi-al. The archie23iscoi)al cross was borne aloft at the head of the line, followed by acolytes in red cassocks, chanters in surplices, priests in the rich chasubles of their order, theologians, crosier bearers and attendants, the Archbishop and his seven bishops follow- ing, arrayed in mitres and copes. They moved up the aisle of the Cathedral and filled the chancel. Then the Mass of the Holy Ghost was celebrated, and the solemn sessions of the council began.
Other councils and spiods have since been held within the venerated walls, and other bishops consecrated; but we need not chronicle them all.
It would require a A'olume to sketch or even name the eminent Catholics who have been connected with the Cathedi'al, or whose lifeless forms received within its walls the last rites of the Clnirch, the i-equiem for the departed.
The church, around which so many holy associa- tions clustered, was visited by an element more destructive than the hand of time. On the Gth of October, ISGG, a conflagration occurred on BroadwaA', in\'olving M-are- houses and goods of g-reat ^'alue ; the sjjarks were borne in every direction, lighting up the evening sky with their fitful glare. Suddenly the cry was raised that the roof of the Cathedi'al was on fire. It was at first deemed incredible. Yet it pro\'ed to be the fact. The ancient structure had, from lack of means at its com23letion, been
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK. 99
covered \\itli ^\•()o(^, ami this, (Iritnl by age, offercil an easy pi'ey to the flames. When the destructive Llaze dispeHed all doubt, the clergy of the Cathedral removed the sacred vessels and altar plate, as well as the records, and all that was portable, while the faitliful, insensible to risk, bore to places of safety every picture or piece of fm'uiture that coidd be reached. The fire department, already struggling to suppress the conflagration on Broad- way, hastened to the scene ; but all the efforts proved iniavaillng. The A\hole roof was one mass of fire, and the wood-work, lighted by the falling embers, poured forth, as from a furnace, one vast sheet of flame ; and the morn- ing dawned on a scene of desolation that carried a pang to the heart of many a New York Catholic. The A^en- erable fane, around which clustered so many hallowed associations connected with the Church and with their own kindi'ed and friends, was but a mass of blackened walls. Altar and sanctuary -were gone ! It wna but a sad monument of the past.
But the spot was too sacred to be abandoned, although the new Cathedi-al approached completion. The Archbishop and the congregation resolved to rebuild it at once.
As restored, St. Patrick's Cathedi-al, though of course far Inferior to the new one on Fifth Avenue, is a noble structure. It Is Grothic, of a piu-e style. The length is divided by eight arches, tlie 2)Illars separating the nave
100 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
from the aisles. The window over the altar is a grand one, the stained glass being of admirable design and finish. Of the twelve windows, that on each side nearest the chancel has a full-length figure, the rest being filled with ornaments merely. Beautiful copies of two of Raphael's finest paintings are on either side of the sanctuary.
The altar is of white marble, exquisitely wrought and surmounted by a crucifix. The Gothic screen behind has in its niches fine figures of the Twelve Apostles. The side altars of the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph corre- spond harmoniously with the main altar, and, -^^ith the screen which advances here and runs behind them, pro- duce a most beautiful effect.
In the grand ceremonials of the Church, when the sanctuary is lit up by a thousand candles and jets of gas, and crowded with the purple-robed bishops cluster- ing aromid the tall and amiable form of the Cardinal, with priests in cassock and surplice, and others in the more varied habits of St. Dominic and St. Francis, the place seems admirably fitted for the impressive ritual of the Church.
On its completion it was solemnly dedicated by Archbishop McCloskey, on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1868, Bishops Loughlin of Brooklyn and Bacon of Port- land assisting, with a vast assemblage of secular priests and Fathers of the Dominican, Franciscan, Jesuit, Re- demptorist, and Mercy orders.
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK. IQl
The cemetery around St. Patrick's holds many of the early honored Catholic dead. Some stones Lear names
t
of families still existing among- us ; of others the descend- ants have vanished. A son of General Moreau died during his father's residence in America, and was laid here. Here rest Thomas O'Conor, the venerable father of Charles O'Conor, Captain James McKeon, U. S. A., a hero of the war of 1S12, father of Hon. John McKeon, Capt. Pierre Landais, second in commanfl to Paul Jones in his famous battle, Stephen Jumel, John B. Lasala, and many other notable persons in the Catholic body, with not a few zealous priests.
Beneath the church are vaidts where lie the remains of Bishops Connolly and Du Bois, and Archbishop Hughes, as well as a few other vaults belon'ging to ])rivate families.
The site for the new St. Patrick's Cathedi-al is thus described by Archbishop Hughes : —
"The block of ground on which the cathedral is to be built is two hundred feet on Fifth Avenue on the west, two hundred feet on Madison Avenue on the east, by four hundred and twenty feet on Fifty-first Street north and Fiftieth Street south." It is a spot which has been Catholic ground for more than sixty years. Every few years the story is started that the ground was given to the Catholics by the city. The records of the city show the contrary. The ground was purchased by the trustees of St. Peter's and St. Patrick's before a Catholic
102 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
bishop of New York ever took possession of liis see. The Jesuit Fathers conducted a college for some years in a building still standing.
It was originally subject to a quit rent of wheat, which at the time of the anti-Rent troubles, was released by the city on pa}"ment of a sum in gross, not as a favor, bxtt in pursuance of a wise policy to abolish all the old feudal services and burdens that existed.
As streets were laid out, the Cathedral, which had acquired the whole property, exchanged gores -^^ith the city for mutual benefit; but not one foot of the ground was a gift from the city. State, or Union.
" The building is to be three lmndre<l and twenty- two feet long, ninety-seven feet wide, the transept a hundred and seventy-two feet, the height from floor to ceiling at the summit of the clerestory, one hundred feet. There will be fourteen chapels, besides the grand altar."
Such was the magnificent project of the great Arch- bishop, after adopting a i)lan from the many submitted to him. In June, 1858, he issued a circular which he addressed to one hundi-ed and fifty of the most pious, zeal- ous and wealthy Catholics of the city and diocese, asking from each one thousand dollars as a subscription to begin the work. He then called upon them all, and more than a hundred responded, giving over one hundred thousand dollars.
Encouraged by this manifestation of the interest taken,
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK. 103
and couviiicecl that tlie calls for five hundred dollars, and smaller amounts, which ho proposed to make in succession, wouhl meet as hearty a response, the Archbishop had the ground graded, and, on the l^tli of August, 1858, the feast of our Lady's Assumption, laid the corner-stone. Seven bishops, one hundred and thirty priests, one huntbed and twenty acolj'tes, in cassock and surplice, made an impos- ing ecclesiastical group. Tlie grand ceremonial, chanted by these numerous voices, proceeded amid an audience of not less than a hundred thousand, many of them Protes- tants, drawn by wonder and curiositj' to the scene.
The work was commenced and continued down to the civil war, each successive call meeting the same gen- erous response ; but in the troubles then gathering upon the country, it ^vas impossible to think of ])rosecuting the vast undertaking. The fiiiling health of the Archbishop prevented his reviving it, even Avlien the prospect of peace restored confidence to the country.
On his promotion to the See of New York, Arch- bishop McCloskey, urged by man 3", resolved to carry on the gi-eat work of his predecessor. It has, in 1878, nearly approached completion, and is the largest, and finest temple of God erected in this comitry, having cost more than two millions of dollars. Its later building expenses have been met by a i-egular annual subscription in each church in the diocese, so that it is indeed the church of chm'ches.
The style is the decorated Gothic of the foiu-teenth
104 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
centiuy, and somewhat resembles the great Cathedral of Cologne. The front is extremely beautiful,^ with tlu-ee richly decorated doors, simnounted by a l^eautiful rose windo^^- and two (rothic windows ; the two sjjires rising to the height of three hundred and twenty-eight feet. The main entrance is thirty-five feet wide and fifty-one feet high, and is a series of columns, with bases and fi^li- age caps, from which spring richly ornamented arches. The gable above has a row of niches for statuary.
There are a hundred and tlu-ee windows, all of stained glass, set in double tiers at the sides, the lower thirty- two feet in height, the upper twenty-eight, producing a grand effect. Many of these windows were executed in Eiu'ope, and are of great merit in design and execution.
The interior will be composed of the nave and its two side aisles, the transept forming the cross and the choir. The length within will be three hundred and six feet, the general width ninety-six feet, with chapels on each side, each twelve feet Avide.
The choir and sanctuary will have a centre separated from aisles on either side by clustered colunms of white marble. The high altar is of white marble, executed in Italy, with a magnificent altar screen of colored marble columns, with marble niches and statues.
The dedication and opening of this magnificent struc- ture are scenes that the Catholics of New York City look forward to with the deej^est mterest.
VERY REV. WILLIAM QUINN,
VICAR GENERAL OF THE DIOCESE OF NEW YORK, PASTOR OF ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL.
THE rectorship of St. Patrick's Cathedral has al- ways been a position of importance in the Catholic Chiu'ch on New York Island, and has been filled by men of eniinence among the clergy. Not only as the leading church, but also as that which for years had the most extensive parochial district, extending at first far beyond the limits of the island, St. Patrick's had, in those to whom the bishops, and at a later date the archbishops, confided the spiritual care of the flock worshiping within its venerable walls, priests who will not soon be forgotten.
For some years back the rector has also held the onerous dignity of Vicar General, devolving upon him as the chief administrative officer of the Archbishop a host of difficult and responsible duties in regard to the churches, clergy, institutions, and laity of the diocese, requiring no ordinary gifts and powers, as well as sound theological learning and vast experience. During the occasional seasons of the absence of the Most Reverend Archbishop from the diocese, made more frequent in our
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time by tlie elevation of our revered Metropolitan to the Sacred College of Rome, and in those sad hom-s when God has called from among the head of om* dio- cese, the administration of the whole diocese has de- volved on the Vicar General.
Nor does even this include all. The Vicar General is, under the Ai'chbishop, Superior of many of the com- munities of religious women, and director of nearly all others.
The selection by the Most Reverend Ai-chbishop of a priest for the two-fold position of Vicar General and rector of the Cathedi-al is, therefore, in itself, an assm*- ance of his conviction that the priest thus honored pos- sesses in an eminent degi'ee the qualities of a good pastor — discernment, prudence, learning, experience, and administrative skill.
Tlie present rector of St. Patrick's Cathedi'al, the Very Rev. William Quinn, Vicar General of the diocese, was born in the parish of Donoughmore, in the County of Donegal, Ireland, in the year 1821. He was edu- cated in the primary studies in the schools of the Dio- cese of Derry, to which he belonged by birth ; and as he approached the years of manhood, came to the United States in 1841.
It was not to seek a fortune, or acquire fame in any professional career, but a wish to serve God in his sanctuary, and labor in a field where priests were few
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK. 104"
and the harvest was great, that led him to cross the ocean.
Bishop Hughes was just completing his preparations for establishing at Rose Hill, Fordham, a seminary to supply his diocese with priests, and a college to afford young Catholics of New York an institution where they could pursue a university coxu'se withotit having every science and branch of learning imbued with the poison of error.
Almost as soon as the seminary was ready to re- ceive aspirants for the priesthood, and a month before St. John's College was opened for students, William Quinn entered his name as a seminarian at St. Joseph's, May 1, 1841. The original system was that of Mount St. Mary's, the faculty of the seminary directing the college, and seminarians aiding in the college as tutors and prefects. The Very Rev. Mr. Quinn was thus an inter- ested spectator in the opening of St. John's College, and, with the exception of his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey, is the only member of the clergy now surviving who was present, in any capacity, on that interesting occasion, so fruitful in good results to the Diocese of New York.
After his course of study and labor in the college, he was raised to the priesthood by his Eminence, then the Right Reverend Coadjutor of Archbishop Hughes. He was ordained alone, in St. Patrick's Cathedi-al, on the 17th day of December, 1845.
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CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
lie had already made an essay in one of the most difficnlt and iinpleasant duties that devolve on a priest in this country. When the Right Reverend Bishop HiTghes had made some progress in the erection of the new building for St. Joseph's Seminary and the Church of Our Lady of Mercy that adjoins it, the contributions for the expense decreased rapidly. An appeal was made by the Right Reverend Bishop, and the young seminarian readily undertook a torn' and collected a large amount in New York, Brooklyn, and other parts.
Immediately after his ordination he was assigned to St. Joseph's Clnu-ch as assistant priest to the experienced Rev. ]\Iichael McCarron. He remained nearly four years, zealousl}^ doing his share in the Avork of the ministry in the then very large parochial district of St. Joseph's, under a priest who never was remiss in discharging his duties or could allow others to become so.
On the 20th of September, 1849, the Very Rever- end Bishop appointed Rev. Mr. Quinn pastor of Rondout, but he remained in that parish only a brief term. At that moment one of the greatest diflficidties of the Bishop was the unfortunate position of affairs at St. Peter's Church. The trustee system, with inexperience and in- competence, had broiight that church to a state of bank- ruptcy that caused Avidespread distress, and filled the whole Catholic body with pain and shame.
In this emergency, Bishop Hughes, on the 1st of No-
CxVTHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK. 104^
vember, 1849, placed as pastor in 8t. Potor's tlio Rev. William Quinn, " then a young man," lie said at a later da}' ; " bnt his wisdom and prudence in administration had already been tested in another difficult i)osition."
The Ijurden which the new pastor had to face was one of no ordinary magnitude. Beside the mortgage debt there Avas more than a hnndi-ed thousand dollars due, mainl}- in small sums to jioor people, who, regarding the church as a kind of savings bank, had made it the deposit of the little hoard they had acquired by years of economy. When the church difficulties began, payment stopped, and for five years nothing had been paid them of principal or interest. To relieve the church from disgrace and repay these deposits was the first care of the Rev. Mr. Quinn. Harmonizing all minds in the congregation, burying in oblivion all past questions and divisions, he inspired all with the one idea of relieving St. Peter's from its hea^-y burden. By constant labor, by steady exertions and ingenious plans, he raised sum after sum till he had the consolation of reducing the indebt- edness to seven thousand dollars.
During this long struggle the ordinary expenses of the church had to be regularly met, and there were ex- traordinary charges of a serious natru-e. The building of large storehouses in the rear of the church threatened the gable end of St. Peter's. To save it required the erection of a solid stone wall twenty feet high, with iron
104" CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
pillars. The necessary work, with iron railings required around the church, cost twenty thousand dollars.
In the summer of 1860 he was compelled to seek some relaxation from the incessant sti'ain on his whole faculties, and recruit his health, enfeebled by a sunstroke. On the advice that a short sea voyage would benefit him, he resolved to visit a reverend friend in Newfound- land, but the " Connaught," on which he sailed, was pre- vented by dense fogs from approaching the shore, and after waiting in vain for thirty-six hours, continued her voyage across the Atlantic. He was thus unex23ectedly enabled to visit liis aged mother and his kindred in Done- gal, to whom his sudden ajipearance was a most grati- fying surprise.
The Rev. Mr. Quinn took part in the First Provin- cial Council of New York, held by the Most Reverend Archbishop Hughes in October, 1854. He was also present at the Second Plenary Coimcil of Baltimore, held by the Most Reverend Archbishop Spalding, as Delegate Apostolic, in October, 1866. He attended as theologian of the Ai'chbishop of San Francisco, and was assigned to the Congregation on Churches, the Maintenance and Pres- ervation of Ecclesiastical Property, and also on Secret Societies ; and was one of the deacons attending his Grrace at the opening- mass of the Holy Grhost, offered by the present Cardinal McCloskey.
At the Second Provincial Council, held in January,
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK. 104'
lis GO, he was also present; and in the Third New York Synod, held in September, 1868, he was one of tlie Procm-ators of the Clergy.
On the death of the Very Rev. William StaiTs he was appointed, on the 1st of May, 1873, to fill his po- sition as pastor of the Cathedral, and was also made Viear General of the diocese. The congregation of St. Peter's Chm-ch had, dming his years of eai-nest exertion for their welfare, learned to appreciate him, and heard AA-ith the deepest feeling that his connection with them was to be so soon severed. The chnrch which he fonnd divided, weighed down with debt and shame, was now milted, free from all embarrassment, and ready at last to turn its attention to those great parocliial works which were imperatively demanded.
On the 27th of April, 1873, addressing the flock which he had directed for nearly twenty-four years, the Rev. Mr. Quinn, after alluding in an afi"ecting manner to those who had been prominent in the church work, but had passed away, and reviewing his pastoral labor, took his farewell of St. Peter's.
"When his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey sailed for Rome, August 6, 1875, the Very Rev. Mr. Quinn became administrator of the diocese during the absence of the Archbishop, and as such exercised a supervision over the whole diocese till the retm-n of the Cardinal.
He was again invested with similar powers when,
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early in 1878, on the death of the late Pope Pius IX. of blessed memory, his Eminence was summoned to attend the conclave for the election of his successor.
Besides the onerous duties that engaged his attention as pastor of St. Peter's, and amid the manifold cares at- tendant on the positions he now fills, the Very Rev. Mr. Quinn has never relaxed in his active interest in one of the most excellent associations in the diocese — the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was one of the first to organize in this city an association which had accom- plished such a world of good in France, and is a most perfect model of an organization for the relief of distress.
The Very Rev. Mr. Quinn, in his clear, practical good sense, saw the great merit of the organization, and gave himself to it heart and soul. He was for years the medium of correspondence between the President- General of the Society in Paris and the conferences in this country. When the Society had sufficiently developed here he succeeded in having a Council of Direction estab- lished, and formed a Superior Council for the confer- ences nt)W included in the circmnscription of that Coun- cil. It is no exaggeration to say that if the Society in its various branches throughout the city is the instrument of so much good to the less fortunate, and a soiu-ce of so many graces to the members, it is due in no small degree to the constant and urgent devotion of the Very Rev. William Quinn, to his unremitting attendance at all its meetings, and his fidelity to the duties devolving upon him.
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PATRICK.
105
R
OLL OF
H
ONOR.
Acclas, Mary, Mrs. Ahearn, Patrick. Ally, William. Bergan, William. Bernard, James M. Boyle, Michael. Breslen, Ellen. Brogan, John C. Campbell, Patrick. Carloin, Jane. Carroll, John. Casey, ^Villianl. Cassidy, Mary, Mrs. Cogan, Maggie. Corr, Patrick. Corrigan, John. Cosgrove, John. Cunningham, James. Currie, William A. Curry, Patrick. Daly, Maurice. Dempsey, Patrick. Devine, Michael. Dinnan, Patrick. Doherty, John. Doolan, P. Dufify, Owen. Dunn, William. Dunne, Elizabeth. Dwyer, James. Eagleton, Patrick. Fahey, Patrick. Fanning, Edward. Fitzgerald, James. Flanagan, Edward. Fogarty, William. Fox, John. Geoghegan, Rich'd, Mrs.
Gilday, Patrick. Gleason, John. Golden, Charles. Gottsberger, John G. Cough, Patrick. Green, John. Haggerty, P21izabeth,Mrs. Haggerty, John. Hanlon, Jose])h. Harrison, Andrew. Harrison, T. Hart, \V. T. A. Hayes, James. Hayes, Patrick. Hibbits, Fintan. Higgins, Edward. Houghton, Alex., Mrs. Keegan, Thomas. Keenan, John. Kehoe, Andrew. Kelly, Hugh, Mrs. Kelly, John. Lennon, P. Lilly, Dennis, Lorigan, John. McArdle, Owen. McBride, Sarah, Mrs. IMcCabe, James. McCann, Bernard J. McCarthy, Patrick. McCoUum, Patrick. McDonald, Henry. McDonough, John. McGill, James, Mrs. McGinnis, Hugh. McGowan John. McGrade, Michael. McGuire, Thomas. Barr\', Michael. Mrs.
McKeever, Terence. McKeon, John. McLean, John. McNamara, Patrick. Marion, Peter. Marshall, David E., Mrs. ALartin, Andrew. Martin, John. Maxwell, James. Mills, Mary E. MolloV, James. Moore, Hugh. Mulligan, Daniel. Mulligan, Peter. Murphy, James. Murphy, James, Mrs. Murphy, Thomas J. Murphy, William. Newman, James. O'Brien, j" J. O'Gorman, Jnmes. O'Mealia, James. O'Neil, Francis, Mrs. O'Reilly, Francis. O'Rorke, James. PurceJl, John. Quigley, M. J. Quinn, J. B. Rafferty, Patrick. Reynolds, Martin. Roberts, William R. Sayrs, Henry J. Shields, Andrew, Mrs. Smith, ALargaret. Sullivan, Mortimer. Sullivan, Thomas. Sweney, John. White, Patrick M.
CHURCH OF SAINT AGNES.
EAST FOKTY-TIIIKD tJTREET.
THE CHURCH OF SAINT AGNES.
EAST FORTY-THIRD STRJ:ET.
IN 1873, the Archbishop of New York saw, l)y the overcrowded condition of the churches on the east- ern side of the city, and their overworked priests, that a new parish was needed ; Avhere some zeah)us pastor miylit rear a temple to God, and direct the energies of Cath- oHc residents, who ah-eady evinced that true spirit wliich has peopled our country with churches and pious in- stitutions.
After due consideration, the limits of the new parish were laid off, wliich was to be })laced under the patron- age of that holy virgin mart}T, St. Agnes. It extends from Madison to Third Avenue, and from Thirty-fourth to Forty-second Street, and from Fourtli Avenue to East River between Forty-second and Forty-seventh Streets. To minister to the Catholics of the district, and assimie the task and responsibilities of erecting a suitable clnircli, he selected the Rev. Harry Cummings Macdowall, who had, as assistant at St. Michael's Church, evinced cour- age, energy, and devotedness. He did not slu-Ink from the burden, although the country was suffering from financial distress, and a general feeling of depression
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CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
pervaded the whole community, leaving thousands without employment, and disenchanting many of the wealthy, who discovered that their fancied riches were as unreal as foiry gifts.
He explored his parish, to ascertain who Avere his flock, and to let them know their new pastor. Then he secured a lease of a hall over Croton ]\Iarket, in Forty-second Street, and having fitted it up as a tempo- rary chapel, distributed handbills around to announce the fact to the Catholic residents. Here, on the 13th of July, 1873, the sixth Sunday after Pentecost, the Holy Sacrifice was offered for the first time, and the parish of St. Agnes was organized; three masses being said on the opening day, and all well attended.
"Within a few days after the settlement of the parish, the pastor, who, with his associate, the Rev. A. Catoggio, found a home with Mr. Charles Bradhm-st, was en- srasred in looking' for a site on which to erect the chm-ch. A central position is always desirable for the convenience of the pastor and his flock. A suitable location was soon found, on the north side of East Forty-third Street, and pm-chased on reasonable terms of the old Catholic Doherty family, and a pastoral residence acquired on easy terms from Messrs. Cochran and Saulpaugh.
An architect of ability, Mr. L. J. O'Connor, guided by the views of the Rev. Mr. Macdowall, who had studied abroad and here the styles of architecture best
CHUIIOII OF ST. AGNES. 109
adapted to church edifices in crowded cities, ckew up plans for a structure of sinyuhu- beauty. It full}- answered the ecclesiastical wants of the pastor, and the architectural judgment of the planner. The chui-ch, as thus aiTanged upon, was at once begun. The ground was cleared, the corner-stone laid, and the skillful build- ers, Moran and Armstrong and ]\Iichael J. Newman, pushed on the work so well and so vigorously that, in January, 1874, the first story or basement of the chm'ch was finished. It is remarkable for its strength of mason- work, with a front of solid gi-anite, inclosing a space of about ten thousand square feet, and being fourteen feet high.
The congregation, who watched M'ith deep attention the progress of the edifice to which they had contrib- uted so liberally, saw here already a far more appro- jjriate chapel fur divine Avorship than the hall they had hitherto iised. They heard with jo}' that this basement was to become their chapel. On Sundav, January 11th, this lowly shrine was solenmly dedicated by his Grace Archbishop McCloskey. The procession, headed by the archiepiscopal cross, wath acolytes, priests, and the ven- erable Archbishop, moved up the aisle, and tlie ceremony was performed by which the place was set apart for the worship of God. Then High Mass was offered iip, the Rev. Ai'thur J. Donnelly of St. Michael's officiating, with the Rev. Messrs. Pratt and Farrelly as deacon and sub-
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deacon. An eloqnent sermon was preached by the Rev. J. L. Spaukling, on the persecutions of the Church and the hfe of the dear and hjvely saint in whose honor their chapel was ah-eady dedicated, and then- magnificent chm-ch would soon be.
The holy Fathers ^ne with each other in honoring St. Affnes. Next almost to the Inmiaculate Mother of God, the Church holds up, as a special j^atroness of piirit)', this youthful Roman maiden, who, at the age of thirteen, rejected all the suitors whom her wealth and beauty brought to her feet, telling them that she had consecrated her virginity to a heavenly spouse, whom mortal eyes could not Ijeliold. In their disappointment they denounced her to the Governor as a Christian. How had Rome fallen, ^^'hen her sons could thus seek power to Avreak their vengeance on a weak girl ! But she was not weak. Tlu'eats, the sight of the instruments of torture, failed to damit her. God preserved her purity from insult by a miracle, but the mmicle did not touch the hearts of her persecutors. She was led out to die, and went, says the great St. Ambrose, more cheerfully than others go to their wedding. Life was again offered her; but, having offered up a short prayer, she bowed her neck at once to worsliip her divine spouse, and to receive the sword stroke that was to unite her to Him forever.
From her martyrdom under Diocletian, in 303, her
CIIUllCII OF ST. AHXES. m
fame has spread ; and our cit}' may well seek the inter- cession of a saint so dear to Heaven.
A Sunday-school was begun in their first temporary chapel, and was renewed in Forty-third Street. Though small at first, it soon grew, and the instruction of the children has been steailily kept up. To kindle the fire of solid J)iety in the flock thus newly brought together, the pastor in^-ited the Kev. Father Glackmeyer, of the So- ciety of Jesus, and his associates, to give a mission in the temporary clnu-ch. It was attended with most bene- ficial results, and at its close the Sacrament of Confirma- tion was administered l)y Bishop Lynch of Charleston, to more than six hundi-ed persons.
Another mission in the year 1875 was equally pro- ductive of good, as may be seen hy the fsict that on that occasion Bishop ]\IcNierny of Albany confirmed three hundi-ed, most of \\liom were adults.
Great interest was taken in the new church, an en- tertaimnent at the Academy of ]\Iusic producing fom* thou- sand dollars. Others, given at the Union League Theatre and Lexington Avenue Opera House, also aided materially. The grand ladies' fair of November, 1874, produced nearly ten thousand dollars, and encouraged the zealous ladies to undertake a second fair.
For a time work was suspended, l:)ut it was resumed in April, 1S7(!, and the church completed within a year from that period. It is certainly one of the most bciiutiful,
112 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
as well as most solid ecclesiastical structiires in the city. The side walls are strongly buttressed on the inside, and the aisles are supported by stone and iron pillars of great strength.
The style of the cluirch is oi'namental Norman Gothic. The front is of Ohio stone and excellent Philadelphia brick, laid in cement, with stone trimmings beautifully and ela- borately carved.
Short flights of steps, rising easily from the street, lead to the tlu-ee portals. The main entrance has been well described as almost a garden in stone, so beautiful is the scvilptured foliage around the arches, and the columns with their foliated capitals. The arch above the doorway is a perfect mass of bold carving, the vine and its clusters forming the chief portion. The side entrances, though less elaborate, are in perfect keeping, and very beautiful.
Above these is a row of low-sized Norman windows, sm-mounted by the great choir window, of remarkable beauty in all its details. The gable is crowned by a beautiful Celtic cross. On each side are massive towers, with buttresses, terminating in small stone arched windows. Even with the limited range a city street affords, the ex- terior of St. Agnes impresses all who approach it with a sense of beauty.
The interior gives more scope for Catholic feeling. It consists of a nave, with double aisles on each side.
CHURCH OF ST. AGNES.
113
and double rows of clustered columns, with floriated capi- tals. Those nearest the nave are sixty feet high, and from the floriated capitals sjjring- the ribs supporting the vaulted main roof. The inner roA^s of pillars, somewhat shorter, support arches at right angles to the former. The orna- mentation of the ceiling and the walls is elaborate and profuse, yet not overloaded. There is a fine taste in all the adornment, avoiding all corners or bare blank spaces. Tliere are galleries over the outer aisles, approached by broad, massive staircases. The floors of the church and the gallery descend gently towards the chancel, so that the ser\'ices at the altar can be seen equally well from all parts of the building.
One feature in the church is that the wood-work is all carved, or fluted, and finished up without the use of paint.
The sanctuary is lighted by a beautiful chancel window in five compartments, with a circular portion above. In the centre St. Agnes is seen standing in her cell ; on the left is her jailer holding her chain, while an execu- tioner is preparing the stake at wdiich she is to be burned. (_)n the i-iglit the Roman prefect is condemning her to death. On either side of these, in the last com- partmentSj are the early martyrs, St. Januarius and St. Lawrence. Above are seen anijels bearino: the Palm of Martyrdom, the Heavenly Crown, and the Lamb, wdiich is
the peculiar emblem of the saint.
8
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CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOKK.
Over the nltur ut" Our Lady is a window represent- ing' the Annunciation, and over that of St. Joseph, one in which we behold our Lord appearing to the Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque. The side windows are adorned with monograms, legends, and the instruments of the Passion.
The altar rail, to which a balustrade leads v;p, is of polished brass work, open arches springing from pillars ; the side altars are separated from the main altar by elaborate screens of Gothic wood-work ; the communion rail extending across is beautifully carved walnut.
The high altar is extremely beautiful, surmounted by an elaborately carved Gothic tabernacle ; above is an elaborate canopy under which stands a richly-wrought crucifix, the gift of a lady in the congregation. Above the canop}' is a little niche terminating in a cross. The background of the altar is painted to represent crimson silk tapestry. The side altars, the table resting on por- phyry pillars with rich tabernacles, and statues of Our Lady and St. Joseph, harmonize beautifully Avith the high altar. Above that of the Blessed Virgin is a Pieta, the figm'e of our cn;cified Lord with his IIol}' Mother and the two ]\Iarys. It was a gift from the late Barney Williams. Over that of St. Joseph is a fine painting of the Descent from the Cross.
The church thus beautifid in all its attributes is so divided as to give the greatest possible accommodation.
CHURCH OF ST. AGNES. 115
It will scat lit'tccn liuiidrcd in its symmetrical pews, and the cliurch caii, if necessar}', liold three thousand persons.
Taujilit by sad accidents ^vliich have occurred of hite years liere and elsewhere, the solid and rich doors all open outwardly, and besides the tlu'ee in front there are several others. Provision has been made also for fire, hose being provided at the door and in the vestry, to check the progress of the destnictive element before it becomes beyond control.
Such was the beautiful Church of St. Agnes, when prepared for its solemn dedication, May 0, 1877. The solemn ceremony was performed by his Eminence John, Cardinal McCloskey, assisted by the Very Rev. William Quin, V.G. ; the Rt. Rev. James L. Spalding, Bishop of Peoria ; the Rt. Rev. William O'Hara, Bishop of Scranton ; Rt. Rev. Michael Corrigan, Bishop of Newark ; Rt. Rev. John Loiighlin, Bishop of Brooklyn, and about one hun- di-ed secular and regular priests, Dominit'ans, Franciscans, Jesuits, and Paulists.
The procession issued from the sacristy headed by the cross-bearer and acolytes, followed by the Young Ladies' Sodality, the long" line of pi'iests and bishops chanting the Litany of the Saints, and closed by the Cardinal in his crimson robes, attended by Rev. P. J. McCloskey and Rev. H. Pratt.
The High Mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Scranton, and the sermon preached by the Bishop of
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CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOEK.
Peoria, whose eloquent and instructive words were listened to with absorbing interest. His text was taken from the gospel of St. Luke, chapter 19, verse 9.
"Great monuments," said the eloquent divine, "great monuments to God are built by faith, are built by the peo- ple, are built by those who desire to show their love for God by doing something. If the Catholic Church did not require these sacrifices, it would not be a true religion.
" I thank God with all my heart that I live in an age and in a country in which it is no honor to be a Catholic, in which the very fact that a man is a Catho- lic, if he have any high aspirations, is against him. I do thank God witli all my heart that no man, by being a true Catholic, can win honor or consideration. I do thank God that men must show their belief by building churches, by being foithful, by building- all kinds of monuments of benevolence, Ijy all good works. But people sometimes grmnble when asked to assist in rearing temples to God. They taUi about tlie times being hard ; but of course they love the Church A-ery much !
" But since I nuist conclude, I liave no reason to re- proach you with this, since this very temple in which we are gathered would put me to the blush, did I so charge you. Certainly, you who have helped Father Macdowall to build this Church of St. Agnes have done nobly; and I could not, for my own part, think of a saint more worthy to dedicate this temple to than St. Agnes ; for
i
CHURCH OF ST. AGNES. 117
it seems especially desirous that we should bring back those great saints of the martp-s' ages, because, though men are not now put to death or tortured for their faith, yet that old spirit that brought about the persecution of the early Clii'istians has been again revived. Men say now, as in the time of St. Agnes, that you cannot be loyal to Caesar and to God — that you cannot be a good citizen and a good Catholic. Do you know why those Cloiistians died for centuries ? They died for being true to their divine allegiance ; they died for the liberty to woi'ship God in spite of states ; they died f(ir freedom in worship. This is really the history of all those persecutions. The Clu-is- tians were persecuted because they refused to acknowledge the supremacy of the Empire in religion as in civil mat- ters; and, after tlu'ce hundi-ed years of martyrdom, they conquered that ci^-il liberty for all the ages. Now men are again talking tliis babl)le, and certainly the battle is being fought in the world of opinions, in the world of convictions. We may have to suffer again; and, therefore, I say, build temples to those great martyi's who suffered and died rather than give to Caesar the honor which be- longs to God only, and to His Church; who, rather than yield their consciences to an emperor, a parliament, or a congress, were willing to be outcasts from society, to go into banishment, willing to abide by God's good pleasiu-e." At the close of the mass, before the benediction, his Eminence addressed a few words to the conjn'eg-ation. "I
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CATHOLIC CUURCHES OF NEW YORK.
certainly do most sincerely offer both my thanks and con- gratvilations to the young and devoted pastor of this Church of St. Agnes for the good work which he has achieved, not only for jon, hut for all the Catholics of this great and populous city of New York. But for you, members of St. Agnes' Chiu'ch, this is truly a most happy, and will ever be to you and to your children a most memorable day. You have, in God's providence, been enabled to build up here a beautiful temple to His honor and glory. You have offered it to Him. You have witnessed with what ceremonies the Holy Church, in the presence of her bishops and ministers, has blessed and consecrated it, and then offered it to Almighty God, begging Him to accept the offering of His loving and devoted childi-en. And He has accepted your offer."
The church was thus opened for the worship of God, but the Association of St. Agnes, formed to create a fund for the building, was continued to aid in extinguishing all debts incurred in its completion.
The clergy, since the organization, have been :
Rev. H. C. Macdowall, Pastor.
Rev. Anthony Catoggio, Assistant in 1873.
Rev. Henry Pratt, Assistant, 1873 to the present time.
Rev. P. J. McCloskey, Assistant, 1876. Died Decem- ber 2, 1877.
Rev. A. J. Keogh, Assistant, 1877.
Rev. William J. ]\IcClure, Assistant, 1878.
I
CIIUHCH or ST. Ali.NES.
REV. HARRY C. MACDOWALL,
PASTOR OF ST. AGNES' CHURCH.
U'J
THE Rev. Harry Cummings Macdowall, the active Pastor of St. Agnes' Chtirch, is a native of Washington, District of Colinnbia, and is of a family which lias already given New York City a priest of mark, in the person of his uncle, the learned and brilliant Dr. Jereiniali W. Cunmiings, .so niniiv vears identified with St. Stephen's Church.
The liev. Mr. Maddowall was born in 1841, and was sent at an early age to that gi-eat seminary of the Auieri- can Church, Mount St. Mary's, Emmittsbui-g. After his course there, liaving devoted himself to the service of God in his church, he completed his divinity studies in the Colh.'ge of the Propaganda at Rome. At the conclusion of his studies he received minor orders, and the subdia- conate and diacon'ate, and was ordained priest on the 13th of June, 1867, in the basilica of St. .John Lateran, by his Eminence Cardinal Constantine Patrizi, Bishop of Ostia and Velletri.
On his return to the United States, he entered on the mission in the Diocese of. New York, and was ap- pointed by the Most Reverend Archbishop, assistant at St. Michael's Chm-ch. In that huge jiarish he labni-f".'
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CHURCH or 8T. AUNES. Hg
REV. HARRY C. MACDOWALL,
PASTOR OF ST. AGNES' CHURCH.
THE Rev. Ilany Cummings Macdowall, the active Pastor of St. Agnes' f'hurcli, is a native of Washington, District of Cohimbia, and is of a family which has ah'eady given New York City a priest of mark, in the person of liis uncle, the learned and brilliant Dr. Jeremiah W. Cummings, so many years identified with St. Stephen's Church.
The Rev. Mr. Macdowall was born in 1841, and was sent at an early age to that great seminary of the Ameri- can Church, Mount St. Mary's, Emmittsburg. After his course there, having devoted himself to the service of God in his church, he completed his divinity studies in the College of the Propaganda at Rome. At the conclusion of his studies he received minor orders, and the subdia- conate and diaconate, and was ordained priest on the 13th of June, ISd?, in the basilica of St. John Lateran, by his Eminence Cardinal Constantine Patrizi, Bishop of Ostia and Velletri.
On his return to the United States, he entered on the mission in the Diocese of New York, and was ap- pointed by the IVIost Reverend Ai-chbishop, assistant at St. Micliael's (^Imrcli. In that large parish he labored six
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CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
years, winning tlie approval of liis ecclesiastical superiors and the attachment of the faithful among whom he min- istered.
When the Most Reverend Archbishop saw, in 1873, the necessity of establishing a new parish, he committed the task to the Rev. Mr. Macdowall, as one who seemed every way fitted to undertake and cany out, undiscour- aged by disheartening circumstances, the erection of the new chm'ch.
The forecast of the superior has not proved falla- cious. The erection of a church like that of St. Agnes is a striking monmnent of zeal, courage, and devotedness ; and the continuance of the ap^jreciation of his Eminence is shown clearly in the encoiu'aging words before he pro- nounced his benediction on the day of the solemn dedi- cation.
Popular with all classes, he has secured in a won- derful degree the attachment of the flock Avhom it is his province to guide and direct.
CHURCH OF ST. AGNES.
121
Roll of Honor.
Ahern, Mary, Miss. Bolger, John. Byrne, John. Cahill, Michael. Campbell, Bernard. Carroll, Peter. Conners, John H. Conway, Frederick V. Cronen, John F. Curran, Michael R. Donovan, Patrick J. Draddy, Robert. Duane, John. Duffy, Mary F. Eagan, John J. Eagan, Thomas F. Fogarty, William.
Ford, Thomas. Gavin, Mary. Haggerty, John. Hardiman, Patrick. Havey, James T. Johnson, James. Kelly, Annie M. Kennedy, Elizabeth. Loughlin, Thomas. McCabe, Henry. McCahill, B. F. McDonald, E. McElroy, Francis. McGowan, -Michael. McGrath, Martin N. McHugh, Michael. McManus, Philip H.
McQuade, Francis. Maguire, John. Mann, George. Mansfield, Henry. Matthews, John. Miller, William. Mullan, Michael. Murphy, Kate. Murray, Julia. O'Connell, Edward. O'Donnell, John J. O'Hara, James. O'Neill, Bernard. Reilly, Lawrence, Mrs. Ryan, Terese. Yoniell, James.
CHURCH OF SAINT ALPHONSUS LIGUORI.
SOUTH FIFTFI AVENUE.
CHURCH OF ST. ALPIIONSUS LIGUORI.
S O U '1' 11 1' I 1' r H A V E N U K .
THE German Catliollcs of New York owe an im- mense debt of gratitude to the Fathers of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. Tlie hibors of individual priests liad been unable to meet the wants of that rapidly increasing portion of the Catholics, and the supply of secular priests was precarious; but when a zealous and numerous body of missionaries entered the field, they soon found that a chiu'ch in one part of the city did not accomplish all they desired.
There had been no church on the west side of the city ^\'here German Catholics could receive instruction in their own language. In 1847, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hughes authorized the Fathers of the Congregation of the ]\Iost Holy Redeemer to establish a mission near the North River. They secm-ed a jdot of ground in Thompson Street, and there, on the 8th of September, the corner- stone of a church, to be under the invocation of the holy fomider of their congregation, St. Alphonsus Mar}' Liguori, was laid by Bishop Hughes. Rarely has a church sprung into existence with such speed as this one. In less than three months, the edifice, under the impidse of Rev.
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CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Father Galiriel Emnpler, C.SS.R., was ready for the use of the congreg-ation. Tlie Chiu'ch of St. Alphonsus was eig'hty-six feet long- ]>y fifty feet Avide. It was plain and iin])retending', and cost only five thonsand dollars; l^nt it was complete, with a hig-li altar, a chapel of Onr Lady, Avith a convenient sacristy behind, and little chapels on either side of the sanctuary, connected with it by lateral doorways, and reached from the aisles of the church by open arches. There was a spacious gallery at the west end, and tlie whole church was plastered and painted. The basement was not yet ready for the school, but an out- lay of a thousand dollars more would fit up proj^erly the five needed class-rooms, as to which there would be no delay.
On the 25th of November, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Hughes dedicated this interesting- church with the usual ceremonial. . The chm'ch seemed indeed under the patronag-e of the great St. Alphonsus Liguori, who, great as a mis- sionary, great as a bishop, great in the Order which he founded, and the works he wrote, continues to instruct the priests of the church by his theology, and to evan- gelize the people of all lands by the priests of his con- gregation, as his works continue to nom-ish piety in the hearts of the faithful, winning them to the Love of Jesus, by his Visits ; to the Love of Mary, by his Glories ; to seek final perseverance, by his Treatise on Prayer ; and to avoid sin, b}- his Commandments and Sacraments.
CHURCH OF ST. ALPIIONSUS LIGUOIII. 125
St. Alplionsiis is almost .1 saint of our own times. Born at Naples, of an ancient noble family, September 26th, 1G96, he entered, after a pious and studious youth, the profession of the law; but was soon convinced of the hollowness of all earthly things, and entered the eccle- siastical state. After his ordination, he began giving mis- sions to revive the religious feelings and instruction of the neglected classes. To carry on his work, he gath- ered a few zealous priests, and founded at La Scala the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. The feme @f tlie wonders wrought by St. Alphonsus and his missioners spread tlu-ough Italy. Pope Clement XIII., in 1762, forced him to accept the See of St. Agatha dei Gotti. He became a model for bishops, as he had been a model for priests. Austerity and labor seemed to prolong an existence prized by all. When nearly eighty, deaf, bent, blind, he solicited permission to resign his see; the Pope declined, not to deprive the diocese of the exami)le of such sanctity. When finally Pius VI. yielded to his entreaty, he retired to a house of his order at Nocera, and died there at the age of ninety, August 1st, 1787, sanc- tifying the time when Doctor Carroll was organizing the Church here as Prefect, and the Pope was about to estab- lish the See of Baltimore. He was beatified by Pope Pius VII. in 1816, and canonized by Pope Gregory XVI. in 1839.
The Chm-ch dedicated to this saint, wliom the late
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CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Sovereign Pontiff declared a Doctor of the Church, was, from the first, jjroductive of great good. It was espe- cially the parochial centre of the Germans on the west- em side of the cit)^ ; but many English-speaking Catholics, as there was no chiu-ch west of Broadway between St. Peter's and St. Joseph's, availed themselves of the services of St. Alphonsus. The cluu'ch was for many years attended from the convent adjoining the Chm'ch of the Most Holy Redeemer, in Third Street ; but in 1866, Archliishop McCloskey and the superiors of the order agreed that it was more advisable to have some Fathers residing permanently near the church, in order to give the faithful their undivided attention. By a document of the Most Reverend ArchVtishop, dated Sept. 24th, 1866, it was to 1)0 no longer a parochial l)ut a missionary cliiu'ch. The Fathers attached to it Avere allowed to i)reach and hear confessions in all those languages in Avhich it was thought they could render aid to the faithfid. ^loreover, they were allowed to perform in said church all the ser- vices and ecclesiastical functions prescribed and permitted liy their rule. Accordingly, on the 9tli of November, the Rev. F. Nicholas Jaeckel, C.SS.R., with some other mem- bers of the congregation, took up their abode at the parochial residence, No. 6 Thompson Street.
It was soon evident that the old clnu'ch was inade- ** quate to the wants of the mixed congregation that at- tended it. Both the German and English-speaking portions.
ClIUKCir OF ST. ALniONSUS LIGUOIH. 127
Mttiiclicd alike to the fliurcli of St, Alplioiisus and tlie iiiiiiistratloiis of the Fathers, ^vere anxious to rear a nobler and more spacious structure in liis lioiior. A liuildin<^ society Avas soon formed, and German, Irish, and Ameri- can Catholics co-operated in harmony.
Groinid was secured so as to run through from Thompson to Lanrens, or South Fifth Avenue, and plans dr«wn for tlie erection there of a clnirch, to be one lumdred and sixty-two feet in length by eighty feet in width. The corner-stone was laid on the 4th of Septem- ber, IS 70, with imposing ceremonies. The children con- nected with the school came in procession to the ground ; a long line of clergy, preceding the Archbishop, next arriveil, and took their stations on a platform. Con- fraternities and temperance societies, with bands of music, came in orderly succession, and di-ew up in double line around the site of the church.
Archbishop ]\rc( 'loskey, in cope and mitre, proceeded to the stone and blessed it in the manner prescribed by the ritual of the Church, and, chanting the Miserere, made the circuit of the ground mai'ked out for the sacred edifice.
In his address to the vast audience, the Archbishop congratulated the people and their pastors on the interest they displayed, in which he himself joined most fully. "You will not allow it to fail," he said; "you will give and give again, and make generous sacrifices to this
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CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
work, which is to be, we trust, the source of niauy blessing's in tlie midst of this vast, and alas ! I must add, wicked cit}', that needs all the opportunities of religious instruction, and sources of religious grace, and means of heavenly benediction, that can possibly be multiplied Avithin it."
After an addi-ess in German by Father Ilelmpraecht, C.SS.R., the Archbishop closed the ceremonies of the day Avitli his benediction.
In little more than a year, the new churcli was ready to receive the flock around the altai". The modest five thousand dollar chm'ch had been replaced by one that cost two hundred and seventy-five thousand. Its front is surmounted by a stone statue of the Holy Doctor, raised to the spot April 28th, 1871. It is one of the most impressive churches in the city, in the dim religious light, the feeling of awe and repose that seems to reign witliin. It is built solidl}- of brick, faced with Ohio brown stone, varied with Ulster Coiuit}- blue stone, and will seat eighteen hundi'ed j^ersons. After passing the railing, on the line of the street, a flight of steps leads up to the tln-ee portals. Confessionals line the sides of the church, with the Stations of the Cross, carved in relievo, be- tween them. The whole interior is beautiful in design and decoration, leading the eye and thought to centre in the altar. This was made in Munich, at a cost of twelve thousand dollars, and is an elaborate and graceful work.
CHURCH OF ST. ALPHONSUS LIGUORI.
129
rifli in its green marble pillars, its profuse gilding, its niches with statues of saints. The organ is worthy of the rhurdi.
It was solemnly dedicated on the 7th of April, 1S72, by his Grace the Archbishop of New York, assisted by the Very Rev. William Starrs, V.G. ; Rev. Fathers Tschen- hens, Cronenberg, and Wirth. After the prescribed cere- monies, a Pontifical High Mass was offered l)y the Right Re^^ Ignatius Persico, then Bishop of Savannah, ^^•it]l Father Freitag as assistant. Father Schadler as deacon, and Father Oberle as subdeacon. In the sanctuary were a number of clergymen of New York and the adjoining dioceses. Two sermons were preached — one in English by the Rev. Joseph Henning, C.SS.R., of St. Louis, and another in German by Rev. Father Loewekamp, C.SS.R., of Philadelphia.
After a few remarks, Arclibishop l\IcCloskey bestowed his benediction, and the vast crowd dispersed, including the Independent Rifle Company, the Societies of the Churches (if the Most Holy Redeemer, Our Lad}- of Sor- rows, St. John the Baptist, and St. Francis of Assisi. In the evening. Bishop Persico delivered a sermon, closing the consoling exer'-Ises of the first day In the new Chiu-ch of St. Alphonsus.
On the 28th of the same month, the church wit- nessed a sj^ectacle peculiarly consoling to the Irish por- tion of the faithful attending the church. The members 9
130
CATHOLIC CllUECUES OF NEW YORK.
of the St. Patrick's Alliance, Father Matthew Temperance Societies, and other similar bodies, moved from Union Square to the cluu'ch, the first society bearing a beauti- ful green banner given to the Alliance by the Nun of Kenmare. An eloquent sermon was })reached by Father Burke, C.S.SR., who solemnly blessed the banner.
Since its erection it has been constantly increasing its good work, and is a favorite with many a\'1io at certain times can even attend mission services here and yet fol- low their regular work. The sight of stalwart, serious men pouring out of a church at a dim hour of the morning, in their working garb, impressed all who beheld it, and a foreign artist sketched the scene as one of the most striking tliat he had witnessed in America.
Connected with the church are the following socie- ties : St. Michael's Beneficial Society, St. Alphonsus' Bene- ficial Societv, and St. Alphonsus' Temperance Society. It has a well managed parochial school-house, where about two hundred and fifty children are instructed by four School Sisters of Notre Dame.
St. Alphonsus Church has liad tlie following rectors : —
Nov. 7, 18G6, Rev. Nicholas Jaeckel, C.SS.R.
Jidy, 1868, Rev. Fekreol Girardey, C.SS.R.
Feb., 1870, Rev. William Wayricu, C.SS.R.
Dec, 1872, Rev. Eugene Grimm, C.SS.R.
July, 1877, Rev. Joseph Wirth, C.SS.R., who is now assisted by seven priests.
CHUliCII OF ST. ALl'HONSUS LIGUORI. 131
REV. JOSEPH WIRTII, C.SS.R.,
PASTOR OF ST. ALPHONSUS' CHURCH, SOUTH FIFTH AVENUE.
THIS clergyman, wlio has directed the church for the hist year, was horn in 1832 at Coblentz on the Rhine, in the territory of Prussia. After passing through the gymnasium in his native phice, where he kept him- self unsullied, he made his choice of a state of life. Leav- ing home and country behind, he proceeded to Belgium, and at the age of eighteen applied for admission as a candi- date in the novitiate at St. Trond. He soon came to the United States with other missionaries of the order, and completed his theological studies at the House of Studies, established by the Redeniptorists at Cumberland, Mary- land. He received the holy order of priesthood from the hands of the learned and Most Rev. Francis Patrick Kenrick, D.D., Ai-chbishop of Baltimore, in June, 1857.
He was engaged in missionaiy labor for more than ten years, residing at various houses of liis order. From 1859 to 1862 he was connected with the Redemptorist Convent attached to the Church of St. Alphonsus, on Saratoga Street, Baltimore. The next two years we find him among the priests of St. Peter's Convent, Philadelphia, who direct the Chm-ch of St. Peter, on Fifth and Franklin Avenues ; then again in the Church of St. Alphonsvis, Baltimore.
132 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
The life of a religious of this order is spent in study, iu the constant exercise of the ministry — preaching, visiting the sick, hearing confessions, and counseling or directing the many who come to such experienced priests for guidance : now perhajDS a Protestant in whose mind and heart the light of truth and grace are struggling with the prejudices and calumnies instilled from child- hood ; again some Catholic, long remiss, a prey to doubt, or one fervent, faitliful, but pei-plexed Avith cares, anxi- eties, uncertainties ; mothers anxious for their sons or daughters ; wives wishing to reclaim husbands ; souls feehng called to a higher life ; others with no fixed ideas; all requiring patience, judgment, and knowledge of religion and of the human heart to guide aright. In 1868, the Rev. Father Wu-th was appointed rector of St. Michael's Chirrch, Baltimore, and in 1871, the i-ector of the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, in Third Street, New York, a position of great importance and responsi- bility, which he filled to the satisfaction of all.
In July, 1877, he became pastor of the Chm-ch of St. Alphonsus, and superior of the little community of Fathers who occupy the convent adjoining the church, where they cany out in an edifying manner the iiile of the holy doctor of the Chm-ch who founded the con- gregation to which they belong, and who is the revered patron of the chm-ch imder their care.
The associates of the reverend pastor in the year
CHURCH OF ST. ALPHONSUS LIGUORI.
133
1878 were the Rev. Eugeue Griimn, C.SS.R; the Rev. Adam Kreis, C.SS.R.; the Rev. Phihi^ Rossbach, C.SS.R.; the Rev. Charles Rathke, C.SS.R.; the Rev. James Keltz, C.SS.R.; the Rev. Matthew Bohn, C.SS.R.; and the Rev. Phihp Colonel, C.SS.R.
Roll of Honor.
Alberi'iz, Jacob. Angermeyer, Andrew. Aufenanger, Anton. Aufenanger, F. Aufenanger, John. Aufenanger, J. L. Baeder, Catharine. Bampf, Joseph. Bechold, George. Beine, Herman. Berger, Catharine. Berk, Peter. Biegel, Mrs. Blank, Anna. Blank, George. Blesch, John. Blessncr, Clement. Blum, llennan. Bode, W. Boes, Werner. Bracht, W. Braeker, William. Brager, William. Bruns, Joseph. Burkhardt, E. Buschmann, Bernard. Cort, John. Dahman, Henry. Dahn, Christina. Decker, Elizabeth. Deiter, Louis. Deitmering, Gerhard. Derenthal, W. Dierker, Hubert. Dryer, John. Dumpel, Henry. Uumpel, Joseph.
Ehrhardt, Emilia. Engel, B. Etzel, Albert. Etzel, Joseph. Etzel, Philip. Fahle, John. Ferber, Gottfried. Fett, Anna. Firnstein, B. Fischer, Martin. Fleckner, John. Fleischer, E. Fleischer, M. Fries, Margaret. Germetden, J. Gersbach, Joseph. Haffner, Charles. Hahn, Anna. Halk, Jacob B. Hanakamp, Franz. Hartman, August. Heberman, George. Heide, Henry. Heidnes, Arnold. Heinrich, John. Hensle, George. Henze, W. J. Kerch, Frank. Herdt, Minnie. Herm, Xavier. Hitzel, Anna M. Horn, John A. Hoppe, August. Hufen, N.
Hughes, Patrick, Mrs. Huhua, John, Jr. Horstman, Caspar.
Keck, Henry. Kirchner, Caspar. Klovekorn, Henry. Kliimke, Gerard. Klung, Andrew. Knapp, Franz. Knaup, Franc, Mrs. Knoedel, Vic, Mrs. Kracht, Franz. Kretzdorn, Ignatius. Krompfeifer, A. Krompfeifer, W. Kuclmer, Caspar. Lammle, Joseph. Lecher, John. Leinneweber, John. Link, Joseph. Linneman, Henry. Liiking, P., Mrs. Mainardy, Henry. Mattes, John. Millemann, Catharina. Miiller, Bernard. Miiller, John. Miiller, "Nicholas. Mumbach, Matthias. Mutz, Martin. Nalter, Franz. Neckert, Franz. Nutt, John. Nutt, Louis. Ocker, Anton. Oehnhausen, ]". Oehnhausen, Louis. Ott, John. Otten, Joseph. Pohle, John.
Pugel, Anton.
Rebholz, J.
Rehermann, Charles.
Ridder, Herman.
Riegler, Jacob.
Rittweger, John.
Sachs, Michael.
Baling, Frederick.
Sassa, Charles, Mrs.
Schaumwecker, Calh.
Schmidt, A.
Schmidt, Jacob.
Schmidt, Josejih.
Schneider, Daniel.
Schrapfer, John.
Schussler, John.
Seller, Margaret.
Serf, Nicholas.
Siefers, August. Sommer, Charles. Staab, Henry. Stengel, Caspar. Stoll, Jacob. Thiel, Nicholas. Thole, Henry. Thone, Frederick,
Uhl, George. Volker, Joseph. Voss, Frederick. Walgerin, Amelia, Mrs. Weiserbach, Joseph. Wertzen, Catherine. Wilhelm, Anton. Wingenfeld, Moritz. Winkle, John. Wuhl, Barbara. Zink, Margaret.
(J li U U C H () F S A I N 'J' AND R E W
ULANE STKKKT AND (TTY TIAU, PLACE
ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.
DUANE STREET AND CITY HALE PEACE.
WHEN the Catholics of New York began to agi- tate against the injustice whicli deprived their paroc-hial schools of the portion of the fund so long paid to them, and so honestly and beneficially expended, in order to devote the whole school money of the community to the Public School Society, in whose institutions Catholic children were required to learn as lessons insults to their faith and libels on theii* clergy, the meetings foiuid no convenient place of assemblage. The basements of St. James' and other churches were at first used, but as it became evident that the stru"'<'le for their ri"hts as American citizens was not to be a Ijrief one, a hall in a central position became desirable. It is one of the curious facts in relation to New York City that you can almost always find a Protestant church for sale. This has often proved advantageous, and did so in the present case. In 1818, the Universalists erected on the corner of Duane Street and Augustus, now City Hall Place, a substantial brick liuilding sixty-seven feet square. The congregation had faded away; the basement \\as used for storing wine and ale. The leasehold on the property, which had nineteen years to run, was accordingly purchased by the Catholics
136 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
earlv in 1.S41, for $5,400, ^\itli tlie view of using- the building for their meeting-s. It received the name of Carroll Hall, and as such it became identified witli the agitation and with the ticket wliich the Catholics were forced to adopt when the politicians of the two politi- cal parties pledged themselves to resist their claim.
A more equitable school system was at last adopted by the Legislatm'e, and the immediate need passed for maintaining a public hall ; but Bishop Hughes found that the growing Catholic j^opulation in that neighborhood required a new church, the accommodations afforded by St. Peter's, the Transfigm-ation, and St. James', being insuf- ficient.
The project waj^ warmly taken xip by the Rev. An- di-CAv Byrne, long pastor of St. James', and by his zeal and energy the building was speedily repaired and fitted up for the offering of the Holy Sacrifice according to our admirable and ancient ritual; and ere long the fee was acquired, and it became entirely Catholic property.
On the 19th of March, 1842, it was solemnly ded- icated in honor of St. Andi-ew by the Right Reverend Bishop Hughes, who delivered a sermon long remem- bered by the people whose happiness it Avas to hear his eloquent words. The High Mass was celebrated by Bishop Benedict J. Fenwick of Boston, who had in early life labored so earnestly and devoutly to Ijuild up Cath- olicity in om- city. In the sanctuary were many of the
ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH. 137
prie.sts of the (•liurclu'S on tlie island, tlu'ee of whom, Rev. Mes.srs. IJyrne, Quarter, and Bacon, wen? soon to become members of tlie liierarchy.
Tlie Churches of the two holy Apostles — " The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother" — thus stand about equally distant from our municipal Park, as if guardians of oiu* cit}''s weal.
It was the j)rivile<'e of St. Andrew to be the first of the Apostles to know oiu' Lord, and his special grace to have Jesus ])ointed out to him as the promised Messias by St. John the Baptist, whose disciple he was. He it was who led to the feet of Jesus his greater brother Peter, and humljh' took an inferior place among the chosen disci2:)les. His field of missionary labor was that part of Southern Russia where France and England grap- pled with her power, and the parts of Turkey just swept by the ]\Iuscovite hordes. His glorious life closed as did his brother's, by martyrdom on the cross; but its form differed also from our Lord's, being like the letter X. He won his triumph at Patra, in Greece, and is honored as a special patron by Russia and by Scotland.
The Rev. Andrew Byrne became the pastor of this new church, and soon after, on the 1st of Ma}-, deliv- ered an eloqiient discourse on the life, character, and services of Bishop England, then recently deceased. He organized the parish with the abilit}- he had elsewhere displayed, but w;is not long afterwards called away to
138
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
direct the new Churcli of the Nativity, in which he liad been interested fmm tlie first. He was succeeded hy the Rev. John Maginness, also fi-oni St. James' Chiu'ch. Under his direction the parisli Ijecame important in nnm- hers and the increasing fidehty of the ])eople to all the duties required by their f\xith.
In 1850 the pastorship was confided by the Host Reverend Archbishop to a priest already experienced in parochial life, who was continuing the zealous hil)ors of his uncle and namesake, for many j'ears a priest in the Diocese of New York. This was the Rev. IVIichacl T'ur- ran, Jr., who was appointed to St. Andrew's C'lnn-ch in lSf)0, and is still, after twenty-eight years' pastoral labor, its parish ])riest. The long connection shows the har- mony existing between the pastor and his ilock, and its annals also show that the churcli retained as assistant, for nearly twenty years, a Polish jn-iest, kno^vn to many of our citizens, the Rev. Lewis Terhykowicz.
Among the interesting incidents in the history of the chiu'ch, may be noted an impressive one on the 30th of May, 1858. Nearly five hundred persons were confirmed. Among them, an aged and infirm man named John Burns, who had never received that sacrament, was sup2)orted to the sanctuary. But the effort was too much for his tot- terinof strength. He sank down on the floor of the sane- tuary. Archbishop Hughes proceeded to the s2)ot and confirmed him. Full of happiness, and A\'ith silent jjrayers,
S'I\ ANDREWS r'TITTRr'TT. J^f)
he A\'as removed, and expired almost iiimiediately, tlie iiiictiou of confii-mation l)eiiig' lils last.
In iSf)!), the city, carrying out some improvements, decided to widen I»iiane Street and open Reade fStreet tlirongh to C'liatliam. Tliis new line, established by the Commissioners, cut oflf a considerable jjortiou of the front of St. Andrew's Church, leaving, in fact, so little of the original building as to render it no longer of ain" use for church jinrposes. Yet so unjust was the assessment, that while only eight thousand dollars was allowed foi- the damage thus done, the congregation were called uj)on to i)av ten thousand dollars for the imairinarv benefit they were to receive.
It became necessary for the pastor and congregation to decide upon a course. The house adjoining the church had some years before been secured as a residence for the pastor. Antiquarians pointed it out as one of the houses occupied for a time by George AYashington ; l)ut St. Andrew's Chm'cli could be maintained only by remov- ing this building and extending the church over the ground. It was accordingly purchased, and a plan ado2)ted for remodeling and beautifying the Ijuilding, by erecting a new front on the proposed sti-eet line, renio^'ing the altar to the north end, and decorating the interior.
Notwithstanding the hard times, the zealous pastor pushed on the Avork rapidly, and adding a spire to the chm-ch, he extended it twenty-five feet in the rear, and
140 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
there erected a very beautiful altar, surmounted by a very artistic painting of the Crucifixion, witli paintings of St. Patrick and St. Andrew on either side. Above tlie altar rose a tabernacle of very chaste design, fitly crowned l)y an exquisite ivory crucifix. The whole interior was also frescoed in a superior manner.
The remodeled church, thus creditably completed, was solemnly dedicateil on the 20th of October, 18G1, by the Very Rev. William Starrs, Vicar-General of the Dio- cese, who celebrated High Mass, assisted by the Rev. John McCloskey, Vice-President of Mount St. Mary's College, and the Rev. Sylvester Malone, of Brooklyn, as deacon and subdeacon, and the Rev. Francis McNeir- ny, now Bishop of Albany, as master of ceremonies. The Rt Rev. John Loughlin, Bishop of Brookl^Ti, de- livered a sermon from the text, " Render unto Csesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
At the solemn vespers in the evening, Dr. McQuaid, now Bishop of Rochester, delivered a discom'se on the goodness, jiower, and magnificence of Mary.
The basement of the chm'ch was fitted up as a con- venient and attractive chapel, and the congregation proved their appreciation of the new edifice by their zeal and liberality. An Altar Society showed the devotion of the ladies ; a Rosary Society, the fervor of the congregation ; while theu' care for the poor was shown in the relief
ST. ANDREWS CnURCTI. 141
afforded b}' the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Ladies' Benevolent Society.
The Sunday-schools, attended by neaidy a thousand childi-en, proved that the rising generation were well trained in the faith of their fathers.
The congregation had for some years peacefully wor- shiped in their restored church, so creditable to their taste and piety, when its annals were dimmed by a sad and terrible accident. As time -vent on, a large commer- cial building was erected beside the modest shrine of St. Andrew, overtopping its roof and cross. In the winter of 1874-5, a fire broke out in this building, then occupied by a great crockery firm. Wlien the flames had con- sumed the wood-work the tall walls were left, and ]jy a criminal neglect were not secured in any way. The church received some slight damage from fire and water, but was not materially injm-ed.
Unsuspicious of danger, the congregation of St. Andrew's continued to use their church, and during the Lenten sea- son the sacred edifice was densely crowded. On the even- ing of Thursday, February 25, 1875, while all were listen- ing intently to a sermon on Death, from the Rev. Thomas CaiToll, of St. Stephen's, there was a sound of rushing wind, a rattling of windows, followed by a crash as of a^^ful thunder. The plastering on the east side of the ceiling gave way, and pointed fragments of rafters were di'iven down on the people in the galleries. One woman, Mary
142 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Gr. Conners, was killed on the spot, and all the rest rushed madly towards the door, in a frantic desire to escape. On the stairs many were injured, and although the clergy, hastening to the spot, endeavored to allay the panic and restore calm, four persons were crushed to death. To the pastor, to whom every member of the flock had grown dear in his long pastorate, this sad accident was a terrible affliction. Overcome by his deep feeling and grief, he offered a solemn requiem for them in St. Peter's.
St. Andrew's C'luu-ch, of wliich the pastor and people had been so proud, was a wreck, tinged with sad and mournful memories ; but the main structure was still firm, and the Rev. Mr. Curran proceeded to restore it once more, and fit it for his people. The falling Avail had crush- ed in a part of the roof, carrying rafters and beams with it, and filling the church with ruin. The restoration re(piired new care and expense ; but St. Andre\v's came forth more at- tractive than ever, and was again dedicated to God's service.
The zeal of the congregation may be seen in the fact that, in the last collection for the benefit of the American College at Rome, that seminary, erected by Pojie Pius IX. of blessed memory, wliich has sent forth so many learned and zealous priests, the little Chm-ch of St. An- di-ew led all others in the amount of its contribution. His Holiness Pope Leo XIII. evinced his appreciation of this liberality by presenting to the venerable pastor an elegant gold chalice for the congregation.
{j]'yl^^yA^^<.^.^<L^
ST. ANDREW'S C^ULRCll.
KEV. MICILVEL CURRAN,
PASTOR 01'' ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.
THE venerable pastor of St. Andrew's is now, in point of ordination as well as in the length of hi^i pastorship, one of the oldest priests of the Diocese of New York He was Ijorn near Eniyvale, in the County of Monag-han, Ireland, in 181-3. Hi.s ]»<)yish ideas all looked to America as hi.-; future home, and ( away In
the determined waj- natural to luui, to lit himself for the battle of life. Though ho left his native counti-}' at the early age of thiitoon, it is characteristic of liim that liis name Mas already signed in Ids boy chirography to a monster petition in favor of Catholic Emancipation.
He landed in Delaware, and was nvelcomed in Penn- sylvania by his uncle, then-pa.stor at Harrisburg, and subsequently well known in New York.
The young man was soon sent to Mount St Mary'.s College, at Emmittsbiu'g, ilaryland, where he spent four years, acquitting himself well and creditabl}-. On leav- ing that institution he went into mercantile life, and \vas for some years in the dry goods business at Rochester; but his mind and heart turned to the sanctuary-, and wise directors guided the impulse.
He accordingly j)roceeded to Canada, and spoTjt eiirht-
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ST. ANDREWS (JUUllCH. 143
REV. ]\riCnAEL OURKAN,
PASTOR OF ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.
THE venerable pastor of St. Ancli-ew's is now, in point of ordination as well as in the lengtli of his pastorship, one of tlie oldest priests of the Diocese of New York. He was born neai' Emyvale, in the County of Monaghan, Ireland, in 1813. His boyish ideas all looked to America as his future home, and he studied away in the determined Avay natvu-al to him, to lit himself for the battle of life. Thouj^li he left his native countr}- at the early age of thirteen, it is characteristic of him that liis name was already signed in his bo}^ chirography to a monster ])etition in fiuor of Catholic Emancipation.
He landed in Dehuvare, and was welcomed in Penn- sylvania by his uncle, then pastor at Harrisburg, and subsequently well known in New York.
The young man was soon sent to ]\Iount St. Mary's College, at Emmittsbm-g, Maryland, where he spent four years, acquitting himself well and creditably. On leav- incr that institution he went into mercantile life, and was for some years in the iby goods business at Rochester; but his mind and heart tiuned to the sanctuary, and wise directors guided the impulse.
He accordingly proceeded to Canada, and spent eight-
144
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
een months in a seminary near Montreal ; bnt Bishop Hughes had meanwliile estahhshed a diocesan seminary at Rose Hill, Fordham, and summoned the yoiuiy Levite to complete his course of divinity there. Here he Avas among the first to enroll his name, and, persevering in his ^■o- cation, was ordained by Bishop Hughes, in the chapel attached to the institution, on the 14th of April, 1844.
As he had evinced no little skill in management, ha])} lily condjining firmness with gentle persistence and great system, he was made prefect of discipline in St. John's College, and for a year discharged the duties of the arduous post with general satisfaction.
He was then permitted to begin his career as a missionary priest in a great city; and, as assistant at St. James' Church, had a jjosition that reqiured great jiatience, charit}', endurance, and zeal. The probation showed his qualities, and Bishop Hughes sent him to the parish of St. John the Evangelist. That cluu'ch had just been sold imder a foreclosure, and his charge was one of difficulty. For two years, the Rev. Mr. Curran assem- bled his parishioners in the building which had many years previous been occupied by the Jesuit Fathers as a college. Here he said mass, and, by laboring, nego- tiating, and collecting, sacrificing all personal comfort to the end in view, he succeeded in rejiurchasing the church on favorable terms, and in one year reduced the debt incurred from eight thousand to two thousand dollars.
ST. ANDKEW.S CllUliClI. 145
His success induced the bishop to appoint liim to St. I'c'ter's, then nuich involved, hiit he slu-ank from the task, and accepted readily the liunibler position of j)astor of St. Anih-ew's, in 1850. His labors in that parish we have seen.
Tlie Rev. Mr. Ciu'ran found the church in great finan- cial embarrassment, but he so won on his people that his fii'st call on them to meet a long standing debt — a srenerous loan made at the commencement of the church, and now neeil('(l by the lender to enable him to return, an invalid, to his native land — was so liberally met that he had a svu-phis for other claims also.
During a few years of his pastorship, the Rev. Mr. CmTan, by constant exertion, succeeded in relieving his church entirely from a debt of $22,000. Ha\-ing cleared the chm'cli of debt, he secured a pastoral residence ; then restored the chiu-ch when the cit}- had wrecked it, and paid off most of the debt incm-red, and has since been compelled to restore it once more.
The restoration in 1859 was not accomplished with- out great personal exertion on the part of the pastor, as the cost amounted to over fifty thousand dollars, including the purchase of a new parochial residence. Within the year from the connnencement of the Avork, the Rev. ]\Ir. CmTan, by collections, lectures, and fairs, paid off no less than twenty-seven thousand dollars.
In the fearful accident, he was nearly addci] to the 10
146 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
victims. The chair on which he sat was crushed to atoms, and he was covered with dust and plaster ; but without a thought for himself, he hastened at once to still the panic, and prevent, as far as he could, the fatal consequences. That many more did not perish is due, in no small degree, to his coolness and power of com- mand.
His residence, simple and plain as liimself and his flock, shows the affection of his people. A beautiful and enduring marble table bears indelibly his name and that of the chui'ch, so long associated in the hearts of the faithful; and on the mantel stands a frame with a poet- ical tribute from the Sisters of Mercy, to one who has for thirty years been their earnest friend and supporter.
ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.
147
Roll of Honor.
Bennett, George. Bowers, Charles W. Broderick, Edward. Burke, Michael. Burney, Ann, Mrs. Byrne, Hugh. Campbell, James. Carleton, John. Cavanagh, Michael. Clancy, James. Clarke, Francis J. Clifford, James. Comerford, Ellen, Mrs. Conway, John. Corrigan, P. Costello, James. Cox, Bridget. Curtis, Mary, Mrs. Devins, Patrick. Divver, Patrick. Downey, Cornelius J. Doyle, James P. Doyle, Patrick. Driscoll, Daniel. Duane, Michael. Dunleavy, Bridget. Dunphy, James. Emmett, Charles. Fitzgerald, Thomas. Flynn, James. Flynn, Patrick. Foley, Michael. Foster, Charles.
Freel, Hugh. Freel, Patrick.
Gallagher, Martin. Geraghty, Ennis. Gougherty, Bernard. Grady, M. Hamill, T.
Harrington, William. Healey, Jane. Hennessy, Eliza. Higgins, Patrick. Hurley, Thomas H. Jones, Morgan. Keane, Maurice. Kearns, Joseph. Kennedy, William H. Kerwin, Michael. Lewis, John. Lysaght, Mary, Mrs. McCann, Owen. McClaine, Alexander. McCloskey, Andrew, Jr. McGuire, Mary, Mrs. McKenna, Ann, Mrs. Mackey, John. McPartland, Daniel. Martin, Patrick. Martin, Patrick, Jr. Mehegan, Patrick. Melvin, Matthew. Mitchell, John. Molaghan, Mary A., Mrs. Moloney, William H.
Molony, Edward.
Mountjoy, William.
Mukloon, Patrick.
Muliins, John, Mrs.
Mulrooney, Cath., Mrs.
Murray, Ann, Mrs.
Nicholson, John.
Nugent, William S.
O'Brien, John D.
O'Callahan, Dennis.
O'Connor, Dennis J.
O'Connor, Lucy, Mrs.
O'Connor, Thomas.
O'Dea, John, Mrs.
O'Donohue, Patrick.
O'Leary, Timothy.
O'Neil, Cornelius.
O'Neil, Daniel.
O'Rourke, Francis.
O'Sullivan, Ellen.
Perfetti, Margaret, Mrs.
Riordan, Eugene.
Rouse, John.
Russell, Michael.
Ryan, James.
Ryan, Mary T. Shea, John B. Smith, Hugh. Skehan, Murtha. Smith, P. M. Tallon, Patrick. Ward, Patrick. Whelan, Jane, Mrs.
CHURUII OF SAINT ANN.
EAST TWELFTH STREET.
SAINT ANN'S CHURCH
EAST TWELFTH STIJKET.
ON East Twelfth Street, between Tliird and Fourth Avenues, stands an ekignnt Frencli Gothic church, of very pure design and of noble dimensions, dedicated to St. Ann, the ho]y spouse of St. Joachim and mother of the Blessed Virgin IMarA'.
It is one of the triumphs of Mary, that even in those sects that have cut themselves off from the Church of her Divine Son, she has, in a manner, forced them to continue to dedicate churches in her own honor, and even in honor of her holy mother. Tliere were Protestant churches of St. Ann in this cou-ntry before Catholics had erected on(}.
In 1852, the want of a church somewhere in the vicinit}' of Astor Place began to be felt. As the ex- act position of the futm-e church of the parish could scarcely be decided, the Most Reverend Archbishop deter- mined to secure some convenient building for temporary use. A church stood on Eightli Street offering itself to the buyer. It was not without its history Years be- fore, it had reared its spire on Murray Street, and echoed to the voice of jMason, a once famous preacher
150 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
of Calvin's terrible tenets. In time it had been taken down, stone by stone, carted np to Eighth Street, and rebnilt. As a Presbyterian church it did not succeed; it became Episcopal, then Presbyterian again. Its halls had heard indeed many forms of error, l)ut the time had come, as Mr. Disosway suggests, when disheartening dog- mas and unscriptural worship were to give way to the consoling faith, the .apostolic liturgy of the Chiu'ch of the Li^^ng• God.
The building once acquired was speedily adapted to the noblest and hohest form of worship, the altar and chancel being the work of Mr. Walsh, an excellent archi- tect. The chiu'ch was dedicated to Almighty God under the invocation of St. Ann, on the 1st of June, 1852. Seldom has a church dedication gathered so many dis- tinguished bishops as were seen that day in the sanctuary of the new church. Besides the Most Reverend Arch- bishop of New York, there might be seen Bishops Miles of Nashville, Fitzpatrick of Boston, O'Connor of Pitts- burgh, and Spaulding of Louisville, with the Rev. Messrs. Loughlin and Bacon, subsequently bishops. Very Rev. William Starrs, Dr. Pise, and many of the city clergy.
The dedication ceremonies were performed by Bishop Miles of Nashville, and when the building had thus been set apart for Catholic worship, the Rt. Rev. John B. Fitzpatrick, Bishop of Boston, celebrated a Pontifical High Mass, with the learned Dr. Jeremiah W. Cummings as
SAINT ANN'S CHURCH. 151
deacon, tlie Rev. George McCloskey as subdeacon, and tlie Rev. Annet Lafont as assistant. After tlie semion the Rt. Rev. Michael O'Connor, IVishop of Pittsburgh, preached a very able and eloquent sermon, taking as his text the words of the gospel: "An adulterous generation seeketh for a sign ; a sign sliall not be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet."
Tlie new church thus placed under the patronage of St. Ann was soon well attended. Devotion to this model of mothers is less diffused among us than among our neighbors, the Catholics of Canada, where a celebrated pilgrimage has long endeared her to the pious by the many favors obtained through her intercession; the In- dians, too, who were won in early times by the French missionaries, shared the devotion, and all their chm-ches in Maine are dedicated to St. Ann.
She was the wife of St. Joachim, and their holy life of domestic peace, affection, and piety, had but one trial, which it required all their virtue to bear. They Avere childless. This was then a reproach among the Jews, and was looked upon almost as a punishment from God. Tradition says that St. Ann, treated with contumely on that account, offered special sacrifices in the temple of God to be delivered from her reproach. A daughter was given to her, in A\hom all the nations of the earth were to be blessed, who Avas to be saluted by an angel from heaven and become the mother of the long ex-
162
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
pected Messias. Their child was, however, a special gift from Heaven, and they consecrated her specially to God, presenting her in the temple at the age of three. Blessed in seeing her grow up in piety witliin those sacred walls, they died full of gladness and holy hope, before her beti'othal to St. Joseph, as the silence of the gospels evidently gives us to understand.
The Church of St. Ann was confided to the Rev. John Murray Forbes, who remained in charge of the mission till the year 1859, assisted from time to time by various clergymen. The Rev. H. T. Brady then directed it for a short time, but in 1862 the parish was confided to the care of the worthy Chancellor of the (li(icese. Rev. Thomas S. Preston, whose name has ever since lieen identified with the Church of St. Ann.
He made great improvements in the interior, and replaced the altar by one fiir grander, and obtained one of the largest organs then in the city. The church met the wants of the parish for a few years longer, but it soon stood in the centre of a business population, and there Avas no ground near that could be acquired at any reasonable price for a pastoral residence or for schools and other parochial use. It was finally determined to abandon the old site and seek a new location for St. Ann's. Ground was obtained running tlu^ough from Eleventh to Twelfth Street, part of it being covered by a building erected as a Jewish synagogue. St. Ann is a saint of the
SAINT ANN'S CHURCH. 153
old law, aiifl as tli(^ Clmrch of the new law thus shows her union with the past, it was not without a certain analogy that a church of St. Ann should rise on the spot where the ancient Jewish service Avas recited in the language which she had heard in her day in the temple and s}Tiagogue. The corner-stone of the new church was laid by the Vicar General of the diocese, the Very Rev. AVilliam Starrs, on Sunday, July 1st, 1870.
The Very Rev. Dr. Preston resolved to make his new church at once splendid and enduring. It is one hundred and sixty-six feet in length and sixt)'-three feet eight inches in width, the architecture being the pvu-e French Gothic of the thirteenth century. The plan was to erect a solid and svxbstantial editice, and no cost was spared to insure permanent beauty. The Ijuilding cost one hundred and sixty thousand dollars, and was completed in the latter part of the year 1870. Tlie interior is divided into a nave, Avith a clerestory and aisles. The nave terminates in an apsis at the southern end, which gives ample space for the high altar and two cliapels. On each side of the church runs a galler)', but not ex- tending so fiir as to overlook the altar, stopping Avithin thirty feet of the chancel. The ceilings of the nave and aisles are groined, and the exterior of the pews and the front of the galleries are executed in hard wood. Tlie sacristies are between the church and the school building. The interior decorations are not glaring, but quiet- and
154
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
subdued, giving tlie church a devotional, without a gloomy look, and that eminent sense of quiet which falls so sooth- ingly on a mind vexed and perplexed l)y the cares of this world.
No })ortion of the former structure was retained in the new church except a part of the front wall, Avhich was used without impairing symmetry or strength.
In the rear of the church, and fronting Eleventh Street, was erected a well-built parochial school-hovise, seventy-five feet by forty feet, and four stories in height, with a capacious basement. It is fitted uji with all the improvements that have been tested and accepted in schools generally.
This fine church was dedicated on the 1st day of January, 1871, the Most Reverend Archbishop performing the ceremony. The ritual calls for a procession around the church, and then aroun<l the interior, sprinkling the walls with holy water, accompanied by prayer. The former part of the ceremony is seldom possible with our city churches, which are closely surrounded by other buildings ; but the procession moves around within, chant- ing the Miserere and the Litany of the Saints, with a special invocation asking God to vouchsafe to cleanse and bless the church and altar to His honor, and in the pres- ent case in the name of St. Ann. Then comes the special prayer : "0 God, who hallowest the places dedicated to thy name, pour forth upon this house of prayer, thy
SAINT ANN'S CHURCH. 155
grace, that all who here invoke thy name may feel tlie help of tliy mercy."
After the close of the touching- dedicatory service.s, the altar was adorned for the sacrifice, and a Solemn High j\rass Avas offered np, the celebrant being the A^icar General, the Very Rev. AYilliam Starrs; the deacon, the Rev. R. L. Ikn-tsell, D.I)., pastor of the Chm-ch of the Epiphan}', who had for a time been assistant at the former church; the subdeacon, the Rev. J. A. Keog-h; the master of ceremonies, the Rev. Francis McNeirny, then secretary to the Archbishop, assisted by the Rev. W. C. Poole. The music was worthy of the occasion, being under the direction of Prof Louis Dachauer, the org-anist of the church, a grand orchestra blending its sti-ains Avith those of the noble org-an.
The sermon was delivered by the Most Rev. John McCloskey of Albany, now Cardinal and Archbishop of New York; his text being from the sublime prophecy of St. John, Apoc, xxi. 2 : " And I John saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice from the tlu-one, saying. Be- hold the tabernacle of God with men, and he will dwell with them. And they shall be his people, and God him- self with them shall be their God."
After congratulating the congregation and their worthy pastor on the completion of the work, which had for so
156 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
long- a time occiipied tlieir thoughts and demonstrated tlieh- zeal, he showed that the Almighty had from the l)eg-inning prescribed various formalities, which invested the place of sacrifice with a certain sacred character, and that blessings might be expected by the faithful for their devotion to their temples. It was onl}- when Cath- olics looked with the eye of faith at the sacred con- tents of their tabernacles, and contemplated the sublime dogma of Christ's sacramental presence on their altars, the secret of the Chin-cli's unity of faith, tliat they could realize why the Church has ever sought to render sanctuaries as splendid as the ^^•orld's wealth can make them, and why they have an abiding hope that tlieir exertions in this regard will meet with due acknowledg- ment from Him who is justice itself
In this sacred edifice the Blessed Sacrament Avould now be offered up daily for the spiritual strengthening of the faithful. Innumerable were the advantages which the Catholics of the pnrish w^ould derive from the church, which had that day been solemnly blessed. Henceforth it would stand to testify to the strength of their relig- ious faith, and be at the same time the fountain of many benedictions for them.
Here would come the sinner, bending beneath the weight of sin, to find peace and j^fii'tlon in the tribunal of penance. From this altar the Clu'istian soul, refreshed by the Bread of Angels, would go forth with renewed
SAINT ANN'S CH[:RCH. 157
strength to battle agfiinst the enemies of salvation. Here they would come to send up their prayers, and to as- sist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, beseeching- the Giver of all good gifts to visit them with such bless- ings as in His mercy and kninvledge He saw to be necessary for their sjiiritual welfare.
"I sincerely pray that God will give you all the grace of final perseverance in virtue, so that after doing your duty here below, you may at last, when God calls you hence, die the death of the just, and be permitted to adore God in those tabernacles where 'faith is vision and hope possession,' and where the rcAvard of a Avell- spent life is the happiness that knows neither limit nor end."
At the solemn vespers, in the evening, a sennon was preached by the Rt. Rev. Dr. John Loughlin, Bishop of Brooklyn.
The church, begun under such hap[)y auspices, lias enjoyed great prosperity. Tlie faithful have contributed liberally to all the methods adopted for reducing the in- cumbrances on their noble temple, and delivering it abso- lutely from debt.
The parochial school, admirably accommodated in the building erected for the purpose, is directed by the Sis- ters of Charity, and muubers some two hundred and fifty boys and nearly six hundred girls.
The parish has an institution under its charge, the
158 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
admirable " House of the Holy Family for Befriending- Cliildren and Young Girls," at 136 Second Avenue, which shelters a hundi-ed inmates in its walls, and has ex- ceeded even the most sanguine anticipations of the good it was to accomplish.
On the feast of Corpus Clmsti, Jmie 20th, 1878, the St. Ann's Literary Union was organized, in rooms fitted up for their rise in Eleventh Street. The Union is under the spiritual directorship of the Rev. James W. Hayes. There is a Literary Society of Yoimg Ladies, directed by Rev. Tliomas F. Lynch. There are also Soci- eties of the Blessed Vu-gin, for both men and women.
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SAINT ANN'8 CHURCU.
159
VERY REV. THOMAS S. PRESTON,
VICAR GKNERAL AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DIOCESE OF NEW VOKK.
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THE pastor of St. Ann's has discharged, besides the parocliial duties among the flock confided to liis care, important and responsihK; trusts in the diocese, hold- ing the positioTi of Vicar (Uuieral, and also of Chancellor. Notwithstanding all this, he has made leisure for hterar} work, and enriched oui- libraries with doctrinal and de- votional works, as clear in exposition as they are replete with piety and unction.
He was bom at Hartford, Connecticut, in July, 1824, and was educated in his native city, having been grad- uated in 1843 from Trinity College, which was the Alma Mater also of the late Ai-chbisho]) Bayley.
He was then a member of the Protestant Episcopal Chiu'clx,. and wishing to devote liimself to the ministry, he entered the General Theological Seminary of that body, in New York City, and ha^'ing p^lssed through their com-se of di^-inity, was ordained a minister in 1846. The awakening of sound study and sounder thought in that body, both in England and this country, had, how- ever, gone so far, that many who entered the ministry began to feel that tiuo peace and true faith could be
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SAINT ANN'S CHUECII. 159
VERY REV. THOMAS S. PRESTON,
VICAR GENERAL AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DIOCESE OF NEW YORK.
THE pastor of St. Ann's has discharged, besides the parocliial duties among the flock confided to his care, important and responsible trusts in the diocese, hold- ing the position of Vicar General, and also of Chancellor. Notwithstanding all this, he has made leisure for literary work, and enriched our libraries with doctrinal and de- votional works, as clear in exposition as they are replete with piety and unction.
He was born at Hartford, Connecticut, in Jixly, 1824, and was educated in his native city, having been grad- uated in 1843 from Trinity College, which was the Alma Mater also of the late Archbishop Bayley.
He was then a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and wshing to devote himself to the ministry, he entered the General Theological Seminary of that body, in New York City, and having passed tlu-ough then- com-se of divinity, was ordained a minister in 1846. The awakening of soimd study and sounder thought in that body, both in England and this country, had, how- ever, gone so far, that many who entered the ministry began to feel that true peace and true faith could be
160 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
found alone in that cluircli from wliicli tlioir ancestors, some few by choice, but most by compulsion, separated in the sixteenth century.
Mr. Preston was one of these. The lig-ht dawning on his mind was not . rejected ; prayer for guidance brought gi-ace and strength, and he became a Catholic in 1849. His vocation to the priesthood was deemed so solid, his study of Catholic theology so extensive, that after a short pei'iod in St. Josejih's Seminary, Fordham, he was ordained in the Avinter of the following year, November 16th, 1850, by the Rt. Rev. John McCloskey, Bishop of Albany.
After being for a time assistant at St. Patrick's Cathe- dral, he was appointed to the newly established Church of tlie Immaculate Conce^ition at Yonkers. Here he did much to give the parish a proper organization, drew in the careless and negligent, won many to the faith, and sliowed all tlie qualities of a good priest.
In October, 1853, Archbishop Hughes appointed him his secretary, and he returned to the Cathedral. The Rev. J. R. Bayley, in order to systematize the business of the diocese, had labored to organize a Chancery office, and Rev. Mr. Preston was selected, in 1855, to take charge of this important department. Under his direction every- thing has become as systematic and well ordered as the affairs of a government or financial institution. In this he has rendered signal service to the diocese, and diu-ing
SAINT ANN'S CUURCH.
ICA
his long incumbency has given such a precedent for all departments connected with it, that there will be no difficulty in maintaining the high standard attained.
In 18G1, as we have seen, he was appointed pastor of St. Ami's Church, and continued to discharge his old duties without interfering with the laborious calls of his parish, although the purchase of ground and the erection of a new church, with its schools, might well have been deemed sufficient labor for one priest.
After discharging these combined duties for twelve years, a new honor, with corresponding burdens, was con- ferred upon him. The Archbishop of New York made the Rev. ]Mr. Preston one of his Vicars General. As a mem- ber of the Archbishop's Council, he had already been one of the advisers of his Grace on the affairs of the diocese ; his new jjosition required also at times an active part in the administration.
lie is, as may be seen, one of the most hard work- ing as he is one of the most amiable and beloved of the priests in the diocese ; neither among the clergy nor the faithful have any been found to complain of his ac- tion in the various and often delicate matters before him.
As a preacher, he is polished, elofpient, and convinc- ing, as his published sermons attest. Besides these he has written, "The Ark of the Covenant," "Lectures on Chris- tian Unity," "Reason and Revelation," "The Vicar of
Christ," "Christ and the Church." 11
1G2
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The Catholic Woiid says of the Very Rev. Mr. Pres- ton : " He has merited well of the Church by his zeal- ous and efficient devotion to the cause of the Pope and the Holy See, and his continual efforts to instruct the Catholic laity in sound doctrine in this most essential mat- ter. The style is grave and serious, copious and flowing, and warmed with a spirit of fervent love to the souls of men. It is the style, not of a mere essayist, but of a preacher."
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SAINT ANN'S CHURCH. ifj;] |
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Roll of H |
ONOR. |
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Ashman, Amaziah L. |
Hatfield, S. |
Maguire, Peter W. |
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Barrett, Jane, Mrs. |
Hennessy, Dennis. |
Mohan, Thomas. |
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Bedford, Gunning S. |
Hogan, Michael. |
Murray, Ann, Mrs. |
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Birmingham, Edward. |
Hutchison, John. |
Navarro, Jose F. de |
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Brennan, Edward. |
Jewell, Frank H. |
O'Brien, John. |
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Chatillon, Cath., Mrs. |
Kerrigan, Charles. |
O'Brien, William. |
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Coffin, George. |
Keyes, Edward L. |
O'Connor, Thomas J. |
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Coudert, Frederick R. |
Kinnear, Margaret A. |
O'Shaughnessy, John \V. |
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Delan<i, Catharine, Mrs |
• Latasa, F., Mrs. |
0'Shaughnessy,J. R. G. |
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Dehnonico, Lorenzo. ' |
Lawler, Michael. |
Otis, Frank. |
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Dooley, James. |
Le Brun, Napoleon. |
Philbin, Stephen. |
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Dufify, Richard G. |
Lynch, Teresa, Mrs. |
Plunkett, Peter E. |
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Dunn, M. J. |
Lyness, B. |
Rafter, Edward. |
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Echeverria, Pio. |
McClure, D. |
Reidy, Ellen. |
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Farnham, Margaret G. |
McGovern, Edward. |
Reilly, Bryan. |
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Fay, Edward. |
McGuire, Mary. |
Reynolds, Mary, Mrs. |
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Ferrero, Edward. |
McKeon, John H. |
Rigney, Elizabeth, Mrs. |
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Gass, John E. |
McKeon, M., Mrs. |
Short, Michael. |
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Gaynor, John. |
McKnight, Thomas. |
Smith, James F. |
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Gibert, Frederick EdwM |
. McMahon, Martin T. |
Starr, F. J. |
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Goggin, Eugene. |
McMahon, P. |
Ward, Ann M., Mrs. |
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Griffin, James. |
Maguire, Andrew. |
CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION.
BROADWAY, COKNEK OF WEST ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIRST STREET.
CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION.
BROADWAY AND ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIRST STREET, MANHATTANVILLE.
FOR many years St. Paul's Church at Harlem was the only shrine of religion for the Catholics scattered over the northern part of Manhattan Island, there being no church above the line of Fiftieth Street, where the Church of St. John the Evangelist remained as an outpost of the advancing city. IVIany remember a French gentleman re- siding in Manliattan\'ille, who, in the days of Bishop Du Bois, used to be seen making his way on foot to the Cathedral, with one of his children on his shoulder and the other by his side.
Yet the Catholic body had increased, and many res- idents of means had settled in and around Manhattan- villc ; among others, Andrew Carrigan, Terence Donnelly, and Daniel Devlin. These and many others urged the erection of a church near the shores of the Hvidson, and on the 28th of October, 1852, the Most Reverend Arch- bishop confided to an energetic young })riest, the Rev. Arthur J. Donnelly, the disti-ict north of One Hundi-edth Street and west of Eiglitli A^'enue as his parish.
166 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The Brothers of the Cliristian Schools luul resolved to establish a college in the northern part of the island, and had selected this very district as most suitable for their piu-pose. The Rev. Mr. Donnelly resolved to act in conjunction with them, and, guided Ijy the advice of the gentlemen already named, who, as large landliolders, were conversant with the advantages and value of })rop- erty, the Cliristian Brothers and the new pastor pur- chased, at the rate of four hundi-ed dollars a lot, the two gore blocks bounded Ijy One Hundred and Thirty- first Street and One HuntU-ed and Thirty-thii'd Street, Broadway and the Boulevard, then styled Eleventh Avenue
As the Christian Brothers gave Rev. Mr. Donnelly the choice of such portion as he deemed necessary for the proposed church, he selected six lots on the corner of Broadway and One Hundred and Thirty-first Street. A huge mass of rock, containing more than three hundi-ed cubic feet, towered high above the sti'eet, which cost months of toil and blasting to remove, in order to pre- pare the site for the new church.
To collect his flock till the projected edifice was erected, the Rev. Mr. Donnelly adapted for his purposes an old two-stor}^ frame d\\'elling standing on the line of the unopened Eleventh Avenue. It was only some tliirty feet square, but by extending the sides by sheds, and opening the building through to the roof, a temporary chapel of moderate demensions was obtained.
CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION. 1G7
Here, on Passion Sunday, 1853, the Holy Sacrifice was offered for tlie first time in the parish.
The site of the new church was at last ready, the foundation was begun, and everything was in readiness for the religious ceremonial of laying the corner-stone. To give greater solemnity to the occasion, Archbishop Cajetan Bedini, the first envoy from the Holy See to this country, kindly consented to officiate in the rites. A pro- cession moved from the residence of the pastor to the newly begun Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady. On Sunday, November 27th, 1853, the venerable represen- tative of his Holiness, in mitre and cojoe, with the crosier of his holy office, moved solenndy on, svuTounded by a guard of honor from St. Stephen's Church, and b}' the clergy and faithful, whose zeal and devotion compensated, in some degree, for the martyrdom he endured in this republic from his infidel countrymen and their American dupes. On reaching the platform erected for the cere- mony, he blessed the water, and proceeded around the walls of the new chm-ch, dedicating the future edifice for the service of God. He then laid the corner-stone, hav- ing deposited beneath it an inscribed parchment record of the act, and other articles commemorative of the happy occasion. An eloquent sermon was then delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah W. Cummings.
"There is a contrast," said he, "between the simple evidence of the work, which, up to the present, stands before
168 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
your eyes, and the magnificence of the rites with which it is blessed ; l>ut it is generally observed that the great- est results are obtained from the smallest beginnings ; the greatest powers are not those whose first manifestations are the most striking. The noise of jjowder exploding, which is often heard in this neighborhood while the rocks are being removed — which divide one arm of the old Hudson from the other — this noise startles the whole neighborhood and attracts the notice of all ; yet how great was the power that patiently, so to speak, gradually, time after time, and part after part, piled up that mass of rock which is before you, on the other side of the church ! And yet it was not attended with any noise — with any outward manifestation of its progress. You read its power in the immense results which have been brought about by it. So it will be — so let us all pray it may be — with this Chui-ch of Manhattanville, which now has progressed only a little, but which, let us hoj^e, will arise and tower up in time, so that the attention of the passer-by may be attracted to it from a distance, and his admiration be excited and aroused as he nears the sacred building, and as he goes on his way, leaving it behind him. ... It is consoling for you to know that in the eye of God, and in the eye of the Chm-ch, your work is looked upon with the same respect, the same admu'ation, the same veneration, as all the greater works of your brethren in the faith, of whose under-
CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION. 169
tixkinii's ill other lauds \t>u are daih' iiifornied. Yet even the representative of the Hoi}' Fatlier, who has so often gazed Ujjon tlie h)ft}' walls of St. Peter's, knows there is no difference between the simple altar which will be here in this place and the magnificent structure in Rome at which mass is celebrated. He has seen tlie Father of the Faithful engaged in offering up the Sacrifice of Atonement; and he, also, in different times, has cele- brated the Holy Sacrifice within the sacred Avails of that holy building. And yet the interest he feels in his heart in seeing what you are engaged in, is the saiue as what he feels there, so far as faith is concerned. Do not believe that in making these remarks I mean to say the work in which you are engaged is not a noble one, for I am informed that it will be larger than the usual size of Catholic churches in tlie City of New York ; and I am sure it will not only be an honor to you but to the whole island. But the works of man, what- ever they may be, are acceptable to Almighty God only Avhen offered in a proper spirit. . . . Tliere are men probably present who remember to have gone on a journey to Rev. Mr. Power of St. Peter's Church, when Christian consolation Avas wanted in such a place as Manhattanville. And since that time Iioav much has been done in the increase of the city ! How inucli has been done for the increase of the number of those belonging to our religion, and of the churches in which
170 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OP NEW YORK.
we may worship ! But while we are siuToiinded by temporal blessings, which go on increasing, we must not forffet the benefits which have been showered on us by Him who is the Giver of all good gifts. Show j-OTU- gratitude to God by offering at His slnine a portion of your goods from time to time. Stand by your pastor, and do not desert him. Do not let your zeal cool until the building which you have begun has been completed — until your fi'iends and yoiu-selves will be gathered here again, not to witness the laying of a corner-stone, but to witness its dedication to the worship of Almighty God."
At the close of the address the Niuicio gave his benediction, and the vast assemblage departed.
Standing- among: the crowd who witnessed the cere- mony, with his head uncovered from its commencement to its close, notwithstanding the Ideak wind of November that was blowing, Avas the venerable form of Thomas O'Conor, one of the earliest pioneers of the Catholic press in America — an author of nci slight repute among us — whose recollection carried him back to the time when the old St. Peter's Church was the onl)- shrine of Cath- olicity on the whole of Manhattan Island.
His illustrious son Charles O'Conor is a striking figure not in the city only, but in the country ; but his venerable father long held in the affections of the Cath- olics of New York a place that ought not to be forgotten.
CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION. 171
The cluii-ch was to be aiKitlK-r tribute of tlie love of the people to the Blessed Virgin. Besides tlie church dedicated to her as St. Mary, there is a church to honor the special privilege by which she Avas preserved from the taint of original sin in her immaculate conception ; and this church was to honor the mystery of the In- carnation, when the archangel Gabriel announced to her that she was to be the mother of the Messias, whom the patriarchs had longed to see and behold. It was to be like a perpetual Angelus announcing that "the Word Avas made flesh."
By the exertions and sacrifices of the pastor, the church was at last completed in the winter of 1854 — a beautiful structure in its picturesque position on the hill- side fronting- the Blooming'dale Road, now Broadway-. It was solemnly dedicated, in the winter of 1854, by the Very Rev. William St;irrs, Vicar General of the Diocese, the Archbishop being then absent iu Europe. The sermon on the occasion was delivered by the Rev. J. Murray Forbes, who, taking as his text, " Behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed," showed how reason- able and how consoling to the Christian heart was the devotion paid by the Church to the Blessed Virgin.
The cluu'ch is fifty-seven feet in width by ninety in depth, of the ancient Gothic style, solidly built of l)rick trinnned and pointed witli stone fiicings. ^^'h('ll completed, it cost abont S25,0()() ; and all this was paid except about
172 CATHOLIC CHUKCHES OF NEW YORK.
$10,000. It had some liberal benefactors. The chancel windows Avere the gift of Charles M. Connolly, Esq. When the Churt'h of the Annunciation was erected, the grades of the streets had not been definitively settled, and in opening- the Boulevard so much was cut away that the sacred edifice now stands on an eminence tower- ing hiffh in air. Its architecture, idain and almost stern, inspires a kind of awe ; but as you enter, the mellow light tlu-ough the stained glass at the sides and in the chan- cel, through pictured evangelists, gives a holy calm. In the lancet-shaped apsis stands the beautiful altar, with a painting of the Annunciation and another of the Immacu- late Conception. Within the rail, just at the edge of the recess, are altars of the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph ; and to the riglit, at the extremity of the aisle, is a Chapel of the Sacred Heart, exquisite in taste.
Among the prominent pew-holders were Dr. Levi Silliman Ives, who laid down at the feet of the successor of St. Peter the insignia of his position as Bishop of North Carolina in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and his wife, a daughter of Bishop Hobart, once bishop of the same church in Ne\\' York, who wavered under the argu- ments of Bishop Connolly, but never embraced the faith.
The Christian Brothers carried out their plan, and on the ground retained by them erected Manhattan Col- lege, one of the most thriving and good-doing of our Catholic literary institutions.
CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION. 173
The Rev. Mr. Donnelly was succeeded in the charge of the churcli by the Rev. F. H. Fan'elly, now pastor of St. James', who for four years labored efficientl}- in this parish. It was under the pastoral care of the Rev. Jolin Breen for thirteen years, until his death, February 18, 1873.
This zealous pastor, who, dying at the age of fifty, was one of the oldest laborers in the ^'ineyard of New York diocese, was a native of Ireland, trained for the service of God's altar in the solid and thorough course of Maynooth; coming to this country to labor among the wonderfully increasing fold of Catholics, who seemed to arise as if by enchantment in all j)arts of the vast American continent.
His first mission duties were discharged in the Diocese of Chicago ; then he was identified with the Church of the Annunciation, laboring earnestly in a parish extend- ing from Fifty-ninth Street to Spuyten Duyvil. In the cause of education he was deeply intei'ested, and not only established schools for his own parish, but was for eight or nine years one of the jirofessors in Manhattan College.
On his decease the Most Reverend Archbishop placed the faithful of Annunciation parish under the j^astoral care of the Rev. Jeremiah J. Griffin.
The church has excellent facilities for its parochial schools ; it is in the innnediate vicinity of the Convent
174 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
of tlie Ladies of the Sacred Heart, and ]\Ianhattan C!ol- leg-e. Some of the Brothers uf the Cliristian Schools from the latter institution direct the boys' school of An- nimciation parish, numbering three hundred and twent}^, while three hundred and seventy girls attend a scliool where they are taught 1)}' Ladies of the Sacred Heart. The jn'eat advantages thus afforded to all classes in this parisli for the Clnistian and Catholic education of their children are incalculable. The poorest can give their young a thorougli religions training in the parocliial schools of tlie church. To those who can and will enrich the minds of their offspring Avitli the liighest literary cul- ture, IVIanhattan College, and tlie Academy of the Ladies of tlie Sacred Heart, within their very parish, offer ad- vanta<res of the lii"-hest order.
The parish of the Annunciation can scarcely foil to show, as years go on, the resiilt of all these advan- tages now enjoyed. It shows its religious life in its Altar Society, Society of the Holy Rosary, Confraternity of the Sacred Heart, its Sodality of the Childi'en of Mary, and Young ]\Ien's Sodality, as \xe\\ as in its benevolent organ- izations — the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the Sewing Society for the Ilulief of the Poor.
The Sunday-school is mcII organized, numbering tliree hundi'ed pupils, with a library of five hundred ■\vell-selected volumes.
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REV. jr']REMIATI J. GRIFFIN,
PASTOK OF THK CHUEOH OF THE ANNUNCIATION.
THE present pastor of the Chiirch of the Annun- ciation was bom in Newcastle, County Limerick, Ireland, in March, 1839, an'] canie with his family to this country whtni onlv in his tentli v>'iu'. After some
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At the conclusion of liis theological course he was ordained by Archbishop McCloskey, at St. Patrick's Cathe- dral, on the 30th of September, 1865,
He has since been constantly engaged in laborious parochial duty. The yoimg priest's fii-st position was that of assistant at the Church of the Nativity,- and after fulfilling his duties acceptably there for tluee years, he was removed to the more onerous duties of assistant at St. Stephen's Church, where- he remained for three years more.
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CHURCH (JF TUE ANNUNCIATION. I75
REV. JEREMIAH J. GRIFFIN,
PASTOU OF THE CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION.
THE present pastor of the Church of the Annun- ciation was born in Newcastle, County Limerick, Irehxnd, in March, 1830, and came with liis family to this country when only in his tenth year. After some years' preliminary study he was sent to JMount St. j\Iary's College, at Emmettsburg, Maryland, in 1856 ; and having resolved to devote his life to God's service, was soon enrolled among: the seminarians in that school of the clergy.
At the conclusion of his theological course he was ordained by Archbishop McCloskey, at St. Patrick's Cathe- di'al, on the 30th of September, 1865,
He has since been constantly engaged in laborious parochial duty. The young priest's first position was that of assistant at the Church of the Nativity, and after fulfilling his duties acce])tably there for tliree years, he was removed to the more onerous duties of assistant at St. Stejjhen's Church, where he remained for three years more.
The ability displayed by him in these jjositions in the city mission led to his apponitment, in 1872, to the
176
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Chiirch of the Assumption, at Peekskill. Here he dis- played the same zeal and devotion to his sacred calling, and when the j)astorship of the Church of the Annun- ciation, at Manhattanville, became vacant by the death of the reverend gentleman who liad for many years guided the flock, the Archbishop promoted the Rev. Mr. Griffin to this church, in April, 1873. Here his zeal has been unremitting, and his Eminence the Cardinal, on his visitation for confirmation, paid a merited tribute to the pastor and the church. His assistant is the Rev. J M. Grady.
CHURCH OF SAINT ANTHONY.
12 SULLIVAN STREET.
CHURCH OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA.
SULLIVAN STREET.
THERE can be little doubt but that the Catholic luivlgatoi' Gomez, at the close of the tirst quarter of the sixteenth century, entered our harbor on the feast of the great Franciscan, St. Anthony of Padua ; and, himself a Portuguese, felt especial devotion to that glory of his native land. We draw this conclusion from the fact that other coast names are those of summer feasts, and in the name of St. Anthony applied to our noble Hudson, we see the first dedication to that great saint.
No church, however, Ijore his name until the year 1859, when a zealous Italian priest was touched by the condition of his poor countrymen in New York. Many of these, having none to address them in their native tongue, had fallen into utter neglect of their i-eligious duties, while the revolutionary element, full of hatred of religion and the priesthood, did all in their ^^ower to weaken the pious impressions of early training ; and the devom-ing wolves of religious jjroselytism, who cared little for the temporal or eternal future of their victims, so that they hu'ed them from Rome, strained every nerve and lavished money to seduce the poor Italians from their faith.
CIUKCII OF .ST. ANTIIUNV (»b' J'ADUA. 179
Rev. Mr. Saiig-uinetti obtained a lease of tlie cliiiicli buildiiiy ill Canal 8treet, wliicli had Kccu used by the congregatiou of St. Vincent de Paul, and with the sanc- tion and eiicourayeinent of tlut Most RevcMviid Archbishop began to collect his scattered countrvnieii and endeavored to revive l)iety and devotion among them. His labors were far from fruitless; but dilficulties arose, and the spirit of evil was not .so easily dri\en from a field tliat he claimed. The good priest, after struggling for more than a year, lost heart, and, tlioi-oughl\- discouraged, abandoned the mission wdiich he had undertaken.
But the Churcli of St. Anthony of I'adua was not to be merel}- a name, 'Hie wants of tlic Italians had become evident, and maiiv among them were not dis- posed to let the 2'i"".i''<'f t'-iil. The Most Reverend Arch- bi.sliop mentioned his diflicult\ to the Very Rev. Pamfilo da Magliaiio, tlien Pro\ incial of the Franciscans at Alle- o'lienv. Nothinti' could hv, more consoliiii>- to that excel- lent religious man, and he gladh- undertook to establisli a church for his countrvmen. Tlie Re\. Leo Pacilio, an acconipli.shed Neapolitan jiriest, was sent to commence the good work.
Selecting- a portion of the cit\- wher(_' no ('atliolic church existed, lie looked f(H' a suitable l)uildin;^'. Pru- dence suggested ec<niom\', and tindiiiL;- in Sullixan Street a Methodist church ou leasehold propertx' that could Ik; acquired on reasonable terms, he secured it, ami soon
180 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
fitted it lip for tlie use of the Italian congregation whom he gathei-ed.
The church was solemnly dedicated on the 10th day of April, 1866, by the Most Reverend Archbishop, now Cardinal McCloskey, assisted by the Very Rev. William Starrs, V.G. ; and the Rev. Francis McNeirny, secretary. After the usual ceremonies setting apart this building for the service of the Church, the altar was adorned, and a Solemn High Mass celebrated by the Very Rev. Pam- filo da Magliano, Father Leo da Saracena as deacon, and Father Andi-ew Pfeiffer as subdeacon. The Most Reverend Archbishop preached the dedicatory sermon ; and after the Post Communion, the pastor, Rev. Leo Pacilio, returned thanks to the Archbishop in Italian, expressing the grati- tiide of his flock. In the evening, at vespers, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Lynch of Charleston gave benediction, and an Italian sermon was delivered by the learned Dr. De Concilio of Jersey City.
The Fathers at first took up their abode in part of 'the building, which they found arranged so as to be adapted to the purpose, and zealously began their labors. When the success of St. Anthony's was no longer in doubt, a more convenient residence was obtained. The Italians soon found then way from all parts to the new church, and benefited by the ministrations of the Franciscans.
Father Leo was succeeded by F. Joachim Guerrini.
CnUECH OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA. 181
The convent was then for some years the residence of the Provincial of the Order in this country. The Very Rev. James Titta, who was attached to the chvu-ch from 1871, remained when made Provincial, and after the con- clusion of his term. He was a native of Gombitelli, and after his ordination in 1854 belonged to the choir of the Lateran Basilica. He died Guardian of the Convent and pastor of St. Anthony's, March 11, 1877, highly esteemed by the flock which he had directed, now embracing not only Italians but many English-speaking Catholics, who have learned to appreciate the sons of St. Francis of Assisi.
The present Guardian of the Convent and pastor of the churcli is the Rev. Father Anacletus, O.S.F.
Such is, in brief, tlie history of the church dedicated to the great Franciscan saint, in whose lionor Father Louis Hennepin, two centuries ago, named the cataract on' the Upper Mississippi, still known as the Falls of St. Anthony ; .and in whose honor the Spanish Franciscans soon after named a mission in Texas, which has now become an episcopal see.
He is called of Padua, because that city was the chief scene of his labors ; but he was a native of Lis- bon, the capital of Portugal. He was born in 1195, and christened Ferdinand. He fii'st entered a conmivinity of Canons Regular, but was attracted to the Franciscans by their zeal, poverty, and heroism in the foreign mis-
182 CATHOLIC CHUKCHE>S OF NEW YORK.
sious. Kiiteriiiji- Miuoiiy them, he took the luuiie of An- thony, and was sent to Africa; l)nt forced by ill health to leaAC, the vessel in which he embarked was driven to Sicily. In Italy he had the ha])piness of seein<>- St. Francis jiimself, bnt, concealing all his gUia and learning-, took the huiuldest duties in the house, until one day his superior ordered liim to address the conmnmity and some Dominicans wlio were stopping with them. His eloquence, learning and unction amazed all ])resent. St. Francis, learning his aliilitA' and piety, sent him to Vercelli to complete his stmlies and then to teach theology, which he did tor man\- vears in various cities, liut he long'ed to beconu? a missionarv j)reacher. AVhen he was per- mitted to begin, he concerted the most obstinate heretics and the most hardened sinners, and preached in France, Spain and Italy with wonderful .sviccess, God approving his work by miracles, and giving him in the confes- sional supernatural wisdom and ])rudence. His words brought the tvrant F/Czelin<) in tears a ))enitent at his feet. He died .Tune l.'Uli, \'2:'A, at the earlv age of thirty-six. The miracles wroiight in his life and after death were so extraordinar>' that he was almost immedi- atelv canonized, and was honored thnmghout all parts of Europe long Ijefore the discoverv of America. The Franciscan missionaries, pioneers of the faith in the Xew World, l)ore the devotion with them from the snows of Canada to the banks of the T^a Plata.
CIIUIU'II OF ST. ANTHONY OF I'ADUA. 183
Tilt' Fathers at our New York churcli iK'<;-lect no means to ditiuse piet\' anion;;- their flock. 'Vlw Society of St. Vincent de Paul, so zeahins in reheving- tlie poor, is well established; and there is also the Italian benev- olent Soeiet}' <»f St. Anthony. Thev have orpmizcd rosary and temperance societies for liotli Knglisli and Italian-speaking Catholics, witli the Children of ^[arv, and a Sodality of tlu^ H'^b' Angels, and a Society of the Sacred Heart.
The Franciscans have a Third < )rder, for persons of both sexes living in the world, but following to some extent the rule of St. Francis. There are Tertiaries con- nected with this church, and also the Confraternity of the Cord of St. Francis.
Education has received special care. The late Father James Titta Itought a suitable biiilding and established a parish school, in which English and Italian are taught ; the bovs bv lay teachers, the girls Ijy the ]\[issionary Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.
The field open for the labors of the Fathers of the Chm'ch of St. Anthony is one that day by day increases. Under the old rule in Italy, living was low; and in no part of the world perhaps was there a more contented population.
The dream of Italian unity has been realized, and it has resulted in a profligate and expensive court, a civil administration reckless of expense, a standing arun-
184
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
that takes nearly a nilllion of men, in the pnme of hfe, from the pursuits of industry, and compels the rest of the community to support them.
The seizm'e of church property and its sale did little to fill the exchequer, drained Tjy the new outlays. Taxes were multiplied, and many small cultivators were forced to abandon the lands held hy their ancestors for cen- turies. New Italy drove her childi'en hy the thousands from her shores, to seek a livelihood in other lands. The emigration to America took a rapid development, and with the Avorthy and industrious came, of course, many whose evil courses made tliem gladly seek a change. The City of New York, the natural centre of immigration, has received Italians by thousands, so that they are now found in all branches of ti'ade and labor, the luiskilled taking in many cases the work on railroads and other improvements, which was formerly almost exclusively per- formed by ihe stalwart men from Ireland.
These emigrants, in a new and strange country, ^ith none of the influence of their parish priest or religious — their quiet riural homes exchanged for city tenements — were exposed to a loss of faith.
It will thus be seen that the Chm-ch of St. Anthony of Padua, being the only one in the city devoted exclu- sively to the care of the spiritual interests of the Italian residents, has an immense work.
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CHUllCH OF ST. ANTHONY OF I'ADUA.
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EEV. FATHER ANACLETUS i>a ROCCAGORGA, 6.S.F.,
FASTOK OF THE CHUKCH OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA.
THE pi-esent Guardian of the Convent and pastor of the Church of St Anthony of Padua, the Rev. Father Auacletus, is a niouibt-r <>f the Eefox-med Francis- cans or Recolh'cts, who conwuenced their labors in this State in the year 18.55, 'and for several yeai-s past have conducted a floiu-ishing college at Allegany, and missions in ^-arious parts of the country. They thus revived the holv memories of the Franciscan missionaries of the French and Spanish colonial period, when they were the first missionaries in Canada. New Mexico, Texas, and Upper California, and reddened Horida with the blood of their maityrs.
Father Anacletus was bom on the 2d of June, 1836, at Koccag'orga, a town in the Pontifical States, and was baptized tAvo days after, by the name of Anthony iMar}-, his family name being De Angelis.
His early piety led him to serve frequently as a boy at the altar, and at the age of eighteen he renounced the Avorld to enter the Franciscan Order at Rome. There he read pliilosophy for tlu-ee years, and came to this country December 3d, 180.'), to join the American Pro-
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REV. FATHER ANACLETUS da ROCCAGORGA, O.S.F.,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA.
THE present Guardian of the Convent and pastor of the Chiu-ch of St. Anthony of Padua, the Rev. Father Anacletus, is a niemlier oi the Reformed Francis- cans or Recollects, who commenced their labors in this State in the year 1855, and for several years jiast have conducted a flourishing- college at Allegany, and missions in various parts of the country. They thus revived the holy memories of the Franciscan missionaries of the French and Spanish colonial period, when the}' were the first missionaries in Canada, New Mexico, Texas, and Upper California, and reddened Florida with the blood of their martyrs.
Father Anacletus was born on the 2d of June, 1836, at Roccagorga, a town in the Pontifical States, and ^\-as baptized Uvo days after, by tlie name of Anthony j\Iar}', his family name being De Angelis.
His early piety led him to serve frequently as a boy at the altar, and at the age of eighteen he renounced the world to enter the Franciscan Order sit Rome. There he read pliilosophy for tlu-ee years, and came to tliis country December ?>d, 1865, to join the American Pro-
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CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOUK.
viuce ot liis order, lie litis lalxircd ze;i,l(msl\- in \arious missions, doing- witliout ostentation the ])riestlv dntics in tlie convents and chnrclies under the care of liis connnnnitv.
His merit was soon recognized hy liis supeiiors and liis brethren, and he was placed in positions of n^sponsi- bility, requiring- not only zeal and })ietv, hut tliat a(hinn- istrative ability which is not g-iven to all.
He was ma(h' Cluardian of the Convent and ('(dleo-e at Allegany, New York, the principal liouse of the Friars Minors of the Reform in America. He then was ap- pointed to the same position in the convent of his order at Winsted, Connecticut ; and subsequently was made Guardian of the Convent and pastor of St. I'atrick's Cluirch in the City of liuffalo.
He has, it will be seen, lieen in several dioceses, and has in all Avon the esteem of the Right Reverend Bishops.
He has been for some years connected with the Church of St. Anthony in this city, and, on the death of the lamented Father Titta, A\as made Guardian of the Convent and pastor of the clmrcli.
His experience in the monastery, his knowledge of the wants of his countrymen in America, with his zeal and ability, give the hope that his ministr}^ in New York City will be a fruitful one.
His associates in 1878 are Father Leonard P. Mc- Kernan, O.S.F., Father Camillus da lifotefegatese, O.S.F., and Father Julius da Arpino, O.S.F.
CHIIUOH OF «'!'. ANTHONY OF I'ADUA.
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Berk, Aflolpli. Hogan, I'liomas. Rrosnan, Daniel M. Brown, Tliomas, Mrs. Carvey, Patrick. Cavanagh, James F. Cloke, James. Cody, Tobias. Connors, Michael. Conway, Annie, Mrs. Crowley, Dennis. Daly, Jane, Mrs. Daly, John B. Devaney, Patrick. Donlin, P. E. Downey, John, Mrs. Duffy, Bernard, Dwyer, Timothy. Eagaii, Michael. Eagleton, Thomas. Egan, Maria. Eustace, Richard. Ferguson, Dennis G. Finn, Patrick J. Fitzimmons, Felix. Flynn, Catharine. Frost, John. Gallagher, John. Garry, Michael J. Garvey, Michael. Gillooly, Patrick H. C.leason. Patrick.
Hassett, Thomas H. Haight, William A. Healey, Edward. Heffernan, James. Hickey, Patrick. Higgins, Patrick. Holland, Philip. Hughes, Henry. Hurley, Edward, Kane, William James. Kelly, Dudley. . Kelly. Edward. Kelly, James J. Kennelly, Patrick. Lawless, William. Lynch, Maggie. Lynch, Patrick. McCormick, Richard. McCullough, Daniel. McDermott, John. McDonnell, Charles. McEntee, James. McGinn, John. McGrath, John. McKenna, Bernard. McKernan, M. F., Mrs. McNabb, Catharine, Mrs. Madigan, Michael. Manning, James j . Meagher, John. Meagher, Joseph. Monahan. Michael.
Morton, Caroline, Mrs. Nash, P. H. . Nicholson, Mary, Mrs. Nolan, Catharine. Mrs. Nugent, H. O'Brien, James. O'Connor, John. O'Connor, Samuel. O'Connor, Thomas. O'Day, John. O'Ro'rke, B. Rathe, Julia, Mrs. Reilly, Hugh, Reilly, PhiHp. Rogers, Josejih. Rouse, Katie. Ryan, John H. Sanders, John. .Scannell, John. Selveira, Jos. W. M., Mrs. Sharkey, ^Lartin. Shorten, Patrick. Sinnott, Matthew. Smith, Margaret, Miss. Smith, Patrick. Tobin, John J. Walsh, Jolm. Walsh, John. Mrs. Walsh, Michael. ^\'ard, James J. Ward, John. White. John.
on u HO II or the assumption.
WEST FORTY-NINTH STREET.
CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
FORTY-NINTH STREET.
TOWARDS the year 1858, the increase of the Ger- man Catholic popuhition on tlie western side of the city seemed to require greater accommodations than were afforded by the chm-ches of St. Jolm the Baptist and St. Francis Seraph. The Rev. A. Krasny, AAath the encouragement and by the appointment of his Grace Archbishop McCloskey, took steps to organize a new congregation. He found the faithful ready to co-operate with him. A lease was obtained of a lot on the south- east corner of Ninth Avenue and Fiftieth Street, and on this a plain but substantial frame building was erected, and dedicated by the Very Rev. William StaiTs, Vicar General, in April, 1858, as the temporary Chm-ch of the Assumption. He preached on the occasion in English, and a sermon in the language of the congregation was delivered at the mass.
Soon after, three lots were purchased in Forty-ninth Street, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues, for the pur- pose of erecting a more substantial chm-ch, to accommo- date the constantly increasing flock. The corner-stone
lf)0 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
ot" tlie new Church of the* Assuniptiuu was laid by the Jlost Rev. Archbishop McCloskey, on Sunday, the first day of Mav, 1859. Societies connected with the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, St. P^ancis Seraph, St. Francis Xavier, St. John's, and the Society of St. Vin- cent dc I'jud, marched to the spot. The Archbishop, attended bv the Rev. Francis McNeirny, the Very Rev. W. Brouillet, V.G., and a number of other clerg-ynien, performed the ceremony as laid down in the ritual ; and after blessing;- the corner-stone, returned to the deco- rated platform, where he delivered one of those hapj»y and touchino- addresses wliidi sink into the heart. Tak- ing as his text the words of the I'salni, "Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain Avho buihl it," he said : " These words are taken from the ser^'i(■e used in blessing the corner-stone of a C'atholic church, because it is the corner-stone, and l)ecause the Avords of the roval prophet, ' Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who Ituild it,' are the corner-stone of all true religion. There are two foundations, then, one of which is a material stone, and the other a cor- ner-stone of faith in Christ. To this last I call your attention ; for e\ery j^raAer and chant and ceremony connected with blessing the cc>rner-stone of the cluu'ch which is to rise on this ground, is connected with that hio-her Church and Tabernacle to which we ai-e all in- vited. The prayers are for the perpetuity of the faith,
CHURCH OF THK ASSUMPTION. 191
tlui c'lijinty and love, and iW ])unty of licart of those wlio shall enter this building' and receixe tlie sacraments at th(! altar, which is to be where I now stand. The [Mirposc for ■which the church is to l)e erected is to echo and re-eclio, from age to age, that blessed truth which the Son of God connnunicated to the world, and declared should remain for all time. The clnn-ch is erected for the administration of the sacraments. The idea of a Catholic church is not for learned men to mount a rostrum and declare their own ideas to the |)eoi)h^ No! they were to speak the truth, and not give opinions; for Jesus Clirist never gave opinions."
He congratulated the Gennan Catholics on their zeal, and urged them to persevere to the completion of their projected church. Tlic Imilding of the new churcli Mient on rapidh", and a tine brick edifice, with a lofty steeple, the caps and trimmings of durable brown stone, attested to all ^vllo visited that part of the city, the zeal and taste of the cong-regation.
When this new church was dedicated and opent^l for service, the temjiorary Churcli on Ninth Avenue was sold. The church was for many years under the pastoral care of the Rev, Benedict Stroehle, who was succeeded in the year 187() b\- the Kc\-. A. Schwcmiiger.
From an earlx' ]M'i-io(l in the annals of this church we iiuil care o-iven to the Cbristiau education of the Youuf;-. To^vards the close of Rev. Mr. Stroehle's pastoral relations,
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192 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. |
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several lots were purchased on Fiftietli Street, in the rear |
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of the chui-ch, and a very fine brick school-house erected |
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at a cost of about twenty-five thousand dollars. The |
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schools are attended by about four hundi-ed and fifty |
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jjupils of both sexes, who are instructed in all the com- |
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mon school branches by eleven School Sisters of Notre |
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Dame and some lay teachers. |
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The congregation numbers about five thousand souls. |
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and the annual baptisms about tlu-ee hundi'ed. |
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Roll of Honor. |
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CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION. |
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Ackefman, Carl. Foerscli, Caspar. Kessler, -A.dolph. Ohverter, George. |
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Ackerman, John. Foerscli, Joseph. Kinake, J. Y. Orlh, George. |
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Albert, I'eter. Friedrick, Carl. Kirchof, John. Ostermann, Mrs. |
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Amberg, John. Frish, John. Kirchhoefer, George. Panzer, Joseph. |
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Balk, ApoUonia. Froehrenbach, Peter. Koch, Kdward. Pfeiffer, John G. |
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Baumaun, Edward. Frost, Matthew. Koester, Hermann. Reichwein, Joseph. |
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Bauniel, John. Fuchs, Attila. I'^rug, Christina. Reit\\'iesner, John. |
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Bechner, Joseph. Gebhardt, Anna. Knorr, Morris. Renz, Frank. |
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Berneziser, Mrs. Gerde^, Clemens. Lambert, Margaret. Roose, D. A. |
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Beyer, John. Graf, Theodore. Lang, Dorothea. Roesncr, John. |
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Biegen, Frank. Grau, John. Latour, Peter. Rottper, Joseph. |
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BoUe, Frank. Gross, Anton. Lauterbacher, Alois. Rudloff, Jacob. |
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Brehm, Anna. Gross, John. Loehr, Barbara. Ruprecht, Thomas. |
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Breitenbach, A. Grundner, John. Loehr, John. Saum, LdA\'ard. |
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lirex, Jolin. Habermann, Michael. Maling, Philip. Schaefer, Sebastian, |
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Brunner, Peter. Hachenfurth, Mrs. Mansing, Henry. Scheidler, Joseph. |
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Bueffel, Jacob. Haeckel, Conrad. Mark, George. Schindler, Michael. |
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Burger, Joseph. Haeckel, Michael. Martin, Bernhard. Schmoeller, Louis. |
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Burkardt, Nicholas. Hartmann, CJeorge. Marschall, Frank. Schneider, Matthew. |
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Dettinger, Andrew. Heil, George. Mehl, Conrad. Schramm, Stephen. |
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Diebold, George. Heimbuch, W. Mrs. Melilig, Frank. Schwarz, Adam. |
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Diepenbach, A. Heiss, Dorothea. Mehlig, Henry. Senger, Martin. |
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Dinselb.acher, A. Hilbert, Anton. Meurer, George. Seuferling, A. |
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Duerr, Kunigunda. Hoev, Joseph. Messing, John. Simon, Josephine. |
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Duenglemann, Berish. Jordan, Frank. Meyer, Conrad. Stehle, Mrs. |
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Dux, August. Jordan, Frank, Jr. Meyer, George. Stelz, John. |
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Englert, August. Jordan, Joseph. Mink, Joseph. Trageser, Michael. |
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Ewald, Andrew. Jordan, Philip. Muehlberaer, Adam, Waas, George. Falk, Jacob. "Kappler, Christian. Nicholas, John. ^\'eber, Balthazar. |
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Fleckenstein, George. Kemner, Joseph. Noll, Peter. Zucker, IVLargarct. |
I
CULTvOlC OF THE AS,^
l;t::.
REV. BERNARD ANTHONY SCHWENNIGER,
PASTOR OF THE CHUKCH OF THE ASSUMPTION'.
THE Rev. Bernard A. Schwenniger was bom at Selm, in Pi-ussia, on the 23d of September, 1832, and after a tlioroug-li coiuho of study, both literary and ecclesia.stical, was ordaine<l priest June if, 1S07. Hi to the United States in January, i*>flG. fuid having: betm received by the Most Reverend Archbisliop PurceU in the Diocese of Cincinnati, was appointed assistant the Very Rev. Joseph Femeding at the Church of J5t, Paul, in Cincinnati, and in 1870 was appointed to the new Chui-ch of St Louis, on Eighth and Walnut. Streets in that city. Here he remained as pastor till 1875, when he removed to the Diocese of New York, and was placed in the following year, by his Eminence Cardinal Mc- Closkey^ in charge of the Church of the Assumption.
The Rev. Mr. Schwenniger has aroused an earnest interest among his congregation, and placed the affairs of the parish on^ a most creditable footing. The schools thrive under his fostering care, and the congregation sfeni to act in the utmost harmony witli their pnstor 13
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CIILTvCH OF THE ASSUMI'TION. 193
REV. BERNARD ANTHONY SCHWENNIGER,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OP THE ASSUMPTION'.
THE Rev. Bernard A. Scliwenniger was born at Selm, in Prussia, on the 23d of Sej^tember, 1832, an<l after a thorough com-se of study, both hterary and ecclesiastical, was ordained priest June 9, 1857. He came to the United States in January, 1866, and having been received by the ]\Iost Reverend Archbishop Purcell in the Diocese of Cincinnati, was appointed assistant to the Very Rev. Josepli Ferneding at the Church of St. Paul, in Cincinnati, and in 1870 was appointed to the new Church of St. Louis, on Eighth and Walnut Streets in that city. Here he remained as j^astor till 1875, Avhen he removed to the Diocese of New York, and was placed in the following year, by his Eminence Cardinal Mc- Closkey, in charge of the Chiu'ch of the Assumption.
The Rev. Mr. Schwenniger has aroused an earnest interest among his congregation, and placed the affairs of the parish on a most creditable footing. The schools tlu-ive under his fostering care, and the congregation seem to act in the utmost harmony with their pastor. 13
CHURCH OF SAINT AUGUSTINE.
ONE IIUNDEED AND SEVENTIETH STREET, MOERISANIA.
CHURCH OF SAINT AUGUSTIiNE.
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTIETH STREET, NEAR FRANKLIN AVENUE,
MOKEISANIA.
A
FEW years since a portion of Westchester County was detached from it and united to the City of New York. This causes us to include among the city churches some which were formerly regarded as country parishes. Among these is the parish of St. Augustine, Morrisania.
The Catholics in that part of Westchester County were attended from St. Paul's Church at Harlem, but in 1855 the Rev. Stephen Ward was sent to establish a mission and erect a church, to afford the faithful greater advantages for the practice of their religious duties and the education of their childi'en. There were man}' diffi- culties, but in 1858 he secm-ed ground for a site, and prepared to erect a chmxh after the designs of Mr. H. Engelbert, a skillful architect. It was to be of brick, with brown stone facings, and to be fifty-one feet by one hundred feet in length.
The l\Iost Reverend Archbishop Hughes laid the cornei'-stone on Sunday, the 12th of September, 1858, assisted by the Very Rev, William Starrs, V.G., Rev.
196
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Messrs. Brophy, Neligan, Brennan, Morrogli, and Fathers Schneider and Daubresse of the Society of Jesus; Rev. Mr. McNeirny acted as master of ceremonies. After the con- clusion of the 231'escribed ritual, the Archbishop addressed the large audience joyfully gathered to witness the auspi- cious commencement. His text was from the first Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy, iv. 1: "Now the Spirit manifestly saith that in the last times some shall depart from the faith, gi^'ing heed to spirits of error and doctrines of devils." He said that they had all come there to witness a ceremony — a religious ceremony — which would a])pear to many a new one. " It will be reported in the papers merely as a material ceremony, and the Avorld cannot comprehend the use of svich a one ; biit we have the text of Scripture for it — the authority of the Holy Catholic Church. We all know that the first man and woman transgressed, and that the material world was cursed in consequence ; that the Son of God was sent to redeem the world, and that the Church has power to redeem some portion of this earth from this curse. The Church with her prayers has a])pointed this portion of ground to the worship of God. The sanctity of the prayers has taken the original malediction from this g-round."
Before he closed the Archbishop said that he wished to revive an old custom. He did not wish any collec- tion made among the j^eople present, but ^^'ished to see them come up in order and lay their off"erings on the
CHUECH OF ST. AUGUSTINE. I97
corner-stone itself. He valued the custom much. The faithful, with the vitmost order, responded, and as each passed the stone, he made it in some sense his o^^^l by his contribution.
The church of Morrisania was thus begun under the invocation of the great St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, the Doctor of the Church Avhose burning love for God is always symbolized in art by a flaming heart. The oldest city in the United States has, for more than three centm-ies, borne the name of this great Father. Philadelphia had long possessed a church dedicated to his honor — a martyr church, burned for the faith preached within it. It was fitting that New York too should honor him.
St. Augustine, Aurelius Augustinus, the son of Patrick and Monica, was born at Tagaste in 354. He was care- fully educated, but lost his innocence, and was seduced by the Manichean heretics. In vain his pious mother used tears and prayers. Her son seemed obdurate ; Heaven .seemed to deprive him of the graces he had forfeited. While a brilliant professor of rhetoric, the moment of mercy came. He was moved l)y the preaching of St. Ambrose, was sincerely converted ; and, having received baptism in 387, he devoted himself to austerity and prayer. Having gone to Hippo, the Bishop Valerius ordamed him priest. He so distinguished himself in con- founding the heretics that a council made him coadjutor
198 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
to Valerius, and lie died Bishop of Hippo, in 430. His "City of God," "Confessions," his "Commentaries," and other works, have been prized in every age of the Church.
Under such powerful patronage, the Rev. Mr. Ward went bravely on, and in 1860 completed his church. It is in the Lombardo-Italian style, with tlu-ee entrances, and a spire 125 feet high. The aisles are twenty feet high, and the nave, separated from the aisles by octagon colimans, has a false clerestory thirty feet high. The chancel is carried up the full height of the chm'ch, with octagonal ends, forming an apsis, the rich chancel arch being supported by large columns. There are two sacris- ties and an organ gallery across the west end. All the windows are of stained glass, presented by members of the congregation. In the windows over the altar you behold Our Lord and His Blessed Mother, while those on either side show the figures of St. Peter and the holy patron of the church, St. Augustine. The Church is large enough to seat a thousand persons, and cost fifteen thousand dollars.
Archbishop Hughes took great interest in St. Au- gustine's, but was prevented b}" illness from dedicating it to the service of God. That solemn ceremony was accordingly performed on the 30th of September, 1860, by the Rev. Francis McNeirny, now Bishop of Albany. When, by the rites of the Church, the building was thus
CHURCH OF ST. AUGUSTINE. I99
set apai't for the worship of Grod, the altar was properly adorned and prepared for the offering of the Holy Sacri- fice. High Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Mr. McNeir- ny, and an eloquent sermon preached by the Rev. Thomas Mooney, pastor of St. Bridget's, whose choir volunteered their services on the interesting occasion.
At the solemn vespers, the Archbishop was able to administer confirmation, which Avas thus conferred to a hunch'ed and thirty children of the parish, the very day the clnu'ch was dedicated.
The Rev. Mr. Ward continued his labors among the flock whom he had gathered around the altar of St. Augustine, till his death, June 22, 1863, at the age of sixty-three. Pie was succeeded by a younger priest, the Rev. J. P. Woods, born and educated in New York, full of zeal, never sparing himself in labors for the good of his people. After being a faithful priest and father to his flock, he died prematvu'ely, on the 20th of January, 1875, broken down by his constant and holy toil.
Seldom has a priest in so brief a career won not only the attachment of his flock but the respect of his fellow clergymen, by his constant devotion to his duties, his love for the beauty of the house of God, his care for the fitness of the music, where his admirable taste guided him, his patience with the erring, his compassion for the weak, his love for the poor.
Thouffh the Funeral Mass was celebrated at the
200
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, that house of God was crowded by the congregation of St. Augustine, who came from MoiTisania to pay a last tribute to the good priest whose ministry they had enjoyed ; and the Altar Society placed at the head of the coffin a beautiful floral ofi"ering Avith the inscription, " To our beloved Pastor."
The affection of the flock was not a blind rever- ence; the attendance at his obsequies of no less than ninety priests, and the eulogy pronounced by the Rev. Dr. McGlynn, showed that the clergy at large honored him as one of their most exemplary members.
Under the present pastor, the Rev. John McNamee, St. Augustine's has advanced rapidly, and holds a credit- able place among the chm'ches.
/-y///" - '
J4>o^ k^'ia^^u^
CHUIICH OF ST. .., ..LoTlXE.
REV. JOHN J. McNAMEE,
^ASTOB OF THE CHUKCH Of ciT. AUGUSTINE.
THE life of a priest on a laborious city mission is seldom maikeil l)v r,:it (1(-p<ls. His triumphs
iie often eiiemitf>' not fc^ nes, in wrestino;-
souls from tlio Kpjnt>< of t;vil, auJ the men who wit- tingly or unwittingly lend themselves -to aid tlieir work in defeatinff all that our iludeemer ha« don" ^••'- '"■• salvation of mankind.
The priest who confronts pestilence or contnf^ion — who sacrifices rest, health, life, to fly to the bedside of the Catholic, who perhaps, long estranged from God, calls on him for the sacraments he has neglected in health — finds and seeks no one to herald his labor.
Tlis consolation and liis triumplis are g;enerally bmied in tLe secret of his owu^ heart.
In the sketches here given we can profess to enter into no detail of this heroic career of the priest, but simply give flie few facts of external life that meet the general eye.
The present pastor ot St. ^Viigustine's C'liurcu was bom m the County Longford, Ireland, on the 12th of September, 1S47. From Ids boyliood, his early inclina-
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CHURCH OF ST. AUGUSTINE. 201
REV. JOHN J. McNAMEK,
PASTOK OP THE CHURCH OF ST. AUGUSTINE.
THE life (-)f a ])riest on a laborious city mission is .seldom marked l)y great deeds. Ilis triumphs are often enemies not seen ; liis victories, in wresting sovds from the spirits of evil, and the men who wit- tingly or imwittingly lend themselves to aid their work in defeating all that our Redeemer has done for the salvation of mankind.
The priest who confronts pestilence or contagion — who sacrifices rest, health, life, to fly to the bedside of the Catholic, who perhaps, long estranged from God, calls on him for the sacraments he has neglected in health — finds and seeks no one to herald his labor.
His consolation and his triumphs are generally bmned in the secret of his own heart.
In the sketches here given we can profess to enter into no detail of this heroic career of the priest, but simply gi\e the few facts of external life that meet the general eye.
The present jiastor of St. Augustine's Church was bom in the Count}- Longford, Ireland, on the 12th of September, 1847. From his boyhood, his early inclina-
202
CATHOLIC CHUKCHES OF NEW YORK.
tion was evinced in unmistakable signs to be not for this world, but for the ser\nce of God. This vocation was not lost. He was educated for the priesthood in St. Mell's Seminary, Longford, and there made choice of America as the field in which he hoped to spend his priestly career. Having come to tliis country in 1864, lie entered the College of the Society of Jesus, at Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was graduated with honors in 1866. He immediately jwoceeded to St. Joseph's Seminary, in Tro}', -where, imder the guidance of the excellent professors of that provincial school of the clergy, he completed his course of theology and other ecclesias- tical studies. On the 22d of May, 1869, he was pro- moted to the jiriesthood, receiving ordination from his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey, at that time Bishop of Albany.
The first field assigned to the young priest was the position of assistant at St. Mary's Chm-ch, Clifton, Staten Island, where he remained till November, 1871. He was then called to St. Patrick's Cathedi-al, where he discharged the laborious duties of assistant till the 15th of Feb- ruary, 1875.
The experience acquired under a venerable priest in a countiy parish was thus increased by experience as assistant at the Cathedral. On the death of the Rev. Mr. Woods, the Rev. Mr. McNamee was chosen pastor of the Church of St. Augustine.
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CHURCH OF ST. AUGUSTINE. 203 |
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KOLL |
OF H |
ONOR. |
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Bevgen, Margaret. |
Gavin, Frank. |
Monighan, William. |
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Bradley, Mrs. |
Geraghty, Michael. |
Mooney, Edward. |
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Bowes, J. |
Gilligan, Henry. |
Morris, Hugh. |
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Boyle. Neil, Mrs. |
Gillignn, Mary. |
Mulliall, Mrs. |
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Bracken, John Henry. |
Gilligan, Patrick. |
Mullaney, Mary. |
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Bra.ly, E. |
Gleeson, Michael. |
Mullany, John. |
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Brady, Thomas. |
Green, J. J. |
Murphy, John. |
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Brien, James. |
Hanlon, James. |
Murray, Patrick. |
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Brown, James. |
Hannon. P. C. |
Nagle, William. |
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Browne, Edward. |
Haugh, George. |
Nailon, Edward. |
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Bryan, M. |
Hawkins, Ellen. |
Nolan, P. |
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Biirgen, Adam. |
Hogan, J. C. |
O'Brien, Edward. |
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Burns, Michael. |
Johnson, Jane, Mrs. |
O'Connor, John. |
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Byrnes. Bernard. |
Johnson, John. |
O'Connor. Michael. |
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Callighan. John. |
^xeane, Mrs. |
O'Dell, Miss. |
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Campbell, Hugh J. |
Kearney, Mrs. |
Oechs, E. |
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Cannon. John. |
Kehoe, Edward. |
O'Hara, Patrick. |
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Cantwell, Michael. |
Keiley, James. |
O'Leary, Margaret. |
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Carpenter, Thomas. |
Kelly, JIary. |
O'Rourke, Miss. |
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Cassidy, James. |
Kingston, John. |
O'Toole, John P. |
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Cassidy, Michael. |
Kingston, 'SVilliam. |
Pearl, John. |
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Clark, John J. |
Kinsella, John. |
Perry, J'lavius J. |
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Condon, John. |
Kirby, John. |
Peters, John. |
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Conors, E. |
Kuntz, W. J. |
Regan, Mrs. |
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Cooney, Mary. |
Leahy, Mrs. |
Reilly, Mary. |
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Corbett, James, Mrs. |
Lynch, J., Mrs. |
Rodney, E. Miss. |
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Cornell, John. |
Lyons, .\nn. |
Royce, Mrs. |
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Coyne. Catharine. |
McAulilTe, Thomas. |
Seebor, John. |
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Cullen, Thomas, Mrs. |
McCabe, Francis. |
Sheeian, Edward. |
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Cunningham, Michael. |
McCarthy, Miss. |
Sheridan, Bridget. |
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Dolan, Maggie. |
McDonnell, John. |
Shorn, John. |
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Donnelly, Patrick. |
McGough, Henry. |
Slavin, Patrick, Mrs. |
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Doomen, Patrick. |
McGuire, Hugh. |
Smith, John. |
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Borland, Miss. |
Mcllman, John. |
Smith, M ichael C. |
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Doud, Thomas. |
McKenna, C. |
Stone, William. |
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Drummond, Mrs. |
McKnilT, James. |
Sullivan, Patrick. |
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Duane, James. |
McMahon, Dennis. |
Tiernan, Eihvard. |
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Duggan, P. |
McM.ihon, James. |
Tierney, Miss. |
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Dunne, Eliza, Mrs. |
McMahon, John. |
Traynor, Owen. |
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Egan, Mary. |
McMahon, William. |
Tuthill, E. |
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English, Thomas. |
McNamara, E. |
Tyrell, John. |
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Fagan, Patrick. |
McNulty, P. |
Wall, John. |
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Farrell, James. |
McShane, Hugh. |
Walsh, John. |
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Ferrigan, Hugh. |
McWilliams, Catharine |
Webb, i'eler. |
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Finn, John. |
Mahoney, Andrew. |
Whelan, John. |
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Fitzpatrick, Francis, |
Meeghan, Joseph. |
White, Mrs. |
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Galvin, P. |
Melville, Rose. |
Woods, John. |
CHUllCH OF SAINT BERNAUD.
WEST FOURTEENTH STREET.
CHURCH OF SAINT BERNARD.
WEST FOURTEENTH STREET.
THE last strains of the Salve Regina always call to mind tlie great St. Bernard, the glory of the Cistercian Order, and call to mind also one of the grand- est cathedrals of Em-ope, that of Spii'es ; for it was there that, as the monks receiving him chanted the Salve Regina, he added the words, " 0 clement, 0 pious, 0 sweet Virgin Mary ! "
Doctor by his learning, apostle by his heart-reaching sermons, combining the highest spiritual gifts with great activity and capacity for external affairs, St. Bernard is eminently a type for our times, a saint worthy of es- pecial patronage.
The Fathers of the Church are not unhonored among us. St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Alphonsus are in- voked as holy patrons. St. Bernard, too, was to be added.
"In the year 18GS, the Most Reverend Archbishop McCloskey deemed it necessary to lay off a new paro- chial district on the west side of the city in order to relieve the other churches. To organize the faithful, and in time erect a suitable church, he selected the Rev.
206 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Gabriel A. Healy, then assistant at St. Peter's Church. As a temporary chapel this clergyman pui'chased an old wagon factory on West Thirteenth Street, belonging to the Knickerbocker Ice Company, a building in a most wretched condition. It could, however, it was found, be restored so as to use for a chapel without danger. After making necessary repaii's, the reverend pastor was enabled to fit up the second story as a chapel.
It was opened on "Wliitsunday, May 31, 1868, when mass was for the first time celebrated. The parish was soon thoroughly animated with a life and spirit of its own ; the permanency of the new congregation was as- sured. The ground for a church worthy of our faith was selected, and the temporary chapel was accordingly dedicated with the solenm rites of the Chm-ch on the 4th of April, 1869, by his Grace the Most Rev. Dr. McCloskey. After tliis consoling ceremony, a High Mass was celebrated b}' the Very Rev. William Starrs, Vicar General, with the Rev. William Quinn of St. Peter's as deacon, and the Rev. John Hughes as subdeacon. Rev. Francis McNeirny being master of ceremonies. A sermon was delivered by the Most Reverend Archbishop, and another in the evening by the Rev. Dr. McGlynn.
If the commencement was poor and liumble, and the place once but the loft of wheelwrights, high digni- taries of the Church did not disdain to encourage the faithful by their presence. So zealously had the pastor
CHURCH OF ST. BERNARD. 207
set about liis duties that before the end of another year, May 12, 18G9, the Ai-clibishop again visited the humble but fervent chapel to administer the sacrament of confirmation to two hundi'ed children, who had been prepared for its reception.
Rev. Mr. Healy had meanwhile purchased, on the first of May, a site for the new church on West Fourteenth Street, between Eig-hth and Ninth Avenues, and estab- lished a Chm-ch Building Association to aid in the good work. Fairs, excursions, and other modes of interesting people in the church, with direct collections, showed so liberal a response as to justify the pastor in commenc- ing St. Bernard's on the 8th of May, 1872, by excavat- ing the ground to lay the foundation. The corner-stone was laid on the 11th of May, 1873, by the Most Rever- end Archbishop, assisted by the Rt. Rev. David W. Bacon, Bishop of Portland, and the Rt. Rev. Francis McNeirny, Bishop of Albany. Various societies connected with the chm'ch attended, and the faithful gathered in vast crowds, regardless of the threatening weather, so that it was estimated that nearly ten thoiisand persons were present. They were eloquently addressed on the occasion by the Rev. M. J. O'Farrell, of St. Peter's Church, New York.
Encouraged by the Archbishop, priest and people went zealously on, though the general financial distress of the country, throwing thousands out of employment,
208 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OP NEW YORK.
made many unable to aid as generously as they desired. The church was, however, at last completed, and on the 30th of May, 1875, solemnly dedicated to St. Ber- nard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Doctor of the Church, by his Eminence Cardinal McClo'skey. It is the pride of the pastor and his flock that their church is the first dedicated by an American Cardinal. The sermon at the High Mass was delivered by the Rt. Rev. B. J. Mc- Quaid, Bishop of Rochester. A rich scarlet velvet throne was erected for the first American Cardinal, and the altar was di-aped with the same color. The altar was extremely rich and tastefully adorned, as were the two side altars of the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph, while the elegant stained glass windows poured in rays of tinted light, which made the procession as it filed into the sanctuary re- sjilendent; and showed the ancient faith in all the grandeur of its ritual.
The Archbishop congratulated the faithfvil on the suc- cess of all their labors and sacrifices. " Much of the success of this grand undertaking," said he, "is due to the zeal, i^iety, and energy of your beloved pastor, who has toiled night and day to complete the work. To- day he sees in some sense his reward. You have all labored with him, and whatever you have given, you have given with whole hearts, and you will find your reward hereafter. But in finishing this temple to Al- mighty God, all is not accomplished, great as yoirr
CHURCH OF ST. BERNARD. 209
sacrifices have been. There is much yet to be done. You have built a temple for the present, as it exists ; but during- the next ten years, crowded as it is to-day, there %yill be still larger crowds within its walls. I wish you all the blessing- of the Almighty God present in this church to-day, and ask }'ou to remember that hereafter, in another temple not built by human hands, we may, if our lives are pure and our paths in the way of God, meet together in that temple which is above."
The piety of the congregation has been sustained by every available means. Missions, most consoling in their beneficial influence, were given by the Redemptorist Father in the temporary church in 1872, and by the Jesuit Father Damen and his associates in the new and elegant edifice in 1875.
Eight hundred and five persons were confirmed in the humble temple first occupied, and five hundred and thirty-two in the autumn of 1875 in the new church.
The chm-cli edifice itself is a conspicuous monument of the piety and zeal of priest and people. Of a true ecclesiastical style, grand and imposing, it attracts the eye of thousands passing up and down the adjacent avenue, and none has any occasion to inquire what the building is, for it speaks for itself, that it is a Catholic church.
We mio'ht call it the Church of the " Memorare," so
much has that prayer, di'awn from tlie ^vorks of St. Ber- 14
210 CATHOLIC CHUKCHES OF NEW YORK.
nard, by "The Poor Priest," Father Bernard, done to stimulate piety to the Blessed Virgin and keep alive the memory of the holy doctor.
St. Bernard was always one to influence others. When he renounced the world and resolved to enter a monastery, he did not go alone. Full of zeal for others, he induced no less than tliirty of his young- companions to join him, and the influence of his eloquence showed itself in the realit}' of their vocations. They saved Citeaux, which was almost abandoned, antl infused such a new life that in 1115 Claii-vaux ^^■as fovuided and Ber- nard made abbot. His monastery became a hi\'e for bishops and abbots ; he even saw one of his monks raised to the Hoi}- See. He was the light of several councils, caused Europe to recognize Pope Innocent II. and reject the Antipope Anacletus ; and saved Europe from Saracen invasion by his exertions to rouse the princes and warriors of the West to undertake a crusade. Amid all his active life he seemed to be ever in prayer or at studv. His works breathe the most tender piety, with the learning of the theologian and the brilliancy of the poet.
The Order which he raised, as it were from the grave, spread in his day to England and Ireland. He was thus brought in contact with our fathers in the faith. St. Malachy died in his arms, and found a biog- rapher in tliis holy doctor of the Chui-ch. Thus endeared
CliURCH OF ST. BERNARD. 211
to ireliiiid, the Cistercians acc(>iu})lislR-(l \vi>iRk'rs in ruut- ing the truths of rehgion so deep in tlie liearts of those they taught that no persecutions could tear them from the faith of St. Patrick.
As if to carry out the devotion of the ]u>\y patrt)U to Our Lady, all the important events in the history of the . parish are recorded in the month of May. The site of the church was bought in May, 1867 ; the first work begun in May, 1872; the corner-stone laid in May, 1873, and the dedication in May, 1875.
The church with its g-rounds cost over two hundi-ed thousand dollars — the church proper Sl85, 320.50 — and nearly half this amount has been already paid.
As assistants in the good work of the pastor we find the names of Rev. Messrs. James Galligan, Michael Brennan, Bartholomew Galligan, Patrick J. Ilealy, Patrick S. Rigney, and William J. O'Kelly. His associates at present are the Rev. William J. Foy and the Rev. John J. Riordan.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paid has been organ- ized for the relief of the poor; a Temperance Society to give strength and encouragement to the weak, and preserve sobriety ; the Rosary Society does its holy work ; the Childi'en of Mary, with kindred societies, nourish the piety of the young ladies, while the young gentle- men find in St. Bernard's Literary Union, and Literary Association, a centre for social intercom-se and the
212 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
strengtliening of sound principles and literary culture. The societies belonging to the chui'ch number in all thirteen.
These church associations are a peculiar want of om- time. The sodalities and confraternities instituted in the Church for union and prayer, and enriched with indul- gences and fxvors by the Sovereign Pontiffs, attract the pious, but fe^\ men can be drawn into them.
While Masonic Lodges, Odd Fellows, and secret societies of every name and form permeate the whole fabric of society, and are constantly alluring Catholic men and youth to enter them — cutting themselves off, though they do, from the Chm-ch and its means of grace, by passing their portals — it is evident that the fostering of associations in which Catholics can and will come together for benevolent, literary or other j^m-poses, is one of the great needs of our time.
In such associations each becomes an element of sti'ength to his brother, and the whole a tower of strength. The Catholic is no longer isolated. He feels that he will be sujjported in fidelity to his religion ; he becomes a hundred-fold more deeply interested in his church and its interests, in all works of charity, in the relief of the poor; and, above all, he liegins to feel how much depends on a sound Catholic education, and what it behooves every man to do for the maintenance and perfection of oui- system of parochial schools.
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REV. (lABRIKL A. HEALY,
PASTOR "■" -I- .BERNARD'S.
THE Rev. Gabriel A. Healy is a native of New York City, &orn October 20tli, 1841, and baptized in its oldesr prtHsli — St T Ho was of a studious
turn, and after some e:< 'dng at the scliool of the
Christian Brothers, in Canal Street, entered the College of St. Francis Xa\'ier, in Fifteenth Street, in 1853, and went through the coui'se Avith credit. He was graduated in 1860, and having determined to embrace the ecclesiavS- tical state, was sent hj the Archbishop to pui-sue his coui'se of tho<.hi(j-\' in tb. orc;it .■seminary of St. SiUpice, Montreal.
Havin"-. here stored his mind with the doijmatic lore and tlic moral theology, as welt as the Scriptural l<now- ledge and the principles of the canon law:, he retximed to his own diocese, and .in September, 1864, was ordained subdeacon, deacon, and jariest, by the Right Rev. James Roosevelt Bayley, D.D., then Bishop of Newark.
The first position assigned to the young priest was that of assistant in his native parish, of whicli the Rev. William Quinn Avas then rector. Here he remained about three years and a half, establishing a reputation as a pnest
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CHURCH OF ST. BERNARD. 213
REV. GABRIEL A. HEALY,
PASTOR OF ST. BERNARD'S.
THE Rev. Gabriel A. Healy is a native of New York City, born October 20th, 1841, and baptized in its oldest parish — St. Peter's. He was of a studious tiu'n, and after some early training at the school of the Cliristian Brothers, in Canal Street, entered the College of St. Francis Xavier, in Fifteenth Street, in 1853, and went through the course with credit. He was graduated in 1860, and having determined to embrace the ecclesias- tical state, was sent by the Archbishop to pursue his coui'se of theology in the great seminary of St. Sulpice, Montreal.
Havino- here stored his mind with the dogmatic lore and the moral theology, as well as the Scriptural know- ledge and the principles of the canon law, he returned to his own diocese, and in September, 1864, Avas ordained subdeacon, deacon, and priest, by the Right Rev. James Roosevelt Bayley, D.D., then Bishop of Newark.
The first position assigned to the young priest was that of assistant in his native parish, of which the Rev. William Quinn was then rector. Here he remained about tlu'ee years and a half, establishing a reputation as a priest
214 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
whose future promised great usefulness to souls in the Church of God.
His zeal and piety, with a readiness for business management so necessary and requisite in a j'rifst who has to organize a new flock and erect a church, when all the resources have to be drawn from voluntary con- tributions, were all displayed so clearly in the Rev. Mr. Healy that all saw he must soon be called to a sjihere where these qualities would find employment.
Wliat he has accomplished in the establishment of St. Bernard's parish and the erection of the noble church has already been told ; and this constitutes his biography. He has the talent of interesting all his people in his projects, so that they take them up as really some- thing for their own good and the good of their chikben after them — not anything for his benefit or even the grati- fication of a personal vanity to be flattered by their accom- plishment.
Feeling proud of their church, and anxious to see it completed and freed from debt, the parishioners of both sexes have been prompt to act on the least suggestion, and as societies have been formed among them to suit the tastes of all, the pastor in guiding them is brought in contact with all his people, who are not left in mere apathy to see him struggle, Ijut all become workers in the good cause.
CIIURCU OF ST. BERNARD.
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Arneel, Robert. Ashe, Gregory. Baklvvin, Patrick J. Begg, Kate M., Mrs. Bell, James. Bennett, John. Bodine, Kdmond. Boylan, Michael. Burns, William. Butler, William. Byrne, Martin W. Cagney, fames. Carroll, Roger. Carroll, Thomas. Clarke, Thomas. Cleary, John. Conway, John M. Coogan, Patrick. Curbett, Bernard. Corrigan, John P. Craven, Patrick. Crosson, Thomas. Crumley, James. Cussen, John. Deane, George B. Delany, Mary, Mrs. Devanney, James P. Devine, James. Devine, Michael. Downey, Bridget M. Dowiring, Delia, Mrs. Driscall, Timothy. Dugan, Michael, Dunn, Ann, Mrs. Dwyer, Timothy. Early, Edward. Fealy, James. Feeney, Peter. Fitzgerald, Honora, Mrs. Filzsinimons, Thomas, Flynn, Michaeh Flynn, P. H. Fogarty, Michael.
Fogarty, Patrick A. Fowley, Delia. Francy, 'I'homas. Frazer, John P. Gallagher, Michael. Garvey, Bernard. Geary, Patrick W. Godby, George W. Goley, Mary.. Grifiin, Jeremiah. Hagen, Mary, Mrs. Ilalpin, Matthew. Halpin, William. Halsted, Justin J. Hamill, Anthony. Hanlon, Richard. Hart, Patrick J. Healey, John J. Healey, Thomas F. Hernon, James. Herrick, C. Mrs. Herrick, William J. Higgins, Daniel. Higgins, John. Hoaghland, I. C. Holtan, Kdw.ard. Hui^hes, Catharine, Mrs, Kenelian, Richard F. Kennedy, John. Larkin, Felix. Leonard, William. Linherr, John A. Logue, Philip. Lynch, Mary Teresa, Mrs. McDermott, John. McDcrmott, Lawrence. McDermott, William. McDcmald, John. McDonald, Joseph. McGee, Michael. McGovern, Hugh. McGrory, Honora. McGuire, Michael. Mcllhargy, John.
Mclntyre, Margaret, Mrs. McLoughlin, Kclward, Mc.Manus, Ann, Mrs. Meehan, Terence. Minerd, Edward, Molloughney, Michael, Jr. Mooney, Christopher. Mulry, Thomas. Mulry, William P. Murphy, Michael J. Murphy, Thomas. Murphy, William. Murray, William. Murtlia, Thomas. O'Connell, John. O'Donoghue, Dennis. O'Neil, Charles J. O'Rourke, Owen, O'Shaughnessy, Michael. Penny, James. Purtill, William. Quinlon, Catharine. Rafferty, John. Reilly, P.atrick. Reynolds, Lawrence. Roach, John. Rogan, John. Rooney, James. Rourke, John. Rowan, James. Ryan, Cornelius L. Ryan, Edward. Ryan, George. Ryan, Patrick. Scanlan, Michael J. Scanlon, Michael. Sheridan, Bridget, Mrs. SkiiTrnglon, Margaret. Smith, Alfred. Walsh, Jolm. Walsh, Mathew J. Wilson, .\ndrew. Woods, John.
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CHURCH OF SAINT BONIFACE.
SECOND AVENUE AND FOKTY-SEVENTH STREET.
IT was fitting' that the great City of New York, with its vast German population, should have a church dedicated to the illustrious St. Winfrid, who renounced his abbey in Saxon England to become the apostle of Ger- many. Born in Devonshire about the year 680 ; trained to virtue and the perfection of the monastic state, he became a preacher of wonderful power over the souls of men in his own land ; and then, burning with zeal to bear the light of the gospel to the heathen tribes of the Low Countries and Germany, he endeavored to convert the King of Friesland. He was soon after made abbot, but renounced the dignity to gi^-e himself entirely to the conversion of the heathen.
Encouraged by the blessing of Pope Gregory II., St. Winfrid, or Boniface, as he now began to be called, baptized thousands in Bavaria, Tliuringia, Friesland, Hesse, and Saxonv, and was made by the Pope, Bishop and subsequently Archbishop of Germany, and legate of the Holy See. He is thus the great central figure of the German hierarchy. His see was fixed at Jlentz, which is the metropolitan church for Germany. After
218 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
convening several councils, in which every precaution was taken to guard the faith, St. Boniface renewed his apostolic missions, and was put to death by the heathens June 5, 755, obtaining the crown of mart}T and apostle.
His body, enshrined at Fidda, has been a pilgrimage for more than a thousand years, and veneration to him is inseparable from the heart of a true German Catholic.
In the year 1858, a few who deserved that name, and who resided in the Nineteenth Ward of New York City, resolved to take steps for the erection of a new church as a safeguard for the faith of their families. They collected among the Catholics of that neighborhood, $792.88, and borrowing more, purchased tlu-ee lots of ground on the south-east corner of Second Avenue and East Forty-seventh Street, as a site for a church to be dedicated to the w^orsliip of Almighty God, under the invocation of the great saint who closed his missionary career by so noble a martyrdom.
On the ground thus acquired stood an humble frame structure sixty feet in length by twenty in breadth, which had been used as a carpenter's shop. It was now to be sanctified by its dedication to a worship of which its original builders knew little. The fiiith which had its cradle at Bethlehem has in New York City be- gun in many parishes with homes as devoid of all luxman pomp and show as the grotto near the holy city of David — the future shrine of religion, in bold and
CHURCH OF ST. BONIFACE. 219
grandest iircliitecturc, rising- from the world-despised be- jjinnina- as did the t'aitli itself.
Skillful hands soon transformed the workshop of the artisans dear to tlic heart tif St. Joseph into a tempo- rary chapel. The Most Reverend Archbishop Ilug-hes not only encouraged the work, but came on the 17tli day of October, 1858, to dedicate this modest edifice to the service of Almighty God. He Avas attended by his secre- tary, the Rev. Francis McNeirny, now Bishop of Albany, and performed the ceremony of dedication. The church was simple and humble, but the majesty of Catholic worship ennoljles the spot. Said a missionary of two centuries previous, who had reared in a day a bark chapel at Onondaga : " It is true that for all marbles and all precious metals we emploj'ed only bark ; but as soon as it was built it was sanctified by the baptism of three children, to whom the way to heaven was opened as wide beneath these layers of bark, as to those Avho are held (ner fonts beneath vaults of silver and a'old."
The chui'ch was dedicated to the service of Al- mighty God under the invocation of St. Boniface ; and the Rev. Matthew NIcot, whom the Most Reverend Archbishop had apjiointed pastor of the new church, as- cended to the altar which he had reared, and Intoned the solemn sacrifice of the new law in the presence of the chief pastor of the diocese. The pulpit was occupied that day by the Rev. Ambrose Buchmeyer, pastor of the
220
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Church of St. Nicholas, in Second Street, the pioneer of the German churches in our city.
The pastor began his mission labors with the bless- ing of God and the patronage of the great-hearted English saint of old ; and he is laboring still among the same flock. The fold was soon too small. In abovit tliree years he found it necessary to enlarge the dimensions of his chapel by new additions. This even did not suffice, and a second enlargenient was required.
In the year 1868, the congregation, who had gone on modestly and quietly, resolved to replace the tenqjo- rary stmcture by a more substantial edifice. The original chapel was accordingly removed, and a neat and modest brick church, suited to their wants and means, was erected in that and the following year. It did not aspire to rival the great cathedrals of Europe. The country liad just emerged from a tremendous civil war, and times of financial trouble were at hand. The church accommodates about one thousand, and with its neat altar and decorous service, attracts many hearts more than edifices A\liich in their splendor seem to divert rather than inspire devotion.
This new Church of St. Boniface was dedicated in May, 1869, by Father Bonaventura Frey.
While content with a modest church, the congrega- tion covdd afibrd to make sacrifices for a school, and in the year of tlie dedication of the new church, erected a convenient school-house.
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221
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REV. MATTHEW N I C 0 T ,'
TASTOR OF ST. BONIFACE'S CHUROI.
THE Rev. Matthew Nicot, founder and for the last twenty vears pastor of the Chiirch of St Boniface, is a njc tlio province of Lorraine, bom in
what was th- 'oefore
that unhappy war in ^^ o lo.it
what the Bourbons had won. Hl urn in tW year
1820, and was educated at Pont-a-Mpusson and at Nancy. He was ordained in 1846, and having resolved to labor for the good of souls in "this country, where so great need existed, he came to America in 1857, and was for a time assistant to Rev. Annet Lafont, in the Church of St. Vincent de I*aul, and also at St. Ann's, before he took charge of the flock which assumed as its holy patron the ^"eat apostle of Germany.
From l«s installation there, he was also for some time chaplain of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd and of the penitent women under their charge.
In 1869, he erected a convenient school-house on two lots of ground which lie had pnidently purchased some years before. Here tlu-ee hundred and fifty pupils are regularly instructed in Enc'li-^h and GeiTuan,
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CHUECII OF ST. BONIFACE. 221
li E V . j\I A T T II E W N IC 0 T ,
PASTOR OF ST. BONIFACE'S CHURCH.
THE Rev. Matthew Nicot, founder and for the last twenty years pastor of the Church of St. Boniface, is a native of the province of Lorraine, bom in what was the Department de hi Meurthe, France, before that unhappy war in which the house of Bonaparte lost what the Bourbons had won. He was bom in the year 1820, and was educated at Pont-a-Mousson and at Nancy. He was ordained in 1846, and having resolved to labor for the good of souls in this country, where so great need existed, he came to America in 1857, and was for a time assistant to Rev. Annet Lafont, in the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, and also at St. Ann's, before he took charge of the flock which assumed as its holy patron the great apostle of Germany.
From his installation there, he was also for some time chaplain of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd and of the penitent ^^■omen under their charge.
In 1869, he erected a convenient school-house on two lots of ground which he had prudently purchased some years before. Here tlu^ee hinidred and fifty pupils are regularly instructed in English and German.
222 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Tha next }-ear the pastor purchased a modest pas- toral residence, No. 307 East Forty-seventh Street, oppo- site the chureli, the shaded court leading to the home of the priest of St. Boniface.
The couirreiration numbers about twelvt- Juuidred, and the annual baptisms add eighty to the tlock.
St. Boniface has, among- other aids to piety and zeal, a tlu-iving- Altar Society — in which the ladies show their love for the beauty of God's house — and a Rosary Society.
lie has not generally had an assistant, discharging alone the duties of his j^arochial charge among the coit- gregation to whom a ministry of nearly a quarter of a century has endeared him.
The life of a priest in his daily ministration — his offering the Holy Sacrifice, the recitation of his office, his i)rivate devotions, his supervision of his schools, visits to the sick and those Avho need his word of encourage- ment, baptizing the infant, instructing and directing those A\'ho come to learn the truth, long hours spent in the confessional, the Sunday and holiday with their ex- hausting service, two masses, perhaps, and vespers — all this has little that strikes the unobservant eye, Init where zealously and faithfulh' dischai-ged these duties make a
career heroic.
Roll of Honor.— August Wolf; Bernard Wenning; F. A. Newman; Charles Spilea; William Michels, jr.; Edward Kennedy; Mrs. Caroline Feist; Patrick Crowe.
(J HUH on or satnt b hid get.
AVENUE B.
CHURCH OF SAINT BRIDGET.
AVENUE B.
A
BOUT the year 1848, the Rev. Richard Kern, a young- and brilhant priest, while pastor of the Chui'ch of the Nativity, saw that another church was needed in the eastern part of the city, and resolved to erect a temple to the ]\Iost Hig-h, which should be under the especial patronage of the Mary of Ireland, one of the wonder-working Triad whose names are al- ways associated in the reverence of Irish hearts.
The Rt. Rev. Bishop Hughes, ^^diose secretary the Rev. Mr. Kein had been for a time, encouraged him, deem- ing it easier to find one to replace him in a settled jDarish than to meet one so fitted for the creation of a new church.
The Rev. Mr. Kein, a native of Meath, educated at Mount St. Mary's, and with four years' experience in the ministry, looked for a church site in a central position in the district assigned to his care and guidance. He found it on Avenue B, near Eighth Street, facing the East River, and fronting immediately on Tompkins Square, thus affording exceptional advantages for a church, with nothing to darken It in front or at the side.
CHURCH OF ST. r.UIDCKT. 2'2f)
The faithful of the new parish of St. Bridget were soon aroused, and every feehng of devotion and rational pride impelled them to exertions to make the church of their holy patroness worthy of so great a saint.
The Right Reverend Bishop, in order to aid by Iiis presence and influence, laid the corner-stone on Sunday, the 10th of September, 1848. An inniiense crowd gath- ered in the just connnenced church, filling platforms and rising walls to witness the imposing ceremonial and listen to the eloquent words of a bishop whose name and fame had spread tlu-ough tlie country. So great was the crush that one of the newly laid walls sank under the weight, causing some alarm, but fortunately no serious accident to mar the spiritual joy of the congregation, whose noble church had just received the blessing of God on its earliest work.
So rapidly was the church completed that before the close of the year it was ready for the offering of the Holy Sacrifice. It is justly remarked l)y the })reseut 23astor, that the erection of the church " was regarded at the time as an immense undertaking, and indeed even in om- day such a beautiful church would be a great monument of the zeal and self-sacrifice of any priest." Of Father Kein the late Archbishop Hughes made the remark, "that he ought to have a statue of solid gold erected in this church, to commemorate his toil and extraordinary en- terprise."
15
226 CATHOLIC CHURCHES or NEW YORK.
The magnitude of the undertakiBg is enhanced when we reflect that Ireland had just passed tln'ough the terrible famine of 1847, and was convulsed by the throes of revolution, and that the calls on the charity of the Irish Catholics in New York were constant and pressing.
On the 2d of December the Bishop again honored the church. It was solemnly dedicated to the worship of God, and a Solemn High Mass offered with the rich ceremonial, the exquisite music — all that zeal and piety could bring to add dignity to the first service.
The church itself, in its vast proportions, in the symmetry of its architecture, in the size and adornment of its altar, was a great step in advance ; many of our earlier churches having been substantial and plain, with no attempt to copy the elegance that the builders of tlie Middle Ages threw into the churches of Europe.
After comjjleting so noble a monument to the virgin saint of Erin, the pastor devoted himself to the build- ing up of a nobler temple in the liearts of his faithful. It was soon a well-organized parish, instinct with true Catholic life, and keenly alive to anything affecting the honor of St. Bridget's.
Large as his church seemed to be originally for his congregation, it soon proved to be none too spacious. It was tlu-onged with devout worshij^ers ; the childi-en in the Sunday-schools, opened for their instruction, showed by their numbers the great want that had existed, and
CHURCir OF ST. BRIDGET. 227
as early as Juiic 2,"), l<S5o, wc tiud tliu IM^lit Kevereiid Bishop confirming four liuudred and forty in this new parish.
The j)astoriil duties were too onerous for one clergy- man, and the pastor was assisted successively by the Rev. Thomas Farrell and the Rev. Edward Murphy. For the use of the parochial clergy, Rev. Mr. Keiii, in 1851, erected a convenient pastoral residence. In the year 1852 it was evident that his health was irretrievably affected, and the Most Reverend Archbishop called to the parish one whose abilities and zeal were ever at his ser- vice where difficulties were to be encountered, the Do- minican Father Thomas Martin. The Rev. Mr. Kein sank gradually, and died at Westchester, January 9, 1854.
Father Martin remained in the church as pastor, merely till everything was in proper order, when the Ai'chbishop selected as rector the Rev. Thomas J. i\Ioo- ney, a young priest ordained in January, 1853. This clergyman, in a pastorate of nearly a quarter of a cen- tury, identified his name with St. Bridget's Church. The Rev. Mr. O'P^arrell, at his funeral mass, said : —
" Father Mooney had labored in the world by preach- ing the Word of God to the people of St. Bridget's. During all his priestly career of twenty-four years he had been connected with that parish, and scarcely ever left it. He was known by all as a friend to whom they could always come with confidence. In his private
228 CATHOLIC C1IUKCHE8 OF NEW ^ ORK.
conversations, us well as in liis public preaching-, lie always endeavored to impress u})on his hearers the truths of" the Gospel. Father Mooney had also labored in tloc- trine — that is, he had always striven to promulgate the Catholic doctrines, especially by means tif education."
He felt the vast importance of a truly Catholic training for the young, and at once after appointment set about meeting the great want. He established an excellent parochial school, placing the boys under Broth- ers of the Christian Schools, and the girls under Sisters of Charity. With convenient school-house, well-ventilated and Avell-furnished rooms, the parochial institution tlu'ove so that in a few years it had eight hvmcb'ed boys and one thousand girls receiving a thorough, and, what is best, a Catholic education. Besides this school he induced the Sisters to open St. Bridget's Academy in East Tenth Street, an excellent select school, which is attended by more than two hundi-ed pupils.
At the commencement of the civil war, when the Sixty-ninth Regiment New York State National Guard vol- unteered for service and proceeded to the seat of war, the pastor of St. Bridget's offered to act as their chaplain, and his offer was accepted by Government. He dis- charged his duties during their term of service, and on the 14th of August, 1861, offered up a Solemn Requiem Mass in St. Bridget's for the repose of the souls of the deceased members of the regiment. The beautiful church
CllUliCII OF ST. imiDGET. 22!)
was draped in mouniiiiji-; a catafalque in the middle aisle represented the dead who were buried on the field uliere they had so gallantly fallen — the first of thousands of Catholics who poured out their life lilood for the pre- servation of the American Republic in its integrity.
The Rev. Mr. Mooney celebrated the mass, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Brennan as deacon and the Rev. Mr. Asmuth as subdeacon, and closed the solemn service by some touching- remarks on the deceased.
Returning to the seat of war as chaplain to the Irish Brigade, he, for a considerable period, exchanged the quiet routine of parish duty for the dangerous and stirring life of an army chaplain, serving also with the Irish Brigade in the terrible operations that so often devolved upon it.
He resumed his duties at St. Bridget's with new zeal and his wonted activity, and not long after performed the marriage service between one of his parishioners, Lieut. Fitch, Engineer U.S.N. , and the daughter of W. T. Sherman, General of the United States Army
His life of labor and usefulness was sadly closed. While driving home through Fifth Avenue on the e\('ning of September 11th, 1877, his vehicle was overturned near the corner of Forty-seventh Street by a heap of stones, carelessly left there and not lighted. Thrown violentl}- against the curbstone, his skidl was fractured. He was taken to the pastoral residence of the Church of St.
230 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
John the Evangelist, but tliough hopes were entertained of his recovery, he sank rapidly, and expired on the 13th. His loss filled liis parish with j^rofound grief. At the Reqiiieni Mass, the children of the schools and many of the people wore mourning. After the Office of the Dead, a Solemn High Mass was sung by the Rev. Mr. McGean, Bishop Con-igan of Newark, and Bishop Mc- Neirny of Albany, with nearly a hundi-ed priests being present. A fitting tribute to the deceased pastor was paid by the Rev. Mr. O'Farrell of St. Peter's Church, Barclay Street, taking as his text the words of St. Paul to Timothy : " Let the priests who do well be esteemed worth}^ of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in doctrine."
On the untimely death of this active and energetic priest, his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey appointed the Rev. Dr. P. F. McSweeny to the widowed parish. Under his care it advances in the way of prosperity. The schools maintain their high excellence, and though, owang to the prevailing depression in business and consequent distress among the humbler portion of the community, many are unable to continue sending their childi'en to school, they nmnbered in 1878, six hundi-ed and fifty boys and nine hundi-ed girls.
In a parish so well conducted as St. Bridget's we naturally look for Catholic associations. They are a great means for bringing the members of a congregation into
CHURCH OF ST. lililDGET.
231
closei' union, in shielding tlioni from the .ittraction of forbidden societies, and in fostering piety, devotedness, and a feeling of jtride in flic clnirch and its work.
St. liridget's lias long had an Altar Society of ladies, who love the beauty of God's liouse and altar, and affec- tionately contrlliute to its becoming adornment ; a Tiosary Society, in which that ancient prayer is recited in com- mon. The St. Bridget's Benevolent Association and the Conference of the Society of St. Vincent do Panl are the channels of Christian charity ; the Total Abstinence Society encourages those who find themselves too weak to resist a craving for drink, to renounce it altogether, strengthened by God's grace imparted in tlie sacraments.
The Sunday-schools, -witli their good library, interest the young, for -whom a special mass is said e^-ery Sunday
Roll of Honor.
Arlhui', Rosaniia. Attritlge, JoliTi ('•. Halbert, Slary. Barry, James. Realty, Martin. ISl.alier, Julia, Mrs. Blackweil, TliOTuas. Blessing, Peter. Bowe, Peter. Boylan, Owen. Boyle, Mary. Braily, Ann, Mrs. Brady, Michael. Buckley, Daniel.
Burns, John. Burns, Mark. Burns, Patrick. Burns, William. Burke, Michael J. Byrne, Patrick. Cafiry, Peter. Cagney, William. Cahill, John. Campbell, Francis. Cannavan, P. Carey, Andrew. Carroll, James. Carroll, Michael.
Carroll, Richard. Casey, Peter. Casey, Robert. Cassidy, Patrick. Cassidy, Thomas. Clancy, Patrick. Clarke, .Mexander. Clarke, .\nn. Clifford, Cornelius. Clifford, Patrick. Conlan, Francis. Connolly, 'lliomas. Connolly, \\'illiam. Conroy, Julward.
232
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Conway, James. Conway, Maurice, Mrs. Corr, Thomas. Corrig.in, Bridget. Cosgrove, James. Costello, Edward. Creedon, J.anies. Crosley, Elizabeth. Crowley, Cornelius, Crummy, Andrew. CuUen, Charles. Cunningham, M.ary, Mrs. Cunnion, James. Curry, Bernard. Daley, Thomas F. Deeley, Peter. Demjisey, James. Dennis, lilatthew. Devlin, Eliza. Devlin, William. Doherty, George. Dolan, Andrew. Donnelly, Catherine. Donnelly, Edward. Doon.an, Philip. Doran, Michael. Dowling, Tliomas. Doyle, James. Doyle, Martin. Doyle, Michael. Drumm, Peter. Dunn, Michael. Dunn, Thomas. Dunne, James. Dwyer, Dennis. " Eagan, Peter, Jr. Early, Catharine, Mrs. Eagan, James. Ellard, George. Facey, Margaret. Fay, Andrew. Feeney, John. Ferrigan, fane. Finley, John. Fitzgibbon, Gerald. Fitzpatrick, Patrick. Flemming, Wilhani. Flynn, James. Flynn, Mich.iel. Ford, Mary. Foster, Bridget, Mrs. G.artlan, Hugh M. Gilson, Julia. Gordon, Henry. Gormley, Michael. Hall, Catherine. Hall, Robert. Hal]iiii, I*eter. Hanlon, Bernard. Ilanly, Daniel. Hart, Christina, Mrs.
Hayes, Dennis.
Hayes, Jeremiah.
Higgins, Mary.
Hughes, Edward.
Hughes, Patrick H.
Hurley, Ann.
Jackson, Rosanna.
Johnson, Thomas.
Keating, ICliz.abelh, Mrs.
Keenan, Patrick.
Kelly, James.
Kelly, Thomas.
Kenney, Michael.
Kevlin, Henry.
Kilday, Edward.
Kirk, Thomas.
Kirwin, Honora.
Kress, William.
Lally, Thomas.
Lamb, Patrick.
Lamont, Peter.
Leacy, John.
Le.ahy, John.
Leddy, Michael.
Lennon, Dennis.
Levins, Peter.
Limbeck, Jolin.
Livingston, Mary, Mrs.
McAlhatan, I'.ernard F.
McAtamney, James.
McAuley, Thomas.
McAuliffe, Mary, Mrs.
McCaffrey, Edwaril.
McCann, John.
McCann, I'atrick.
McCann, 'i'homas.
McCarthy, John. McCarthy, Mary, Mrs. McCauley, Thomas. McClernan, A. J., Mrs. McConville, C. M. McCormick, Catharine, Mrs. McCrossan, Patrick. McCue, P. J. McGovern, James. McGrath, Dennis J. McGuire, Francis. McGuire, James H. McGuire, William B. Mclnerny, Patrick. McKeevcr, William. McKenna, Ellen. McVey, William. Mackintosh, J. Maguire, Catharine. Mahon, James. Mahoney, Daniel. Mahoncy, Dennis. Mahoney, John. Maloney, (Jwen. Masterson, P. Miner, Jane, Mrs.
Monaghan, Matthew. Monks, John. Moore, Patrick H. Moynih.an, Edward. Mulcown, Robert. Mulgrew, Felix A. Mullen, Mary, Mrs. Mulligan, Margaret, Mrs. Midligan, Michael. Mundy, Neil. Murphy, Daniel. Murphy, F. W. Murphy, Margaret, Mrs. Murphy, Michael. Nash, Thomas. Nugent, Kliza. Nugent, Tliomas A. O'Brien, Edward. O'Brien, M. O'Connell, Adelia. O'Connor, Mary, Mrs. O'Connor, P. O'Keefe, Kiernan. O'Leary, Patrick. O'Meara, James. O'.Neil, Bridget, Mrs. O'Neil, Patrick. O'Neill, P. H. O'Reilly, Annie. Pelmer, Richard. Plumridge, Edwartl. Powers, Maurice. Purtell, James. Ratigan, Thomas. Rattigan, Michael. Reartion, John. Reilly, Patrick. Reynolds, Thomas J. Rigney, James. Riley, Tliomas. - Ripple, H. T. Rogan, I'etcr. Rogeis, James. Russell, James L. Sexton, Bernard. Sheil, John. Shorlill, Bridget, Mrs. Skelly, Michael. Skiftington, Terence. Smith, N. .Stanley, Kate. Stapleton, I lanicl. Star, Francis. Sullivan, Mauiice. Sweeney, Ann. Turpen, John. Tracey, Eliza. Turner, Isabella. Vaughan, John. Ward, Annie. While, Frank.
I
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CHURCH OF ST. BUlDJiin.
'>.•'.;•.
REV. PATRICK FRANCIS McSWEENY,
r v.STOR OF ST. BRIDGET'.S CHURCH.
THE Rev. Dr. Patrick Francis McBweeny, the pres- ent pjbstor of St Rriil'ret's, wa.s bom in Ireland, Jnly 9th, 18.''S lie * » America with his parents
in A]»ril, IS-IO in tht; el<-.0!>*h y*-ar t^f liis ag-o. He was educated principally at liofre in Six
teenth Sti-eet, New York. In ( >« iHnU, Im entered
the College of the Propaganda, in Rome. During his stay in that world-renowned institution he was created Doctor of Philosophy in 1858, and Doctor of Divinity in 1862. -Having been ordained priest on June 14tli of the last named • year, he retm-ned to New^ York, and was appomted by the late Ar<'lil)ishop Hughes to the assistant pastorship of St Joseph's. In .Tidy of the following yenv he was ' transfen-ed to the Cathetb-al. Here lie remained till January, 1870, when he was sent as pastor to Peekskill, New York. In January, 1871, ho was appointed pastor of St Peter's, Pouglikeepsie. There he divided his large parish, and founded the present St Mary's pai'ish, having purchased the new church from the Universalists. He built a spacious pastoral residence, enlarged the con\'ent, and repaired and improved "^^ T* ■' i'- nunc]) \\ifliiiiil
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REV. PATRICK FRANCIS McSWEENY,
PASTOR OP ST. BRIDGET'S CHURCH.
THE \\ev. Dr. Patrick Francis McSweeny, the ])res- ent jiastor of St. Bridget's, was Loni in Ireland, July 9th, 1838. He came to America with his parents in April, 1849, in the eleventh year of his age. He was educated j)rinci})ally at the Jesuit College in Six- teenth Street, New York. In October, 1850, he entered the College of the Propaganda, in Rome. Diu-ing his stay in that world-renowned institution he was created Doctor of Philosophy in 1858, and Doctor of Divinity in 1862. Having been ordained priest on June 14th of the last named • year, he retm-ned to New York, and was appomted by the late Archbishop Hughes to the assistant pastorship of St. Joseph's. In July of the following year he was transferred to the Cathedral. Here he remained till January, 1870, when he was sent as pastor to Peekskill, New York. In January, 1871, he was appointed pastor of St. Peter's, Poughkeepsie. There he divided his large parish, and fomided the present St. Mary's j^arish, liaving purchased the new church from the Universalists. He Ijuilt a spacious pastoral residence, enlarged the convent, ;ind repaired and improved St. Peter's Church, \\ith()ut
234 CATHOLIC GHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
inciuTing any debts there. In 1872, he succeeded in placing the large Catholic schools of Poughkeepsie under the Public Board of Education in such a manner as to secure their maintenance from the public funds and their greater efficiency in the secular branches of education, while rather increasing than diminishing the advantages previously enjoyed in a religious point of view, and this without running counter in the least to the laws of the State or the principle of undenominational education in schools supported by the puldic taxes.
In the actual position of the school question in America, every expedient that seems to offer a means of putting an end to the wicked and inhmnan injustice that taxes a lai-ge portion of the community for an ini- religious system of schools, when in conscience they cannot avail themselves of any but a system in which religion holds a part in forming the mind and heart of the young, is worth being tested.
Catholics, so long as they believe in God and eter- nity, can never accept the present schools as they stand. Yet as a body they are powerless to effect any radical change, and meanwhile have to expend millions of dol- lars in affording an education for Avhich the State taxes them ; but, instead of an egg, tenders the child a serpent.
In November, 1877, the Rev. Dr. McSween}^ was appointed to his present position ; his assistants being, in 1878, the Rev. Hugh McCabe and the Rev. J. BjTon.
CHURCH OF SAINT CECIIJA.
SECOND AVENUE AND ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH STREET.
TJIE Alost Reverend Arcliljisliop McCloskey, as early as tlie year 1863, in view of the increas- ing Catholic jwpiilation in that part of Ncav York Island, purchased for twenty-one thousand dollars a piece of property, on the north-east corner <tf Second Avenue and One Hundred and Fifth Street, sufficient for the erection of a suitable church, with a pastoral residence and the schools which in time Avould gather around the sacred edifice.
For some years, however, the condition of the country made any further attempt unwise; but in 1873 the Most Reverend Archbishop deemed that the time had come to afford the Catholics In that })art the advantages of a cluu'ch. He confided the task of organizing the ])arish and erecting the new church to a jiriest who had, as first assistant at St. Teresa's, won the respect and attention of that cono-reffation.
Placing his new parish under the patronage of St. Cecilia, the Rev. Hugh Flattery jiroceeded to the work of organization : and in May he began the erection of a
cnuRCir OF st. cecilia. 2:57
tcniporai-y cliaijel in wliicli lie could offer the Holy Sacri- fice and preach the word of God till the circumstances of the congregation justified the great work of erecting the grand church projected by their piety and hope.
By the energy of the pastor, this commodious though temporary structure was soon completed, and on the 2()th of August, 1873, the Most Reverend Archbishop dedicated it with the usual ceremonies, and the new church of St. Cecilia took its place among the Catholic shrines of New York Island.
At the first mass, then offered with due pomp and majesty, a sermon was ])reached by the Rev. John Lan- caster Spalding, then in the diocese, now Bishop of Peoria. At the vesper service, which closed the day, the Rev. Dr. McGlynn delivered an eloquent discourse.
The early virgin saints and martyrs, revered for ages in all countries of the Catholic world, should not T)e strangers to the thought, the heart, or the devotion of our people. St. Cecilia is one of those whom our Holy Mother, the Church, has from age to age conmiemorated in the canon of the luass and invoked in her litany — one of those whom she everywhere and always commends to us as patrons.
She was of a patrician family at Rome, devoted to the service of God, consecrating her virginity to Him, and ever engaged in singing psalms and hymns and holy canticles in honor of her divine spouse. When
238 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
forced by liei' parents to wed the young jjatrician Va- lerian, she gained him and his brother TiLurtius to the faith, so that when the sword of persecution was un- slieathed, they died, in 230, with her, blessed martyrs of Jesus Christ. The body of St. Cecilia was interred l)y Pope Urban in the cemetery of St. Calixtus, and a climxh dedicated to her was the scene of a council more than thirteen lumdi-ed years ago. Iler body, still entire, was found by Pope Paschal I., in 821, and trans- lated to the Chiu-ch of St. Cecilia in Trastevere. Here it Avas found incorrupt in 1599. " She lay clothed in her robes of golden tissue, on which were still visible the glorious stains of her blood, and at her feet were the linen cloths mentioned by Pope Paschal and his biog- rajjher. Lying on her right side, with her arms extended in front of her body, slie looked like one in a deep sleep. Her head, in a singularly touching manner, was turned round towards the bottom of the coffin ; her knees were slightly bent and dra^vn together. The body was perfectly incoriiipt, and by a special miracle re- tained, after more than thirteen hundred years, all its grace and modesty, and recalled with the most truthful exactness, Cecilia breathing forth her soul on the pave- ment of her bath. A more signal \dndication of the Chiirch's traditions, a more consoling spectacle for a de- vout Catholic, it would be difficult to conceive."
A magnificent altar was reared above her tomb by
CHURCH OF ST. CECILIA. 239
Cardinal Sfondrati, and beneath it he placed a statue by Maderna, representing the martyr exactly as she was found.
Such is the glorious Saint, ])atroness of ecclesiastical music, whom our city honors, with St. Agnes, the Holy Innocents, tlie martyred Apostles, and Precm'sor of our Lord, his lirst witness Stephen, and the apostle bisliops of Gennany and Poland.
The present church is a tasteful frame chapel front- ing on One Hundred and Fifth Street. With the altar and necessary fiu-niture and ornaments, the church cost about ten thousand dollars. The vestments are extremely fine, and have all been purchased, except one set, the gift of a pious lady.
' The whole cost has been paid by the untiring ex- ertions of the pastor, so that the church is entirely free from debt. Tlie congregation is as yet small, scattered, and by no means blessed with wealth. To accomplish what has already been done, the reverend pastor appealed, and not in vain, to his j^ersonal friends in vai'ioiis parts.
The chm-cli has not yet been begun. When the congi-egation seems to demand it, the corner-stone of a more enduring temple will be laid, and a structure reared facing Second Avenue which will vie with any in oiu- city.
240
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOUK.
Roll of Honor
CHURCH OF ST. CECILIA.
Barry, David. Doyle, James. Duggan, Jiilin. Eggleston, ^Villiam. Farrell, John D. Fegan, Edward. Fogarty, K.., Mrs. Foy, John. Gallagher, Daniel. Ganby, Bernard. Gibbins, Hugh. Gormley, Bernard. Hanlon, John. Kean, M. Mrs. McCann, Patrick.
McCorniick, Michael. McGowan, P. McKeon, Charlotte, Mrs. Macy, Margaret Jane. Maguire, Charles K. Maney, Lawrence. Minnock, Thomas. Murphy, Francis. Murtaugli, Garret. Norton, John. O'Mara, Thomas. Prunty, Andrew. Reilly, John. Shefflin, Daniel. Waters, Mark.
CHUllCU OF ST. CECILIA. THE REV. HUGH FLATTHKY,
PASTOR (W ST. CKCILIA'S CHirRCII.
* ! 1.
1~^nE Rev. H\igh Flattery, wlio lias reared a clmrcli ill houar of the virgin martyr St. Cecilia, near the shore of the East River at One Hundred and Fifth Sti'eet, is a nativ%i of Ireland — born, educated, and ordained amid all tlie lialiowed associations connected with every (juai'ter of the island.
He was born in Ballinasloe, County Gralway, in 1838, though his parents, Hugh MoUoy Flattery and Catharine Duhan, were both iiatives of Kings County. His father dying while he was yet a child, liis mother i-emoved to Dublin, and Hugli received his • early edu- cation in the metropolis of Ireland. Proceeding to Rome in .1853, he pursued his theological studies in the center of Catholicity. Having completetl his course before the canonical -«ge when he could be raised to the jn-iest- hood, he applied himself during the period thus left liim t(j the thorough study of philosophy, and was graduated in that science -in .185!). In the following year he was ordained priest by the late Cardinal Patrizi, and cele- brated his firat mass in the basilica of St. Rartholoniew, erected on the site of an ancient temple of ^Es<-.ula,pius.
Retm-uing to Ireland, he enteral mi tlf duties of 16
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THE REV. HUGH flatteuy,
rASTOK OF «T. C1X;ILIA"S CHIJKCH.
THE Ivuv. Huj;li Flnttery, who lias ivarcd a cIiuitIi ill liuuur of the virg-iu martyr St. C'cfiHa, near the shore oi the East River at ()ne Hundred and Fifth Street, is a native of Ireland — born, educated, and ordained amid all the hallowed associations coimected with every quarter of the island.
He was born in Ballinasloe, County Galwa}", in 1838, though his parents, Hugh Molloy Flattery and Catharine Duhan, were both natives of Kings County. His father dying while he was yet a child, his mother removed to Dublin, and Hugh received his early edu- cation in the metropolis of Ireland. Proceeding to Rome in 1853, he pursued his theological studies in the center of Catholicity. Having completed his ct)urse l)efore the canonical age when he could be raised to the i)riest- hood, he ap})lied himself during the ])eriod thus left him to the thorougli study of philosophy, and Avas graduatetl in that science in 185LI. In the following year he was ordained priest 1j}' the late Cardinal Patrizi, and cele- brated his first mass in the basilica of St. Bartholomew, erected on the site of an ancient temple of ^Esculapius.
Retm-ning to Ireland, he entered on the duties of 16
242 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOEK.
the ministry at Adair, the seat of the Earl of Duuraven, and at St. John's Cathedral, Limerick.
About twelve years ago he voluntarily joined the Diocese of New York, gi'S'ing his services to the Most Reverend Archbishop.
His first missionary labors were discharged in the parish of St. Teresa, the Most Reverend Ar-chbishop hav- ing confided to liim the position of assistant at that chiu^ch.
The sterling qualities eA'ineed in this position in- duced his superioi's, in May, 1873, to call him to the field in A^'hich he is now laboring. It was no sliglit tribute to his merit that the congregation showed the utmost reluctance to \r,\rt ^^ith him. They would not let him depart without a substantial token of their respect and regard. The men of the congi-egation subscribed a pm-se of three thousand doUai's, which they presented to. liim with a suitable address ; and the ladies of St. Teresa, no less appreciative, resolved to show their esteem for his priestly qualities and unremitting labors. Their ad- dress breathes tliis in every line, and the subscriptions among them amounted to a thousand dollars.
In his new parish he has been equally successful in winning the good will of his flock. He has paid the whole cost of his church, a heavy assessment of five thousand dollars, and reduced greatly the mortgage on the property.
CHURCH OF SAINT COLUMBA
WEST TWENTY-FIFTH STREET.
CHURCH OF SAINT COLUMBA.
WEST TWENTY-FIFTH STKEET.
WHEN the first steps Avere taken to fin-ni the coiigTegatiuu of 8t. Joseph's Cliurch, Green- wich Village lay like a hamlet a])art fniin the Ijusy and settled portion of the Cit}' of New York, l)nt in twenty years dwellings grew np to and far beyond it, so that the Catholics as far np as Twenty-fifth Street, in what was then known as Chelsea, began to consider whether they conld not erect a chnrch that Avoidd be convenient to them and others of their faith avIio conld then be fonnd still fnrther north.
The project did not seem prematnre to the Rt. liev. Bishop Hughes. He confided the task of gathering the faithful of that part of the island and organizing a con- gregation, to a brilliant and eloquent Irish ])riest, then but a few months in his diocese, the Rev. Patrick Jo- seph Bourke. This clergyman roused the religious en- thusiasm of his Catholic countrymen in the district allotted to him across the island from Fourteenth to Forty-second Street; and having fi)und lots adapted to his purpose on Twenty-fifth Street near Ninth Avenue, purchased them and laid the corner-stone of a church.
CHTTRCH OF ST. COLUMBA. 245
to wliicli l^isliop TTnylios, fvoui liis devotion to one of the greiitest luuiies in the Irisli cahiiuhn-, wished to as- sio-n the name of 8t. (Johimba.
"i'liat lioly man, the third in the wonder-working Triad of Irisli saints, whose relies rest at Down, was horn at Gortan, in the County Tyrconnel, in o'Jl, of a nolilc fivniily, and was trained to virtues avid sacred Icai-nino- })y St. Finiaii. He founded the Alibey of Dur- rogh and a hundred others in Ireland and Scotland, having draA\n up for their government a rule liased on that of the Elastern monks. His zeal having oftended King Derinot, the saint crossed over to the neighboring island, where he converted the northern Picts and High- landers, and, establishing a monastery on the island of lona, made it the holy island of Scotland.
Trained in his austere school, with the example of his virtues, miracles, and prophecy, his disciples became a community of saints, and kings claimed the right of being interred on so holy a sjiot. St. Columba, after a life of missionary labor and monastic austerity, foretold the time of his death, and rising early proceeded to the chapel, where he received the viaticum kneeling before the altar, and slept sweetly in our Lord on the !)th of June, 5117. His relics were subsequently translated to Ireland, and enshrined at Down, with those of St. Brid- get and St. Patrick.
It was under the patronage of this great saint that
246 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
the new cluircli was to be built. The Rev. Mr. Bourke first gathered his httle flock in an old frame building- on the south side of Twenty-seventh Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, where a livery stable now stands. The floor between the stories was cut away, but the place was too small for the congregation. He then ob- tained possession of a boat-hoixse on Eighth Avenue and Twenty-fourth Street, and by making openings in the sides, to accommodate those who could not find place within, enabled his parishioners to fulfill the obligation of hearing mass.
The foundations were soon laid, so that the dimen- sions of the church could be seen, and on Thiirsday, May 22, 1845, the corner-stone was laid by Rt. Rev. Bishop Hughes, who prefaced the ceremony Ijy an ap- propriate address to the large audience assembled on the occasion, and which luimbered several thousands.
The projected church was to be a plain but solid structure, sixty feet by ninety-four, indulging in no ex- travagance of architectural detail within or Avithout. The work was prosecuted rapidly, and on the 12th of Octo- ber, 1845, it was made ready for a solemn dedication to Almight}' God.
Bishops and priests began to arrive, and though the day was wet and stormy, not only the pews, which could seat twelve hvmdi-ed and fifty persons, but even the aisles were filled before the hour fixed for the cere-
CIII'RCII OF ST. COLU:\[BA. 247
mony of the day. At lialf-jjast ten the procession issued from the sacristy. The cross was borne aloft between two acolytes, with lighted candles, followed by the master of ceremonies leading the way for the officiating prelate, now his Eminence Cardinal IMcCloskey, then Coadjutor Bishop of New York. He was supported on the right by the Rev. Mr. Bourke, and on the left In" the Rev. John Smith of St. James' Church. At the church door the chant of the Miserere rose as the bishop pronounced the blessing and the dedicatory prayer. Then sprinkling the walls, the procession returned to the sanctuary, singing the Litany of the Saints. The altar was solemnly devoted to its holy purpose, iinder the invocation of St. Columba, and was beautifully adorned.
A Solemn High Mass was then offered by the Rev. Mr. Bourke, with the Rev. Messrs. Smith and Stokes as deacon and subdeacon. After the gosjiel the Rt. Rev. Bishoj) Hughes ascended to the altar, and read his text from the first chapter of the prophet Malachy. The words of the prophecy declare to the Jews the coming of a time wlien God should cease to accept the sacri- fices they then offered, but when to his name should come up an oblation from Gentiles and from Jews, from the rising to the setting of the sun. " The present occa- sion," said the learned divine, "brings the prophecy to oiu' minds — the dedication of a temple to God, one Avhich has risen up as if l)y magic. Tliat ceremony is
248
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
apparently one of sinijjlr import, tlie dedication of the mere material substance, but tlie prayer and praise which arise within these walls are not merely foi- the consecra- tion of these insensilile materials, but for the consecra- tion to God of the hearts that are now assembled, and shall continue to assemble here.
" But it is not from the simple dedication tliat tlie church derives its importance. It is prophesied that the time should come when the Jewish sacrifice should cease, and a clean sacrifice be offered while liumltle pra^'er ascended from pure hearts. It is for this jiurpose that the (Jliurch of Jesus Christ erects her temples. It may l>c truly said that the whole universe is a fitting temple for Almighty God. God is not restricted within walls, l)ut Jesus Clnist, through His Church, has taught us that there is a worship which has built tt'Uiides in every land in the world, and Avill continue to build its temples wliilc time endures.
" Here you will hold communion with God, and He with you ; and those whom God has put here will speak to yon in the name of the Clnn-ch of Jesus Christ."
The sacred orator then proved the necessity of con- tinually repeated sacrifice in the Christian Church, from the fact that sacrifice alone was the most perfect and complete recognition of the divine sui)remacy, and tJiat if the new^ dispensation did not possess this mode of recog- nition, it would be inferior to the old Mosaic institution.
rilTTRriT OF ST. COLllMRA. 249
Whilst in the i)rinciples of Catliolics there was a perpetually continued sacrifice, there was still no variation, no plu- ralit}' of sacrifices, as in the Mosaic law; nnich less was there any siibstantial difference between the sacrifice of this day and the sacrifice of Calvary. " For at all times the victim (Christ) beino- the same, and the priest (Christ) the same, the sacrifice unist be the same. The victim, the same Christ, no^v impassiljle, is always the victim, nono other in the doctrine of the Church ; and although there may be many ministering priests, there is still but the one High Priest, who ' remains a jn'iest forever, ac- cording to the order of Melchisedec' Of all tlie doc- trines revealed in the New Testament, there is none so clearly expressed and so full of comfort as that of the Real Presence. Jesus instituted this sacrifice as tJie last mark of his divine love, that He might never be absent, but always present with us.
" Let us then, beloved brethren, properly regard the privileges we enjoy. Let no thought, no action escape us that shall do dishonor to the doctrines we profess. Let us render our temple more worthy by our lives, by following in the footsteps of our blessed Saviour. If we do this, wc si mil soon arrive where outward sacrifices shall cease to be necessary, and we shall sit at the right hand of our Father, and the mantle of his love shall be forever spread us."
At the close of the mass, the Bishoj) gave his
250 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OP NEW YORK.
benediction, and as the exquisite miisic died away, the procession of bishops, pi'iests and clerics moved from the sanctuary.
The new church was very neatly fitted up, with a simple but beautiful altar and tabernacle. The congre- gation was soon numerous, and the eloquence of the pastor di-ew crowds from all parts of the city, especially when he preached, as he occasionally did, in Irish. But he was not fitted for the management of financial aff"airs, and his confidence was abused, so that St. Col- umba's was soon almost hojjelessly involved, and after a pastorship of only nine months, the Rev. Mr. Bourke withdrew and returned to Europe. He was assisted during his brief 2:)astorsliip by the Rev. P. Bradley.
In 1846, the Bishop committed the care of the church to the Rev. Michael McAleei', who has continued to be its pastor to the present day. Introducing order and system into every department, he soon reduced the debt, which exceeded the real value of the chm-ch, and at last completely cleared it off". Wlien relieved from the bm-den he proceeded to remodel the cluirch ; the increased congregation required more accommodation. He provided new pews, put up large galleries to seat sev- eral hundi'ed, erected a new and far finer altar, and added a suitable vestry.
But though the chiu'ch was thus fitted up for the sei'vice of God, the education of the young was an im-
CHURCH OF ST. COLUMBA. 251
jDerious want, A site was piircliased, in 1854, for the purpose of erecting- a parochial school, which was com- pleted in 185G. The boys' department was placed under the Brotliers of the Christian Schools, Avho in 1878 num- bered two hundred juipils ; while the Sisters of Charity, tvho have for twelve years guided the girls of the par- ish in the way of knowledge and piety, have five hun- dred and fifty under their care, as well as a hundred of the younger boys.
To afi^ord a higher course of education for young- ladies whose parents could afford to pay for the advan- tages afforded by an academy, the Sisters of Charity opened in 186G the Academy of St. Angela, in Twenty- second Street, where they have fifty pupils.
There are many societies connected with the church — the Society of the Living Rosary ; the Sodality of the Sacred Heart, for the }"Oung men; the Childi-en of Mary, for the young ladies; the Conference of St. Vincent de Paul, for work among the poor; St. Columba's Childi-en's Aid Society, for the benefit of abandoned and destitute children ; a Temperance Society ; the St. Columbkille So- ciety, and tlie Young Men's Library Association.
252
CATUOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
R
OLL OF
H
ONOR
CHURCH OF ST. COLUMIiA.
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Aspell, Catharine, Mrs. |
Finney, Miss. |
McConnon, Patrick. |
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Barker, Jame.s. |
Fitzgerald, James. |
McCue, Mary, Mrs. |
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Beatty, Edward. |
Fitzpatrick, Bernard. |
McDermott, Peter. |
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Boylan, Frank. |
Flanagan, James. |
McDonald, Joseph. |
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Brophy, John. |
Flood, John. |
McKay, Kate. |
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Buchanan, James. |
Foley, John. |
McMaho:i, James, |
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Byrne, Michael. |
Foley, Katie, Miss. |
McStay, Francis. |
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Caine, Michael. |
Fox, Patrick J. |
Malone, Philip. |
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Callaghan, Cornelius. |
Fuller, William, |
May, ^\'illiam. |
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Campbell, James. |
Gallaghan, Michael. |
Moore, Miss. |
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Campbell, Patrick. |
Galnar, John. |
Morris, John. |
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Churchill, Michael. |
Gamfell, James. |
Morton, Mrs. |
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Clifford, Dennis. |
Gibbons, Mary A. |
O'Connor, William. |
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Comerford, James. |
Gomien, Miss. |
O'Donnell, John. |
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Cooney, Henry. |
Grant, John Oscar. |
Ogilvie, James. |
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Cooney, Thomas. |
Handy, John. |
O'Gorman, Richard. |
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Conroy, Matthew. |
Hannon, J. D. |
Quinn, Daniel. |
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Cullin, Richard. |
Heaney, Jane. |
Quinn, Patrick J. |
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Curley, Patrick. |
Hendricks, Edward. |
Quinn, John H. |
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Daley, James. |
Higgins, Hugh. |
Reilly, Christopher. |
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Daly, Ellen, Mrs. |
Home, Maria, Mrs. |
Reilly, Francis J. |
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Donnelly, Edward J. |
Houlihan, Michael. |
Reilly, James. |
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Donnelly, James, Mrs. |
Hughes, Francis. |
Reynolds, John. |
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DutTy, James H. |
Irwin, Henry. |
Riger, Jacob. |
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Duffy, John. |
Irwin, John. |
Schmidt, C. A. |
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Dunn, Patrick. |
Judge, Nicholas. |
Skehan, James. |
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Egan, Bridget, Mrs. |
Kennedy, John, Mrs. |
Smith, James. |
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Egan, Joseph. |
Kennedy, Nicholas. |
Toner, James. |
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Faley, James. |
Lawlor, Jolin. |
Toy, Jnlin. |
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Farrell, Andrew F. |
Leary, Andrew. |
Walsh, John. |
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Farrell, John, Mrs. |
Logan, Thomas. |
Walsh, Michael. |
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Felhen, James. |
McAleenan, Henry. |
White, John J. |
rHUItCH OF ST. COLUMBA
HKV. MKUTAEL M
i:u.
C
TASTOR or ST. COl.JfMHA.S ClU UCH.
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^^1 ^IIE venerable jjastor of the Cliurch of ColumbkilK I is probably the oldest priest hi the Oitv of New
York in years and oplination. Hi ;
County Tyri:>ne, IivlatKl, where he the year 1811. Before he i»a.s.«oii . his faniily emignitetl to Aiiurica anil s. Maryland. As he evinced a taj9te for stuti after he had mastered the nidiments in the schoui place, made every sacrifice to place him at Mount ."-; Mary's College, Emmettsburg, which he entered in the year 1828. After being graduated, his piet}- and love for the liouse of God led him to seek entrance among those who were preparing for the holy order of priest- hood. Dr. Pm-cell, then president of that venerable in- stitution^ Tvelconied him wannly, and pm-suing his course with many who became famous in the church — one as the fu-st American cardinal, another as Bishop of CHiicago, another as Bishop of Brookljai — he was ordained in Ix.'JT. When the Rev. Mr. Purcell was promoted to the See uf Cincinnati, he urged the young pxnest, whose learn- ing, piety, and spirit of discipline he had noted, to :n
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CHURCH OF ST. CULUMLA. 2r)3
K K \" . 31 1 (J II A E L M ( A L K l] V, ,
PASTOR OF ST. COLUMBA'S CIIUKCII.
TlIK \t'iRTiil)k' pustor of the Cliurc-li of Columbkille is proljal)!}' the oldest priest in the City of New York ill years and ordination. He is a native of the County Tyrone, Ireland, where he first saw the lii^lit in the year 1811. Before he passed the years of bo}liood his family emigrated to America and settled at Frederick, Maryland. As lie evinced a taste for stud)', his parents, after he had mastered the rudiments in the scliool of the place, made every sacrifice to place him at IMount St. Mary's College, Emmettsburg, which he entered in the year 1828. After being gi-aduated, his jiiety and love for the house of God led him to seek entrance among those who were preparing for the holy order of priest- hood. Dr. Purcell, then president of that venerable in- stitution, welcomed him warmly, and pursuing his course with many who became famous in the cliurch — one as the first American cardinal, another as Bisliop of Chicago, another as Bishop of Brooklyn — he was ordained in 1837. When the Rev. 3Ir. Purcell was promoted to the See of Cincinnati, he urged the young priest, whose learn- ing, piety, and spirit of discipline lie luul noted, to ac- company him to the West. After spending tlu'ee years
254 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
of labor in the Diocese of Cincinnati, in Canton, Carroll County, he was touclied by an appeal of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Miles, Bishop of Nashville, for missionaries, and at once responded to the call, well aware of the difficulty and hardship of the field. Bishop Purcell, though loth to part with a good, active, and zealous priest, finally con- sented, and Rev. Mr. McAleer went to Tennessee. There he and the Rev. John Maguire were appointed to travel together throughout the diocese, to preach in every town not already provided with a pastor, and to administer the holy sacraments to all who might apply to them. lie was thus the first priest in our times to say mass or erect a church in Western Tennessee. He was at one time accompanied by the late Archbishop Spalding, then a missionary pnest in Kentucky. Their discourses, pop- idar in style, full of solid and convincing argument, produced a decided impression on the clear Western minds, and prepared the way for future chm-ches. Rev. Mr. Mc- Aleer soon erected a beautiful brick chiu'ch at Memphis, of Avhicli he became the 2:)astor, attending stations at a gi'eat distance — Fort Pickering, La Grange, Bolivar, Jack- son, and other points. Here, after some years, he Avas assisted by a Dominican Father, Thomas S. Alemany, now Archbishop of San Francisco.
His reputation for learning had not been lost in this hard missionary work, and in 1846 he was selected by the Rt. Rev. Matthias Loras, Bishop of Dubuque, as liis
CHUECH OF S'l\ COLUMBA. 255
tlieologiiui, to accompany him to the Sixth Provincial Council of lialtimore, and he attended the sessions of that venerable body in that cajDacity.
At its close he was received by Ai'chbishop Hughes into his diocese, and assigned to the Church of 8t. Columba, then sadly in need of a priest a\1io could save it from threatened ruin. As we have seen, he cleared it of a load of debt that would have appalled most men ; remodeled the clmrch edifice, rendering it more attractive to his peojjle and more worthy of the dignity of our incomparable litin-gy ; organized the schools for the Chris- tian education of the young, and has successfully labored to keep alive a spirit of faith and devotion.
His zeal was shown in a remarkable manner diu'ing the terrible cholera season of 1849. His parish was especially afflicted by the fatal disease, and for weeks the devoted priest slept only on a sofa in the parlor, with his liorse and wagon standing all night before his door, ready to carry him to any point of Ids district where a stricken Catholic claimed the consolations of religion. He was upheld almost supernatm-ally, facing the heat by day and want of sleep at night, in his faithful and untii'ing discharge of his duties. It is easy to conceive with what respect his flock regarded his devotion and courage.
As he advanced in age, he was attacked by pneu- monia, which several times tlu*eatened to end his life,
256 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEAV YORK.
or, at least, his usefulness, but he recovered completely, and still, in his sixty-eighth year, is discharging his paro- chial duties witli all the zeal of forty years ago.
The rapid increase of popidation in that part of the city has made his duties as onerous as ever; for, though parishes have been formed in the district originally as- signed to St. Colundia's, the flock under his charge is greater than it ^vas on the day of his appointment.
During his long pastoi'ate. Rev. Mr. McAleer has had several assistants — Rev. Francis Monaghan of the Diocese of Armagh (1846-8); Rev. James Cmnnnskey ; Rev. Terence Scallan, who after several }'ears' labor in city missions became pastor at Haverstraw ; . Jiav. Titus Joslin, a convert and author ; Rev. William H. Neligan, once a Protestant clergyman in Ireland and England, who em- braced the fixith he had before earnestly opposed, and Avhose pen has enriched our literature with many learned and devotional works ; Rev. H. O'Hara ; Rev. James T. Barry, and Rev. A. Molloy. The j^^'^sent assistants of the venerable pastor are the Rev. George C. IMurphy and Rev. ]\I. Montgomery.
CHURCH OF ST. CYRHXUS AND ST. METHODIUS.
(BOHEMIAN.) EAST FOURTH STREET.
NEW YORK, in one respect, recalls Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost; it lias among- its Catho- lic po])ulation "devout men out of every nation under heaven." To all these, each Catholic church is a liome. The land, and the manners of the people, tlie stir and bu.stle of business, the rapid moving- of c-nr and boat under tlie mighty impulse of steam, may all be strange; but before the altar of God, when the Hoh' .Sacritice of tlie ]Mass is offered, or the 8acred Office is sung, or om- Lord from the monstrance pours liis blessing- upon them, the feeling pervades their hearts that here they are at home. Yet even with this there comes the desire which the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost gratitied by a miracle — the long-ing " to hear in their own tongue, wherein they were born, the A^'onderful ^\-orks of God."
There were temples in our city where, during mass, the gospel was preached in Englisli, French, German, and Italian; but the Bohemians wished to hear the words
of salvation in their own language. In December, 1874, 17
258 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
they organized two religious societies — that of St. Wen- ceslaus and that of St. Ludmila. Thus brought to- gether, they found a priest of their nationaHty wilhng to devote himself especially to them.
This his Grace the Ai-chbishop readily permitted, and the late Rev. Father Krebesz of St. Nicholas gener- ously placed the basement of that church at their disposal. A few months encom-aged the pastor and his little flock to endeavor to secure a place especially for theii- own use. Such was the zeal and regularity shown by tlie Bohemians, that in March, 1875, the property 316 East Fourth Street, between Avenues C and D, was purchased for the sum of twelve thousand five hundred dollars, and blessed for use as a Catholic church under the invoca- tion of St. Cyi'illus and St. Methodius.
These two holy brothers — brothers according to the flesh and in spiritual life and missionary labors — were born at Thessalonica, of an illustrious senatorial family, and are regarded as the apostles of Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Russia, and almost all Slavonic nations, for whom they translated the liturgy into their own language. Borgias, King of the Bulgari- ans, Borivoj, Duke of Bohemia, and other princes of those parts, were won by them to the faith and love of Christ. Methodius was made by the Pope Archbishop of Moravia, but Cyi'il remained a simple monk. They died about the year 900, and their bodies were laid with
CHURCir OF ST. CYRILLUS AND ST. METHODIUS. O^O
honor under the altar of a very ancient chapel in St. Clement's Church at Rome, as if to attest that the coun- tries where war has recently rag-ed were converted by missionaries from the Roman See. These saints set up at Bimzlaii a statue of the Blessed Virgin, which was for centuries afterwards a place of pilgrimage, and was visited hy St. John Nepomucene just before his mar- tyrdom.
Soon after the modest church of these apostles of Eastern Eiu-ope was ojiened, the Rev. George Weidlich, who had done so good a work, found that his health was too much broken to attempt to minister to the little flock he had gathered.
The Rev. A. V. Vacula was then appointed priest of the Bohemians, and has since successfully administered the parish. Finding the building already too small for the congregation, he enlarged it at a cost of six thou- sand dollars, and thus had a commodious and more wor- thy chiu-ch. On the 12th of December, 1875, it was solemnly dedicated by the Very Re^-. William Quinn, Vicar General of the diocese, who delivered a sermon in English, and another in Bohemian was gi^en by the Rev. A. V. Vacula. The High Mass was said by the Rev. Father Ivo Prass, the Superior of the Capuchins in New York, who attended with several Fathers of his com- munity.
The pastor felt that a school was indispensable, and
2fiO CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
ill llie early i)art ot" October opened one in the basement of his chnrch. The attendance, at first only twenty-five, soon increased to about a hundred, and has been con- tinued with success.
Soon after the dedication the Rev. Mr. Vacida insti- tuted the St. Mary's Society for girls, and that of St. Aloysius for the boys of the congregation, to associate the }'ounger members of his flock together in pious ex- ercises, that each should be a support to the other in the trials and temptations that beset the rising generation in a great city.
In May, 1877, the Society of the Knights of St, AVen- ceslaus was originated. They attended a Solemn j\Iass on the 28th of September, when a beautiful flag was presented to the society 1)y the pastor, and blessed by the Rev. Mr. Weyman of the Church of St. Stanislaus, several of the prominent members of the congregation being sponsors for the banner.
t
CHURCH or ST. CYRILLliS AND ST. METHODIl 8. 2(1 1
REV. A . V. VACULA,
PASTOR OF THK CHURCH OF ST. CYKILLUS ANO ST. METHODHTS.
THE R»>v. A. V. Yii.jui;! \vM,s uoni ;it < ^siok, Archdio- rv:-o '>f Olnnitz, in M(>rR\-i!i, cm the l.'»th of .Aujiiist, 1845, and Tvn.s educated at the gymna-siuni at Kremsier, from whicli lie entered the University of Vienna in IBGo. x\fter two years spent there, lie resolved to ( '
clerical state, and piu'.sued his theological st.u<lio.-> lui liiii;*.- yeai-s in tlif^ University of Olmutz. Feeling called to de- vote himself to the American missions, he was sent to the American College at Lovivain in 18(59, and there ordained for the Diocese of Baltimore, <»n the 10th of September, 1870, in the College of the J» " thers at Louvain.
At the desire of his parent.;, .m returned to his native city and said his first mass in the Church of the E.xaltation of the Holy C'ro.ss, and dui'ing the tem- ))orary illness of the parish priest and his assistant, offi-. ciated for two months
He then came to this country, an-ivnng December 1, 1870. Repairing to Baltimore, he was placed by the late .\rchbishop Spalding in charge f)f a congi^ation, and erected the Church of St Wenceslaus, on Central Axenue,
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CHURCH OF ST. CYRILLUS AND ST. METHODIl'8. Ji;]
RKV. A . V. VACULA,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. CYRILLUS AND ST. METHODUTS.
THP^ Rev. A. \. Varula was horn at Osek, Archdio- cese of Ohnutz, in Moravia, on the loth of Angnst, 184r), and was edncated at the gymnasium at Kremsier, from which he entered the University of Vienna in 18G5. After two years spent there, he resolved to embrace the clerical state, and pursued liis theological studies for three years in the University of Olmutz. Feeling called to de- vote himself to the American missions, he was sent to the American College at Louvain in 1809, and there ordained for tlic Diocese of Baltimore, on the 10th of September, 1870, in the College of the Jesiiit Fathers at Louvain.
At the desii'e of his parents, he returned to his native city and said his first mass in the Cluu'ch of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and dm-ing the tem- porarv illness of the parisli priest and his assistant, offi- ciated for two months
He then came to this coinitry, arriving December 1, 1870. Repairing to Baltimore, he was placed by the late Archbislio[) .Spalding in charge of a congregation, and erected the Church of St. AVenceslaus, on Central Avenue,
262 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
above Baltimore Street, wliicli was dedicated by the late Bishop Verot of St. Augustine, May 20th, 1872.
The Rev. Mr. Yacula ministered to this congregation of Bohemians for about two years. He was then for a year chaplain of the Baltimore University Hospital. After this first exercise of the ministry in the Diocese of Balti- more he came to New York, and was appointed to the Chm-ch of St. Cyrillus and St. Methodius, on the 27th of September, 1875.
His active zeal has done much to mould the little conffresration of Bohemian CathoHcs into an earnest and devoted body, their faith being kept alive by pious as- sociations and the influence of the schools.
Their present prosperity, if not the origin of their church, is due, in no small degree, to the patience and the intelligent zeal of the clergjnnan who now fills the responsible position of pastor in this church.
CHURCH OF SAINT ELIZABETH.
WEST ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVENTH STREET.
THE CHURCHES OF SAINT ELIZABETH AND
SAINT JOHN.
FORT WASHINGTON AND K I N G S B R I D G K .
FORT WASHINGTON recalls by its name the strug- gle in the days of the Revolution, when Magaw's and Shea's regiments of the Pennsyh-ania line, which num- bered many Irish Catholics, so stubbornly held out against an overwhelming- English force. As a part of our island where Catholic blood flowed in the cause of American Independence, it was well that it should be hallowed by religious associations ; that the noblest worship ever offered to the Almighty might there bind us witli our fellow- believers of the days that tried men's souls.
In 1869, the Most Reverend Archbishop established the parochial district of Fort Washington, embracing the northern spur of the island to the other side of that stream which still retains the name associated with the legends of the Dutch epoch.
This district was confided to the Rev. Cornelius J. O'Callaghan, who took the preliminary steps to gather the Catholic population, saying mass in the public school- houses at Fort Washington and Spuvten Duj-vil. Tlie Catholic population was mainly in two Ijodies, somewhat
CHURCHES OF ST. ELIZABETH AND ST. JOHN. 265
widely separated, and it wiis not easy to fix np.on a central location that woidd l)e convenient to i)otli. Diffi- culties seemed to discovxrage the priest first assig-ned to this mission, but in October, 1870, tlie Rev. Henry A. Brann, D.D., whose scholarly instincts and tastes seem to stimixlate his activity in parochial labors, and especial!}' in that creative power often so necessary to a clergyman who finds himself in a parish without a roof to cover his head or shield the altar he must rear to the Most High. He was to complete, by dedicating to the service of God the upper end of Manhattan Island, the work begun at the Battery by the Jesuit Fathers two centuries before.
The more pressing want seemed to be in the portion of his district near Kingsbridge, and to this point he gave his first care. He enlarged by purchase the site already obtained, and at once began to erect a modest frame church, which was speedily completed, at a cost of about ten thousand dollars, and in a few months after his arrival he could request his Grace the Most Reverend Archbishop to honor him and his little flock by solemnly dedicating it to the worship of the Holy Trinity. The Archbishop, who had blessed so many fine ecclesiastical structures, did not decline, and on the 4th of December, 1870, tlie little Church of St. John at King.sbridge was dedicated according to the Roman ritual. The Rev. Mr. McNeirny, now Bishop of Albany, sang the High Mass, Manhattan College contributing to the solemnity of the oc-
266 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
casion by its band, which formed the choir. The Arch- bishop dehvered one of his ever-happy and edifpng ser- mons, that hnger hke a sweet memory for years, associ- ated with the occasions on which they are pronounced. The heavenly dove had found a nest for herself where she mig-ht gather her yoimg ones.
Under the care of Dr. Brann a congregation of about four hundi-ed now worship in this church, and about thirty-six are yearly brought to the baptismal font to be added to the flock of Christ. "
The other portion of his district would require a chm-ch of greater size, and there were e\'idences that means would not be withheld to give Catholicity there a church that would not reflect on the generosity of her children. Dr. Brann was fortunate in obtaining a spot suitable for his purpose near the Hudson, the old Rio San Antonio de las Montanas. On One Hundred and Eighty- seventh Street and Broadway he laid the foundation of the Church of St. Elizabeth. This tasteful and beautiful edifice of brick with Ohio brown stone facings is fifty-four feet in front by a depth of one hundred and twenty-five feet, and is highly creditable to Mr. N. Le Brun, the architect. The interior adornment, and the altar with its tabernacle, are pure in taste, and inspire the devotional feeling befittnig a sacred edifice.
The Most Rev. Dr. McCloskey again honored the parish of Fort Wasliington by coming, on the 14th of
CHURCHES OF ST. P^LIZABETH AND ST. JOHN. 2(;7
January, 1872, to dedicate this clnircli to St. Elizabeth. After the water, blessed with holy rite, had been sprink- led on the walls, and the dedication ser^dces been per- formed, the Et. Rev. Bishop McNeirny sang the Iliyh Mass, the sanctuary being graced by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Corrigan of Newark and many of the priests of the cit}-. The Cluu-ch of St. Francis Xavier gave its choir, with the famous Dr. William Berge as director, to honor the new chm-ch. After the gospel, the Rt. Rev. Bernard J. McQuaid, Bishop of Rochester, preached the dedication sermon, riveting the attention of the faithful, who crowded the sacred edifice.
The o-round for the Church of St. Elizabeth — a name that recalls at once the holy mother of the Precursor of om- Lord, and of dear St. Elizabeth of Hungary, and her holy niece, St. Elizabeth of Portugal — was given by Joseph Fisher and the late James Gordon Bennett. It is eight}' feet in front by one hundred and sixty-four feet in depth, at the corner of One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Street and Broadway. The church found liberal benefactors. Charles O'Conor, Esq., gave ten thousand dollars toward the erection of the sacred edifice, James Gordon Bennett five thousand, Joseph Fisher two thousand. The main altar is the gift of the two daughters of ]\Ir. Fisher; the marble altar at the side was presented by Mrs. Paul R. G. Pery. The altar-piece, painted by May, the American artist, after Murillo's Immaculate Conception,
268 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NP:W YORK.
was given by the present James Gordon Bennett. All the stained-glass windows were pi-esented. That in the sanctuary was given by Mrs. Charles M. ( 'onnolh^ : the front Avindow, a memorial of the Rev. John -Kelly of Jersey City, was presented by Eugene Kellv, Esq.
The church, with the rectory, cost about a hundred thousand dollars, and is one of the most elegant on the island — indeed, one of the few in which individiial contributions have formed a considerable })art of the cost.
Thus, in less than two years, the Rev. Dr. Brann had, ill the district wliicli he found clnirchless, reared two temples of our hoU' religion, giving the faithful all the advantages enjoyed by other jjarts of the island. He made his residence at 8t, Elizabeth's, visiting every Sun- day and holiday the ( 'hurcli of 8t. John, to offer mass there.
He then 1)uilt on the ground adjoining St. Elizabeth's a rectory, a fine three-story l)uil(liiig with a Mansard roof, so that for years the parisli will need no additional outlay for church or pnrochial residence.
Since he assumed the direction of the parish. Dr. Brann has been assisted liy the Rev. ^Ir. Lynch, now at Sau- gerties, Rev. Francis Micene, Rev. George M. Schrader, D.D., and the jii'^s^'it ciu-ate, the Rev. Daniel J. McCor- mick.
The cong-reg-ation of the church does not yet exceed
CHURCHES OF 81'. KIJZARETH AM) ST. JOHX. 2H!I
six hundred, but St. Elizabeth will stand for }-ears and see its aisles crowded to excess. The baptisms number annually about thirty-six.
The parish is not Avithout those pious and beiieiicent societies which meet what seems to be a general want; and wIk'U not gratitied in the Church, leave many ex- posed t(i be drawn into bodies whose fonn or object is subject to ecclesiastical censure.
Tlie societies attached to the Churches of 8t, Eliza- beth and St. John are the Confraternity of the Sacred Heart, the Rosary Societ}-, and Temperance Societies. The Sunday-schools are well sustained and number more than three hundred and iifty pupils.
The future of New York City, no one, of course, can foresee. Some incline to tliink that she has reached the highest point of greatness, and may decline. Others see nothing to check the career of progress in Avhich she has moved for so many years.
Catholicity has more tluvn grown with her growth. The Christian body which a century ago had no priest, no altar, no church, no organized congregation, has her sacred edifices dotting the island from Barclay Street to Kingsbridge. A dense population may yet gather in the upper part of the island beyond the Central Park, and the parochinl district of Fort Washington be di^dded among a number of cluu-ches, requiring many j^riests to fulfill the mission labor iiuannbent on the clergy.
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270 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. |
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Roll of H |
ONOR, |
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CHURCH OF ST. ELIZABETH. |
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Ahern, Timothy. |
Donovan, James. |
McGinn, Mrs. |
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Barry, Patrick. |
Duane, Thomas. |
McGrane, Mrs. |
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Barry, William. |
Duke, Thomas. |
Mclvors, S. |
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Bergin, L. |
Ecclesine, T. C. E. |
McKeon, Matthew. |
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Bradley, Daniel. |
Fenton, Thomas. |
Maloney, Joseph. |
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Brady, P. J. |
Finn, Michael. |
Maloy, John. |
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Britt, William. |
Flynn, Ann. |
Meehan, James. |
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Brophy, Michael. |
Foley, John. |
Meehan, Patrick. |
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Carney, Patrick. |
Haynes, Daniel. |
Murray, Bernard. |
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Carroll, Michael. |
Hourigan, Timothy. |
O'Conor, Charles. |
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Chase, Nelson, Mrs |
Johnson, Mrs. |
O'Hallaran, J. |
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Cody, James. |
Kane, L. |
O'Hara, Mrs. |
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Connelly J. S., Mrs |
King, James. |
Russell, James. |
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Connelly, Chas. M., |
Mrs. Loughrane, Michael. |
Rogers, Mrs. |
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Corbit, John. |
McCaffery, Thomas. |
Scallon, Ann, Mrs. |
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Corkery, Daniel. |
McCarthy, J. |
Scallon, Bridget, Mrs. |
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Coughlin, P. |
McCormac, Hugh. |
Whelan, Mrs. |
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Crowley, Edward. |
McDonald, Barthol. |
Winters, Patrick. |
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Devlin, John. |
McDonald, William. |
CHURCHES OF ST. KJJZABETH AND ST. JOil KEY. HENRY A. BRANN, D.D.,
PASTOR OF ST. ELIZABETH'S AND ST. JOHN'S.
REV. HENRY A. BRANN, D.D., the present pas- tor of Fort Wasliington and Kingsbridge, was born on August !' ' "- " •- "Parksttnvn, County Meath, Ireland ?T ■• u* tills country with Ids
parents, lii- ■■- i..,, >,,,;> .\,.re made in St Mary's College, Wilmington, Dvluwiue, luid in St Francis Xa- vier's College, West Fifteenth Street, New York, where he was graduated in 1857. He was originally intended for the law; but an accident in Avhich he was neai-ly killed, by the falling of a house in Jersey City, during a thunder-stoiTii, turaed his mind to the more ludv calling of the priesthood. Ho went to the Seminary of St Sidpice, Pai-is, in the fall iii 1857, wliere he remained tliree years. He then went to the American College, Rome, and was ordained its first priest by Cardinal Patrizzi, on June 14, 1862.
Dr. Brann, on arriving from Rome, in August, 18(JJ, was appointed Vice-President of Seton Hall Colleffo, and Professor of Dogmatic Theology in the seminary con- nected with it Tliis position hi> held for two years. He then became assistant in St Ma' tl afterwai-ds in
Jersey Cit\ Me wae appointed pas-
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CHUKCHEf OF ST. ELIZABETH AND ST. JOHN. 271 EEV. HENRY A. BRANN, D.D.,
PASTOR OF ST. ELIZABETH'S AND ST. JOHN'S.
REV. HENRY A. BRANN, D.D., the present pas- tor of Fort Wasliington and Kingsbrldge, was born on Augaist 15, 1837, in Parkstown, County Meatli, Ireland. He came as a boy to this country with his parents. His classical studies were made in St. Mary's College, Wilmington, Delaware, and in St. Francis Xa- vier's College, West Fifteenth Street, New York, where he was graduated in 1857. He was originally intended for the law ; but an accident in which he was nearly killed, by the falling of a house in Jersey City, during a thunder-storm, turned his mind to the more holy calling of the priesthood. He went to the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Paris, in the fall of 1857, where he remained tln-ee years. He then went to the American College, Rome, and was ordained its fii-st priest by Cardinal Patrizzi, on June 14, 1862.
Dr. Brann, on an-iving from Rome, in August, 1862, was appointed Vice-President of Seton Hall College, and Professor of Dogmatic Theology in the seminary con- nected with it. This position he held for two years. He then became assistant in St. Mary's, and afterwards in St. Peter's Chm'ch, Jersey City. He was appointed pas-
272 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
tin- of Fort Lee in May, 18G(J. In this parish he Ijuilt the Cliureli of St. CeciHa, Englewood, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, Hackensack. In August, 1867, during tlie absence of Bishop Bayley in Euroi)e, lie came to New York and joined the Paulist Fathers. At the m-gent entreaty of the late Bishop Wlielan, he went to him as Director of the Seminary and preacher of the cathedral in Wheelinti:, where he remained for two A'ears. Return- ing to New York, the Cardinal appointed him, in (Jcto- her, 1870, to succeed the Rev. Cornelius O'Callaghan as pastor of Fort Washington ;ind Kingsbridge. Besides building churches, I)r. Brann has written many essays, lectures, and translations published in various reviews and magazines. He has also ^^•ritten two metaphysical works — " Curious Questions," and " Truth and Error." A transla- tion of the Abbe Hulot's very se^•ere book on " Danc- ing," published by Donahoe of Boston ; and a translation of Toepffer's pretty little novelette, called " The Inherit- ance," published by Sadlier of New York, are among the earliest productions of Dr. Brann's pen.
cnUKCH OF THE EPIPHANY.
Jg SECOND AVENUE.
CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD.
SECOND AVENUE.
SINCE his promotion to tlie See of New York, his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey has hibored to increase the number of the city chm-ches, to relieve those already existing-, which had become overcrowded at every mass. By reducing the size of the parochial dis- tricts, the clergy could better attend to the wants of the faithful, and learn to know not only those who came spontaneously to the offices of the Church and the duties of relis'ion, bu^t also the careless and indifferent — those lured away by a false pride or tempted by the wretched proselytizers who traffic in men's souls.
Carrying out this jDlan, he laid oif as a new parish the district between Broadway and the East River, ex- tending from the northerly side of Fourteenth Street to the southerly side of Twenty-fourth Street. The Rev. Dr. R. L. Burtsell asked permission to begin in this field the mission work for which he had shown himself eminently fitted while acting as assistant at St. Ann's Church. He was accordingly assigned to it in 1868, and having obtained a lease of the hall and basement of the Demilt Dispensary, situated on the corner of Twenty-
CHURCir OF THE KPIPIIANY OF OUU L()l!l). 275
third Street and Second Avenue, fitted it up as a chapel, and inaugurated the parish on the eve of Epiphany, Jan- uary 5th, 1868, by celebrating High Mass.
Zealously discharging his duty to the flock here gathered, and to whom he ministered in this temporary chapel for two years, he. began to collect means for the pui'chase of land and the erection of a suitable church. Heading the list with his own subscription of one thou- sand dollars, he found many ready to contribute to the good Avork and loth to be outdone by him in charity. Money flowed in so that in one year his collections amounted to $44,545 — St. Stephen's, St. Ann's, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception generously aiding the good work.
In 1868 seven lots were purchased — three on Second Avenue, for thirty-seven thousand five lumdred dollars, and subsequently, to increase the length of the sacred edifice, three additional lots on Twenty-second Street and one on Twenty-first Street. The foundation was traced out for a church to front on Second Avenue. The founda- tion walls soon began to rise, to the joy of the people, and every preparation was made to invest the laying of the comer-stone with interest. On the appointed day, May 30, 1869, the scene around the new church was picturesque in the extreme. Flags and banners were hung out on all sides. Crowds gathered in dense masses, societies from many different chm'ches coming to honor
276 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
tlie occasion ; but when the procession appeared, led by the Sodahty of the Holy Angels — a hundred young maidens in spotless white — all was hushed; after the processional cross and tapers came the acolytes, a numerous atten- dance of clergy, and the mitred Archbishoj) bearing liis crosier. In this order they moved to the platform where the future altar was to stand. Then -w-ith Very Rev. William Starrs, V.G., as assistant, Dr. McSweeny as deacon, and Rev. Mr. Loughran as subdeacon, the cere- monial began, and the circuit of the new church was made, the chant of the ancient psalm, Quam Dilecta, re- sponded by the attendant clergy. After the prayer Domine Deus, the Archbishop blessed the corner-stone and recited the collect asking God to confirm the stone thus laid in His name. Then he sprinkled it with holy water and traced crosses upon its surface. After the Litany of the Saints and tlie appropriate 126th Psalm, a box containing memorials was placed beneath the stone, including a parch- ment thus inscribed : " Pio Nono Summo Pontifice, uni- versam ecclesiam Dei regente, Provinciarum Foederatarum Americse Septentrionalis Ulysse S. Grant, Prteside, Joanne T. Hoffman Provinciae Neo Eboracensis Gubernatore; Urbis prsefecto A. Oakey Hall ; Illmus ac Revmus Joan- nes McCloskey, Archiepiscopus Neo Eboracensis, templi svib invocatione Epiphanise Domini Nosti'i Jesu Christi et jjrotectione SS. Magorum, curae pastorali Richardi L. Bm"t- sell commissi, oratore Rev. Guglielmo Morrogh, die 30mo
CHUUCJli OF TUE Kl'li'llAW OF OUll L(MIL). 277
Maij, auspice Maria Virgine, anno salutis 18G0 primum lapidem in fundamentum posuit."
Then the stone was laid in its place with prayer and again sprinkled with holy water, and the procession moved on with solemn chant.
An eloquent discom'se was then delivered by the Rev. Dr. ]\Iorrogh, in which he noted especially the pe- culiar and beautiful title of the Epiphany, which the chui'ch was to bear. Then, with the blessing of the Most Reverend Archbishop, the vast crowd retired.
The church thus auspiciously begun under the protec- tion of the Tlu-ee Holy Kings — Gaspar, Melchior, and Balshasar, as tradition has given their names — went rapidly up, thi'ough the quickening zeal of the pastor.
It was to be of no mean proportions, with a front of sixty-six feet on Second Avenue, and a corresponding depth of one hvindi-ed and forty-five feet. The style of archi- tecture adopted was the Lombard, which in its pm'est forms was produced in northern Italy in the twelfth and thir- teenth centuries. It has seldom been copied in tliis coun- tiy, but the selection justifies the taste of the clergyman.
The basement story is of Quincy granite, and the superstructm-e of Ohio and Belleville sandstone. The tower at the south-east angle is surmounted by a cross, wliich is one hundred and twenty-five feet above the l)asement. A wide flight of steps leads up gradually to a wide porch, twelve feet deep and thirty feet long, sup-
278 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
ported upon arcade ^^iers and giving access to tlie nave. The interior will seat sixteen hundred and fifty persons, and accommodate comfortably two thousand. With the usual series of masses on Sundays and holidays, all the faithful in the parish are thus enabled to fulfill the ab- solute obligation of hearing mass.
The architect, Mr. N. Le Brun, succeeded in combin- ing great elegance with the reqiiirements of the parish, making it commodious without marring its beauty, and truly ecclesiastical in its general scope and in the more minute details.
Nothing occurred to thwart the pious desires of the priest and people. The Church of the Epiphany rose like a beautiful tree, showing that with God's blessing they had not labored in vain that built it.
The solemn dedication took place on the 3d of April, 1870. The Very Rev. William Starrs, Vicar Gen- eral of the diocese, officiated, assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Burtsell, Loughran, McSweeny, McGlynn, McCarthy, Healy, Bodfish, and others representing the clergy of the diocese. After making the circuit of the church without, the pro- cession, led by the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, en- tered the main door and moved up the middle aisle, chanting the Litany of the Saints. Again the long line passed around the walls of tlie church within, sprinkling and blessing it, and the celebrant concluded the cere- monial with the prayer of dedication.
GllLUCli UF THE EPIPHA^V OF OLll J-()K1>. 279
Then the altar was adorned, and the Rev. Dr. Mc- Glynn of St. Stephen's Churcli offered a Solemn High Mass, with Dr. MeSweeny as deacon and the Rev. Mr. Louglu-an of the Epiphany as subdeacon. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Thomas S. Preston of St. Ann's Chnrch, taking as his text the words of the Wise Men, those sainted Kings of the East: "Where is he that is born King of the Jews! For we have seen his star in the east and have come to adore him." Unfold- ing the lessons tanght by the taith and courage of these holy pilgrims, he appealed to his hearers to make use of the additional opportunity now held out to them to live a Ufe of grace and walk constantly in the fear of God; to be Catholics in fact— not in name alone, but in pi.j.etice— and thus to do their part in stemming the tide of infidelit}' that threatens to undermine the Clu-istian Church, and to do all in their power to save this, the land of their love— for whose prosperity they would will- ingly lay down their lives— from the terrible consequences that ensue to every nation that forgets God and spurns
His di\ane law.
The parish is still under the care of the Rev. Dr. Burtsell, who has been assisted from time to time by other priests, among whom may be mentioned the Rev. P. Loughran, who was curate for about eight years.
In 1809, a parochial free school was inaugurated in a house, 23G East Twenty-second Street, belonging to the
280 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
church. About thi-ee hundred and tliirty scholars attended. Owing to the great expenses of the erection of the church, the school was discontinued after a severe struggle of three years.
Not to allow the cliildi-en's religious education to be neglected, in September, 1873, a more thorough system was inaugurated in regard to the Sunday-school, at which some nine hundred childi'en had been in regular attend- ance since the formation of the parish. For this purpose Clu'istian doctrine classes were formed on three evenings diuing the week, from seven to eight o'clock.
On Tuesday, the pastor gave an instruction to all cliildi"en who had been confirmed and were over fom-teen.
On Wednesday, one of the assistant priests instructed the girls between ten and fourteen years.
On Thursday, the other assistant priest instructed the boys between ten and fom-teen years.
This system has been found very successful. Of the six hundi-ed childi-en that attend these classes, upwards of tln-ee hundi'ed and fifty are monthly communicants, and the regularity and attendance at the classes have increased each year.
In February, 1871, the Redemptorists gave a mission of thi-ee weeks. About six thousand approached the sac- raments. In February, 1874, the Dominicans gave a three weeks' mission, hearing about five thousand five hundred confessions. And in February, 1877, the Paulists,
OHlUiOII OF 'J'llK KI'll'IIANV OF Ol U, LOiU). 2.SI
ill a two weeks' luissiou, enabled about five thousand to approach the Holy Table.
In 1876, R. L. Burtsell paid a visit to the Holy See, and, in an audience with the Holy Father, Pius IX., obtained a special j)leiiary indulgence for the parish of the I'j})i])hauy ; and in Lyons, France, purchased splendid church vestments, superior to any known in the United States, for the Church of the Epiphany.
In the year 1868, the pastor, Di\ Biu'tsell, made a personal census of parishioners, taking all the adults' names and the number of the cliildi'en, and found within the parish limits nine thousand nine hundred and sixty- eight Catholics. The parish limits then extended from the north side of Eighteenth Street to the south side of Twenty-fourth Street, from Fourth Avenue to the East River. About 1876 the parish was extended to Broadway. Hence at the present day, owing to the extension of the parish limits and accession of Catholics to the district, the parish of the Epiphany holds probably at jjresent about eleven thousand Catholics.
The exterior of the church is one hundred and forty- five feet long by seventy-five feet front; the interior is about one hundred and thirty feet long by sixty-tlu-ee feet wide, and has a seating capacity of one thousand six hundred and fifty persons ; admitting about five hun- dred and fifty more standing.
282
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
R
OLL OF
H
ONOR.
CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD.
Ahem, Philip. Bergin, Thomas. Boyle, Richard. Brady, Marcus. Brady, Terence. Brannigan, James. Capper, Edward J. Carroll, John M. Cooke, Charles. Corrigan, John. Cotteleer, Ann, Mrs. Courtney, Patrick. Coyle, Patrick. Creeden, Timothy J. Cronan, John. Delaney, James. Delaney, Dennis. Delany, Daniel. Dempsey, Owen. Donohue, John. Donohue, Timothy. Donovan, Michael. Duane, John E. Duffy, John. Farrell, Michael J. Fitzgibbon, Michael.
Fitzgibbons, Morris. Fitzsimons, Garrett. Fox, Ann. Generty, Joseph. Goodwin, Samuel. Graban, Henry. Green, Edward. Hanley, John T. Kedian, James. Kelly, Lewis J., Mrs. Kelly, Patrick. Keveny, Martin J. Kiernan, Hugh. Lannigan, James. Ledwith, Edward. McCarthy, John. McCauly, Francis. McCluskey, Joseph. McCormick, Patrick. McDermott, Patrick. McDonald, Edward. McDonald, John. McDonnell, Ann, Mrs. McGann, Patrick. McGuiness, Denis. Maheer, Eliza. Moore, James.
Moore, Jane, Mrs. Mullane, John. Murtagh, Patrick. O'Brien, Francis. O'Brien, Richard. O'Brien, William. O'Connor, Charles. O'Connor, David. O'Connor, Joseph G. O'Neil, Charles. O'Neil, CorneHus. Pagan, William. Power, John. Purcell, James. Purcell, Francis R. Reilly, James. Reisenweber, George C. Rourke, Francis. Scanlon, John. Smith, Peter. Tiraoney, John. Trainor, James J. Torpey, William. Tynan, Laughlin. Ward, John. Willis, Edward.
£' <^- l&u^^ilC
CHUKCJI OF THE J
T OF OUR L<»«il»
■}<:\
TUF. REV. RICHARD LALOR BURT8KLL,
PASTOR or THE CnUKCil OP THE EPIl'HANY.
RICHARD LALOR BURTSELL was born Apri] 14, nil] Ijuptir.ed in St. Mjii'v'* Clim flie
grand-nuclf.
His fether, John resident in New York tor over ;i
mother, Marv Lalor, was a cousin of tlie Miss , i^silor who introduced the Visitation nuns into the United States.
liis motlior, Dorothea Mon-ogii, of Cork City, Ire- land, was rehxtod hy bkHnl f<» tho '^'Dujioghues and b} kinship to the O'Connells of Kor .1 on her mothei-'s
side related to the Plo. -Shropshire, England,
Icnown for thei{ staunch a«llicirt!iii hi Catholic foitli
since the Refonnation of Hrnr\- V]' r orandfatliir.
Francis Plowden, ^^Tote tl. ^ : : . :ieland."
R.^L. Burtsell, about ,1847, Avent to the sch.x.1 .r
the Sisters of Charity attached to St. Peter's Cli;::
Barclay Street, then to the ^'^n^i„l. s.houl attjichfd ?•■ '^ V;nc<?nt de Paul's m Cai ., about 1'
141, & '^ U ^'
" ^ts^^iM ^.i^iff^i^uii^aaif^ikv^d^flft^.
ijsffr>a^jv7^xeA-eaMiejrw't9
m
I
Kwmtrm. imnwirfiwi^ii'iM
I. Ir
CHUIICII OF THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD. 283
THE REV. RICHARD LALOR BURTSELL,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY.
RICHARD LALOR BURTSELL was born April 14, 1840, in New York City, and baptized in St. Mar}'s Cbnrch by the Rev. AValter Quarter, receiving the name of Richard Lalor in remembrance of his paternal HTand-uncle.
His father, Jolni Low Burtsell, was of a family resident in New York City for over a century ; whose mother, Mary Lalor, was a cousin of the Miss Lalor who introduced the Visitation nuns into the United States.
His mother, Dorothea IMorrogli, of Cork City, Ire- land, was related b}' lilood to the O'Donoghues and by kinship to the O'Connells of Kerry; and on her mother's side related to the Plowdens of Shropshire, England, known for their stauncli adherence to the Catholic faith since the Refoniitition of Hemy VIII. Her grandfotlier, Francis Plowden, Avrote the " History of Ireland."
R. L. Burtsell, about 1847, went to the school of the Sisters of Charity attached to St. Peter's Church in Barclay Street, then to the French school attached to St. Vincent de Paul's in Canal Street; about 1849 to the Jesuits' College in Tiiird Avenue, and continued to attend
284 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
it when it was transfeiTed to Fifteenth Street ; in 1851 he proceeded to the Sulpitian College, Montreal, Cnnada. To complete his theological course he was sent, in 1853, to the College of the Propaganda in Rome, Ital}', as convictor. He became an akimnus of the Propaganda in 1857; there he took the degree of Doctor of Philoso- phy in 1858, and the degree of Doctor of Theology in 1862; was ordained priest in the Church of the Propa- ganda by Mgr. Clementi, Archbishop of Damascus, in partihis injideliuiii, and Nuncio to Mexico, on August lOtli, 1862. He said first mass on the Feast of the Assump- tion following. On August 17th, he was admitted to a private audience of the Holy Father, Pius IX., who, after granting many privileges, gave him also a special blessing, in his own liandAvriting, in these words : " Dom- inus dirigat gressus tuos, aiid sit semper in ore tuo." (May the Lord guide thy steps, and be always on thy lips.) The Rev. Dr. Burtsell left Rome for tlie United States on August 20th, 1862, and on arriving in his native country was, in November, 1862, appointed as- sistant at St. Ann's Church, Astor Place.
In 1876 the Rev. Dr. Bvxrtsell paid a \'isit to Rome, and in an audience with the Holy Father obtained a special plenary indulgence for the parish of Epiphany.
CHURCH OF SATNT FRANCIS OF A.SSISI.
WEST TIUIiXY-FIKST STREET.
CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI.
THIRTY-FIRST STREET, BETWEEN SIXTH AND SEVENTH AVENUES.
THE Church of St. John the Baptist had been es- tabhshed on the western side of the city for the Cathohcs near the banks of the Hudson, but tares had been sown among the wheat; dissensions and a want of harmony retarded the progress of the faith, and proved a stumbhng-block to many. This finally led to a division of the congregation. In the year 1844, the pastor of St. John's, the Rev. Father Zachary Kunz of the Order of St. Francis, from the Province of the Immaculate Conception in Hungary, resolved to establish a new church where part of the old congregation might find more consola- tion and peace. The Most Reverend Archbishop approved the project, and Father Kunz prepared to begin a new church. A fitting lot was soon procured in Thirty-first Sti-eet, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues.
The comer-stone was laid in tlie year 1844, with the usual ceremonies, and a modest but solid little church was erected before the end of summer, and it was solemnly dedicated to the service of Almighty God on tlie 1st day of August, under the invocation of the serapliic St. Francis of Assisi, the holy founder of the Friars ]\Iinor. The Right
CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI. 287
Rev. John McCloskey, the coadjutor bishop, officiiited, as- sisted b}' the pastor and sevei'al other clergymen. After the rite of dedication a sermon was deHvered by tlie Rev. Father Rnmpler, in German, followed by a discom-se in English by the prelate still among us, whom Ave are proud to honor as a Cardinal of the Holy Clnu-ch.
It was well indeed in oiu' great commercial city, where men are so carried away by the insane desire for wealth that they lose religion, honor, and honest}', to have proposed as a model one who, in an age when trade seemed to absorb all minds, renomiced the Avealth of his father, a merchant prince of his day, and all the flatter- ing future before him, to become poor and luunble for Christ's sake.
John Bernardon obtained the name of Francis from his early proficiency in French, acquired to insure greater success in conducting trade with France. Brought up in wealth, taught to look forward to wealth, he early felt to use it only to relieve the poor, and sought to Ijecome poor to follow Our Lord, who was the poorest <tf the poor. Rejected by his father, he devoted himself to the care of the sick, and to repairing churches by soliciting alms. lie thus repaired the little church of Our Lady of the Angels, Portiimcula, which became his residence. Here others joined him, and the Order of Friars ^Minor arose on the IGth of August, 1209. It has filled the world with the odor of its virtues, its many saints in all orders
288 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
and ranks. To America it gave some of its earliest and most devoted missionaries. They were among the first and noblest pioneers of the faith in our territory ; more than half the heroic men who laid down their lives for the faith within the limits of the United States having been sons of St. Francis of Assisi.
If the Saint loved poverty, he must have loved the church in his honor in our city, for its early history is a history of struggle and poverty. Yet it had consola- tions. On the 10th of September, 1847, the eve of the feast of St. Francis, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hughes blessed a bell for the church, thenceforth to ring out the An- gelus. It was the third Catholic bell in the city, and the second to ring the thrice daily devotion of Catho- licity. The next day the Bishop gave confirmation to a hundred children of the parish. A procession met him outside the door of the chm-ch, the members of the Third Order of St. Francis, with lighted tapers.
Its reverend founder, Father Zacharias, continued to administer its aff"airs till 1848, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Father Alexander Martin, of the same order, who, after spending several years in the Holy Laud, and especially in the Chm-ch of the Holy Sepulclue at Jeru- salem, came to this country. He was a pious and devoted priest, and during the prevalence of the cholera nearly fell a victim to it — the Rev. Mr. Bayley, afterwards Archbishop of Baltimore, calling one day on him, found
CHURCH OF ST. FUANCI8 OF ASSISI. 2«U
him ill ;i state of collapse. Overcoming sonic of tlie difficulties, he began to enlarge the front of the church, retaining the rear portion of the old structure till Ijetter times slioiild enable this to be rebuilt in a better and more enduring form. By this enlargement he gained much space for the accommodation of his parishioners, who, as the buildings increased in that part of the city, began to fill the church beyond its means ; the devo- tion of many English-speaking Catholics to the great St. Francis and his order leading them to make this cIuutIi their special resort.
The churcli, as thus enlarged and renovated so as to be a commodious edifice sixty-four feet wide by one hundi-ed and fifty in depth, was solemnly dedicated by his Grace Archbishop Hughes, on Monday, March 28th, 1853.
The Rev. Father Alexander retired in the year 1855, and the Most Reverend Archbishop appointed as pastor the Rev. C. Frederic Rudolph, a priest of the Diocese of Mentz in Germany. He directed the parish till 18()4, and was much respected and beloved by the fait] if ul under his charge. Zealous to add to the dignity of divine worship, he erected a spire on the church, and gave it tlaree bells, whose chimes should ring out the Angelus and call the faithful to the service of the Almighty.
The death of Rev. Mr. Rudolpli, in his fifty-ninth
yeai-, June 15, 1864, left the church without a pas- 19
290 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
tor, and as the Franciscans had so increased in the United States, especially since their introduction from Italy into Western New York as to form a province, the Most Reverend Archbishop McCloskey resolved to confide the church to the order founded by its holy patron. The Provincial, then the learned Rev. Father Pamfilo da Magliano, known as an ecclesiastical writer and prudent superior, accepted the charge, and selected the Rev. Father Andrew Pfeiffer, O.S.F., to assume the direction of the chm'ch, which then became really Fran- ciscan. He was also Guardian of the Convent, in which, from time to time, other Fathers came to labor under liim.
One of the first efforts of Father Andi'ew was to put the parochial schools on a better basis. There had been a school for boys ; to this he gave new life, and for the girls he introduced into his parish the Missionary Sisters of the Tliird Order of St. Francis, tlu-ee of whom arrived from T}to1 on the 5th of December, 1866, to begin their good work. For them he erected a suit- able home adjoining the church, at No. 99 West Thirty- fii'st Street. The fii'st year they could report one hundred and twenty-seven girls, the pupils in the boys' school numbering eighty. Their pupils now number more than tlu'ee hundi'ed girls, and the department for the boys, under a Brother of the Third Order, shows a simi- lar increase.
CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSl.Sl. 2!)1
In 1870 the Rev. Eugene Dikovicli became Guar- dian of tlie Franciscan Convent and pastor of St. Francis. He renovated the church, both exterior and interior, and hopes soon to replace the still existing- part of the old edifice by a more worthy structure.
The congregation is not by any means a large one, nor does it number many on whom Providence has showered wealth with a hand of 2ii"<jfiision ; but they generally feel that their patron saint should be honored in this great city by an edifice grander in its propor- tions and design.
This they hope in time to accomplish, and with the self-sacrificing body of clerg}- at their head, this great result will probably be attained ere many years have passed.
But whatever the futm-e may bring forth, the pres- ent pastor feels it incumbent on him to do all in his power to render the church and all its appurtenances fitted to accomplish all that any parish can require.
In this view he has already done much to show that the Cluu'ch of St. Francis is fully sensible of every want and prepared to meet it. With n congregation thus holding up the pastor's hands, half the battle is already won. Aided by the generosity of his flock, the Rev. Eugene Dikovich has added a new and fine organ, to give the music of the church due solenuiity and effect in the various offices of rellLaon. He has also erected
292 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
a new parochial school-house, adapted to the wants of lus parish, and well supplied with all requisites.
This church has connected with it the Third Order of St. Francis, a religious order instituted hy St. Francis for persons living- in the world. It is termed the Third Order — that of the Friars Minor being the first ; that of the Nuns or Poor Clares being the second. It has been encom-aged by the Sovereign Pontiffs, and has numbered in its members some of the most illustrious Catholic names in all countries — kings and cpieens, statesmen, writers, artistS; soldiers, who all died in the habit of St. Francis.
There are also established in the congregation of St. Francis of Assisi, Rosary, Pm-gatorian, and Altar socie- ties; as well as associations in honor of St. Anthony, St. Peter, and St. Henry.
1^5^?^
^^<J^
en
OF ASSISl.
•2'.\?<
REV. EUGENE JOHN DIKOV^ICH,
PASTOK OF THE CHURCH OF ST. FRAKriS OF A.SMIsi
THE Reyov nkr of St Knui< i^
foundci Dikovi. Meson, on the 27th
After studying the classicx vvitli i!m i. Fiithers of Sopron, he entered the Order of J*: on the ntli of October, 1857.
Here ho jiursned the usual studies to tit liini for the priesthood, had oomydft^'d hi- •>( phih>sophy,
and had just lH'<4iin i lie was
admitted to Iiis rehji-if>us f>tii of No-
vember, 1862.
Two years later the y«)ung friar of St.. FrauciM re- ceived the holy order of pri<'8thof>d. od flu- f«i}ist of Candlemas, in the year 1864. 1!" v lU-ly ap-
pointed to the temporary- f^:< ])anshes in
the neighborhood of h' ., liis duties
in such a niann< i lo liis superi/^rs.
< >• ' to liis < he, was a])pointed to
!■ fv ,. • > ,. ,v ,^
t^ t>- py V
^ ; .-afjiwtjps/j
I ''
CHUllCll Oh' .ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI. 293
REV. EUGENE JOHN DIKOVICII, O.S.F.,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI.
THE Reverend Fatlier of tlie Order of 8t. Francis who noAv directs tlie parisli dedicated to tlie lioly founder of tlie Friars Minor, Rev. Father Eu<;-ene Jolin Dikovich, is a native of Hungary, born in tlie ( 'ounty of Moson, on the 27th of January, 1841.
After .studying- tlie classics with the Benedictine Fathers of Sopron, he entered the (_)rder of 8t. Francis on the llth of October, 1857.
Here he pursued the usual studies to fit him for the priesthood, had completed his cour.se oi' jihilosophy, and had just begun his theological studies, ^\hcn he was admitted to his religious profession on the 9tli of No- vember, 1862.
Two years later the j'oung friar of St. Francis re- ceived the holy order of priesthood, on the feast of Candlemas, in the year 1864. He was inimediatel}- ap- pointed to the temporary charge of several parishes in the neighborhood of his convent, discharging his duties in such a manner as to commend him to his superiors.
On returning to his convent he was ajipointed to
294 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
deliver the Sunday sermon in the collegiate church in the city of Tirnavia, and besides discharging the duty thus devolved iipon him for two years, he gave cate- chetical instruction in the convent school of the Ursu- lines in tliat city.
The same honorary post of Sunday preacher in the convent church at Strigonium was filled by Father Eugene from 18G8 to 1870, after which he was sent by the General Superior of the Franciscan Order to the United States, and attached to St. Mary's Province.
In the new field thus opened to his zeal he did not remain inactive ; he was soon assigned by tlie pro- vincial to the position of guardian and pastor of the convent and church of St. Francis of Assisi, in West Thirty -first Street. His ability and eloquence have made him highly esteemed, and the church prospers under his care. His associate is the Rev. Polycarp Giith, O.S.F., ex- Custos, and there are also in the convent two lay brothers. The Very Rev. Charles da Nazzano, O.S.F., for several years Provincial of the American Province of the Immac- ulate Conception, also resides in tliis house.
CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER.
WEST SIXTEENTH STREET.
THE Fathers of the Society of Jesus were, in the persons of the heroic priests — Isaac Jognes, Fran- cis Joseph Bressani, and Simon Le Moyne — the tirst to visit tlie city after its settlement by the emigrants from Netherland. Tliey were the first to estabhsli Catliohc worship and a CathoHc institution of learning here in the days of James II.; they labored earnesth' here as devoted missionaries and able educators in the days of Fenwick and Kohlman.
In the year 1840, the late Most Reverend Arch- bishop Hughes, regretting that the Diocese of Ne\\' York had ever lost the services of an order so intimately con- nected with the earliest efforts of the Churcli in the city and State, invited to Now York a number of the Fathers ^^■ho l)elongod to the Province of France, and who had for some years been connected with the Dio- cese of Louisville. He confided to their care the Col- lege of St. John, which he liad founded at Fordham, as well as the theological seminary established at the same place.
Their zeal souglit also a field in the City of New
CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIKII. 2!17
York as missioiiers and teachers. Encouraged by the Most Reverend Archbishop, they purchased a clnirch on Khzabeth Street which had been erected and used by a Protestant (hMiouiination.
This edifice was thoroughly repaired, and fitted up ibr a C^athoHc church, chiefly under the direction of the Rev. Fatlier Peter Verheyden, S.J., wlio frescoed the in- terior in a most artistic numner. This new church was dedicated on Saturday, July 31, 1847, as the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, by the Rt. Rev. John McChis- key, D.D., Bishop of Axiern and Coadjutor to the- IJislioj) of New York. The Rt. Rev. AVilliam Quarter, D.D., l)ishop of Chicago, also took part in the ceremony, as did a great number of the clergy of the diocese. After the performance of the ritual of dedication. High ]\[ass was off"ered ])ontifically by the Bishop of Axiern, now a cardinal of the Holy Romnn Church, the Rev. William Starrs of St. Mary's being assistant priest, the Redemi)to- rist Fatlier Tappert, deacon, and the Rev. Gabriel Rump- ler, subdoacon. The master of ceremonies was the Pev. D. "W. l^acon, subsequently Bishop of Portland. After the gospel, a sermon was preached by the (eloquent Fatlier Ryder, President of the College of the Holy Cross, AVorcester, IVIass.
The Jesuit Fathers fitted up the basement of this church for an academy, the nucleus of a future colleger, and were encouraged with the hope of Iteing able; to
298 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
find scope for their zeal. But their anticipations were rudely dissipated. On the 22d of January, 1848, the fire, through a defective flue, made its way between the plas- tering and the wall, and unperceived sj^read through the whole building, till it found vent in the steeple, where it blazed out fiercely. Then it was too late to save the church, which was soon one mass of flames, burning as long as there was any fuel to feed them.
The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, after its brief existence of about six months, passed from the list of our houses of worship.
The Jesuit Fathers did not rebuild it, and for some years difficulties impeded the commencement of a neAv church in a more favorable locality. At last, in 1850, they purchased several lots, extending from Fifteenth to Sixteenth Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and began to erect on Fifteenth Street the College of St. Francis Xavier, and on Sixteenth Street the clnu-ch of the same name. The project and the execution were due in a great degree to the Rev. Father John Ryan, who had already erected the first church at Yonkers. The architect was Mr. William Rodrigue, and the plan of the church was the Roman, Avhicli has always been more commonly adopted, in chiu'ches of the Society of Jesus, than either Gothic or Grecian.
The corner-stone was laid on the 24th of Septem- ber, 1850, and the Rt. Rev. P. N. Lynch, D.D., Bishop of
CHURCH OF S'P. FRANCIS XAVIER. 299
Charleston, delivered on tlu' occasion a. liapj)}- discourse, which was listened to witli marked attention hy the crowds Avho assembled to witness the ceremony. The want of more and larger clnn-ches was at this time sorely felt, and all hailed with delight every accession of priests and every additional church. i\Ian}' of the older struc- tures were in evident need of enlargement or rebuilding, even if ncAV churches accommodated part of their already overflowing congregations.
The Church of St. Francis Xavier, thus begun under most favorable auspices, was completed in the following- year, and was solemnly dedicated on the 6th of July, 1851, by the Most Rev. Archbishop Hughes. After the blessing of the sacred edifice according to the rites pre- scribed by the Church, a Solemn High Mass was offered, and his Grace delivered a sermon liefitting the occasion.
Among the distinguished Fathers ■\\ho have from time to time been pastors, or engaged in the ministry at this chm-ch, may be mentioned the Rev. Fathers Michael Driscol, Joseph Durthaller, Joseph Loyzance, Isidore Dau- bresse, W. Moylan, John Larkin, Hippolyte Deluynes.
Father John Larkin was one of the most eminent members of the order in this mission. He had been connected with the Society of St. Sulpice, and a pro- fessor of great ability in their seminary at Montreal be- fore he became a Jesuit. After he entered the order he was, in 1850, appointed by Pope Pius IX. to the See of
300 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Toronto, Canada; l)ut in lii.s humility lie labored sii earn- estly to avoid the honor that he was allowed to I'emain in his order. He died suddenlj', on the 11th of Decem- ber, ISfiS, just after leaving- the confessional, in Avhieh he had spent the whole afternoon. He was to have preached the next day in St. James' Church in behalf of the parochial schools. Archbishop:) Hug-hes himself re- })laced him, almost too full of emotion to speak.
Father Hippolyte Deluynes, who was almost con- stantly attached to this church, till his death in 1877, had Ijeen Professor of Theology in Kentucky', where he entered the order. Learned, deeply versed in the Scrip- tures, of a clear and penetrating mind, he enjoyed uni- versal esteem.
Soon after the erection of the church and colle<re, the Fathers in charge of the parish prej)are<l to do all in their power for the cause of education. A substantial building Avas raised in Nineteenth Street, at a cost of some !B2 0,000, for the purposes of a boys' school, which WAS placed under the care of the Christian Brothers, \vho have continued to direct it to the j^resent time. The Ladies of the Sacred Heai-t had established a con- vent within the bounds of the parochial district, as- signed to the Church of St. Francis Xavier. These religious, the most accomplished of teachers, direct an academy for young ladies in the building fronting on Se\-enteenth Street, and in Eighteenth Street conduct the
CHUECH OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. ;;()i
jjiirucliial school. Tli(3 iuflueucc of their tcacliiiij^- has been ot" incalculable advantage.
The choir of the church, under the direction of Dr. William Berge, who under Father Verlieydeu had be- come the organist of tlie Church of the Holy Name, attained a high standing in nuisical circles. The music was always grand and decorous, free from the meretri- cious liberties which so t)ften shock true Catholic feelino-.
Being at the time of its erection in one of the most fashionable quarters of New York, the Church of St. Francis Xavier was for years a center of the most distinguished Catholics of the city. Here on a Sunday would be seen at mass, army generals like Meagher and Ferrero, painters like Leutze, men of wealth like Thomas E. Davis.
The history of the church has been marred by oidy one accident, which cast a gloom over it for a time. The Church of St. Francis Xavier was, in March, 1S77, attended by thousands anxious to benefit by the instruc- tion given at a mission, eloquent sermons on all the fundamental doctrines of the church — the necessity of a Christian life, sincere repentance, and preparation for death and the great final account. On the evenina- of Thm-sday, March 8tli, while Father Langcake was deliv- ering a sermon on death, during the mission to the wo- men, some boys or other persons, from levit}- or a de- sire to profit by the confusion for thievish purposes, jjut
302 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
their heads in at the church door and called out, " Fire ! Fire ! Fire ! " Instantly a panic spread among those near- est the door, and a frantic rush was made to escape from the building, which they supposed to be in flames. The crush on the gallery stairs was tremendous, as each tried to push a way tlu-ough, regardless of the safety of others. The clergy at the altar reassured the mass of the con- gregation and contimxed the ser\aces, in order to dispel all fears. Father Meri-ick, the pastor of the church, who had been engaged in the basement hearing confessions, rushed to the front on hearing the noise above, and did all that human 2^^^^'fi" could do to still the storm and quiet the alarmed and frightened people. Calm was at last restored. With the help of cool men, the clergy and sexton raised and carried out those who had fallen, and opened the way to the street. It was only then that the extent of the disaster was known. Seven lives were lost and seven persons were seriously injiu-ed by the thoughtless or wicked trick.
The church had been considered safe, and more than ordinary precautions had been taken against any real fire — there were three doors, all oj^ening outwardly, and the stairs from the galleries had but one turn, and were lighted. So strong was all the work that nothing gave way imder the tremendous pressure.
The funeral services for those who perished by the disaster were most impressive. " One of the victims," said
CHUECH OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 393
Father Langcake on that occasion, " was a good, pious woman, and liad received communion the very morning of the disaster. One young girl, Mary Casey, whose body is here before you, was well known as a good, pious girl. She came to mass every morning. All of them were well prepared. We have every reason to feel consoled, because God did not treat them harshly. Do not consider it, tlien, as a proof of God's unkindness.
" God loves victims, requires victims. It is His way. Did He not make His divine Son Jesus a victim 1 and no one was more pleasing to God the Father than Jesus, His Son ; and yet He was the great victim. He was nailed to the cross of Calvary, and died between two thieves. After Jesus came another, the pixrest of mere human beings, Mary, the Virgin Mother of Jesus. What a victim she was ! How her heart was pierced with grief! The seven-edged sword of sorrow pierced that heart tlu*ouo-h and through. After them came the saints. Victims they were, that poured out their blood for the faith, all for the love of God. What does this prove ? It proves that God loves victims ; that he wants victims in order to appease His anger against a guilty and fallen race. He chose His victims, bvit chose them kindly and mercifully. He chose them in His goodness from those that were well prepared in a good moment. 'Weep not, then, as they that have no hope.' My dear friends, you have everything to hope ! We have made it our duty
304 CATnOLTr rTrURCHES OF NEW YORK.
to offer the adorable sacrifice of the mass for those that have perislied and their relatives and friends who are so much affected by the disaster. This morning- every sacri- fice — some twenty-five in number — was offered for the victims. I have just offered Solenni Hig-h ]\rass for the dead, especially for those whose bodies are now in the church."
This event induced the Fathers to carry oiit an in- tention long- entertained, that of erecting a new, larger and more substantial church. The want of such an edi- fice had been felt, but the condition of affairs seemed to require a prudent delay.
Between the old church and Sixth Avenue was a row of seven houses. These were purchased, and four taken down entirely, and tlu'ee in part ; a portion of the college also being demolished. The plan of a new cluu-ch was drawn up by P. C. Keely, the architect. It will be of brick, with a fatjade of light granite, in the Roman style. In its dimensions it is to be a noble temple to the Almighty, seventy-seven feet in front, with a depth of one hundred and - eighty-four feet. The transept has a width of more than a hiuidred feet, and is forty-five feet wide. The sanctuary will be sj^acious and elegant.
«
There will be galleries at the side and front, and two choir galleries, each with an organ electrically con- nected, so that one player can control both.
CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.
305
T\n' I'nmt L'levation of the churcli will be one hun- dred and tour feet, with towers rising one hundred and eighty feet. These dimensions show that the church will be vast and connnodious. The basement will be eiirht- een feet high, to give a fine cliapel for the use of the children. P^ver)' precaution will be taken for easy exit — there will be live main entrances in front, with other doors at the side and rear. The church will seat twenty- five luuidred, and be an imposing edifice. The corner- stone of this new clmrch was laid with great solenniity on the 5th of May, 1878, the folloAvhig inscription, in the most exact lapidary style, from the pen of the Rev. Father C. Piccirillo, S.J., having been placed under the
stone : —
D • o • M •
IN • HONOREM
FRANCISCI • XAVERI
APOSTOLI • SOSPITATORIS • ORIENTIS
LAXIORIS • TEMPLI • OPERE • ADSVRGENTE
ANNVENTE • lOANNE • McCLOSKEY
S • R • E • CARDINALI
NEOEBORACENS • POXTIFICE • MAIORE
GVLIELMVS . QVINN
EIVSDEM • DICECESIS • IVRE • VICARIO • MODERATOR
SOLLEMNIBVS • CAERIMONIIS
QVAS • PATRITIVS • N • LYNCH • CAROLOPOLIT • PONTIFEX
CONCIONE • AD • POPVLVM • HABITA • CONDECORAVIT
LAPIDEM • SACRVM • AVSPICALEM ■ STATVIT
III • NON ■ MAIAS • ANNO • M • DCCC • I.X.XVIII
LEONE • XIII • PONT • MAX
RVTHERFORDIO • B • HAYES
BORF.ALIS • AMERICiE • FCEDERAT^E • PRESIDE
20
306 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
LVCIO • ROBINSON
NEOEBORACENS . REIP • GVBERNATORE
SMITH • ELY • IVNIORE
NOVIEBORACI • VRBIS • PILEFECTO
QVVM . ^DES . lAM . XXVII . ANNOS . Vll . MENSES . X . DIES . HONORI
S . FRANCISCI . XAVERI . DICATA . FREQUENTIAE . CVLTOKVM . IMPAR
ESSEX . PATRES .S.I. PETRO . BECKX . SVMMO . ORDINIS . PR^POSITO
ADPROBANTE . TEMPLVM . COMMODIVS . OPERE . ET . CVLTV
SPLENDIDIVS . EXCITANDVM . DECREVERE . ADMONITIV . ET . INSTANTIA
THEOPHILI . CHARAVX . NEOBORACENSIVM . CANADENSIVM . QVE
SODALIVM . MODERATORIS
ADSITAS . QVAQVA . VERVS . PRIVATAS . ^DES . AD . SEPTEM .COEMERVNT
EARVM . QVE . QVATVOR . FONDITVS . TRES . PARTIM . DEMOLITI . SVNT
ET . COLLEGIVM ■ IPSVM . MEDIA. ALA . EXCISA . DETVRBAVERVNT
VT • TEMPLI . MOLITIONI
AREA . PATERET . IN . FRONTEM . PEDES.
LXXXIII . IN . LONGVM . PEDES . CLXXXVI.
TEMPLVM . INSVPER . GERMINATVM . AB . INCHOATO . EVEHENDVM . EXORNANDVM
QUE . PATRITIO . C . KEELY . ARCHITECTO . COMMISSVN . EST
AD . INGENTES . OPERIS . SVMPTVS . CONATIBVS . SODALIVM .S.I. PIETAS
CVLTORVM . STIPE . CONLATA . DONIS . QVE . ADFVTVRA . ERIT
HENRICVS . HVDON . RECTOR . COLLEGI . IVVENTVTI . RELLIGIONE . BONIS
QVE . ARTIBVS . INSTITVENDAE . ITEMQVE . DAVID . MERRICK . VICE
SACRA . ECCLESI.1E . CVRATOR . ARDVVM . OPVS . SOLLERTIA . STVDIIS QUE . OMNIBVS
PROMOVEBVNT
AVE • FRANCISCE ■ SODALIS SI • AMPLIORES • TIBI ■ ^DES
A • SOLO • EXCITAMVS
AST • TV • AMPLIORE ■ TVITIONE
COLLEGIO ■ SODALITATAQVE ■ NOSTRA
VOLENS • ADESTO • FOVETO
BENE • IWATO
This comer-stone was laid on the afternoon of Sunday, May 5th, with the prescribed ceremonies and prayers, by the Very Rev. WilHam Quinn, Administrator of the Diocese during' the absence of liis Eminence Cardinal McCloskey. The platform and the neighboring- houses were decorated
CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 307
with flags, and an oil painting of the tituUir saint of the church was disjjlayed in tlie view of all. At four o'clock the procession emerged from the old church. The cross- bearer and acolytes were followed by the children of the Sunday-school and members of sodalities established in the parish, and passed through the walls of the new church to the large cross erected there. With the in- scription, photographs of Pope Pius IX. and Leo XIII. were deposited. The sermon was preached by the Right Rev. P. N. Lynch, D.D., Bishop of Charleston, who had, as we have seen, officiated in a similar manner at the commencement of the old church.
He dwelt in his sermon on the wonderful o-rowth of Catholicity in this country, especially in the city and Diocese of New York, where the churches were mainly the work of the poor — ( )f those dej^endent for a liveli- hood on their daily toil — but who, in the deep sense of their indebtedness to God, gave freely of their hard- earned and scanty remuneration to the service of the sanctuary.
The new structure is advancing prudently and with care. Much is yet to be done, but the congregation evince a zeal and generosity that insure its completion in a style to endure for years, and give the pnrisli a church fully adequate to all their wants.
|
308 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. |
|||
|
Roll |
OF |
I loNOR. |
' |
|
CHURCH |
OF .ST. FR |
.\NCIS X.WIER. |
|
|
Aylvvard, James B. |
Lyddy, Daniel R. |
||
|
Burke, M., Mrs. |
Lynch, J. J. |
||
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Butler, Agnes T., Mrs. |
McCabe, Thomas. |
||
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Campbell, Mary, Miss. |
McCann, Owen. |
||
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Cassin, Timothy. |
McVey, John. |
||
|
Crotty, John B. |
Mara, Lawrence P. |
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Dean, Mary, Mrs. |
Mooney, Owen. |
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Dowd, James. |
Murray, Peter. |
||
|
Duffy, Philip. |
O'Brien, Michael. |
||
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Fitzsimons, John. |
Patterson, James. |
||
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Fitzsimons, Michael. |
Reardon, John. |
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Higgins, Simon. |
Roach, Thomas. |
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Kean, Thomas. |
Ryan, William. |
||
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Kelly, John, Mrs. |
Sellers, Augustin. |
||
|
Kensilla, Thomas. |
Smith, Michael. |
CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 309
REV. DAVID MERRICK,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.
THE Rev. David Merrick is a native of New York City. He was born February 19, 1833, and re- ceived his education in St. John's College, Fordham.
Resohnng to devote himself to the service of God, and feeling a vocation for the religious state, he entered the Society of Jesus, July 21, 1853, and after years spent in teaching and in the theological studies, received holy orders.
After his ordination he was employed in the mis- sionary work of the parish, and has now for several years been pastor of the Church of St. Francis Xavier, es- teemed as an eloquent and learned preacher, an able administrator, and a devoted jn-iest.
Two volumes from his pen, " Lectures on the Church" and " Sermons for the Times," have been most favorably received and widely read. Of Father Men-ick's " Lectures on the Church," the Catholic World said: "They are logi- cal, solid, and at the same time easy to be understood. He refutes the Protestant doctrine on the Rule of Faith, and establishes the Catholic rule, ending with the cul-
310 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
minating point of the supremacy of the Pope in govem- ment and doctrine. The proofs of the latter from En- ghsh history are remarkably appropriate and well put. The style of the reverend author is pure and pleasing."
With the Fathers appointed to assist him in St. Francis Xavier's, Father Merrick attends also St. Vin- cent's Hospital, No. 195 West Eleventh Street, the old- est and largest Catholic hospital in the city, which is directed by the Sisters of Charity; and also St. Joseph's Home for Aged Women, No. 203 West Fifteenth Street, where those overtaken by years and infirmities receive the kindest attention from the same devoted religious.
Other Fathers of the same order, residing in the college, which adjoins the church, attend the Catholics in the city institutions on Blackwell's Island, the poor childi-en on Randall's Island, the emigrants on Ward's Island ; while the prisons have for years received the visits and care of a priest who has identified himself with that excellent work — the Rev. Father Henry Dm-an- quet, S.J.
UllUKOH 01' SAINT GABRIEL.
EAST THTT.TY-SEVENTU STREET.
CHURCH OF SAINT GABRIEL
EAST THIRTY-SEVENTII STREET.
-^nr^ HE Chuvch of St. John tlie Evangelist, East Fiftieth I Street, for some years acconnnodated the Cathohcs
in tluvt district of the city, but it soon l)ecanie evident that tlie parisli was too hxrge for one pastor, and the church too small for the Catholics already within its boundaries, and especially so in Adew of the increase that the next few years would l)ring.
His Grace tlie Most Reverend Arclibisliop Hughes laid off a new parochial district south of that assigned to St. John the Evangelist, and confided to the Rev. William Clowr}', who had been assistant pastor at St. Stephen's, the task of organizing a new congregation and erecting a church.
A site for the sacred edifice Avas ;i gift. Among the converts who, year by year, brought to tlie Catho- lic Chm-ch the cultm-e, experience, and judgment which had made them respected in the land, was Henry J. Anderson, for many years Professor of Mathematics in CohuTibia College, and to his deatli a member of the Board of Trustees of thnt institution. Not only in tlie
CHUECH OF ST. GABRIP:!.. 313
patlis (if mathematics and the exact sciences, l)ut in vari- ous departments of learning lie held the highest rank.
Step by step he was led to the Catholic Clmrch; a correspondence to divine grace making him act on the convictions of his intellect. From his conversion, in 1853, he gave the Catholic body not only the example of a scrupulous and childlike practice of all Christian duties, but his personal service in aid of institutions and organizations. He was President of the Upper Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul ; and filling the same position in the Society for the Protection of Desti- tute Roman Catholic Children in the City of New York, he rendered incalculable service in furthering the welfare of the NeM' York Catholic Protectory. When the Catho- lic Union of New York was founded, a unanimous voice called him to preside over its councils.
In the new 2^3,i"i*^li> i)laced under the care of the Rev. Mr. Clowry, Dr. Anderson took a deep interest, and he conveyeil to the church, in 1S.")9, eight lots on East Tliirty-seventh Street, worth at least twenty-five thousand dollars, as four additional lots j^iu'chased b}' tlio pastor showed.
The new parish was placed under the invocation of the angel Gabriel, the messenger chosen by God to an- nounce to the Blessed Virgin i\Iary that the hour of re- demption had come, and that of her, the Virgin so long announced, was to be born the Sa\iour of the World.
314 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF KEW YORK.
For the propliet Daniel, centuries before, the angel Gabriel had lifted the veil of futurity and heralded that event in which he was to appear so conspicuously.
On the church to be raised in his honor, his effigy might stand with the words of Holy Writ: "I am Ga- briel who stand before God : and am sent to speak to thee, and to bring thee these good tidings."
The Rev. Mr. dowry's first care was to erect school- houses for the parish. These were completed towards the close of the year ISf)!), and the first floor of the male school was duly blessed as a chapel. A large congrega- tion, numbei-ing fifteen hundi'ed, assembled here, and for five years it was the temporary church, three masses being said every Sunday morning.
Meanwhile the pastor zealously employed liis time and influence to collect means to justify him in com- mencing the erection of the church. The breaking out of the late civil war, and the distress and gloomy fore- bodings that filled the country, prevented the good work, and it was not till the year 1864 that the building of St. Gabriel's was imdertaken in earnest and the corner- stone laid.
The architect to whom the work was intrusted was Mr. H. Engelbert, who selected the Gothic architecture of the thirteenth century, and reared a chui'ch of great beauty.
The church fronts on Thirty-seventh Street, about two
CHURCH OF ST. GABRIEL. 315
liundred feet east of Second Avenue. The deptli of the building- is one hundred and thirty-eight feet, and the width sixty-eight feet. The nave is thirty-eight feet in height, and the side aisles thirty-five feet. The height of tlie front is seventy-eight feet, and of the tower and sjjire one hundred and eighty-six feet. Brown stone from the Belleville, New Jersey, quarries was used in the front of the edifice; the side nnd rear walls are of brick, with brown stone trimmings. The ceilings of the nave and aisles are groined, and rest upon eighteen gracefull}' formed cluster columns. The chancel is finished in the richest style of ornamentation, and possesses a new feature in the shape of two arches— the interior one twenty feet wide, and the exterior one thirt}', so that the large altar can be seen from every part of the churcli. This altar is finished with a very rich screen of open tracery work, ^^■lth statues, and a large painting of the Annunciation in the centre. This painting is a copy, b)' Mazolini, from Guido's celebrated painting of that ]\Iystery. There are two side altars, elaborately finished, one of which is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and the other to St. Joseph.
The church seats sixteen hundred persons and cost eighty thousand dollars. Most of this large amount was collected by the Rev. Mr. Clowry in sums of from one dollar to five hundred.
The church was dedicated on the 12th of November,
316 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
1865. The altars were beautifully adorned, ai^d the whole interior decorated. At the appointed honr, his Grace the Most Reverend Archbishop IVIcCloskey, attended by the Very Rev. William Starrs, V.G., issued in pro- cession from the vestry, the cross and acolytes leading the long line of clergymen. After the ceremony pre- scribed by the ritual had been completed, and the sacred edifice dedicated to Almighty God under the invocation of the holy angel Gabriel, the procession re-entered the sacristy. The altar was then prepared, the priest attired for the celebration of the holy sacrifice appeared -with his deacon and subdeacon; the Archbishop and Bishop Lynch of Charleston occupying the places of honor in the sanc- tuary. The mass was then proceeded with, the celebrant being the Rev. Father Baratta, assisted by the Rev. A. Donnelly as deacon and the Rev. James Conron as subdeacon. The sermon was preached by Bishop Lynch of Charleston, S. C, who said : —
" Li the divinely inspired records of the old dispen- sation, the Temple of Jerixsaleni ever stands out in most remarkable prominence. It was the subject of prophecies and promises before it was built. The sacred j^age nar- rates with great minuteness the gorgeousness of its many ornaments, and the inspired writers dwell with rapture on the glories of the day spent in its dedication to the Lord.
" Soon after our first parents went out of the Gar-
CHURCH OF ST. GABRIEL. 317
den of Eden they offered sacrifices to Ilim, and gathered together stones and bnilt them an altar. Tlu-oughout the patriarchal ages altars were built. These altars were dedicated to God, and the memory of the sacrifices offer- ed upon them sanctified the places where they stood, and no man ovight to approach the same without reverence and awe.
" Then God, with a strong hand, gathered together his people from the land of Egypt and made them a people to himself In their wanderings they bore about with them, during ages of expectation, the tabernacle, in which sacrifices were made, until the fullness of time came. Jerusalem was chosen as the sacred site. And by the command of God the people gathered together the material which was to build the temple.
" In the fullness of time revelations came to the human race through Jesus Chi-ist. Not alone in Jerusa- lem were sacrifices to be offered to the Lord, but from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, every- where, in all ages, shall sacrifice and oblation be offered to the Lord God Almighty. The new law — the Clu-is- tian law — was given to man.
" During the ages of persecution it was in the cata- combs that the Christians worshiped in secret, for there they were hidden from the light of the sun and the surg- ing anger and wTath of their persecutors. These catacombs were the refuge of Clu-istians for two hundi-ed years.
318 CATUOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
" For u time the Emperor's sword would be sheathed, and then the Christians came out and erected some hum- ble chiu'ches.
" But at length Clu-istianity triumphed over all its enemies, and the Cln-istians came forth radiant from the catacombs. Then very soon indeed was erected over the tomb of St. Peter the Basilica.
" Years rolled on, and wherever Christianity was preached, there more churches in the form of the Basilica were erected. These churches were seen raising aloft their golden domes everywhere and in all lands. Then the Avork of Christianity spread further and wider, and these churches midtiplied and were erected in that style which is styled Christian by pre-eminence, and with which pagan antiquities seemed to have no connecting link. Then it was that the people built those churches which still stand luiequaled in their artistic beauty, and un- eqiuiled in the power they have to impress devotion upon the souls of men.
"The highest and the noblest work in which a man can engage is that of building churches. For what, my bretln-en, is a church 1 What is the meaning of the word ? The house of the Lord. The Lord has given you worldly goods, and you take from them some portion and set it aside to His glory,, and you give it to Him as if it were a gift. And He in His goodness is pleased to ac- cept it and make it more fruitful of benefits to yourself.
CHURCH OF ST. GABRIEL. 319
" Love your church ; revere it, frequent it ; for in this church A\'ill the new-born child be brought that it may be washed in the holy waters of baptism. Here too, when the child is gi'own up, it will return to receive such early instruction in divine truth as is adapted to its in- tellect. Here too the youth will return to receive the "•race of confirmation. Here too will those come who are called to the holy state of matiimony, to be blessed be- fore the altar, and to be strengthened and prepared to fulfill the duties of their new state. Here too you may come to worship Clirist and partake of yoiu- Lord's sup- per. Here too you will come to hear the revelation of divine truth and to have your duties made manifest to you. Here too will come the mortal remains of the de- parted Clu-istian that the prayers of the Church may be said in his behalf.
"This is- what the Church is — a link between God and man — between earth and Heaven. Love, therefore, revere and frequent your church."
After the dedication of the church the Rev. Mr. Clowry set to work to perfect the system of Catholic education which he had introduced, and he succeeded, in spite of many obstacles, in making St. Gabriel's schools the pride of the parish.
The reverend founder of St. Gabriel's is still its pas- tor, after nearly twenty years' labor among his flock. He has been assisted from time to time by the Rev. John
320 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEAV YORK.
B. Baratta, Rev. B. J. O'Callaghaii, llev. Thoiuas J. Welch, Rev. Andrew Canary, and his present cm-ates, the Rev. William A. O'Neill, Rev. Nicholas J. Hughes, Rev. James J. Flood, and Rev. William F. Brady.
The provision made in this })arish for the Catholic training of the }"0ung is ample. St. Gabriel's Select School, at Nos. 229 and 231 East Thirty-sixth Street, nmnbers one hundi'ed and twenty }'oung ladies as pupils, under the careful training of Sisters of Charit}'.
The parochial schools for gratuitous edvication, estab- lished in 1859, are very large. The boys, under the direc- tion of those experienced instructors, the Brothers of the Chi'istian Schools, number eight lunidred and ninety ; and the girls, taught by Sisters of Charity, are estimated at five hundred; so tliat in this jxirish alone more than fif- teen hundi'ed of the }'Oung are receiving- a sound and tboroughly Catholic education, the Avliole bm-den of which falls on those who cannot in conscience intrust their children to the schools of the State, for wdiich they are taxed.
Connected with the church are the following soci- eties : St. Vincent de Paul Conference — President, James Darlington ; Vice-President, Patrick Tierney ; Treasurer, James Dempsey ; Secretary, T. J. Finley. St. Clabriel's School Association — President, Hon. John Mullaly ; Vice- President, P. H. McDonough ; Recording Secretary, Major O'Shaughnessy ; Financial Secretary, Wm. T. Goggins ;
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CHURCH OF 8r. GABRraL. 32 1 |
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Correspondin |
g Secretary, V. P. CaiToll. Youny Men's |
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Musical and |
Literary Association, presided over by offi- |
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cers elected |
annually. Besides these there ai-e other soci- |
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eties, such |
as the Sodality of the Sacred Heart, the |
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Rosary and |
Scapular societies, the Society of the Chil- |
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dren of ]\Iai |
•y, &c., which are directed by the priests of |
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the cluu-cli. |
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Roll of Honor. |
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Adams, Bridget, M |
■s. Byrnes, Michael. Conway, Arthur. Donnelly, John. |
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Ahein, Cornelius. |
Cain, Michael. Corrigan, John J. Donnelly, Joseph. |
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Banan, William. |
Callaghan, Joseph,Mrs Corrigan, Patrick. Donnelly, Patrick. |
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Banuon, Owen. |
Callahan, James. Costello, Mar)-. DonnoIIy, T. 1'. |
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Barker, Francis. |
Callahan, Jeremiah. Coughlin, Thomas. Donohue, Michael, Mrs |
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Berrigan, Eliza. |
Campbell, Owen. Crawford, Mary. Donohue, Tliomas. |
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Bowen, Daniel. |
Carberry, William. Creamer, Michael. Doody, ICUie, Miss. |
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Boylan, Ann, Mrs. |
Carey, Charles. Cronin, P. Dooley, John. |
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Boylan, Mary. |
Carney, John. Crowe, Michael. Doonan, Patrick J. |
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Boyle, John. |
Carroll, E. P. Cunningham, Patrick. Dougherty, A. T. |
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Boyle, "Margaret, ^ |
rs. Carroll, Susan, Mrs. Cunningham, Thos. K. Dougherty, Cornelius. |
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Boylston, Edward. |
Carney, John. Curran, T. Dougherty, Patrick. |
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Brady, James. |
Casey, Luke. Daley, Catharine, Mrs. Downs, Patrick. |
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Bransfielcl, Honora. |
Cassidy, Mary A. Daley, James. Doyle, John. |
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Brady, Hanna. |
Cassidy, Patrick. Daly, John David. Duane, Michael. |
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Brady, Maria. |
Chester, Maria, Mrs. Darcy, John, Duffy, John. |
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Brady, P. |
Chidwick, John B. Darcy, D, Duffy, Owen. |
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Breen, Michael, A. |
Clark, J. Delaney, Peter. Dunley, Joseph. |
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Brennan, James. |
Clark, Kate. Delaney, William. Dunn, Eliza. |
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Brennan, John. |
Clancy, Michael. Dempsey, James. Dunn, John. |
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Brennan, P. |
Clifford, MichaeL Dennis, C. Dunn, Michael. |
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Britt, Mary, Mrs. |
Coffey, John. Derwin, James. Ennis, Margaret. |
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Brown, Richard J. |
Coffey, i'eter. Devine, Catharine, Mrs Erwin, .Annie, Mrs. |
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Bro\\'ne, Pat'k E.,^ |
rs. Coleman, Hugh. Devlin, James. Fagan, John, |
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lirowne, Richard. |
Collins, Patrick. Diehl, Michael. Fallon, Daniel. |
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Burns, Maria, Mrs |
Connell, T. Dillon, Patrick. Farley, J. |
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Byrne, Patrick. |
Connelly, Rose E.Mrs. Dineen, James. Farrell, Hugh F. |
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Byrnes, Denis. |
Connelly, Felix. Dolan, John. Farrell, John. |
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Byrnes, John. |
Coonev, James F. Dolan, Margaret. Farrelly, Patrick. |
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Byrnes, Lawrence. |
Courtney, J. Donegan, Eliza. Fawcett, Francis. |
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21 |
321
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Feeley, Ilannali. Finnelly, '1'. Fitzpatiick, Jolin. Filzpatrick, Micliacl L). Fitzpatrick, I'atrick. Fitzsimmons, Kliza. Fitzsimons, G. Flannafan, CJeorge. Flannery, Bridget. Heming. Patrick, Mrs. Fhihr, Ann, Mrs. Flynn, A. Flynn, J. Foley, James F. Foley, John. Foreman, James. Freeman, |olin. FuUen, l"atrick. Gallagher, John. Gallagher, Michael. Gallagher, Patrick. Gallagher, Terence. Gannon, Andrew. Gannon, liridget, Mrs. Gannon, Julia. Garrahan, Ann, Mrs. Garry, Joseph. Gavin, Michael. Gaynor, Edward. Gehegan, Michael .\. Geraty, Martin. Gibney, .\nn. Goggins, William T. Golden, Charles. Grace, William, Mrs. Grady, Mary, Mrs. Grady, Michael. Gregory, Thomas. Hall, Robert. Hallon, Patrick. Hatton, Patrick. Healy, Thonia-s. Heaney, Pierce. Hedrick, Mary, ^[rs. Hefferan, Patrick. Higgins, John, Mrs. Higgins, Patrick. Hogan, JaiTies. Hope, John, Horlihy, M.irgaret. Houlahan, [ohn. Hughes, James. Hughes, Peter. Jones, P. Kane, 1 high. Kane, Thomas. Kavanagh, Edward.
Keating, James. Keefe, James. Keegan, Alice, Mrs. Kehoe, Edward. Kehoe, Michael. Kelly, Catharine, Mrs. Kelly, Edward. Kelly, James. Kelly, Patrick. Kelyberg, Ber'd, Mrs, Kennedy, Kate. Kennedy, Lawrence. Kenny, P. Kevelin, Bridget. Kiernan, Bridget. Kiernan, 1.. D. Kindelon, Patrick. King, Patrick, Kinsella, Robert. Lambert, Patrick. Lambert, Timothy. Lambert, \\'illiam. Laverty, Mary J. Leddy, Felix. Lee, !\Lary, Mrs. Leip, James. Leonard, Catharine. Leslie, Francis, Mrs. Lestrange, Patrick. Levins, James K. Looram. Patrick. Love, Michael. Lowery, Thomas. Lynch, John. Lynch, T.
Mc.^ulifie, Florence. Mc.^uliffe, John J. McBride, Owen. McCabe, Mary. McCabe, William. McCaflery, John. McCahill, Maggie. McCarthy, G. McCarthy, James. McCormick, Bridget, McCrosson, Rose. McCue, Elizabeth, Mrs. McCnllen, Morris. McDon.aId, John. McDonough, Patrick. McEvoy, Ellen, Mrs. McGee, Patrick. McGinn, Patrick. McGlew, Christopher. McGrath, Michael. McGrath, P.atrick. McGurren, John.
\\'oods,
McLityre, .-^nnie, Mrs. McKee, Patrick. McKenna, J. Mrs. McNally, J. Madden, Michael F. Madden, t.)wen. Madden, Peter. Mahony, James. Marcella, John. Markey, G. W. Markey, James. Martin, P.
Masterson, Ed. Mrs. Mead, Michael. Meehan, Kate, Meeks, John, Mrs. Meskelli John. Milligan, Cath., Mrs. Moloney, T. F. Morgan, Matthew. Moore, Catharine. Mordan, John. Morgan, J. Morris, Patrick. Mulligan, Catharine. Mulligan, James. Mulsley, Mary. Murphy, John. Murphy, Thomas. Murphy, Timothy. Ahu'ray, John. Mutel, .August. Noonan, John. Norris, John IL Nugent," Matthew. O'Brien, Dora. O'Brien, J
O'Brien, Joanna, Mrs. O'Connell, JelTrey.Mrs O'Connor, Connell. O'Connor, John, Mrs. O'Donnell, B. O'Donovan, Tim'y J. O'Hara, James. O'Hara, Mary. O'CSara, John \V. O'Grady," Mary, ^h■s. O'Keefe, Thomas. O'Rourke, Bernard. O'.Shaughnessy, John. O'Sullivan, Hanna. Otterson, Francis. Padden, John. Phillips, "H. i\L Pollard, Daniel. Powell, Daniel. Powell, Thomas. John.
Prunty, J.imes. Purcell, Patrick. Quin, Julia, Mrs. Quinn, Lawrence H. Radican, Eliza. Readen, Julia. Reahill, Ann. Reddy, Mary. Reilly, Edward. Reilly, Ellen. Reilly, Kate. Reilly, Mary. Reilly, Rose. Reynolds, Peter. Reynolds, Thomas. Rice, Michael ^L Robinson, James. Ryan, Bridget. Ryan, Thoiuas. F. .Sage, Patrick. Scott, Nicholas. Seery, Bernard, F. Seward, Mafthew. Shaughnessev, J. Shea, D.
Shea, Mary T. Mrs. Sheehan, M. Sheridan, James. Sheridan, Richard. Skahan, James E. Slater, J." .Slater, I'atrick. Smith, .\lice, Mrs. Smith, Charles. Smith, James, Mrs. Spillane, Morris. Stokes, John. .Stringer, James. Sullivan, I)ennis. .Sullivan, John. .Sweeney, Paul. Thornton, John N. Tucker, John. Tulley, Thonias F. Turley, Richard. Tyrrell, Margaret, Mrs. Walsh, John. Walsh, Matthew. Waters, Benjamin. Waters, Patrick. Weir, Rose. Whalen, James. Whalen, Thomas. Whelan, Henry, Mrs. Willoughby, Mary, Mrs WootUock, David. Woods, F.
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y^^^^^ ^/^^^tj^-y;p ,
CIIUKCII OF ST. GABRIEL.
323
THE HEV. WILLIAM TI. Cr.OWKY,
PASTOK OF ST. GABRIEL'S t'HUKCH.
TllllS woiUiy priest, who lia« so long enjoyed the fonfidiMi'i- of hia ecclesiasticai superiors and the attaclijiieijt . ruufided tti his care, wa» bom in
the Count) 'reland, in the year 1822, and was
educated at C^ariow College, from which he passed to the celebrated seminaiy of tlie Irish clergy at Maynootlt
HaA-ing become connected with the Diocese of Ncav York, he was assistant to the Rev. Dr. J. W. Cumminsrs at St Stephen's Chm-ch from the year 1857 till he began his labors in St Gabriel's parish, two years later. The history of that chui'ch is the record of his exeitions to give his parishionei"s a noble templt^, while it evinces lus cajre of their spiritual interests and his devotion to the educa- tion of their cliilclren.
His zeal was manifested on many an occasion to be remembered, but was heroic during the tenible di-aft riots, which for several days deluged NeAv York City in blood.
In the general care of his parish, and especially in the institutions for spreading among liis flock the beue- tits of a »uuud Christian education, and in those catecheti-
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CHURCH OF ST. GABRIEL. 323
THE REV. WILLIAM H. CLOWRY,
PASTOR OF ST. GABRIEL'S CHURCH.
TIILS worthy priest, who has so long enjoyed the confidence of his ecclesiastical superiors and the attachment of the llock confided to his care, was born in the Coirnty Carlow, Ireland, in the year 1822, and was educated at C.^arlow College, from which he passed to the celebrated seminary of the Irish clergy at Maynooth.
Having become connected with the Diocese of New York, he was assistant to the Rev. Dr. J. W. Cummings at St. Stephen's Chm'ch from the year 1857 till he began his labors in St. Gabriel's parish, two years later. The history of that chm-ch is the record of his exertions to give his parishioners a noble temple, while it evinces his care of their spiritual interests and his devotion to the educa- tion of their cliildi'en.
His zeal was manifested on many an occasion to be remembered, but was heroic during the terrible draft riots, which for several days deluged New York City in blood.
In the general care of his parish, and especially in the institutions for spreading among his flock the bene- fits of a sound Christian education, and in those catecheti-
324 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
cal instructions wliicli are given in the Sunday-schools, the ReA". Mr. Clowrv has been ever an unremitting and zealous priest.
He has, too, called in the services of those zealous priests belong-ing to religious orders who devote them- selves especially to giving missions in our churches, and whose instructions and exhortations rouse the dull, the torpid, and the negligent, by the pictm-e of the fearful penalty they incur, wliile by portraying God's love and mercy they win them to a better life and encourage the good to perseverance.
The mission given in the parish of St. Gabriel by the Redemptorist Fathers Wissel and Fetch, Avith their associates, in November, 1873, afforded great consolation to the reverend pastor.
He has had the direction of the Sisters of Mercy of this city for many years, having been appointed to that charge by his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey. A more striking proof of the confidence felt by his Eminence in the sacredotal experience, judgment and prudence of the pastor of St. Gabriel's is seen in the fact that he has selected him as a member of the Council of the diocese, whose advice he takes on all important matters.
OHUKOH OF TlIK HOLY CROSS.
WEST FORTY-SECOND STREET.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS.
AVEST FORTY-SECOND STREET.
THIS churcli recalls the memory of the first Cath- olic priest who is known to have visited Man- hattan Island and exercised his sacerdotal functions among: civilized men upon it. Father Isaac Jogiies, avIio was rescued by the Dutch from the liands of the Ijlood-tliirsty Mohawks, descended the noble Hudson witli his deliver- ers, who, out of respect for one who had suffered so much in his labors to extend the gospel, iiamed an island in the river after the missionary.
Father Jogues was a lover of the cross, and in one of his writings styles himself a Citizen of the Holy Cross, because the cathedi'al of his native citv, Orleans, was dedicated to the Holy Cross. In his devotion to the symbol of our salvation he composed a litany.
A churcli abo\-e St. Columba's was called for about the year 1852, and the ]\rost Reverend Archbishop confided to the Rev. Joseph A. Lutz the task of looking after the spiritual interests of the faithful in that part of the city, many of whom had found it almost impossible to attend any of the churches regularly, especially with their
yoiuiger children, on account of the distance.
*
So impressed was Archbishop Hughes at this time
CHURCH OF THIO HOLY CROSS. 327
witli tlic wants of tlie Catholics in tlie I'it}', that lie re- solved to defer his cherished project of coniniencing the work of a new cathedral in order to give the Catholics in the i-ity every opportunity of hearing mass and ap- j^roaching the sacraments.
During the Jubilee there had been Ijetween seventy and eighty thousand connnunicants; and, as he inferred from this, there were at the time on New York island a quarter of a million cif Catholics. lie felt the urgent need of buildiu"- at once eigrht or ten new churches. Looking rather at the pressing want than any ?esthetic idea, he proposed to make them plain and solid, not to cost more than fifteen thousand dollars each.
To carry out the work of chm-ch extension he })ro- jected a society like that established in France to aid foreign missions, the well-known Association for the Pro- pagation of the Faith. A large association in which each member paid a weekly trifle Avould give a fund from which loans coidd be made to each new church, and when returned by it, loaned to others.
On the 15th of February, 1852, at the close of his semion in the Cathedral, he called a meeting after vespers and there imfolded his plans.
The Chm-ch of the Holy Cross was one of tJie first fruits of his appeal; and though the projected association never attained the development he desired, it roused the Catholic body to renewed effort.
328 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The Rev. IVIr. Lutz obtained a place as a temporary chapel in West Forty-second Sti-eet, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, and in this Chapel of the Holy Cross gathered his new congregation. Roused by the words of their Archbishop and by a sense of their own needs, the faithful showed every appreciation of the advantages thus offered them of enjoying the ministrations of their holy religion in their midst, and the priest was encouraged to pm'chase ground for the erection of a permanent church. The temporary structiu-e was well attended ; lectures were delivered, and other means adopted to interest the Catho- lics in and around the parish in the good work.
The comer-stone of the new church was solemnly laid, and the interest of the people and their pride in being among the first to carry out the Archbishop's wishes led them to strain every nerve to carry on the work without any useless delay. They were soon rewarded by its completion. It was not by anv means a poor, plain structure, but a fine ecclesiastical edifice.
The Church of the Holy Cross was finally completed towards the close of the year 1854, and was solemnly dedicated on the 17th of December in that year, by the Very Rev. AVilliam Starrs, Vicar General (A' the diocese, who, after the usual ceremony by Avliich the Church blesses buildings for the offering of the divine sacrifice, which is the center and sun of the whole system of her worship, offered a Solcnni High Mass, assisted by the
CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS. 309
reverend pastor, and Ly the eloquent Augustinian, the Very Rev. Dr. IVroriarty, who preached on the occasion.
The church thus erected by tlie Rev. Mr. Lutz in lionor of tlie Holy Cross, was a l)rick edifice, constructed in Roman style, one hundred feet in depth by a width of seventy-five, capable of seating- fourteen or fifteen hundi-ed comfortably. There was no elaborate ornamentation, but it was grand and imposing ; the tall spire, towering one hundred and sixty feet, making it a conspicuous object in that part of the city.
The Rev. Mr. Lutz, in 1855, was transferred to the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The Rev. Thomas Martin, O.S.D., was then sent to this church. Of his ministry here, Archbishop Hughes said : " From St. Brid- get's he went to the then hardly formed congregation in Forty-second Street, ■\\'here, AA'ithout haranguing, he began silently and noiselessly to work to show them tlieir way through their difficulties until the people began to under- stand themselves and to be a congregation — a numerous congregation." Soon after, the Rev. Patrick McCarthy became pastor of the Holy Cross. During his pastorship the Church of the Holy Cross met with an accident hitherto unexampled in the history of the Catholic sanc- tuaries of the city. It was struck by lightning in 1867, and so injured as to require a thorough examination. The result was b}' no means satisfactory. It was very apparent that the ^\■ork had not in the first instance
330 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
been projjerly done. Competent iircliitects and builders prononnoed the walls unsafe down to tbeir base.
The congregation found themselves deprived, as it were, of all their sacrifices and generous contriluitions. There was no alternative but to take down the church and rebuild it from the very foiuidation.
The Rev. Mr. McCarthy at once began the neces- sary M^ork. The old edifice was taken down, and the })resent Church of the Holy C'ross was completed in the year 1870. It is a spacious, cruciform building, in the transition style of Byzantine. The depth is one hundred feet, and the width seventy-two feet, expanding to ninety- two feet in the transepts. Over the intersection of the nave and transept rises a cixpola, lighting the sanctuary and nave. This is a dome on a square basis, gradually riin- ning into the octagon form, and finishing with a lantern semicircular in the ceiling and one hundred and twelve feet high from the church floor. The whole height from the street cm-]> to the to]) of the cross surmounting the dome is one hundred and forty-eight feet. The front, which is massive and imposing, is of pressed Philadelphia brick trimmed with l^elleville stone intermixed Avitli pol- ished bluestone. In construction it is one of the most solid and substantial churches in the city. The altar is handsome and im^iosing, composed of two arched towers, with a crenelated curtain between. In front of this stands the elegant tal)ernacle. Above it hangs a paint-
CHURCH OF TIIK HOLY CROSS. ;;;n
ing- of the Crucifixion, wliicli wms the iilt;ir-piece of old Ho] A' Cross.
Tlie windows are filled in with rich stained fflass, with appropriate designs, emblems, and monograms.
The church was erected after the designs of Ileni-y Engelbert, architect, and will seat, including the galleries, fifteen hundred, with standing room for six hundred more.
This fine church was dedicated on the 7tli day of May, 1870, the feast of the patronage of St. Joseph. The ceremony was performed by the Very Rev. William Starrs, Vicar General of the diocese, assisted by a host of clergymen, including Rev. Father Daubresse, Rev. Dr. McCJlyiin of St. Stephen's, Rev. M. Curran of St. An- dre\\''s. Rev. Mr. Gleason of Brooklyn, Rev. Mr. Conron of Staten Island, Rev. Mr. Bodfish, Rev. R. Brennan, and Rev. Dr. Burtsell. After the dedication a Solemn High Mass was offered, the reverend pastor being the celebrant. Rev. Messrs. Flanelly and Brophy deacon and subdeacon, and Rev. George IMurphy master of cere- monies. The music, under the direction of the organist, Mr. Gomien, was a fine rendition of Haydn's First Mass. The Very Rev. Mr. Starrs jireached — congratulated the congregation at the completion of a work which had en- gaged their anxious attention for the last two years. The church was, he said, rebuilt in a manner creditable to the generosity and charity of the peojile and the zeal and devotion of the pastor.
332 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
After tlie communion the Rev. ]\Ir. McCarthy addressed his flock. " They had liad many trials and many diffi- culties to encounter," as he told them, " but with the blessing of God they had surmounted them, and the brilliant result was there visible to all. Again they were enabled to take their place among the churches of New York."
The Rev. Patrick IMcCarthy remained in charge of the parish till his death, August 7th, 1S77. He was ever zealous in the discharge of liis duties, and Avas re- markable for his great charity and love of the poor. During his long pastorate he was assisted liy several clergyiuen — the Rev. Patrick Egan for about six years, the Rev. J. Nilan for three, the Rev. W. Flanell}' for five, the Rev. Martin J. Brophy for fom-, and by others for shorter terms.
As parish priest of the Holy Cross, his Eminence next selected the Rev. Charles McCready, who still directs the congregation, assisted by the Rev. Maurice Dougherty, the Rev. Joseph Campbell, and the Rev. Joseph Smyth. The present pastor has freed his chiu'ch from nnich of its heavy biuxlen of debt, and besides done much to make the "Holy Cross" more fitting to elevate the heart to heaven. The high altar has been in part reconsti-ucted and renewed in fine taste. The altar of the Sacred Heart has also been beautified, and sunnounted by an elegant jjainting of Our Lord imder that consoling title.
CHURCH OF TIIK IKJLY CROSS.
333
The jjarish of llie Holy Cross is well endowed with educational institutions. The Sisters of Charity have, within its boundaries, Holy Cross Academy, founded in 1859, with a hundred and fifty yoiuig ladies as pupds ; St. Vincent's Industrial School, Avith a hunth-ed and sixt}' pupils ; and a girls' parochial school, with six lumdred pupils.
The annual marriages in this church are about sixty- four; the baptisms over six hundred. Although the parish of the Sacred Heart was formed principally from Holy
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Cross about two y |
ears ago, there is |
very little diminution |
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perceptible in the |
number of attendants or the income 1 |
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of the chm-ch. |
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Ro Archer, Charles, Mrs. |
LL OF H( |
DNOR. Devine, Margaret, Mrs. |
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Clarkin, Christopher P. |
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Baily, Joanna M. |
Cleary, John. |
Dewhurst, James. |
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Ball, Jane. |
Clifford, Timothy. |
Dewhurst, John. |
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Hardy, Matthew. |
Coffey, Martin. |
Disel, John N. |
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Beglin, Michael. |
Coffey, William. |
Dobson, Francis. |
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Berrigan, William. |
Cooney, James. |
Doherty, Daniel. |
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Bowes, John J., Mrs. |
Corey, William. |
Dolan, Hugh. |
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Bowman, George. |
Corkery, Daniel H. |
Dolan, James. |
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Brady, Thomas. |
Costello, Patrick. |
Donnelly, Dennis. |
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Brogan, Tatrick. |
Cowan, Patrick. |
Donohue, Michael, Jr. |
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Burke, James. |
Coyle, Catharine. |
Doran, Alice, Mrs. |
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Burke, I'atrick, Mrs. |
Coyle, Dominic!;. |
Downey, John. |
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Burns, James. |
Coyle, Francis II. |
Doyle, C. M. |
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Byrne, William P. |
Craden, Patrick. |
Doyle, John, Mrs. |
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Cain, Michael. |
Crane, Owen. |
Doyle, Thomas. |
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Calhoun, Henry. |
Crosby, Mary, Mrs. |
Duane, Margaret. |
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Callan, Bernard. |
Cross, Michael. |
Duane, William. |
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Carey, Cornelius. |
Curren, Patrick. |
Duggan, John, Jr., Mrs. |
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Carley, Patrick. |
Cushing, Thomas, Mrs. |
Dunn, Thomas. |
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Carroll, John. |
Cusick, Maggie. |
Dux, J.acob. |
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Carroll, "Margaret, Miss. |
Davis, Benjamin. |
Early, William. |
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Carroll, Michael. |
Delahant, Patrick. |
Edmonds, ,'\. K., Mrs. |
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Carroll, William. |
Delmore, James. |
Edwards, L. |
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Caruther, Patrick. |
Denue, Maria, Mrs. |
F.all.ahee, James. |
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Casey, Bernard, |
Devine, J. C. |
Farmer, \Villian\. |
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334 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF |
NEW YOKK. |
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Ferrell, Bryan. |
Lonergan, Thomas. |
O'Brien, James. |
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FitzgeraUl, Joliaiina. |
Looran, Michael. |
O'Brien, |ohn. |
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Fitzpatrick, James. |
Lulves, Otto. |
O'Brien, "Patrick. |
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Flanigan, George. |
Lunny, Peter. |
O'lJrien, Thomas. |
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Flynn, James. |
Lynch, Hugh. |
O'Brien, Thomas [. |
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Flynn, Joseph. |
Mc.\dams, 'Hiomas. |
O'Calahan, Timotli}'. |
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Freeman, Hugh. |
McBain, Thomas. |
O'Connor, Patrick. |
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Gallagher, John. |
McCabe, James. |
O'Donnell, Nicholas. |
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Gallagher, Rodger. |
McCann, Hugh Gregory. |
O'Donovan, Jeremiah. |
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Garvey, J., Mrs. |
McCartney, Thomas. |
O'Flaherty, Edward. |
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Garvey, Margaret. |
McCormick, Patrick. |
O'.N'eil, Francis. |
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Gibbins, Austin. |
McCormick, William. |
O'Neil, George. |
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Gleason, Michael, Mrs. |
McCue, fames, Mrs. |
O'Xeil, Owen. |
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Gonnoud, James. |
McCullough, Henry. |
O'Neil, Peter G. |
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Goodman, John. |
McCuUough, John. |
Payten, James. |
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Gordon, George. |
McCullough, Peter. |
Phelan, Michael. |
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Gordon, Robert. |
McDermott, James. |
Plumb, Emilie, Mrs. |
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Grant, Tlromas. |
McDonald, Patrick. |
Powers, Lizzie. |
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Gray, Ann. |
McDonnell, Daniel. |
Purcell, William J. |
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Gray, John. |
McDonnell, Peter. |
Quinlan, John B. |
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Greenam, Edward. |
McGary, Bridget, Mr-.. |
Quinn, Henry. |
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Griffiths, N. J. |
McGee, Michael. |
Quinn. Peter. |
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Guinevan, William. |
McGinley, Roger. |
Rafter, iLargaret. |
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H.ackett, Thomas. |
McGinty, Catharine. |
Reid, M. |
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Haden, Joseph. |
McGirr, John. |
Reilly, Jeremiah. |
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Hagen, Matthew. |
McGowan, Peter. |
Reilly, Luke. |
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Halligan, James. |
McGrane, .\nna, Mrs. |
Reilly, Margaret. |
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H.allig.an, Thomas. |
McGuiness, John. |
Reilly, Terence F. |
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Hamblin, Jane, Mrs. |
McGuire, Eliza. |
Reynolds, James. |
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Hand, Bernard. |
McHugh, Michael. |
Reynolds, John. |
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Hanson, Susan. |
Mclntyre, Charles. |
Roach, Ellen. |
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Hart, John. |
Mclntyre, P. B. |
Rock, Lawrence. |
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Hart, I'eter. |
McKeever, John. |
Rooney, Hugh. |
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Haviland, Ann, Mrs. |
McKenna, John. |
Ruddy, Francis, |
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Haydon, Mary, Mrs. |
McKenna, "Michael. |
Rulves, Otto. |
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Hennessy, William. |
McKevitt, Henry, Mrs. |
Ryan, Philip. |
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Henry, John. |
McLauglilin, P. |
.Secor, S. .^L |
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Hepburn, W'illiam. |
McLoughlin, Dennis. |
Seward, Mich.ael. |
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Holbrook, John. |
McLoughlin, Peter. |
Sheedy, William. |
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Hughes, Hugh. |
McLoughlin, P. J. |
Sheridan, James. |
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Hughes, John. |
McMahon, Patrick. |
Sheridan, .Mary. |
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Hurst, George. |
McManus, [ohn. |
Sherry, Edward M. |
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Joyce, William. |
McNabb, Elizabeth, Miss. |
Shevlin, Hugh. |
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Kane, TatricU. |
McPartland, Hugh. |
Sievin, Catharine. |
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Keating, William J. |
McPartland, .S. |
Smith, Samuel. |
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Keenan, Thomas. |
Maker, James. |
Spellissy, Denis A. |
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Kehran, James. |
Mahon, Bridget. |
.Stack, John. |
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Kiernan, Maggie, Miss. |
Mahony, Patrick. |
Tallon, Eliza. |
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Kellehar, Thomas. |
Male, John. |
Thorp, Patrick. |
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Kelly, Daniel. |
Maloney, Dennis. |
Tracey, Patrick. |
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Kelly, Henry. |
Mardon, Fannie M., Mrs. |
Treanor, James J. |
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Kelly, Lawrence. |
Miller, John, Mrs. |
Treanor, Matthew. |
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Kelly, P. |
MoUoy, John. |
TuUey, Michael. |
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Kemble, James. |
Morrissey, Edward, Mrs. |
Victory, Thomas. |
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Kennedy, James. |
Morrissy, Jeremiah. |
Ward, Owen. |
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Keys, Mary. |
Mulholland, James. |
Ward, William. |
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Kinley, James. |
MuUins, John. |
Warren, Joseph, |
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Kitson, "Maria. |
Murphy. John. |
Warring, C. IS. |
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Laracy, .M ichael. |
Murphy, Patrick, Mrs. |
Washburn, Jethro. |
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Leahey, Daniel. |
Murray, Hugh, Mrs. |
Welsh, Delia. |
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Leahy, Patrick. |
Murray, William. |
W'helan, Michael. |
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Leonard, Terence. |
Nugent, John. |
Whelan, Paul. |
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Logan, J. J. |
Nugent, Patrick. |
White, John. |
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Logan, Matthew. |
Nunnery, P. |
CHURCH "K THE HOl^ ' t; is.^
REV. CHARLES ilcCREADV,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS.
The; pastor of the Church of the Holy Cross was born at Letterkeimy, in tlie County of Done- gal, Ireland, in 1837. f^^ui nftpr a r.iMrsc of classical study, in which iji» pi • ^li1c*» nvnifest,
was selected ^>v liin HiUjoj*, the ''»♦'' I)t. ■ nf
Raphoe, as leiit from his • at .^1
In that venerable institution \in justiiled 'hf Iu.jh;^ en- tertained, but his thoughts were already t»uju;d to a field far from his native diocese. He came to America before he concluded his theological course, and entering Mount St. Mary's, Enmiettsburg, finished his divinity studies while act- ing as one of the jjrofessors of that institution Upon his ordination, in 1866, he was appointed a^isistant pastor at the Church of St John the Evangelist, Fiftieth Street, New York, and for three years zealoui^ly discharged, his duties in the large parish then attiiched to that ' church.
In 1869 he was transferred to St. Andrew's Church, where he remained two years, when he was transfeiTed to St. Stephen's. Here, during six y«ars, a heavy ahaie of parochial work fell to his lot, besides which liP tended the numerous Catholic patients in Bellevue "■*
His" merits were recognized, and ■• ^■•'■"^
i« ;*
'"'I
i1
«|l
li i
CHUROH OF THE HOLY CROSS. 335
REV. CHARLES McCREADY,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS.
THE i«istor of the Church of tliu Holy Cross was bom at Letterkenny, in the County of Done- gal, li'eland, in 1837, and after a course of classical study, in which his piety and ability were alike manifest, was selected by his Bishop, the late Dr. McGettigan of Raphoe, as a student from his diocese at Maynooth.
In that venerable institution he justified the hopes en- tertained, but his thoughts were already turned to a field far from his native diocese. He came to America before he concluded his theological course, and entering Mount St. Mary's, Emmettsburg, finished his divinity studies wdiile act- ing as one of the professors of that institution. Upon his ordination, in 1866, he was appointed assistant pastor at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Fiftieth Street, New York, and for three years zealously discharged his duties in the large parish then attached to that church.
In 1869 he was transferred to St. Andi-ew's Church, where he remained two years, when he was transferred to St. Stephen's. Here, during six years, a heavy share of parochial Avork fell to his lot, besides which he at- tended the numerous Catholic patients in Bellevue Hospital.
His merits were recognized, and in 1877 his Emi-
336 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
nence Cardinal McCloskey appointed him parish priest of .the Holy Cross. He found his chm-ch struggling under a load of debt, which, notwithstanding the difficulties of the times, he resolved to reduce at once, and his efforts proved that he had not miscalculated his own zeal and energy, or the generosity of his flock.
As the chiu'ches of the diocese have all been con- secrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, he made it his great object to excite this devotion to our Lord in the hearts of his parishioners. The result was singularly consoling. The daily masses, at hours when the faithful workingmen can attend them, are frequented to a degree that is seldom seen; the confessionals, regulated so as to enable all to approach, are tlxronged; and the fruits of the mission given by the Dominican Fathers seem of a most durable and permanent character.
Deeply attached to his church, he has labored not only to make each of his flock a living temple of the Holy Ghost, l)y a truly Christian life, and a frequent participation in the graces of which the sacraments are the channels, but also to make the material chiu'ch, in its outward beauty and neatness, all that can elevate the heart and attest the honor he desires to render to God.
Laboring earnestly for the welfare of his flock, and for the progress of the young in the parochial and Sun- day-schools, the Rev. Mr. McCready has won the confi- dence and esteem of his people.
■X
- r^~'
CHURCH OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS.
22 WEST THIRTY-SEVENTH STREET.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS.
WEST THIRTY-SKVENTH STREET.
IN 1866, liis Grace tlie Most Reverend Archbisliop McCloskey felt, from the representations made to him, that a new church was needed about West Tliirty- seventh Street. He confided a district to a clergyman who had abeady acquired experience in the care of souls, and those arduous duties that so often devolve on a priest, Avhere he has to become a man of business, an archi- tect, and a financier as well as a clergyman.
The new pastor found, at the corner of Thirty- seventh Street and Broadway, a small frame Ijuilding, an Episcopal Church, known as the Chm-cli of the Hoi}' Innocents, the Rev. Mr. Elmendorf being the pastor. The society was not pros2)erous, and the property Avas for sale. After some negotiation, in which, as often hap- pens, the price rose when the object was discovered, the Rev. Mr. Larkin purchased the property, and soon after, other adjacent lots, so as to afford a site, not for the future church only, but also for a parochial resi- dence and the parish schools. The real estate thus ac- quired for Catholic use cost altogether, a hundred and thirt>' thousand dollars.
CHUKCll OF TIIK llol.Y INNOCENTS. 339
^Miem we liii\ (_' ;ic([iiirn(I cliurclies wliicli ;i Protest- ant denoiniiiatiou liad dedicated to our Blessed Lord, or any of the lioly mysteries of liis Life and Passion, or to any of tlie saints, it has been the custom to retain the name. In tliis case tlie same course was followed. The buildiiiii' had l)een dedicated to the Hcdy Innocents — those babes A\ho confessed our Lord, not b}' their lips, but by their l)lood — who died by the Idow intended m Herod's jealousy and fear for our Blessed Lord himself, the Infant Jesus.
These first of the martyrs of our Lord are honored by the Cluu-ch on the 28th of December, and their feast is one of those kept dm'ing an octave. She honors them too by invoking them in the Litany of the Saints before all other martyrs.
These holy children, baptized in their own blood, be- came the patrons of the Catholic Church, which was opened in November, 1866. Having thus a temporary place for his flock, the Rev. Mr. Larkin l)egan to prepare for the great and arduous work before him.
The confidence inspired b}' the spirit and devotion of the Catholic population led him justly to plan a clnu'ch, not for the moment merely, but one of such jjroportions as to meet the wants of the parish for many years to come, and of such beauty that the congregation should not feel any desire for a nobler temple.
The corner-stone of the new church was laid on
340 CATHOLIC CHUKCHES OF NEW YORK.
the 20tli clay of Jime, 1869, by his Grace Ai-clibishop McCloskey ; and after tlie venerable jirelate had blessed the 25ri™ary stone, and, kneeling before the cross reared amid the rising walls, recited the Litany of the Saints, and with holy psalms placed the stone in position, the Rev. Mr. Quinn, now Vicar General of the diocese, de- livered an address, which was listened to -with earnest attention by the vast multitude gathered on the auspi- cious occasion.
The work on the church was then pushed on ^^gor- ously, and the pastor and his flock Avere equally delighted when the period apj^roached for its solemn dedication.
The position of the church is such that it can be viewed so as to perceive its grand and striking j^ropor- tious, making it a monument that attracts the eyes of all. It is a Gothic structure, seventy feet wide by one hundi'ed and thirty in depth, Ijuilt of Belleville stone, ornamented with trimmings of lighter Ohio stone. In the fsi^ade is an elegant stained-glass window in honor of St. Cecilia, and in a niclie above, an exquisitely carved statue of our Lord, wrought by an excellent sculptor in Milan. There are tlu-ee spacious enti'ances, well lighted by orna- mental lamps, for services late in the day. The interior has three aisles, giving four ranges of pews. The galleries, which increase greatly the seating room, are supported by carved pillars, which arch gracefully to the roof There are on each side eight large and seven clerestory win-
CHURCH OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS. 34I
tlows, all of stained-glass, insuring light and Aeutilation. These were all gifts of parishioners.
The altar is of white marble, the altar-piece being a Crucifixion in fresco by Bnimidi. At each side of the altar stands a statue — the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph — alongside of which fine paintings can be seen, one of them, a fine old canvas, shoAving the Massacre of the PToly Innocents. There is also a side altar dedi- cated to the Sacred Heai-t of Jesus, above which is a painting of our Blessed Lord displaying his heart inflamed with love for mankind. The church will comfortably seat nearly fifteen hundi-ed people.
This fine structvu-e was dedicated on the 13th of Febniary, 1870, by the Very Rev. William Starrs, then Vicar General of the diocese. Mr. StaiTs preached on the occasion, taking as his text the A\-ords of Genesis xxviii. IG, 17, so aj^propriate to the occasion: "And when Jacob awaked out of sleep, he said : Indeed the Lord is in this place, and I knew not. And trembling he said : How temble is this jjlace. This is no other but the House of God, and the gate of heaven."
The large attendance of clergy, the music of Merca- dante rendered by a choir of forty-four voices, with the swelling tones of the organ and accompanying instru- ments, made the whole a scene to linger long in the hearts and memories of all present.
At the vespers, in the evening, a brilliant and in-
342 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
teresting cliscour.se was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Boyle of Washington, who, taking as his text St. Matthew xviii. 20, dwelt on the faith of the Church as forniully declared by the Fathers of the Vatican Council.
Including the site, the cluu'ch and school cost three hundred and six thousand dollars, of which one hundred and twenty -five thousand dollars are still unpaid. The contribution of the amount alread}' paid, besides A^hat is necessary each year for the maintenance of di\'ine wor- ship and the schools, is most creditable to this new con- gregation. Among the first and most generous subscrib- ers were Eugene Kelly, James Wallace, Henry L. Hoguet, Thomas and John Murphy, M. Fitzsimons, E. Martin, and Thomas Maher.
The average attendance is aboiit five thousand; five masses being said every Sunday, to enable ever}- member of the congregation to fulfill the obligation of hearing mass.
The parish school, which is directed by several Sis- ters of Charity and eight lay teachers, numbers nine hun- dred and fifty pupils.
There are sevei'al societies connected with the church, one of the most important being the Building Associa- tion, whose zeal may be seen in the fact that in one year it raised ten thousand foiu- hundred dollars. Besides this are the Temperance Society, R. H. Bermingham, President, and the Ladies' Temperance Society, Neal Farrell, Presi-
CHURCH OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS. 343
dent; ;i Library Association, with a collection of" several hnndred volumes ; an Altar Society ; while a Society of tlie Sacred Heart, a Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, and a Rosary Society, show how well every means is employed to keep religion alive in the hearts of the people.
The Church cannot Init excite general devotion to the H0I3' Innocents. " Innocent victims," says the pious 1 hitler, "became the spotless Lamb of God. And how gi-eat a happiness was such a death to these glorious martyrs ! They deserved to die for Christ, though they were not yet able to know or invoke his Name. They were the flowers and the first fruits of his martyrs, and triumphed over the world without having ever known it or experienced its dangers. They just received the benefit of life to make a sacrifice of it to God, and to purchase by it eternal life. Almost at the same time they began to live and to die ; they received fresh air of this mortal life, fortln^•ith to pass to immortality ; and it was their peculiar glory, not only to die for the sake of Christ, and for justice and virtue, but also in the place of Christ and in his . stead. How few, perhaps, of these childi'en, if the}' had lived, would have escaped the dangers of the world, which, by its maxims and example, l)ear everything down before it like an impetuous toiTent ! What snares ! what sins ! A\-hat miseries were they preserved from by this grace ! Witli what songs of
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344 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. |
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praise and love do tliey not to all eteniit}- thank tlieir |
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Saviour and tins His infinite mercy to them!" |
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Roll of Honor. |
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CHURCH OF THE HOI.V INNOCENTS. |
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Bannon, Bridget, Mrs. Hoare, Thomas. |
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Brady, John. Jordan, Mary Jane. |
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Campion, James. Keenan, Joseph. |
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Clarkin, Bartholomew. Kehoe, Josepli. |
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Colwell, Patrick. King, Grace. |
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DeVere, Auguste. Kirby, A., Mrs. |
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Donohue, John. Larkin, Henry. |
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Fallon, John A. McKeon, Peter. |
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Feeley, William B., Mrs. McMahon, Mary Ann. |
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Fitzsimons, Michael. Maher, Thomas. |
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Fox, Thomas H. ' Mainey, George. |
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Hendrick, Edward. Welsh, John F. |
ciirncH OK Tin; u
■VT«
THE REV. JOHN LARKIN,
PASTOK OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS.
D
.EERPARK, in the Parisli of Quansboro', County o{ (' ' river >n in Ireland, is
*'"■ -oi^ond
prie«t of a«> wh ni
the Catholiij cliurt'iien of New .,.,1
tln-ough the grannnar-schfM»l cours. ci^
and mathematics, in liis native place, he fuien^d May- nooth College in 1843, where he completed his divinity course. At the instance of the Rev. John Kelly of Jersey City he made An^erica the field of las mission labors, and in 1S48 presented his credentials to Archbishop Hughes, by whom he was kindly roc-ived. But, being induced to move into the interior of the country, he was ordahied in Baltimore by Ari:lil>isliop Eccleston, for the Diocese of Pittsbiu-gh. Inunediately after hi- (.)rdinatiou he was appointed by Bishop O'Connor to fill the posi- tion of president of the seminary, duiing the teiiiijurar\' absence of his brother (the present Bishop of Omiih i on account of ill health. Subsequently tho, R.. T.arkin was appointed t4) the missions T)f • ' ' iHirld, in the adjoining coiiiiHts cf \.
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CHURCH OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS. 345
THE REV. JOHN LARKIN,
PASTOR OF THE CHUKCH OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS.
DEERPARK, in the Parish of Qiiansboro', County of Galway, on the river Shannon in Irehind, is the hirtliplace of the Rev. John Larkin, tlie second priest of the name who has Labored in tlie ministry in the Cathohc chiu'ches of New York. HaA-ing passed through the grammar-school course, inchiding the classics and mathematics, in his native place, he entered May- nooth College in 1843, where he completed his divinity course. At the instance of the Rev. John Kelly of Jersey City he made America the field of his mission labors, and in 1848 presented his credentials to Archbishop Hughes, by whom he was kindly received. But, being induced to move into the interior of the country, he was ordained in Baltimore by Archbishop Eccleston, for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Immediately after his ordination he was appointed by Bishop O'Connor to fill the posi- tion of president of the seminary, during the temporary absence of his l)rother (the present Bishop of Omaha) on account of ill health. Subsequently the Rev. ^Ir. Larkin was appointed to the missions of Freeport and Clearfield, in the adjoining counties of Armstrong and
346 CATHOLIC CHUKCHES OF NEW YORK.
Butler. The church iu Freeport was uufinished and in debt; there was no church in Cleai-tield. In a short time, however, the cluu-ch in P'reeport was finished in a handsome style, and paid for. In Cleai-field, where for- merly the Holv Sacrifice was offered up in private houses and barns, the neat church of St. John was built and some twenty-five acres of land procured for the church. Resident jjastors being appointed for each of these places. Rev. Mr. Larkin was placed in charge of all the missions of the County of Fayette, which embraced a large sec- tion of the Alleghany Mountains. Diu-ing his stay here he paid off the debts of the church at Uniontown, which was much emliarrassed.
In 1855, Bishop O'Regan of Chicago visited Pitts- burgh, and having heard of Rev. Mr. Larkin's (niergy and devotedness, begged him to come to his aid in C-hicago, where priests were very much needed. The necessary permission being obtained by the Bishop, he consented.
On his annval in C'hicago he was taken as theologian to the Provincial Council of St. Louis. At this council an appeal was made to the bishops of the province for the cathedral of Chicago, whose debts of thirty or forty thousand dollars filled the bishop with consternation. This appeal being favorably received, Rev. Mr. Larkin was commissioned to collect, not only in St, Louis and through the province, but also in New Orleans, Boston, and other places. ,
CnURCH DF THE HOLY INNOCENTS. p,47
Havino- labored for nine months in this difHcnlt field, he returned to Chicago iuid was appointed pas- tor of Galena, Avhere an unfinished church was on tlic eve of being sold for delit. The former Catholic cliurcli had been desti-oyed l)y fire, and having been miinsured, the Catholics were left without means or a ])ljice to wor- ship. By great exertion the new church was sa^-ed to the congregation. The prilicipal debt was paid, and the church so far finished that the congregation were able to use it.
After having established schools, and having placed the congregation in a prosperous condition, the energetic priest left the West and came to New York City in 1861, when he was again received by the Most Rev. Archbishop Hughes, by whom he was made assistant at St. Stephen's Chiirch. Shortly after, he was appointed b}' his Eminence the Cardinal to the new parish of the Holy Innocents, where he has built a Gothic church — one of the largest and most beautiful in the city. His schools rank among the first in the coimtry. He has also pro- cured a pastoral residence and other parochial buildings. The locality and the relations of these buildings to each other constitute this one of the best appointed ec- clesiastical properties in the Archdiocese.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS.
NINETY-SEVENTH STREET AND BROADWAY.
THE lioly ]iame of Jesus was to the disciples of our Lord all powerful. lu it they cast out devils, they cured diseases ; they made the bliud to see and the lame to walk. They g-loried to suffer for it. Our Lord had taught them that ■v'vhatever they should ask in His name should be granted to them. Hence St. Peter proclaimed to the Jews: "There is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved ;" and St. Paiil declared to the Gentile converts at Philippi that " God hath given him a name which is above all names: that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow of those tliat are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth."
The Church has taught her chikh-en to revere this holy name, and to show their respect whenever it is uttered ; she has set apart a Sunda}', soon after the feast of the Circumcision, to honor it in an especial manner, and by the Litany of the Holy Name she asks bless- ing's through it.
A chm-ch dedicated to the Holy Name of our Lord existed, as we have seen, for a brief period ; but a
350 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEAV YORK.
title so eniiiieiitly and peculiarly Catholic was not to l)e lost.
When, in 1867, the Most Revei'encl Archbishop con- fided to the Rev. Richard ]Ji"einian a new parish at Bloomingdale, extending from Seventy-fifth to One Hun- dred and Fifteenth Street, the pastor piously placed his undertaking and his future church uiuler the powerful protection of that name.
The Bhxjuiingdale Catholic Church Association was organized — M. T. Brennan, Esq., President, Charles Dowd, Secretary, and George Finuegan, Treasurer — and twenty- (jue lots were secured on Ninety -seventh Street and Broadwa}-, extending one hundred and forty-six feet in depth to Tenth Avenue, giving space for church, schools, and a presbytery. The site cost eleven thousand five hundred dollars. But while the new church rose from the ground, a frame building on Broadway, thirty-five feet in front b}' eighty in dej^th, was imj^roved and en- larged to become the temporary church of the Holy Name. It was dedicated August 9, 1868; and here the Holy Sacrifice was offered, imploring the protection of heaven on the good work in that name to which such promises of fulfillment were attached. The corner-stone of the church was laid with the usual ceremonies, and every exertion made to complete the church as rapidly as it could be done, with due regard to solidity and endurance.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 35I
Tlie suleiim deiliratiuii tuuk place on the 2()tli uf December, 18GS. From far and near, in spite of the Avintry weather, the Cathohcs flocked to the new cluirch, \\liicli was densely filled. The Most Reverend Arch- bishop McCloskey came to bless the church with holy rite, assisted by the Rev. "Sh: McNeiniy, now Bishop of Alban}', Rev. Messrs. Quinn, Hecker, McDowell, Kesseler, Glackmejer, Boyce, and Brennan.
The i)rocession in imposing array moved down the aisle and around the walls of the cluu'ch, which were sprinkled and blessed to ask God to relieve them from the curse of man's fall, and make them contribute, not to the ruin but to the salvation of souls. The last notes of the holy rite died away, the incense floated through the air, as the procession retired. A Solemn High Mass followed, in which the Rev. Mr. McNeirny was cele- brant, Rev. Mr. McDowell of St. Michael's, deacon, and Hey. Mr. Kesseler of St. Joseph's, subdeacon ; Rev. Mr. Brady, as master of ceremonies, giving to all symmetr}- and order. The Most Reverend Archbishop preached, taking as his text the words of the Psalmist : "I rejoiced at the things that were said me : We shall go into the house of the Lord." (Psalm xxi. 1.) He dwelt on the love of the Church for all that adds dignity to the wor- ship of God, congratulated the congregation on their courage in luidertaking so noble a structm-e, and urged them to persevere till they saw their task completed.
352 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
After the mass a Te Deum was finely given, the music being of a high order, St. Joseph's choir rendering valuable assistance.
The church Avas attended by its reverend founder for several years, gradually increasing in its numbers and advancing in the practice of Christian duties under his care. A mission given by the Paulist Fathers, in IMay, 1873, brought even the most lukewann to a sense of their Clu-istian duties. The sermons and exhortations of Rev. Messrs. Deshon, Dwyer, Elliot, and Rosecrans pro- duced as immediate fruit a thousand communi(ins and a new spirit of foitli.
In 1875, the Rev. Mr. Brennau A\as transferred by his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey to the Church of St. Rose of Lima, and the Rev. James Galligan, the jjres- ent pastor, was installed at the Church of the Holy Name, -^vhich has prospered in every way imder his care.
The pastors of the Holy Name omitted nothing to interest the congregation in the church, by establishing societies into which all might ha induced to enter. The Rosary and Altar societies, the Children of Mary, the Sodalities of the Holy Angels, the Holy Childhood, and St. Aloysius, stimvilate the piety of all ages and classes. The Young ]\Ieu's Literary Society affords those attaining manhood the means of intellectual culture; the Conference (jf the Society of St. Vincent de Paul blends them to- gether in the great Avork of charity.
C'HUKUll e''-' fUF, IIDLY NxUlE
REV. JAMES U. GALLIGAN,
PASTOK OF THK CHURCH OF THE HOLY NAMK OF JESUS.
rllE present pastor of tlie CIhutIi of the Holy Nanit vva.«i Iwin* in tho f\nnil\' Cavan, Ireland,
and wa'i "dur;,-
dioreSti, '
in Ireland. Af:
in his native
ot* the 1. institutions
pux-sii«'ti the (MH;r.se of studies
there for four yeai-s he resolved to make the Unite<i States the field of his missiouary labors, and having' come to this country he entered th^ Seminary of Our Lady of the Angels, near the Suspension Bridge over Niagara Falls. His course of studies vi'as, however, sud- denly interrupted here by an untoward accident. The institution was destroyed by fire ou tho 5th of December, 1864. He at once entciod the College of St. Francis Xa^T^l^ New York, where he was crraduated witli honor
in 1865.
Received as a student for the Diocese of New York, he was sent to the Provincial Seminary in Troy, and after, his coui'se of theological training wns ,>td;inu.d in that ci+y, in June, 1868.
He. was at once assigned to duty in Si rhurch, ^'■•'" f^'-''>1iton, Staten Ishm-l A<'f. r
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CilUKUlI OF THE HOLY NAME OE JESUS.
353
REV. JA:\[r:S M GALLIGAN,
PASTOR OF TlIK CHURCH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS.
^ f ^ilE pressent pastor of the Church of the Holy I Name Avas born in the County Cavan, Irehmd,
and was educated at St. Patrick's College, in his native diocese, one of the greatest of -the literary institutions in Ireland. After he had pursued the course of studies there for four years he resolved to make the United States the field of his missionary labors, and havino- come to this country he entered the Seminary of Our Lady of the Angels, near the Suspension Bridge over Niagara Falls. His course of studies was, however, sud- denly interrupted here by an luitoward accident. The institution was destroyed by fire on the 5th of December, 1864. He at once entered the College of St. Francis Xavier, New York, where he was graduated with honor in 1865.
Received as a student for the Diocese of New York, he was sent to the Provincial Seminary in Troy, and after his com-se of theological training was ordained in that city, in June, 1868.
He was at once assigned to duty in St. Peter's Church, New Brighton, Staten Island. After this he was
23
354 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
assistant in a chiu'ch of the same name at Poughkeepsie. He was then stationed at the Church of the Holy In- nocents, New York, where he rendered essential service to the Rev. Mr. Larkiii, and is affectionately remembered by the congregation.
He was appointed to the Chm-ch of the Holy Name on the 20th of July, 1875, and has guided with singvdar judgment a young and struggling church in these times of financial depression, when distress on every side ap- peals for the consolation of the minister of God, and when of course the means of doing good are less boun- tifully supplied.
He gives special attention to catechetical instructions, and his Sunday-school mmibers nearly tlu'ee hundred pupils, who are provided with a good library; besides which there is also the Young People's Circulating Library for those more developed.
CHURCH OF THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER.
THIRD STREET.
CHURCH OF THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER.
THIRD STREET, BETWEEN AVENUES A AND B.
o
THIS imposing clmrcli, dedicated to our Lord as the Redeemer of Mankind, is tlie principal cliurcli in tlie diocese of the rehgious order founded by St. Al- phonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor. It would not be easy to chronicle all that they have accomplished for the ffood of souls since their introduction into the United States. Their influence has been felt in every part of the country, by the bishops, priests, and devout writers whom they have given us.
Tlu'ee Fathers from Vienna came to this country in 1832, at the request of the Rt. Rev. Edward Fen wick. Bishop of Cincinnati. The Indian missions, on which they first entered, were not the field to which Providence des- tined them ; but Avhen in 1839 they established a con- vent in Pittsburgh, and in 1840 took charge of a German congregation in Baltimore, their work seemed to b^ en- dued with the most extraordinary vitality.
In 1842, the Diocese of New York first received Re- demptorist Fathers. Here too the fast-increasing German Catholic popidation became their special field. The Most
CHURCH OF THE MOST HOLY R^:DEEMER. 357
lu!^•l'l•elld Art'lil)i.sliop applied to the Rev. Father Alexan- der Cvitclikowitz, Superior of the Redemptorists at Balti- more, for Fathers, intending to place the Church of St. Nicholas under their care, but when the Rev. Gabriel Runipler came, the trustees declined to yield tlie churcli to tlie order.
The ^lost Reverend Arcldjisliop was not iiu'lined, however, to deprive his diocese of such a zealous com- mimitv. With hi.s encouragement and sanction, Father Rumpler purchased lots in Third Street. On these, in 1843, he erected a residence and school, and also a tem- porary church. It was a long, plain frame Imilding, look- ing more like a ropewalk than a church, as you came in view of it ; but once you entered, you found yom-- self in a church, where all Avas piety, regularity, decorum, and devotion.
This unpretending structure, one hundred and ten feet long and fifty-three feet Avide, with two galleries, each fifteen feet wide, was completed in seven weeks, when once it was decided to erect a temporary structure for immediate use, while the more substantial edifice could be completed as means came in. It was solemnly dedicated to the service of the Almighty God on ]\Ionday, April 8th, 1844, by Rt. Rev. John McCloskey, D.D., Coadjutor Bishop of Ne-w York, under the invocation of our I\[ost Holy Redeemer. The Avails and galleries Avere fairly hid- den ill the CA-ergreens and floAvers Avhich adorned them.
358 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
A Pontifical High Mass followed the dedication ser- vice, and a sermon was preached in the langnage of the flock by the Rev. Father Rumpler. The German Cath- olics of the district soon thronged the plain little frame church, and the zeal of the religious soon excited, in the most careless, higher and better feelings. It was evident that a great and salutary step had been taken for the spiritual welfare of the Gennan Catholics in New York City.
Rev. Father Rumpler continued to mould his parish into shape and organize it thoroughly, for several years. In 1849" he was recalled to Baltimore, and the Rev. Father Joseph Mueller was appointed to guide it. God had so prospered their humble beginnings that the Re- demptorists felt courage to commence the erection of a church worthy of our exalted worship, for which no building conceived by the genius of man or framed by his skill in the materials God places in our control can be too grand or noble.
Plans were accordingly prepared by a skillful arcliitect for a fine church, and the comer-stone was laid, with exact observance of the prescribed rites, bj- the Most Rev. Archbishop Hughes, on the 21st of April, 1851.
The church, as planned by Mr. Walsh the architect, rose rapidly, impressing all with its beauty and propor- tions. To the Protestant mind it was a wonder. It seemed some vast cathedral, not a mere jiarish cluu'ch
CHURCH OP THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER. 359
for Catholics of a single nationality. When completed, it stood there indeed a remarkable pile. It is a beautifnl specimen of the Greco-Roman or Byzantine style, eighty feet wide, seventy feet high, and one hnndred and sixty- seven feet in length. Four massive pillars divide the front, and correspond to the chapels within. In the pil- lars are niches for statues of heroic size. The interior or middle pillars rise thu'ty-four feet above the side pil- lars, and above these shoots *a spire a hundred and forty-six feet higher, its cross two himdred and fifty feet from the ground. There are three doors in the front, surmounted by richly ornamented gables decorated with chamfers and niches. The middle door has eighteen feet span, and is twenty-four feet high. Above this is a middle window thirty-seven feet high — pouring tlu-ough its stained glass a mello^v light on the galleries — and side windows in happy proportion, supported by beautifully tmiied columns.
Three domes rise over the altars to a height of sixty-one feet ; the central one crowned by a belfry capped by a cross. There are tlu-ee naves, with massive pillars ranged on either side, supporting its many arches and the groined and richly-corniced roof of azm-e set with stars.
In the basement there is a fine chapel, nearly square in form.
Such was the church that the Redemptorist Fathers
360 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
prepared for solemn dedication on tlie 28th of November, 1852. At an earl}' lionr vast crowds gathered, but the space in front of the clnux-h ^vas kept clear by the German Independent Rifles, and by the various benevo- lent societies, not only of New York, Ijut of Brooklyn, Albany, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, each with banners and badges.
The dedication ceremony was performed by the Most Reverend Archbishop Hughes, attended by the Rt. Rev. John M. Neumann, D.D., C.SS.R., Bishop of Philadeli)hia; Rt. Rev. John McCloskey, D.D., Bishop of Albany; Rt. Rev. Richard V. Whelan, D.D., Bishop of Wlieeling; the Rt. Rev. Dr. jMosquera, Bishop of Bogota ; with a multitude of priests and acolytes. The altars were then adorned and a Solemn High Mass celebrated.
After the gospel, the Rt. Re^'. Dr. McCloskey of Albany ascended the pulj^it and preached an eloquent sermon, taking his text from the Apocalypse, 21st chapter, 2d and 3d verses: "And I saAv the Holy City, the New Jerusalem coming down from God out of Heaven pre- pared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice from the throne saying : Behold a taber- nacle of God ^^•ith men, and he "s^ill ihxeW Avith them. And they shall l)e his people: and CJod himself with them shall be their God."
"It is natural, l)eloved brethren, that the sentiments which are uppermost within the breast shoidd be the first
CIU'RCII OF THE I\[OS'r IIoJ^Y KKDEKMEK. p^CA
to seek for utterance; ;ui(I therefore is it that the words A\liich 1 am prompted to address to you upon this truly joyful occasion are words of sincere and eaiiiest cong-ratu- lation. I congratulate you upon the arrival of this long wished- for day. I congratulate the illustrious Archbishop, who honors you ^\•ith liis presence, and who has the con- sol:;tion to hcliold, this day, another beautiful and glo- rious temj)le raised to the lionor of the living Clod and adorning his ^Metropolitan See. I congratulate in a special manner the zealous and pious Fathers AA-hose hearts more than any others must at this moment overflow Avith feelings of thanksgiving and joy in this happy ac- complishment of their labors, their sacrifices, and their toils. I congratitlate you, faithful and generous German people, and I congratulate all Avho ai-e brought Avithin these noAV halloAved Avails and in the presence of this ncAvly consecrated altar, to join in one common chorus of jubilation their imited tribute of praise and j)rayer and thanks. A good Avork has been successfully accom- plished. A labor of loA'e has been happily achieved. Here on this spot, by the side of that rude and simple temple in AA-hich but yesterday you Avorshiped together, there rises in beauteous and striking contrast Avith it — an evidence not only of your increasing numbers, but also of your increasing generosity and zeal — a grand and glorious temple, fair in its proportions, majestic in its parts, honorable to the mind that conceiA'ed and designed
362 CATHOLIC CHUliCHES OF NEW YORK.
it, creditable to tlie hands by whose industry it was raised, and more especially to those by whose toils and sacrifices it has been brought to this crowning work here standing, and to stand a monument of Catholic generosity and Catholic zeal existing in the hearts of the people. This is the temple of God, to be bequeathed as a precious legacy to your children, and yoiu" children's childi'en, Avho, in ages to come, shall gather around this same altar and offer up their fervent praise and prayers and bless the names and memories of their fathers. In all this, then, my beloved bretlu-en, there is just cause for my congratula- tions, and abundant cause likewise for your joy. Yet this, after all, fomis but a small portion of the i-enl and more exalted reason for the festivity of this great day. You rejoice, and we all rejoice, because that upon this day this temple has been solenmly and religiously con- secrated to the worship of the one true and ever-living God. It was for Him that you have reared it. It is to Him that j^ou have this day offered it ; and it is therefore to the God of Heaven, who has this day ac- cepted your offering, and He will come full soon to give the evidence thereof He Avill come Himself to take possession of His sanctuary. He Avill come Himself to make it here His tabernacle — a tabernacle of God with men, where He shall be their God, and they shall be His people. The tokens of His presence will be given, not indeed as they Avere of old, in the fire that de-
CHURCH OF THE MOST ]I()LY REDEEMER. 363
scended from lieaven to consume the sacrifice, nor in the coming- down in a cloiul, filling- the temple awfully and terribly with His majesty, so that the priest could no longer adnunister therein, oppressed with the excess of g-lory ; but He will come with His divinity sliadowed and His glory veiled. He will come, even with a real and more abiding- presence. He will come in the humble garb of His humanity. He will come as a father and a friend to invite us to appro;ich Ilim, to allow us to draw near, to listen to om* prayers, to hear our sighs, and to receive us to His own loving embrace. And, oh! my brethren, it is this great and mighty truth of Catholic faith that raises every Catholic heart on this proud day. It is this great truth of the real and abid- ing presence of Jesus Christ in the sacrifice and the sac- rament of our altars, that is the true heart, the true life- spring of C-atholic piety and Catholic faith. It is this that is the source and centre of all our aspiirations, of aU oiir desires, and of all our love. It is this that is the source of all that is g-rand, and all that is beautiful, and all that is majestic, and all that is holy in the Catholic Church — that spouse coming down from lieaven prepared as a bride for her husband; and when God has chosen His tabernacle. He will be with }-ou, Aour God, and you will be His people.
*
As your pious fathers, in tlie lands of youi* birth.
364 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
raised yovi those glorious and majestic })iles in honor of their faith, and in attestation of their piety and zeal, so here noAv, in this new land in which God lias placed- you — where He has blessed the fruit of j'our hands and the sweat of your brow — you will show that there is within you the same faith ; that the same generosi- ty burns in your bosoms, and that there is the same zeal in all your actions and in all your thoughts. Oh ! then let us rally roiuid that altar and around that sac- rament. Let us encircle it, not only with material bodies, but with souls full of faith, and full of piety and zeal. Let us love it. Let us come to it in our wants, in our misery, and even in our sin, tliat there we lufiy be strengthened, that there we may be pm-ified, that there we may be made whole, and that so at all times we may worship within its temple here, so that in another day we may be made worthy to Avorship in that other temple, where, brought into the light and brightness of God's OAA'u glorious presence, and prostrate before the altar of Go<l, we may join in chortis Avith cherubim and seraphim and archangels and angels :
" Amen. Benediction and honor and glory and jjraise and wisdom and j'ower and diAinity be to Him who sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb forcA^er."
The chiu'ch, in spite of its vast size, was soon fuUv attended, and school-houses adajited to the Avants oi a large congregation speedily greAA' up beside the House of
CIIUJICII OF THE JIOST JIOLY liKDKinrEI!. 3,^5
God. Tliat tor the l)oys was umler tlic v:\vv df tlic I;i\- teachers, wliile the girls were phiced under the du-ection of the experienced School Sisters of Notre Dame. The present school-house was blessed in November, 1873.
The convent attached to the church was not merely for the Fathers in charge of the congregation, but was the residence of several devoted especially to the great work of giving missions in the various churches through- out the country, to Avhich they were invited, in order, by their series of sermons, instructions, and private con- ferences, to arouse the faith of Catholics by a clear explanation of their doctrine and duties, and the respon- sibility resting on each. Protestants anxious to know the real faith and practice of Catholics often attended these instructions, and a mission seldom closed Avithout seeing the Fathers receive some soul, long tossed with doubt, into the peaceful haven of the Church. The Redemptor- ists began their first English missions in 1851, and have left the impress of their labors in all parts. The Mis- sion Book, to keep alive the fruit of the mission, was published, and has been circidated by hundreds of thousands.
Their convents are also oi)en for i)rivate retreats by men who wish to devote a few days to self-examina- tion and prayer.
The rectors of the Church of the Most Holy Re- deemer, after the Rev. Father Mueller, have been: —
366 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
1854, Rev. Joseph Helmpraecht, C.SS.R
1860, Aug., Rev. R. Kleineidam, C.SS.R., ad interim.
1861, Feb., Rev. Laurence Holzer, C.SS.R.
1862, May, Rev. Leopold Petscii, C.SS.R. 1865, May, Rev. Maximilian Leimgruber, C.SS.R. 1871, June, Rev. Joseph Wirth, C.SS.R.
1877, July, Rev. Thaddeus Anwander, C.SS.R.
Tlie parochial scliools at present contain six hundred and ten boys, under eight Brothers of IMary, and five hundi-ed girls under the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
The same Sisters conduct an excellent academy for young ladies at No. 218 East Fom-th Street, where sixty pupils pursue the highest branches of education.
Attached to the church are the Ai-chconfratemity of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the Conversion of Sinners; the Confraternity of the Holy Family; Rosary, Purgato- rian and Altar societies, with several sodalities.
The Reverend Fathers at an early peinod found that there was an especial want for an orphan asylum for the children of German parentage. This led to the estab- lishment of the St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum, now at Eighty -ninth Street and Avenue A, imder the School Sisters of Notre Dame. St. Francis Hospital, Nos. 407-409 Fifth Street, is noAv imder the care of the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis ; and also receives the spiritual ministration of the Redemptorists. It contains about two hundred patients, attended by thirty Sisters.
CHURCH OF THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER. 3G7
REV. THADDEUS ANWANDER, C.SS.R.,
RECTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER.
T
PIE Rev. Father Thaddens Anwander, of the Con- o-reffation of the Most llolv Redeemer, an order of missionary priests founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori, B.C.D., was born at Wendelheim, in Bavaria, in the Diocese of Angsbnrg, October 28th, 1823. He made his early studies under the Benedictines at tlieir college in Avigsbiu'g, but completed his philosophical and theolog- ical studies at Freiburg, in Switzerland. He came to the United States on the 8th of January, 1845, and was ordained priest by the Most Reverend Samiiel Eccleston, Ai'chbishop of Baltimore, December 6th, 1846.
He was then employed on missions of his order in varioxis parts — for several years in Baltimore, chiefly at St. Michael's Church ; then in New Orleans, where he was for some years Superior ; then, after a time spent in Cumberland, again in Baltimore.
On the 26th of October, 1868, he was made rector of St. James' Convent, connected with the chm'cli of that name, on Aisquith and Eager Streets, Baltimore. Subse- quent to this we find him at the Convent and House
3fi8 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
of Studies at Ilchester, Maryland, at the new mission at Cliatawa, Mississippi, where he was Superior; rector of the Convent of St. Joseph at Rochester in 1874, holding that position till his appointment, in July, 1877, as rector of the Convent of the Most Holy Redeemer in New York.
It will be seen that he brings to his position as pas- tor of this important church, the experience of more than thirty years spent in the active duties of a missionary life, in all the various forms of priestly labor; and more- over, that administrative talent which has placed him dur- ing the last ten years almost constantly in important situations as superior of houses and missions.
He is also a member of the Council of his Emi- nence as Archbishop of New York.
The community at the convent, No. 173 Third Street, in 1878, comprises, beside the rector, the Rev. Robei't Kleineidam, C.SS.R.; the Rev. Rhabanus Preis, C.SS.R.; the Rev. Charles Kuenzer, C.SS.R.; the Rev. Charles Sclimidt, C.SS.R.; the Rev. ]\Iatthias Kuborn, C.SS.R.; the Rev. John T. Blanche, C.SS.R.; the Rev. James Rein, C.SS.R.
CHUKCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
EAST FOUETKUNTH STREET.
24
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
EAST FOUKTEENTH STREET.
IN view of the increasing number of Catholics on the east side of the city, the Most Reverend Archbishop Hughes, in 1853, secvired lots for a new chvirch, which were, however, subsequently exchanged for the site now occupied by the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
The late Sovereign Pontiff, the great Pius IX., on the 8th of December, 1854, declared it to be of faith that the Blessed Virgin Mary was never subject to orig- inal sin — that she was conceived without sin, and was thus ever immaculate. Such had been the constant be- lief in the Chvirch, though not distinctly defined. The faithful tlu-ougliout the world showed their love and de- votion to Mary, hailing this act of the Vicar of Chi'ist as a new crown of glory to their beloved patroness. Archbishop Hughes resolved to erect on the site already acquired a chm-ch of the Immaculate Conception as a monmnent of the great act of Pius IX.
On the 15tli of June, 1855, he appointed the Rev. Bernard Farrelly to commence the work. He was a young clergyman recently ordained, zealous and active.
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. 371
lie collected the Catholics of his district in a temporar}- clmrch on Fifteenth Street, on the 15th of August, and .began collecting money to erect the chiu-ch. Plis health, hoM^ever, failed, and early in the autumn he was com- pelled to resign the undertaking.
On the 2oth of October, the Most Reverend Arch- bishop confided the undertaking to the Rev. John Ryan, an active and zealous priest who had already organized the first church at Yonkers, and erected the Church of St. Francis Xavier in New York Citv.
He undertook the task of building up a chui-ch in the parochial district assigned to him, with all the zeal he had displayed in other fields. He soon enlarged the temporary chapel, in order to accommodate the fliithful and give all the opportunity of hearing mass.
Meanwhile the corner-stone of the new church was laid with appropriate ceremonies by the Very Rev. William Starrs, on the 8th of December, 1855, the Archbishop being absent. It was a time of financial distress and panic. Thousands were unemployed, and it was difficult to undertake and carry on the most essential work. The Rev. Mr. Ryan went on collect- ing for two years, pushing on the work of his church meanwhile. The ladies, to honor the Blessed Virgin by a fair, in November, 1857, contributed not a little to aid him in his work. The fair was held in the new chm-ch, and was visited b}- the Most Reverend Ai'chbishop.
372 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOEK.
He ascended the platform wliere the altar was soon to be erected, and addi-essed the large audience gathered there to hear him. He expressed his deUght at their number and at the beauty of the church. "It is a proof," he said, " of your faith and yom- zeal to pro- mote so noble a work. When the dogma of which the chui'ch is to be a memorial and a monument was pro- claimed as an article of faith, I was but four or five feet distant from the Hoi}' Father. Just at that moment I resolved on my return to New York to erect a church to commemorate the e^^ent. I kneAv that the Catholics of this city would enable me to carry out that resolu- tion, but I desire especially that the ladies of New York — the childi'en, the daughters of Mary — shall have the credit and honor of this church, raised as a monument of the Immaculate Conception. I feel happy that I liave not been deceived or disappointed. How consoling to those who have contributed to this church, as well as to those who conduct and patronize this fair, to reflect that when they and all of us have passed away, and are con- signed to our last resting-place, to make way for another generation, many a heart will coiue before the altar to be here erected, burdened with a load of misery, to send peti- tions from this shrine to the tin-one of gi'ace and mercy — that many such a heart will depart from here lightened of its burden, full of joy, of peace, and happiness."
Thus encouraged, the fair met with great sviccess,
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. 373
so that the good jiastor was enabled to complete his cluirch. It was dedicated May 16th, 1858. The Most Reverend Archbishop, interested in a work which he had suggested and encouraged, came in person to bless the work, accompanied by the Rt. Rev. John Loughlin, D.D., Bishop of Brooklyn, and the Rt. Rev. John Bairy, D.D., Bishop of Savannah. Besides the pastor of the new church and his assistant, the Rev. Eugene Maguire, there were present clergymen from nearly all the city churches. The ceremony of dedication took place at eight o'clock, with the usual imposing eifect, and the edifice of stone and brick was no longer a common house, but a temple sacredly set apart for the service of the Living God under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, conceived without sin.
The awful sacrifice of the mass was soon offered with solemn pontifical rite at the newly hallowed altar, by the Right Reverend Bishop Loughlin of Brooklyn, with deacon and subdeacon. His Grace Archbishop Hughes then delivered a sermon, taking as his text the words of the Psalmist: "How lovely are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts. My soul longeth and fainteth for the coiu-ts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh have re- joiced in the living God. For the sparrow hath found herself a house: and the turtle a nest for herself, where she may lay her young ones. Thy altars, 0 Lord of hosts: my king, and my God." (Psalm Ixiii. 2-4.) After
374 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
dwellino- on the nature of tlie consecration and dedica- tion of chnrches, lie said: "This chnrcli has i-eceived not merely the ordinary blessing-. There is a most im- portant consideration to be addeil to the sacred ceremony. It is the tirst chui-ch on earth -\vliich has been set apart to the honor of the dogmatical doctrine of the immacu- late nature of the ^fother of Christ. The clnu-ch is doubtless dedicated, as all others are, to the Supreme Being, but it is placed under the sjiecial care of the Blessed Virarin as Mary Innnaculate. It is the first sacred consecration to the truth of the Innnaculate Con- ception— to the declaration that the IIol}- Virgin was never sullied by any taint of original sin." He then explained the doctrine, so generall}' misunderstood ; went over the ceremony of dedication, and showed how con- sonant it Avas with Scripture and the earl}' records of Christendom. " For so miworthy a minister of Christ as myself," he continued, " I think it sufficient happi- ness that I have lived to see this last great evidence of the mercy of God to man })ronoiinced as a doctrine by the Head of the Church on earth. I had the hap- piness to be present at the time that the Innnaculate Conception was so declared, and I could not help think- ing even then how well it would be for the Catholics of New York to consecrate a temple to God in honor of the event — an event for which every pious Christian can never cease to ])less God."
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. r.75
The zealous founder of the church rem.iined its pastor till his death, March 22d, 1861. He had been assisted during his pastorship by the Rev. Messrs. Mc- Evoy, Lutz, Maguire, and Oliver O'Hara. The Rev. Dr. AVilliam Plowden j\Iorrogh Avas then appointed, and his pastorship extended till his death, in Italy, October 23d, 1875. During his long incumbency he Avas assisted by the Rev. Messrs. C. A. Farrell, P. J. Maguire, John J. Hughes, George C. j\Iiu-phy, and Patrick ]\Ialone.
Dr. Mon'Ogh was a priest of learning and ability, who went from St. Joseph's Seminary to the Propa- ganda, where he won his doctor's cap. On his return, he was President of St. Joseph's Theological Seminary and pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Mercy.
He erected, early in 1864, a fine school-house adjoin- ing the church, and fm-nished it thoroughly. Finding the church too small, he began, about 1871, to extend it to Fifteenth Street. NotAvithstanding his failing health, he was able to complete this Avork, making it one of the finest chiu'ches in the city. The altar is of marble, sur- mounted by four stained chancel AvindoAvs; on Avliich are representations of the Saviour, the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, and St. Ann. Under these Avindows are statues of the Blessed Virgin and child, St. Catharine, St. Teresa, St. Peter, and St. Paul. Handsome altars, dedicated to St. Joseph and the Virgin, stand at either side of the grand altar, while figui-es of St. Patrick, St. Vincent de
376 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
Paul, St. Andrew, and St. Bridget, decorate the stained windows at either side of the sanctuary.
The assistants during the term of Dr. Morroffh were the Rev. Richard Brennan, Rev. Clu-istopher A. Farrell, Rev. William Hussey, Rev. F. St. John, Rev. J. Pro- fillat. Rev. P. McGruire, Rev. John Hughes, Rev. George C Murphy, Rev. P. Malone, and Re^'. John S. Colton.
The church has, since 1875, had as parish priest the Rev. Jolin Edwards, who is assisted in his arduous duties by the Rev. Patrick Malone, the Rev. John Doyle, the Rev. Denis P. OTlynn, and the Rev. Edward Slattery.
The parish schools, organized soon after the erection of the church, have been fostered with zealous care. The boys, who number nine hundred and twenty-six, are under the direction of seventeen lay teachers, while the girls, who are guided by the Sisters, number eleven hundred and thirty-six. The Catholic population of the parish, by actual count in 1878, was 16,940.
There are many flourishing societies connected with the church — the Ladies' Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, the Sodalities of the Holy Infancy, of the Holy Angels, of the Holy Name ; the Living Rosary, Sodality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Young Men's Immaculate Concep- tion Sodality, St. Aloysius Sodality, the Immaculate Con- ception Mutual Benefit Temperance Society, and Confer- ence of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
■■ ♦• '■
CULiHCn OF THE lilM
CONCEPTIOxN.
■ > I I
1
*
REV. JOHN EDWARDS,
, PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
THE energetic pa.stor oi the populous parish, of the TniTTincnlatr ^ '.in., -(ition was 1x>vti in Killaloe, 7T! " ■'. :\nd vrn^ ^rr^^'zed in the
.irv. 1.^ .".?,.
'Imatioii was reoeivea
but when the family, in the spring of
this countiy, he came to the land which figinis «., ,..^. ,.,
in tlie dreams of many a youth.
His father settled at Hartford, where the yf>ung man spent^ the next four years ; then, eager to continue his studi'-; 1'> cMiiu' !■> VcM- '^^ork. After thi'ee years, his mshes
wtrt; . ..xi^v.., :.. ..oring the f ' Ti'^' m of St. Francis
Xaxnf- Tr,.v.. i,,. i.../time an earner ^....wont, and so at- ti'actt.i ui> ai.v ..M-. .,f the Fathers by his faculty for teaching that he was ;»'■'.... 4 to take charge of one of the classes of the colu-.
Here he remained imtil the fall of 1864, when, aux- tiuis to complete his theological coiu'se, he entered the Provincial Seminary at Troy, which had jixst iM^en opened, lie passed rapidly tlirough Ids. course^ wa* oni.iiiT^d srib-
:r. May, 1866, and v' tho '
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I ill
r
CIlURGll OF TUE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. 377
REV. JOHN EDWARDS,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
THE energetic pastoi- of tlio populous parish of the Immaciihite Conception was bom in KiUaloe, in the County Ch^re, Ireland, and was baptized in the chiu'ch of his native place on the 12th of January, 1833.
His early education w-as received in the local schools ; but when the family, in the spring- of 1849, emigrated to this country, he came to the land which figures so brightly in the di'eanis of many a youth.
His father settled at Hartford, where the vounff man spent the next four }"ears ; then, eager to continue his studies, he came to New York. After three years, his wishes were realized, by his entering the College of St. Francis Xavier. Here he became an earnest student, and so at- tracted the attention of the Fathers by liis faculty for teacliing that he was induced to take charge of one of the classes of the college
Here he remained until the fall of 1864, when, anx- ious to complete his theological coiu-se, he entered the Provincial Seminai-y at Troy, which had just been opened. He passed rapidly tlu-ough his com'se, was ordained sub- deacon in May, 1866, and appointed by tlie Bishop treasiu-er of the Seminary. He received the order of
378 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
deacon on August 16tli, and was ordained ])riest by the present Cardinal Archbishop, on Angtist 17th, 1866.
He continued to labor in the senunary for seven years. When he returned to New York, he was sent to help the good Dr. Morrogh at the Church of the Imma- culate Conception.
The heavy cares of the pastorate, and his untiring exertions in the cause of Catholic education, so told upon the doctor's health that he was compelled to seek rest abroad. The Rev. Mr. Edwards was appointed to take his place and continue his work ; and on the death of the doctor, which occurred the following j^ear, at Albano, Italy, he became his successor.
Devoted for so many years to the cause of education, he could not be indifferent to the wants of the children in the parish. The school-house erected by the zeal of Dr. Morrogh, and the generosity of his ])eople, immense as it seemed, proved inadequate when Rev. Mr. Edwards, by actual count, learned the number of adults and chikh-en in his district. He resolved that not a Catholic child of the parish of the Immaculate Conception should remain outside his schools for want of proper accommodations. He has re- cently obtained a tenement house in the rear of the paro- chial school, and by remo%nng the partitions and putting it in proper condition, is able to accommodate four hundi-ed more children ; and yet, at the beginning of 1878, the schools contained over two thousand children, under twenty-eight teachers.
CHURCH OF THE IMiAIAOULATE CONCEPTION. 379
R
OLL OF
H
ONOR
[EAST FOURTEENTH STREET.]
Alslieiiiier, Andrew. /Vrcher, John. Brady, Patrick. Brown, James. Burns, Timothy. Butler, Margaret, Mrs Casey, Hugh. Conaghy, Patrick. Connelly, Mary A Corrigan, William. Costigan, James. Cunningham, John. Cunningham, Patrick Dalton, Thomas. Daly, Thomas. Donlan, Michael J. Duffy, Nicholas. Egan, Michael. Pagan, John. Fagan, Thomas. Finnen, John. Gallagher, William. Gibney, James. Gillespie, Peter.
Goggin, Joseph R. Golden, Michael. Goodman, Patrick. Gough, Michael. Grinnon, Lawrence. Hayes, Michael. Higgins, James F. Hirchy, Denis. Mrs. Hughes, John. Hurley, John. Keegan, Patrick. Kelly, Owen. Kelly, Patrick. Kelly, Thomas. Knape, Carl A. Lestrange, John. Loonan, Thomas. Lynch, John. McCabe, Charles F. McCann, John. McDermott, Philip. McGough, Terence. McGuire, Bartholomew. Mclnerny, William.
McQuade, .Arthur J. Masterson, Patrick. Maxcy, D. Mohan, James. Monaghan, Thomas F. Moore, James. Moore, James, Mrs. Mulcahy, Edward. Mulready, Owen. O'Brien, Hugh. O'Connell, John. O'Hare, Henry. Purcell, Thomas. Raymond, George. Reilly, Thomas B. Relger, Thomas. Rowe, Thomas. Rush, Sebastian. Skelly, James Joseph. Smith, Honora, Mrs. Timoney, Francis. Tracey, John. Trainor, James. Wiegers, Eliza, Mrs.
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTV'-FIRST STREET AND THIRD AVENUE,
MELROSE.
IN the year 1852, the Rev. Caspar Metzler, a Ger- man pi-iest, then recently added to the diocese, began, with the encouragement of the Most Reverend Ai-clibishop, to collect his Catholic countrymen who had settled in what was then knoAvn as Melrose, a new town in Westchester County. The parishioners were neither numerous nor largely endowed with this w^orld's goods ; but, rejoicing to have a priest to minister to them, they erected a little wooden church, and some years later built a brick house for the residence of their pastor.
The chm-ch was dedicated May 29th, 1853, to the Immacvilate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mar}^, by the reverend pastor, assisted by other clergymen who came to encourage him in his good but modest work. In this humble slu-ine the Catholics continued to meet for several years, Rev. Mr. Metzler remaining their parish priest till the year 1864, when he was succeeded by the Rev. M. W. Kaider, who remained about two years. The Rev. Francis Karel, now chaplain of the Missionary
382 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Sisters of St. Francis at Peekskill, was parish priest till 1872, when the Most Reverend Archbishop confided the mission to the Rev. Joseph Stnmpe. He found the church far too small for the congregation which had grown up there ; and, though tolerable as a temporary chapel, not such an edifice as his congregation should be able to show as an evidence of their attachment to the faith, and of their sense of the dignity of the divine worship.
Before he had been many years in the parish, the question was agitated of annexing to New York City the southern part of Westchester County. This project was finally carried out, and in the running of new streets and grades, the very existence of the old chm-ch was endangered. One Hundred and Fifty-first Street was cut down some twenty-five feet, making the position of the old church and the pastoral residence extremely dangerous, so that the former had to be torn down, while steps were taken to move the house.
The reverend pastor did not proceed rashly, as his congregation was not a wealthy one, and the times were extremely difficult, many being unemployed and con- strained to use every economy, who, under other cir- cumstances, would have given generously to so sacred a cause. But there was pressing want of a school-house ; and, bad as the times were, the Rev. Mr. Stumpe had felt that this could no longer be deferred. He accord-
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. 383
iiigly began the erection of St. Mary's Literary Institute, a commodious school-house, on One Hundred and Fifty- first Street, which he completed in the year 1875. It is one lumdred and seventy-five feet in front b}' sixty in depth. In view of the necessity of abandoning the old chapel, the Rev. Mr. Stumpe fitted up the second floor of the new edifice as a very beautiful little chaj^el.
On Sunday, October 3d, 1875, this little church, to the joy of the Catholics of Melrose, Avas solemnly dedi- cated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Rt. Rev. Thomas A. Becker, D.D., Bishoj) of Wilmington, Delaware, performed the ceremony, many of the city clergy, with the Very Rev. William Quiim, Ad- ministrator of the Diocese during the absence of the Cardinal, being present. After the chant of the Litany and Psalms had ceased, and the prayer been said which gave that place to God's service and asked the Al- mighty to remove far from it the cm-se which by Adam's sin fell on all things, a Solemn High Mass was offered on the new blessed altar.
The Right Reverend Bishop of Wilmington officiated pontifically, with the Rev. F. W. Gockeln, S.J., President of St. John's College, as assistant priest; Rev. J. Sorg of Tremont as deacon. Rev. J. B. Bogaertz of New Orleans as subdeacon, and the Rev. Mr. Stumpe, the pastor of the church, as master of ceremonies. The music for the occasion was of a high order. Weber's Mass in G was
384 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
finely rendered by the choir; while at the Offertory Verdi's "0 Salutaris" was sung mth great feeling.
After the gosjjel, the Rev. Dr. McGlynn of St. Ste- phen's Cluu'ch preached, taking as his text, "I am the Bread of Life." (St. Jolni vi.) At the close of the holy sacidfice the Bishop gave his episcopal benediction.
The new ^^art of New York was thus dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, as the old city had already been. Besides the two chm-ches thus named to honor her especial privilege, other churches attest the devotion of New York to the Mother of God. Besides St. Mary's, there are the Church of the Annunciation, the Church of our Lady of the Rosary, the Chm-cli of the Mother of Son-ows, the Church of the Assumption.
While preparing to erect the church which is to bear the same title that the parish has noAv assumed, the reverend pastor has labored to bring his schools up to the highest standard of excellence. He may not be able to lay together the stones of a material temple, but he can form the living members for the chm'ch of the next generation, without '\\-hom, well instructed and grounded in the faith, the finest cluu-ch must in a few years become vacant and deserted.
His school for boys is under the care of the expe- rienced Brothers of the Clnistian Schools, and number two hundred and thirty ; the girls' school, somewhat more numerous, with three hundred pupils, is taught by Sisters
CHURCH or THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. 385
of Christian Charity, a community founded in Germany by the Countess Malinkrodt, the sister of the great Cath- oHc leader. Driven from Germany hke so many other Catholic religious, of both sexes, by a ruler who dis- graces the nineteenth century by persecuting and hound- ing down women for religion's sake, these good ladies sought a refuge in America, and have made Melrose their first house, connecting in om- land the exercises of the convent life with the name of Scotland's fairest abbey.
The new clnu-ch to be erected on the spot already hallowed by so frequent an offering of the unbloody sacrifice, will be a fine Gothic church of cruciform style, presenting to the view a front of eighty-four feet; and as you enter the portal, a nave of one hunch-ed and eighty-four feet in length will lead up to the holy altar.
Roll of Honor
Ahrens, Michael. Alf, John. Ambach, Conrad. Amon, George. Andreas, John. Angerich, Joseph. Anton, Peter. Arnold, Susanna. Bachmann, John. Bauer, Ernest.
Bauer, M. Becker, Michael. Bender, Joseph. Brandt, George. Biichelberger, Bernhard. Buhr, Nicliolas. Burkhardt, George. Burkhardt, Michael. Curley, Bridget. Dennerlein, John.
Driever, William. Egbert., Joseph. Englert, Sebastian. Evans, William. Faulhaber, J. Fisher, Frank. Frey, Joseph. Frohnhofer, Lorenz. Geiger, Michael. Geller, M.
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386 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. |
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Gliick, William. |
Lanzer, Louis. |
Sauter, Vinzenz. |
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Greubel, John. |
Lebert, John. |
Schaefer, Peter. |
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Greubel, Nicholas. |
Leifer, Reinhardt. |
Schiesser, John. |
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Giintling, John. |
Loeble, Isidor. |
Schmidt, Adam. |
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Hafifen, Carl. |
Lucht, John. |
Schneider, George. |
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Haffen, John. |
Martin, Nicholas. |
Schonhardt, Wendelein. |
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Hafifen, Matthias. |
Massert, Franz. |
Schott, John. |
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Hauswald, Anton. |
Mayberger, Joseph. |
Schiissler, Casper. |
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Hecht, Babtist. |
Meckel, John. |
Schwabius, George. |
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Hecht, Catharine. |
Mehlem, John. |
Seufert, Catharine, Mrs. |
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Hefele, Henry. |
Meise, Henry A. |
Smith, Gregory. |
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Hefele, Joseph. |
MerkHnger, Catharine. |
Spiehler, Anton. |
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Hefele, Simon. |
Messerschmitt, Adam. |
Staab, Adam. |
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Heilmann, Elizabeth. |
Messerschmitt, Joseph. |
Steinacker, Peter. |
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Henning, Amelia. |
Messinger, Jacob. |
Straub, Joseph. |
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Herd, Nicholas. |
Meyer, Anton. |
Stumpf, Casper. |
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Hester, Lorenz. |
Meyer, Franz. |
Stye, Franz. |
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Hoffmann, John. |
Miller, Frederick. |
Tonner, John. |
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Hohn, Henry. |
Miller, Jacob. ' |
Tonner, Nicholas. |
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Hubert, John. |
Miller, John. |
Trotter, George J. |
|
Hutzler, George. |
Nagengast, George. |
Truhe, August. |
|
Illig, Catharine. |
Newett, Ignatius. |
Unlandherm, H., Mrs. |
|
lUig, Maria. |
Nimphius, John. |
Vetter, Franz. |
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Kaiser, John. |
Norz, John. |
Vogel, Jacob. |
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Kaiser, William. |
Oprecht, J. G. |
Vogler, George. |
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Kalsch, Elizabeth, Mrs. |
Piatt, Peter. |
Volkoramer, Peter. |
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Karl, John. |
Pregenzer, Henry. |
Vorndran, C. |
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Kaufmann, Michael. |
Pregenzer, Philip. |
Wagner, John. |
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Knauer, John. |
Preiser, Peter. |
Walter, Simon. |
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Kneipel, Frederick. |
Reis, Andreas. |
Weber, George. |
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Krebs, Carl. |
Reis, Lorenz. |
Werdehoff, Anton. |
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Kretzer, Casper. |
Reis, Peter. |
Werthmann, Gottfried. |
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Krewet, John. |
Ritter, Christian. |
Wey, Peter. |
|
Kullmann, A. |
Rohr, Michael. |
WiUig, Franz. |
|
KuUmann, Isidor. |
Ruff-, J. |
Ziigner, Lorenz. |
|
Kurz, Paul. |
Sauter, Louis. |
j/z^i^e^/i^yf:^/:^<^i.---i-T,^z.^^
T
i
CRlRVn OF lllE IMMACULAT1-: CONCEPTION. 387
REV. JOSEPH STUMPE,
PASTOR or THE CHUKCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION,
MELUOSE.
''X'^lji. rev''-< 1;'; i: -n umk-r \vhose intolligont
I aire and zeai tLu Chiircli of t.lio Imiuaciilate
Couceptioii promibes soou to rival any in the tuty, was Ix^riv October 3d, 1841, at Ibiirg, in the Diocese of. Os- iiabuig, in what ^va^j then the Kingdom of llauoA-er. Alter his e:u-ly studies in one of the thorough German schools, he corresponded to the call of divine gi-aco and prepared to devote himself to the sanctuary. x\merica, with its vast needs, came before liini as a field for the exercise of the minist'-y ; and he crossed the ocean to offer him- self to some diocese where he could be made useful. Completing his theological course, he was ordained, July 4th, 1866, "by tlie late Right Reverend Josue M. Young, D.D., Bishop of Erie, and labored vdth fi-uit for some years in that diocese. He erected the new chm-ch of St. Joseph, on Federal Hill in the City ol lOrie, imd directed the congi-egation attached to it from 1866 to 1861*. He was tlien " ma<le })a»tor of the Chmr' the Immaculate Conception, at BrookviUe, ' )
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CIIjURCll or THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
REV. JOSEPH STUMPE,
PASTOE OF THE CHUECH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION,
MELROSE.
THE reverend gentleman under whose intelligent care and zeal the Church of the Immaculate Conception promises soon to rival any in the city, was born October 3d, 1841, at Ibiu-g, in the Diocese of Os- nabm-g, in what was then the Kingdom of Planover. After his early studies in one of the thorough German schools, he corresponded to the call of divine grace and prepared to devote himself to the sanctuary. America, Avith its vast needs, came before liim as a field for the exercise of the ministry ; and he crossed the ocean to offer him- self to some diocese where he could be made useful. Completing his theological course, he was ordained, July 4th, 1866, "by the late Right Reverend Josue M. Young, D.D., Bishop of Erie, and labored with fruit for some years in that diocese. He erected the new chiu-ch of St. Joseph, on Federal Hill in the City of Erie, and directed the congregation attached to it from 1866 to 1869. He was then made pastor of the Church of the luunaculate Conception, at Brookville, in Jefferson
388 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
County, Pennsylvania. The climate of the lake shore, however, proved very trying to liis constitution, and he was at last forced to seek a change. He came to New York well recommended by his ordinary, and was soon intrusted by the Most Reverend Archbishop McCloskey with the care of the flock over which he now presides. He was appointed pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, at Melrose, in 1872, and has been actively engaged in his duties since that time, as we have already seen.
His career has won the approval of his prelate and the affection of his people. His zeal for education has induced his flock to new coui'age, and to more than ordi- nary exertions for the proposed temple.
cm: 11 oil OF SAINT JA5[ES.
JAMES STKKET.
CHURCH OF SAINT JAMES.
JAMES STEEET.
TWO of the present Catholic churches in the city originated from one, the name of which has not been perpetuated by either. These are St. James' Church in James Street, and Transfigiu'ation Church in Mott Street. Both these sprang from Christ Church in Ann Street, a church which, during its existence, was under the pastoral care of a learned and most exem- plary priest, the Rev. Felix Varela.
He was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1788, and so distinguished himself for learning and piety that after his ordination he was appointed Professor of Philosoi^hy in the College of San Carlos. He published a com-se of philosophy in Latin and in Spanish, that showed great ability, while his sermons and discourses gave liim a widespread reputation. So completely did he obtain the confidence of the people of Cuba, that he was elected to represent the island in the Cortes at Madi-id. On the overthrow of the constitutional government he was pro- scribed, and, retiring to Gibraltar, came to the United States, in December, 1823. ' His merit was soon recognized,
CHURCH OF ST. JAMES. 391
and tlie next year lie was appointed assistant at St. Petei''s. That cluirch had already become too small to accommodate the Catholics in the lower part of the city, and the Rt. Rev. Bishop Dn Bois resolved to lay off a new parish on the eastern side of Broadway. This he confided to the Rev. Mr. Varela, whose baptismal entries begin February 24th, 1825. Clu'ist Church in Ann Street, a stone structure sixty-one feet front by eighty in depth, which had been erected in 1794, and occupied for some years by the Episcopalians, was 2)urchased In- Bishop Du Bois for nineteen thousand dollars, March 3, 1S27. The money was borrowed from a pious Spaniard. The edifice was then fitted up as a Catholic church, and solemnly blessed. Here the Rev. Mr. Varela labored zealously for several years, endearing himself to his flock by his piety, devotedness, and vmbotmded charity towards the poor. His pen- was never idle. Not only did he con- tinue writing works in Spanish, to diffuse true Catholic principles in his native island, l;)ut in English he met the assailants of the Church with a leaminsr, a skill, and a perseverance which they did not expect.
During the year 1832, the terrible cholera season, he was assisted by the Rev. Joseph A. Scluieller, but on the 27th of October, 1833, during service in the church, and while the priest was actually administering Holy Communion, a terrible panic arose. Excavation for an adjoining building had so sti-ained the walls of the
392 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
chiirch that a lai-ge crack was made in the wall. For- tunately no lives were lost. Examination showed that the building was yet firm; but it began to yield, and soon after was found to be so insecure that it could no longer be used by the large congregation. Christ Church had to be abandoned, as it was found incapable of being restored. This was all the more to be regretted as the congregation was prospering and a free school had just been opened. Steps were taken to erect a new and suitable building, and lots in James Street were purchased by the bishop for that ^^urpose. Meanwhile, rooms at No. 45 Ann Sta-eet were taken, and subsequently the second floor of No. 33 Ann Street, a large and airy hall, was hired as a chapel and blessed August 2d, 1835.
A meeting had been called at Christ Church in May by Bishop Du Bois, inviting all friendly to the erection of the new church in James Street to assemble, but most of the old congregation seemed averse to transfer- ring their parish church so far.
The Rev. Dr. Varela accordingly prepared to look for a site more in accordance with the wishes of most of Ms old flock, part of whom joined in the erection of the new church in James Street.
The ground at that place had been purchased for twenty-two thousand dollars, and a solid structm-e begun, which is used to this day, and is the oldest Catholic clnu-ch edifice in the city. It was completed in the
CHURCH OF ST. JAMES. 393
following year, at a cost of tlilrty-seven thousand dollars. Never had Catholicity seen in America such a period of trial as that diu-ing which this chm-ch was erected. A fanatical war on tlio Chiu-ch had begun; the country was deluged with the most vile and obscene misrepresentations of the doctrines and lives of Catholics; meetings were held in Protestant churches and in public halls to inflame the minds of the people ; and so deluded were the poor masses whom the leaders kept buried in ignorance, that a Catholic convent at Charlestown was biimed to the ground by a mob, the Ursuline nuns and their pupils being driven from their home at night by violence, which ]\Iassachusetts encouraged, for which she inflicted no punishment, and refused all redress.
Bishop Du Bois, while i-eluctantl.y allowing his clergy to engage in controversy, ai)pealed to his Catholic flock to avoid all these anti-Catholic gatherings, and to refrain carefully from creating any distm'bance or giving the unprincipled agitators any pretext for the violence they sought to commit. It was amid such a state of things that the Catholics of New York calmly went on erecting the new church in honor of St. James. When it was decided to make it a new parish, the Right Reverend Bishop confided it to the Rev. Andrew BjTue, an Irish priest, who had akeady shown his ability and zeal in the Diocese of Charleston, where he had been made Vicar General, and who had, as theologian, attended a provincial
394 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
council at Baltimore. To his exertions was due the speedy completion of the church and the organization of the parish.
St. James' Church was solemnly dedicated to the holy Apostle by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Du Bois, in Septem- ber, 1836, with all the imposing ceremonies, the position of the church permitting the ritual to be fully earned out. The array of the clergy on the occasion was im- posing, and the moral effect of the whole ceremony on the conmiunity was great. Many began to respect the Catholic body for the firmness, self-control, and devotion to their faith which they exhibited under such trying circumstances. At the High Mass a sermon was preached by the Very Rev. Dr. John Power, pastor of St. Peter's Church, whose eloquence held his hearers enthralled.
St. James' Church stood in the center of what was soon a large Catholic population; and though the extent of the parish has been from time to time curtailed by the erection of new churches, it still has, in pro^iortion to its size, one of the largest congregations in the city.
It is a solid and substantial building of the Roman order, surmounted by a cross-capped cupola ; the portico supported by two columns, with pilasters at the sides. This leads to the main entrance, over which, on a white marble tablet, is engraved a cross, and beneath, "D.O.M. S. JACOBO." There are two side doors, and over each is
CHURCH OF ST. JAMES. 395
a tablet. One reads: "MY EYES SHALL BE OPEN- ED, AND MY EARS ATTENTIVE TO THE PRAY- ERS or IHM THAT SHALL PRAY IN THIS PLACE. 2 Paralip. chap, v." The other: "THIS IS NO OTHER BUT THE HOUSE OF GOD AND THE GATE OF HEAVEN. Gen. chap, v."
There is a high basement, originally nsed as a school, and frequently the scene of great Catholic gath- erings, especially , in the early days of the discussion of the School Question. The interior of the church, since its renovations, is finely decorated, and tlte altar is a very handsome one.
The Rev. Mr. Byrne continued in chai-ge of this congregation for six years, assisted by Rev. John Mag-in- nis, and occasionally by other ^^I'iests ; among these by Rev. D. W. Bacon, afterwards Bishop of Portland, and by the Rev. Myles Maxwell and the Rev. P. Gillick. He then was sent to a new district and founded the Church of the Nativity and St. Andi'ew's, his merit causing liim soon after to be raised to the episcopate as first Bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas. St. James can thus boast of having, as her first pastor and one of lier first assistants, clergymen whose merits were so esteemed at Rome as to receive at the hands of the Holy Father a place in the hierarchy.
The Rev. John Maginnis, who had l^oen connected with the church from its foundation, then became pastor.
396 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YOEK.
but was soon succeeded by the Rev. John N. Smith. During his pastorate he was assisted by Rev. Michael McCarron, afterwards archdeacon of the diocese, Rev. Wilham Nightingale, Rev. Andrew Doyle, Rev. Michael Curran, Jr., now for many years pastor of St. Andrew's, and Rev. John Curoe.
The Rev. Mr. Smith was an energetic, brusque, but kind and charitable clergyman, thoroughly devoted to his sacred calling, and much esteemed by his flock. When, in 1847, the emigrant vessels brought over thousands prostrated or soon to fall by that terrible scourge, the sliip fever, a call was made for priests. Among those who went down cheerfully to the region of the shadow of death was the earnest and learned Rev. Mark Murpliy. He soon sank, a victim of charity, after soothing witli the consolations of religion hundi-eds who liad crossed the ocean to seek comfort and liappiness, Init found them only in the supernatural blessings of their holy faith.
The Rev. Mr. Smith hastened to attend his associate and take his place, Isut he himself was stricken down, and died five days after, Febmary IGth, 1848, closing heroically a career of twenty years in the ministry, in the dioceses of Baltimore and New York.
The Rev. Patrick McKenna was then transfen-ed from St. James' Chm-ch, Brooklyn. The energy displayed on other missions was evinced also here. He soon con- vinced his flock that much was needed, and they heartily
CHURCH OF ST. JAMES. 397
entered into all his jjlans for theii- spiritual improvement. He gave the church a thorough repairing, and purchased ground on which he erected a suitable vestry, which had long been required. A suitable residence for the clergy was also purchased.
But the great want in his eyes was that of suitable school accommodations. To this he devoted himself heart and soul. The parish soon felt the full extent of their duty in the matter of the Catholic education of their children, and were ready to co-operate fully with their pastor in his efforts to enable them to fulfill that duty. Again Protestantism, in its decay, helped the Catholic cause. The Mariners' Church, or Bethel, in Roosevelt Street, was for sale, and was pm-chased by the pastor of St. James', in May, 1854, for twenty thousand dollars. He went among his parishioners with his subscription list, headed by his own contribution of twelve hundi-ed dollars. Seven thousand dollars were immediately subscribed and paid. The church was then transformed into a Catholic school- house. The impulse thus given to education in the parish has never lost its influence. The whole district was allotted off, and St. James' Free School Society established, under the patronage of Archbishop Hughes. This so- ciety, which has been eminently successful, continues to this day, visiting every block weekly, to collect alike means and pupils.
The young Catholics, exposed to every temptation.
.•',98 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
are now shielded 1)y a sound religious education, and fitted to encounter the difficulties that beset them. No- where, perhaps, have the Catholic body learned to feel so deep an interest in education or such a pride in their schools, as in the parish of St, James, and their efficiency now, due to the labors of the present pastor, is the full growth of the seed planted by the genial ]\Ir. McKenna. His useful career ended in 1858, when he fell a victim to a disease of the lungs, which had already brou"-lit him to the verg'e of the m-ave. But he never spared himself, and his exhaiisted frame could no longer rally. He expired February 5th, 1858. He was bimed from St. James', which was thronged to suffocation Ijy his weeping parishioners, while tlie Right Revei'end Bishop of Brooklyn sang the requiem, and clergymen from far and near came to render by their presence tribute to an exemplary fellow-laborer. Not unjustly did the eloquent Father Driscol of the Society of Jesus take as liis text the words of the First Book of Kings (ii. 35) : " And I will raise me up a faithful priest, who shall do accord- ing to my heart and my soul, and I will build him a faitliful house, and he shall walk all days before my anointed."
The excellent Dominican Father Thomas ]\Iartin was then placed by the Most Reverend Archbishop in charge of the Church of St. James, where he discharged pa- rochial duties till his death, in May, 1859, at the age
CHURCH OF ST. JAMES. 399
of 69. Again the congregation had to moiu-n tlie loss of a great and devoted priest. Though liis connection with St. James' had not been long, he was known and revered by all. His funeral, May 13, 1859, was attended by nearly every priest in the city, with many from the adjoining diocese. After the Office for the Dead ^vas recited by the clergy, a Solemn Mass of Requiem was offered by the Very Rev. Dominican Father Young, with deacon and subdeacon. Archbishop Hughes j^i'^^^^ounced the eulogy of the laborious, disinterested priest, who always asked the hardest position ; and when he had brought all to peace, or harmony, or regularit}' — had helped a poor flock to build a church or get rid of a crushing debt — his only anxiety was to begin the same work elsewhere.
The Rev. James Brennan was then appointed ; l)ut in 1865 the Most Reverend Ai-chbishop chose as jjastor of the Chm-ch of St. James the Rev. Felix H. Farrelh', who has infused new life into all departments of his parish. The schools had so increased under the fostering care of the pastor and the systematic zeal of the people, that the old school-house no longer sufficed. In 1868, Rev. Mr. Farrelly erected, on the comer of New Bowery and James Street, a noble building of the most modern style, which throws in the shade some of the Public School buildings that cost the city millions. It is perfect in all its arrangements. The boys' school is in charge
400 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
of those excellent instructors, the Clu'istian Brothers, and had in 1878 six hundred and forty pupils. The girls' school, under the Sisters of Charity, numbered no less than eight hundred pupils. The course of study is so thorough, and with such regard not only to mental but also to physical training, that the results have been most satisfactory. Within the last few years no less than fifty graduates of St. James' school have passed the rigorous examination of the Board of Education and received cer- tificates as teachers in the Pviblic Schools.
There is also an Industrial School, in which nearly a hundred orphans or half-orphans are daily fed and educated, who would otherwise fall into the fell hands of those proselytizing bodies wliich, under the mask of public benevolence, seek to rob the young Catholics of theu* faith.
In 1877, the church was thoroughly repaired through- out and frescoed, so as to make it highly attractive ; and besides the adornment of the material temple, the pastor obtained the services of the Passionist Fathers, who gave a succession of retreats to all classes, which were productive of the greatest good.
The congregation of St. James is estimated at twen- ty-five thousand, and a floating population of three thou- sand Catholic sailors. The reverend pastor is assisted by the Rev. William A. Farrell and the Rev. Daniel J. Corkery.
CHURCH OF ST. JAMES.
401
There are many societies connected with the chnrch, all aiming- to increase piety among the faithful — the Society of the Sacred Heart, to honor the love of oiir Divine Lord to man; the Society of the Livuig Rosary, Young Men's Sodality, and Young Ladies' Sodality. The St. James Temperance Society, dating back to 1846, was mainly instrumental in inducing Father Matthew to visit America. Besides this, there are a Young Men's Temperance Society, a Piu'gatorian Society, to pray for the dead, and the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
Roll of Honor.
Ahearn, Patrick. Aird, James, Anderson, C. G. Anderson, Margaret. Anthony, Joseph. Bailey, Catherine, Mrs. Barkerding, Adolph. Bennett, Mary, Mrs. Bergman, I. Bishop, Thomas. Blackford, James. Blake, Jefferson, Mrs. Bonnie, Peter. Brannigan, Patrick. Brady, John. Brassell, Ellen E., Mrs. Brcnnan, Jeremiah. Brett, William. Brown, Cornelius. Brown, James. Brown, Nicholas T. Buckley, Dennis. Buckley, Ellen. Burnett. Peter. Burns, Edward G. Byrne, John J. Cahill, Florence, Mrs.
Callahan, Ann, Mrs. Callahan, Dennis. Callan, Edward N. Campbell. James. Carey, Juhn. Carney, Edward. Carroll, John J. Cary, ftLary, Mrs. Cavanagh, Martin. Cavanagh, Peter. Clark, Patrick T. Coakley, William. Cody, Peter. Colligan, William. Collins, John J. Coman, Thomas. Connell, John. Conroy, Thomas D. Costello, James. Cotter, Johanna, Miss. Coughlin, Jeremiah. Courad, Elizabeth M. Creed, Mary A., Mrs. Creig, Mary J. Crittenden, Charles W. Cronley, Joseph. Cronin, Honora, Mrs.
2G
Cronin, Michael, Mrs. Cull, Daniel. Cunehan, Edward. Cunningham, Daniel. Curtin, Hugh A. Cusack, Michael J. Dalton, Bridget, Mrs. Daly, Ambrose. Daly, Daniel. Daly, Dennis. Davis, John. Davis, Patrick. Deveraux, Patrick. Devine, Michael. Devitt, Patrick S. Dickson, Mary A., Mrs. Donovan, Cornelius. Donovan, Daniel. Donovan, Ellen, Mrs. Donovan, Florence. Doody, Catharine, Mrs. Doyle, John. Drought, plenry. Dugan,EIizabelh, Mrs. Dugan, Mary, Mrs. Dunigan, William. Dunn, Simon.
Dunne, Edward. Dwyer, Patrick. Dwyer, Peter. Eagan, Francis. Eagleton, Mary Ann. Egan, Patrick. Fairgrieve, William. Farrcll, Edward J. Farrcll, Patrick. Feely, Michael. Fenton, Thomas. Ferre, William. Field, Richard. Finn. James. Finn, John. Finn, Maurice. Fitzger.ald, John. Fitzgerald, John J. Fitzgerald, I'homas. Fitzgerald, William. Fitzpatrick, John J. Fitzpatrick, Sarah. Foley, David E. Foley, Patrick. Foley, William. Foster, Charles. Gallagher, Bernard.
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402 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. |
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Gallagher, Bernard F. |
McCusker, James. |
O'Donnell, Charles. |
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Gamble, Thomas. |
McDonald, James. |
O'Donnell, John. |
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Gannon, Patrick M. |
McDonnell, Daniel. |
O'Donnell, Patrick. |
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Gibbons, Michael J. |
McDonnell, James. |
O'Donohue, John. |
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Gilmartin, Cath., Mrs. |
McElroy, ^Latthew. |
O'.Meara, D.i'niel M. |
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Ginna, Michael. |
McGinley, Thomas. |
O'Neil, Daniel. |
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Gleason, Michael. |
McGrath, Thomas. |
O'Neil, Henry. |
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Grady, Patrick. |
McHale, Austin. |
O'Neil, Joseph F. |
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Gregory, Patrick, Mrs. |
Mclnerney, Martin. |
O'Neill, Margaret, Miss. |
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Griffith, Thomas G., Mrs. |
McKiUop, Henry E. |
O'Reilly, Peter. |
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Grimes, P'rancis. |
McKillop, James J. |
O'SulIivan, Tames. |
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Gruner, Edward. |
McLaughlin, Dennis. |
O'SuUivan. [ohn M. |
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Gnerin, Margaret. |
McLaughlin, Edward. |
Patton, William, Mrs. |
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Haggerty, Catharine E. |
McLaughlin, George. |
Patty, Ann, Mrs. |
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Hanifan, Michael J. |
McLaughlin, John. |
Pillion, Bernard. |
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Hargrove, Thomas. |
McMahon, Patrick. |
Pope, John. |
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Harrington, Michael. |
McNamara, John. |
Powers, John. |
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Harrington, Peter F. |
McNiff, Peter. |
Purccll, Mary. |
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Haybyrne, Patrick J. |
McPhillips, James. |
Quinlan, John. |
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Healy, Stephen, Mrs. |
McVay, Daniel. |
Ranahan, Henry. |
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Ilefferman, James. |
Madden, Mary. |
Reidy, John, Mrs. |
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Ilernin, Martin. |
Magee, John. |
Reilly, Michael. |
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Higgins, John. |
Maguire, Bernard. |
Reynolds, Margaret, Mrs. |
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Hodge, John. |
Maher, Thomas, Mrs. |
Reunard, Andrew. |
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Hogan, Edward. |
Mahoney, D.aniel F. |
Riley, John. |
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Howard, Sarah, Mrs. |
Mahoney, Joseph. |
Ring, Eliza, Mrs. |
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Hughes, William. |
Mahoney, M. J. |
Rush, Thomas J. |
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Imperatori, Carlo. |
Malone,' Patrick. |
Russell, John. |
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Johnson, Mary, Mrs. |
Manning, Lewis. |
Ryan, Andrew. |
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[ones, Richard. |
Melville, Mary, Mrs. |
Ryan, Benjamin B., Mrs. |
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Keating, Ellen, Mrs. |
Miller, Margaret, Mrs. |
Ryan, Patrick. |
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Keenan, James. |
Mitchell, George. |
Savage, John A. |
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Kelly, Thomas, Mrs. |
Moore, Francis G. |
Schultz, John. |
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Kennedy, John. |
Moran, Roger. |
Scott, Richard. |
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Kennedy, Michael. |
Moriarty, Daniel. |
Seibert, Catharine. |
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Kennedy, Thomas, Mrs. |
Moriarty, Patrick. |
Sexton, John. |
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Kent, John. |
Morris, Joseph V. |
Shea, Dennis. |
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Kerrigan, James. |
Morris, Patrick. |
Sheehan, James A. |
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Kilgore, Patrick. |
Morris, Thomas R. |
Short, Peter H. |
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Kirby, Mary. |
Morrison, Edward. |
Smith, Charles H. |
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Kirk, William P. |
Mulcahy, Edward T. |
Smith, G. R., Mrs. |
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Knott, William. |
MuUane, Bridget. |
Spellman, Catharine, Mrs. |
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Lapp, Henry. |
Murphy, Anthony. |
Stapleton, Ann, Mrs. |
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Largan, Michael J. |
Murphy, Daniel. |
Stevens, W'illiam. |
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Leary, Patrick. |
Murphy, Thomas. |
Sullivan, Cornelius. |
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Lefoy, James. |
Murray, Calliarine, Mrs. |
Sullivan, Dennis. |
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Lester, John. |
Musgrave, John, Mrs. |
Sullivan, Michael. |
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Lombard, Richard. |
Naughton, Thomas J. |
Sullivan, Patrick. |
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Long, Sarah, Mrs. |
Newell, James. |
.Swan, Joseph. |
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Lovejoy, Stephen. |
Nolan, Martin. |
Sweeny, Morgan J. |
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Luddy, James A. |
Nolan, Michael. |
Taggart, Hugh. |
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Lynch, Johanna, Mrs. |
Noonan, Dennis, Mrs. |
Taggart, John. |
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Lynch, Julia, Mrs. |
Nugent, Tames. |
Tangney, Patrick. |
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Lynch, Michael. |
O'Brien, "David. |
Thompson, Henry. |
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Lynch, William. |
O'Brien, John. |
Tierney, Anthony. |
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Mc.\lister, John. |
O'Connell, Maurice. |
Tolster, Myles. |
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McHride, John. |
O'Connell, Michael. |
Tripney, John. |
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.McCabe, Patrick. |
O'Connor, Hannah, Mrs. |
Turner, Bridget, Mrs. |
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McCabe, Terence. |
O'Connor, James. |
Vail, Ellen, Mrs. |
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McCaddin, Daniel. |
O'Connor, Mary, Mrs. |
Walsh, Bridget, Mrs. |
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McCaffery, Owen. |
O'Connor, Patrick. |
Walsh, John. |
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McCarthy, James. |
O'Connor, Thomas. |
Walsh, John. |
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McCarthy, Joseph P. |
O'Connor, William J. |
Waterson, Thomas. |
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McCarthy, I'homas. |
O'Day, William. |
CHURCH OF ST. JAMES
40u
REV. FELIX H. FARRELLY,
PASTOR OF THE CHUKCH OF ST. JAMK.S.
rHE worlliy fjnccf"'^"'^'" of Bishop Byrne, who now '■'.;■<.» SO ''': ..till< ►'If with the j)ansh chiu-ch
iu .1:;. - .i\» !>• Ireland, ] ><'ieiiilM'r 28,
Is .', .tud al"t*r j)relimiaary studies at Caall«- K i.xk juid at he Petit Seniinaire in Cavan, passed Ids examination and entered Maynooth, the great theological -^i^hool of Irel. id, whicli has given so many jmests, not only to that "-onnti-y but to all parts of the world.
e was ordained priest at All Hallow's College, near Duhlin, on the 3d of July, 1854, by the Most Revei: ad .tVi-chbishop CuUen, now Ireland's first Cai-dinal. On hi an-i\-al in the United States the same year, the young oriest was at once assigned to duty by the Mc)st Revere'"! Ai-chbishop Hughes. He beoanxe assistant at the Ch 'ch of the Nativity, in Second Avenue, oh the fu-st of October, 1854, and held the position for two years, v len he was appointed pastor of the Church of the Ann iciation at Manhattauville. His discharge of his duties he ^ showed so much zeal for the good of souls, and »uch eal ability, that in the fall of 1S«)0 the (?hm-th of St ^' ' • at Rondout was confided to him. T^'"- ^er-
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CHURCH OF ST. JAMES. 40o
REV. FELIX H. FARRELLY,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JAMES.
THE worthy sviccessor of Bishop Bynio, who now has so identified himself with the pai-ish ehiu-ch iu James Street, was born in Ireland, December 28, 1832, and after preliminary studies at Castle Knock and at the Petit Seminaire in Cavan, passed his examination and entered Maynooth, the great theological school of Ireland, which has given so many priests, not only to that country but to all parts of the world.
He was ordained priest at All Hallow's College, near Dublin, on the 3d of July, 1854, by the Most Reverend Archbishop Cullen, now Ireland's first Cardinal. On his arrival in the United States the same year, the yovmg priest was at once assigned to duty by the Most Reverend Archbishop Hughes. He became assistant at the Church of the Nativity, in Second Avenue, on the fii-st of October, 1854, and held the position for two years, when he was appointed pastor of the Church of the Anntmciation at Manhattanville. His discharge of his duties here showed so much zeal for the good of souls, and such real ability, that in the fall of 1860 the Cluirch of St. Mary at Rondout was confided to him. His ser-
404 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
vices were of the greatest benefit to this chiirch, as he remained nearlj five years, efi"ecting great good and in- fusing order and system into all parochial affairs.
He was transferred, on the fii'st day of Jime, 1865, to his present position, in which he seems to live only as head of his parish — enthusiastic for his schools, en- couraging the children of liis institutions by his constant care and prompt appreciation of all their exertions to succeed. They are his treasures; and the mother of the Gracchi did not show her sons with more pride, as the dearest jewels of her heart, than the Rev. Mv. Farrelly does his bright pupils of St. James' pai-ish, in whose success in and beyond school he is so deeply interested.
Not only in his own parish is he thus devoted to edu- cation. There is scarcely a Catholic college or academy in New York in which medals have not been given by the pastor of St. James' to stimulate the pupils to excellence.
With a buoyant disposition, cheered by the devoted affection of his flock, who know his fidelity and char- ity, the Rev. Mr. FaiTelly does not show the effect of his nearly quarter of a century of earnest labor in New York City ; yet it has told on liis health, and he is no longer as robust and vigorous as of old. Infirmities and disease not easily eradicated from the system are now struggling for mastery. He is not a priest whom the diocese can without pain see retire on account of ill health, and all long for his complete restoration.
CHURCH OF SAINT JEROME.
ALEXANDER AVENUE AND ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINTH STREET.
THE Catholics of Mott Haven had no church of their own till the Most Rev. Archbishop ]\Ic- Closkey, in 1870, commissioned a young priest, who liad displayed sterling qualities while curate at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, to proceed to that point of the city.
Entering his parish with the determination to labor earnestly, if God in his providence gave the increase, ascribing all the glory to Him, the Rev. Mr. Hughes placed his parish under the protection of the great Father of the Chm'ch, the ornament of the priesthood, the student of Holy Scripture, whose Latin version, the Vulgate, has been adopted by om- Holy Mother — St. Jerome. He was a great saint, a holy man, of decided character, renouncing the world and retiring to solitude and study in the Holy Land ; a stem opponent of error, a vigorous defender of the truth, an admirable director, a model of the pi'iesthood.
The new pastor at once rented the Market House at Mott Haven as the temporary Chm-ch of St. Jerome, and,
CHURCH OF ST. JEROME. 407
after collecting the Catholics together and infusing into them some of his own courage and spirit, prepared to give his parish a church. He had not come empty- handed. The friends whom he had made in his last field of labor gave laim presents of church and altar fiu-niture, as well as money.
lie purchased a whole block of gi-ound, and began to arrange for the erection there of a fine chm-ch, a school-house, and a pastoral residence, the whole in^'olv- ing an outlay of full a quarter of a million of dollars. This, however, would be a matter of . time. An able architect, Mr. L. C. O'Connor, drew the plans of the sev- eral buildings, but the pastor's idea was to begin with the greatest want, the school.
On the 19tli of June, 1870, fully seven thousand Catholics witnessed the laying of the corner-stone of the school-house of St. Jerome's parish, which was for the present to give space also for a temporary chapel. Socie- ties came with numerous delegations, with glittering ban- ners and devoted hearts — the Excelsior, St. Jerome, St. Augustine, St. Aloysius Temperance Society. The Very Rev. William Starrs officiated, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Burtsell of the Epiphany, the Rev. Mr. Ilealy of St. Ber- nard's, the Rev. IMr. Slevin, and the Rev. Mr. Woods. When the solemn ritual had ended, and the stone, the head of the comer, the type of Chi-ist, had been blessed, the Rev. Dr. Morrogh preached, taking as his text the
408 CATHOLIC OHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
words of the Psalmist : " Unless the Lord biiild the house, they labor in vain who build it."
The building, as planned by the architect, L. C. O'Connor, and erected by Mr. P. Mullen, the builder, is a fine structure of brick, in the Lonibardo-Gothic style, of pressed brick, with Ohio and Belleville stone dressings ; seventy feet wide by one hundi-ed and fifteen feet in depth, and three stories high. For a time the first story was used as a temporary chapel, and was neatly fitted up, giving accommodations for a congi-egation of two thousand souls, the second and third stories being used for school piu'- poses. This building cost fifty-five thousand dollars, and was ready in the following j^car. It was solemnly dedi- cated on the 25th of June, 1871.
The Eev. Mr. Hughes has as assistant the Rev. J. Dougherty.
St. Jerome's Church has a thriving Altar Society, a Rosary Society, and several approved sodalities, as well as a Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
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CHUECII wF HT .Ji.jlOME.
-iTfl
REV. JOHN J. HUGHES,
I'aSTOR of the church of ST. JEEOME.
THE Rev. Jnhii J. Hvighe.s was boir. in tlie County Down, li"<ii;(.iiH, on thf- K'-ast of All Quints, No- vpniWr 1st, ation, a.v
rec it the rohfivoi, i. . ir-
land C<ninty, England.
Having come to this t cuntry iv 1856, 1. cd
St. John's College, at Fordhaui, in dm ensuing year, and was graduated in 1862. -He subsequently entered the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Montreal, where he pursued his theological course under the accomplished professors of that divinity school.
II> vas onlained ou the 2bi}i of Jiily, 1865, in the Cathedi-al Church of St. Patrick, New York, by the Most 'Rev. Archbishop McClnskey, and was placed as assistant at St. Peter's Church in Barclay Street. After a three months' experience in that ancient pai-ish, he was assigned to duty as curate at St. Mary's Cln'irh in the town of Rondout, and diligently <lischargf'd ics of
that position till the month of Nox^^mli . •.,.-u, an
assistant being ivquired at th^ C^ nimciiliitf!
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CHURCH OF ST. JEROME. 409
EEV. JOHN J. HUGHES,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JEROME.
THE Rev. John J. Hughes was born in the County Down, Ireland, on the Feast of All Saints, No- vember 1st, 1834. His early education, however, was received at the High School at Whitehaven, in Cumber- land County, England.
Ha\'ing come to this coimtry in 1856, he entered^ St. John's College, at Fordham, in the ensuing year, and was graduated in 1862. lie subsequently entered the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Montreal, where he pm-sued his theological coui-se under the accomplished professors of that divinity school.
He Avas ordained on the 26th of July, 1865, in the Cathedi-al Church of St. Patrick, New York, by the Most Rev. Archbishop McCloskey, and was placed as assistant at St. Peter's Church in Barclay Street. After a tlu-ee months' experience in that ancient parish, he was assigned to duty as curate at St. Maiy's Church, in the town of Rondout, and diligently discharged the duties of that position till the month of November, 1866, A^hon, an assistant being required at the Church of the Innnaculate Conception in Fourteenth Street, the young priest, who
410
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
had impressed all by his zeal, capacity, and talent, was stationed there.
In this church he made himself singularly beloved ; and Avhen he was appointed to fonn a new parish at Mott Haven, the grief felt at parting with him was gen- eral throughout the congregation, and evoked a warm sympathy in the task he had undertaken. Rarely has a priest received so many and such substantial tokens of appreciation on the part of his flock. In the parish which he has created he has left an enduring monument of his ability, and the new church which he hopes to raise will more clearh' prove how readily an earnest priest, laboring for the good of his congregation, meets a re- sponse in their hearts.
Roll of Honor.
Adams, Thomas. Attinelli, Francis. Bagnall, Charles. Bailey, A. L., Mrs. Beisely, John. Berte, F. C. Blake, Ambrose. Brady, Margaret, Mrs. Brennan, John H. Broderick, Eliza, Mrs. Butler, Edward. Butler, Pierce J.
CHURCH OF ST. JEROME.
Byrne, Joseph. Byrne, Thomas. Byrne, William P. Callahan, Christopher. Campbell, Hugh. Carney, Patrick. Cashman, Patrick. Cassion, James. Caulfield, Christopher. Cavanagh, Patrick. Clarke, John. Connelly, John.
Connolly, Mark. Cooney, Nicholas. Coyle, Bernard. Crowe, Michael. Cunningham, Henrietta. Curtis, Margaret. Daly, David. Daly, H. C. Daly, Peter. Daly, Patrick. Debold, Jacob. Denny, A.
CHUECH OF ST. JEROME.
411
Doherty, William. Donlon, Patrick. Donnegan, John. Donnelly, Sarah, Mrs. Dougherty, John. Drummond, Charles. England, Martin. Ettenborough, John J. Fanning, Patrick G. Feehan, James. Findlay, William. Fitzgerald, James. Franke, Joseph. Gafiney, Richard. Gibney, William. Gillen, Margaret, Mrs. Gordon, Patrick E. Guilfoyle, Thomas. Guinan, Bernard. Haiduvan, Joseph. Hanley, Sarah C. Hartley, Edward F. Hogan, Michael. Hogan, Philip. Hoyt, Emily A. Johnson, Joseph. Jordan, P. Kelley, Maria, Mrs. Kennelly, James. Kenney, P. Laughlin, James. Lawler, Patrick. Leslie, James. Lipps, Ellen, Mrs. Logan, Thomas.
Loughlin, Joseph. Loughlin, Thomas. Lynch, Bartholomew. Lynch, John. McArdle, George. McCarthy, John. McGauran, Thomas. McGearity, Patrick. McGee, James E. McGinness, John. McGrath, Lawrence. McGrath, Margaret. McGuire, John, McKenna, Felix. McKenna, Francis. McKenna, Michael. McKenna, Rosa. McNally, John. McQuillan, Alexander. Mallen, Frank. Mallen, Owen. Meany, Margaret. Meany, Michael C. Mooney, Rose. Mooney, Thomas. Mooney, William. Montgomery, James. Moran, John. Morrison, James. Morton, Henry. Murphy, Catharine. Murphy, Edward. Murphy, John. Murphy, Kate. Murphy, Michael. Newett, Thomas.
Norris, Thomas G. O'Byrne, William J. O'Connor, Charles. O'Gorman, John. O'Hare, Patrick. O'Kane, James. O'Neil, Michael. Quigley, D. J. Redmond, Ennis. Regan, Owen. Reilly, James. Reilly, John. Reilly, R.
Richardson, Joseph. Riley, James. Ryan, James E. Ryan, William. Sadlier, Dennis. Siller, Rose. Slattery, Patrick. Smith, Edward. Stumpf, B. Mrs. Sullivan, Matthew. Sullivan, Mortimer. Tierney, John. Toner, William. Trainor, Ellen. Tuomey, Mary. Turley, John. Walsh, Catharine. Walsh, Patrick. Weir, Hugh. Williams, James J. Wilson, Catharine. Wolfrath, Alfred.
CHURCir OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST.
WEST THIKTIETH STREET.
CHURCH OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
WEST THIRTIETH STREET.
THE necessity of hearing the Word of God in their ovm tongue, and of having their children taught the Christian docti'ine in the tones familiar to them from the cradle, led the German Catholics to exert them- selves to have separate churches where they could enjoy these advantages.
The mass and the services of the Church are the same for all, and to the Catholic it matters not of what race or land the priest may be who ministers at the altar. The august sacrifice is offered by men duly ordained from every nation under heaven. But the teachings of religious truth come home to the heart more surely when uttered in the language in Avliich they were heard in childhood, and which carry the aged man back to the day when he learned his first prayer at his mother's knee. ,
The Chui'ch of St. Nicholas was the first step, but it was far on the eastern side of the city. The German Catholics on the western side resolved to make an effort to have a church of tlieir own.
414 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
There was a rocky, swamjjy tract around Tliirty- first Street, near Seventh Avenue, where modern improve- ments were not dreamed of. The rude shanties of those Avho liekl by no lease formed the sole population. Pro- perty here seemed within the means of a small and poor congregation.
Here a small frame church in honor of St. John the Baptist was erected and blessed in 1840. The con- gregation placed themselves under the jDOwerful patronage of the Precursor of our Lord, .sanctified in the womb of His holy mother, St. Elizabeth — a 2>i'ophct, and more than a prophet, for he not only foretold our I.,()rd, but pohited him out to the Jews, saying, " Behold the Lamb of God." Of him the Divine Truth itself said: "Amen, amen, I say to you, of them that are born of woman there is not a holier one than John the Baptist."
The Church of St. John the Baptist was thus mod- estly begun — a small, unpretending frame structm-o. The opening was auspicious. The really pious rejoiced at the opportimity now afforded them of attending mass and frequenting the sacraments in their own part of the city, and of recei"ving instruction and admonition in the lan- guage of their fatherland.
But those were days of trustees; and the little chm-ch was in the hands of men who attempted to rule with a high hand. The church for some time had no resident pastor, but when Rev. Zacharias Kunze was appointed.
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 415
he found that the trustees claimed to rule the congrega- tiou, and hi.s poAver for good was limited. He withda-ew in 1844, and established the Church of St. Francis Seraph. Rev. J. A. Jacop became pastor in 1845, but there was a general lack of spirit and much dissension.
To add to the miseries, on Sunday morning, January lOtli, 1847, when when the church was ready for early mass, those of the congregation living near saw flames bursting out ominously from a rude stable near their cluirch. The alarm was given, and they hastened to save their temple ; but the winter Avind fanned the flames, and though some articles were saved, and much of the altar fmniiture, the building with the organ was consumed, and the congregation was without a church.
They did not lose corn-age, but with the money re- ceived from the insm-ance began to erect a more solid and substantial edifice of brick.
On Sunday afternoon, March 14th, 1847, the Right Reverend Bishop Hughes, accompanied by his secretary, Rev. J. R. Bayley, and two Jesuit Fathers from St. John's College, proceeded to the spot to lay the comer-stone ac- cording to the Roman Pontifical.
The Right Reverend Bishop made a most earnest and powerful addi'ess befitting the circumstance. He reminded the congregation of the glorious spiritual temjjle, of winch the material one was but a faint shadow, and that the strength and usefulness of each particular church, as of
416 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
a single stone, Avere to be found only in its close and faithful continuance in tlie place of the vast edifice in which it is set.
An address was also delivered in German by the Eev. Mr. Raffeiner, and after the chant of a hymn in German the cong'reg'ation retired.
The new Church of St. John the Baptist was by no means grand, either exteriorly or interiorly, but it was a great improvement. For a time the Catholics of St. John's were attended from the Chm*ch of the Nativity, but in 1848, the Rev. Joseph Lutz, an exemplary and energetic priest, was appointed. After four years' labor the Rev. Mr. Lutz withdi'ew, and the chm-ch was again bereft of a pastor. At last, in 1853, the Rev. Augustine Dantner was appointed to the jjosition; and lie struggled on amid endless difl&culties till the year 187U, when he was forced to withdraw. The chiu'ch remained closed for several months, and there seemed every prospect that it woidd fall from decay — for it was in a wretched condition from long want of repair — unless in the mean time it was sold for debt, and so passed entirely out of the hands of the Catholics.
On the return of the Most Reverend Archbishop from the Vatican Council, he resolved to make one more effort to infuse new life into the congregation, and deliver it fi-om the evils luider which it had so long suffered, by placing it in the hands of a zealous religious order.
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 41 7
The spectacle of a community bound together by humil- ity, piety, obedience, and self-denial, ought to be a per- petual lesson.
The Capuchins, a branch of the great Franciscan Order, had, at a very early date, labored on the Ameri- can coast. They built the first Catholic chapels among the French fishing villages on the coast of Maine and Nova Scotia in the middle of the seventeenth centmy, and for many years served the various parishes in Louis- iana. It is the order which gave Ireland its great moral refomier, Father Matthew, and the province of Florida, and more recently the neighboring provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, eminent and laborious bishops.
The early missions had died away amid the various changes in the condition of the country, but in 1857 the Rev. Bonaventiu-a Frey and the Rev. Francis Haas revived the order in the United States, and founded a convent at Mount Calvary, Fond du Lac County, Wis- consin.
They were already known to his Grace Ai'chbishop McCloskey, who, in 1866, confided a district -to them, where they had erected and conducted most satisfactorily the Chm'ch of Our Lady of Soitows, in Pitt Street. At his request, the Rev. Father Bonaventiira Frey under- took himself the charge of the parish of St. John the
Bnptist.
27
418 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The poor old church was again opened, and the congregation met once more to hear mass and instnic- tions. The new pastor at once appealed to their better feelings, and, expressing astonishment that German Catho- lics in a great city like New York should be contented with a church as poor as he had found in the wildest regions of the West, soon brought the better part of the flock to rally around him in his work of building a church that would be honorable to their holy patron, St. John the Baptist, and creditable, to themselves.
The plan of a new and fitting chmxh was prepared by the architect, N. Le Brun ; and, undismayed by the load of debt and the past dissensions, the brave Capu- chin Father laid the corner-stone of his new church on the first Sunday after Pentecost, June 4th, 1871.
To enable them to complete the chui-ch, collections were made, not only among the congregation, but else- where— one Father, Pacificus, devoting himself almost entirely to the good work of procm-ing the necessary means.
The church was finally completed, except the spire, and stands to-day a soiu'ce of wonder to those '^^lio recollect the poor old church Avhich for so many years occupied the site. It is built in pm-e Gothic style. The fa9ade is of fine di-essed stone, with beautiful arched doorways, surmounted by windows of singular beauty, the pi'ojection of the tower base breaking the line of
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 419
the front and relieving it from sameness. The high altar and those at the sides are of white, polished marble, pure in taste, design, and execution, standing ont in relief from a background of darkly veined marble. This, witli the statues of the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph on the side altars, and the elegantly carved pulpit, the work of a Capuchin lay brother, attract the attention of all who enter the sacred edifice. The church is a hiindred and sixty-five feet long and sixty-seven feet wide, while the nave, which rises above the aisles, attains a height of seventy feet. The cost of the building was $175,000.
The erection of so large a church, capable of seat- ing twelve hundi-ed in the pews, astonished many, and to some it seemed to be tlu-ice as large as the congregation required; but the result showed that Father Bonaventura builded wisely. The solemnity and dignity with which divine worship is off'ered, and all the offices of the Chm-ch performed, attract so many that the chm-ch is filled at the successive masses on Sundays and holidays.
The new chm-ch was solemnly dedicated on the 23d of June, 1872. Religious societies from the Chm-ch of Oiu- Lady of Sorrows in Pitt Street, St. Michael's in Thirty- second Street, and from the Church of the Assumption, came to rejoice with the parishioners of St. John the Baptist, with still others from the Holy Innocents, St. Alphonsus, and St. Francis of Assisi. These came with their bands — the societies attached to the chm-ch, those
420 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
of Francis Xaverius, Francis Joseph, and St. John the Baptist closing the hne, which was led by a band of white-robed virgins. When these societies had passed in order into the chxirch, the ceremony of the day be- gan. For the third time on that spot a Catholic chm'ch was to be blessed. His Grace the Most Reverend Arch- bishop perfoi-med the striking ceremony, and, retimiing to the sanctuary, took lus seat on the throne prepared at the left side of the altar.
A Solemn High Mass was then offered, at which were present the ]\Iost Reverend Archbishop, with Bishop Persico of Savannah and Bishop McQnade of Rochester. After the gospel, the Rev. Father Francis Haas, Superior of the Capuchins in Wisconsin, j^rsached a sermon in German, taking as his text, " This is the house of God." At the close of the Holy Sacrifice, his Grace Archbishop McCloskey felicitated the congregation and the Capuchin Fathers on the success of their undertaking. " Seldom," said he, " have I been so positively reminded of the sublime scene which was witnessed in Jerusalem at the dedication of the second Temple to the glory of the God of Israel by the Jews upon their return from Babylonian captivity. The i^i'ocession of priests and levites, the sound of cymbals and music, caused old men and women to weep with joy, and yoimg ones leaped about under the same influence. Yet what was the solemnity of that occasion compared with the present I No divine holo-
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 421
caust was there offered, no Di\'ine presence was there to be found, but it is not so in the Christian temple."
Encouraging them to hibor earnestly to extinguish all debt on their fine church, since it could not be called really the house of God while any man could ])ut for- ward a claim to it, he reminded them that the solemn consecration of a church could be performed onl}- when the edifice was completely free from debt. Receiving his benediction, the vast and striking assemblage retired.
In the rear of the church on Thirty-first Street, Father Bonaventiira erected on two lots a fine brick building trimmed with stone. This was intended as a residence for a religious community. It was the Capucliin (Jon- vent, and on its completion it was dedicated by the Most Reverend Archbishop to St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, a holy Capucliin Father, who, after preaching with the most burning eloquence to the Calvinists of Switzerland, was put to death by them in the year 1622. Of the tens of thousands of blessed martyrs who laid down their lives for the faith at the period of the Reformation, at the hands of the adherents of some of the many forms of error then wildly proclaimed, St. Fidelis is one of the few yet canonized by the Church. He was in name and deed faithful unto the end, and is a blessed patron for oui* city. At the time of the blessing of the Convent, his Grace established the cloister as laid down in the canons.
The necessity of a school building was great, and
422 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Father Boiiaventura did not deem liis good work com- plete till he had erected one, although the basement of the new chnrch answered for a time. He found no building in the neighborhood that could be readily adapted for school purposes, but was so aided that he was able to buy two lots adjoining the convent. On these he erected a fine school-house, corresponding ex- teriorly to the convent. Some modifications in the con- vent building were needed, but the architect, Mr. W. Schickel, succeeded in making an edifice answering all the purposes, and imposing exteriorly.
The building contains seven large school-rooms, each of which will accommodate a hmidred pupils. The apart- ments are well lighted and tnoroughly ventilated ; nor are an}^ of the reqiiirements now requu-ed in furnishing a school neglected.
The direction of the boys' school remained for a time in the hands of secular teachers, but Father Bona- ventura at last induced the Community of Teachers, known as the Brothers of Mary, having a mother house at Dayton, Ohio, to include this also in the number of schools under their charge. Thi-ee Brothers of this Com- munity are now engaged in the schools of the parisli, having one hundred and seventy-five boys under them. The girls' school is directed by the Sisters of St. Do- minic, who have a neat house adjoining the church. Their school contains one hundred and eighty girls.
CHL JU !J ur 8T. Ji
vi'Tisr.
REV. BOx\AVENTURA FREY, O. MI^
PASTOR OF THK CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAFflST.
T
HE R<»v. Father {Jomi
Frev vv(is bom Jv
tlie I 'jM\('i
called him to the eccie^^iasi;
St. Gall's Seminary, in S^Yitzelial:
of one of Ireland's saints. Ilert-^, after that i-cjiar.
of th« mind and heart •whirh th'' Church . ;rdains for
a»»])ii • 'cis onb,' (>d, in Miy, '
TittMl to - duties (•uHftmen . ived to
devote liimself to the ilavin'v arrived
in this countiy, he \va> received by Hislioji lienni, ;nid apjiointed to St. Mary's Church in lilwaulccip.
His mind had always turned to the reli{rion> jiTid he felt called to devote hij' life .to 8er^f '
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CHUUUH (^F 8T. JOHN THK BAPTIST. 423
EEV. BONA VENTURA FREY, 0. MIN. CAR,
PASTOR OF THK CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.
THE Rev. Father Bonaveiitura Frey was born June 12, 1831, in the Canton of" Tliurgovia, Switzer- land.
His education, begun at Einsiedlen, was completed at the Universities of Bonn and Tubing-en. Cod havino- called him to the ecclesiastical state, he proceeded to St. Call's Seminary, in Switzerland, which bears the name of one of Ireland's saints. Here, after that preparation of the mind and heart which the Church ordains for aspirants to the awful ministry, he was ordained, in May, 1854, by Bishop Mirrer.
After receiving priestly orders he was appointed to a parish in his native canton, and discharged his duties commendably until the year 1856, when he resolved to devote liimself to the American Mission. Having arri\ed in this country, he was received by Bisliop Henni, and appointed to St. Mary's Churcli in j\Iilwauke^.
His mind had always turned to the religious state, and he felt called to devote his life to serve Cod in the reform of the Franciscan Order, known as the Friars Minor Capuchins. There was no community of this
424 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
famous order in the country, but a pious Swiss Father was duly authorized to open a novitiate in Wisconsin. F. Bonaventura Frey and F. Fi-ancis Haas were the first to receive the habit and enter the novitiate. After pro- nouncing his vows he erected the convent of Mount Calvary, in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, in 1857. The community prospered, and Father Bonaventura, after laboring here several years, came to New York in 1866, and had already erected a convent and church of Our Mother of Son-ows, in Pitt Street, before the Most Reverend Archbishop requested him to extend his zeal to St. John's. This brief sketch will show that he is a priest of more than ordinary merit, and one likely to render signal service to the Chm-ch.
CHURCH OF SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST.
FIFTIETH STREET.
THE site of the magnificent new Cathedral Church of St. Patrick has been, almost from the com- mencement of the centmy, hallowed by the offering of the Lamb without spot in the Liturgy of the New Law.
In the year 1810, the Jesuit Fathers, who had opened an academy opposite St. Patrick's Cathedral, re- moved it to a fine old mansion on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fiftieth Street — a building- still standing-, and used as the parochial residence of the chm-ch whose history we noAv give.
The New York Literary Institution had its chapel of St. Ignatius, in which Father Peter Malou, once the brIlUant general of the Belgians in their uprising against Austria to secure the freedom of their Church, and other Fathers of the Society of Jesus, offered tip the Holy Sacrifice. The chapel was thus tlie scene of their ministiy till tlie summer of 1813, when the position of the Society compelled the Jesuit Fathers to abandon then- project of establishing a college in New York.
It was next temporarily occupied by Fathers of the Cistercian Order — Dom Augustine, Fathers Urban and
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST. 427
Vincent seemed to have made the Chapel of St. Igna- tius theirs for some time. But early in 1815 these Trappist monks withdrew from New York, and the chapel, as well as all that portion of the island, was for years without the services of a priest. But the name of the old chapel and its invocation of the founder of the Society of Jesus remained.
A quarter of a century passed, and tlie Catholics employed in the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, on Fifth Avenue, between Forty-ninth and Fiftieth Streets, and other Catholics near that institution appealed to the Riglit Reverend Bishop for some means of enabling them to hear mass. The chapel of St. Ignatius was again opened, in the venerable bviilding where Jesuit and Trap- pist had officiated so many years before. In 1840, the Rev. John Maginnis was appointed to organize the Catholics, and, if possible, erect a church for their ac- commodation. A Catholic congregation was organized, in the form then usual, with a board of trustees, ; nd a modest little frame edifice erected. It was dedicated on the ytli of May, 1841, at half-past ten in the morning, by the Rt. Rev. John Hughes, D.D., then ndministratoi- of the diocese. After the ceremonies a Solemn High Mass was ofi'ered, and the Bishop delivered a sermon adapted to the occasion.
The congregation was feeble in numbers, and by no means wealthy, so that tickets of admission were issued
428 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
to aid in reducing the debt incurred in the erection of the church.
The Rev. Mr. Maginnis remained as pastor of St. John's till September, 1842, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Wilham Nightingale, an English clergyman, who labored for several years in the diocese. In April, 1844, the Rev. Felix Larkin — whose brother, the cele- brated Jesuit Father, John Larkin, has left such a dis- tinguished reputation among us — undertook the direction of the cluu'ch.
The old trustee system was in this parish bearing its bitter fruits. The trustees were the parties in power; bvit, even where filled with the best dispositions, were generally men whose time was taken up with their own business affairs, and who, consequently, could attend to the interests of the church only at intervals. The re- sult was an utter want of economy. A church would be begun beyond the means of the congregation, and often, where contractors brought influence to bear on the members of the board, built at a fearfully exagger- ated cost for every thing furnished. The trustees then found themselves face to face with a debt beyond their power to meet or manage. They could make no appeal to the congregation in the sacred name of religion. They possessed no such infliience as would touch the hearts of the generous.
In their utter inefficiency, these bodies then tmiied
CHURCH or ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST. 429
to the priest placed by the bishop in the church, but it was no part really of his sacred calling to make himself a collector and money raiser for a board which expended the means of the church frequently against his judgment and his sound advice. St. John the Evange- list is an gxample of the result of tliis false position. The trustees were unable to derive enough from pew rents or the collections in the chm-ch to meet the ex- penses, or pay even the interest on the mortgage which covered the property. They had neither time nor abil- ity to go elsewhere and invoke aid. Even in the church itself, the faithful, notwithstanding the appeals of the successive clergymen, were loth to give money, when all that was given seemed hopelessly sunk.
The holder of the mortgage, after waiting for years and seeing no hope of obtaining any payment whatever, finally foreclosed, and as no effort was made even then to obtain a loan elsewhere, or raise any part of the in- debtedness, the Church of St. John the Evangelist was sold at auction.
It was the first time that such an affliction had be- fallen a Catholic church in the city, and it came like a death-knell on the whole body. It broke the heart of the pastor, who, not responsible for the position of affairs, and coming to the position when the disaster was irreti'ievable, had appealed in vain to his flock to save the church. He never recovered from the blow,
430 CATHOLIC CIIUKCHES OF NEW YORK.
wliich may be said to have terminated a long and use- ful ministry.
The disOTaceful sale was a lesson. It showed that
o
the trustee system was inherently wrong; that the bishop and his clergy alone could inspire the confidence which would induce the faithful to give of their mealis to erect and maintain the shrines of religion.
The congregation was bereft of its chm-ch, which, standing there with closed doors, Avas a bitter reproach. To rescue the fair fame of the Catholic body, the Right Reverend Bishop sent to tlie parish a young and ener- getic priest, who was not to be appalled by difficulties, but rather enjoyed grappling with them. This was the Rev. Michael Currau, Jr.
Coming to his work, he was free from all trustee interference. All devolved on himself personall}', and he was iintrammeled. The Chapel of St. Ignatius was again opened. The old college building had become the property of St. Patrick's Cathedi-al, St. Peter's Church liavinjj- sold its interest. In the large hall of this build- ing an altar was set up, and in this temporary chapel the congregation of St. John the Evangelist met, to hear mass and ajjproach the sacraments, for about a year. Meanwhile their young priest was collecting far and near, appealing to the charity and religious feeling of every benevolent Catholic. It was not a time when such a collection was an easy matter; it was the day when
CIIUKCII OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST. 431
the terrible famine in Ireland was desolating the country, and all who loved that ill-fated land felt as if every cent that they could give must be devoted to the relief of that starving nation, where satanic proselytizers \vere endeavoring to lure the famishing from their faith by the offer of bread.
Yet the Rev. Mr. Cm-ran succeeded; although, as often happens, the purchasers of the church, seeing the desire to regain it, more than once raised the price, the priest went steadily on. He paid the amount demanded, and b}- the direction of the bishop took the deed of the property in his own name till other arrangements were made. Recently, in one of those periodical revivals of the old falsehood that the new cathedral property was given to the Cathohcs by the city, allusion was made to the deed subsequently made by the Rev. Mr. Cm-ran, reminding this generation of his noble work thirty years ago, in recovering, by his personal exertions, a Catholic cluu-ch which had been swept away from us.
Two years' pastorship enabled him to place the Cluu-ch of St. John the Evangelist on a solid footing, and open to it a time of prosperity. In May, 1850, he was transferred to another field, and the present pastor. Rev. James McMahon, was appointed. Some money had been borrowed on bond and mortgage; but the new pastor, with means of his own, at once discharged this incumbrance and soon paid off all other debts, leavin<>-
432 CATHOLIC CHUKCHES OF NEW YORK.
his little clim-cli entirely free. The parish was at this time very extensive, embracing from Thirtieth to Eighty- sixth Street on the East River, and from Fortieth to Eighty-sixth Street west of Broadway, and including also Blackwell's Island.
The increase of the Catholic body in this large dis- trict was soon felt. In the autumn of 1853, this and the projected erection of a new cathedi-al on the block called for action. It was resolved to purchase the pres- ent site and remove the chm-ch to it, building a high basement for school purposes. Five hundred dollars were subscribed at the first meeting, to begin the necessary work. The transfer was soon completed, and the church, thus renovated and restored, served the pm-poses of the parishioners for a time ; but a few years later an addition, forty feet by ninety, was erected, making the edifice ninety feet in width by one hundi-ed and forty in depth, and costing in all fifteen thousand dollars. The old pastoral residence, so venerable for its associations, was at the same time removed from the cathedral gromids to its present site.
Meanwhile a fine organ had been built in the chm-ch, embracing many improvements which were the invention of the reverend pastor. The merit of the instrument was so great that it was resolved to transfer it to the new cathedi-al. Its value was thirty thousand dollars.
As the city grew rapidly around the spot, other
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST. 433
churches were founded, di-awing off part of the ct>ngre- gation, and reducing greatly the Hmits of the parish of St. John the Evangehst.
On the 10th of January, 1871, a disaster befell the church. Like the chui'ch dedicated to the Holy Precursor of our Lord, St. John the Baptist, the- church dedicated to the beloved apostle, St. John the Evangelist, fell a vic- tim to the flames. The fire originated in the sanctuary, but could not be explained. The timbers being old and di"y, the devouring element spread rapidly, and the church was burned to the ground. The organ, the pride of the pastor, and his labor for years, perished; nor was it possible to save even the vestments and paintings in the chm-ch, while the insurance was incon- siderable compared to the loss sustained. Undaunted by this disaster, the Rev. Mr. ]\IcMahon set to work to re- build St. John the Evangelist, on Fiftieth Street and Madison Avenue. At a meeting of the parishioners, ten thousand dollars were subscribed. In a few months, a new and substantial brick church was erected, with fire- proof walls and slate I'oof, capable of seating twelve hundred comfortably. It was supplied with a new or- gan of greater strength and more perfect tone than the lost one. In November, the Jesuit Fatlier Damen and his associates gave a mission in this church, at which more than ten thousand approached the saci'aments. As
the present clim'ch will not be needed when the new 28
434 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
cathedral opens, it was erected with a view to its be- ing transformed hereafter into a parochial school for boys. There is now here a girls' school, under the direction of the Sisters of Charity, which numbers no fewer than seven hundred pupils. To afford opportunity to those who desire a liigher grade of teaching, the Sisters of Mercy from Houston Street, a few years since opened, at 128 East Fifty -fom-th Street, St. John's Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, which has been singularly success- ful in its results, and is attended by about one hun- di'ed young ladies.
Among the societies attached to the church are the Society of the Holy Family, a Temperance Society, a Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and a Circle of the Catholic Union, with Altar and Rosary societies, and sodalities for older and younger members.
The assistants of the Rev. Mr. McMahon are the Rev. Michael Callahan, a native of Cavan, Ireland, edu- cated at St. Francis Xavier's College and St. Joseph's Seminary ; the Rev. Thomas A. j\IcCabe, a native of New York, who went from the same college to the Seminary of Our Ladies of the Angels ; and the Rev. C. T. Donovan, a native of Ireland, who completed liis divinity course at the Provincial Seminary, Troy.
The church in New York dedicated to the beloved Apostle and Evangelist, St. John, is, as we have seen, in time to become a school. The name of the chapel of
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST. 435
St. Ignatius and of tlie Church of St. Jolm will doubt- less be preserved among the chapels in the new cathe- dral to continue the protection of those gi-eat saints in- voked on the spot, upon all who there offer up theu- prayers to God.
St. John — Apostle, Evangelist, Prophet of the New Law, nearest to the heart of our Blessed Lord, on which he reclined at the Last Supper — is represented among tlie Evangelists by the eagle, to note the sub- limity of his doctrine. He might be typified by the dove or by a flaming heart, to show how his heart burned with love for Grod and for all men. Love of God above all things, and of our neighbor for God's sake, breathes from every line of his epistles.
St. Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus, who was so providentially raised up by God to check the com-se of the Reformation — whose order sent Maryland her first missionaries, and so long kept alive the faith in colonial times — gave New York her first missionary, her first martyr, her first resident priests. And her first college should not be forgotten in the new cathedral, where his chapel once stood.
436
CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YOEK.
R
OLL OF
H
ONOR,
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST.
Bowe, Patrick. Boyce, James. Boyle, John J. Branique, Margaret. Broun, Johiv Buckley, Dennis, Mrs. Burlinson, William. Cahill, Thomas. Canavan. John. Carey, Thomas. Cary, John G. Casey, J. Cavanagh, Ellen. Chrystal, Peter. Collins, John. Collins, P. Conlon, John. Cooney, John W. Curran, Peter. Daly, Elizabeth, Mrs. Daly, Martin. Daylon, Patrick. Denning, Philip. Devine, Michael. Donohne, Catharine,Mrs. Donohue, Philip. Doran, Charles J. Dowd, James. Duffy, Solomon. Dugan, Francis. Duggan, J. A. Dunn, James H. Dunn, John. Earle, Eugene M., Mrs. Elliott, Estelle. Falihee, Michael. Fallon, William. Farley, John. Farrell, Edward. Filann. Stephen, Fitzgerald, William. Fitzgerald, Catharine, Mrs. P'itzpatrick, Philip. Fitzsimmons, Owen. Flaherty, Michael. Fleherty, Patrick. Galligan, Bernard. Galvin, James T.
Geoghegan, James.
Gibney, Patrick.
Gilmartin, Thomas.
Green, Martin.
Griffin, James, Mrs.
Hafe, ^Iargaret, Mrs.
Hanegan, 'I'homas.
Hanlon, Marcus, Mrs.
Harris, Andrew.
Healy, Charles.
Hennessey, Arthur J.
Hennessey, Michael.
Hoctor, John.
Hogan, Michael.
Hughes, Patrick J.
Irwin, Michael J. Jordan, Margaret.
Kain, John. Kane, Michael. Kearney, James. Kelly, Eugene. Kelley, P. Kells, Jeremiah. Kerrigan, Thomas. Kipp, Margaret A. Leahy, Thomas. Lenihan, John. Loonie, Dennis. Lynch, Cornelius. McCarthy, Michael. McEntee, James. McGrane, Thomas. McGuire, John T. McICeon, Annie. McKinley, John W. McLaughlin, Margaret. McLoughlin, Thomas. McManus, Thomas. McNally, Matthew. McSorley, John. Macguire, Constantine J. Madden, Thomas. M.ahon, Patrick. Mahony, Dennis J. Malone, \^'il!iam. Marren, Joseph. Martin, James. Mason, Frank.
Matthews, Peter.
May, Dominick.
Meehan, Margaret.
Meehan, Patrick C.
MoUoy, John.
Malcahey, M. J.
Mulligan, James.
Mulvihill, James.
Murphy, James.
Murphy, James T.
Murphy, John.
Murray, Slatthew.
Murray, Michael.
Nesraith, John P., Mrs. Neumann, Francis A.
O'Brian, Charles.
O'Brien, John E.
O'Brien, Patrick.
O'Conner, Bernard.
O'Connor, J.
O'Connor, Thomas.
O'Donohue, J. J.
O'Donovan, Jeremiah.
O'Meara, Catharine F., Mrs.
O'Rourke, Feli,\.
Plunkett, John, Mrs.
Quinlan, John.
Raab, John H.
Regan, David, Mrs.
Reidy, Edmund.
Reilly, James.
Reynolds, John F.
Riley, Edward.
Roche, James.
Roche, John.
Savney, Philip.
Seery. Bernard.
Shaw, Patrick.
Skelly, Thomas.
Smith, James.
Smith, Philip.
Smith, W. J.
Sweeney, Edward.
Weeks, Tirus,
Wheeler, Thomas.
White, Michael.
Wilson, James.
■/:/^y/^.
CllL.it.
.,,.HN rilK EVANGKUHl
^3^
^
i^
THE REV. JAMES McMAHON,
PASTOR OF THE CHUKCH (""■' "^ '' JOHN THE EVAHUELl.ST.
I pice, iViis, in
I
u- several dii^.i^ - . priesthood di^
•depth and sohtlity of h\> studies tion he proceeded to tli- . nfuy oi order to piu-sue still further the theological studies to ^vTiM, 1u. was attached. From the seminary in Paris he • K: i\u. n:-.t'iu''u,u (,r Hint learaed body in Mon-
Yovlc. wliere he was
■^r. iMiir)V
nnstor.
II
C I \.m< in 1^ v^i. i i» I ■
St. John the Evju.^^ tlie faithful at St. Mars -.
Li the parish with which lie has been so long iden-
'■'■ 1 he is greatly respected. The poor hn^^• «rver found
'm a kind and generoiis f';-"i ^ ■ his ministry
■: •• dr.\-ot.ed ^ ■ ■ . >vhile li'- '■-
1 jMiv.uoua, inspir'""'
i
\l
\
r
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST. 437
THE REV. JAMES McMAHON,
PASTOR OF THE CHUECH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST.
THE Rev. James McMalion was born in Ireland, and was educated at Jlaynootli, where his nncle was for several years President. The yoiuig can- didate for the priesthood distinguished himself by the depth and solidity of his studies; and after his ordina- tion he proceeded to the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Paris, in order to pm-sue still further the theological studies to which he was attached. From the seminary in Paris he proceeded to the institution of that learned body in Mon- treal; but in 1843 came to New York, where he was appointed by Bishop Hughes assistant at St. Mary's Church, while the Very Rev. William Starrs was pastor. He remained here till he was appointed parish priest of St. John the Evangelist, and was greatly regretted by the faithful at St. Mary's.
In the parish with which he has been so long iden- tified he is greatly resjiected. The poor have ever found in him a kind and generous friend. In his ministry he has been pious, devoted, and imwearied, while his man- agement of afiairs has been judicious, inspiring ever}-
438 CATHOLIC CHUKCHES OF NEW YORK.
confidence, so that the faithful are ever ready to co- operate in any good work.
He is a Hebrew and BibUcal scholar of remarkable ability. He published in 1848 what may be regarded as an entirely new version of the New Testament, based indeed on Challoner's revision of the old Douay, but in which he brought to bear the results of his years of special study. He also edited, with many evidences of his crit- ical ability, the Haydock Bible, issued by Edward Dmii- gan & Brother, and now 2Dublished by Thomas Kelly of this city. His Testament is now issued by Kelly, Piet & Co., of Baltimore.
In music he is a great proficient; not only h\\\y versed in all the best ecclesiastical masters, but is also skillful in the manufacture of musical instruments. Cluu'ch organs have been his especial study, and the improve- ments introduced by him have been many and import- ant; though, as we have seen, the first great work of his skill perished in the fire that laid St. John's in ashes.
CHURCH OF SAINT JOSEPH,
SIXTH AVlilSUJi.
CHURCH OF SAINT JOSEPH.
SIXTH AVENUE AND WEST WASHINGTON PLACE.
BISHOP DU BOIS, in the impulse which he gave to the needed church extension in his epis- copal city, showed his devotion to the Holy Family by dedicating the first churches to Jesus, Mary, and Jo- seph. The edifice in Ann Sti-eet already bore the name of our Blessed Lord ; that in Sheriff Street re- ceived that of liis holy ]\[otlier Immaculate ; a third was to bear the name of Joseph, the foster father of our Saviour, the princely but humble descendant of David. Green-wich Village was then an outlying suburb of the settled part of New York, reached by a pleasant road that ran off from Broadway towards the North River. There were Catholics here in sufficient number to form a congregation, bvit no means had been taken to supply theii" want or to rouse them to act; though the Orangemen, in 1824, had managed to create a riot here for which several were punished. " I have been unable," wrote this Right Reverend Bishop, in March 1830, " to procure means to build a chiu-ch in one of the suburbs, where the Cath- olic population is very considerable, and too far- from other chm-ches for them to attend. I have accordingly
CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH. 441
been obliged to hire, for two hundred dollars a year, a very large hall, which can hold seven or eight hundred persons. It is another burden that falls entirely on me, poor as I am."
In this hall, situated on Grove Street, the Catholics of the " village " Avere organized under the law, the trustees of the new Church of St. Joseph being Eugene Cummiskey, John Devlin, Andrew Leary, Joseph Lamb, and Patrick Kinsala, and preparations made to erect a church. Bishop Du Bois confided the task to the Rev. James Cummiskey, and early in the year 1833, lots were purchased in the name of the new corporation, on the corner of Sixth Avenue and BaiTow Street. Here, on the tenth of June, 1833, the corner-stone of St. Joseph's Church was laid, with all the ceremonies, rejoicing the hearts of the Catholic body, as St. Maiy's had been dedicated only the day before. The erection of the church was then begun. There were some devoted and zealous Catholics ready to contribute, but there were some actuated by a Avretched spirit of mischief ; and even in what was considered the Catholic paper, there appeared a communication of the most insiilting charac- ter addressed to the venerable and devoted Bishop, who was doing all in his power to afford the Catholics of that portion of his diocese the opportimity of fulfilling their sacred obligations.
The trustees promptly ansAvered the wretched slan-
442 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
derer, sustaining the Bishop and the clergyman appointed by him.
The church was well advanced, as we find, in the Catholic paper of October 5th, the following advertise- ment, which will seem curious to the pi'esent generation of Catholics : —
" St. Joseph's Church. — The trustees respectfully in- ■sate the friends of this church to the ceremony of what is generally called the Raishtg, which will take place at tlu-ee o'clock tliis afternoon, under the direction of Mr. James Dempsey, master carpenter.
" By order,
" Joseph Lamb, Sec'y."
The church Avas completed, early in 1834, sufficiently to admit of its being dedicated to the service of God ; ]\Ir. John Doran being the architect; Dempsey, Dougherty, and Foley, the builders. The solemn ceremony took place on Sunday, the 16th of March.
Catholics looked to the new church -NAith pride. It was, next to the cathedral, the largest church they yet had in the great City of New York. It contained two hundi-ed and seventy pews, and had galleries with seats so arranged that all fronted the altar. The ceiling was paneled, and decorated in artistic style, with festoons of flowers and vines, while the altar was something wonder- ful for its time, and described as a " costly and superb specimen of Italian workmanship."
CUUECII OF ST. JOSEPH. 443
The scene within the sanctuary, when tlie office for the dedication of a churcli was performed, was one worthy of being commemorated by an liistoric painting. From the sacristy came forth the procession, led by acolytes, followed by the clergy and the Right Reverend Bishop, and when the Pontifical High Mass followed, there stood at the altar the venerable Bishop Du Bois, founder of Mount St. Mary's ; in the robes of a deacon, the Rev. Wm. Quarter, who was to die Bishop of Chi- cago ; and in the tunic of a subdeacon, the Rev. John McCloskey, future Bishop, Archbishop, and America's first Cardinal ; while among the clergy present in sm-plice and cassock was the erect form and commanding counte- nance of the Rev. John Hughes of Philadelphia, who, as successor of the officiating prelate, was to make his name known tlu'oughout the world.
The other priests noted as present that day are known among those who lived to be veterans in the aiTxiy of the Lord — the Rev. J. A. Sclmeller, who acted as master of ceremonies, the Rev. J. Cummiskey, first pastor of St. Joseph's; the Rev. John Kelly, Rev. Jolm Conroy.
The sermon was preached by the Rev. Charles C. Pise, D.I)., taking as liis text the words of II. Paralipome- non, vii. 16 : "I have chosen and have sanctified this place, that my name may be there forever, and my eyes and my heart may remain there peqietually." The ser-
444 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
mon, full of beauties of style and eloquent movement, showed the perpetuity and unchang-eability of religion ; its perfection under Jesus Christ, who confeiTed on it that grace which, of all possible institutions, is the most per- fect and sublime. He drew the history of the church and her altars founded on the rock. " This rock, on which her foundations were laid in the beginning, has not yielded, in the least, to the fury of the waves, but still dashes back, as it ever did, the foam of ages and the tempest's wrath. Like some high and solitary beacon shedding an undying light upon the waste of waters, the Church rears her heaven-lit head over the desolation of the past and the changes of the present, to remain in her grand and solitary position, beaming down on time the light of eternity."
The collection with the money received for tickets amounted to fifteen hundred dollars — a large sum for New York nearly fifty years ago.
Almost contemporaneous with the erection of St. Joseph's, the good bishop began, in the same district, an excellent charity, the Half Orphan Asylum. It was incorporated May 2, 1835, as the Asylum for the Re- lief of the Children of Poor AVidowers and Widows. It was placed under the care of the Sisters of Charity, and it was hoped that the surviving parent would con- tribute sufficient to enable the asylum to tlirive, with a little assistance from the various congregations; but it
CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH. 445
soon proved that the revenue from this sonrce was very trifling. For years the Easter collection in all the chui-ches went to the support of this Asylum, but it was sustained mainly by the generosity of a few de- voted Catholics, chiefly members of St. Joseph's congre- gation. By an act passed April 13th, 1852, the Orphan and Half Orphan Asylums were united, and the building used by the latter became St. Vincent's Hospital.
The parish of St. Joseph was very large. It ex- tended for many years from Canal Street to Twentieth Street, west of Broadway, entailing severe labor on the clergyman, especiall}' in the visitation of the sick. The church had scarcely been opened when the cholera for the second time swept over New York, with less deadly effect than in 1832, but still carrying off thousands of victims.
The Rev. Mr. Cummiskey, with the other clergymen of the city, showed the utmost devotedness in this period. He did not remain, however, long in charge of the parish, being succeeded before the close of the year by the Rev. Dr. Charles Constantine Pise, who remained at St. Joseph's for about two years. He was a native of Maryland, a brilliant writer and orator, of elegant and attractive manners. He was one of the earliest in this country to attempt to diff'use among Catholics a class of lighter and more attractive literature, in which the doctrines and practices of the Church were defended or
446 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
correctly represented. His poetry was also of a high order, based on the purest models. With Dr. Varela he was for several years editor of the Catholic Expositor, and frequently contributed to other Catholic periodicals. After leaving St. Joseph's he was for many years at St. Peter's, and then founded the Church of St. Charles Bor- romeo, Brooklyn, where he died.
During Dr. Pise's incumbency, the chm-ch was com- pleted and some improvements made, and a fine fresco of the Transfigiu-ation, after Raphael, was painted as the altar-piece. A sacred oratorio was given in October, 1835, to meet the expense of these ameliorations. Dr. Pise was active in exertions, by lectures, sermons, and fairs, in be- half of the Half Orphan Asylum, then on Sixth Avenue, and containing a hundred children.
In 1838, the Right Rev. Bishop Hughes appointed to St. Joseph's the Rev. John McCloskey, who brought to this pastoral charge all his learning and experience, as well as those personal gifts which endear him to all. He remained the revered pastor till the opening of St. John's College, Fordham, in 1841, when he became the first presi- dent and real founder of that institution, giving it from the outset the high character it has always maintained. Dm-ing his presidency of the college he continued to discharge his duties at St. Joseph's, and when Dr. Man- ahan became president of St. John's, the Rev. Mr. Mc- Closkey, to the delight of the parish, was again wholly
CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH. 447
theirs. He was assisted successively by the Rev. B. Carraher, the Rev. D. W. Bacon, afterwards Bishop of Porthind, and the Rev. J. P. Biu-ke.
The Rev. Mr. McCan-on was an energetic priest, highly esteemed by Archbishop Hughes, who, in time, made him archdeacon of the diocese. He was un- wearied in attending to his duties, and always ready to hasten to the couch of the sick, in the most inclement weather and at the most distant points of his parish. Large as it was, and scattered as his flock, not a Catho- lic died without the sacrament.^ tlu-ough any remissness or neglect on his part. He was as devoted in the con- fessional, and at all the offices of the Church.
As soon as he had introduced system into the af- fairs of the diocese, he set himself heart and soul to establish parochial schools for the young of both sexes, in order to secm-e them that training in the faith which can alone save them from the allurements of vice, often insidiously masked under the disguise of proselyting zeal.
Eai-ly in 1855, by his unweared exertions, he com- pleted a school building on Leroy Street, which Catho- lics then justly regarded as magnificent. It was opened on the 16tli of April. The boys were under the care of Brothers of the Christian Schools, and soon numbered four hundi-ed and fifty. Three Sisters of Charity as- siuned the direction of the four hundred girls who were
448 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
sent to receive an education at their hand^ under tlie patronage of the foster father of oiu- Lord. He did not stop here. The next year the Sisters of Charity opened on Sixth Avenue an acadeiu}-, which to this day has enjoyed the highest ])opularity, and trained many young ladies most creditably.
From 1845 to 1849, the Rev. Mr. McCarron was assisted by the Rev. William Quinn, now for many years the distinguished Vicar General of the diocese, who, at the bier of the pastor of St. Joseph's, paid an eloquent tribute to his worth. Among other cm'ates may be named the Rev. William Everett, so long identified with the Church of the Nativity, and the Rev. Jerome Nobriga, who, placed in St. Joseph's by Bishop Hughes in 1849, is still, after neai'ly thirty years' parochial work, laboring in the same parish.
After ten years' ser\-ice at St. Joseph's, the Rev. Mr. I\IcCarron was transferred to St. Mary's, and died pastor of that church, February 23, 1867.
He was succeeded at St. Joseph's Chui-ch by the present parish priest, the Rev. Thomas Fan-ell, under whose able management the church has prospered won- derfully. Dm-ing his long pastoral relation of more than twenty-two years, he has had, among other cm-ates, be- sides the venerable Mr. Nobriga, the Rev. E. Maguire, Rev. Hugh T. Brad)-, Rev. P. McSweeny, Rev. Reuben Parsons, Rev. James O'Leary, Rev. E. A. Dmiphy, Rev.
CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH. 449
John P. ]\rcClancy, Rev. John J. Duffy, Rev. John Fitz- harris, and his present capable assistants, Rev. J. B. Salter and Rev. J. J. McCauley.
Among incidents worthy of note was the administer- ing of the Holy Sacrament of Confii-matlon, on the 23d of May, 1861, by the Bishop of Guadalajara, Mexico, then banished from his see, who was thus enabled to judge, b}- the order and regularity in the services of the chm-ch and the number of both sexes who approached the sacraments, how real was the progress of the faith in the United States.
Although the chm-ches of St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Bernard, and St. Francis Xavier, have all been erected within the bounds of the parish of St. Joseph as it existed a few years ago, the congre- gation is still a very large one, and the church can barely, by the numei'ous services on Sundays and holi- days, enable the faithful to hear mass. The Catholic population of the parish is estimated at fifteen thousand, while the church can at most hold two thousand. The academy and schools maintain their efficiency, and by the number of pupils show that the flock is a large one ; there being nearly a thousand children in the pa- rochial schools.
The piety of the faithful is kept alive by various
sodalities and pious associations, while the Temperance
Society has been the instrument of much good. 29
|
450 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. |
||
|
Roll of H |
_ONOR. |
|
|
CHURCH |
OF ST. JOSEPH (SIXTH AVENUE). 1 |
|
|
Anderson, Patrick. |
Fenlay, Michael. |
McCosker, T. |
|
Bailey, John H. |
Floyd, James R. |
McCray, William. |
|
T5ain, Thomas. |
Francis, Robert. |
McGinn, John. |
|
Baker, Wilham H. |
Frank, Augustus A. |
McGinnity, Dennis. |
|
Beh.an, John. |
Gumbleton, Henry A. |
McGovern, Thomas, Mrs. |
|
Berenholtz, George N. |
Haight, Ann, Mrs. |
McHugh, John. |
|
Bergen, WilHam. |
Halloway, John. |
McKenna, Patrick. |
|
Bourke, Godfrey R. |
Hand, John. |
McLaughlin, .\nn. |
|
Brady, Edward. |
Harney, William. |
McParten, J. G. |
|
Brennan, William. |
Harrigan, Edward. |
MacKane, John. |
|
Brett, Joseph William. |
Hart, Martin. |
Maher, Murtha J. |
|
Burgess, Mary X., Mrs. |
Hayes, Patrick, Mrs. |
Mohan, Bernard. |
|
Burns, John. |
Hayward, Robert, Mrs. |
Mahon, N. P. |
|
Byrne, Michael. |
Healy, Nicholas. |
Monahan, Thomas. |
|
Cantwell, John, Mrs. |
Holmes, James. |
Moore, Elizabeth. |
|
Carney, Jame. . |
Howe, George P. |
Morange, Martina, Mrs. |
|
Carraher, T. |
Kane, John. |
Mount, D. Mrs. |
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Carroll, James. |
Keane, John. |
Murphy, John. |
|
Cassin, Catharine, Mrs. |
Kearney, H. |
Murphy, M., Mrs. |
|
Cavanagh, John, Mrs. |
Keenan, John. |
Murray, Frank, |
|
Clark, Bernard. |
Kelly, James. |
Norris, John, Mrs. |
|
Clarke, John. |
Kelly, P. |
O'LIara, John. |
|
Condon, Edward. |
Kelly, Thomas. |
O'Neil, D. Edwin. |
|
Conlon, James, Mrs. |
Kennedy, Arthur J. |
O'Neil, James. |
|
Cosgrove, John. |
Kennedy, Thomas E. |
O'JSfeil, Lawrence, Mrs. |
|
Conville, I'homas. |
Kenney, Bartholomew F. |
Quigley. John. |
|
Coonan, Thomas. |
Kernan, J. A. |
Quigley, Thomas. |
|
Corbett, James. |
Killeen, Edward. |
Quinn, Peter. |
|
Coughlan, Michael. |
King, Hugh. |
Rafferty, Patrick. |
|
Coyle, D. E. |
Laden, John. |
Redmond, Mary T., Mrs. |
|
Cronin, John. |
Lee, John. |
Scott, John. |
|
Dailey, Margaret E., Mrs. |
Leonard. John. |
Scully, John S. |
|
Dolan, John. |
Logue, Patrick. |
Severance, Joseph H., Mrs |
|
Donnelly, M. |
Lynch, James. |
Sheil, Patrick. |
|
Dougherty, Michael F. |
Lynch, John. |
Skelly. Patrick. |
|
Driscoll, James. |
McCarthy, John C. |
Sterritt, William. |
|
Ennis, Louisa J., Mrs. |
McC.arvill, John. |
Walker, William H. |
|
Farrell, William. |
McConnell, John J. |
Walsh, George. |
|
Fay, James. |
Finnell, Thomas C. |
Walsh, Thomas F. |
^T"
rilUUCH OF ST. JOSEPH.
451
REV. THOMAS FAKKKLL,
rVSTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JoSEFH.
r- 1 — .jj Farrtjll, who has for nioie than
I le spiritual guide and father
: withered under the invocation t»t the Patron of the I i Ohui-ch, is a native of Ireland.
He was bom in the County Longford in 1823, and came to this country in childhood. After studying the radiments in local schools, he entered the College of ilouut St. Mary's, at Emmettsbm-g, and was graduated in ^t,.,t ;v:ii;t„rirm. At thf clos<^ of his theological course in
'lie rnllt-ge, he wus ordained
l^i
•^e of New York, he uius app. mother house of
the Sisters of Charity stt M- Vincent, and minis-
tered in the beautiful chapel still standing within the hmits of the Centi-al Park. He was soon after associated with the Rev. Richard Kein as one of the ussi.-itant |)riests at St. Bridget's Church.
',' )h, .■],:■■■ ,.f the year 1852, the Rif-ht Rev. Bishop .; \Ith the ability and zeal he had dis-
t
li
i
'A
I
i
r
I 1 , f^ I
CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH. 451
REV. THOMAS FAREELL,
PASTOR OF THE CHUKCU OF ST. JOSEPH.
THE Rev. Thomas Fairell, who has for more than twenty years been the spiritual guide and father t)f the flock gathered under the invocation of the Patron of the Universal Church, is a native of Ireland.
He was born in the County Longford in 1823, and came to this country in childhood. After studying the rudiments in local schools, he entered the College of Mount St. Mary's, at Emmettsburg, and was graduated in that institution. At the close of his theological covu-se in the seminary connected with the college, he was ordained priest some time in the year 1847.
The next year, having joined the Diocese of New York, he was appointed chaplain to the mother house of the Sisters of Charity at Momit St. Vincent, and minis- tered in the beautiful chapel still standing within the limits of the Central Park. He was soon after associated with the Rev. Richard Kein as one of the assistant priests at St. Bridget's Church.
At the close of the year 1852, the Right Rev. Bishop Hughes, satisfied with the ability and zeal he had dis-
452 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
played, apjiointed liim pastor of St, Paul's Church, Har- lem, aud he remained in charge of that church till the year 1864. He was then called to the more important city parish of St. Mary's, which he directed till his appointment as pastor of St. Joseph's, in 1857.
His career in tliis parish has been one in which he has won the esteem of the people confided to his care, as an earnest, pious, solid priest. Among liis fellow priests he is esteemed as one of clear and vigorous mind, a wise comisellor in diificulty.
The Rev. Mr. Fai-rell was one of those who took a deep interest in the late Orestes A. Brownson. When circumstances compelled that illustrious convert to stop the publication of the Review, which had done such ser- vice to the cause of truth from the time of his conver- sion to the faith, the Rev. Mr. Farrell, with the late Rev. Dr. Cummings and others, raised a fund and pm-- chased an annuity for the great Catholic philosopher.
CHURCH OF SAINT JOSEPH (GERMAN).
EAST EIGHTY-SEVENTH STREET, YOKKVILLE.
ALTHOUGH a Catholic chm-ch at Yorkville had afforded Catholics for some years the opportu- nity of taking part in the Holy Sacrifice and approach- ing the sacraments, still, as the number of German Catholics increased, they began to thinlc of forming a congregation by themselves.
The right reverend Fathers of Third Sti'eet freely permitted mass to be said in the asylum for the Cathohcs of their nationality. For some years, the Rev. Theresius S. GezoAvsky attended this little flock withovit being able to obtain such aid as would justify conunencing to build a chiu'ch.
The congregation had, however, grown so rapidly that the most influential German Catholics of Yorkville thought of having a church of their own. They called on Father Bapst, the late provincial of the Jesuit Fathers of New York, and begged of him to give them a priest
■ CHURCH OF yr. JOSEPH. 455
of the Society of Jesus for commencing the work. As otlier religious orders were administering to the German CathoHcs in New York^ it was only becoming that the society to which the pioneer priest — ^the German Jesuit, Father Farmer — belonged, should also labor in the same field. In consequence, the Reverend Father Bapst acceded to their request, and, with the pennission of his Eminence, the Rev. Joseph Durthaller, an experienced priest, was selected for the new parochial duties. He con- tmued to occupy wnth his flock the Asylum chapel while he erected a new church which took the same name, that of the Universal Patron of the Catholic Church. Five lots of groimd on Eighty-seventh Street were pur- chased of Mr. S. Hillebrand, and on this spot the erec- tion of a fine brick church was begun, in 1873, under the supervision of L. O'Connor, Esq., architect. It was completed early in the following year. The new Chm-ch of St. Joseph, forty-six feet in front by ninety- six in depth, was dedicated by the Most Reverend Ai-chbishop McCloskey on the 26th of April, 1874. Af- ter the edifice had, by lioly rite and prayer, been set apart to God's service, a High Mass was offered by the Rev. William Gockeln, S.J., President of St. John's College, Fordham, and a sermon was preached on the happy occasion by the Rev. Joseph Wirth, C.SS.R., of the Chm-ch of the Most Holy Redeemer.
Annexed to the church is an office and a parochial
456 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
residence, erected at the same time as St. Joseph's, the whole costing about forty-eiglit thousand dollars.
The church contains a hundred and foiu- 2:)ews, and will accommodate about a thousand persons. It has been well attended, not only by Germans but by other Catho- lics in the vicinity, and promises, in a few years, under zealous care, to become a fervent and tlu'iving parish, as the number steadily increases.
In 1877, there were in this church one hmidred and eighty-nine baptisms and sixteen marriages.
The reverend pastor is assisted by two other Fathers of his order, the Rev. John Hackspiel, S.J., and the Rev. G. Frederici, S.J. To encourage piety in their flock, they have established a benevolent society for men, an Altar Society, and three sodalities — one for married women, one for young men, and one for yovmg women.
Fathers of the Society of Jesus cannot be indifferent to the cause of Catholic education. A school was at once organized in the parish, and, till a suitable building can be erected, the pupils, now numbering one hundi-ed and sixty, tlu-ough the kindness of the Redemptorist Fathers, attend the school at the Orphan Asylum under their charge, in Eighty-ninth Street. The new school- house is to be erected in 1879.
Besides the duties connected with the parish, the Fathers at St. Joseph's attend the House of the Good Shepherd, Ninetieth Street and East River. This noble
CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH. 457
institution was established in 1857, at 191 East Four- teenth Street, by the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd, and was subsequently removed to its present location. Its object is the reformation of pen- itent women, who desire to leave a life of sin. For those who, entering themselves, wish, with God's grace, to remain away from the world and its temptations, there is connected with the Convent of the Sisters a Magdalen House of Reformed Penitents, under the rule of the Third Order of St. Teresa. This extensive establishment contains, in the Convent of the Good Shepherd, thirty- four professed choir sisters, and sixty-two others belong- ing to the community ; seventy-one of the Order of St. Teresa, governed by the Sisters of the Good Shejjherd, and thi'ee hundred and fifty-eight voluntary penitents and detentioners.
|
458 |
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOKK. |
||
|
,R.OLL |
OF |
Honor. |
|
|
CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH (EAST EIGHTV-SEVENTH STREET). |
|||
|
Ahans, H. |
Hesse, Joseph. |
||
|
Amend, Barbara. |
Hertel, Francis. |
||
|
Amend, Eliza. |
Hillenbrand, F. |
||
|
Baab, George. |
Kert, E. |
||
|
Baab, Henry. |
Lanz, Frederick L. |
||
|
Baab, Peter. |
Leininger, Adam. |
||
|
Berman, Jacob. |
Ludwig, A. |
||
|
Bolender, Charles. |
Meixel, Ignatius. |
||
|
Clemens, C. |
Realan<ler, Anton. |
||
|
Deckelman, \Villiam |
Rebman, Josephine, Mrs. |
||
|
Ebel, Sebastian. |
Repp, Charles. |
||
|
Eichorn, Joseph. |
Ruppert, J., Mrs. |
||
|
Ehret, George. |
Schappert, John. |
||
|
Elfring, Bernard. |
Schmidt, Charles. |
||
|
Fmike, Francis. |
Sommcr, Henry. |
||
|
Geiger, F. |
Stein, F. |
||
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Gobel, Gustav. |
Stoiber, Jacol). |
||
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Henning, Mary M., |
Mrs. |
Warrman, Robert. |
|
|
Herbold, Herman. |
Weiss, Fridolin. |
||
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Herold, Julius. |
Wetzel, Stephen. |
||
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Wurtenberge |
', Martin. |
ULXiV^U OF ST .TOPn^rTT
459
REV. JOSEPH DURTHALLER, S.J.,
PASTOR OF THl^ CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH (GERMAN), YORKVILLE.
-^T"*^ f L r of St Josepli's Cliurch is one who lias
I in various pans <>f the State, in the
. Hiid in the great work ot Christian edncation.
He was bom on the : ■■■'
AUkircli, then in the department of Haut Rhhi, France,
in that Alsace which Boiirbons won and Bonapartos lost.
Devoting himself to the sei%ice of God, he entered a
seminary, and was ordained at Strasbourg by Mgi-. Rr"s>,
l5ishori of +hat fi+v, on the ove of Christmas day, in
was spfnt adniinible academy, the ("'JtitiVt de la Toussaint. ♦;st;vbh*«hed at Sti'asbourg by the i>nt as he foil I. s ;vil(>d to a relig-
ious life, he icty of Jesus, October l.'Uh.
1844. He was soon after M-nt to the American Mission, iirris-ing in New York in Mny, 1849. His first year was spent among the Iroquois Indians, at Cmi2-hn;i'- ?ra, I 'iiult St. Louis, above M"n*'
-sively a
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ai
iwm.
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CHURCH or ST. JOSEPH. 459
REV. JOSEPH DURTHALLER, S.J.,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH (GERMAN), YORKVILLE.
THE pastor of St. Joseph's Cluircli is one wlio lias ]al:)ored, in various parts of the State, in the ministry, and in the great work of Clii'istian education.
He was born on the 28th of November, 181 D, at Altkirch, then in the department of Haut Rhin, France, in that Alsace which Bourbons won and Bonapartes lost. Devoting himself to the service of God, he entered a seminary, and was ordained at Strasbourg by Mgr. Roess, Bishop of that city, on the eve of Christmas day, in the year 1843. His first year of priesthood was spent as one of the teachers in an admirable academy, the Institut de la Toussaint, established at Strasbourg by the Abbe Bautain ; but as he felt himself called to a relig- ioiis life, he entered the Society of Jesus, October 13th, 1844. He was soon after sent to the American Mission, arriving in New York in May, 1849. His first year was spent among the Iroquois Indians, at Caughnawa- ga, near the Sault St. Louis, above Montreal. He was then successively at St. Mary's College, IMontreal, and at Quebec.
4G0 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
In New York he was attached to the College of St. Francis Xavier, and held the responsible position of president of that institution from 1860 to 1863. Dimng his continuance in office, finding the old college insuffi- cient for the wants of the students, he projected a new and finer structure, and erected the large eastern portion of the new college. Having been afterwards sent to Buffalo, to take charge of a German congregation, he erected St Michael's, one of the most splendid churches in that city.
His labors at St. Joseph's appear in om* sketch of that church, and need not be repeated.
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CHURCH OF SAINT JOSEPH (GERMAN).
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH STREET AND NINTH AVENUE, MANHATTAJJTVILLE.
A
BOUT the year 1859, the need of another church was felt at Manhattan\'ille, and a priest was as- signed to minister to the German CathoHcs in thnt disti'ict.
The Ladies of the Sacred Heart kindly granted the use of a little chajDel on their extensive and beautiful grounds, and in this for a time the new congregation, placing itself under the patronage of the glorious patri- arch St. Joseph, enjoyed all the ministrations of their religion.
When the little society felt able to undertake the work of erecting a chiu'ch, foiu' lots of ground were pm'chased, in 1860, and the present church erected. It was dedicated on the 5th day of September, 18G0, by the Very Rev. WilUam Starrs, Vicar General of the diocese.
St Joseph's is a handsome brick chiu'ch with a stone basement ; it is forty-five feet in width by one hundred in depth, and is elegantly frescoed by Giovan- elli. The organ is a fine one, made by Engelfried, at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars.
CIIUECH OF ST. JOSEPH. 4G3
With its o-allcries the church will seat six Imudi-ed, and cost originally about htteen thousand dollars.
The first pastor assigned to this chiu-ch, October 21st, 18G0, was the Rev. F. Karel, who continued to officiate here till June 20tli, 1864, when he resigned; and, after some pastoral duty in the Chui-ch of the Im- maculate Conception, Melrose, is now chaplain of the Franciscan Sisters at Peekskill.
The next pastor was the Rev. Dr. Gerber of the Order of St. Francis, who was recalled by his superiors in the following year. The Most Reverend Archbishop then appointed the Rev. Anthony Kesseler, who is still pastor of St. Joseph's.
Tlie pastor finding the chiu-ch in diflicult}' went to ^vork energetically, and, by the strictest economy in all details, restored the credit of the church and paid off a con- siderable amount of the debt, meeting demands in full.
Coeval with the building of the church, a school was organized and lay teachers were engaged to conduct it, but in 1869, the Ladies of the Sacred Heart kindl}- undertook to teach the girls, as they do to this day. The boys remain under la}' teachers. The pupils number in all about two hundred children.
Sunday-schools were established, both for Gei-man and English children.
In 1871, the Rev. Mr. Kesseler enlarged the church, at a cost of six thousand dollars and procm-ed new bells
464
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
for the steeple; and tliree years after he erected the handsome and commodious pastoral residence near the church.
The Rev. Mr. Kesseler is assisted by the Rev. Ig- natius Delveaux. There are masses daily in the church' and on Sundays and holidays two masses at seven and eight; a high mass with English sermon at nine o'clock; and another with sermon in German at half past ten.
Roll of Honor.
CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH, (WEST ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH STREET).
Baldwin, Mrs. Banks, Mary. Becker, John. Becker, Philip. Borst, Charles, Mrs. Brendel, John. Bried, Gertrude. Daly, Daniel. Daly, Matthew. Daly, Timothy. Daly, Timothy, jr. D'Esterhazy, Paul O. Doran, Thomas. Doyle, James. Dunican, Patrick. Erving, Edward, Mrs. Faulhaber, Philip. Ferdinand, John. Fink, Adam. Fischbach, Charles.
Geoghegan, Stephen J. Grinnon, Daniel, Mrs. Halpin, Z. J. Herring, William, Mrs. Hines, Edward. Hopper, Isaac. Klemm, Elizabeth. Klemm, Kate. Klemm, Magdalena. Kennedy, Michael. Kniffen, William. Lerche, Alprecht. Loughran, Charles. MaidhofT, Conrad. Mansfield, Maria L., Mrs. Martin, John. Mar.\, A., Mrs. Marz, Frederick. Meyer, Adam. Murphy, John.
Murray, Mary, Mrs. Noonan, Michael. Ohmeis, Peter M. O'Neill, Charles. Orthaus, Joseph. O'Shea, Patrick. Reid, John. Schneider, Theodore. Stewart, Alexander T. Sullivan, Charles. Sullivan, James. Sullivan, John. Sweeny, Ellen. Theis, John. Tone, Thomas. Wagner, Frank. VVillard, Mrs. Windolph, Frances. Zchweitzer, William. Zweifel, Joseph.
^^^^Xi^^5i^^.-<^i<^^2-^^r^
11.
4G.)
REV. ANTHONY KESSELER,
PASTOE OF THK CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH. MAUHATTANVILLE.
t»^
I,
^^^HE pastoi <>! is a native of
-the Rheni.'^' He was
i>"»n. in th« year 184U.
to the Uu3te<l boyhood, in tJie year 1851, and . institute directed by a talented Ojinivt, Dr. this he proceeded to St. Peter's College, in Maryland, directed by the Redemptorist Fathm -
As he had made choice of the ecclesiastical state, he i St Mar}'» " -nore, the oldest rheo-
1 by the Society of J^t, Su iiy course, however,
in the Seminary of our L»idv of thn Angels, at Niagara Falls, and was ordained T)riest in old 8t Patrick's Cathe- di-al. New York, on the 22d of April. 1 «•;,'». by the l^Tost Reverend Archbishop, at preseir uence
(.anlinal McCloskey.
Ht wa? at once assigned to duty « -r
■las' Church, where li' i il
4 his first ministry in t'
i
'A!
i
fclTI — l«T- -filil • I
I
I
♦
CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH. 465
REV. ANTHONY KESSELER,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH, MANHATTANVILLE.
THE pastor of St. Joseph's Chm-ch is a native of the Rhenish Province, in Germany. He was born in the year 1840.
He came to the United States while still in his boyhood, in the year 1851, and entered a collegiate institute directed by a talented convert, Dr. White. From this he proceeded to St. Peter's College, in Cumberland, Maryland, dhected by the Redemptorist Fathers.
As he had made choice of the ecclesiastical state, he entered St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, the oldest theo- logical school in the country, directed by the Society of St. Sulpice. He completed his divinity course, however, in the Seminary of om- Lady of the Angels, at Niagara Falls, and Avas ordained priest in old St. Patrick's Cathe- dral, New York, on the 22d of April, 1865, by the Most Reverend Archbishop, at present his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey.
He was at once assigned to duty as assistant pastor
of St. Nicholas' Church, where he remained several
months, exercising his first ministry in that parish. 30
466 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
He was soon called to another position ; tlie Most Reverend Archbisliop selected liim to undertake the diffi- cult task of extricating St. Joseph's Chitrch from its embarrassments.
He was accordingly appointed pastor on the 5th of September, 1865. He has been singularly successful in relieving the chiu'ch from its troubles, restoring general confidence, rediicing the debt, eidai'ging the sacred edifice itself, and enhancing the usefulness of the schools.
CHURCH OF SAINT JOSEPH, fOi:i!MAN).
WASHINGTON' AVKNUK XICAU ONJ; IIUNDUKD AND aKVUNTY-SIXTII STRBKT.
CHURCH OF SAINT JOSEPH.
WASHINGTON AVENUE, NEAR ONE IIUNDKED AND SEVENTY-SIXTH STEEET, TREMONT.
TREMONT, formerly in Westchester County, but in the portion recently added to the Cit}' of New York, has a church dedicated to the great St. Joseph. It is another proof of the widespread devotion among the Catholics of the city to that saint, one of whose ardent clients, the great St. Teresa, declared that she never sought any favor thi-ough his intercession in vain.
The chiurch in Tremont is due to the zeal and ac- tivity of a priest known by other labors in the city — the Rev. Joseph Stumpe. Finding that the locality was without a church, that the faithful ought, if their piety was not of the most tepid kind, to be able to erect a suitable chm-ch, he gave himself to the vmdertaking.
The confidence in the Catholic body there was not misplaced. The proposal to erect a chiurch was re- sponded to; a site was sought and soon found, at ^vhat was deemed a reasonable price, and plans obtained for a church of solid and enduring character.
The corner-stone was laid in the month of October,
CHURCH OP ST. JOSEPH. 469
1873, and the church work was puslied vigorously dur- ing the winter, so that the new edifice was dedicated on the Sunday after the ensuing feast of the Holy Patri- arch, March 22, 1874. The Very Rev. William Quinn, V.G., officiated on the consoling occasion, assisted by the pastor, Rev. Joseph Stumpe, and a number of clergy- men assembled to join in the joy of the congregation. A Solemn High Mass was then offered by the Rev. R. Kleineidam, C.SS.R., assisted by Fathers Jungbauer and Daiermayer, as deacon and subdeacon. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Joseph M. Sorg, pastor of the Church of St. Louis in Bufialo ; and after the post-com- munion the Very Reverend Vicar Greneral congratulated the German Catholics of Tremont on then- fidelity to the faith amid the persecutions and false ideas of the nine- teenth centmy, and on the zeal of which their church was so noble a monument.
The Chm-ch of St. Joseph is a fine structm-e, in the modern Gothic style, forty feet in width by a hundred and twenty-five in depth, with windows of stained glass, the decorations and the general apjjointments of the in- terior being carried out in the utmost elegance and taste.
This Chm-ch of St. Joseph cost about fifty thousand dollars. The interior is handsomely finished, in a neat and effective manner. There is a high altar, with two side altars and a spacious sanctuaiy.
470 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The basement of tlie chm-cli, which, being on a level with the street, is high and airy, is at present used as a school.
The reverend founder of the church was succeeded, in 1874, by the Rev. J. Sorg, who was appointed by the Most Reverend Archbishop as resident pastor. In the early pai-t of the year 1877, the present pastor. Rev. Nicholas. Tonner, succeeded to the charge.
Connected with the church are the Society of St. Joseph, a charitable organization, and the Altar Society of the Immaculate Conception.
The Sunday-school is carefully directed, and has about a hundred and fifty pupils.
The congregation is not at present very large, but it is one that must increase, and fill the beautiful chm-ch edifice they possess.
i'Mi^-a-i'^d
■o-'j^-n-e
'-9^mmttfam
CHURCH t'i £' JWSEPH.
471
REV. NICHOLAS J. S. TONNER.
PASTOK OF ST. JOjsi;i.'K'S CiltKCU, TJ.;l.ilOi,X.
^"T"^ UK pastor of the churc^ rremont ia a yiinng
i and capable priest, the second OJie of the fajn-
ii\- oTi^agtd in tho ministry in the Diocese of New York — his cousin bcing^ parish priest at the Church of St. Mary Magdalen.
-The RoV. Kicholas J. S To-v:-..- . >. ^.,:, '...n 1850, at Stewarr' ■+■-''' " Alk^.. o -^v,...,;.. ,......,_, .w.......
His early educatiw,i ,.cw received at the pai'ochial school
• 'V : .i.i,,,,.:v^g town of Sharpsb'p- ■■ •'1 he is thus
■ litiits of our parochieU r,voicm- of educa- ■ ' '•-■ studies he entered the College of -1 sim.iu, i> i-.-uii.>i: i.uid County, under the direction of tlir' leamed Qrdr: •~' Benedict; and, being called
to the ecclesiastical 'hrough his philosophy
juid divinity studie- ii,.'ulof^' ' -liool of that
abbey, where he wa!~ y laiuuited," in .juuv, i876.
He came to New York f ^'- '' ■ '"^' ;is the
vhom Archbishop M((,io.> ' '
a ' 'had bf" ' - -!-■-!(-■ ii<>\.
1. ived rumor urueia vil u.i.i hands in St
I Itt^l
CUURCH OF ST. JOSEPH. 471
REV. NICnOLAS J. S. TONNER,
PASTOR OF ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, TREMONT.
THE pastor of the chm-cli at Tremont is a young and capable priest, the second one of the fam- i^y engaged in the ministry in the Diocese of New York — his cousin being parish priest at the Chm-ch of St. Mary Magdalen.
The Rev. Nicholas J. S. Tonner was born April 4, 1850, at Stewardstown, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. His early education was received at the parochial school in the neighboring town of Sharpsburg, and he is thus a proof of the fruits of our parochial system of educa- tion. To complete his studies he entered the Colle"-e of St. Vincent, Westmoreland County, under the direction of the learned Order of St. Benedict; and, being called to the ecclesiastical state, went tlu-ough his philosophy and divinity studies in the theological school of that abbey, where he was graduated, in June, 1876.
He came to New York for ordination, and was the first on whom Archbishop McCloskey conferred any holy orders after he had been created a Cardinal. The Rev. Ml-. Tonner received minor orders at liis hands in St.
472 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Patrick's Cathedral, August 20, 1876 ; and was ordained priest by Bishojj Loiighlin in his cathedi'al, Brooklyn, on the 24th of the same month.
He made his fii'st exercise of the ministry in the parish of St. Mary Magdalen, where he was a curate, till his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey, in February, 1877, confided to him the jiastoral care of the flock gathered at Tremont, under the fostering protection of St. Joseph.
o
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CD -^
o c t-'
CHURCH OF SAINT LAWRENCE OTOOLE.
EIGHTY-FOURTH STREET, NEAR FOURTH AVENUE, YORKVILLE.
IN the year 1851, when Mount St. Vincent and the Convent of the Sacred Heart stood grandly out in the northern part of the island like two bulwarks of Catholicity, the number of the faithful began to increase so that new churches were demanded — new centers to which the people might more readily tm-n — monuments, as it were, ever before their eyes, to remind them of what they were by baptism, and what they should be in deed and in practice.
The Most Reverend Archbishop Hughes assigned to the Rev. E. J. O'Reilly all the disti-ict on the eastern jjart of the city, between St. Paul's, at Harlem, and the Chm-ch of St. John the Evangelist. The new pastor entered his parish with courage and hope, and, taking liis stand about the center, looked around for a spot where the cross of Catholicity might glitter amid the clouds on the spire of a consecrated temple. He found a site adapted to his purpose on Eighty-fom-th Street, between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. It was soon purchased, and the little
CHURCH OF ST. LAWRENCE O'TOOLE. 475
congregation which he had provisionally gathered in a temporary chapel prepared to lay the corner-stone.
On the 20th of October, 1851, the gronnd was cleared, the foundation of a new church laid, a cross planted where the altar was to stand, and all was in readiness for the ceremony. The Most Reverend Arch- bishop came in person to give dignity to the service. Catholics full of pious pride, others led by ctu^osity, came in a vast crowd to witness the sacred rite of the Catholic Church. After the usual ceremony and bless- ing of the stone, the Archbishop spoke of the solemnity of the prayers, music, and ceremonies of the Catholic Chiu-ch. But, sublime as these were, he reminded his hearers that it was for another and higher pm-pose that churches are built. They are built on accomit of the altar that consecrates and gives them sanctity. They are built for that which is the essence and center of all divine worship — the offering of sacrifice.
The Rev. Mr. O'Reilly continued in the parish until the following year, struggling to erect the chiu-ch which was to be named in honor of the great St. Lawi-ence O'Toole. He was succeeded in his laborious undertaking by the Rev. Walter J. Quarter, a native of KiUurine, Kings County, Ireland, a priest of experience, who had been Vicar General and Administrator of the Diocese of Chicago. Under Ms care the new brick church was rap- idly completed, and in the eariy summer of 1854 it was
476 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
ready for the solemn rite which was to hallow the altar for the offering of the sacrifice. The solemn ceremony of dedication took place on the 11th of June in that year. The church was crowded with worshipers. It was esti- mated that there were eight hundi-ed in the pews and tliree hundred in the galleiies, showing that the new chapel would not lack a congregation.
The ceremony of dedication was performed by the Very Rev. William Starrs, then Vicar General of the diocese. The holy prayer was said, and, with smoke of incense and aspersion of holy water, the chm*ch was blessed under the invocation of St. Lawrence O'Toole, the latest of the servants of God who have adorned the Irish chm'ch, in whose case the process of canonization was completed before England had made the faith of the saints the object of its persecution. Tliis great saint, the son of a i^rince, was born near Dublin, and was in boy- hood a hostage in the hands of Dermot McMurrogh, by whom he was cruelly treated. When restored to his father, he showed a longing to renounce the world, and entered the Abbey of Glendalough, of which he became abbot at the age of twenty-five, so impressed were the monks with his virtues and ability. Five years afterwards he was chosen Bishop of Dublin. Here his sanctity was conspicuous. He beheld liis episcopal . city ravaged by Strongbow, and the English attempt to overtlu-ow tlie national existence of his country. He himself was nearly
CnUKCH OF ST. LAWRENCE O'TOOLE. 477
killed in England. He attended the Third Council of the Lateran and was made Legate of the Pope in Ireland, Having gone to Normandy to prevent Henry II. from making war upon Roderie, the last of the Irish kings, he died at the monastery of Eu, November 14th, 1180.
A miracle was wi-ought by a relic of this saint, on the coast of Maine, in 1613, so that devotion to him ma}- be said to have preceded all om- churches.
When the chm-ch bearing his name was at last dedicated, the Very Rev. Mr. Starrs offered up a Sol- emn High Mass, with the Rev. Isidore Daubresse, S.J., as deacon, and the Rev. Mr. Brady as subdeacon. Be- sides these there were present the Rev. Walter Qiiarter, the pastor, the Rev. James McMahon, of the Church of St. John the Evangelist, and several seminarians.
After the gospel, the Most Reverend Ai-chbishop Hughes preached, taking as his text Apoc. xxi. 1-3 : "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth was gone and the sea is now no more. And I John saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, from God, pre- pared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice from the throne saying : Behold the tab- ernacle of God with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people ; and God himself Tvath them shall be their God."
The reverend pastor almost immediately instituted
478 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
parocliial and Sunday schools, placing the gu-ls under the care of the Sisters of Charity.
He remained in charge of the parish till his death, in the month of December, 18G3. The Rev. Samuel MuUedy, who had for a short time been assistant, became pastor. He was assisted by the Rev. J. Coyle and the Rev. J. Hassou ; but in 1866, the Most Reverend Arch- bishop McCloskey requested the Fathers of the Society of Jesus to assume the care of the parish. The Rev. Fathers Marechal, John j\IcQuaid, Hector Glackmeyer, William Moylan, William Gockeln, Joseph Shea, Florentin Achard, and the present incumbent, the Rev. Jolui A. Treanor, have since that time been pastors, assisted by several Fathers of then* Society.
The schools have increased. Besides the parish schools, taught by the Sisters of Charity and lay teachers, with tlu-ee hundi'ed and nineteen boys and four hundi-ed and thirty-nine girls, there is a tine select school, St. Law- rence's Academy, conducted by the same Sisters, aftbrd- ing a higher and ' more cultivated com'se. This institu- tion has eighty-seven pupils. There is also a classical academy for boys, under a lay teacher.
CHUKCU OF ST. LAWRENCE OTOOLE. 479
EEV. FATHER JOHN A. TREANOR, S.J.,
PASTOK OF THE C'HUKCH OF ST. LAWKENCK O'TOOLE.
THE career of a secular priest, and of" one who, as a member of a religious order, belongs to the regular clergy, differ. The former is a2:)pointed to a parish, and where the canon law is established, it becomes his field of labor for life. He regards it as a sphere in which his talents, his ability, his zeal, are to be devoted for the good of his flock ; and a separation as possible only by his own will, or by a failure to meet the requirements of the high responsibihties imposed upon him.
It is not so with a regular priest — that is, a priest bound by a rule. Each order has its own special object, to which its members are devoted, and parochial duty comes onl)' incidentally. As priests, they have every requisite, and are often indeed called upon by the Right Reverend Bishops to assume the position of pastors of churches, for which severe study, great experience in the direction of souls, and austerity of life fit them ; but it is not usual for a regular priest to remain attached to a parish for a long series of years, and see a generation grow up under his care.
The Chm-ch of St Lawi-ence is now under the
480 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Ijastoral care of the Rev. Father John A. Treanor of the Society of Jesus. This clergyman was born in New York, on the 5th of December, 1838, and was the first student who entered the College of St. Francis Xavier, in Fif- teenth Street, and the fii*st boy who served mass in the church. After his studies here he renounced the world and its allm-ements to enter the Society of Jesus, on the 31st day of August, 1855.
After liis novitiate he was employed in teaclaing at St. John's College, and then pm-sued the jjhilosophical and theological course as a preparation for the holy order of priesthood. He was ordained on the 29th of June in the year 1872, and was in that and the following year at Frederick, Maryland.
In 1873, lie was appointed by the Superior of the Mission in New York and Canada, under whose authority he is, to the responsible position of vice-president of St. John's College, Fordham, and then transferred to the same position in the College of St. Francis Xavier, Fif- teenth Street, New York, where he remained for two years.
Thence he was sent as vice-president to St. John's College, Fordham, and at the end of the year was ap- pointed pastor of the Chm-ch of St. Lawrence.
Like many of the Fathers in the establishments of his order, his duty has not been merely parochial. He has frequently given retreats in various rehgious commu- nities to the members, and to those under their charge;
CIIUKCH OF ST. LAWRENCE O'TOOLE.
481
and lie has given missions in cliiu'ches in various parts, impressing all with his earnestness, his zeal, and his desire to win souls to virtue, and to warn them against the snares and devices that are laid for the ruiu of the innocent.
Roll of Honor
]!anett, Michael, liarth, Adelaide. Higley, Peter. I!iady, Jolin. Bienan, Daniel. Brown, James F. Bryan, Mary, Mrs. Bullman, John. Buscall, Charles F. Byrne, Denis J. Carr, John. Casey, James. Connery, Thomas B. Connors, William. Corbett, Peter. Corson, Thomas. Creeden, John. Curry, Edmond J. Crowley, James. Cruise, William. Dennis, James L. Donohue, Patrick. Donohue, Thomas. Donovan, John J. Doran, John. Douglas, John A., Mrs. Dowling, John C. Duffy, Ann E. Duffy, James. Dwyer, Mary Ann, Mrs. Erhet, George, Mrs. Falvey, John. Falvey, Thomas. Fanning, Patrick. Farley, John. Farrell, John. Farrish, James A. Finn, Patrick. Filzpatrick, Jeremiah. Foley, M. W. Ford, Dennis. Gallagher, James W. Gallagher, Thomas.
31
Gannon, James. Gaynor, John. Gearty, Thomas. Geritzen, Herman. Godfrey, John. Gonoude, James. Gorman, John. Graham, Michael. Greaney, William. Griffin, Dennis W. Hughes, Thomas. Johnson, William E. Jones, Charles. Keleher, Patrick. Kiernan, Terence. Larney, Catharine, Mrs. Long, I'atrick. Loonam, Charles. Lynch, James. Lynch, Mary Teresa. Lynch, Patrick. McCabe, Thomas. McCarrin, Maria F. McCarthy, John D. McCarthy, William H. McConnellogue, Hugli K. McCormick, P. McDonald, P.atrick. McDonald, William E. McDonnell, J. McGinness, Peter. McGinnis, Hugh. McGrath, Michael. McGuire, Thomas. McLaughHn, John. McManus, William. McManus, William F. McManus, William J. McPhillips, William. Mc^uade, Anna. McQuade, John J. Martin, Michael. Meaney, Patrick H. Morris, James.
Mullan, John. Mulligan, Nicholas. Murphy, Owen. Murjihy, Patrick. Nast, Albert A., Mrs. Newman, William H. O'Connor, Edward J. O'Donnell, Bernard. O'Neill, John. O'SuUivan, Jeremiah M. Pertcl, Edward. Pettit, Bernard. Phel.an, John. Power, William F., Mrs. Reed, Charles C. Regan, Timothy. Reilly, Arthur. Reilly, P. W. Reynolds, Patrick. Riley, L. Ritter, Anton. Roach, Richard. Roby, Catharine E., Mrs. Russell, William. Ryan, Michael. Ryan, Thomas. Scallon, James J. Sheehan, Michael. Sheehy, Patrick. Shields, Daniel. Slattery, Patrick. Spillane, Maurice. Sullivan, John. Sullivan, William W. Tully, John T. Twomey, John F. Wall, Patrick J. Wallace, David. Walsh, Augustine. Warren, Peter. Wilson, .Susan, Mrs. Woods, Bernard. Wynne, John.
0 H U K 0 H OF SAINT MARY.
GRAND STREET.
CHURCH OF SAINT MARY.
G K A N D STREET.
FROM the first gathering of the faithful, after the Revolution had given Catholics nearly equal rights with their fellow-citizens, there had been a steady increase in the body. St. Peter's was long the parish church, not only for the island, but for Brooklyn and New Jersey. Then came St. Patrick's Cathedral, more centrally situated, and affording advantages to many in what was the new and growing part of New York. The Rutgers and De- lancey farms, east of the Bowery, were built up during the first quarter of the present century, and among those who here secured homes for themselves were many Catho- lics, who at last felt that they were able to erect church and maintain a pastor. They were emboldened to this by the fact that, the two cluu-ches were already filled to overflowing at the masses of obligation.
The venerable Bishop Connolly had recently closed his pious career, and the diocese Avas administered by the Very Rev. John Power. With his permission and approval, a new district and congregation were organized, and some of the leading members looked for a suitable j)lace for their intended church. Strange rumors of a
a
484 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
kind of scliism among the Catholics spread. It was scarcely believed that they needed a new chm'cli. It was a period of great commercial embarrassment and distress, and some of the Protestant churches felt the influence. The Seventh Presbyterian congregation, under the Rev. E. W. Baldwin, found it necessary to sell their church in Sheriff Street. This seemed to the new Catholic con- gregation well adaj)ted to their pm-poses, and it was accordingly pm-chased, in April, 1826, for seven thousand tlu-ee hundred dollars. It was a small frame edifice, forty- five feet in front and sixty in depth, with a brick front, and a neat steeple in which hung a very large bell. It was the first Catholic bell in New York ; for, apparently from the force of habit, chapels in Ireland being at the time prohibited from using bells, and Catholics having become accustomed to do without them, none were at- tached to St. Peter's or St. Patrick's.
The Very Reverend Administrator assigned to the church the Rev. Mr. McGilligan, who said mass in the new building from the fii'st of May, when possession was obtained till its formal opening.
On Sunday, the 14th day of May, 1826, the church was formally opened by the Rev. Hatton Walsh of the Order of St. Augustine, who delivered a sermon on the occasion, which was printed for the benefit of the chmxh, in a pamphlet of twenty pages.
" It is a fact well known to many who now listen
CIIUECn OF ST. MARY. 485
to me," said the sacred orator, " that at no far distant period a single chui'ch was amply sufficient to contain the Catholics of this vast commercial city ; and when it was deemed expedient to erect a sumptuous cathedi-al in honor of the Most High, it was more than the warmest friend of Catholicity could then expect, that its spacious aisles should be filled with the followers of the ancient faith. But so diligently has the vineyard of the Lord been cultivated, and so fruitfuU}- has it flourished, that in order to afford an opportunit)^ to every one of assist- ing at the sacred mysteries of our religion, it has been considered necessary to procure for their accommodation this additional temple, in which I have the happiness to address you on this day. And here, my bretlu-en, it may not be superfluous to observe that the reports wliich were industriously circulated concerning the inde- pendence of this church were ungenerous and unfounded; and, originating as the}' did in contemptible malice or consummate ignorance, must long since have been dis- carded from the breast of every upright Catholic. But lest there should remain the slightest uncertainty in the minds of our dissenting brethren — lest we should seem to depart from that unity which is the distinctive char- acter of the fold of Jesus Chiist — I take this public and solemn opportunity of declaring that nothing has been attempted in this afftiir without the warm sanction and support of the respected Vicai" General of this diocese."
486 CATHOLIC CUURCUES OF NEW YORK.
The name assumed by tlie new cluirch was St. Mary's, but it was not formally blessed. When, however, New York was gladdened towards the close of that year by the arrival of a bishojj, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Du Bois, that prelate j^roceeded, on the great feast of the Annunciation, March 25th, 1827, to dedicate the church to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. It was the first . church in the city dedicated by a bishop of tlie see. The concoiu'se was very large; the ceremony, wliich had not been seen on the island for many years, attracted great attention, and the clergy, in what for the times were imposing numbers, gave dignity to the rite.
The congregation was not very large or wealthy, but they were prospering, and the church with them. The lii'st trustees were Messrs. Garret Byrne, Patrick Sullivan, Andi'ew Fallon, Lackey Reynolds, Charles Coles, Francis ITanratty, Peter Smith, Edward Flanagan, and John Kent.
The Rev. Hatton Walsh, the first priest of St. Mary's, remained the pastor about tln-ee years, assisted by the Rev. Timothy McGuire. He was succeeded by the Rev. Luke Beny, in whose time a school was opened in the basement of St. Mary's, which, in time, gave priests and a bishop to the chmxh.
The first St. Mary's was not, however, long enjoyed by the Catholics. On the 9tli of November, 1831, a
CHURCH OF ST. MARY. 487
burglar entered the sacred edifice, and, either influenced by hatred or incensed at his faihire to find what he expected, he set fire to the buikling-. Before anytliing- coukl be done to check the flames, or the rec(jrds, sacred vessels, and vestments could be saved, St. j\Iary's was a mass of fii'e, and nothing was rescued from the ruins except an iron safe, still in use.
This misfortune, with some previous troubles, broke the heart of the pastor, who died on the 7th of De- cember.
The Rev. Timothy IMcGuire, on whom the chief burden now fell, at once secured a lease of a small wooden building on Grand Street, between Pitt and Willett, which had been erected in 1824 by the Epis- copalians, as the Chm'ch of All Saints. This was in'e- pared for divine service, and was the second St. ]\Iary's, until the new chiu-ch was so far advanced as to afford accommodation to the congregation.
The trustees, after the destruction of the old chm-ch, decided, with the advice of the Right Reverend Bishop Du Bois, not to rebuild on that site, but to dispose of it and purchase a more eligible spot. Tlu'ee lots of ground, with a front of seventy-three feet nine inches on Grand Street, and ranning back a hundred feet on Ridge Street, were bought from Stephen Allen for nine thousand dollars, on the 25th of November, 1831, and on this the new chiu-ch was begun in the following
488 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
January, altliougli the congregation was almost without resources.
A lot adjoining on Ridge Street was acquired by Bisho]) Du Bois for a parochial residence, and by him conveyed to St. Mary's.
The comer-stone was laid on Monday, April 30, 1832, b}' the Right Reverend Dr. Du Bois, with a num- ber of clergymen. The building was jjrosecuted with spirit, and though the city was visited during the sum- mer by that terrible scourge, the cholera, which then for the first time dealt death throughout the city, St. Mary's continued to rise. The ravages of the cholera in St. Mary's parish were terrible, and the devoted pastor was um-emitting in his attendance to enable all to make their peace with God tln-ough the sacraments, dimng the short period the disease left the unhappy victims for pi'ejDara- tion. How severe was the duty of the priest in those days may be imagined, when the writer can state that from one house in that parish he saw five coffins carried out in a single morning-. On the 28th of De- cember, mass was offered for the first time in a tempo- rary chapel in the basement of the new church. The structiu-e which they had hired, with its unexpired lease of about tlu-ee years, was then sold at auction.
. Proposals were then issued for completing the church, and, as the congregation were anxioixs to enjoy to the full the benefit of a suitable j^lace, it was soon completed.
CHURCH OF ST. MARY. 489
The solemn dedication took place June Otli, 1833, tlie Rt. Rev. Bishop Du Bois officiating on the occasion. Alter the ceremony of the dedication, which was performed most im- pressively, and Avas witnessed by a densely crowded clnn'ch, including- many Protestants of distinction, the Right Rev- erend Bishop celebrated a Pontifical High Mass. The music was fine, being Haydn's First Mass, rendered extremely well by the organist and choir. The dedication sermon was preached by the Very Rev. John Power, V.Gr., and is recorded as being one of the "most lucid and instruc- tive of his discourses, replete with every argument which profound reading and theological research could supply.''
At the conclusion of the mass, the Right Reverend Bishop congratulated the congregation on what had been accomplished, and announced that lie had committed the pastoral charge of St. Mary's Clnu'ch to the Rev. William Quarter, a young and energetic priest.
The new pastor went zealously to work, assisted by Rev. ]\Ir. McGruire, who still remained. The parish num- bered already many tluiving and prosperous business men, increasing in wealth as contractors or dealers ; nearly all of solid and unpretentious character, whose liberality was soon evinced in the contributions for charity and religion. The first appeal for the orphans had been made in the old church I))' the Rev. Mr. Walsh, and for years, in the annual collections for the Asylum, St. i\[ary's stood at the head of the list, or very near it.
490 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The sacrament of confirmation was conferred for the first time in the parish, on the Wliitsunday after the dedication, b}' the Right Reverend Bishop Du Bois.
The establishment of scliools was one of the first ob- jects of the attention of ]\Ir. Quarter. The Sisters of Char- ity, at his appeal, began their noble work in the parish in September, 1833, the reverend pastor having introduced them almost against the advice of the trustees, and even of the bishop, who thought that the project could not possibly succeed. But Rev. Mr. Quai-ter relied on his own energy. Tln-ee Sisters came ; they took control of the parochial school in the basement of the church, and in May, 1835, opened St. Mary's Academy, in the house No. 447 Grand Street — an institution since transferred to East Broadway, and for many years the highest Catholic school for young ladies in the city.
The Rev. Mr. Quarter remained pastor of St. Mary's till his appointment as Bishop of Chicago, in 1844, and during his pastorship was assisted by tlie Rev. Mr. O'Beirne ; Rev. J. D. Teixcheira, a Avorthy Portuguese priest, Avho for twenty-five years labored zealously in the parish ; Rev. James Dougherty ; Rev. Walter Quarter, who subsequently founded the Church of St. Lawrence ; the Rev. Mark ]\Iurphy, a fine scholnr, well read in Greek literature and mathematics, who died at Staten Island, a victim of charity during the ravages of the ship fever.
About 1840, galleries were put up on each side of
CHURCH OF ST. MARY. 49 1
the organ, for tlie use of the school children, and a steeple reared above the church in 1842.
During' this period a Rosary Society was canonically instituted, on the 25th of March, 1837, although a few- pious persons among the laity had from an early period foiTaed a sort of association for saying the rosary to- gether, Lawrence Hannan being regarded as the founder of the devotion. A Confraternity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was also instituted on tlie 26th of June, 1840. In regard to these the Rev. Mr. Quarter himself wrote : —
"The pastor of St. Mary's Church, anxious for the spiritual advancement of the congregation committed to his charge, thought it advisable, as soon as convenient, to establish confraternities and pious sodalities of the rosary and the scapular. "When the members of the con- gregation are attached to some religious society or con- fraternity, they are more likely to attend to their relig- ious obligations. They find occupation in prayer on Sundays and festivals and other leism'e hom's, whereas, if they were not attached to such societies, much of their time might be wasted in vice and dissipation, in slander and calumny, especially on those days when their worldly occupations do not claim their attention, and when, for- getting that the greater part of these days should be spent in the service of God, they seem to think they can idle them away or s^^end them in frivolous amuse- ments or in sin. The poor especially experience much
492 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
consolation in attaching themselves to iiiiy pious sodality or confraternity ; while the rich seldom attach themselves to these associations. The least sacrifice of ease or pleas- ure seems too much for them, and hence it is that their souls grow cold in devotion ; the sacraments even, that the Church commands them to approach at least once a year, they neglect, and tliey seem to disregard the penalties due their non-compliance.
" What a contrast the rich, who do not, and the poor who do attach themselves to these sodalities, present in the church on Sunday ! In the morning early the poor are devoutly there preparing to feed their souls on the rich banquet of the Body and Blood of Jesus Chi-ist. The rich have not as yet raised their heads from off their soft pillows. At the last mass the poor are there, fasting up to the hour of midday, and then too happy if they be permitted to approach the table of their Lord. They press through the dense mass of people, and prostrate themselves before the altar, their souls filled with devo- tion and inflamed with divine love. The rich sit in their pews, and look coldly and indifferently on them, and appear like strangers in the house of their Lord and Master — they have no regard for the spiritual favors and heavenly blessings, gifts, and graces which God would bestow on them were they faithful.
"At vespers the poor are again in the house of God. The seats of the rich are empty. The psalm of praise
CHURCH OF ST. MARY. 493
and canticle of joy is being sung. The rich join not in the chonis ; the sacred melody has no charm for their ears ; and they sit, if there at all, gazing idly or per- haps ridiculing those simple, pious souls that are en- gaged in the praise of their God. Not now even are the poor tired of their devotions. Again they assemble in the evening, to close the day Avith prayer, to read pious books, and to recite the rosary. Thus it is that the members of the several religious societies now es- tablished at St. Mary's spend the Sunday."
His influence, and that of these religious associations, in a short time made his words almost inapplicable to his own parish, in which the regularity, the frequentation of the sacraments, and the coirect lives, showed how much had been effected by liis zeal.
While his flock was thus making solid pi-ogress in the paths of Chi'istian piety, St. IMary's became in a manner the cradle of the many Catholic churches in our city.
In April, 1835, the German Catholics, who desired to organize a congregation for themselves, obtained the use of the basement of St. Mary's on Sunday mornings and formed a little congregation which, in a short time, founded the Chiurch of St. Nicholas, in Second Street. Nor was this the only connection of St. Mary's with the German Catholic body. On the second Sunday in the Lent of 1840, the reverend pastor read from his
494 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
pulpit the reasons wMcli had induced John James Maxi- mihan Oertel, a Lutheran minister, who had endured exile rather than renounce what he deemed the piu'ity of his religious belief, to abjm-e the heresy entirely, and seek peace and ti'uth in the bosom of the Catholic Chm-ch. lie had that morning' been received into the Chm-ch, and made his profession of faith at the altar of St. Mary's. He then devoted his talents to the diffusion of truth, and has ever since ably edited a German Catholic paper. St. Mary's Avas highly honored when, in 1844, the Holy See selected its pastor for a position in the hier- archy, although it greatly regretted liis loss. He was succeeded by the Rev. William Starrs, who opened his administration by introducing, in May, 1844, the devo- tion of the Month of Mary. Drawing the ladies of the congregation around him, he established the Ladies' Altar Society, and in 1849 the Ladies' Benevolent Society, which in twelve years distributed nearly fifteen thousand dollars among the poor. He was earnest also in the cause of temperance, Avhere the attempt at moral reform- ation was based on the graces bestowed by God tlnough the sacraments. St. Mary's Temperance Society was founded by him in 1850, and on the 21st of October in the tbllowing year the great apostle of temperance, Father Theobald Matthew, gave the pledge in St. Mary's to a very great number of persons in the congregation. The Rev. Mr. Starrs erected a new residence for the
CUUKCII OF ST. MARY. 495
clergy of the parish; developed the schools, placing the boys under the Brothers of the Christian Schools ; and aiding the Sisters of Charity to establish their new house on East Broadway. Seeing the great good done by the missions, he in^ated the Redemptorist Fathers to his par- ish, and the mission given by them in St. Mary's, in October, 1853, one of the first in the city, was attended by innnense crowds, and produced most salutary effects.
The Rev. Mr. Starrs was soon after transferred to the Cathedral, having been assisted during his stay at St. Mary's by the Rev. James McMahon, now ])astor of St. John the Evangelist. Of the Rev. Mr. Starrs it was said: "He displayed prudence, charity, zeal, and patience. He won the approbation of his superiors, and secured the confidence which they reposed in him. x\ll knew that in the discharge of his official functions he displayed all the virtues, and in an uncommon degree. One thing was the foundation of all the rest — loyalt}- to his ecclesiasti- cal superiors. He never swerved in the least degree from what he owed to his bishop."
He was an able administrator of temporal affairs, and besides laying out large sums in improvements, re- duced the debt, ^vhich the Rev. Mr. Quarter had brought down to sixteen thousand dollars, to four thousand.
The Rev. Thomas Farrell, now of St. Joseph's Church, was pastor of St. Mary's from 1855 to 1857, assisted by Rev. Messrs. McMahon, Carroll, and Egan. His energv
496 CATUOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
was directed to the erection of a suitable scliool-liouse for the purposes of the parish, and he was gratified by the success of his efforts. A substantial edifice in Pitt Street was opened in 1(S55, under the charge of the Clu-istian Brothers and the Sisters of Charity.
The Society of the Living Kosary — the new form which has tended so much to keep alive the old devo- tion to Our Lady — was also established in St. Mary's, by the Rev. Mr. Farrell, October 1, 1854.
The next pastor of the church was the Very Rev. Archdeacon McCarron, who came, in 1857, to pass the remaining years of his life in the sanctuary of the Mother of God.
With the vast increase of the Catholic population in New York City, St. Mary's parish, including from the East River to Pike and Allen Streets on the west, and Stanton Street on the north, had become densely settled with families who tln-onged the aisles of the old chiu'ch on Sundays. The number of masses was increased to five, but the" relief afforded was onl}- temporary.
The schools were similarly overcrowded, and as the Rutgers Female Institute, a fine building on Madison Street, erected some years before under the patronage of the Crosby family, was for sale, the fashionable upper parts of the city offering greater attractions for a young ladies' academy of that character, it was pm'chased for twenty-five thousand dollars, and opened in September,
CnURCH OF ST. MARY. 407
1860, as " St. Mary's Female Institute." It was admira- bly adapted for the parochial school for girls, having been erected for educational pm-poses, carefully planned and well aiTanged, with every endeavor to give abun- dance of light and ventilation. When the school for girls Avas established here, the Pitt Street school was occupied entirely by that for the boys of the parish.
The very reverend pastor was assisted by the Rev. Peter McCan-on, Rev. James Boyce, Rev. P. Farrell, Rev. M. McKenna, and Rev. John Donnelly.
Owing to the infirm health of the pastor, much de- volved on the active and zealous Rev. Mr. Boyce, who extended the pastoral residence in 1861, and, becoming convinced that a division of the parish had become an ab- solute necessity, purchased, with the approval of the ]\Iost Reverend Ai-chbishop, a chm-ch on Rutgers Street, a sub- stantial edifice erected by the Presbyterians, who had worshiped on that site since 1797, but now beheld their congregation dwindled away.
This edifice was placed under the patronage of the holy Carmelite, St. Teresa, and the paiish of St. Mark's was divided.
The old church was remodeled by the Rev. Mr.
FarreU in 1864, the congregation desiring to modernize
their now venerable sanctuary. The front was entirely
changed, and the towers added; the interior handsomely
painted in fresco ; a new and beautiful organ erected ; 32
498 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
and on Clii-istmas niorniug', 18G4, a new fine bell, weigh- ing fifteen liundi-ed pounds, summoned tlie Catholics to the restored shrine of Our Lady.
As it Avas e\adent that the ground occupied b}' the paroclual residence would sooai be required by the chm'ch, a new residence for the clergy was purchased on At- torney Street, through the exertions of the Rev. Mr. McKenna.
The venerable Archdeacon McCarron died February 23d, 18G7, piously closing a long life devoted to the service of the altar. His obsequies draped the church in mourning, and a hundi'ed and fifty priests gathered to honor his memory. The Very Rev. William Starrs came to his old church to sing the requiem, and the Most Reverend Archbishop preached the funeral oi'ation.
The Rev. McKenna had ah'eady planned a further division of the old parish, and, Avitli the approval of the Most Reverend Archbishop, was engaged in erecting a chiu'ch in honor of the patron of America, St. Rose of Lima. St. Mary's was thus deprived of a large part of the district in which she had so long ministered to the peo- ple of God the bread of life, her spiritual childi'en, St. Teresa and St. Rose, virgin followers of the Queen of Virgins, coming to share her labors, her trials, and her consolations.
In Ma), 1867, the Most Reverend Archbishop Mc- Closkey appointed as ^oastor of St, Mary's the present in-
CHURCH OF ST. MARY. 499
cimibeiit, the liov. Edward J. O'Reilly. As we have seen, he came to the church to find its parish much di- minished. It is now bounded by the East River, Clinton, Grand, Norfolk, Stanton, Sheriff, Grand, and Jackson Streets.
The new pastor set to work to reorganize and sys- tematize the affairs of St. Mary's, and to make the cluu-ch all that the parish could for many years require. A new charter was obtained, by reorganizing under the law of 1863, and the ancient corporation conveyed to the new body the property of the parish. The corporators are the Most Reverend Archbishop, the reverend pastor, and two gentlemen of the congregation.
The enlargement of the church was then decided upon. The property long owned on Grand Street was sold and another lot pm-chased on Ridge Street, this with that occupied by the pastoral residence enabling them to make the church a hundi-ed and fifty feet in depth. The work was commenced in July, 1870, and completed early in the following year.
On the 26th of February, 1871, St. Mary's Church, as restored and enlarged, was dedicated anew to the service of God by his Grace the Most Reverend Arch- bishop McCloskey. In the High Mass wliich followed the consoling ceremony, and in which the finest ecclesias- tical nuisic and the most chaste and appropriate adorn- ment combined to heighten the solenmity of the ritual,
600 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
a sermon full of eloquence incentive to devotion was delivered by the Very Rev. Thomas S. Preston, V.Gr. In the evening at the vesper service, which closed the day of benediction, the Right Reverend John Lough- lin, D.D., Bishop of Brooklyn, preached.
A new residence for the clergy was soon after com- pleted, and St. Mary's was fully adapted in every i-e- spect for a new career of usefulness, just as she closed the fii-st half centmy of her existence. The cost of the recent improvements had been ninety-three thousand dol- lars ; but the church with the vestry now covers five lots of land, the schools and parochial residence are amply adapted to the wants of the parish, and the debt is comparatively small.
It is to be hoped that the faithful will liberally sustain this venerable sanctuary, which has not only given rise, as we have seen, to two other parish chm-ches, but has within its limits the German Church of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Polish Church of St. Stanislaus.
On Sunday, May 14th, 1876, St. Mary's celebrated its semi-centennial anniversary, on wliich occasion the sermon preached fifty years before by the Rev. Hatton Welsh was reprinted, with historical and traditionary notes from the pen of Wm. Dougherty, Esq., which have made the task of the annalist an easy one. He was one of the oldest members, and had witnessed as a boy the opening of the first church.
CHURCH OF ST. MARY. 501
To those wlio formed the congregation of 1876, as well as to many who, removing to other parts of the city, harl been unable to continue as constant worship- ers before the first New York altar of Our Lady, the day was one of especial joy. The celebration was one of a character of which there had been fcAv instances in the city. The church was iinely decorated, the altar resplendent with ricli laces, drapery, floral offer- ings, and lights. A Solemn High Mass was offered, with the Rev. H. P. Baxter as celebrant, and the Rev. Messrs. Rigney and Gleason as deacon and subdeacon. The rev- erend pastor preached, dwelling of com-se on the history of the chiu-ch in which he stood, but enlarging on the perpetuity and unerring character of the Catholic Church, the depositary of God's truth among men, beyond ^^•hose circle of light all is darkness, lit u]) only by the evanes- cent and phantom-like gleams of opinion — lights that do not lead to safety, but liu-e men to doom.
The vesper ser\'ice was as densely attended, and a sermon from the eloquent Very Rev. Thomas S. Preston closed the ceremonies of tliis consoling day.
Besides the religious associations already mentioned, was one not inactive on this day. It was the St. Mary's Library Association, founded, in November, 1872, by the Rev. ]\Ir. McEvoy. It is an incorjoorated body, in a flourishing con- dition, occujiying an elegant house, No. 235 East Broad- way, and has already shown its ability for gi'eat good.
502 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The schools are in a high state of efficiency and prosperity. Tlie Clmstian Brotliers, in the Pitt Street school, have six hundred boys under their care; and the Sisters of Charity, in Madison Street, direct seven hun- dred and fifty girh. Music and drawing- teachers attend both schools. These institutions are supported mainly by a ten-cent collection taken up by a regailar organization ramifying tlu-ough the whole parish.
The historian of the parish says with honest pride : " The number of religious male and female, who were of St. Mary's childi-en, it would be now impossible to determine. Sisters and clostered nuns, who sought their vocation before St. Mary's altar, may be found through- out the length and breadth of the land. Priests are nu- merous and pastors not few who were among St. Mary's boys, as was also the Rt. Rev. Prelate, Bishop McNeir- ny." . . . " The best authorities among us estimate the number of religious who found their vocation in old St. Mary's as fully three hundred."
The Rev. E. J. O'Reilly has been assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Thomas P. Neade, who died in September, 1873 ; John Drumgoole, since laboring in a special work among homeless boys; Michael B. McEvoy, and II. P. Baxter. The present cm-ates are the Rev. Patrick S. Rigney, the Rev. John Gleason, and the Rev. Michael J. Quinn.
Since its organization there have been fully forty
CHURCH OF ST. MARY.
503
tliousand baptisms in this cliureh. Even with the parish
circiimscribed and reduced, and other churches within
Its hmits where the sacrament is administered, the annual baptisms exceed five hundi-ed.
Roll of Honor
.'\<kmson, Edward. Barrett, John C. Barrett, Patrick. Baleson, James. Battie, Sarah. Beattie, Jonathan. Blake, Charles P. Bliel, Ann, Mrs. Boyle, Mary Ann, Mrs. Brady, Nicholas. Browne, Thomas. Burns, Denis. Burns, John. Butler, Michael. Byrne, Daniel. Callan, Mary. Callanan, James. ■ Cantwell, John. Canty, John. Carberry, Michael. Carr, Margaret, Mrs. Carroll, Mary, Mrs. Carroll. Thomas C. Casey, Dominick. Caulficid, Ann, Mrs. Clare, Patrick. Clarke, Matthew. Cleary, Mary, Mrs. Cluff, Thomas. Coffey, Francis. Collins, Cornelius. Collins, Michael. Condon, James. Conlan, Anne. Connell, Margaret A.
Connell, Mary, Mrs. Conroy, Thomas. Cook, Thomas. Cooley, William, Mrs. Coss, Bridget. Coster, Henry. Coyle, John. Crawley, Henry. Cregan, C, Mrs. Cromien, Lawrence. Crowley, John. Crowley, Patrick. Culhane, John. Cummings, Thomas. Cunnion, Patrick. Curran, James. Cushing, Martin J.
Daly, Peter.
Desmond, Patrick.
Devinney, Michael, Mrs.
Dillon, Timothy.
Donegan, Roger.
Dolan, Robert.
Donohoe, Jeftrey.
Donovan, John.
Donovan, Patrick.
Doorley, Etty.
Doran, E., Mrs.
Doran, Michael.
Douherty, Edmond.
Dougherty, William.
Dowling, Martin.
DriscoU, Catharine, Mrs.
DufTey, Benianl.
DniTey. Peter.
Duffy, James. Dunn, Thomas. Dwyer, Patrick J. Dwycr, Timothy. Ennis, Rosie A. Fagan, Bridget, Mrs. Farrell, Catharine J., Mrs. Farrell, James. Farrell, Thomas. Finley, John. Finton, Thomas.
Fitzgerald, John.
Fitzgerald, Michael.
Fitzhenry, Mary, Mrs.
Fitzpatrick, John.
Fitzpatrick, Patrick.
Flanagan, Bernard.
Fleming, Daniel.
Foley, Mary A., Mrs.
Follis, Dominick.
Fox, Patrick J.
Gafthey, E., Mrs.
Galvin, John.
Galvvay, Nicholas.
Geoghagan, Michael.
Goodwin, Mary, Mrs.
Gonzalez, John.
Haffay, Cornelius.
Haffey, John.
Hanly, Thomas.
Hart, Cornelius.
Hart, John. Hayes, John. Hayes, Richard. Hill, Peter.
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504 CATHOLIC CHURCHF.S OF NEW YORK. |
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Hogan, Thomas. |
McNally, Bernard. |
Purcell, Michael. |
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Horan, John F. |
McReniflF, John. |
Pye, Mary, Mrs. |
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Hoye, Joseph. |
Macklin, James. |
Quinn, Edward F. |
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Hughes, John H. |
Maker, Dennis. |
Regan, Mary. |
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Hyland, James. |
Maher, Thomas F. |
Reilly, Mary. |
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Jordan, John T. |
Mahon, James. |
Reilly, Michael. |
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Kane, Patrick. |
Mahoney, Dennis. |
Roche, Ann, Mrs. |
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Kavanagh, Annie, Mrs. |
Mahony, David J. |
Rooney, Catharine. |
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Kearny, Joseph O. |
Malone, Ann, Mrs. |
Rooney, Mary Frances, |
Miss. |
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Keary, Patrick J. |
Malony, Catharine. |
Scott, Ellen L., Mrs. |
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Kelly, Francis. |
Mancha, Elizabeth, Mrs. |
Seavy, Jane, Mrs. |
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Kennedy, John J. |
Mangin, Michael. |
Shalbey, Edward. |
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Kennedy, Thomas. |
Manning, Michael. |
Shell, N. |
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ICenny, Patrick. |
May, Andrew. |
Sheridan, Edward. |
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Keohane, Dennis. |
Meade, Thomas. |
Sherry, Mary A., Miss. |
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Killevey, Thomas. |
Meehan, James. |
Shorky, John, Mrs. |
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Lane, Daniel. |
Meehan, John M. |
Sinnott, James. |
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Lane, Thomas. |
Melville, Dennis. |
Slattery, David. |
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Lang, Alice, Mrs. |
Mitchell, Maigaret A. |
Slattery, J. |
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Larkin, James B. |
Molony, F. |
Smith, Charles B. |
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Leonard, Bridget. |
Monaghan, Owen. |
Smith, Hugh. |
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Lowney, Martha. |
Moore, James. |
Smith, Mary. |
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Lynch, Joseph A. |
Moore, Margaret, Mrs. |
Soden, David H. |
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Lynch, Patrick. |
Moran, Peter. |
Stack, Edward. |
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Lynch, Peter. |
Morgan, Sarah, Mrs. |
Stackpole, Julia, Mrs. |
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Lyon, Mary, Mrs. |
Mullins, John. |
Stewart, Bridget, Mrs. |
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Lyons, Cornelius. |
MuUins, Michael. |
Stokes, Mary. |
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McArdle, John. |
Mullins, William. |
Sullivan, Cornelius. |
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McArdle, Peter. |
Murphy, Daniel J. |
Sullivan, John. |
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McBarron, James W. |
Murray, CorneUus. |
Sullivan, Lizzie. |
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McCarthy, Charles. |
Murray, James. |
SulUvan, Mary, Mrs. |
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McCarthy, James. |
Nagle, Patrick. |
Sullivan, Michael. |
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McCarthy, Mary, Mrs. |
Nevin, C. |
Swanton, John. |
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McCarthy, Michael. |
Nolan, Anthony. |
Sweeney, Patrick L. |
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McClancy, Stephen. |
Nolan, Ella, Miss. |
Taylor, Bridget. |
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McCormick, Peter A. |
Nolan, John. |
Taylor, Catharine. |
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McDevitt, Edward & Cath. |
O'Brien, Daniel. |
Tiernan, James. |
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McDonnell, James. |
O'Brien, M. |
Travers, James A. |
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McGrath, Roddy. |
O'Brien, Owen. |
Twigg, Timothy. |
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McGuire, J. T. |
O'Conner, James. |
Valentine, George. |
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McGuire, Mary, Mrs. |
O'Conner, William H. |
Wallace, William. |
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McKeever, Ann Teresa. |
O'Connor, Patrick. |
Walsh, Patrick. |
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McKenna, William James. |
O'Connor, Richard. |
Waters, Patrick. |
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McKerby, Bridget, Mrs. |
O'Donnell, Andrew. |
Welch, William J. |
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McKnight, John E. |
O'Neill, D. |
Whalen, Michael. |
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McLaughlin, Patrick. |
Parsons, Frederick J. |
White, Maurice. |
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McMahon, Ilonora, Miss. |
Patten, Matthew. |
White, Michael. |
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McMahon, Michael, Mrs. |
Pratt, Michael. |
Wilford, Francis. |
>'
REV. EDWARD J. O'REILLY,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. MAKY.
'^ 1 "^ l:»})or as a
I locese has received from his Ein-
iiK-iir. uskey H. token- of appreciation in ])i3
.11 as it 'f his council a- Mshop of
NeM" York, is a native of the ?5outh.
lie was boru at Savannah, Georjria, on the first d;iy of September, 1824, while his native State formed part i>f the Diocese of Charleston, then guided by that '^•'..rv of .^iir episcopate. Bishop England. He was gradu- V: ' St. MHry'«. Maryhmd, and. nftor pursuing hi.' . J a:- •I'ps ;ii Sf l.isopli's Sc: , Fordham,
New York, be i , :s ordors. at the hands of
Brshbp Hughes, on iiiv 23d "f Sr>.t,Mi,bfr. 1S4S. in St. Patiick's CathecUal.
On the day of liis ordination he was appointed
^.a'txir of the Chui'ch of Om- Lady of Mercy, Podchester,
whence he attended also the Catholics if tbA .iM if.i.rue-
. .'1. Mit.,.t "VoAv T?r>chelle. Findi;:_ . ..ai-h
poim wfis likfl' - rease, lie
-cue, and in 1 ' "^^d to that
11
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^ / 4^^
REV. EDWARD J. O'REILLY,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY.
THIS clergyman, wliose thirty years' labor as a priest in the diocese has received from his Em- inence Cardinal McCloskey a token of appreciation in his selection as a member of his conncil as Archbishop of New York, is a native of the South.
He was born at Savannah, Georgia, on the first day of September, 1824, while his native State formed part of the Diocese of Charleston, then guided by that glory of our episcopate. Bishop England. He Avas gradu- ated at Mount St. Mary's, Maryland, and, after pm-suing his theological studies at St. Joseph's Seminary, Fordham, New York, he received priest's orders at the hands of Bishop Hughes, on the 23d of September, 1848, in St. Patrick's Catheth-al.
On the day of his ordination he was appointed pastor of the Church of Oiu- Lady of Mercy, Portchester, whence he attended also the Catholics at the old Hugue- not settlement, New Rochelle. Finding that the Chm-ch of St. Matthew at this point was likely to increase, he made it his principal care, and in 1849 removed to that
506 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
place. He remained in charge of the two congregations for some years, highly esteemed by his flock.
In 1853, he was appointed pastor of the Chnrch of St. Patrick, in Newbiirgh, and directed every effort to the good of his people and the interest of religion, the children being his especial care. One of the earliest results of his energy and zeal was a neat and comparatively large school-house, in which were employed competent secular teachers for both boys and girls; but at a later period the girls were confided to the care of the Sisters of Chanty.
"When Rev. Mr. O'Reilly foiled to obtain a share of the public funds, to aid in can-ying on his schools, far from being discouraged, he set to work with renewed ardor to meet his responsibility.
During the fourteen years that he spent in New- burgh, the parish of St. Patrick's prospered so under his fostering care that it came to be regarded as one of the leading parishes outside the City of New York. The chm-ch, schools, societies, and the many great works which cluster round a large parish, are the monuments left by this zealous pastor to recall his memory. De- spite his modest, humble manner — a manner that so often effectually covers sterling worth — his people found the key to those inner qualities that seldom appear on the surface ; while those not of his own flock recognized in him a man of high intellectual stamp. Therefore it is little
CHURCH or ST. MARY. 5Q7
to be wondered at that on going to tlie next scene of his labors lie carried with him the love and gratitude of his flock.
Towards the close of May, 1867, he was appointed by the Most Reverend Archbishop to St. Mary's, which at an earlier period was one of the most popiilovis parishes in the City of New York. Here he continued his career of usefulness, and soon learned that with narrowed re- sources he must meet heav)^ church expenses and carry on the schools.
When the Most Reverend Ai-chbishop McCloskey, in 1868, convened the third diocesan synod of his diocese, the Rev. E. J. O'Reilly acted as secretary of that im- poi'tant convention of the clergy.
In 1873, the Most Reverend Archbishop selected him as a member of his council, one of his advisers and consul ters in the management of important affairs relating to the diocese.
On the 20th of September, 1875, he Avas chosen to deliver, in St. Peter's Chm-ch, a sermon at the mass offered for those who had gloriously laid down their lives in defence of the Holy See.
His labors in his own j^fi^i'ish, and the improvements accomplished by him, are already recorded in the sketch of the clnu'ch, and need not be repeated here.
hH a;
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CHURCH OF SAINT MARY MAGDALEN.
KAST SEVENTEENTH STKEET.
THE church dedicated to the celebrated penitent of the gospel, model, by her contrition and love, of all who renounce the wide and flowery ways of sin to tread the narrow and arduous way of the cross that leads to life, is one of the most recent of the religious edifices erected by the German Catholics of New York City. It is due mainly to the zeal of the present pas- tor, the Rev. Adam F. Tonner, who, while assistant at St. Nicholas' Chm-ch, felt assm-ed that another German chm-ch in that part of the city was peremptorily demanded.
The Most Reverend Archbishop was convinced by the cogency of his arguments, and permitted the attempt. In the district assigned to him, he looked around for a suitable hall in which to gather the Catholics, and for- tunately obtained a large room in Temperance Hall, on the comer of Twenty-third Street and Second Avenue, one of the Father Matthew temperance societies having kindly given the new pastor the use of the hall for two months.
Having thus secured a place where for tlie time he- ing the Holy Sacrifice could be off"ered, he purchased
510 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW Yf)RK.
lots on Nineteentli Street, and commenced the erection of" a church in honor of St. Mary Magdalen. The first mass in the new district was offered up b}' the i)astor, August 10th, 1873.
The cornei'-stone of the new edifice was laid li}- the Rev. Father Joseph Wirth, then rector of the Chiu'ch of the Most Holy Redeemer, in Third Street, and at present pastor of the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori.
The -work was then pushed on i-apidly, so that the cluu'ch was completed before the end of the }'ear.
The Church of St. Mary Magdalen was solemnly ded- icated to the service of Almight}- God, with all the grandeur of the Roman rite, on the 12th day of Octo- ber, 1878. The Ver}- Rev. William Quinn, Vicar Gen- eral of the diocese, officiated on the occasion, and a sermon was preached at the High Mass that followed, the sacred orator being the Redemptorist Father Klei- neidam. Many of the city clerg)- were present, among others the Rev. Father Ivo, superior of the Capuchin Fathers at the Clnu-ch of Om* Lady of Sorrows, and Father Arnold.
The chm-ch thus opened to divine worship has since prospered, the Di\^ne favor being manifest. As the" con- ffresration has increased, there is a desire to erect a school- house, and to obtain a convenient and suitable edifice for a parochial residence.
GIIURC:n OF ST. UAUY MAGDALEN. 5II
REV. A I) A ]M FRANCIS T O N N E R ,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY MAGDALEN.
THE pastor of the Chm-cli of St. Blary Magdalen was born in Foehrer, near Treves, Priissia, on the 5tli of December, 1835. He came to tliis country in the month, of October, 1848, and, resolving to devote his life and talents to serve God in His holy ministry, he entered St. Vincent's College, Pennsylvania, and after a preliminary training there, under the learned and experi- enced Benedictines, he proceeded to Canada, and in the Greater or Theological Seminary at Montreal, prepared to receive those holy orders Avhich were to enroll him among the priests of God. He was ordained by the Most Reverend Archbishop McCloskey, in St. Patrick's Cathedral, on the 26th of June, 1865.
The iirst mission of the young priest was that of assistant in the Church of St. Nicholas, on Second Street, where he remained until he gathered a new flock around the altar of the holy penitent of Magdala. Then he erected the chiirch which is a conspicuous monument of his zeal and perseverance.
His assistant is the Rev. Gallus Briider.
Roll of Honor.
Frank May. Frank Blaiseun. Jacob Bertram.
CHURCH OF SAINT MICHAEL
WEST THIRTY-SECOND STREET.
THERE seems to be evidence that to the mighty Archangel St. Michael, the prince of the hosts of the Lord, was dedicated the first Catholic chapel ever reared on the soil of our republic. The churcli styles him the " standard bearer," and he thvis bore the standard of the faith into the territory we now occupy. It was most fitting then that New York should have a church especially dedicated to this great angel, where his jjowerful protec- tion over our whole country might be more directly im- plored.
St. Michael was the leader of the faithful ansrels against Lucifer; he was the jn-otector of the Jewish nation ; the prophet Daniel saw his power and influence ; St. Jude and St. John tell us of his influence. The Chm'ch constantly invokes him — in the mass at the Con- fiteor ; in the incensing of the altar ; in the recommend- ation of a departing soul, and in the Mass for the Dead; in the Litany of the Saints. She celebrates two feasts in his honor — liis apparition during a pestilence in Rome on the 8th of May ; the dedication of a church under
his invocation on the 29th of September. To Catholics 33
614 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
of New York, this last feast is also the anniversary of the first martyr who, witliin the present limits of the State, shed his blood for the faith of Jesus Christ.
It was a happy thought that led the Rev. Arthur J. Donnelly to place under such a patron the parish con- fided to his care, in the summer of 1857, by the Most Eev. Archbishop Hughes. The rapid increase of Catho- lics on the western side of the island, between the Church of St. Columba and that of the Holy Cross, led the Most Reverend Ai-chbishop to lay off a new parish, extending from Twenty-eighth to Thirty-eighth Street, and from Sixth Avenue to the banks of the Hudson.
As the young pastor was instructed to erect his church as near midway as possible between the two ex- isting chm'ches, biit further west, he piu'chased, for eleven thousand dollars, a plot on Thirty-fii'st Street, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues.
Before he could form any plans for erecting his church, the great financial crisis of 1857 occurred. Thou- sands were thrown out of employment, and this was es- pecially the case in the parish of St. Michael. The very site he had purchased was slipping from the pastor's hand. A preliminary payment had been made ; more had to be paid or the whole would be lost. Loans, obtained with exertion among personal friends, enabled him to overcome the first difiiculty. The ground was St. Mi- chael's.
CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL. 515
To attempt the erection of a cliui-ch under such ch'cumstances would have been madness ; but the Rev. Mr. Donnelly was not one to sit still and wait. He was a pastor, and his flock must have a place to meet and offer up the Holy Sacrifice. In the rear of the lot was a row of time-worn two-story frame houses. By re- moving the floors and strengthening the frames, these, with a cheap brick extension running to the street, formed the temporary chapel of St. Michael and the residence of the pastor.
On Sunday, the 20tli of September, 1857, this chapel was formally opened, and mass celebrated, the Very Rev. William Starrs, the Vicar General, and more than once administrator of the diocese, preaching. When the pe- riod of financial distress had passed, the Rev. Mr. Don- nelly collected means to pay off the indebtedness he had incurred, and to begin, in a quiet, steady way, to erect the church. During the year 1861, when the country was resounding with the din of civil war, the basement story of the new church was built ai'ound the tempo- rary chapel, the services in which were never distiu-bed. When the new walls had risen to a sufiicient height, a roof was tlu'own over it, the first structure removed, and the new chapel was fitted ^lp for divine service.
The Holy Sacrifice of the mass was celebrated here for the first time on the feast of St. Michael, when it was dedicated by his Grace the Most Reverend John
516 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Hug-lies, who preached on the occasion, his text being, " My house is the house of prayer."
The church as thus adapted for use was eighty feet on Thirty-first Street, approached tlu'ough an entrance on Thirty-second Street, where the buikhng was only twenty- five feet wide. The front tliere was of brown stone. Owing to the difference of the grade in the two streets, the entrance on Thirty-first Street Avas much liigher than the level (_>f the next street, and by slightly raising the floor of the part intended for the chmxh, a convenient room was obtained for school purposes.
In this somewhat em'ious but convenient chapel the congregation continued to worship for some time, cheered by the encouraging approval of the Archbishop to pro- ceed with their edifice. Undeterred by the uncertain state of public affairs, the pastor went bravely on. The front wall and tower were completed in 1862, and in the en- suing year the rear and side walls rose, and the cluu-ch was enclosed. It was finally completed according to the original plan early in 1864, and gave a fine church one hundred feet in depth.
It was solemnly dedicated on the 10th of April, 1864, by the Very Rev. William StaiTS, administrator of the diocese during the vacancy of the see after the death of Archbishop Hughes.
The health of the pastor soon after compelled him to visit Europe, but he returned full of courage, and
CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL. 517
ft resolved to make his j^arish a model. His prospects de- manded more land, and as occasion offered he purchased piece after piece. Before many years he had acquired ten additional lots, giving him fronts on the avenue and the two adjacent streets.
In 1867, having ground for the purpose, he set to work to carry his church tkrough its full width from street to street — a length of two hundred feet. It was, when thus completed, a peculiarly fine and grand church.
The church, thus completed, was dedicated May 17, 1868, by his Grace the Most Reverend John McCloskey, Archbishop of New York, who delivei'ed a sermon on the occasion.
At the opening of his labors the pastor was struck by the small number of children who appeared in the chm'ch. He opened a Sunday-school, but few joined it. The children had evidently not been trained by their parents to feel the obligation of hearing mass on Sun- days. Many, by attending the public schools under the masked proselytism or religion-extirpating system there prevalent, were growing up indifferent to all religion. This was a ten-ible state of things, to be checked and refonned. The Rev. Mr. Donnelly said a mass specially for the children, and kept at his Sunday-school till lie had twelve hundred Avho came regularl)- to mass and in- struction. All he could do he felt to be inadequate,
518 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
yet lie was hot in a position to establish a Catholic school.
At last, however, on the 10th of Jime, 1866, the corner-stone of the girls' school was laid, by his Grace the Most Rev. Ai-chbi,shop McCloskey, and the basement built. When the extension of the chui'ch Avas completed, the work on the schools was pushed, and both schools were ready for use in 1870.
It was not enough to save the rising generation. The Rev. Mr. Donnelly, to foster vocations in his parish, opened a class for all who felt called to the ministry. In 1867, when he proposed it, nearly a hundred pre- sented themselves. Of these he selected twenty-five, and they formed a nucleus of a body destined to give future pastors to our churches. Eight of the original twenty-five persevered. The Rev. S. J. Nagle, who completed his studies at St. Sulpice, Paris, and was ordained in the seminary at Troy, was the first fruits of Mr. Donnelly's zeal. The Rev. Alfred Evans soon followed, and one by one they were ordained for service in the missions.
The parochial schools were finally opened, to the great joy of the parish, in September, 1870 ; the boys' school with foiu- hundi'ed scholars, under seven teachers.
The erection of the gu-ls' school was completed some years after, but it was a question how to insm-e a suc- cession of competent teachers. The orders engaged in instruction in the city seemed overtasked ; and, after long
CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL, 519
deliberation and considtation, the Rev. ]\Ir. Donnelly con- cluded that the interests of his parish would be most advanced by introducing the Presentation Nuns — an Irish order founded by Miss Nano Nagle, in the last century. With the approval of the Most Reverend Archbishop, he went to Ireland, in 1874, and obtained from the convents of Terenure and Clondalkin, near Dublin, five confessed Sisters, who, with Rev. Mother ]\Iary Joseph Hickey as superior, came, accompanied by five postulants, to foiuid the order in America. They were warmly welcomed by the parish on their arrival, September 8th, 1874, and soon after took possession of the convent prepared for them. They opened St. Michael's parochial school for girls, with six hundred pupils.
These schools with the parochial residence foi-m an imposing mass of buildings on Ninth Avenue. They are in modem Gothic style — the fii'st story of Connecticut stone, the upper stories of brick trimmed with stone. The windows are in doublets, with hooded and depressed pointed arches. At each angle of the building is a tower. The entrances on each street are fine ; that on Ninth Avenue is surmounted by a panel of marble, with St. Michael crushing the dragon in relievo. The rooms are well lighted and ventilated, and there is a fine exhibition hall reserved for great occasions. The whole structm-e was erected under the supervision of the architect, Mr. L. J. O'Connor, and cost about a hundred thousand dollars.
520 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The various cliurch building-s, with the schools, have cost over fooi- hundi'ed thousand dollars, of which ninety- two thousand remains unpaid.
The church is organized luader the law of March 25th, 1863, the original trustees in 1866 being the Most Reverend Archbishop ; the Very Rev. William StaiTs, V.Gr. ; Rev. Artluu' J. Donnelly, pastor; Edward Fitzpatrick, and Michael Canning.
So zealous a pastor would naturally establish socie- ties. The Association of St. Michael includes almost every adult worthy of the name of Catholic in the parish. Wliile it has formed the members to the practical dis- charge of their spiritual dvities, it has quickened their zeal, and this society has given more than one hundi-ed thousand dollars towards the chiu'ch and schools, and de- votes its whole revenue to the support of the latter. The Young Men's Catholic Lyceum, founded by the Rev. Thomas J. Ducey, and occupying a house of its own, is destined to do incalculable good to the Catholic young men of the whole city. There is also the St. Michael's Total Abstinence Society, doing its good Avork.
The Presentation Nuns, since then- coming into the parish, have established the Sodality of St. Monica, whose objects are: First, to afford to adult women of every state of life the beneiit of religious instruction in their respective duties; second, to insm-e to its members the opportunity of sanctifying the Sunday by giving a due
CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL. 521
2)roportion of it to religions exercise.s ; third, to pro- mote the regular and devont frequentation of the sacra- ments ; fourth, the proper training of the young ; fifth, to promote peace, order, and cheerfulness in Christian families ; sixth, the visitation and spiritual comfort of the sick.
Among the deceased members of the parish, whose generous contributions have encouraged Father Donnelly in all his undertakings during their lives, or ^vllo have left generous bequests, and whose names shall live in the parish in gi-ateful remembrance, are Owen Kenny, John O'Neill, formerly of Thirty-fifth Street; Cornelius Doyle, Richard Murray, John ]\IcGrane, Malachi Fitzpat- rick, Robert McCormick, William Wilson, Timothy Maro- ney, Bernard Mm-ray, Michael Donnelly, James Conway, late of Sixty-first Street; Owen Mallon, Patrick McElroy, late of Lexington Avenue ; Daniel Early, Thomas Cos- tello, Mrs. Margaret Byrne, Jlrs. Owen Mallon, ]\Irs. Margaret Maguire, Mrs. Ann Ilurst, Mrs. Ann Led\vith, Mrs. Francis McNulty, Mrs. Catharine McCusker.
Roll of Honor.
Bambrick, James. Brice, Charles. Callary, Mary A., Mrs.
Bathe, Christopher. Brice, Henry. Canning, Michael.
Bogiie, Thomas. Brice, John. Cannon, Mich.ael.
Boylan, Michael. Brown, Patrick. Carey, Thomas F.
Boyle, Thomas. Bryant, E., Miss. Carroll, Michael.
Bradley, Margaret. Bulger, P. J. Cassiily, Martin.
Brangan, Lawrence. Bush, Christopher J., Mrs. Clancy, John.
522
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Clarke, James. Cleary, John. Cockerill, Thomas. Cody, Elizabeth, Mrs. Coffey, Ann, Mrs. Conboy, Michael. Connell, Catharine, Mrs. Connell, Peter. Connolly, Catharine. Connolly, Peter J. Conroy, John. Corcoran, Michael, Mrs. Corrigan, Edward. Coyle, Thomas V. Craggy, John. Curnen, James. Darcy, Mary. Davis, Mary. De Noville, Zephine. Dillon, James, Mrs. Donnelly, D. M. Donnolly, Michael, Mrs. Donohue, William. Doran, Edward A. Dougherty, Felix. Dougherty, Jolm. Early, John. Evans, Mrs. Evers, K. L., Mrs. Farley, Delia. Farrelly, Maggie. Finnin, Michael. Fitzgerald, James. Fitzgerald, Michael. Fitzpatrick, B., Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Edward. Fitzpatrick, John. Fitzpatrick, William, Mrs. Flemming, Murtaugh. Fox, Mary. Fulton, John. Gallagher, L. V. Grace, Robert S. Graham, Patrick. Gregory, Mary, Mrs. Hagan, Arthur. Hagan, Bernard. Hand, Arthur. Hand, Michael. Hannan, John. Harty, Jeremiah.
Hatherley, Thomas R. Haxton, William. Hearn, Thomas, Mrs. Hennessey, Patrick J., Mrs. Hogan, John. Horrigan, Thomas. Hussey, Edward M. F. Hurst, George. Hynch, Patrick. Jaques, Zackariah. Joyce, Edward. Keating, Patrick. Keenan, William. Kennedy, James. Kenney, Daniel E.
Kenny, Peter D.
Kettle, Philip.
Kieran, John.
Kiernan, .\ndrew.
Laracy, Philip.
Lavary, Daniel.
Lee, Samuel.
Logan, Ann.
McAleer, Michael, Mrs.
McCabe, James.
McCann, Bridget, Miss.
McCarthy, Matthew.
McCoy, Patrick.
McCusker, Michael.
McDonald, James F., Mrs.
McElvey, John.
McGee, James, Mrs.
McGill, Richard.
McGookin, Andrew.
McGowan, Felix.
McGrath, Patrick.
McGrath, Philip.
McGuire, Thomas J.
McKenna, Charles.
McKeown, Edward.
McNaly, James.
Mack, Anton, Mrs.
Maher, Edward.
Mahon, Annie A.
Mahon, Richard.
Mahoney, Eliza.
Mallon, Charles.
Mallon, John.
Maloney, Thomas.
Mannion, Dennis.
Marron, Daniel.
Meehan, Patrick J.
Meredith, Philip. Montague, Edward. Morgan, Francis. Mulligan, John. Murphy, Catharine, Mrs. Murphy, Bernard K. Murphy, Johanna. Murphy, John. Murphy, Julia. Murphy, Margaret. Murray, Annie. Murray, Peter. Naglc, Michael H. O'Brien, C. F. O'Brien, John.
O'Brien, Patrick.
O'Donnell, Mary, Mrs.
O'Grady, James.
O'Hara, Arthur.
O'Neill, John.
O'Rourke, Ann, Mrs.
Phelan, Patrick.
Quinn, Daniel,
Quinn, Michael.
Raine, Thomas J.
Rayy, Josephine.
Reid, Mrs.
Reilly, John.
Reynolds, John.
Reynolds, Thomas.
Rice, Thomas.
Rogers, Francis.
Ryan, Cornelius.
Ryan, John.
Salmon, William.
Scully, Thomas.
Shannon, David.
Shey, Sylvester M.
Shine, Julia.
Shue, Donard.
Smith, James.
Smith, Matthew, Mrs.
Starr, Mary.
Stokes, Thomas.
Tobin, Michael.
Toner, Thomas.
Torney, John.
Wall, Catharine, Mrs.
Walsh, Michael.
Wilson, Aubray C.
11
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;23
I
T? T? TV .A R T n U E. J . D O N N E Tv L Y ,
I'ASTuii OF THE CiiLKUU Vf Si'. iWiCUAh-i,.
*~. i the 19th
Kildare,
..-. lu New \> ..V . •• -^
mm ii.>r commercial ptirsuil , ;... . ...CAtiou was directed
to that end, and was' principally received in the schools . (■ St Mary's Church — fii-st in the original chiu-ch in - ■ - then in the temporary church comer of
I It iiuid Streets, and tinally in the present church.
I in his fourt<tenth year, he served a short ' ■ '^ ■ '■■■n doing business in this
city uuu : .iUrson, - tin sir "'-••1 to the
ptCnic of 1836, and ciuMn us uusinnps. li, was then
engaged by Lord & Taylor, whose only store at that
time was in Catharine Street. With this fii-m he remained
oiplit years, filling a confidential position the latter part
■ic. In 1844, he formed a copartnership and
"iiess with' his cousin, tl^ ' '"^ P.
Ue title c'' '' ' " -L'ur-
-> the atti-.'i iLcuiuJiLS of
w
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CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL. 523
REV. ARTHUR J. DONNELLY,
PASTOK OF THE CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL.
REV. Ai-tlnir J. Donnelly was bom on the 19tli of January, 1820, in Atliy, County Kildare, Ireland, and Avas brought hither by his parents, who emigrated to New York in 1827. His father intending him for commercial pursiTits, liis education was directed to that end, and was principally received in the schools of St. Mary's ChtU'ch — first in the original church in Sheriff Street, then in the temporary church comer of Pitt and Grand Streets, and finally in the present church. Leaving school in his fourteenth year, he served a short apprenticeship to a diy goods firm doing business in tliis city and Paterson, N. J. This firm succumbed to the panic of 1836, and closed its business. He was then engaged by Lord & Taylor, whose only store at that time was in Catharine Street. With tliis finn he remained eight years, filling a confidential position the latter part of the time. In 1844, he formed a copartnership and entered into business with his cousin, the late David P. Campion, under the title of Campion & Donnelly. Dur- ing these years the atti-actions and excitements of
524 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
commercial life did not suppress an oft-felt desire to stndy for the priesthood, which was not acted on, prob- ably because no opening presented itself for the purpose. During his youth there was no school in New York calculated to develop a vocation or point out the road to the priesthood. In 184G, St. Joseph's Seminary was established by Bishop Hughes, and placed in charge of the Jesuit Fathers. A few visits to that institution and an acquaintance formed with some of its students led Mr. Donnelly to abandon commercial life for the sanctuary. Having been cordially received by Bishop Hughes, who approved of his resolution, he withdrew from business and entered St. Joseph's Seminary a few months after its establishment.
He was ordained priest by the Most Reverend Arch- bishop Hughes, in St. Patrick's Cathedi-al, on the 6th of October, 1852, and on the 28th of the same month was sent to ]\Ianhattanville to organize a parish and erect a church. In our sketch of the Chm-ch of the Annuncia- tion we have seen how well he succeeded in the task confided to him, at the very outset of his sacerdotal career.
On the 14th of October, 1855, he was ti-ansfen-ed to Fordham, to assume a position for which his business ability gave him singular advantages — that of procm'ator of St. Joseph's Theological Seminary, as well as to fonn a new parish and organize into a congregation the Cath-
CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL. 525
olics in that district who began to frequent the chiu-ch connected with the seminary.
When he had spent two yeai's in this position, to the complete satisfaction of the Most Reverend Ai'ch- bishop, his colleagues, and his flock, his Grace resolved to give a wider and more important field for the exercise of his priestly qualities. He sent him (Tiice more to or- ganize a parish and erect a chmxh ; but, far-seeing as that great prelate was, and himself full of grand ideas for the future of Catholicity, he could not for a moment have anticipated such results as have followed from the ap- pointment of the Rev. A. J. Donnelly to the parochial district of St. Michael's.
Nor has his infliience been confined to this parish. He was appointed by Ai'chbishop Hughes to frame and prepare a uniform system of parochial books and ac- counts, which proved a work requiring great experience and knowledge, and attest his ability.
Since 1873 he has been a member of the council of his Eminence the Archbishop of New York, a re- sponsible as well as honorable position, in itself a proof of the high esteem in which he is held.
CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD.
SECOND AVENUE.
CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD.
SECOND AVENUE.
A
BOUT the yeai- 1842, the tremendous opposition made by the vaiious Protestant denominations, when the CathoHcs asked the restoration of the old New York plan of aiding all religious schools, had a most beneficial effect in arousing the whole Cathohc body on the island to a sense of their rights and wants. It gave them new life, and was followed by a prompt extension of Catholic chm-ches and institutions.
At that time, the Catholic, starting from St. Mary's northward along the East River side of the island, looked in vain for any sign of his faith till he reached Fiftieth Street, where St. John's was just struggling into exist- ence, except the little German Church of St. Nicholas. With these exceptions, the whole district was bm-ied in darkness and the shadow of death.
The Rev. Andi-ew Byrne, a far-sighted and active clergyman, who believed in establishing new churches wherever possible, had looked anxiously for some oppor- tunity to organize a new parish in that part of the city. At last, in February, 1842, the announcement of legal sales proclaimed that, by order of the Court of
t
528 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Chancery, a large and commodious building on Second Avenue, which had been erected as a house of worship and occujwed hj a Presbyterian congregation, would be sold to the highest bidder.
At the auction the bids were reasonable, and the chiu'ch was purchased, in behalf of Rev. Mr. Byrne, by Edward Roche, Esq. As there was no part of the city where a church was more needed, this purchase was hailed by the Catholics. The Right Reverend Bishop Hughes had given his earnest sanction to the project, and itjOw assigned the Rev. Mr. Byrne to this new field of labor. The church was fitted up for Catholic wor- ship, the Liturgy of the Apostles, of the Catacombs, of the Ages of Faith. A very neat and chaste altar, with rich gilt candlesticks, a painting of the Crucifixion as an altar-piece, with paintings of the Annunciation and the Assumption of oiu- Lady at the sides, showed that the edifice was to be used for a purer and holier faith.
It was solemnly dedicated on the 5th of June, 1842. The event attracted great numbers of Protestants as well as Catholics — no tickets being issued. The Right Rev- erend Bishop Hughes performed the dedication service, which deeply impressed all, ' especially the Protestant por- tion, particularly at the moment Avhen the officiating prelate, after moving ai'ovmd the outside of the edifice, advanced tlu-ough the great door in solemn procession up the nave to the altar.
CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD. 529
After the dedication of the chiu-ch to tlie .seryice of Ahiiighty God, under the invocation of the Nativit}' of our Lord, a Pontifical High Mass was offered by the Rt. Rev. Benedict J. Fenwick, D.D., Bishop of Boston, one of the oldest li\'ing of the early priests of New York. The Rev. John J. Conroy, afterwards Bishop of Albany, was deacon, and Rev. Dr. Ilarley, too soon to l^e lost to the diocese, officiated as subdeacon ; the Rev. D. W. Bacon, who was to become, in time. Bishop of Portland, acted as master of ceremonies. In the sanctuary were also the Rev. Messrs. Starrs, McCarron, and O'Neill.
After the gospel of the day, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hvxghes preached, St. Paul's First Epistle to the Corin- thians (iii. 4), furnishing the text : " For no one can lay another foundation, but that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus." For more than an hour his eloquence kept the congregation fixed in profound attention. He spoke in warm commendation of the prompt and liberal aid given to the new pastor, to whom the Catholic community was indebted for this new church, by Dr. Roche, liimself not a Catholic.
The attendance was very large — estimated at two thousand five hundred — but no confusion took place, so perfect were the aiTangements.
The new parish was soon organized, and prosperous under the care of the Rev. Dr. Byrne, but on his appoint- ment as Bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas, the Rev. Ed- 34
630 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
ward O'Neill became pastor. The Rev. Richard Kein was, from 1844 for several years, assistant and then pastor, till he founded St. Bridget's Church.
In September, 1847, the Rev. George McCloskey was appointed pastor, and for more than twenty years was the revered priest of the parish of the Nativity. During this long period he was assisted from time to time by various clergymen — the Rev. John Shanahan, one of Bishop Connolly's priests, in 1848 ; the Rev. John Murray Forbes in 1852 ; in the following year by his brother, the Rev. William McCloskey, subsequently rector of the American College at Rome, and now Bishop of Louisville, Kentucky ; the Rev. Felix H. Fan-elly no^v pastor of St. James, in 1853, and from 1855 by the Rev. William Everett.
As the congi-egation seemed to increase beyond the capacity of the church, the Rev. George McCloskey, in 1848, established the Chapel of the Nativity, at No. 572 Fourth Street, which was attended from the chmxh, but the attempt to establish succursal chapels did not meet the wishes of the people ; the project was soon aban- doned and has never been revived.
The health of the Rev. George McCloskey failed so that for a time he went to Europe in hopes of regaining strength to continue his labors. After visiting the fa-- mous health resorts, he was, finding that years in Eu- rope left him no better, about to return to America,
CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD. 531
when he made trial of Great JIalvern, England. Here, thongJi an invalid, he felt eager to labor, and fin.Ung that in February, after three months' stay, he was weU enough to say mass, he fitted up a temporary chapel in a gymnasium. A little congregation assembled, which increased so as to excite alarm. The gymnasium was refused him; then he set up his altar in a di-ill room, till the lady of the manor closed this on him. Not a place in Malvern could be found; but an American res- ident had a house with two large rooms. This became the chapel, and here mass was said daily, till the Rev. Dr. McCloskey returned to New York, when Bishop Ullathorne sent a priest to continue his labors.
Finding that his complete recovery was extremely doubtful, the Rev. Dr. McCloskey resigned his charge in April, 1869.
The Rev. William Everett, who had been assistant smce 1855, became pastor on the resignation of the Rev. George McCloskey, and is still directing the faithful of Nativity parish with quiet zeal and piety. His curates have been the Rev. J. J. Griffin and Rev. Thomas J. Ducey. His present assistant is the Rev. M. A. Nolan, appointed in 1872.
The societies established in the parish are the Asso- ciation for the Propagation of the Faith, the Conference of St. Vincent de Paul, the Rosary Society, an Altai- Society, and the Society of the Children of Mary.
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532 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. |
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Roll of H |
ONOR. |
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CHURCH |
OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD. |
. |
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Aubert, Eugene. |
Fulton, James. |
Marshall, Henry. |
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Bannigan, Edward. |
Gallagher, John. |
Meehan, John, Jr. |
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Bingham, Jacob W. |
Garno, Benjamin. |
Mitchell, William P. |
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Brady, Ann E., Mrs. |
Gorman, Anthony. |
Murphy, John. |
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Brady, Thomas. |
Haggerty, Joseph. |
Murray, Bridget, Mrs. |
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Brennan, Edward. |
Hellen, Catharine. |
Nagle, Garrett. |
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Burns, John. |
Hewitt, Thomas. |
Nugent, Mary. |
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Carroll, Bernard. |
Hodgins, Thomas. |
O'Brien, John. |
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Clark, Rose. |
Hughes, John F. |
O'Connell, William. |
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Cogan, John. |
Hugo, Henry. |
O'Donnel, Ann, Mrs. |
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Cooke, William. |
Johnson, James. |
O'Leary, John. |
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Creamer, Francis. |
Kaughran, John E. |
O'Meara, James. |
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Crumey, Andrew. |
Kelly, Tyler, Mrs. |
O'Neil, Joanna. |
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Cummings, Hugh. |
Kieman, John. |
Poe, John. |
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Cunningham, Patrick. |
Lalor, William. |
Price, William. |
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Delaney, John. |
Larkin, Michael, Mrs. |
Reilly, Bernard. |
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Dodien, Mansuy. |
Lee, James. |
Reilly, William J. |
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Doody, Edward. |
McCabe, Thomas. |
Rodman, Isaac. |
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Dowling, Joseph J. |
McCollum, Lydia A. |
Rooney, P. |
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Dowling, Mary, Mrs. |
McCullough, John. |
Ryan, Michael. |
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Doyle, Michael L. |
McDonald, Francis J. |
Schuff, Jacob J. |
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Duffy, Mary, Mrs. |
McGovem, Michael. |
Sheckelton, Christopher. |
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Dynan, Michael J. |
McLaughlin, Michael. |
Shields, Andrew. |
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English, James. |
McLaughlin, Robert. |
Spratt, Michael. |
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Farrell, Thomas. |
Madden, Thomas. |
Walsh, James. |
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Foley, Matthew. |
Madigan, Jeremiah. |
Ward, Edward. |
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Fox, Robert C. |
Maloney, Patrick. |
Wilson, William R. |
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Fraprie, Abigael, Mrs. |
Manning, Thomas. |
CilLKCJI UF THE KATiV
REY. WILLI A ^r rrPTfrTT
PASTOR OF THE CHUKCII OF XHK NAllVTTY.
lUlll
T
rrr
\i^-n;.>
TTv..
'"'•'. present pastoi- of
....,.; ?.. .-,-1, ;,, +T
le
'!'.!? iv^i . i..; , j>'Ceived orders in luu iruKijuiin
L'.'iHropa] Chiuiii, jn wliich he spont. several years ufii- ciatiuj^' as a clergyrnan of that body. In the impulse gi-.en to thought by men Hke the Kev. Samuel Farmer .Tnr^^8 hi this country, and the Oxford school in Eng- laini. many who had taken the Anglican system in good '■:tli f ' "■ if the grounds on
\vu:' !i 11 -ja ^j.TS'Uv;d on not a few that
the whole se] and (i.'<v.ii8u-u<:ti(in in the sixteenth
century was uiiwairant'd and without authority. It re- quired special graces from God in many cases to re- nounce position, associations, long-formed habits of thought, and to come humbly into the Catholic Church as i;;^ • I The Rev. Mr. Everett heroically made all the sac- •tl to correspond to the accorded him.
ilo WM received into the ^" (church, and, after
at kit. Joseph's ."^
^~Sy:« ti;:, ■
'/flr: "■■■
I It I
CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD. 533
REV. WILLIAM EVERETT,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF TlIK NATIVITY.
THE Rev. William Everett, the present pastor of the Chm'ch of the Nativity, was l)om in the City of Albany, Angust 14, 1814.
He was brought up in the Protestant faith, and, study- ing for the ministry, received orders in the Protestant Episcopal Chvux'li, in wliich he spent several years offi- ciating as a clergyman of that body. In the impulse given to thought by men hke the Rev. Samuel Farmer Jarvis in this country, and the Oxford school in Eng- land, many who had taken the Anglican system in good faith began to examine the solidity of the grounds on which it rested. Conviction dawned on not a few that the whole separation and reconstruction in the sixteenth century was unwan-anted and without authority. It re- quired special graces from God in many cases to re- nounce position, associations, long-formed habits of thought, and to come humbly into the Catholic Church as lay- men. The Rev. Mr. Everett heroically made all the sac- rifices needed to correspond to the grace accorded him.
He was received into the Catholic Chm'ch, and, after pursuing theological studies at St. Joseph's Seminary,
534 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Fordham, then directed by Fathers of the Society of Jesus, he was ordained priest by Archbishop Hughes on the 29th day of January, 1853, the feast of St. Francis de Sales.
He was first assigned to duty in St. Peter's Church, but remained only a few months, when he was stationed at St. Joseph's Church as assistant. In 1854 he was appointed curate at St. Ann's Church, where he remained till the following year.
He became assistant to the Rev. George McCloskey, in the Church of the Nativity, in the month of October, 1855, and has remained connected with the parish for a period now approaching a quarter of a century, having been made parish priest by the Most Reverend Ai'ch- bishop, now his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey, in 1869.
His present associate is the Rev. M. A. Nolan.
CIIUROIl OF SAINT NICHOLAS.
SECOND 8TKEET.
CHURCH OF SAINT NICHOLAS.
SECOND STREET.
THE priest who organized the congregation which founded St. Peter's Chnrch was a Gemian Fa- tlier of the Society of Jesus. He found some of his CathoHc countrymen here in his earhest visits. Just after the close of the last century even, the question was raised of establishing a German church also ; but the project was discouraged, and it was not till about the year 1834 that any formal steps were taken to oi'ganize a German congregation.
This great work was due to the Rev. John Raffeiner, who, says Archbishop Hughes, " in his youth, his vigor- ous manhood, and his old age, both in holy priesthood and in the practice of a learned profession, served his Creator in fear and holiness. Tlie venerable Father Raffeiner is sunmioned from amongst us to that other and better world which God has prepared, for those who love and serve Him in this. In Heaven he will not forget to intercede for us, and especially for his people, who have been under his spiritual care so many years.
CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS. 537
Many of you have no recollection of the spiritiial de.sti- tution that prevailed in New York when the now popu- lous dioceses of Brooklyn, New York, Buffalo, Albany, and Newark were comprised in one. The Grerman Catholics were then but few, and totally devoid of spiritual aid. It was the good providence of God that, at this partic- ular period, directed the steps of Father Raffeiner hither, where he entered most faithfully and earnestly on the work assigned him, in supplying spiritual comfort to liis needy countrymen. He was made the coadjutor of my immediate predecessor, the lamented Bishop Du Bois, and vested w^ith the care and responsibility of attending to tlie spiritual wants of the German Catholics of the diocese. In justice to him I must say that wherever there were German Catholics, there would Father Raffeiner seek them out and minister to them, being prevented neither by the winter's snows, the summer's sun, nor the inconvenience of travel in that day, from fulfilling the duties assigned him."
This language shows how eminent a priest St. Nicholas had for its founder, and if the great Areli- bishop could say, " Bishops, priests, and people have reason to remember Father Raffeiner for many years to come," his name and his memory can never be forgotten in the Church of St. Nicholas.
Under his impulse, the German Catholics assembled and organized ; and an imoccupied Baptist chiu-ch on
538 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YOEK.
the corner of Delancey and Pitt Streets was hired. Here mass was said regularly.
To erect a suitable chiu-ch was the next step. For this purpose, on the 1st of September, 1834, they pur- chased, through Dr. Joseph C. Springer, of John Jacob Astor, fom- lots of gi-ound on Second Street, between First Avenue and Avenue A, gi\nng a front of a hun- dred feet and a depth of one hundi*ed and six. On Easter Monday, April 20, 1836, the Very Rev. John Power, Vicar General of the diocese, assisted l)y the Rev. Jo- seph A. Schneller of Christ Church and the Rev. John Raffeiner, proceeded to the ground, where a large con- course of citizens had assembled, and laid the corner- stone, with the ceremonies prescribed by the Roman ritual. The Rev. Mr. Schneller then addi-essed the audience in English. After treating of the general sul3- ject of the erection of houses for divine worship, as well as of the structures raised in order to gratify human pride, he said: "The edifice which we now commence to erect will have nothing to boast from the ingenuity of the design which human skill is to impart. Its plain construction will furnish nothing to elicit admiration. It will neither be planned by power nor achieved by wealth. But let not its simple plan and its diminutive di- mensions lessen the vast and incalculable importance of its object. Its object is not earthly. Ineffably superior to that pyramid which grew up in the plains
CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS. 539
of Egyf)t, it calculates upon holy communings of man Avitli God. We lay not the foundations for a monu- ment of human pride, in which the remains of earth's despotic rulers are to repose, hut for a tabernacle in which the Eternal King of Heaven is to reside. It will not be a gigantic pile, to attract the admiration of na- tions and the gaze of many generations ; but a chapel in which spiritual blessings are to be received, wliich will fructify on this terrestrial stage of existence, and the plen- itude of whose enjoyment will be consummated in a life to come."
The Rev. Mr. Raffeiner also addressed his flock in German, impressing on them the greatness of the work wliich they liad undertaken for the glory of God.
The project was to erect fii-st, in the centre of the lots, a building with a front of fifty-two feet, and extend- ing back seventy feet; and as the congregation increased in means and numbers, to add a ti'ansept ninety-six feet in length, and prolong the main building to ninety feet. Tlie work was continiied steadily, and the church finally erected; the builders', work and material costing $8,174.57; the organ $600, and the fitting-up, $1,38445; in all, a little over ten thousand dollars.
Before the work was completed, the lease of the hired church apparently terminated, and the German Catho- lics were, for a time, accommodated in the basement of St. Mary's. The Rev. Mr. Raffeiner made ever}' efi"ort
540 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
to collect for the purpose of erecting the chiirch, extend- ing- his tour even as far as New Orleans.
The cluu-ch was at last ready, and Avas solemnly dedicated to the worship of the Holy Tiinity, on Easter Sunday, 1836, under the invocation of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra.
The Rev. Mr. Raffeiner remained for seven years pas- tor of St. Nicholas, having as assistant priest the Benedic- tine Father Nicholas Balleis. His labors were not confined to the parish — he was mainly instrmnental in erecting a church at Macopin, N. J. ; laid the foundation of the Cluu-ch of the Holy Trinity in Boston ; officiated in va- rious parts of New Jersey, at Albany, Utica, Rochester ; erected the Clmrch of St. John the Baptist in Thutieth Street, and the Chm'ch of the Most Holy Trmity, Wil- liamsburgh, where he died.
Jle was succeeded in 1840 by Dom. Nicholas Balleis, on whose removal to Newark the Rev. Bishop Hughes wished to confide the chm-ch to the Redemptorists ; but the trustees declined to enter into his plans, and the Rev. Gabriel Rumpler, C.SS.R., erected the Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer.
In June, 1844, the Capuchin Father, Ambrose Buch- meyer, from the Diocese of Strigonia, Hungary, became pastor of St. Nicholas, and continued to direct the parish till his death, October 11th, 1861 ; assisted from August, 1845, by Father Felician Krebesz of the same order.
CHURCH OF ST. NTCIIOLAS. 541
Soon after lie toolc charge oi tlio parish it was foiiud necessary to enlarge or rebuild the church. TIkj carry- ing out of the original plan was abandoned, and the present fine chui-ch erected in 1848. It is a Grothic structm-e, the facade of cut brown stone. The interior is extrendy neat, the Avood-work being of walnut. The altar is of beautiful marble, elaborately wrought and richly decorated, and there are two elegant side altars. The building cost thirt}' thousand dollars, all of which A\'as paid when the time came for its dedication.
This imposing ceremony was performed by the Right Rev. Bishop Hughes, on the 24tli of December, 1848. The full ritual was earned out, the procession of bishops and clergy making the circuit of the clnu'ch without and within. After the blessing of the altar, the Right Reverend Bishop addressed the innnense nndtitude, who filled every pai't of the church. His text was : "I have rejoiced in the ■ things that were said to me : We sliall go into the house of the Lord." (Psalm cxxi. 1.) High Mass was then celebrated by the Rev. Mr. Rubesc, and an eloquent sermon preached by the celebrated Jesuit Father Pottgeiser.
The new chiu'ch seats eleven hunch-ed and forty, and suffices amply for the wants of the congregation.
Schools were established at an early date, and in 1867 the Rev. Father Buchmeyer erected a fine school- house, which will accommodate a large number of pupils.
542 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
The boys' school is conducted by the Brothers of the Clmstian Schools, who have six hundred and fifty pupils under their charge ; and the girls, to the number of seven hundred and fifty, are taught by the Sisters of St. Dominic.
On the death of Father Buchmeyer, Father Krebesz became pastor, and discharged the duties of the position till he too passed away, January 4, 1876.
His Eminence Cardinal McCloskey then confided the care of the parish to the Rev. Francis J. Shadier, who had been assistant since August 15, 1875. He is still pastor, assisted by the Rev. Anthony Lamell and Rev. John Mayer.
There are in the church the Rosary Society, the Corpus Chi-isti Society, the Society of the Agony of Om- Lord, the Confraternity of the Sacred Heart, and foiu" Sodalities of the Blessed Virgin. Besides these religious associations, there is the Conference of St. Vincent de Paul, and the St. Nicholas, St. Paul, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Killian Societies.
The saint to whom the chiu'ch is dedicated may be regarded in some sort as the patron of New York. So widespread was the devotion to him, that in Catholic times he had chui'ches under his invocation in every country of the East and West. He was the especial pa- tron of the poor, the oppressed, the imperiled maiden, the childi-en, the mariner, and the trader. Not even the blasting sirocco of the sixteenth centmy could tear from
CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS. 543
the hearts of the people a veneration for St. Nicholas. The Calvinists of Holland, Avho settled the island, taught their chikben to expect reward for good conduct through the hands of St. Niklas, and children to this day at Clmstmas time look to Santa Glaus, as he is called, by corruption, for the presents of the season. The city has its hotels, banks, insiu'ance companies, societies named in his honor; and a publishing house, never Catholic in its tendencies, issues a magazine for the young which bears the name of this servant of God.
St. Nicholas was born at Patara, a city in Asia Minor, a child of prayer granted to parents who had long sought offspring from God. Trained in piety, he corresponded fully to the desires of his parents, and devoted himself to the altar as a priest of God. The wealth he inherited was used to relieve distress, especially that bashful poverty that shriilks from appeal. Entering a monastery at Myra, he became, in time, its abbot, and, when the archbishop of the city died, the abbot, re- nowned for his sanctity and miracles, was unanimously chosen. He is said to have suffered in the persecution of Diocletian, and to have aided powerfully in the Coun- cil of Nice to condemn the heresy of Arius. He died in 342, and was interred in his own cathedi'al, which was for ages a place of pilgrimage. In 1087 his relics were transferred from his ruined church to Bari, in Italy. The miracles wrought by his intercession diffused his
544 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
devotion througliout the West, and every seaport liad, ere long-, a chm-cli in liis honor. That those who for- sook the faith shoukl have borne his fame to our city is one of the remarkable instances of Grod's providence, lie is especially honored in Europe as a pati'on of the young, one of the miracles ascribed to him being the restoration to life of three children who had been cruelly murdered and concealed in a tub. In allusion to this, he is frequently represented arrayed as a bishop with tln-ee childi'en in a tub near him.
Roll of Honor
CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS.
Kilian Kling. Anthony Euring. Fritz Emmerman.
CHUECH OF ST. NICHOLAS. 545
KEV. F. J. SHADLER,
PASTOK OF THE CHUECH OF ST. NICHOLAS.
THE present pastoi' of the oldest German cliiu*cli in New York City, the worthy successor of Father Raffeiner in his good work, is the Rev. Francis J. Shadier.
This reverend gentleman is a native of Germany. He was born on the 10th of May, 1834. He came to the United States when a child, and grew up amid the scenes of American life. At a suitable age, having made preliminary studies to fit him for entrance to a university, he entered our oldest Catholic institution, Georgetown College ; and, after the u.sual com'se in that seat of learning, resolved to enter the ecclesiastical state and devote his life to the service of the Almighty.
'' To ground himself in that sacred learning which is necessary in one raised to holy orders, he went to Europe, and pm-sued his divinity studies in France and Germany. He was ordained priest at Mayence, on the 14th of August, 1864, by the late Bishop Ketteler, for the Diocese of Charleston, to which he had connected himself.
Returning to the United States, ho began the exer- 35
546 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
cise of the ministry in tliat diocese, then in a most disastrous condition ; the civil war having scattered the Cathohc body and left the State of South Carolina with desolated churches and institutions.
Never, perhaps, have the Catholic priesthood in this country had a more discouraging field before them than that of our Southern States after the war. The young priest was not disheartened, but zealously endeavored to build up again the prostrate clim-ch. He labored on manfully till the end of the year 1872, when he found himself compelled to seek some other scene for his ministiy.
On coming to New York, he was assigned to St. Nicholas' Church, by the Most Reverend Aixhbishop, as assistant, in August, 1875, and was appointed pastor in January, 1876.
viliiir,
f^ iil-
o c;
c
• e
O
c
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF MERCY.
FORDHAM.
ONE of the great desires of the Most Reverend Arehbisho]) Hughes, on his appointment as co- adjutor to the venerable Bishop Du Bois, was to estab- lisli a theological seminary for the Diocese of New York. The venerable founder of Mount St. Mary's had in vain endeavored to create a similar institntion after his ap- pointment as successor to Bishop Connolly. When his coadjutor had purchased the Rose Hill property at Ford- ham and opened St. John's College, the way seemed oiDen at last for endowing the diocese with an institution which woiild, in future, supply it with well educated priests, formed under learned and spiritual guides to the true sacerdotal spirit.
To accommodate the professors and seminarians, the Right Reverend John McCloskey, D.D., coadjutor, laid the corner-stone of a beautiful Gothic seminary, near the college, on the 3d day of April, 1845.
It was not at first designed to begin a church also, but the Right Reverend Bishop soon felt the necessity of erecting one of some size, not so much for the use of the Catholics in that vicinity, who were few and scat-
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF MERCY. 549
tered, as to afford those preparing for the priesthood a chapel in which the services of the Chm-ch could be earned out tlu'ough tlie ecclesiastical year, with full ad- herence to the rites and ceremonies prescribed in the rubrics.
The chiu*ch was begun in the course of the spring, and the work on the two structures went on simultane- ously till the fund collected was exhausted. In a state- ment or appeal issued in October, the Right Reverend Bishop Hughes said : " The chiu-ch, which is to be ded- icated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is, including the tower in front, one hundred feet long by fifty feet wide. Although it is a separate and a still more sacred edi- fice than the seminary, yet both are essentially parts of the same gi-eat work. The church also is advanced very considerably — the walls having been constructed and the roof, though not yet placed, framed and ready to be put on."
The church was soon completed and dedicated. Among all the Catholic churches of the city, it is, we think, the only one that can be said to have been erected directly by Archbishop Hughes.
A Latin poet, the Rev. R. Rainaldi, wrote of it : —
" Virgo fave ; nova teinpla til>i jam sustulit Hughes, Hue age cum Puero ccelicolisqiie veni. Per te rosarum tumulus, sic nomine prisci Hoc dixere patres, grafior erigitur;
550 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Quique prius luillo ignotiis gaiulebat honore Fama modo hunc claro vulgat ubique sono.
Vere novo pictas nectentes flore corollas Deponent aras ante tuas pueri ;
Certatimque, simnl celebrantes carmine laudes Te veniente die, Te fugiente, canent."
When completed, it was one of the most beautiful churches yet seen, lighted by six stained-glass windows, representing St. Peter, St. Paul, and the fom* Evange- lists.
As the Cluu'ch of the Seminary, it witnessed the conferring of minor orders, and of the subdiaconate and diaconate, although the priesthood was conferred at St. Patrick's Cathedi-al.
In 1855, the Right Rev. Dr. Hughes, resuming the direction of the seminary and church, sent the Rev. Arthur J. Donnelly to act as procurator of the institu- tion and pastor of the church. The number of Catho- lics in the vicinity had increased to such an extent that a regular parochial district was allotted, and it devolved on the Rev. Dr. Donnelly to organize this parish. From this time tlie Church of Our Lady of Mercy appears regularly in the list of the churches of tlie diocese.
In 1857, the Rev. Dr. Donnelly was called to a wider sphere, and the Rev. W. P. Morrogh, superior of the seminary, became pastor, and continued to minister to the parish till the final closing of the seminary, in 1860, when, at the request of the Most Reverend Arch-
CHUKCH or OUR LADY OF MERCY. 551
bishop, the Jesuit Fathers of St. John's College assumed the parochial care of the congi-egation connected with the church. The first pastors under this arrangement were the Rev. Father Isidore Daubresse, S.J., and the Rev. Father Paul Mignard, S.J.
The Chm-ch of Our Lady of Mercy has continued under the care of the society down to the present time.
The pastor in the year 1878 is the Rev. John J. Fitzpatrick, S.J., assisted by the Rev. Edward Doucet, S.J.
Connected with the church are several pious asso- ciations—the Society of the Holy Rosary, the Young Men's Sodality of the }3ona Mors, the Ladies' Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, the Confraternity of the Sacred Heart. There is also a Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, for the relief of the poor, and an Altar Society.
Within the district of the Chm-ch of Our Lady of Mercy is the now venerable institution, St. John's Col- lege, the oldest Catholic University in the State ; and St. Joseph's Select Academy for Young Ladies, under the Sisters of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary; and also an institution for deaf mutes, directed by the same community.
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552 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. |
||
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K |
OLL OF H |
ONOR. |
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CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF MERCY. |
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Adamson Miss |
Finnigan, Mrs. |
Murphy, John. |
|
Bergen, Mrs. |
Fitzgerald, William. |
Murray, James. |
|
Bradley, Thomas. |
Gcraghty, Bernard. |
Murray, Patrick. |
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Brady, John. |
Geraghty, Mary. |
Nash, Michael. |
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Burke, Ellen. |
Ging, James. |
Oches, E. |
|
Burns, John. |
Glynn, John. |
Peugnet, Eugene. |
|
Burns, Joseph. |
Goleven, Michael. |
Purroy, Francis M. |
|
Casey, Samuel. |
Haughney, Patrick. |
Purroy, Henry D. |
|
Cassidy, Richard. |
Hicks, Patrick. |
Purtell, Anna M., Mrs. |
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Clare, Margaret. |
Hogan, John. |
Quinn, Matthew. |
|
Clayton, Michael. |
Holt, Miss. |
Quinn, Michael. |
|
Connell, Michael. |
Houlihan, Thomas. |
Reddington, William. |
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Connor, Francis. |
Keeley, John. |
Regan, Robert. |
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Coogan, William. |
Kehoe, Lawrence. |
Ryan, Peter. |
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Cowley, Mrs. |
Kenealy, Michael. |
Ryner, John. |
|
Crotty, James. |
Kerins, Thomas. |
Savage, John. |
|
Delaney, Michael. |
Leddy, John. |
Shally, Thomas. |
|
Delany, Denis. |
Lee, Patrick. |
Shanly, Patrick. |
|
Dobbins, Patrick. |
Loughman, Edward. |
Smith, M. P. |
|
Donnelly, Michael. |
Lynch, Mrs. |
Sullivan, Mrs. |
|
Donnelly, Patrick. |
McGuire, Denis. |
Thompson, John. |
|
Doran, Michael. |
Mack, Michael. |
Underwood, John. |
|
Doran, William. |
Mangan, John. |
Ward, Christopher. |
|
Dowling, Michael. |
Martin, Mrs. |
Webb, Thomas. |
|
Downes, Mary. |
Meagher, Thomas. |
Weiser, Mrs. |
|
Dundon, Arthur H |
Mooney, Patrick. |
Windsor, William. |
|
Dunne, Thomas. |
Moore, Joseph. |
Young, William. |
|
Dyer, John. |
Mulligan, Edward. |
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OP MERCY. 553
REV. JOHN FITZPATRICK,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF MERCY.
SINCE the blending of the Diocesan Seminary of St. Josej^h with the Provincial Seminary established at Troy, tlie Chiu-ch of Our Lad} of Mercy, formerly directed for several years previous from the seminary, has been confided to the care of Jesuit Fathers of St. Jolm's College, amid whose grounds it stands.
The Reverend Father who has for the last year performed parochial duties in this chm-ch is the Rev. John Fitzpatrick. He was born July 13th, 1832, and, after a coiu-se of study, feeling himself called to the religious state, entered the Society of Jesus, August 21st, 1857.
Two years spent in the retirement of a novitiate, de- voted to prayer and spiritual exercises, are followed by the scholastic vows. Then the yoimg Jesuit is either assigned to duty as teacher or prefect in one of the colleges of the order or pursues at once the studies M'hich are to prepare him for priestly ordination.
Father Fitzpatrick received holy orders apparently about the year 18G8. In that year he was stationed at the Church of St. Joseph, Troy, as assistant pastor, and acquired general esteem by his modesty and zeal, as
554 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
well as liis devotedness to every duty of a priest. In 1870 he was appointed vice-president of St. Jolm's Col- lege, Fordham, and as Prefect of Discipline had the gen- eral super\'ision of the students. This responsible position he filled for several years. The prosperity of the college during this period attests his fitness for the administration of a large educational estabHshment, and his knowledge of the young. In 1875 he was again engaged in mis- sionary work, at his old parish in Troy, and in 1877 was selected to act as parish priest of Our Lady of Mercy, where he now exercises the ministry most acceptably.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE SEVEN DOLORS.
PITT STUEET.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE SEVEN DOLORS (OUR LADY OF SORROWS).
PITT STREET.
THIS church, one of the most recently erected for the use of the German Cathohcs of the city, is due to the zeal of the Capuchin Fathers, who are a branch of the great Franciscan family. They were no strangers in this country, having labored in Nova Scotia, ]\Iaine, and Louisiana, in the days of French and Spanish colonial rule, and gave an early bishop in the South, as well as in our day an archbishop in the British Provinces.
The recent establishment of the order in this country is due to two secular priests — Rev. Messrs. Haas and Frey — who came to this country in 1856, with a view of forming a community under the Capuchin rule. Bisliop Henni of Milwaukee welcomed them to his diocese. The General of the order deputed Father Anthony Maria to admit them, and direct them during their novitiate. The Convent of Calvary in Wisconsin arose in Fond du Lac County, and God blessed the new comniunity. A second convent and chiu'ch were established in Milwaukee.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF SEVEN DOLORS. 557
Rev. Father Bonaventura Frey then came to New- York, and the Most Reverend Archbishop McCloskey, beheving that his order could perfoi-m a good work among the German population of the city, authorized him to commence the erection of a chmx-h.
With the approval of his Grace, Father Bonaventura selected the eastern part of the city, within the limits of old St. Mary's. A structm-e of some size, used as a saloon, was obtained for use as the temporaiy chapel, and was soon fitted up by the zeal and energy of Father Bonaventiu:a. Three lots of gi-omid were then purchased on Pitt Sti-eet, between Rivington and Stanton Streets, and on the 15tli of August, 1867, the comer-stone of a church, to be erected under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin of the Seven Dolors, was laid by the Most Rev- erend Archbishop McCloskey.
By the exertions of the Rev. Father Bonaventura col- lections were made to carry on the work, and the chui'ch, a structure of brick, supported by stone pillars, lighted by one of the largest cupolas then in the city, was soon com- pleted. It is built in the Byzantine style of architectm-e, and is one hundi-ed feet long by sixty-six feet wide, and wall accommodate twelve hundi-ed people. The inte- rior is very neat, and the beautiful altar is surmounted by an elegant pieta, a statue of Om- Blessed Lady hold- ing the lifeless body of her Divine Son — a w^ork of art presented to Father Bonaventm-a by the King of Bavaria.
558 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The chiu'cli was dedicated on the Gth of Septem- ber, 18G8, by the Most Rev. Archbishop McCloskey. After the impressive ceremony, a Solemn Iligli ]\Iass was offered by the Rev. Maximus Leimgruber of the congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, rector of their chnreh in Third Street, assisted by the Rev. Adam Tonner of tlie Church of St. Nicholas. A sermon in German was de- livered by a Capuchin Father. At the close of the holy sacrifice, the Most Reverend Archbishop addressed the peo- ple in earnest and eloquent words. lie congratulated the congregation on the completion of the holy work in which they had been engaged for upAvards of a year, under the direction of the pious Capuchin Fathers. The chiu-ch had been dedicated to the Most High, and was no longer man's dwelling, but the House of Cod. All had been said that required to be said in language that went home to the hearts of every one present — the language in which they had learned to pronounce the sacred name of Jesus, the language in which they were taught the rudiments of their religion, and lisjied as childi-en the name of ]\Iary. It was not more dear to them now that they heard it beneath the beautiful dome of the noble edifice in which they were worshiping. No build- ing made with hands could lend greater importance to the spoken words of truth, but it was a language inex- pressibly dear to them, by reason of the hope that it gave and the faith it taught. Henceforth the building
CnUECH OF OUE LADY OF SEVEN DOLOES. 559
would \k'^ ii liouse of prayer, tlie temple of God, iiud, lie lioi:)ed, to many thousands of those now wallvhig in darkness, the very kingdom of heaven for themselves and their children.
A dense Catholic congregation soon clustered aroiind the cluu'ch, and the reverend founder summoned two Fathers from the West to join him in the labors of the new German parochial district.
The establishing of schools was one of the first cares of Father Bonaventura. Wliile the chm-ch was still heavily in debt, it was found impossible to j^ay the exorbitant price demanded for a site required for . the schools, so that for the time being the basement of the chxu-ch served as class-rooms.
Father Bonaventura was soon after requested by his Grace the Ai-chbishop to assume the direction of the Chinch of St. John the Baptist, and was succeeded at Om- Lady of the Seven Dolors by the Rev. Father Laurentius, Vorwerk, who is at present the zealous pastoi*. He was able to cany out the original design, and at a reasonable price pm'chased ground for the school-houses.
Under the Rev. Father Ivo Prass, O. Min. Cap., the next pastor, the dome was adorned with paintings of the Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin, by the artist M. Lang ; and he also erected the fine school-house attached to the chui-ch. This institution now contains tlu'ee hun- dred and twenty-five boys, under the Brothers of I^Iary,
5G0 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
and three hundred and fifty girls, who are taught by the Dominican Sisters, who came from WiUiamsbiu'gh.
The next pastor was the Rev. Father Joseph Pickl, a native of Bavai-ia, born in tliat Catholic kingdom on the 14th of September, 1846. He was ordained priest by the Most Reverend John Martin Henni, D.D., in Mil- waukee, on the 7th day of November, 1875 ; and was appointed pastor of the Church of om- Lady of the Seven Dolors in February, 1876.
Father Pickl was succeeded in 1878 by the present pastor, the Rev. P. Laurentius Vorwerk, 0. Min. Cap., who thus returned to tliis parish, where he had ah'eady won the esteem of all.
Roll of Honor.
Mrs. Catherine Stiehler, George Adrian.
CHUECH OF OUR LADY OF SEVEN DOLORS. 561
REV. FATHER P. LAURENTIUS VORWERK, O. MIN. CAR,
SUPERIOR AT THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE SEVEN DOLORS.
THE Reverend Capuchin Father now du-ecthig the Chm-ch of Our Lady of Sorrows is an Ameri- can member of the venerable association who direct the
congregation.
Father P. Laurentius Vorwerk, 0. Min. Cap., was bom in Burhngton, Iowa, on the 15th of August, 1841 ; and, resisting tlie attractions of the world, which appeal so strongly to American youth, to each of whom the most brilliant futm'e seems easy and possible, this young man resolved to give himself to God, and to embrace a life of poverty and humility under the rule of St. Francis in the habit of the Capuchin Order. After pursuing his studies at the Calvary College, Wisconsin, he was ordain- ed by Archbishop Henni of Milwaukee, on the 22d of May, 18G9, and soon showed not only zeal and piety as a priest, but abilities of no common order in the adminis- tration of affairs.
He was selected by Very Rev. F. Bonaventura to succeed him in the Chui-ch of Om- Lady of Soitows, but after a time was called away to imdertake an im- portant work in the Diocese of Milwaukee. The Church 36
562 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
of St. Francis, Milwaukee, was a poor frame building, no longer adapted to the wants of the congregation. Father Laurentius soon aroused the zeal and energy of the people, and erected a new Byzantine chui'ch — one of the finest in Wisconsin — after designs by the archi- tect, W. Schickel, of New York, with a neat convent for the Fathers, and established schools to accommo- date the children of the growing congregation. After remaining here some time as Guardian of the Convent and pastor of the congregation, he was, in 1878, to the regret of his people, called from them to resume his more humble labors at the Chm-ch of Our Lady.
The assistant priests within the last year have been Rev. Father Paschalis Straub, 0. Min. Cap. ; Rev. Father Bruno Schmitz, 0. Min'. Cap. ; and Father Bernardino.
The zealous Fathers have established the Third Or- der of St. Francis in then* parish, a real religious order, with a rule adapted by the serapliic founder himself for persons living in the world, and em-iched by the Sov- ereign Pontiffs with many special favors. The Third Order of St. Francis boasts of many saints in all ranks and classes, from kings and queens on theii' thrones to the humblest degree in life. There are also in the Chm-ch of Our Lady, Rosary and Altar Societies, and several approved sodalities.
To relieve the poor there has been organized a con- ference of the excellent Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
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a w
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a
1-3
CHURCH OF SAINT PAUL.
EAST ONE HUNDKEU AND SEVENTEENTH STREET, HARLEM.
FOR many years, as we have seen in these sketches, the Cathedral of St. Patrick was the only chmch north of Canal Street. Some of the priests attached to it had to attend all the Catholics scattered in the upper part of the island, and along the North River and Long Island Sound. Mass was said occasionall}' in houses or barns, where a number could be gathered together ; and when a summons came for a priest to attend the sick or d}'ing, one would set out, not aided by raih'oads as now, but by such conveyance as he could procm-e, and make his way thi-ough snow or storm to the dying Catholic. The Cathedral was, in fact, the resource of a large inu-al district, and many of the priests connected with it attended Catholics in the upper part of the island. Harlem, which from the Dutch times had been a hamlet by itself, became a centre where, as population increased, the mmiber of Catholics became more apparent. Mass was occasionally offered in hired halls or private houses till the year 1834, when the Right Reverend Bishop Du Bois resolved to establish a clnu-ch there with
CUURCH OF ST. PAUL. 565
a resident jiriest who could from that centre minister to the faithful in various directions.
He selected for the position the Rev. Michael Cur- ran, who had been a zealous laborer in the mountains of Pennsylvania, and who had come warmly recommended to the Bishop of New York by I^-ince Dmitri Galitzin. One incident recorded by the late Thomas Darcy ]\IcGee will best show the priest. "During the cholera of 1832, he was called to attend a man and his wife who were at the point of death on one of the highest peaks of the Alleghanies. Tying his horse to a tree, when he could urge him on no further, he climbed on hands and feet to the miserable shanty on the summit. Here he found the woman lying dead, with an infant sucking at her breast; the man ho had barely time to hear and to absolve. Taking up the helpless babj-, he wrapped it in his cloak, and carried it a considerable distance to the next habitation. He committed it to the charity of those good people, by whom both the parents were interred. He retained a watchful care over his orphan for years, and when he died, she was a full grown woman in Pittsburgh, a credit to her early benefactor."
Such was the priest commissioned to found a church at Harlem. A site was soon selected and jnu-chased, on One Himdred and Seventeenth Street, between Third and Fom-th Avenues. The corner-stone of the new church was laid here on the 29th of June, 1835, by the Right
566 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Rev. Bishop Du Bois, and an eloquent and appropriate discourse was delivered on the occasion by the Rev. Dr. Charles C. Pise. A large quantity of building stone had been procured, the plans for the modest Clmrch of St. Paul were ready, and an advertisement was at once is- sued for proposals for the masonry and carpenter work.
The cluu'ch, by the zeal of its pastor, was soon completed, and to a great extent paid for.
It was solemnly dedicated, and soon had a numerous attendance.
From Harlem the pastoral labors of the Rev. Mr. CmTan extended thi-oughout Westchester and over two- thirds of the present Brooklyn diocese. " Where there are now," said Mr. McGee, in 1856, " twenty flomishing chiu'ches with resident priests, there was then not one. Mass was celebrated in private houses, in rented halls, and in barns. A numerous dispersed population were to be cared for and called in. Mr. Curran's j)opular man- ner, his old-fashioned frankness, his knowledge of the Irish tongue, again enabled him to be of the highest service."
The Rev. Mr. Cm-ran remained at St. Paul's till the year 1843, when he went to Ireland, and on his return founded the chiu'ch at Astoria, where he died, November 27, 1856.
He was succeeded by the Rev. John Walsh, who was the zealous pastor of Harlem till 1853, when the
CHUECH OF ST. PAUL. 567
Rev. George R. Bropliy was appointed, and for thirteen years ministered to the Catholics in that district.
On In's retiring in 1866, the Rev. Eugene Maguire was chosen by the Most Reverend Archbishop, and lias since directed the clnirch to the satisfaction of all. He has been an active and energetic pastor. He introduced the Sisters of Charity, for whom he erected a residence. He bnilt large and commodions school-houses, and in 1871 enlarged the clnu'ch, making it one of the most commodious and comfortable in the outer parts of the city. The rededication of St. Paul's Church was per- foi-med on Sunday, the Otli of July, 1871, by the Most Reverend Archbishop McCloskey, assisted by many of the most eminent clergymen of the diocese, who came to honor this restoration of comparatively one of our older cluu'clies.
After the ceremony prescribed by the ritual had been performed by his Gi-ace, a Solemn High Mass was offered by the Very Rev. William Starrs, Vicar General, Avith Rev. Thomas Mooney of St. Bridget's as deacon, Rev. H. P. Baxter as subdeacon, and the Rev. Francis McNeirny, master of ceremonies. The churcb was most attractive in its new and improved condition: the altar was loaded with flowers contributed ])j the Ladies of the Sacred Heart, Manhattanville. The music, a mass by Bernardi, was rendered with great skill, under the direc- tion of Dr. Daly, the accomplished oi'ganist.
568 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The sermon was preaclaed by the Rev. Mr. O'Far- rell of St. Peter's Church, his text being from the Apo- calypse (xx. 2). Before giving his episcopal benediction, his Grace also addressed the multitude, who filled the church, congratulating them on the improvement of their edifice, and the general zeal manifested in the spii-itual growth of the parish.
The parish of St. Paul's has several sodalities and a flourishing rosary society amongst its members, while the altar shows the zeal of the ladies of the society devoted to its care and adornment. There is a well- sustained temperance society, and tlie conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is well organized and active.
The schools, under the care of the Sisters of Charity, number about nine hundred cliildi-en.
y.2.
ir (->:
■.» L.
5(5!»
REV. EUGENE MAGriRE,
PASTOR OF THE CHURfTT oF ST. PAUL, HARLEM.
T ^ '^ \ ■ njo-ret <\< >iiity to ascertain tlie
\' \' I e of the birth, or anv particii-
Ay hfe of * oldest clel•p^^^lK•n
.,,ii.<'< t-.l nitl! the ''atholic
lily in the diocese fr^ni hiH ordi nation, in . iT^ \\\ nira! , ior .
than a quarter of a century.
He wa.** educated for tlie priesthood at St Josej*liV '■• ipinary, Foi'dham, and was ordained by tlie Tiij^lii H<-\-i<j'. i T'.ishop llughf's on the SOrh of May, 1847.
His firs' .'^ j..'>intiTient wTi \\<i\i of as.sistui.f in the ! ir</c p; St. Jami khm. "sini t nthedral
parihli of that .•,iisoopa! oity. 1): thi' Rev. Mr.
Higgin.s, of Westchesit ( , being 'ompelled to seek a tem- porary respite on account of ill health, the Rev. Mr. Maguire was sent to St. Rajinond's Church, assumiiifr (•]i:itM. nlso of the congregation at Tlu'Ogg's Neck. TTf ; as permanent pastor till the y<i'' ^'^"'^
"1" pavi^l'
IHi.l^l I
.f >• AT;,r^ -
at that
lliMM|W||| I
r
^
> /i-i 1% J ... ^
?
CHURCH OF ST. PAUL. 5Gy
REV. EUGENE MAGUIRE,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. PAUL, HARLEM.
WE regret deeply our inability to ascertain the time and place of the birth, or any j)articu- lars of tlie earl}- life of one of the oldest clergymen connected with tlie Catholic cluu'ches in New York City, who has labored steadily in the diocese, from his ordi- nation, in city parishes and in rural districts, for more than a quarter of a century.
He was educated for the priesthood at St. Joseph's Seminary, Fordham, and was ordained by the Right Reverend Bishop Plughes on the 80th of May, 1847.
His first appointment was that of assistant in the large parish of St. James, Brooklyn, since tlie cathedral parish of that episcopal city. In 1848, the Rev. Mr. Higgins, of Westchester, being compelled to seek a tem- porary respite on account of ill health, the Rev. Mr. Maguire was sent to St. Raymond's Chm-ch, assuming charge also of the congi'egation at Throgg's Neck. He remained as permanent pastor till the year 1853, when he was made parish priest of St. Mary's Church at Rondout.
After a short stay at that ])oint he was transferred
570 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK
to the Chiu'cli of the Immaculate Conception at Yon- kers, where he continued during the year 1854 and tlie following year. He has since been connected with chiu-ches Avithin the limits of the city, so that he is well and widely known. In 1857, he was assistant at St. Joseph's Church on Sixth Avenue; from 1858 to 1862, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Fom-teenth Street; from 1862 to 1866, at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
From the last date he has been pastor of St. Paul's Church at Harlem, a period of twelve years.
The improvements in the chm-ch, and the flourishing state of the society connected with the chm-ch, show that his ministry has not been a barren one.
|
CHURCH OF ST. PAUL, 571 |
||
|
Roll of H |
ONOR. |
|
|
Barry, John. |
Farrell, Thomas. |
McCarthy, Eugene, Mrs. |
|
Beruey, Patrick, Mrs. |
Farrelly, James. |
McCue, Magdalena. |
|
Bissicks, Joseph. |
Ferrigan, Patrick F. |
McGinnis, Robert. |
|
Blundel, Fanny, Mrs. |
Flyiin, James S. |
McGowan, M. Milmo. |
|
Boyland, James. |
Fox, Michael. |
McGuire, Henry. |
|
Breslin, Patrick. |
Gaffney, James H. |
McGuire, Patrick. |
|
Buggy, John. |
Gearon, Michael. |
McNamee, John. |
|
Burke, Michael. |
Gilligan, Patrick. |
McParlan, Thomas. |
|
Byrnes, Wilham. |
Green, Maggie. |
McSorley, John A. |
|
Carey, Peter C. |
Halloran, John. |
Madden, John. |
|
Carson, James. |
Halpin, John. |
Meehan, John. |
|
Coates, W. J. |
Halpin, Thomas. |
Miller, John R. |
|
Coffey, Thomas. |
Harney, Thomas. |
Molly, William. |
|
Coman, John M. |
Hayes, Thomas F. |
Moore, James. |
|
Connell, Hugh G. |
Hays, Daniel. |
Moore, John. |
|
Connolly, John H. |
Heffernan, Joseph. |
Mullen, Thomas. |
|
Conyngham, Daniel. |
Heffernan, Rodger. |
Murray, John. |
|
Coogan, Hugh. |
Hickey, John. |
Nagle, William. |
|
Coyle, Elizabeth, Mrs. |
Higgins, Jeremiah. |
Nevins, Patrick. |
|
Cronin, Patrick. |
Hogan, William F. |
Nolan, John. |
|
Crowley, James. |
Holland, Edward. |
Norris, James. |
|
Cullen, John. |
Hughes, James. |
O'Brien, John. |
|
Daly, Lawrence. |
Hughes, Matthew. |
O'Donnell, Edmund B. |
|
Davin, Norah. |
Hughes, William. |
O'Kane, Peter. |
|
Deady, Daniel C. |
Keegan, James. |
O'Reilly, Dominick. |
|
Dealy, William J. |
Kehoe, James. |
Point, Emanuel. |
|
Dobbins, James. |
Kelly, Bernard. |
Quigley, Daniel J. |
|
Dobbins, John. |
Kelly, Edward E. |
Regan, Daniel. |
|
Dolan, Stephen. |
Kelly, James. |
Regan, James. |
|
Donethy, John. |
Lally, John M. |
Reilly, John. |
|
Donohue, Patrick. |
Lalor, James F. |
Royston, Joshua T. |
|
Donovan, Timothy. |
Lalor, Julia A., Mrs. |
Ryan, Patrick. |
|
Duffy, Constantine. |
Lalor, Patrick H. |
Shandley, Christopher. |
|
Dunn, Thomas. |
Lambert, Charles. |
Slavin, Daniel. |
|
Dwyer, ^ohn. |
Laughlin, Daniel. |
Sullivan, John. |
|
Edwards, John. |
Leddy, Timothy. |
Sullivan, Michael. |
|
Falvey, Dennis. |
Lennon, Thomas. |
Walsh, James. |
|
Farrell, Andrew F. |
McCann, Margaret. |
Weston, Cornelius. |
CHURCH OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE.
WEST FIFTY-NINTH STREET.
CHURCH OF SALNT PAUL THE APOSTLE.
WEST FIFTY-NINTH STREET, NEAR NINTH AVENUE.
ONE of the best known of our city cliurches is tliat of the so-called Paulist Fathers, erected under the title of " St. Paul the Apostle," situated on the block fronting Ninth Avenue, between Fifty-ninth and Sixtieth Streets. The original chiu-ch no longer exists ; it having comprised the two lower stories of the build- ing now Avholly occupied by the Fathers as a convent, the corner-stone of which was laid by the ]\Iost Rev. Ai-chbishop Hughes, on Trinity Sunday, June lOtli, 1859, and formally opened and blessed for divine worship by the Very Rev. William StaiTs, Vicar General, on the first Sunday of Advent, November 27 th of the same year. This biiilding was twice enlarged to accommodate the rapidly increasing niimber of parishioners, the first addition being made in 1861, and the second in 1865. Thus enlarged, the seat accommodation amounted to thirteen hundi'ed. The parochial limits assigned to this chiu-ch at its opening were \^'idely extended, embracing all the upper part of the city on the west side from Fifty-second Street to Manhattanville, and from Sixth Avenue to the North River. The Catholic population at
574 CATnOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
the time was, however, small, and the Missionary Fathers who made it their headquarters had to collect funds all over the country to enable them to erect their convent and temporary church.
About the year 18G6, the parishioners living between this chm-cli and Manhattanville secured for themselves a site for a new church, and the present Clnu-ch of the Holy Name of Jesus, situated at the junction of the Boulevard and Ninety-seventh Street, was built, and given in charge of the Rev. Richard Brennan, formerly pastor at Port Jervis. The line of division between this new parish and that of the Paulist Fathers was placed at Seventy-fifth Street. In the year 1876, another new parish was formed by his Eminence the Cai'dinal Arch- bishop McCloskey, and tlie ])resent Chm-ch of the Sacred Heart, situated in Fifty-first Street, was opened. To form the parish limits of this latter chm-ch, the parish of the Paulist Fathers was again cm-tailed, and the line of division on the south was placed at Fifty-fom-th Street. The portion thus cut off contained about one- third of the whole number of parishioners attached to the Church of St. Paul the Apostle. In the present year (1878), the number of souls in the parish is esti- mated at six thousand five hundred.
The chm-ch now used for divine worship is a temporary wooden structm-e, one hundred feet square, facing on Sixtieth Street, between Ninth and Tenth Ave-
CHURCH OF ST. PAUL THE ArOSTLE. 575
nues, opened for use on January 213 tli, 1877. Its seating capacity is one thousand, but the wide aisles left unoc- cupied by pews give standing room for almost as many more. An unusual proportion of the room is occupied by the sanctuary, it being twenty-five feet wide and extending across the whole liuikling, one hundi-ed feet. The use of so much room is demanded Ijy the choral arrangements and the imposing ritual ceremonies for which this church has always been remarkable, and par- ticulai-ly so since the year 1870, Avhen the Gregorian Chant was adopted by the Fathers as the ruling melody for all their church services. In the centre of the sanctuary stands the high altar, flanked on either side by four rows of black-walnut choir stalls. On the left stands the altar of the Blessed Virgin and slu-ine of the Sacred Heart. On the right is the organ, in front of which are the altars of St. Joseph and St. Justinus the Martyr, and shrine of Our Lady of Lom-des. Thi-ee lamps are kept per^jetually burning — one before the Blessed Sacrament, another before the shrine of the Sacred Heart, and a third before the altar of St. Justinus, under which repose the relics of that martyr, exhumed from the cata- combs. From the time of the erection of the shrine of Our Lady of Loiu'des, December 8th, 1874, the people have continued to exhibit very great devotion to it — by prayers said before it, and by the offering of votive wax tapers, Avhich are to be seen burning there every day in
576 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
the year. There are, perhaps, but few churches in the United States, or even in Europe, wliei'O the ceremonial of the sacred rites of the Cathohc Chiu'ch are more strictly observed or more decorously performed than in this unpretentious edifice. Indeed, it is a special point of the rule of the Paulist community, that in all churches over which they may have control, the Roman ritual shall be obsei'ved to the very letter.
Between the present temporary chm-ch and Ninth Avenue, a new clnu'ch of vast proportions is already being built. The walls of the basement are now finished to the height of twenty feet. Its general dimensions are as follows : —
Total length, 284 feet; total width, 128 feet; length of nave and aisles, 178 feet; widtli of the nave, 60 feet ; width of the aisles, each 1 0 feet ; twelve side chapels, each 12 by 20 feet ; chapel of the Blessed Virgin, 25 by 20 feet ; chapel of St. Joseph, 25 by 20 feet ; width and depth of the sanctuary, 60 feet ; two towers, each 300 feet. Capacit)^, seats for 2,500 persons and standing room for 1,500 more. The great sanctuary will contain choir stalls for 120 clergy and senior chor- isters, and for 200 boy choristers. There are to be twelve or more confessionals, where confessions will l)e heard every day. The architect is Mr. Jeremiah O'Rourke of Newark, New Jersey. The designs show a building of massive and imposing proportions, but plain
CHUKCH OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE. 577
and very sparing- uf expensive ornamental work on tlio exterior.
On the 20tli of February, 1875, the Holy Father Poi)e Pius IX. was gi'aciously pleased to bestow liis apostolic benediction upon the Paulist Fathers, and also upon all who should contribute towards the biulding of their new church. The ceremony of the solemn bless- ing- and laying of the first stone of this magnificent struc- ture took place on the feast of Pentecost, June 4th, 1876, in presence of a vast multitude of people, num- bering over eleven thousand five hundi-ed, as was ascer- tained by actual count ; each person being- presented -with a small tract descriptive of the new chm-ch, as they ap- proached by the different avenues and streets leading to the place. The ceremony was performed by the lit. Rev. Michael A. Corrigan, D.D., Bishop of Newark, and the sermon was preached by the Rev. J. L. Spalding, D.D., now the Bishop of Peoria.
The founders of the Church of St. Paul the Apostle
were the Rev. Fathers Isaac T. Hecker, Augustine F.
Hewit, George Deshon, and Francis 'A. Baker, who, by
decree of the Holy Father Pope Pius IX., bearing date
March 6th, 1858, were pemiitted to leave the congregation
of the Most Holy Redeemer, of which they had been
members, in order that they might be at liberty to form a
new congregation of Missionary Priests, of which the Rev.
Father Hecker was elected superior, and became the first 37
578 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
pastor of the church, which received the same name as that of their rehgious community. Being the first com- munity of Missionary Priests founded in the United' States, and all its originators being native bom Ameri- cans, few places may be said to possess more interest for American Catholics than the Church and Community of St. Paul the Apostle. The labors of Father Hecker and his associates are widely known and justly appreciated, and have made their mark in the history of the Catho- lic Church of the United States. Their missions, lectures, publications, and other works, have brought them most prominently before the American people. The Catholic World magazine, wliich they created and have sustained for so many years, has worthily obtained a high place among the periodicals of this country and Em-ope, and, together with their other literary labors, has helped most signally to elevate the tone of Catholic literature, and to command the respect of all classes for the faith of which they have been such zealous and enlightened exponents.
oHCV
KEV. ISAAC
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE.
\
MONG the remarkable and representative Catholic
^ • * '^' "^' " '"^'v svill ever be num-
i.:. .. .. ii.-t;Kui, mIio has endowed the
'livn:
United States with a nfrt
itiun of
\ .. .1.-.
I- V
Mr?SM« 111 Ol IIj; llK'i i
>. o-vv
tj I i * II n a
i.j u'ia[;t«"d r<i tlx- work l-oforo the Church i
m
nn: oit'rgy iti this >:ouiiiry arc so thorou^iily
i!s t-i Uui tone and tendency of American thoiiPfht,
I ' itions and aiius of the active American mind,
if>r hope.s on all that is tme and noble
eamesfK i<.' ili.-*r"'l the mists of
t. rucie ' lead it t(.> the truth.
ilti is a native ui ''ork City, bom here in
1819. His education was re».;«-ii.t«i in the schools of his
day' to fit him for the mercantile life in wliich his
ttvothers had embai'kcd, and were acquu'ing wealth and
:n by the perfection of their flour a ills, and the
character they established.
inMcan- In ; 1843,
'0 of stud/ rather <
(I
n
i9 <»
I- i I l< I'
,7 /
m
CUURCII OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE.
REV. ISAAC T. IIECKER, C.S.P.,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE.
AMONG the remarkable and representative Catholic clergymen of New York City will ever be num- bered the Rev. Isaac T. Hecker, who has endowed the Chui'cli in the United States with a new congregation of Missionary Priests, sanctioned by the Archbishop of New York with the permission of the Holy See, and with a rule esjjecially adapted to the work befoi'e the Chui-ch in this country.
Few of the clergy in this country are so thoroughly conscious of the tone and tendency of American thought, of the aspirations and aims of the active American mind, have built greater hopes on all that is true and noble in it, or labored more earnestly to dispel the mists of error that encircle it and. lead it to the truth.
He is a native of New York City, born here in 1819. His education was received in the schools of his da}' to fit him for the mercantile life in which his brothers had embarked, and were acquiring wealth and esteem by the perfection of their flour mills, and the high business character they established. But it was soon evident that a life of study rather than a mercan- tile life was congenial to Isaac. In the summer of 1843,
580 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
led, as many American tliinlcers were, to embrace the new social ideas promulgated in France, he joined the Association for Agricnltm-e and Education at Brook Farm, West Roxbury, Mass., and at a later date took part in a similar organization at Worcester, Mass.
His mind was too clear not to perceive, in a very brief trial, that these systems furnished only husks for the cravings of the human mind, and gave it no sub- stantial aliment. On his return to New York, his exam- ination of Catholic doctrines and principles led him to accept them, and in 1845 he was received into the Church.
He was by nature one to diffuse his ideas, and to influence others. The ministry seemed natui'ally his place. The congregation of Missionary Priests of the Most Holy Redeemer, founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori, as he beheld it here, seemed to him one to which he was called. He went to Europe, was received as a novice at St. Trond, in Belgium, in 1847. After passing his novitiate and a course of theological study, he was sent by his superiors to England, where, in 1849, he was raised to the priest- hood by the late Cardinal Wiseman. Two years were then spent in missionary duty in England, but in 1851 he returned to this country with several other American members of the congregation, and took his place among the Redemptorist Fathers laboring in the United States, but hitherto almost exclusively among the German element. For seven years Father Hecker was a zealous missionary,
CHURCn OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE. 581
employed in various parts of tlie country among the En- glish-speaking Catholics. But certain obstacles in the way of these English missions made him anxious to secure the means of prosecuting them more effectually.
With this view, Father Hecker, in 1857, visited Rome, and at length, his case was laid before the Holy Father himself for his si;preme adjudication. The result was that the connection of Father Hecker and his companions with the congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer ceased, and they formed a new missionary society, under the name of the Congregation of St. Paul the Apostle. Establishing themselves in New York, with the approval ;ind cnconr- agement of the Most Reverend Archbishop Hughes, they conmienced a church and convent at the cornev of Ninth Avenue and Fifty -ninth Street. Besides the care of the congregation which at once filled their temporary church, the Fathers of the new conffreijation Ijeu^an to "•ive missions in churches throughout the countr}', producing great good.
Father Hecker, in 1855, issued a work entitled " Questions of the Soul," followed two years later by the " Aspirations of Natm'e," both a.da})ted to the vast num- ber of Americans -who have cut themselves loose from all the systems engendered by the Protestant Reformation and reached the plane of naturalism. In Rome he pub- lished two essays on Catholicity in the United States, which were translated into several languages.
582 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The need of a Catholic periodical of high character, taking a position between the review and the popular magazine, led to the establishment of the Catholic World, which has so met the wants of the whole body of the faithful that it has reached its twenty-seventh volume, and done immense service in elevating the thought, culture, and literary taste of the community.
The establislunent of a Catholic Publication Society was another work of Father Hecker's. The issue of tracts and treatises in a cheap form was one of its main objects, but though this system seems to never become popular among Catholics, the society has been the medium of issuing many valuable Avorks.
In the ecclesiastical aflPairs of the country, Father Hecker has appeared prominently. He attended the Sec- ond Plenary Council of Baltimore as Superior of the Missionary Priests of St. Paul the Apostle, and was made Vicegerens of the Second Congregation on the Hierarchy and Government of the Church, and the Education and Pious Training of Youth. He delivered a sermon before the Fathers of the Council on the Future Triumphs of the Chvirch.
He subsequently took part in the Third Diocesan Synod of New York, held in September, 1868.
He was at Rome dm-ing the sessions of the Vatican Council, and caused to be written for the Catholic World a series of excellent papers on its proceedings.
|
CnURCII OF ST. PAUL THE |
APOSTLE. 583 |
|
|
Within the |
last few years his |
health has been se- |
|
riously affected. |
He went to Europe to obtain advice, 1 |
|
|
but he lias not |
entirely recovered, |
and his comparative |
|
retirement from |
liis useful and pious ( |
jareer is a subject of |
|
general regret. |
His frank, clear, in |
onounced, and sound |
|
views are missed alike in the councils of his Eminence, |
||
|
in the pulpit, and in the field of Catholic literature ; but |
||
|
we trust only for a brief time. |
\ |
|
|
Roll of H |
ONOR. |
|
|
Arrieta, Perquillo. |
Cassidy, William. |
Devlin, James. |
|
Behan, John. |
Cleary, William. |
Dolan, Francis. |
|
Black, Thomas. |
Connolly, Alice, Mrs. |
Donohue, Margaret, Mrs. |
|
Braden, John. |
Connolly, Kate. |
Donohue, Michael. |
|
Brennan, Thomas. |
Connor, William. |
Dowling, Thomas A. |
|
Brown, Joanna. |
Conway, Rose, Mrs. |
Down, Frederick J. |
|
Browne, WilUam. |
Corblis, John. |
Doyle, Mary. |
|
Buckley, Martin. |
Cosgrove, James C. |
Ducey, John, Mrs. |
|
Butler, M., Mrs. |
Curley, Edward J. |
Duffy, Bernard C. |
|
Byrnes, Matthew. |
Curnen, Annie T. |
Duffy, Frank. |
|
Byrnes, Patrick J. |
Curtin, John. |
Dwyer, John. |
|
Callaghan, Patrick. |
Cosgrove, James C. |
Eagan, Edward. |
|
Carey, Francis. |
Daly, Eliza, Mrs. |
Eagen, Patrick. |
|
Carolin, James. |
Daly, Joanna, Mrs. |
Fariey, Kate, Mrs. |
|
Carroll, James. |
Danvers, Robert E. |
Farrell, Mary. |
|
Carroll, John. |
Daskam, Eliza Sisk. |
Farrell, Michael. |
|
Carroll, Mary. |
Delany, Andrew. |
Feeley, Michael M. |
|
Casey, Patrick. |
Dempsey, Thomas. |
Field, William H. |
|
Cassidy, James. |
Devine, Matthew J. |
Finnan, Francis. |
584
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Furey, John. Gallagher, Michael. Golding, Patrick. Goodwin, John J. Gordon, Edward. Gordon, Edward P. Gormley, Patrick. Grant, John. Guion, William H. Harlin, John. Harold, John. Hassell, Samuel. Healy, John W. Hecker, George V. Heimbuch, Rosina. Henry, John. Hicks, Michael. Hogan, Ellen. Horgan, J. J. Hughes, George W. Jetter & Dux. Kane, Alice, Mrs. Kane, Cornelius J. Kearney, Peter. Kearney, William, Mrs. Kearns, T. J. Kelly, Charles. Kelly, Frank A. Kennedy, John. Kitson, Henry, Mrs. Leonard, Terence. Lynch, Edward. Lyons, Edmond. McArdle, Henry. McAuley, Margaret, Mrs. McAvoy, James E. McCarthy, John.
McCue, John. McDermott, Michael. McDonnell, Patrick. McGowan, Michael. McKenna, Michael J. McKenney, Thomas. McKeon, John. McMaster, James A. McNeirny.James L., Mrs. Mackey, John. Maginn, P. F. Malone, Andrew. Martin, Francis. Martin, Thomas. Masterson, John H. Masterson, Mary, Mrs. Mathews, Arthur. Milleman, David. Mesigh, Catharine, Mrs. Monks, John. Moore, James. Morgan, John. Morgan, P., Mrs. Morrissey, Lawrence. Muldoon, Silvester. Mulligan, Patrick J. Murphy, James. Murphy, John. Murray, James B. Murray, Patrick. Noonan, Alice, Mrs. O'Brien, Francis. O'Brien, Thomas. O'Callahan, Thomas. O'Farrell, Catharine, Mrs. O'Hara, James. O'Neil, Charles.
O'Reilly, Patrick. Phelan, Mary Ann. Power, Maurice W. Pryor, James. Raborg, Samuel A. Redmond, David. Richardson, John W. Riley, Thomas. Robinson, George B. Rogan, James H. Rogers, Hugh J. Russell, Michael. Ryan, James. Ryan, Joseph P. Savage, Sarah A. Scanlan, Honorah. Scanlan, M. Shannon, John. Shannon, Thomas. McNamara, Michael J. Skelly, William. Slattery, James. Smith, Michael. Spaulding, Ellen, Mrs. Spencer, John Campbell. Sprague, Henry E. Stafford, Maurice. Tallon, James and Susan. Taylor, George H. Temperly, John. Thornton, Rachel, Mrs. Travers, Frank. Travers, Vincent P. Vought, AVilliam H. Winston, J. Wagner, Harrison. Whitty, Robert.
ClIllUCII OF SAINT PETER.
BARCLAY STREET.
CHURCH OF SAINT PETER.
BARCLAY STREET.
ON the 23d of November, 1783, the City of New York was evacuated by the last Enghsh army, and it was able to enjoy the freedom purchased by seven years of war and sacrifices. It was by no means a large town. MuiTay Street was its northern limit, and the ruins of many public and private buildings destroyed in the great fii'e of 1776 still disfigured the place. For its twenty thousand people there were nine churches fit for use ; but of these nine, the few Catholics could not claim one. Yet they were free : the victorious army had its Catholic officers and soldiers ; Catholic ministers of foreign countries, following the lead of La Luzerne, the envoy of France, entered the city. In the follow- ing year the Continental Congress, which included some Catholic members, held its sessions in New York ; and after the adoption of the Constitution the new Congress met here till 1790, and dtu"ing that period it was the residence of the President and of all the foreign min- isters.
No sooner was the island free from the Britisli than
CHURCH OF ST. PETER. 587
Father Farmer made liis way into New York, extending liis mission tour as far as Peekskill, in December, 1783. The Catholics in the city endeavored to seciu'e a suit- able hall for a chapel, but this proved impracticable ; the authorities would not grant a room in the Exchange, when requested by the French Consul in 1785, and there was no hall to be hired. So Father Farmer said mass for his flock where he could : now in a house in Water Street; in a carpenter's shop in Barclay Street — the old Italian gentleman, Mr. Trapani, we knew in our youth, who heard mass there, is still vivid in om* recollection ; — in the house in Vauxhall Gardens, near Wan-en Street ; wherever, in fact, they could get or hire accommoda- tion for the moment. In 1785, the room they occupied was, an Italian traveler tells us, far from becoming the noblest worship ever offered by man to his Creator; but the papers of the day tell us that they met at times that year in the house of Don Diego de Gardoqui, on Broadway, near Bowling Green — the truly Catholic am- bassador of the Catholic king.
The faithful in the city, long deprived of all the influence of the Church, were deeply imbued with many of the prevailing Protestant ideas, and adopted their sys- tem of church organization. The little Catholic commu- nity, without priest or altar, organized as a congrega- tion, and, without consulting or recognizing ecclesiastical authority, on the 11th of June, 1785, incorj)orated St.
588 CATHOLIC CHUROnES OF NEW YORK.
Peter's Church, under a general act passed by the State Legislature, April 6, 1784. St. John de Crevecoeur, Consul General of France ; Jose Roiz Silva, John Stew- art, and Henry Duffin, Avere named as the first trustees. An Irish Capuchin Father, the Rev. Charles Whelan, who had, as a chaplain in De Grasse's fleet, seen the overthrow of Cornwallis, and subsequently been taken prisoner, came to New York in 1784, Avith letters from Lafayette, and, doubtless, from his admiral. The Rev. John Carroll, then Prefect Apostolic of the Catholics in the United States, after some hesitation, gave him facul- ties. The venerable Father Farmer, soon to close his own career of mission labor, was among the congregation he had collected in New York, in November, 1784, and in April, 1785, and continued a supervision over the flock till his deatli. The first pastor of the Catholic body in New York was a priest of blameless life, fitted by edu- cation for liis position, Avith no little dry wit ; l)ut he was not an eloquent preacher, and his long residence in France had made the language of that country more ready to him than his own. Unfortunately, though he could find only tAventy communicants, he found many noisy people who wished a thundering preacher rather than a good confessor. In fact, most of them, from Avant of opportunity to ' practice their religion, Avere in the greatest ignorance of their faith and obligations. During his brief pastoral charge, the trustees of St. Peter's, after
CHURCH OF ST. PETER. 589
sevenil inelicctual attempts elsewhere, purchased of Trin- ity Chm-ch, in the winter of 1785, a plot of ground on the corner of Barclay and Church Streets, mainly, it would seem, under the advice of Mr. Silva. Don Diego de Gardoqui, the Sj^anish minister, was the greatest sup- port of this attempt. He interested his royal master, who allotted a considerable sum to aid in erecting New York's first Catholic chm-ch; and when the ground was prepared for the laying of the corner-stone, that ceremony was performed by the Spanish minister, no mention being made of the presence of a clergyman or the ceremo- nial prescribed b}^ the Roman ritual. The event took place on the 4th of November, 1785, the feast of St. Charles Borromeo, patron of Charles IV., King of Spain, and on that day mass was said at the house of the representative of his Catholic Majesty.
The venerable John Carroll, as Prefect Apostolic, vis- ited New York in 1785, to administer the sacrament of confirmation for the first time on our island. He was deeply interested in the projected church, and employed the authority conferred upon him, as well as liis personal influence, to unite the flock to their pastor, but found, even at that early day, in some of the trustees a very defiant spirit. At the time of the laying of the corner-stone he was invited to visit New York and perform the cere- mony, but was then at too great a distance on official duty.
590 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
During the year, tlie Catholics of New York, for the first time, enjoyed the spiritual advantage of a jubilee, that of 1776 having been specially extended to the United States for a definite period. It was now duly piiblislied in the temporary Church of St. Peter.
The work on the new clnirch advanced, and was so far completed dm-ing the year 178G that the Holy Sac- rifice was offered for the first time, in October, by the Rev. Andrew Nugent, a Capuchin, who had arrived, but 'to whom the Rev. Mr. Carroll had been unable to give faculties. lie was now alone at New York, Father Whelan having retired February 12th, 1786, in consequence of the violence of the trustees and the intrigues of Father Nugent.
The church, described by an Italian traveler as a handsome structure, was built of brick, and was forty- eight • feet in front by eighty-one deep ; but there was yet no vestry, portico in front, or even pews within.
The erection of the church was a matter of triumph. It was the fii'st Catholic church erected and opened after the United States achieved their indejiendence and took their place among the nations of the earth. Dr. Carroll communicated to the authorities at Rome the consoling intelligence, and asked apparently to be empowered to consecrate it, as the answer was given that such a power was rarely if ever communicated to any one not a bishop.
CHURCH OF ST. PETER. 59 1
The congregation, ^vlioso trustees siding with Nugent had di-iven from the chiu'ch the worthy Fatlier Whelan, soon made such repeated complaints against the miscon- duct of the priest whom tliey had upheld against the authority of the ^^refect, that Dr. Carroll found it neces- sary to come to New York, in October, 1787.
An examination on the spot made him feel it his duty to annul Father Nugent's faculties, and, on his re- sistance, to suspend him. The misguided priest would not yield. lie held possession of St. Peter's Church, and re- fused to submit. He went to such lengths that the con- gregation laid the matter before the Grand Jury, and he was found guilty of riot. " His counsel pleaded that, being the lawful pastor, he could not be guilty of a riot, in going to take possession of his church; that the person who deposed him received his jurisdiction from the Pope ; that is a jui'isdiction contrary to the laws of New York. This plea was overruled, and verdict given against him." In a touching address, full of sound and correct princi- ples, which he endeavored to impress on the congrega- tion and its leaders. Dr. CaiToll announced the appoint- ment, as pastor, of the Rev. William O'Brien, a zealous and talented Dominican Father.
This worthy priest was the first to organize the con- gregation of St. Peter's, and instill sound principles and gradually bring all to the practice of their religion. The Catholic Church at the capital of the United States
592 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YOEK.
could thus present to tlie whole comniunit}' a picture of unity, piet}-, and respect for their own ecclesiastical system. This was all the more necessary as the adoption of the Constitution and the inauguration of the new form of govermnent were tO' make New York even more impor- tant than before.
In April, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated President of the United States, and the First Congi-ess held its sessions in New York. Then in St. Peter's Church could be seen among the congregation the Count de Moustier, Minister of France ; Don Diego de Grardoqui, the Spanish Minister ; Hector St. Jean de Crevecoeur, French Consul General, author of the " Letters of an American Farmer ; " Thomas Stoughton, Spanish Consul ; Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Daniel Carroll, Thomas Fitzsimmons, ^danus Burke, the learned judge, all Sen- ators or Representatives in Congress ; the Marchioness de Brehan, and many a person of distinction.
But with all tlie lusti'e given by such personages and their contributions, St. Peter's was in a struggling condition. Father William O'Brien, who had been a classmate of the Archbishop of Mexico, resolved to visit the Spanish Pro-sdnces and endeavor to collect there from the generous Catholic people the funds required. At the request of Bishop Carroll, Don Diego de Gar- doqui give him letters, and Father O'Brien collected five thousand nine hundi-ed and twenty dollars in Mexico.
CHURCH OF ST. TETER. 593
He ])rouglit also several beautiful paintings by artists of the Mexican school that the world is just beginning to appreciate. A Crucifixion of remarkable power and beauty, the work of Jose Maria Vallejo, a celebrated Mexican painter, is still the altar-piece at St. Peter's.
Father O'Brien, Avhose assistant, the Rev. Nicholas Boiu'ke, had acted during his absence, returned to find a new and terrible work before him. In 1795, the city was swept by that fearful scourge the yellow fever. Ilundi-eds perished, and the city was almost deserted by the -inhabitants. Though some precautions were taken, it made still greater ravages in 1798, and visited the city in 1799, 1801, and 1805. While clergymen of other de- nominations fled, Father William O'Brien remained at his post, hastening at the first call to the bedside of the dying, even in the most infected and dangerous parts of the city. This heroic conduct impressed all classes, and, there can be no doubt, excited the respect of the great physician, Dr. Richard Bayley, who bravely risked his life to study and if possible check the disease. But he could not have foreseen that his daughter was to found a sisterhood in the Catholic Church which would give its martyrs on similar fields, or that Ins grandson would one day fill the chair of Bishop CaiToll.
The exliausting work told on Father O'Brien, and
the next year the congregation appealed to the Bishop
for an assistant; but there was no permanent appoint- 38
594 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
ment, although several priests were temporarily in the church.
Meanwliile the completion of the clnu-ch advanced, and on Easter Monday, 1794, the first sale of pews took place, and all who could afford it purchased pews, pay- ing a sum down for them, and afterwards an annual ground rent. Speculation was prevented by a clause, " That any person that shall be known to let his pew for more than the just value, according to the yearly rent, shall he dispossessed of it, or fined as a trafficker in the church, the fine to be given to the j^oor."
The yellow fever not only swept away many of the Catholic body, especially of the poorer classes, bixt de- terred .others from settling in New York. Among the more important Catholics Avho died during the ^dsitations of the yellow fever were the Blarquis de Lotbiniere and the accomplished Italian physician Dr. Gianbattista Scan- della.
In 1796, burial in the ground near the church was restricted to those who paid four dollars a year to the church, and were registered as members.
In 1800, the pastor of St. Peter's, whom the Bishop had strongly urged to do all in his power for the proper education of the Catholic children, and their catechetical instruction, succeeded in establishing St. Peter's Free School, now one of the oldest establishments of the kind in the city, outdating by years any erected by city or
CHURCH OF ST. PETER. 59^
State authority. It soon numbered five hundred i^upiLs, and in its existence of more than tlu-ee-quarters of a century has conferred the boon of CathoHc education on many thousands.
Of the state of the chm-ch in 1800 we have some details. The debt was six thousand five lumdred dollars; the income from pew rents, eleven hundi-ed and twenty dollars, while the collections were only about three hundi-ed and sixty dollars a year.
In 1804, St. Peter's was again visited by the Rig-lit Rev. Dr. Carroll, and about this time Father William O'Brien received assistants. The Rev. Dr. Matthew O'Brien, also a Dominican, who had acquired a reputation as an elo- quent preacher, and even issued a volume of sermons in Ireland, came in 1803. The Rev. Dr. Caffrey was also at St. Peter's about this time, as was the Rev. John Byme, an eloquent and energetic man, and the Rev. Michael Hui-ley of the Order of St. Augustine.
Among the consoling events diu-ing this year was the reception into the bosom of Catholicity of Elizabeth Bay- ley Seton, who, after long and serious examination and prayer, received her final instructions from Dr. O'Brien, and made her abjuration in St. Peter's Chm-ch, on Ash Wednesday, March 14th, 1805, and was confii-med in the same church on the 26th <,f May in the following year. Of Father O'Brien and the priests in the city diu-ing the yellow fever of 1805, Hardie, an early historian of
596 CATHOLIC CHUKCHES OF NEW YORK.
New York says: "The three clergymen of the Roman Catholic Church, namely, the Rev. Dr. William O'Brien, the Rev. Dr. Matthew O'Brien, and the Rev. Mr. Hurle}', were incessant in administering spiritual consolation to the sick of their congregation, nor did they in the discharge of this duty avoid the most filthy cellars or most infected places ; yet none of them was in the least infected with fever dming the season."
In the following year, Father William O'Brien became too infirm to continue liis parochial duties ; Rev. Mr. Byrne went to Albany, and subsequently left the country. The Rev. Mattliias Kelly was made assistant in 1806, but was removed after little more than a year's service at the church, as was also Dr. Matthew O'Brien.
The trustees meanwhile showed activity, and for the first time appeared in the hall of the New York Legis- lature. A Catholic, Francis Cooper, Esq., had been elected to the Assembly, but was met Ijy an oath which no Catholic could take. A petition was drawn up hj the trustees of St. Peter's, to which thirteen hundred names were soon appended, asking the abolition of an oath so vitally opposed to American principles. They also ajjplied for a portion of the school money proportioned to the number of their scholars. Both applications were crowned with success, " in spite," say the trustees, in a letter to the Right Reverend Bishop Can-oil ; "in spite of a good deal of the old hackneyed declamation against Pope and Pope-
CHUKCH OF ST. PETER. 597
ly, by some liberal members of the lower house. In the Senate It was cari-ied with only one dissenting voice."
The addi-ess forwarded by the trustees, in June of tliis year, to the venerable and illusti-ious Bishop Carroll, signed by Thomas Stoughton, Andi-ew Monis, Cornelius Heeny, Michael Roth, John Hoey, Jolm Byrne, and John Hinton, is one of the most consoling documents con- nected with the early annals of St. Peter's, breathing a truly Catholic spirit of respect and veneration.
The attitude of the Catholic body seems to have been the pretext for the revival of old slanders, and a hostile spirit was soon manifested. On Clu'istmas Eve, 1806, a riotous assemblage gathered around St. Peter's, and, finding that there was no midnight mass, as to which, at that time, the most extravagant ideas prevailed among ignorant Protestants, excited quite a distm-bance, but were repulsed from the church by some of the con- ffresration. The next night the same lawless crowd as- sailed the houses of Catholics living in Augustus Street, now known as City Hall Place. In the trouble that ensued, a watchman was killed and several persons in- jm'ed.
It was the first of a long series of acts of mob violence asrainst Catholics in the United States.
In July, 1807, the Right Reverend Bisho}) appointed as pastor of St. Peter's the Rev. Louis Sibourd, a French clergyman, who had been in the country since 1798,
598 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
and whose learning and ability were higlily respected. His stay in New York was not of long dm-ation. He left the city in the summer of 1808, and asked to be removed.
The great Bishop of Baltimore felt deeply the con- dition of New York, where the increase of the faithful had no corresponding increase of churches and clergy — where, in fact, the one church was almost without a priest. He had long solicited from the Holy See a division of his diocese and the establisliment of a bishop at New York. In his present difficulty he appealed to the Society of Jesus, Avhich had just been reorganized in Maryland. The Superior responded to his appeal, and at the close of the year 1808, the learned Rev. An- thony Kohlman, and a yovmg American Father recently ordained, the Rev. Benedict J. Fenwick, came to St. Peter's.
The Holy See had yielded to the wishes of the venerable Carroll. His vast diocese had been divided, a new see was established at New York, and a learned and pious Dominican, the Right Reverend Richard Luke Concanen, had been appointed bishop, and was actually consecrated at Rome, in April, 1808. His ariival was daily expected, the French occupation of Italy having prevented his finding means to embark.
The Jesuit Fathers set to work, hoping soon to be encom-aged by the presence of the bishop. They were
CHURCH OF ST. PETER. 599
assiduous in the confessional, in attending the sick, and found time to raise money for the schools and for the adornment of the church.
They at once founded the New York Literary Insti- tution, a superior academy for boys, and opened negoti- ations with the Ursulines of Ireland, which resulted in the arrival of a colony of those excellent religious to begin a convent of their order in New York. The parish of St. Peter's, then including the whole island and its vicinity, contained, according to Father Kohlman's esti- mate, about sixteen thousand souls. To meet the wants of all, three sermons were preached every Sunday — in English, French, and German — and three sets of cate- chetical instructions given.
But a new church was evidently needed, and as the arrival of the Bishop became more and more uncertain. Father Kohlman, as we have seen, founded St. Patrick's in 1809, and began the erection of that church.
Many converts were received into the church at this time, and the two zealous priests of St. Peter's endeav- ored even to bring' the infamous Thomas Paine, on his death-bed, to a sense of the fearful impiety which he had propagated.
All hope of the Bishop's assuming the direction of the diocese vanished in 1810, when news came of his sudden death at Naples. He had previously authorized Archbishop Carroll to appoint a vicar general to act in
600 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
his 2ilace at New Yoi'k, and Father Kohlman became administrator dm-ing the vacancy of the see.
On receiving news of the death of Bisliop Con- canen, the clergy prepared to celebrate a solemn fune- ral service for the repose of his soul. The trustees of St. Peter's spared no expense to render the ceremony interesting, and impress Catholics and others alike with a sense of the high veneration due the episcopal char- acter. The sanctuary, the whole altar, and the curtains were black ; the catafalque was elegantly aiTanged, with the badges of the episcopal rank — the mitre, crosier, &c. A Solemn High Mass, with deacon and subdeacon, was celebrated, with music in keeping with the solemn rite. A funeral sermon on the episcopal dignity was delivered by the Rev. Benedict J. Fenwick, to an audience more numerous than had ever been seen in a New York church. " I am informed," says Father Kohlmann, " that no solemnity performed in our church ever made so blessed an impression on all those who were present, as that of the said funeral service."
In the spring of 1.S13, Father Kohlmann, pastor of St. Peter's, appeared before a court in a new and strange position. A Catholic named Keating made a complaint against one Philips, for receiving goods stolen from him, but before the supposed thieves or the receiver were brought to trial, Keating's property was restored to liim. When he asked to have the case dismissed, the magis-
CHURCH OF ST. PETER. 601
trate ascertained that the stolen goods had been given back to him by the Rev. Father Kohhnann. That clergy- man was at once smnmoned, bnt declined to give any information, on the ground that he had received it in the discharge of his duty as a confessor, and that by the rules of the church he was bound to in^^olable secrecy as to all communications made to him in the tribunal of penance. He was summoned before the Grand Jmy, and made the same explanation. Wlien the case came on for trial, in March, 1813, he was called as a witness. Thus publicly brought to the bar, he explained at length his position: "Were I summoned to give evidence as a private individual (in which capacity I declare most solemnly I know nothing relative to the case before the court), and to testify from those ordinary sources of information from which the witnesses present have derived theirs, I shovild not for a moment hesitate, and shoidd even deem it a duty of conscience to de- clare whatever knowledge I might have; as it cannot but be in the recollection of this same honorable Court, I did not lono- since, on a different occasion, because my holy religion teaches and commands me to bo sub- ject to the higher powers in civil matters, and to respect and obey them. But if called upon to testify in quality of a minister of a sacrament, in which my God him- self has enjoined on me a perpetual and inviolable secrecy, I must declare to this honorable Court that I
602 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
cannot, I must not answer any question that has a bearing upon the restitution in question ; and that it would be my duty to prefer instantaneous death, or any temporal misfortune, rather than disclose the name of the penitent in question. For, were I to act otherwise, T should become a traitor to my Church, to my sacred ministry, and to my God. In fine, I should render my- self guilty of eternal damnation."
After he had exposed at length the doctrine and dis- cipline of the Church, the whole matter was argued by counsel. Mr. Riker ably maintained that such communi- cations were privileged. Mr. Gardinier replied, relying upon the course pursued in the British Isles, where not long before the Rev. Mr. Gahan had in a similar case been committed for refusing to answer. To this, William Sampson replied, with great eloquence and learning. De Witt Clinton, who presided in the coiu-t as Mayor, gave a long and eloquent decision, and held: "The only course is, for the Court to declare that he shall not testify or act at all."
The case excited general interest, and during the argument and decision the clergy and trustees of St. Peter's Church were all in attendance in the court.
The whole case was subsequently published, with an elaborate treatise by the learned Jesuit on the Sacra- ment of Penance, which the Protestants in vain endeav- ored to refute.
CHURCH OF ST. PETER. 603
Soon after the dedication of St. Patrick's, Father Kohhnann was recalled to Maryland, and the Rev. Father Fenwick remained as pastor of the two churches, with the assistance of some Fathers of liis society, and occa- sionally other priests.
Mass was said alternately at the two churches on Sunday; and to aid the new church, many who owned or hired pews in St. Peter's were urged to piu-chase or hire also in the new Cathedral. This was done by the family of his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey, as well as by the writer's, and many of those then at St. Peter's who purchased pews in the Cathedral. His Eminence recollects that in those early times the childi'en would ask on a Sunday morning whether they were to go to St. Peter's or to the church in the country, for St. Pat- rick's stood amid woods and fields, with scarcely a house near it, and even some years after that period a fox was caught in the chm'chyard.
On the 24th of November, 1815, New York at last received a bishop in the person of the Right Reverend John Connolly. The only priests for the two churches were the Very Rev. Benedict J. Fenwick, Vicar General, Rev. Peter Malou, with another Jesuit Father, and the Rev. Thomas Carberry. The Rev. Mr. Fenwick and one of his associates were recalled early in 1816. In 1817, separate acts of incorporation were obtained for St. Pat- rick's and St. Peter's.
G04 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
In January, 1818, the Rev. Charles Ffrench, a talented Dominican, preached at St. Peter's, and was soon after ap- pointed to the chiu'cli as pastor. He was a convert, his father having been a bishop of the Established Church; after a long and laborious life he died at Lawrence, Mass., January 6, 1851, aged eighty-five. The Rev. John Power, of Roscarbery, County Cork, Ireland, who had been professor in the Diocesan Seminary and curate at Youghal, came over at the solicitation of the trustees of St. Peter's. He was received into the diocese and stationed at St. Peter's, where, in 1822, his name appears as assistant to Father Ffrench. On the retirement of the latter, he was appointed by Bishop Connolly pastor of St. Peter's and subsequently Vicar General of the diocese.
On the death of Rt. Rev. Bishop Connolly, his re- mains were taken to St. Peter's, where they lay in state on the 7th and 8th of February, 1825, in the middle aisle, and were visited by thirty thousand joersons, it was estimated. The requiem was celebrated in the most im- posing manner, and the service produced a deep im- pression.
The Very Rev. John Power was now administrator of the diocese, as well as pastor of St. Peter's. With that church he became identified diu-ing his long con- nection with it, extending over a period of thirty years. '•He was," says Archbishop Bayley, "an eloquent preach- er, and for many years an actiA^e and zealous missionary.
CHUECH OF ST. PETER. 605
111 the yellow fever of 1819 and 1822, and tlie first cholera of 1832, he perfoiTned faithfully the duties of a good pastor. He was from the commencement a most zealous friend of the Orphan Asylum, took the liveliest interest in all that concerned it, and preached many admirable sermons in its behalf"
His associates at this time were the venerable Rev. Peter A. Malou, whose hfe had been a remarkable one. When the Belgians rose against the tyi-anny of Joseph II. of Austria, he was one of the generals who suc- ceeded in expelling the foreign armies from their terri- tory. He endeavored, in vain, by negotiation and mili- tary skill, to check the invading forces of revolutionary France; and, seeing that all was lost, resolved to make America his home, but, losing his wife, he renounced the world, and, concealing his education and social rank, applied to the Jesuits, in Russia, for admission as a lay brother. He was received, and employed in the usual work of a temporal coadjutor, till one day, as the rector was escorting a Belgian officer thi-ough the garden, he was astonished to see him suddenly stop and make a military salute to the new lay brother. The gentleman, recognizing his old general, had, unconsciously in his amazement, saluted him as of old, and the astonished rector learned the real merit of the hiunble novice. He was not permitted to enter as a lay brother, but was soon advanced to the priesthood, and was among those
606 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
who were sent to the United States. When his fellow members of the Society of Jesus withdrew from New York he remained at St. Peter's, as he was personally boimd for some of the chm-ch liabilities. He died on the IStli of October, 1827, at the age of seventy-fom-.
The Very Rev. Dr. Power was a man of great learning, piety, and talent. As a theologian he showed skill in his controversy with Dr. Brownlee, without any asperity or acrimony. He prepared several prayer-books for general use, and a Plistory of the New Testament in catechetical form. His charity was unbomided, know- ing no distinction in the appeal of want.
On the ai^pointment of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Du Bois to the See of New York, the Very Rev. Dr. Power went to Baltimore and acted as one of the assistant prelates at his consecration. At the Bishop's installation, in St. Peter's Cathedi-al,' Dr. Power preached, announcing the ap- pointment to the congregation, and then resigned into the hands of the Right Reverend Bishop the trust he had filled for nearly two years.
The Riffht Reverend Dr. Du Bois retained Dr. Power as pastor of St. Peter's and Vicar General of the dio- cese during his whole episcopate.
The Rev. James M. Smith, Rev. William Quarter, P. Moran, and J. A. Neill were assistants between 1828 and 1833.
About the year 1834, the old brick church with its
CHURCH OF ST. PETER. fi07
square tower and dome began to be regarded by some as no loncrer safe. The conOTe^ation, notwitlistandin"- the erection of new chm'ches, was still very large. To nse the language of the venerable Thomas O'Conor, " St. Peter's ovei-flowed." To enlarge or rebuild had been for years a favorite tojjic; the inadequacy of means or doubts as to the best coiu'se to pm-sue led the trustees from time to time to defer the subject. At length the evident decay of part of the materials of which the chm-ch was built caused alarm. A review of the build- ing was made on the 8th of April, 183G, by tlnee com- petent builders, who united in their report " that it was unsafe for a couOTeeration to assemble in said church in its present condition. The correctness of this report was shortly afterwards verified by the failing into the body of the chui'ch, at a time when the congi-egation was happily absent, of the entire flat portion "of the ceiling." The chm-ch if repaired would be inadequate, and it was resolved to rebuild it on an enlarged plan.
The resolution to rebuild was passed on the 5th of June, 1836, and the next day the removal of the earth was commenced. The little space around the church had been the first cemetery of the Catholics in New York City, and the removal of the remains caused deep grief in many families. Most of the remains were conveyed to the Cathedi'al grovmd, and there careful!)' reintened. In a short time the ^original cemetery vanished, leaAnng
608 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
as the oldest Catholic tombstones iu New York City those in Trinity churchyard.
On the 9th day of August, the workmen began to lay the foundation stones of the new chm-ch, and pre- parations were made to suspend service in the venerable structure where the illustrious Archbishop) Carroll had officiated. The Holy Sacrifice of the mass was celebrated for tlie last time in old St. Peter's on the 28th day of August. Then the rude hand of destruction commenced its ^vork on the cradle of Catholicity in oiu* city, and in a few weeks every vestige of the honored structiu-e had vanished.
The new church began under favorable auspices. The ground was clear from all incumbrance ; there was about ten thousand dollars in the treasury of the church. But results were to show that the vice of the trustee system was here to be developed to its utmost extent.
The corner-stone of the new building, which was to be a Grecian structure of granite, was laid on the 26th day of October, by the Right Rev. John Du Bois, Bisho^D of New York, with all the prescribed ceremonial. The number of attending clergy gave additional solemnity to the scene, and the eloquent addi-ess of the Very Rev. Dr. Power was listened to with the deepest attention.
The building was then urged forward with more haste than economy. A priest, appealing to the faith of the people and their attachment to religion, can collect means —
CHURCH OF ST. TETER. 609
the larger donfitions of the few more wealthy, the many smaller conti'ibutions of the poor, whom it is a mark of the Church Catholic to have ever with her. A board of trustees can make no such appeal. "In the present case, soon after the erection of new St. Peter's was conmienced," says Archbishop Hughes, " the trustees induced the pastor of the church to proclaim from the 2)ulpit that the poor who had money, even in small sums, might, with perfect safety, give the use of it to the board of trustees; that they should allow the same interest that was allowed on deposits in the savings banks ; that it would be perfectly safe, and that, without loss to themselves, the depositors would be aiding the church and promoting religion."
The appeal was responded to ; money flowed iiT and was lavishly expended, so that, when the church was completed, in 1837, the debt was more than one hun- di'ed and sixteen thousand dollars.
As soon as the basement was completed it was fit- ted up for divine service, and on the first Sunday in September, 1837, Holy Mass was offered there.
On the 25th of February, 1838, the interior of the church being finished, it was opened for public service. The dedication was performed by the Right Reverend Bishop Hughes. " The very reverend pastor, in a strain of eloquence in which it may be said he exceeded himself, preached to an audience of moi'e than four thousand per- sons, who occupied not only every pew but all the aisles 39
610 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOKK.
and every spot where man could find a place to sit or stand. Many were excluded for want of fui-ther space."
The Church was of Grecian architectm-e, a style which has never since been adopted in oui- city Catholic churches. It excited no little comment at the time, and the marble tabernacle, a representation of the chm-ch it- self, and the movable pulpit, appeared to many sti-ange. The accomplished scholar, the Eev. Chai-les Constantine Pise, who became assistant pastor of St. Peter's in 1839, on the occasion of the third anniversary of the dedication of the new chm-ch, entered upon an elaborate defence of the architecture, showing that they had followed the views of the illustrious Bishop Milner, author of the " End of Controversy." Of that occasion the venerable Thomas O'Conor said: "This was a glorious day for the Catholics of New York. A church of great architectm'al beauty, of studied solidity in all its parts, in size more than double that of the church that had been lately removed, was, at great expense, built within little more than one year. This edifice, a monument of the zeal and public spirit of the congregation, is not only a great convenience to ourselves, but an ornament to the city, elevating the Catholics, both as men and as Christians, in the esteem and respect of their dissenting brethi'en."
Soon after the reopening of the chm-ch the difiicul- ties began to assimae a formidable aspect. The money borrowed had to be repaid ; but the current expenses
CHURCH OF ST. PETER. 611
had inci'eased, without any proportionate increase of rev- enue, and the interest even was a heavy burden.
On the 19th of July, 1840, the venerable Thomas O'Conor delivered before the Society of St. Peter, iu the school-room of the church, a most interesting addi'ess, in which he reviewed the history of St. Peter's down to that time. He alludes to the exertions which the trustees were then making to liquidate the debts of the cluu'ch.
But the system was bad. The erection of the church and of a parochial residence on leased ground, slowly and painfully accomplished, seemed to paralyze them. Year by year the debt assumed more fonnidable propor- tions, and though in the anniversary of 1841, when the venerable Bishop Du Bois celebrated Pontifical High Mass, the Rev. Dr. Pise dwelt on the beauty of the church and its venerable associations, nothing was done to meet the want — a general apathy prevailed. The venerable pastor, yielding to age and infirmity, could no longer give the energy of the olden time to his stin-ing appeals ; his accomplished assistant was not possessed of the finan- cial and administrative ability requisite, nor did the Board of Trustees contain any man competent to the emergency.
In 1844, the Board became virtually banla*upt, and made an assignment of the chm'ch for the benefit of its creditors, whose claims then amoimted to $134,945. To the grief of the Catholic body, their oldest chm-ch was put up at auction at the Merchants' Exchange. The
612 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Right Reverend Bishop Hughes, who had been unable to remedy evils which he saw and dej)lored, liad the property purchased for him for forty-six thousand dollars But as creditors commenced suits, the validity of the sale was questioned, and the church remained five years in the hands of the assignees, getting constantly more involved, although the assignees received not only the pew rents, but, what they certainly had no right to touch, the voluntary contributions of the faithful for the maintenance of divine worship.
On the 1st of November, 1849, Bishop Hughes at last obtained possession of the chm-ch, and put an end to the mismanagement perj^etuated in the name of the assignees.
The venerable Dr. Power had passed away on the 14th of April, 1849, his last years filled up with men- tal and bodily suffering, increased by the disasters that had befallen his beloved church. The Rev. Dr. Pise succeeded him ; but in November, the Right Reverend Bishop confided the church to the energetic Rev. "Wil- liam Quinn, and the Court appointed as assignees the Rev. James R. Bayley and James B. Nicholson, Esq., who at once began the task of disentangling and regu- lating the confused affairs of the church.
A meeting was called of the principal members of the church, and once a way was seen out of tlieii" difficulty, and confidence restored, the work of rcdenqi- tion began. Under the determined and persistent energy
CHUECII OF ST. PETER. 613
of the new jiastor, collections were steadily made ; the income of the cluu'ch rose rapidly, so that in five years $22,675.72 of the outstanding notes were taken iip, and all arrears of interest and ground rent were cleared off, althougli in the previous five years less than thirteen hundred dollars in all had been paid.
In tact, at the close of the year 1852, Archbishop Hughes had made a kind of jubilee at St. Peter's, and sang a Te Deum in thanksgiving for what had been even then accomplished, and the zeal evinced by the congregation to persevere till the church was cleai*.
" I congratulate your pastor," said his Grace on that occasion, " who, by his prudence and his devotion and unceasing energy, has been ycjiu- representative, en- coiu'aging you, and accomplishing the wonderful tlungs which he has accomplished, when you find that within tkree years, besides the ordinary expenses of this church, he has paid, or you have enabled him to pay, twenty-two thousand dollars to the poor note-holders. I congratulate St. Peter's Cluu-ch, that they have borne their own bur- dens and called for no aid from other fpiarters."
Under the guidance of the Rev. Mr. Quinn, the good ■work went on iintil all but seven thousand dollars of the debt was paid off. Besides this old burden, new expenses came. Large stores were built on Vesey Street, running back to the rear of the cluu-ch, and the exca- vation tlrreatened tlie south, wall to siicli an extent that
614 CA-a^HOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
a new wall, twenty feet liigli, liad to be erected, with iron pillars and solidly braced, in order to make the building ftrm. This necessary woi'k, with a new iron rail- ing around the church, involved an additional ou.tlay of over twenty thousand dollars, which was all promptly i:)aid. The interior of the church was renovated and fres- coed by Molini, in 1855, and other improvements made without increasing the debt.
In July, 1853, St. Peter's was filled -with Catholics and Protestants to attend a solemn requiem for an aged man whose coffined corpse lay before the altar. At the close of the mass the Rev. Mr. Quinn pronounced his eulogy. And never perhaps has the Catholic Chm-ch stood forth more grandly in New York that on that day. " Though no relative is left to movu-n for him," said the pastor, "yet many present will feel that they have lost one who always had wise counsel for the rich, encom-age- ment for the poor; and all will be grateful for having known him." The aid he gave the late Bishop Fenwick of Boston, to Dr. Power of om- city, to all Catholic institutions, his zeal during the yellow fever, were de- tailed, and the Rev. Mr. Quinn, closing, said : " There are few left among the clergy superior to him in devotion and zeal for the Church, and for the glory of God ; among lajmien, none."
And the man whom the Catholic Church thus hon- ored was a black man, of humble calling, Pierre Toussaint.
CHURCH OF ST. PETER. 615
Dm-ing the period of his pastorship the Rev. Wilham Quinn was assisted by various clergymen — the Rev. Mi- chael Madden, 1850; Rev. Daniel Mugan, 1851-52; Rev. Patrick McCarthy, 1853; the venerable Rev. John Shana- han, a priest ordained by Bishop Connolly, who remained at St. Peter's till his death, August 8th, 1870, at the ad- vanced age of seventy-eight ; Rev. Daniel Durning, 1855 ; Rev. James L. Conron, 1858 ; Rev. P. L. Madden, 1862 ; Rev. P. Maguire, 1863; Rev. Gabriel Healy, 1864; Rev. John Hughes, 1865 ; Rev. James Quinn, 1867-9 ; the Rev. Michael J. O'Farrell, 1869-72; Rev. Michael C. O'Farrell, 1870-73; Rev. Michael J. Phelan, 1873.
The Rev. Michael J. O'Farrell was extremely active and energetic, and dming the absence of the Rev. Mr. Quinn in Europe had charge of the parish. St. Peter's had now, by the energy of the jDastor, been relieved from its dishonor and its immense debt reduced so that it could easily be paid off. The Rev. Mr. O'FaiTell be- gan to preach and lectm-e for the erection of a suitable school-house worthy of the oldest parish in the city.
When the Most Reverend Ai-chbishop McCloskey, in 1873, called the Rev. Mr. Quinn to the pastorship of the Cathedral and the important position of Vicar Gen- eral, he confided St. Peter's to the care of the Rev. Michael J. O'Farrell.
The Rev. Mr. Quinn, in his parting addi*ess, Sunday, April 27, could look back with satisfaction on what he
616 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
had accomplislied. He had led them in their manful struggle, but the end had been attained. St. Peter's was free from its load of debt, and notwithstanding the lapse of time and the number of small claims, there Avas not more than a hundi-ed dollars that was not claimed. All had been found, and all had been paid. As he looked over the congregation, he missed many who in that long effort had nobly sustained and aided him ; he saw many too who had grown up or come in and cheerfully assumed their share of the burden.
The Rev. Mr. O'Farrell took up energetically his projected school-house. On the 11th of June, 1873, he purchased, for eighty thousand dollars, a large building erected as a factory, and, beginning work at it in July, altered it by removing floors and making proper divisions for classes, so that it was ready on the 8th of September to open, as it did, with seven hundred boys. The pupils assembled in the church, and, after hearing mass, marched to the new school-house, which was profusely decorated with the American, Irish, and Papal flags. Lines of flags and streamers extended across Church and Cedar Streets, and an immense crowd gathered. The school was then blessed and dedicated to education that leads to God. The reverend pastor, among others, addi-essed his parishioners, thanking them for the zeal shown bj- them in the educational movement. He wished to be xmder- stood that in this matter the priests and j^eople Avent
CHURCH OF ST. PETER. 617
tog-ether, and that his parishioners would bear sacrifices, no matter how hard, in order that their chikh-en might receive a Christian education. He hoped they would not abate their zeal ixntil every Catholic child in the ward had been brought under the influence of a Clu-is- tian education.
The boys having thus been provided for, the base- ment of the church was enlarg-ed for the girls' school, which remained here for a year. Meanwhile, zealously pushing his great work, the Rev. ]\Ir. O'Farrell, in 1874, removed some old workshops standing on the school ■ prop- erty, and erected a new school-house for girls, at a cost of over t^venty-five thousand dollars. Ten classes were opened here as in tlie boys' school.
The supplying of these schools with all requisites, including class-books for the pupils, was another soui'ce of expense. The magnitude of the whole undertaking may be seen in the fact that in twenty months no less than fifty-seven thousand dollars were expended in de- veloping the educational facilities of St. Peter's parish.
To meet the regular expense of sustaining these schools, which cost from twelve to fifteen thousand dol- lars a year, a regvilar organization of the whole parish was established, and a ten-cent collection taken up, which the first year reached fourteen thousand dollars.
The cost of the new property and buildings entailed a debt which raised the whole obligation of St. Peter's to
618 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
ninety -three thousand dollars ; but what in the old system would have been a burden almost hopeless, has, under the awakened zeal and religion of the parish, become one easily grappled. Within the last five years this load of debt has been reduced to forty-seven thousand dollars, evil as the times have been.
The parochial district of St. Peter's is bounded by Broadway, Canal Street, and the North River, and con- tains about twenty-five thousand Catholics. Governor's Island is also under the charge of the clergy of St. Pe- ter's, and mass is said there every Sunday for the Catho- lic soldiers.
This mission has had its history. The Catholic who entered the army of tlie Republic of the United States, whose Constitution provided against the establishment of a religion, found the Protestant religion really estab- lished. He was compelled to attend a Protestant form of worship, and not permitted to attend his own, just as in many parts Catholics in State eleemosynary and cor- rectional establishments still are. Thus, in 1851, General Wool punished Duggan, a Catholic soldier at Fort Co- lumbus, for refusing to attend a Protestant service; an- other general put Catholics tlu-ough double-quick drill for the same cause; and by a strange system. Catholic sol- diers were tried by court-martial for not remaining in a Catholic chapel after service when ordered to do so. Lieutenant O'Brien, author of a work on military law,
CHUEOH OF ST. PETER. gjg
was put under arrest for refusing to enter a Protestant church to which he had conducted a squad of Protest- ant soldiers.
Good sense at last prevailed. The clergy of St. Peter's now say mass every Sunday on Governor's Isl- and, as the priests did in the olden time of James II. for the Catholic soldiers in Fort James.
St. Peter's has several sodalities to keep alive piety and devotion in the flock. The Confraternities of the Blessed Sacrament, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Perpetual Adoration were established here in the time of Fathers Kohlmann and Fenwick. There are now flom-- ishing a Confraternity of the Sacred Heart, two Sodali- ties of the Immaculate Conception, a Eosary and an Altar Society, and two well-sustained Conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. There is also a Tem- perance Society.
The Rev. Mr. O'Farrell has been assisted in his duties by the Rev. John P. McClancy, 1874-5 ; Rev. Charles R. Corley, 1874-7; Rev. Joseph II. Haine, 1875; Rev. A. Canary, 1876; Rev. W. J. O'Kelly, 1877-8; and Rev. John B. O'Hare.
It would be ungenerous to close this sketch without mention of what St. Peter's owes to Trinity Cluu-ch. That Protestant Episcopal Chm-ch sold her the ground for her first church, when every feeling was against her; afforded her a place in her cemetery for the interment
620 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
of the Catholic dead, when the ground around St. Peter's was too scanty; and when, in the midst of the church difficulties, the functionary in whose control the law had placed the management of affairs, attempted to di'ive the priests of the parish from their residence by neglecting to pay the ground rent to Trinity, that corporation would not become a party to the outrage. The great Archbishop Hughes said, in reference to tliis : " I retm-n my thanks now to that corporation for the kindness and forbearance with wliich they treated the clergy of St. Peter's Church upon that occasion, for they made the observation that for a sum so trifling they would not be willing to see the clergy of any denomination dispos- sessed and tm-ned out from their lodgings and place of usual residence."
Such is, in brief, the history of St. Peter's Chm-ch, which the illustrioiis Archbishop Hughes styled "the very cradle of Catholicity, the very spot upon which the altar was permanently erected for the first time in the State of New York — this chm'ch, the oldest and most endeared by every fond recollection of the oldest fami- lies."
^\'
R.
G21
REV. MICHAEL J. O'FARRK
I'ASTOR OF THK OHflKCH OF ST. PETEI?.
• ' church
! imerick, Trolniuh on
1832, and w.. ist
icis Xavier, ib< A})o«tlt! of the Indies. Hf» Iw-
longed to a family which has given seveuJ oi is
to the sendee of the aJtai*.
Alter liis prehminaiy studies he entered the Mi.ssion- ■\rv C'nV.oc-o of All Hallows, in 1!^4«. and dovot'^d thi-ee study of. rhetorii., \' . "f
liis thpf.lorru'.n ' Procepdinjr thfn to the areat Sem-
inai'^ 1. - dpice, at Pnris, h. <<• and
roGt-i-viHl deacon's .>r. i ' wns ordained iiri.\sl in Trn-
land, ou the l^th of -i-_
Returning to Paris, he connected himself with tin congregation of St. Sulpicc, with the \dew of Ixi;'. 'MT.'d in the mission to Canad;i : hut. u]ii'.' in .... <li.' *•■'-"' ude at Issy, . V-d tl;
•houlU "* riri'.nmfi,'
whiv : '1 for
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y
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I
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'I
CHURCH OF ST. PETEE. 621
REV. MICHAEL J. O'FARRELL,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. PETER.
THE present pastor of the oldest Catholic church in New York was born in Limerick, Ireland, on the 2d of December, 1832, and was baptized on the feast of St. Francis Xavier, the Apostle of the Indies. He be- longed to a family which has given several of its sons to the service of the altar.
After his preliminary studies he entered the Mission- ary College of All Hallows, in 1<S48, and devoted thi-ee years to the study of rhetoric, philosophy, and part of his theological course. Proceeding then to the great Sem- inary of St. Sulpice, at Paris, he completed his course and received deacon's orders, but was ordained priest in Ire- land, on the 18th of August, 1855.
Retmiaing to Paris, he connected himself with the congregation of St. Sulpice, with the view of being em- ployed in the mission to Canada ; but while in liis novi- tiate, in the Solitude at Issy, it was decided that he should fill the chair of Dogmatic Theology in the semi- nary, which he did for a year — a singular honor for a
622 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
foreign student in an establishment of world-wide re- nown.
His health, however, was affected by the excessive study and mental application, and he was sent to the city of Montreal, and was for some years one of the theo- logical faculty at the Grand Seminary of that city. Then for fom- years he was stationed at St. Patrick's, attending also the Chm-ch of St. Bridget. He spent eight years in active missionary life in Canada, and won the highest esteem in Montreal.
In July, 1869, having connected himself with the Diocese of New York, he was placed as assistant at St. Petei''s Church, and remained there for three years, evinc- ing a zeal in the flock that won universal confidence.
In July, 1872, he was appointed pastor of Rondout, but in May, 1873, he was recalled to New York to accept the burden of the pastorship of St. Peter's. On resigning to his hands the position which he had held so long and so honorably, the Very Rev. Mr. Quinn said to the Catholics worshiping in St. Peter's : "I know him well, and I think it would be difficult to find a clergy- man who would be better calculated to give satisfac- tion."
His five years of pastoral labor teU how worthily he must rank among the parish priests of St. Peter's. Of great theological learning, he has the eloquence which reaches the mind and touches the heart of the
CIIURCn OF ST. PETER.
623
humblest; and, ever devoted to his flock, seeking their good, lie has in matm-e 3-ears all the zeal and activity of a young clergyman. What the parish has accom- plished under his impulse attests tliis, and shows it to be no mere compliment.
CHUllOH OF ST. PETER
BUILT m 1786: TAKEN DOWN IN 1836.
G24
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
R
OLL OF
H
ONOR,
CHURCH OF ST. PETER.
Baker, George E. Baldwin, Patrick. Barden, Daniel. Barnctt, J. Brady, Patrick J. Brassioll, ICdward. Brown, William H. Burke, Michael. Burns, Michael W., Mrs. Callahan, John. Campbell, Christopher W. Carinody, Michael. Carroll, Mary, Mrs. Casey, Patrick. Chabert, Eugene, Mrs. Cherry, James. Cherry, Thomas. Clark, Owen. Clark, Andrew. Cleary, Thomas. Clune, Michael. Carroll, Patrick. Conncll, Patrick J. Connolly, John. Connor, Kane, Mrs. Cromien, Joseph. Daly, Patrick. Derick, Catharine B. Dillon, Ella. Dollard, Patrick. Donohue, Catharine M. r)onovan, James. Downey, Patrick. Duffy, Michael. Dufi'y, Patrick G. Duffy, Terence. Dunn, Patrick H. Dwyer, James. Early, William. Evans, Owen. Fannor, Martin J. Fay, Thomas. Fennell, James J.
Fitzgerald, J. Flynn, Michael J. Foley, Thomas. Fox, Lewis. Gray, Patrick, Mrs. Halloran, Michael. Halpin, Michael, Herring, John. Hetherington, James. Hickey, James. Hickey, Patrick. Hogan. John. Holahan, Thomas J. Hurley, John. Keenan, Dennis. Kehoe, James. Kennedy, William. Kenney, M. W. Kelly, Lawrence. Kerin, Patrick. Kinsley, James. Lacey, William J. Landess, Richard. Leonard, Frederick. Lett, William F. Loughran, James. Lyons, Jane, Mrs. McArdle, llenry. McAuley, John. McCaffrey, I'Alward. McCarthy, Thomas. McGuire, Thomas. McKeever, John. McKeon, John. McMahon, Llaniel C. McNally, Owen. McQuade, William. McQuaid, James. Madigan, James H. Maher, William. Mansfield, Patrick. Marache, Napoleon, Mrs. Martin, Michael. Meagher, Michael.
"Meagher, Thomas. Mooney, John J. Moore, Francis. Moore, Patrick II. Morgan, John, .Mrs. Murphy, Joseph M. Murphy, M. J. Murphy, N. Murray, Patrick. Nilian, Patrick. O'Brien, Thomas. O'Connor, Margaret. O'Connor, Michael, O'Connor, Terence. O'Meara, M. J. O'Reilly, Philip. Quinn, Cornelius. Quinn, Dennis. Reag.an, William II. Roche, Michael. Ryan, John M. Ryan, John P. Ryan, Timothy, Mrs. Scully, Ricluard F. Silles, F. W. Slevin, Michael. Slevin, Patrick. Smith, Charles. Smith, Edward. Snyder, Henry. Stephens, William. Stanton, John. Sweeny, Daniel. Terry, John. Tucker, Charles IL, Jr. Turley, Patrick, Mrs. Twohig, James D, Walsh, Cornelius. Webber, E., Mrs. Williams, Thomas. Wilson, James P. Woods, James. Woods, John.
CIIURCU or SAINT HOSE OF LIMA.
CANNON STREET.
CHURCH OF SAINT ROSE OF LIMA.
CANNON STKEET.
THE parish of St. Rose of Lima was established in the year 18G7, by the Archbishop of Ncav York, his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey. It comprises the disti'ict bonnded on the north by the sonth side of East Fourth Street, on the west by the east side of Avenue D, Sheriff and Jackson Streets on the south, and east by the East River.
The first pastor apjiointed to this charge was the Rev. Michael McKenna. Having been, previous to this appointment, assistant and acting pastor of St. Mary's Cluu'ch, of which the greater part of his new mission had been a portion, he knew well the people to whom he was to minister. He knew theh wants — he appreci- ated them. He went amongst them, from house to house, from door to door, and by his zeal and their liberality was erected, in the short space of one month, a tem- porary chapel, in which the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated for the fii'st time on Sunday, February 9th, 1868.
With gratitude to God is that morning remembered
CHURCn OF ST. ROSE OF LIMA. G27
by those who were present; for, though tliere were no pews or seats of any kind, no carpeted or matted floor, no frescoed or painted walls, their prayer had been answered; the sacrifice of the Lamb without spot had been offered in the midst of their homes.
Priest and people, thus encouraged, began without delay the erection of the present church edifice, the ground costing, with that already purchased, thirty-seven thousand dollars, and the building ninety-six thousand dollars. It is sixty-eight feet in width and one hundred and twenty-five feet in depth, and seats thirteen hun- dred people. The corner-stone was laid, on July 31, 1870, by the Very Reverend W. StaiTs, V.G., in the absence of the Archbishop, then at the Council in the Vatican.
The Church was solemnly dedicated on Sunday, April 23d, 1871, by the Most Reverend Archbishop Mc- Closkey, assisted by the Right Reverend John Loughlin, Bishop of Brookl}n, and the Right Reverend Tobias Mullen, Bishop of Erie, Pa. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Very Reverend I. T. Hecker, founder of the Congregation of the Paulists.
The church built, the zeal of the pastor never re- laxed. For more than seven years did he labor, in sea- son and out of season, always sustained by the affec- tion and generosity of his people.
He died on Friday, June 4th, 1875, comforted by the
628 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
last sacraments of the Holy Church, and the attendance of many priests, friends, and acquaintances.
His requiem was sung by his life-long friend, the Very Rev. W. Quinn, V.G. There were in attendance more than two hundred priests, among whom was his brother. Rev. Edward McKenna, who, in answer to his summons, joiu'neyed across the Atlantic to visit him in his sick- ness, but Avhose melancholy pleasui'e it was only to attend his requiem. His panegyric was preached by the Rev. Michael J. O'Farrell, pastor of St. Petei-'s Church, New York, and, porti'aying as it does his character and his zeal, a summary is here appended: "How naturally, my bretlu'en, do the words of St. Paul occiu- to us this day, ' Labor as a good soldier of Cluist.' There before us lies a true soldier of the cross. Look upon him now, him whom you see for the last time upon earth. He indeed proved himself the fixther of his j^eople, the soldier who fought in the cause of Jesus Christ, till the last moment of his life. He who spent himself for your sake is gone from among you. Oh ! if the very stones of this chm"ch could speak, every one of them could tell you how they had been, as it were, cemented together by the sweat of his brow, so hard did he labor for the erection of St. Rose's ! Your presence here to-day proves your veneration for your pastor ; it shows that you feel that you have lost a true friend, who was in effect as well as in name the pastor of the flock in-
CHURCH OF ST. ROSE OF LIMA. fi29
trusted to liis care. Of none more than of liim ma}' it be said tliat he was a true soldier of Jesus Christ. A soldier to be true to His cause should be possessed of three qualities — he should be loyal to the cause in which he is enlisted ; he should be possessed of the knowledge of arms; and finally, he should have sufficient corn-age to put that knowledge into execution.
"Now it seems to me that I do not indulge in any flattery when I say that Father McKenna proved by the life he led that he was a good and faithful soldier. In th3 first place, he was loyal to the cause. He was born in the land where the childi-en of the clansmen of O'Donnell laid down their lives for their religion. The air he breathed in early childhood inspired him with sentiments of heroism ; he saw the desecrated slu'ines and rained monasteries around him, so that indeed the wonder would be if he were disloyal. Not alone the old traditions made him loyal as a soldier of Clu'ist, but he was par- ticularly so because of the memories infused into his heart by the dear old Irish mother whom he loved so well, and whose greatest joy and hope was to see the child of her heart consecrated to the Lord. He ac- cordingly prepared for the sacred ministry, and that too when to become a priest meant to be a candidate for mart}rdom. Yet she desired that he should aspire to the priesthood. She desired it, though she saw the sufferings he would have to encoimter, with perhaps
630 CATHOLIC CKUECHES OF NEW YOEK.
a dim vision of the scaffold looming in the distance. Oh, how lonely and desolate must she not sit to-day, away in the old land, knowing that the child she con- secrated to God lies cold and dead in a strange coun- try ! However, she may well feel ha2)py when she shall hear the glad news that thousands of warm Irish hearts throb in sorrow and mourn in grief over his grave. We all feel proud of him because his record from his early youth is such as to reflect the greatest credit upon him. He was born and reared in Ireland when that country was undergoing the greatest trials and troubles. He was born in that particular portion of it too which from the growth of Protestantism is known as 'the Black North.' But yet that land, so black, loomed up gradually under the sun of justice, and shone out in glory once again. There, in the midst of persecution, he learned to love the Church at his mother's knee ; and as he grew up he was taken vmder the fostering care of that eminent di- vine, the great Dr. McGill of Derry, that truly noble ecclesiastic, who, in the time of Ireland's suffering, had the manhood to confront a British peer — no less a one than Lord Derby — and bring him to account for the gross treatment received by the Irish 2:)eople at the hands of the English Government. Father McKenna's early training made him love the Church with an ardent love. Wlien he entered Maynooth College his faculties were fully developed, and his abilities were of a rare
CHURCH OF ST. ROSE OF LIMA. 631
order. As a theologian he couhl not be surjiassed. In the dogmatic and moral course he was perfect, and ho not only knew it, but could apply it, like a carefid ])hy- sician, in sucli a manner as to heal the wounds of the soul ; and in 184G he commenced to make use of his knowledge.
"A soldier may be possessed of anns and not have the corn-age to use his arms when called upon. Father McKenna, however, was not one of those. He never once faltered; he never flinched, when his duty called upon him, to face danger or endure trials in the cause of religion. And this unbending courage is the special trait, the peculiar characteristic of every Irish priest. The Irish priest has never been daunted, never been frightened or driven back when called upon to j^erform his duty faithfully and well. When the famine broke out in 1848, then it was the Irish priest proved him- self— when the Irish people stood in need of his serv- ices. If we could see men falling dead on the highway, and women breaking stones, struggling against starA-ation, and the priest coming with relief to the suffering ones, braving contagion and death, then we could realize his worth. Oh, how the young priest labored — many of you know it — when famine stalked tlu-ough the land, while the bones of many of his countrymen were whitening in the ocean's bed ! It was an awful time ; people flying from their homes, starving and suffering- in
632 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOEK.
tlie extreme of misery. It was sad to see the bodies of the dead piled one on another. Oh, the weight of woe that must have fallen on the heart of the Irish priest at such a sight ! But the Irish priest was not alone true to the cause of religion ; he was also true to the cause of his country. He showed himself true to the cause of Ireland whenever occasion offered. I know myself that Magee, one of the exiles of '48, one of the bravest and best among them, owed his escape to him who now lies stiff and cold in death before us. Were it not for the Rev. Father McKenna, he might have passed the re- mainder of his days in a dungeon. Yoiir pastor was a sincere lover of Ireland's faith and nationality. No mat- ter where we go, we can look back to those old Irish priests at home, whose nationality and religious feelings were never separated. Foui'teen years he labored among the people at home. Fourteen years is a long period of warfare in an Irish mission. A priest there must face the insolent and the haughty — face them with unflinch- ing brow. Oh, how much courage it required to stand up for the poor then, unmoved by the tempting offer- ings of the rich ! Yet Ii-ish priests acted thus in Ireland when it required the spirit of heroism to act so.
"The people of Father McKenna's native cit}', even in those dark daj's, thought their church unworthy of God, so they resolved on erecting a suitable temple to His Divine Majesty, and it was your good pastor who
CHUKCH OF ST. ROSE OF LIMA. 633
undertook to secure funds for tlie purpose. Tliis was the cause of his first mission to America. When we raise a chureli, we build a fortress to which His children can fly in a time of danger from the perils that surround them. The material church is the fortress, the castle where virtue can be defended. To build up one worthy of the Most High, he proceeded to this country and suc- ceeded in procuring funds. When he had built up this great church in ' the Black North,' he was transferred to another field of labor, to begin another mission where his labors would be amply rewarded.'.'
The Rev. Mr. O'Farrell dwelt at length on the de- ceased clergyman's labors in New York City. He con- trasted the old church with the present splendid sti'ucture. "The contrast," said the reverend orator, "between the old building and the present, resembles the whole history of the Church in this city. He went from door to door, toiled night and day, to build up the present magnificent structure. Even sometimes when collecting funds for the erection of this chm-ch, he was known to be rebuked with cold words, even by the very persons for whom he worked so hard. He struggled on, and persevered until he full}- accomplished his purpose. If the very stones of this edifice could speak, they would cry out in j^raise of his energy, courage, and jierseverance. Rememl)er that he would not be a soldier of Christ if he would not fight against, not only j'our enemies but yourselves. And so
634 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK
many, while the priest is living, feel his words fall harsh upon their ears ; but when he is no more, begin to feel that his words, spoken hastily, may have given pain; but then they were only like the medicine administered by the physician, which effects the cm-e, thougk it may have been distasteful to the patient."
Here the Reverend speaker dwelt at some length upon the fact that the deceased had always proved himself a true soldier of Jesus Clu-ist. The preacher, in doing so, took occasion to remark that excellent qualities of head and heart made him specially beloved by all. He con- sidered some of the leading virtues for which the late pastor was remarkable, and hoped the congregation would pray in the language of the Chm-ch, "Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord! and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his example be a shining light before the throne of Him in whose cause we all must tight." His remains were interred in Calvary Cemetery. After the death of the Rev. Mr. McKenna the parish was adminis- tered by the Rev. Patrick J. Daly, imtil the appoint- ment of the Rev. Richard Brennan as pastor, in July of the same year, b}^ his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey.
L
•: V.
635
REV. RICHARD BRENNAN,
P/V."-H'i\ i_;l' Jill
^1 v., V ntr.
1
Fruncis a- •, New York City, ,.;j,
and was ordained priest by the late ^\xchbisho|i JIugLes, on the 3d of May, 1857. Haxing- completed twenty- one years' service in the priesthood, and having dm-injj i' ;( nmg period ministered to the extensive and scattered ■ ''' '^''•^vt Jervis, N". Y., and the new pM.M, f>f >"• at Bloomin'i:dale, Now York ., !in - "nesent }>osititm the experience riece^- i j^ood work of hie predeceesor. To-
gelhti ...... u.v ,/. itorruaiK '' '^ many duties that
require tlie attention of jv ,. i>;;stnr, he has, ap- preciating the words of <^ur Holy Father Pius IX. of h.',])T-)-\'- memoiy, concerning the disseminatiov. '" ''atho-
" translated Monsoigncur Ga' r ■ '
"^^ Cluu'tiere I'l"' '"UT. Mii;:
in the Niii' "xplanatifi" 'itci ;ii. . luie-
II
■^i it >K
i
r,,M»— !■ —7 fT^'.^
CnURCH OF ST. ROSE OP LIMA, 635
REV. RICHARD BRENNAN,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. ROSE OF LIMA.
THE Rev. Richard Brennan was bom in this city, and was educated in the Jesuit Colleges of St. Francis Xavier, New York City, and St. John's, Fordham, and was ordained priest by the late Ai'chbishop Hughes, on the 3d of May, 1857. Having completed twenty- one years' service in the priesthood, and having diu-ing that long period ministered to the extensive and scattered parish of Port Jervis, N. Y., and the new parish of the Holy Name, at Bloomingdale, New York City, he has brought to his present position the experience neces- sary to continue the good work of his predecessor. To- gether with the performance of the many duties that require the attention of a Catholic pastor, he has, ap- preciating the words of our Holy Father Pius IX. of happy memory, concerning the dissemination of Catho- lic literature, translated ]\Ionseignem- Gaume's celebrated work, entitled, " Le Cimetiere dans le Dix-neuvieme Siecle" (The Cemetery in the Nineteenth Century), writ- ten in defense and explanation of the rites and cere-
636 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
monies with which the Cathohc Church consigns the bodies of her children to their temporary resting-place in the consecrated burial ground. He had also written a " Life of Pius IX.," which has proved its great popu- larity by its enormous sale. A "Life of Chi'ist," written by him, is now in press.
As assistant pastors, besides Rev. Patrick J. Daly, who ministered fjxithfully during seven years, being then transferred to Croton Falls, N. Y., as pastor, there were the Rev. James Mee, appointed in 1870, now pastor at Milton, N. Y., and the Rev. E. Th. McGinley, appointed in July, 1873, and the Rev. E. J. O'Gorman, appointed in September, 1875, the two latter being the present assistant priests to Rev. Mr. Brennan.
Though relatively a young parish, St. Rose's has established all the societies and sodalities wliich tend to develop and increase the piety of both }'0ung and old. Among those is the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Young Men's Catholic Association, the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception, for young ladies ; and the Holy Angels' Sodality, for the younger girls of the parish who have made their first communion ; the Rosary and Altar Societies, and Confraternity of the Sacred Heart. There being as yet no parochial school, S2)ecial attention is given to the religious instruction of the childi'en in the Sunday-school, which, since the establishment of the par- ish, has been under the charge of the Sisters of Charity.
CHURCH OF ST. ROSE OF LIMA.
G37
R
OLL OF
H
ONOR
Ahenrn, Mary, Mrs. AleNander, Henry. Barrett, Richard. Bradley, Charles. Bradley, Francis. Bradley, Michael. Bradley, Miles. Brady, Patrick. Brophy, Thomas. Brown, George. Biuler, Johii J. Byrne. John J. Caliill, John. Callahan, John. Campbell, Mary, Mrs. Campbell, Thomas. Campbell, T. J. Carney, Patrick. Casey, Margaret, Mrs. Cassidy, Rose, Mrs. Cavanagh, Thomas H. Clahane, P. Clancy, William. Clarke, Mary, Mrs. Collins, John. Coman, John, Mrs. Conroy, [ohn. Cooper, David. Corker, David. Cf>yne, Mary, Mrs. Cieevy, Thomas. Cronin, Bernard. Cummings, James. Cunningham, Christopher. Curtis, Thomas. Deegan, Christopher. l)e\lin, James. Devlin, Michael, I >illon, Edward. Dineen, Patrick. 1 )ooley, James. Do)le, Andrew. Dreelan, Morgan. Dunn, Patrick J. Earl, Ann, Mrs. Egan, William.
Evans, Thomas. Ferrier, John J. Fitzsimmons, Peter. Fitzsimmons, Thomas. Gallagher, Charles. Gallagher, JI. Geoghegan, W'illiam. George, Martha. Gillespie, Daniel. Gorman, Michael. Graham, Garrett W. Gregg, John. Griflin, Francis. Griffin, Thomas. Ilealy, Michael. Ilinch, James. Ilodge, Richard. Ilogan, Mary, Mrs. Hogan, Redmond. Hogan, Thomas. Houston, James. Hughes, Jane, Mrs. Hughes, W. J. Jones, Robert. Kellcy, Philip. Kelly, Alexander. Kennedy, William. Kenny, Arthur. Kenny, John. Kctl, Jeremiah J. Lawlcr, Michael. Lillis, Patrick. Lyons, Michael. McAllister, Agnes, Mrs. McArdle, John. McCarthy, Charles. McCarthy, Daniel. McCarthy, Eugene L. McCloskey, Mary, Mrs. McConnell, John J. McCormick, I'^hvard A. McDonald, James. McGee, John J. McGinnis, Charles. McGovern, John. McGuire, Francis.
McKenna, Anthony. McKenna, William. Mc.Mahon, Thomas. Mahoney, John. Major, Catharine, Mrs. Meagher, Patrick. Menendez, Joseph. Moakley, James. Moloney, Delia, Mrs. Mooney, George, Mrs. Mooney, IMichael. Moran, Michael. Morris, Bernard. Morrissey, Bryan. Morrissey, Michael. Moss, Edward. Murphy, Bernard. Miu'phy, Daniel. Murphy, James T. Murphy, Martin. Murphy, Thomas. Nealis, John V. Nesbitt, Andrew P. O'Brien, David. O'Neill, John. O'Rourke, Paul. O'Toole, Felix. Phelan, Patrick. Powers, [ohn. Regan, Patrick. Riordan, John. Ronaghan, Arthur. Schreiner, Gustav. Seebacher, Jacob. Sharkey, John. Slater, Edward. .Smilh, James. Smith, John. Smith, John C. Stringer, Edward. .Sullivan, John. Sweeny, Patrick. Thompson, Robert. Toole, John. Walsh, James. Walsh, Michael J.
CHURCH or THE SACEED HEART OF JESUS.
WEST FIFTY-FIKST STREET.
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
WEST riFTY-FIKST STREET.
H
IS Eminence Cardinal McCloskey, in 1876, deemed it necessary to create a new parochial district on the west side of the city, to relieve the existing churches. To gather the faithful and organize a new congregation, he selected the Rev. M. J. Brophy.
That clergyman found the Plymouth Baptist Churcli, on West Fifty-first Street, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues, for sale, and, deeming it adapted for the com- mencement of the new parish, pm'chased it, in January, 1876, for the sum of twenty-four thousand five hundred dollars. It is a fine church, with a front of fifty-two feet, running back the usual depth of city lots, and can seat nine hundred persons.
The interior was then fitted up for Catholic wor- ship, and an elegant altar erected, at the cost of one thousand dollars. It was ready for its destined purpose in April, and as it was to be dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Sunday within tlie octave of that feast, June 25th, was selected foi* the ceremony.
It was the fii'st church in the city to be dedicated to Our Lord under this consoling title. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus had an ardent apostle in tlie
G40 CATHOLIC CnURClIES OF NEW YORK.
Venerable Mother ]\Iary of the Incarnation at Quebec, before Our Lord raised i;p the Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque to be the especial instrument of diffusing- it througli the Clu-istian world. Under the impulse given by that holy Visitation Nun, the devotion was extended, especially by the Fathers of the Society of Jesus, in their missions in Canada and Maryland. A church in New York was now to bear the name, to show that the diocese was really conseci'ated to the Sacred Heart.
The new church was dedicated without and within, and the altar was radiant with light and floral decora- tions, two of the latter bearing the names of "Joseph" and " Mary." The dedication service was performed by the Very Rev. AVilliam Quinn, Vicar General, in the ab- sence of his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey. The nmnber of clergymen present was large, so that the j^rocession was an imposing one, as, led by the cross-bearer and aco- lytes, it moved around the walls exteriorly and interiorl}-.
After the sacred rite had been performed which set a])iXYt the church to the service of God under the invoca- tion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Soleum High Mass was offered, the Rev. Patrick McCarthy, pastor of the Holy Cross, being celebrant, with the Rev. W. P. Flanelly as deacon, and the Rev. H. P. Baxter as subdeacon, the Rev. G. Mm'phy of St. Columba's acting as master of ceremonies.
The music was Farmer's Mass in B Flat, and was well rendered under the direction of J. J. Hession, Jr.
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART. 641
The Rev. Dr. :\rcCil}nn of 8t. Stephen's Churcli preached the sermon, taking as liis thenie the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Some remarks were tlien addressed to the people by the Very Rev. Mr. Quinu, who, in the Cathohc clunvh opened that day, foimd it too small for the parish, and lu'gecl his hearers to prepare soon to erect a far larger edilice.
The chm'cli was thus opened; but there was still a school-house to erect, and a pastoral residence. To pay for these as well as for the church, " The Church Debt Paying Association of the Churcli of the Sacred Heart of Jesus " was established, each member to pay five cents a week towards reducing the debt.
The number of Catholics in the district was soon found to be very large, requiring on Sundays five masses besides the High Mass, including one for the young, at which only the children with their teachers were admitted.
A Confraternity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Avas established, and affiliated with that in Rome. There are also Rosary and Altar Societies, and a Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
The pastor is assisted by the Rev. ]\Iatthew A. Tay- lor and the Rev. Thomas F. Gregg, and by their exer- tions the parish has been thoroughly organized, and can
compete with many dating back for years. 41
642
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Roll of Honor.
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, WEST FIFTY-FIRST STREET.
Blake, John. Blake, W. J., Mrs. Brady, Ann. Brady, E. Brady, Philip. Brennan, B., Mrs. Brogan, Ann. Bropliy, Edmund. Buckley, J. Byrne, Bernard. Byrne, Melissa. Byrne, Michael. Canary, Michael. Canfield, C, Mrs. Carey, Robert. Carroll, A. Carroll, James. Carroll, John. Cassidy, J. Clark, Patrick. Clifford, C, Mrs. Collins, Patrick. Connolly, Edmund. Considine, J. Corbett, Michael. Cornet, John II., Mrs. Corr, A. M., Mrs. Coyle, Rose, Mrs. Cull, C.
Cunningham, E. Curran, John. Dnlton, James. Dclanev, Andrew, Mrs. Delaney, P., Mrs. Devlin, John. Donnell, Thomas. Donnelly, Hugh. Donohue, Michael. Donovan, Richard, Mrs. Doris, James. Dougherty, James F. Dougherty, John. Dowdell, Thomas. Doyle, B. Ducey, B. Dunne, Pierce. Dwyer, M.
Eccleston, Elizabeth, Mrs. Kagan, James. Eagan, "M. A. Farley, Peter, Mrs. Feeley, Owen. Finley, Mary, Mrs.
Fitzgerald, Patrick J. Fitz]>atrick, John. Flanly, John. Fleming, Thomas. Flynn, B. Fogarty, James. Foran. Thomas. Fowlie, William. Gallagher, Thomas. Gorman, Mrs. Grimes, A. Hackett, James. Hammill, M. Harned, E. Hart, B. Hart, J., Mrs. Healy, James. Healy, "John. Hennessey, D., Mrs. Hill, William E., Mrs. Houlahan, E. Hughes, Henry. Hurson, Miles. Johnson, L. Kane, Mrs. Kearney, John W. Keenan, William. Kelley, C. Kelley, S., Mrs. Kelley, Tliomas F. Kelly, T., Mrs. Kelly, M.
Kelly, William, Mrs. Lahey, Dennis, Mrs. Lavelle, Dennis F. Lenane, Kate, Mrs. Lennon, Jeremiah. Lennon, John. Lennon, Thomas. Lowry, John. Lynch, 1\I. Lynch, Patrick. McAIcer, Mary, Mrs. McBurnie, William. McCabe, P. McConnell, F. McGaughan, Francis. McGrann, Mary. McGuinnis, Nora. McGuire, M. McGuire, R. McHugh, Patrick. McKenna, James.
McKeon, Thomas.
McLaughlin, James.
McLehone, Catharine, Miss.
McNally, John.
McNicholl, William B.
Mahony, John.
Mallon, Thomas.
Markey, P.
Mellen, Jennie E.
Menton, Timothy.
Mitchell, John.
Morgan, B.
Mulany, P.
Mulholland, Mary.
Murphy, T.
Murray, Henry.
Murray, Thomas.
Noonan, E.
O'Brien, David.
O'Brien, J.
O'Connor, Timothy.
O'Connor, William.
O'Donnell, Thomas.
O'Donohue, John V.
Ormond, William M.
Parker, W. J.
Powers, John.
Quinlan, Martin.
Quinn, John.
Reilley, James.
Reilley, M.
Reynolds, A.
Roache, J.
Rooney, James.
Ross, Joseph.
Ryan, James.
Ryan, John.
Ryan, "M., Mrs.
Shannon, Daniel,
Sharp, Ann.
Shea, John.
Smith, James.
Smith, John.
Starkey, Robert A.
Taylor, Ambrose S., Mrs.
Thorp, Tliomas.
Vail, Tliomas.
Victory, Michael.
Wall, Patrick.
Walsh, James.
Walsh, J. T.
Waters, Michael J., Mrs.
r
,:[;t:p "
ni-^
REV. MAT?^ JBROPHY.
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OV TUE SACRKD HEART.
THE found^^r of tho Chnrch of the Sacred Heart of . lis wiis bom on the 2ts*t of June, 1846, and 01 > ier, ill West Fif-
. was jfradnaterl from that university in 18n5 Iraiiiiug- thtjo luciiv.ti t<».stfcreJ the divine
tuary of the Most High, ho entered t}m Provincird P : i iiiary at T'»'<^yT "I'd, completing the curricuhim of sacruil ^tuflies, was <>rti;L:iit>.d priest on the 22d of May, 18G9, }<y tho Most Rev. Archbishop McCloskey.
'• his eh'Viition to the priesthood he was sent to the , if the Holy Cfoss as assistant, and labored
. 'or severs! years, exhibiting all
the i.r-:\ .lud en«'i-.'> of u ^. -t, with no little ad-
ministrative ability, and the acti\.- tjiU;. needed to
rouse the adults fo tlieir (-liristian duties, especially in the pr/>per education uf their children, a: id in uaing all exer tions to afford eveiy child in the %>;irish the ;ul vantages of a sound ratholic ti-aining.
''^> fintment to the new pnr'-h of
. Hearr, li i hia work eame^.
■•* foprrregation -'om he has infuo-
^ and faith.
III
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART. REV. MARTIN J. BROPHY,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART.
THE founder of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was born on the 21st of June, 1846, and entering the College of St. Francis Xavier, in West Fif- teenth Street, was graduated fi-om that university in 1865. The pious training there received fostered the divine vocation, and choosing the place of a levite in the sanc- tuary of the Most High, he entered the Provincial Sem- inary at Troy, and, completing the curriculum of sacred studies, was ordained priest on the 22d of May, 1869, by the Most Rev. Archbishop McCloskey.
After his elevation to the priesthood he was sent to the parish of the Holy Cross as assistant, and labored efficiently in that district for several years, exhibiting all the zeal and energj- of a good jjriest, with no little ad- ministrative ability, and the active watchfulness needed to rouse the adults to their Christian duties, especially in the proper education of their children, and in using all exer- tions to afford every child in the parish the advantages of a sound Catholic training.
On his appointment to the new parish of the Sacred Heart, he entered on his work earnestly, and has gathei'ed a congregation into whom he has infused a spirit of de- votedness and faith.
P
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CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
HIGH BRIDGE.
A
S Catholics increased in all parts of the city, church after church was erected, though men livino: can
recollect when the island and the adjacent country was all (mv parish — St. Peter's.
The })eople in the neighborhood of High Bridge were too far from the siuTounding churches to attend them easily.
The Most Eminent Cardinal McCloskey, in June, 1S75, selected the llev. James Aiigustine Mullin to establish a parish here. He began his labors whh earnestness, placing his parish under the protection of the Sacred Heart of Our Lord, and celebrated his first mass in a hall near High Bridge, June 20, 1875. In a short time he purchased a suitable site for a church, which was in- corporated as "The Clnircli of the Sacred Heart, New York Cit}%" January 13, 1876. The corner-stone was laid on the 28th of May, and dui'ing the yeai- the Bev. James A. Mullin, l)y uuwenried exertions, succeeded in completing the Chm-ch of the Sacred Heart, at a cost of about twenty thousand dollars.
646
CA rilOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
The new chiircli was dedicated to God's holy service on the 21st of October, 1S77, by his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey. The beautifnlly situated and neatly decorated church was crowded, though the weather was stormy. The procession was an imposing one, as, led by cross- bearer and acolytes, priests from many of the city churches, and linally a prince (if the Holy Church, moved around the sacred edifice, then entered, and, passing up the centi-e aisle, made the circuit of the church within, performing the whole dedication service in its fullest cere- monial rite.
After the dedication service a Solemn High Mass was offered up, the Most Eminent Cardinal the Archbishop of New York- occu])ying a throne in the sanctuary. The Rev. Mr. Morris of the Church of the Epiphany was the celebrant. The sermon of the day was preached by the Rev. Father Merrick of the Society of Jesus, his text being, " How terrible is this place : truly it is the house of God and the gate of heaven."
At the close of the mass after the Pontifical Blessing, his Eminence praised the pastor of the new church for his devotion to a good work, and the people for the energy Avhich they had displayed ; but he Tu-ged them to liquidate promptly the small debt still remaining, as their church could scarcely be called the house of God Avhile men had any claim upon it.
The clun-ch is a very beautiful Gothic structure,
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS. G47
facing Central Avenue, and standing in a plot of eight and a half lots neatly graded and shaded by ornamental trees.
It is about forty-five feet in Avidth by eighty-five in depth, with three aisles, the floors of durable Georgia pine, and the pews of ash and black walnut not excelled
f
by those in any of the city churches. There is a fine High Altar beautifully Avrought and surmounted by an elegant oil painting representing the Sacred Heart. There are to be two side altars dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph, whose paintings are already placed above the spots where the side altars are to stand. These three paintings are the gift to the church of Mrs. Dodin of New York City. The sanctuary is neatly carpeted with Brussels carpet, and is entered from two sanctunries whicli communicate behind tlie altar bj^ means of a cov- ered passage.
A large Gothic ornamental window of stained-glass adorns the front of this elegant church, and stained-<rlass windows at the sides mellow the light that falls across the aisles and nave.
So active have been the exertions of the pastor and the religious spirit of his flock, that the church is al- most entirely paid for, the whole debt on church and grounds not exceeding twenty-five hundred dollars.
648
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
R
OLL OF
H
ONOR,
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, HIGH BRIDGE.
Baker, Peter. Boden, Martin. Brady, John. Brady, Thomas. Breen, Michael. Bryan, Patrick. Carr, P. Carr, Thomas. Courtney, John. Fitzpatrick, James. Gaffney, Daniel.
Hanley, Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Holmes, James. Kennedy, Rose. McGrane, Edward. McLoughlin, John. Reilly, Mrs. Sevox, John. Spellman, John. Tierney, M. Woods, Benjamin.
.4'*-uc. ^/A^'i^-'M^-'T'-v-.
\m iji- JLSi. s.
i:kv. JAMES ;.
PASTOR or TIIK CIIUKiJH OP THK SACHEI NEW YORK CIJY.
7
HE
' <1 (niite a and bciii: viitiop •>! .. 'iiis ho enter<vl ;• in 1863, and, afti'i- pur^sn graduated July 2, ISf ■ j!ii> Provincial Semin;ny :it Troy, and at tlie close of his i'';il stud'fi hf wns ovdqirtf'd, on the IHtli of Nn-
Tuission
(' Mulliti was bom about
i and when
H»ro he
h hii» Kud
> Ifihor t- r »h<' enl- Vh Co; se of stud ' U'w months later h<' entered
la'ix»rmj( in , : fur
seventy miles. Vnt" red to the
Chiu-ch of St. Augustine, at M<> , .lud then to St.
K'ov,. of Lima, New York.
' w-v? intrusted, in June, 1H7r>, with th "Mv pnrisli. hcin:.- ♦)•< first r-.-
I
•
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS. G49
REV. JAMES AUGUSTINE MULLIN,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, NEW YORK CITY.
THE Rev. James Augustine Mixllin was born about the year 1839, in tlie north of Ireland, and when a boy came to the United States. At an early age he entered mercantile business, and tln'ongh his energy and perseverance amassed quite a fortune. Having learned the vanity of the world, and being desirous to labor for the sal- vation of souls he entered St. John's College, Fordham, in 1863, and, after i)ursuing a course of study there, was gi-aduated July 2, 18GG. A few months later he entered the Provincial Seminary at Troy, and at the close of his ecclesiastical studies he was ordained, on the IGth of No- vember, 18fi9, at Troy. His first mission was at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Fourteenth Street.
He was then for nearly three years at Port Jorvis, laboring in that parish and its missions, which extend for seventy miles. From this he A\as transferred to the Clmrch of St. Augustine, at Morrisania, and then to St. Rose of Lima, New York.
lie was intrusted, in Juno, 1875, with the organiza- tion of a new parish, being tlui first pastor appointed l)y his Eniinciuce after liis elevation as a Prince of the Chui-cli, and the first priest appointed to erect a church in New \\)rk City in lionor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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CHURCH OF SAINT STANISLAUS (POLISH).
STANTON STREET.
THE Catholic people of Poland have ever been re- spected by the Americans, who conld not forget the services of Pnlaski and Kosciusko, or behold unmoved their gallant Ijut unsuccessful efforts to liberate their na- tive land from the power of Russia.
For many years there was, however, but little emi- gration to this country ; but in 1834, after the defeat of the Polish armies, a ninnber an-ived, for whom a gen- eral sympathy was felt. Congress, by the act of June 30th in that year, granted them part of the public lands in Michigan and Illinois.
As a general rule, they did not settle together, but, soon acquiring English, mingled with other Catholics in our churches, enjoying occasionally the ministry of a priest of their own nation.
Within a few years, however, the number of Poles in this city and elsewhere has so increased that they are gradually forming separate congregations, where in- struction is given in their native tongue.
In 1874, a Polish priest. Rev. Adalbert Mielinszny, was temporarily authorized by the Most Reverend Ai-ch-
G52 OATHOLIC CnURCHES OF NEW YORK.
bishop to collect the Poles on the east side of the city and minister to their spiritual wants. He secured some property on Henry Street, and arranged No. 318 as a temporary church. There were many difficulties to con- tend with, the mass of the Polish Catholics being poor, and no little hostility was manifested towards them by the neighbors.
In 1876, the Rev. F. H. Wajonan was appointed, and soon placed the church on a better footing. Finding, however, that the place was not well adapted for a church for his people, and remonstrances having been made from the English-speaking chm-ch in whose paro- chial limits the Henry Street property stood, he looked out for a more advantageous site. A building was soon found, erected by the Methodists on the south-east corner of Forsyth and Stanton Streets, which had passed from the hands of the disciples of Wesley and been recently used ns a synagogue. This was purchased l)y the Rev. Mr. Wayman for twenty thousand dollars, and the interior entirely remodeled to adapt it for ixse as a Catholic church.
On Sunday, Jidy 14th, 1878, it was solemnly dedi- cated by the pastor. The interior was decorated with flow- ers and green branches, while over the entrance floated the American and Polisli flags and the Papal standard. After the performance of the rite of dedication, a Solemn High Mass was offered, the Rev. Eugene Dikovich of
CHURCH OF ST. STANISLAUS. (;53
till' Order of 8t. Fraiit-is, p;istor of tliu Cliurcli of St. FraiK-is Seraph, buiug the celeljraiit; Rev. Mr. J^bcrhurilt, deacon ; Rev. Mr. Guntzer, subdeacon ; and Rev. Mr. Wolf", master of novices ; Rev. Matthew Nicot, assistant. The sermon was preached by the Rev. I\lr. Wa}-- man, \vho began by expressing his warm grfttitude to his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey for permitting and encom-aging the Catholic Poles to erect a church of their own in his e})iscopal city. He had on this auspi- cious occasion sent them a special blessing, ■which tlie pastor proceeded to ])ronounce over his kneeling congre- gation. He then dwelt on the life of St. Stanislaus, Bishoi) of Cracow and martyr, the holy patron of their churcli. A child of prayer, born of aged parents at Sezepanow, July 26th, 1030, a youth of piety led him to studies for the holy priesthood, and in that sacred state to the most zealous and edifying labors. He became a model of priests, the great reliance of his bishoji, after whose death the universal voice called him to the see. In the position of bishop he was the father of his clergy and people, and especially of the poor. When no one dared rebuke the tyrant Boleslas II. for his crimes, and denounce him with the vengeance of God if he did not abandon liis sinful and horrible life, he intrepidly declared to the wretched man the truths of religion. The Saint's visits proved unavailing, and, after a fourth visit, fnuling him obdurate, the bishop excommunicated him.
G54 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Then the king followed St. Stanislaus to a chapel, to which he had retired, and ordered his guards to kill the holy man. When they shrank from such a crime, the king, taunt- ing them as cowards, rushed forward and dispatched him with his own hands.
The guilty king soon fled from his kingdom ; and as God honored his martyred servant by many miracles, St. Stanislaus was solemnly canonized in 1253.
The reverend pastor alluded to the straggles which the congregation had made, and to the condition of their brethren in Prussian and Russian Poland, and of the persecutions to which they were subjected.
In the evening Rev. A. Tonner officiated at the Solemn Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacra- ment.
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T'
. ttCU OF S '
655
REV. FRANCIS XAVIEit \\aim.\^,
PASTOR OF THE CHUKCII OF ST. STAJsISLAUS.
''^l^^JIi^ • Stanislaus, bisliop
I I mail itev. iraacis Xavier W'aynian,
Otli of November, 1842, in the lUcwese two of whi< ii tho gruat • ;•
for ; .odocliowsici, is AirhbialiDp. In
order to prejmrc for the ecrlusiastical state, he
entered the seminary ui the city of Glog'au, Silesia, in the year 1861, and, ' having completed his theological course, was ordained priest on the 14tli of June, ISGn . Ho exercised the ministry in h; c country till the
var with tho French and the \>- ns of tlio Oh\m-h
by tlie inhuman Emperor /, in .•nee
of winch he s country on t^e 9lli of Jan-
uary, 1876.
He was received into the Diocese of New York bv
his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey, and assigned to dutv
SLA assistant at St Nicholas Church. Here he labored
; y for a year and a half, wlien iii»< Eminen«T,
' loth «<» see the attempt of t1i«' Poles fail \^'.<'-
ablo tt> V)uild np a church, requ<'% ■
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CHURCH OF ST. STANISLAUS. 655
REV. FRANCIS XAVIER WAYMAN,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. STANISLAUS.
THE pastor of the Cliixrcli of St. Stanislaus, bishop and martyr, the Rev. Francis Xavier Waynian, was born on the 25th of November, 1842, in the Diocese of Posen, one of the two of which the great confessor for the faith. Cardinal Ledochowski, is archbishop. In order to prepare himself for the ecclesiastical state, he entered the seminary in the city of Glogau, Silesia, in the year 1861, and, having completed his theological com-se, was ordained priest on the 14th of June, 1865. He exercised the ministry in his native country till the war Avith the French and the persecutions of the Church by the inhuman Emperor of Germany, in consequence of which he came to this country on the 9th of Jan- uary, 1876.
He was received into the Diocese of New York by his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey, and assigned to duty as assistant at St. Nicholas Church. Here he labored acceptably for a year and a half, when his Eminence, loth to see the attempt of the Catholic Poles fail with- out their being able to build up a chm-ch, requested the
656 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Rev. Mr. Wayman to undertake the somewhat difficult task in which one piiest had ah-eady failed.
Tliu Rev. Mr. Wayman showed an active and luitir- ing zeal, and thus far he has succeeded beyond all hope in building up a congregation, and securing a more suitable chiu'ch edifice than that acquired by his prede- cessor.
CHURCH OF SAINT STEPHEN,
An EAST TWENTY-EIGHTH STREET.
CHURCH OF SAINT STEPHEN.
TWENTY-EIGHTH STREET.
IN the month of November, 1848, an American priest, who had been gi'aduated with distinction at Rome, the Rev. Jeremiah W. Cmnmings, was appointed by the Right Reverend John Hughes, then Bishop of New York, to organize a new parochial district and erect a chm-ch. A site, deemed a very ehgible one, on Madison Avenue, at tlie comer of Twenty-seventh Street, one hundred feet in front by one hundi-ed and seventy-three feet in depth, was pm-chased, giving space for church, parochial residence, and schools. The quarter was an at- tractive one, and everything promised favorably for the new church.
Dr. Cummings, late as the season was, began opera- tions at once. His first step was to erect a plain, sub- stantial building, as the temporary church, which might subsequently at little cost be transformed into a paro- chial school. Collections were made in various churches of this city and Brooklyn, and among Catholic societies, to aid in the good work, the new pastor by lectures and otherwise making his project known. The temporary church was completed at a cost of fourteen thousand
CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN. 659
dollars, and was ready as tlie feast approached of the proto-martyr in whose honor it was to be dedicated.
That solemn ceremony was performed on Sunday, the 23d day of December, 1849, by the Right Rever- end Bishop Hughes, with all the rites prescribed, a large attendance of clergy gathering to add their prayers that the new church might redound to the honor of God and the salvation of souls. The Right Reverend Bishop pi'eached during the Solemn High ]\Iass, reading as his text Ephesians iv., descriptive of the Chm-ch of Christ, and of the relation of the members to its Divine Head. He then dwelt on the external order and beauty of the church ; he depicted the love and charity within, bind- ing the members together into one community, and giv- ing the Church that life which is manifested in the works of mercy performed by the Sisters of Charity and other orders.
The chm-ch was opened and celebrated with pomp on the feast of its holy patron, St. Stephen, the deacon, the proto-martyr of the Christian Church, whose death is so beautifully recorded by the inspired writer of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles.
Soon after the erection of this edifice, however, an event occm-red which defeated the original idea of the pastor, and made the site no longer desirable or even endurable for a Catholic chm-ch. The Harlem Railroad Company became the proprietors of the rest of the
660 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
block on which this building stood, and desired the possession of the whole square. The noise and din, the unseemly acts and language of the men in the employ of the railroad, were a constant annoyance, even dm-ing the solemn moments when the august sacri- fice was offered. The site, with its buildings, was accord- ingly sold, on the 6th of January, 1853, to those who coveted it, for forty-six thousand dollars, and new grounds were pm-chased on the north side of Twenty-eighth Street, near Lexington Avenue, and south side of Twenty-ninth Street.
The new church was designed by James Ronwick, architect; the lots cost about forty thousand dollars, and the edifice, with its fitting up, inchiding ornaments, vest- ments, sacred vessels, &c., about fifty thousand dollars, without including a fine organ made by Henry Erben.
St. Stephen's was one of the finest churches up to that time reared by the Catholics of New York City. It was opened on the 5th of March, 1854, though the solemn dedication was deferred till the return of the Most Reverend Archbishop Hughes, who had gone to Cuba for his health. On the opening day, the High Mass was off'ered by the Very Rev. William Starrs, Vicar General. The solemn dedication took place on the 21st of May. The ceremony was performed by the Most Reverend Ai-chbishop, who delivered an impressive sermon during the Solemn High Mass which followed.
CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN. 661
His text was taken from the Epistle of St. James, and the discourse, which has been preserved, and appears in his works, is devoted to religion, what constitutes it, and its importance. Drawing- the line between mere opinions and a revealed religion, he said : " This attaches us to Grod, makes us understand whence we come, for what purpose we exist, and those primary dogmas — not opin- ions, but established revelation ; for if opinions were all that could be presented in the name of religion, it would not have been worth while for the people of this congregation to make the sacrifices necessary to erect this structure. If morality can exist in the world without religion, this is a waste of money, as was said by one when the feet of our Saviour were anointed.
" This church is this day dedicated to Grod for the purpose of perpetuating religion — so important in the at- tainment of your salvation, so important in the hopes of your rising families, so important to you in the prospective view of your old age."
The collection of the day towards paying the cost of the church amounted to twelve hundred and sixty- nine dollars. The yearly expenses of the new church were about seven thousand dollars, while the collections and pew rents exceeded this, so as to leave annually about three thousand dollars to apply on a debt of thirty thoiisand.
The Rev. Dr. Cummings had been assisted in the
662 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
old church by the Rev. Joseph Andrade, and in the new St. Stephen's also l)y the Rev. William H. dowry.
St. Stephen's Church, from its beauty and tlie great merit of the choir, became one of the attractions of New York City, and was frequented, especially on Sun- day at vespers, by so many strangers as to cause an- noyance to the devout.
Among- the distinguished Catholics whom the con- gregation numbered were for many years the illustrious Dr. Orestes A. Brownson and his family.
The catechetical insti-uctions at St. Stephen's were well organized. The Sunday-schools were soon well at- tended, and both the boys' and girls' departments under competent superintendents and teachers, who, by visits to the families in the parish, gathered more than a thou- sand children, Avho were thoroughly instructed in theii' faith and Christian duties.
The Rev. Dr. Cummings continued to direct the flock gathered under the patronage of St. Stephen till his death, January 4, 1866, although his later years were checkered by long and painful illness that inca- pacitated him for active exercise.
One of the interesting events of this j^eriod was the baptism, July 7, 1861, of a young Persian, Alahab Shira- zazazals, who renoimced the Koran and received at the font the name of Andrew
Dr. Cummings was born in Washington City, in April,
CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN. 663
1814, and was early left to the care of a pious motlier, from whom he received almost all his early training. On her removal to New York she placed her son at the college at Nyack, founded by Bishop Du Bois, after which he went to Rome, and in the College of the Propaganda showed great ability and laid up a store of sound theological learning, Avhich his clear intellect and sound judgment enabled him to apply to important ques- tions in life. After winning his doctoi-'s cap he returned, and was for a time at the Cathedral, till he undertook the formation of St. Stephen's parish. He was a thorough scholar, an accomplished linguist and musician, and a successful writer. As a preacher and lecturer he evinced remarkable ability.
During his long pastorship he was assisted by a number of priests, some of whom have since reared and directed new churches in our city. They were Rev. W. H. Clowry, 1857-60; Rev. J. L. Doyle, 1858-61; Rev. J. Orsenigo, Rev. John Larkin, 1862-4; Rev. James Quinn, 1864; Rev. L. Gambosville, 1865-7; and the Rev. E. McGlynn, D.D., who attended him in his last moments and succeeded him as pastor.
Before the death of Dr. Cummings it became evi- dent that the church was much too small for the Cath- olics of the district to whom tlie clergy ministered. It was resolved to extend St. Stephen's through to the next street. This work was began in the year 1865 by
664 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Dr. Cumming's, and finished in 1866 by the Rev. Dr. Mc- Gl}ain, at a cost of one hnndred thousand dollars, every- thing being of the most gi'and and imposing character.
The blue -waulted and fretted ceiling is sustained by graceful pillars and studded with stars ; the light pours in through beautiful stained-glass windows, casting their many-colored hues on pew and marble aisle. The paint- ing above the high altar is a Crucifixion by Brumidi, forty-six feet high by twenty-eight wide ; the altar-piece of Oiir Lady's altar is an exquisite Immaculate Con- ception ; and that of St. Joseph's is the ]\Iart}'rdom of St. Stephen ; while other paintings adorn the side walls and that on Twenty-eighth Street.
The three marble altars are the finest ever seen in a Catholic chiu-ch in this country. They were made by Fisher & Bird, after designs by P. C. Keely ; the material is the purest white Vermont statuary marble, the design Gothic, literally covered with tracery and sculp- ture. The high altar is twenty-four feet six inches high by seventeen feet six inches wide ; the central portion con- taining the tabernacle and exposition niche tapers grace- fully to the cross wliich sm'mounts it. On each side in the supporting buttress is the figm-e of an angel.
At the side of the tabernacle are basso-relievos representing the Resurrection and the Ascension of Our Lord. Four angels holding candelabra sm-mount the cor- nice above these. The steps above the altar table are
cnuRcn OF st. Stephen. 665
ora.imented with riclily carved inscriptions. The front of the iihar lias in tlie center the Entombment of Onr Lord in Ixisso-relievo, and in the niches between the chtsters of vicli cohimns at the sides are fonr angels bearing shields, on wliich ai-e depicted the implements of the Pas- sion. Of the basso-relievos at the sides, one represents the two ]\Iarys going to the tomb, and the other, St. Peter and St, John. The candlesticks, in keeping with the design of the altar and the tabernacle door, which bears a figure of Onr Lord, are of bronze gilt.
The side altars, though less grand and elaborate, harmonize in style, and are surmounted by pure white statues of the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph.
The extension of the church and the grandeur of the temple did not alone occupy the thoughts of the pastor. To meet the spiritual wants of his flock and give the lukewaiiii and careless every ojjportunity to reco^•er a religious tone and return to the practice of their duties, he prepared, in the autumn of 1867, for a mis- sion to be given by the Redemptorist Fathers on a scale yet unseen. In announcing it to his flock, the Rev. Dr. McGlynn said : " I take this opportunity of repeating my most anxious wish and prayer that none of the people of the parish will allow this time of special grace and blessing to pass away unimproved, reminding all that they may never again have so good an opportunity, as there will be some eighteen or twenty Redemptorist
GG6 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Fathers devoted exclusively to their service during the whole time of the mission."
These exercises showed the immense number of Cath- olics in the district, and at their close the Most Reverend Archbishop administered confirmation to two thousand nine hundi-ed persons.
Another work growing out of the increased vitality of the Catholics of the parish Avas St. Stephen's Home for Destitute Children, established in East Twenty-eighth Street. This included a charity school for girls, and has been maintained to the present time under the direction of eight Sisters of Charity, the number of children in the Home being about one hundred and fifty. An In- dustrial Home for girls out of employment also gi'ew up with this good woi'k.
The parish, with a Catholic population of nearly twenty-five thousand, requires, of com-se, the services of several priests, and the Rev. Dr. McGlynn has had as assistants the Rev. John McEvoy, 1866-7; Rev. E. F, X. McSweeny, D.D., 1867-8; Rev. Terence J. Early, 1868; Rev. J. J. Griffin, 1869-70; Rev. John C. Henry, 1869-72; Rev. A. Dantner, 1870-2; Rev. diaries Mc- Cready, 1871-7; Rev. John McQuirk, 1872-3; Rev. E. J. Flynn, 1872-4; Rev. John Power, 1873-4; Rev. W. P. Costigan, 1874-7; Rev. T. A. Carroll, 1875-6; Rev. J. J. McCauley; Rev. J. 0. Byron.
In the year 1877 the clnu'ch was put in complete
CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN.
667
repair; now stairways were put on tlie Twenty-eighth Street side, nnd the galleries were connected on the out- side of the church and doors cut in the gallery win- dows, so as to multiply the means of exit from the church The organ was also improved by new combinations, and the decorations generally restored.
The Sunday-school now numbers sixteen hundred pupils, directed by one hunch-ed and twenty teachers.
Among the societies attached to the church may be mentioned the Confraternity of the Sacred Heart, the Rosary Society, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the members of these associations approaching the sacraments every month or every two months.
Roll of Honor.
Ahearn, Jeremiali. Ahern, Denis. Ahein, Michael. Anderson, 11. S. Armstrong, John F. Askin, Patrick. Ayhvard, James. Bagley, Thomas. Baily, John J., i\Irs. Baldwin, William. Baniion, Francis. Barclay, Henry. Barrett, Fugene. Barrett, II anna. Barrett, Joseph J. Barrett, Nellie. Barrington, Benjamin, Mr Barry, Mary. Barry, Thomas. Hartley, Thomas. Beatty, James. Bell, Charles, Mrs. lience, George. Bennett, Mary M. Bennett, T. E., Mrs.
Bergin, Ellen. Berrien, Hattie C, Mrs. Birkbeck, Ann E., Mrs. Black, Julia. Bones, Maggie. Bonney, G. F., Mrs. Bowen, E. S. Boylan, John. Boyland, Francis. Brady, Bernard. Brady, Owen. Brady, Philip. Brady, Rose. Brady, Rose M. Brett, James, Mrs. Broden, Annie, Mrs. Brogan, Thomas. Erookies, T. E. Brophy, J., Mrs. Brougham, Patrick. Brown, Mary. Brown, Thomas. Browne, Thomas F. Bryan, John. Buckley, Maggie.
Buckley, Jeremiah. Burdon, Ann. Burke, Eliza, Mrs. Burke, John. Burns, Ellen. Burns, John. Burns, Sarah, Mrs. Burns, Susan. Burns, Teresa. Burtsell, Peter V. Butnian, Alice P. Byrenes, Margaret. Byrne, Henry, Mrs. Byrne, Thomas J. Cahill, Ellen. Cahill, Mary. Cain, Peter.
Callahan, Catharine, Mrs. Callahan, Cornelius. Caiman, Denis. Campion, Thomas. Cannon, Mawjaret C. Canton, Patrick. Carey, Elizabeth. Carey, Jennie M.
668
CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
Carley, Thomas F. Carlisle, Julia. Carney, Ann. Carr, Patrick. Carroll, Eliza. Carroll, E. L. Carroll, Mary Ann. Carten, Kate A. Casserly, John, Mrs. Cassidy, Hugh. Cassidy, Patrick. Cassidy, Philip. Caulfield, Maggie. Cavanagh, Mary. Churchill, Franklin H. ClalTey, Ellen. Clancy, Matthew. Clark, Mary A. Cleary, Julia, Miss. Cleary, Michael. Clifford, Rose, Mrs. Clinch, Charles P. Clinton, Lizzie. Clyne, Edward F. Cody, Michael J. Coffey, Michael, Mrs. Cogley, Peter. Colahan, John. Coleman, John J. Coleman, Michael. Collins, Lawrence. Connelly, Edward J. Connor, William. Connors, Mary. Conroy, George. Conway, Arthur. Conway, Daniel. Conway, Edward. Conway, .John R. Conway, Mary. Conway, Patrick J. Conway, Susan. Coogan, James W., Mrs. Cooney, i\Iary Ann. Corcoran, Elizabeth, Mrs. Corr, Patrick. Corey, Rose, Corrigan, Michael. Costello, Bernard. Costello, James. Coudert, Frederic R. Coughlin, Patrick J. Coughlin, Richard. Courtney, Henry H. Craig, Frank E. Craig. Patrick, Mrs. Crocheron, J., Mrs. Cronin, Catharine, Mrs. Crowe, Martha F. Cuff, P.
Cunningham, Bernard. Curley, Anne. Curley, RLiry, Mrs. Curran, Maggie L.
Curran, Michael.
Curry, Edward.
Daly, Thomas.
Daly, William.
Darragh, John.
Dee, B., Miss.
Defrates, Joseph D., Mrs.
Deegan, Ellen.
Dejanon, Louis L.
Delaney, James.
Delany, Martin.
Dennis, C.
De Rivera, Henry C.
Desdy, Mary.
Devin, John.
Devin, John C.
Deviney, IL J.
Devlin, John E.
Devlin, Margaret.
Dewane, Ann, Mrs.
Dillon, Philip.
Dinsmore, Bryant W., Mrs.
Dinsmore, Samuel P., Mrs.
Docharty, Augustus T.
Dolan, Bridget M.
Dolan, Ellen.
Dolan, John B.
Donar, Michael, Mrs.
Donegan, Mary, Mrs.
Donohoe, Owen.
Donovan, S. J.
Dooley, Thomas.
Dorris, James.
Dorrity, Farrell.
Dougherty, Felix.
Dougherty, Margaret.
Dowling, Eliza.
Doyle, James.
Doyle, Francis.
Dudgeon, M.ary.
Duffy, Bernard C, Mrs.
Duffy, James.
Duffy, John.
Dugan, Frank A.
Dugan, John.
Duke, Judith, Mrs.
Dunn, Margaret, Mrs.
Durkin, Patrick, Mrs.
Dwyer, Bernard.
Earle, Eugene M., Mrs.
Early, Mary A.
Egan, Hannah.
Egan, Mary.
Elliott, John, Mrs.
Emmet, Thomas Addis.
English, Michael, Mrs.
Everard, James.
Everett, Annie.
Fagan, John.
Fallen, Anne.
Farley, Matthew, Mrs.
Farley, Michael, Mrs.
Farrell, Ellen.
Farrell, John.
Farrell, Michael, Mrs. Farren, Joseph. Fee, Susan. Feeney, Bernard. Feeney, Maggie. Fenton, Thomas. Ferris, Peter. Ferris, Thomas. Finnigan, Bridget. Fitzgerald, James. Fitzgibbon, Catharine. Fitzpatrick, John. Fitzpatrick, Rose, Miss. Fitzpatrick, William P. Fitzsimmons, Catharine. Fitzsimmons, Elizabeth. Fitzsimmons, James. Flanagan, James. Flanigan, Ellen, Mrs. Fleming, Martin J. Flynn, Kyran, Mrs. Foley, John. Foucard, Marius. Fowler. George M. Fowler, James D., Mrs. Fox, Mary E. Francis, R., Mrs. Franklin, ^Iaria, Mrs. Gaffigan, Thomas J. Gaffney, Bartholomew. Gaffney, Timothy. Gahn, William, Mrs. Gainey, Timothy. Garrish, John Pool. Garvey, Eliza. Garvey, Rose M. Geary, William Henry. Gibert, Anna M., Mrs. Gibert, J. T., Mrs. Gilfoyle, James F. Gilmagh, .\nn. Gilmartin, llonora. Gilmore, Luke. Gleason, John, Mrs. Gogarty, Michael. Gorman, Elizabeth. Gorman, John. Gormley, Bernard. Gormley, Owen. Grace, William. Grady, James. Greehy, Luke. Griflith, John. Gross, Andrew. Guidet, Charles. Haag, Margareta. Haggerty, W. I\L Haight, Daniel. Hamilton, James A., Mrs. Hanfey, Maggie. Hanlon, Ellen W., Mrs. Hanlon, Mary. Mannagan, R., Mrs. Hannon, James.
CUURCH OF ST. STEPHEN.
GG9
Harberger, John S. Harnett, Daniel. Hanigan, Jolin. Harrion, .^nna. Harris, Cliarlcs N. Harris, Patrick. Harl, Sarah. Hartwell, Daniel. Havemeyer, T. A., Mrs. Haven, George G. H.iyslip, George T. Healy, John W. " Hearn, John, Mrs. Hearne, Patrick. Hcavey, John F. plenness, James. Hennessey, David. Hennessey, James H. Hennessy, John. Henry, Peter. Hernon, James. Hickey, Peter J. Hipigins, E. S., Mrs. Ilifigins, James. ]Iigi;ins, John. Higgins, Thomas. Hoare, Thomas. Hoey, Mary. Hogan, Bridget, Miss. Hogan, Bridget, Mrs. Ilogan, Mari.a. Iloguet, Antoinette, Mrs Hoiden, John F. Holy, J., Mrs. Horigan, Patrick. Hosmer, Field Lenn, Mrs. Houlahan, Ellen. Hoyt, F. D. Hynes, William J. Igoe, Margaret, Mrs. Irving, James. Iselin, Adrian, Mrs. Ivison, William. Jannon, Joseph. Jester, Peter, Mrs. Johnson, Patrick. Johnston, Charles. Johnston, John. Jones, John II. Jones, Thomas. Jordan, Mary J. Julian, Robert. Kane, Annie. Kavanagh, Mary. Keane, Hanna C., Mrs. Kcane, Th<mias W. Keating, Thomas K. Keelan, Anne. Keenan, Thomas. Kehoe, James, Mrs. Kelley, Michael. Kelly, Denis C. Kelly, Elizabeth C. Kelly, Hubert.
Kelly, Hngh. Kelly, Mary. Kelly, N. S_. Kennedy, Kate. Kenney, Peter. Kenny, Ann, Mrs. Kent, Julia A. Kerns, Jane. Kerrigan, Patrick, Mrs. Kiernan, C, Mrs. Kilduff, Bernard. King, Julia. Knox, David W. Laden, John, Mrs. Lafferty, Mary. Lally, Rose. Lannin, Annie. Larkin, John La Sack, Mary. Lasa'.a, Francis F. Lavelle, Patrick. Lawrence, Bryan. Leahy, John. Leary, Kate. Leary, Margaret. Ledwith, Catharine. Leland, Charles E., Mrs. Lenehan, Mary. Leonard, Kate. Leonard, Thomas. Leverich, S. M., Miss. Lockridge, Rosanna, Mrs. London, Ellen. Looram, Matthew, Mrs. Loughran, Bridget. Lummis, William. Liuiny. Mary. Lynch, Patrick. Lynani, Owen. Lyons, John. Lyons, William. Mc.Vuley, Margaret. McCabe, Henry. McCabe, Catharine. McCabe, Patrick. McCaffery, Sarah J. J. McCahill, Patrick." McCahill, Thomas J. McCarthy, Edward P. McCarthy, Kate. McCarthy, James. McCarthy, Mary, Miss. McConncll, Catharine. McCracken, Maggie. McDermott, Catharine. McDerinott, Johanna. McDermott, Luke. McDonald, Lawrence. McDonald, Margaret. McDonald, Mary. McEveney, Anne. McGettigan, Robert. McGillick, Joseph. McGinness, Andrew.
McGonigal, David. McGovern, Martha. McGovern, P. J. McGowan, Catharine. McGovvan, James. McGowan, John T. McGrath, William T. McGuire, Alice. McGuire, Bridget T. McGuire, Elizabeth. McGuire, Michael. McGuire, Murtha. McGuirk, Mary Ann. McGurrin, E., Mrs. McKenna, Bernard. McLaughlin, Margaret. McLoughlin, Patrick. McM.ahoii, Esther. McMahon, Thomas. McManus, John. McNabb, Patrick. McNally, Alice. McNally, Bridget. McNally, Margaret. McNauKira, Ellen. McNulty, Mich.ael. McQuade, Mary. McShcrry, J. McSweeny, Daniel E. McTeigue, Margaret, Mrs. McWade, James. McWilliams, Felix. Madden, Bridget. Madden, Lawrence. Madigan, Michael S. Maguire, Matthew. Mahon, B,. Miss. Mahon, Mary. Mahoney, Mary. Mallon, Annie E. Malone, John, Mrs. Malone, Mary Jane. Malony. Denis, Mrs. Manahan, Rose, Mrs. Martin, Ann. Martin, Ellen, Mrs. Martin, M.J. Martin, Philip. Masterson. Edward. Mathews, Lizzie, Mrs. Matthews, Edward, Mrs. Meeks, John, Mrs. Michaels, Henry. Miles, Thomas. Mittey, Delia P. Moloney, Michael. Moloney, P. G. Moon, Ann. Mooney, John F. Moore, James. Moore, William. Moran, Thomas. Morgan, Alice. Morgan, Daniel.
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G70 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. |
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Morgan, II. R. |
Owens, Edward. |
Sullivan, Ann, Mrs. |
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Morrell, Patrick, Mrs. |
Palmer, James F. |
Sullivan, Elizabeth. |
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Mulchinock, Alice E. |
Palmer, John. |
Sullivan, Hannah. |
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MulliUly, Patrick. |
Pardey, Michael. |
Sullivan, John. |
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MuUally, Rosanna. |
Ponvert, Elias. |
Sullivan, Julia. |
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MiiUany, Catharine. |
Powers, Maurice. |
Sullivan, "Maggie. |
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Mullen, Mary Jane, Mrs. |
Preston, Mary E. |
Sullivan, Mary, Mrs. |
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Mullen, Jlorris. |
Pursell, E. C. |
Supple, Margaret. |
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Muliin, John. |
Quinlan, Kate, Miss. |
Swanton, Richard. |
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Mulvaney, James. |
Quinn, Abraham J. |
Sweeney, Michael. |
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Mulvey, Thomas, Mrs. |
Quinn, Margaret." |
Sweeny, Daniel. |
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Mulvihill, Thomas. |
Quinn, Thomas, Mrs. |
Taffe, John. |
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IMurphy, Catharine. |
Ray, RIary F. |
Theljaiul, Paul I,. |
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Murphy, Hanna. |
Regan, Bessie. |
Tierney, John. |
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IMurpliy, James. |
Reiley. Robert T. |
Tiernan, Susan. |
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Murphy, Johanna. |
Reilly, Bernard. |
Timmins, Mary Ann. |
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Murphy, John. |
Reilly, Bridget. |
Tobin, Mary. |
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Murpliy, Kate. |
Reilly, John. |
Toland, James. |
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Murphy, Mary C. |
Reilly, "Katie. |
Toole, Catharine. |
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Murphy, Michael J. |
Reilly, Lawrence, Mrs. |
Treacy, Michael J. |
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Murphy, Patrick W. |
Reilly, Mary. |
Tree, Mary. |
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Murphy, Thomas, Mrs. |
Reming, M.argaret, Mrs. |
Tucker, Catharine. |
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Murphy, W., Mrs. |
Renehan, John. |
TuUy, John. |
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Murray, Julia. |
Reynolds, Ellen. |
Venter, Catharine, Mrs. |
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Murray, .Michael J. |
Rice, Katie. |
Wafer, Susan M. |
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Murtha, Peter J. |
Roche, Cornelius. |
Walden, James T. |
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Nash, Catharine, ^Trs. |
Rose, Henry. |
W.allace, Michael. |
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Nelson, James. |
Ryan, Daniel. |
Walsh, Anne. |
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Newman, Kate, Mrs. |
Ryan, James. |
Walsh, Catharine. |
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Noonan, John. |
Ryan, Mary. |
Walsh, Edward T. |
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Nooney, Robert B. |
Ryan, Michael. |
Walsh, Estella. |
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Norman, Maggie, Mrs. |
St. John, Edward. |
Walsh, Tames. |
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Northrop, C. R. |
St. jfohn, Ilanna. |
Walsh, J. C, Mrs. |
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Nugent, Francis. |
Salla, Delia. |
Walsh, Lawrence. |
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Gates, Alice. |
Sampers, Mary. |
Ward, Margaret. |
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O'Brien, Edward. |
Scanlon, B. |
Ward. Newman. |
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O'Brien, lilizabeth. |
Scanlon, Bridget. |
Ware, JIary. |
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O'Brien, John. |
Scanlon, Hanna. |
Warren, Timothy. |
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O'Brien, Joseph. |
Scanlon, Thomas. |
Warrington, Thomas. |
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O'Brien, Kate. |
Sendt, John, Mrs. |
Waterman, T. M. |
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O'Connell, Daniel. |
Shanley, Ann, Mrs. |
Waters, Benjamin. |
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O'Connell, James W. |
Sheehan, Maria. |
\A'atson, J., Mrs. |
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O'Connor, Denis. |
Sheridan, Mary. |
Webb, Catharine. |
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O'Connor, Kate. |
Sheridan, Patrick. |
Welch, Maggie. |
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O'Connor, Patrick. |
Sherlock, John. |
Welsh, Bridget. |
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O'Connor, Terence. |
Slevin, Bessie. |
Welsh, E. T. |
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O'Donohue, Norah. |
Sloane, Charles W. |
Welsh, Henry. |
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O'Donovan. Nellie. |
Smith, Alice. |
Welsh, John. |
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Offutt, H. St. George. |
Smith, Ann. |
Whclan, Bridget. |
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O'Hara, James. |
Smith, Cornelius, Mrs. |
White, t.ames C. |
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O'llar.a, Mary A. |
Smith, James. |
White, John M. |
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O'Keelife, T.ames. |
Smith, John. |
White, Kate. |
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O'Kecffe, Keeffe. |
Smith, Margaret. |
Wliite, Lizzie. |
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O'.Meara, Michael B. |
Smith, Mary Ellen. |
Widdowson, Joseph, Mrs. |
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O'Neil. Bernard. |
Smith, Michael. |
Wilkens, C. PL |
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O'Neill, Kate. |
Smith, Peter. |
Willis, M., Jlrs. |
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O'Neill, Daniel. |
Smith, Philip. |
Wilson, Ehzabeth. |
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O'Neill, Francis. |
Spain, Ann. Mrs. |
Wines, William. |
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O'Reilly, Francis. |
Spencer, Ellen. |
With, Elizabeth. |
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O'Rourke, James F. |
Stack, Garret. |
Wolforth, George, Mrs. |
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O'Sullivan, Michael. |
Stack, Maurice, |
Woods, Elizabeth. |
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O'Sullivan, Michael, Mrs. |
Stanley, C, Mrs. |
Wren, Mary. |
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O'Toole, Bernard. |
Stone, ."Vnnie. |
Wright, J., Mrs. |
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Outerson, Richard. |
Stokes, James, Mrs. |
Wynkoop, Matthew B., Mrs |
3
OHUitCH OF ST. STEPHEN.
671
REV. EDWARD McGLYNN, D.D.,
PAS'tni? OF Tin- •Iit;ECU OP ST. .«iTEriii:N.
111 tbis ' /itA', and wQ-i
vears ■ the
His od and completed nt i' ■
the age of fourteen, ;i 'wn a
':(« priesthood, he was sent to Rome, and
iiida, where, at the end of seven
r t.s ii-raduated "^itli hijrh honors, and won the
- defcn;! - witli unusual bril-
«
ine vice- recT priest of
such promise , diocese, and
he was recalled \i\: ^Vroi>b»»li<j|' Hughes, who placed him •1- :^'it;.ip '•: St. Joseph's Churcli, to malce his essay as MiiAst TTe was afterwards -tatiorurd nt St.
r
I
II
I
L
CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN. 671
REV. EDWARD McGLYNN, D.D.,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN.
THE clergyman who has now for many years presided in this elegant church is a native of New York City, and was born on the 27th of September, 1837. His education was received in the public schools and completed at the Free Academy.
In 1850, at the age of fourteen, having shown a vocation for the priesthood, he was sent to Rome, and entered the Propaganda, where, at the end of seven years, he was graduated with high honors, and won the doctor's cap after defending his theses with unusual bril- liancy.
After being ordained priest, he was for a time vice- rector of the American College in Rome. A priest of such promise could ill be spared from the diocese, and he was recalled by Archbishop Hughes, who placed him as assistant in St. Joseph's Church, to make his essay as a missionary priest. He was afterwards stationed at St. Bridget's and St. James'. In December, 1861, he was appointed pastor of St. Ann's Cluu'ch, but in the follow- ing year was sent as chaplain to the military hospital,
672 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
established by government in tlie Central Park, in the old Academy buildings of the Sisters of Charity.
Towards the close of the year 1865, he was sent to St. Stephen's Church to assume the direction during the failing health of the Rev. Dr. Cummiugs, whom, as we have seen, he succeeded as pastor.
In his present position he has exercised the happi- est influence. Devoted as a priest, far-seeing, quick to perceive the wants and needs of his flock, he is prompt and decisive in his measures. As a pulpit orator or lecturer he is singularly effective, combining with great ecclesiastical and general learning a retentive niemorj^, a systematic mind, a felicity and readiness of expression, and great persviasive power.
He is now assisted by the Rev. James D. Cun-an, D.D., Rev. Charles S. Colton, and Rev. Cornelius V. Mahoney, D.D.
Besides his flock and the Home which he has created, he and his assistant })riests attend also the Catholics in Bellevue Hospital, who form a large pro- portion of the thousands annually admitted there.
43
CHURCH OF SAINT TERESA.
RUTGERS STREET.
CHURCH OF SAINT TERESA.
KUTGEKS STREET.
WHEN St. Peter's, our first Catholic church, was about twelve years old, the Presbyterian body orgauized a congregation and erected a church in Rut- gers Street, the original wooden building being in time succeeded by a substantial stone edifice ; those Avho selected the site and those who reared it as a continu- ation of the protest against the Church of Rome little dreaming that they were, in fact, building better than they knew — erecting an edifice where the Mass was one day to be offered.
With the immense increase of the congregations at the churches of St. Mary and St. James, a new house of God seemed necessary between them. The Rutgers Presbyterian Chui-ch, with their pastor, Rev. Dr. Ki'ebs, wished to dispose of their edifice, and it was just about the required distance between the two existing churches.
The Rev. James Boyce, a native of Ardagh, Ire- land, educated at Fordham, and who had, from his ordi- nation in 1854, been a zealous assistant at St. Mary's, received the Archbishop's authority to proceed and or- ganize the new parish. In the spring of 1863 he oijened
CHURCH OF ST. TEEESA. 675
subscriptions for his now cliiirch, which he placed luidcr tlie invocation of the great St. Teresa, and, refusing all personal testimonials from the flock among which he had been so long ministering, he })urchased the edifice from the Presbyterians and began to lit it up for the ancient litiu'gy of the Apostles — the service of the true Church. The congregation ^vere incorjjorated under the huv, the lirst trustees being the Most Reverend John Hughes, Ai'chbishop of New York ; the Very R(^v. William Starrs, V.G. ; Rev. James Boyce ; Jeremiah Quinlan, and Thomas Muldoon. All these have since, by death or resignation, ceased to act.
It was formally dedicated on the 21st of June, 1863, by his Grace the Most Reverend Archbishop Hughes, who here, for the last time, perforaied this consoling cer- emony in the diocese over which he had so long and gloriously presided. In the Solemn High Mass which followed, and in which the Very Rev. William Starrs, V.G., officiated, and the Rev. IMessrs. Treanor, Curran, Farrelly, McCarthy, Donnelly, Thomas Farrell, and others were present, the Archbishop delivered his last sermon. He was too feeble to stand, and preached sitting. We were in the midst of a terrible war, and he urged those ■who were to meet in this new temple of God, to jjray, and pray earnestly, for peace.
St. Teresa's Chvu-ch thus marks, as it were, the close of the labors of one of the greatest members of
676 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
the Catliolic hierarchy in the United States, as the Chmch of St. John the Baptist marks the commencement of liis administration in this city.
The church was no sooner opened than a large con- gregation formed, which steadily increased, and the influ- ence of the new parish was seen in the high place which St. Teresa's assumed in the lists of general col- lections in the city, where it disputed the very first place with older and apparently fai* more wealthy congrega- tions.
No sooner was the parish organized and the Sunday- schools well established, than the pastor turned his at- tention to the great want — parochial education. In the year 1865 he purchased No. 10 Rutgers Street, and in September opened there St. Teresa's Male Academy, conducted by secvxlar teachers. Two years afterwards he secured the adjoining house, with Nos. 155, 1552, and 157 East Broadway, and in these the Brothers of the Christian Schools, in October, 1867, opened the male parochial school, at the same time assuming the direction of the academy.
The Clu'istian education of the boys of liis flock was thus secured. To give the girls equal advantages, he purchased, in 1872, the property No. 139 Henry Street, to be used as a female academy.
The development of the Catholic parochial schools had taxed the resources of the communities engaged in
CHURCH OF ST. TERESA. 677
instructing tlie young, and it was difficiilt, in some cases, to give competent teachers. Tlie Rev. Mr. Boyce, find- ing tliat tlie Ursuline nuns, who had for some years a convent and academy at Mon'isania, had so increased as to be able to send out a fiHation of experienced Sisters, invited them to his parish. They accepted the oppor- tunity of laboring in a crowded city parish, and in September opened the Ursuline Convent and Academy, in which a community of twelve nuns of the Order of St. Angela Merici, reviving the labors of the Ii-ish nuns years before, now maintain an excellent academy, with one hundred and eight young ladies as pupils.
Going on step by step, the zealous pastor in the following year purchased the adjoining house. No. 137 Henry Street, and opened, in September, 1873, the paro- chial school for girls, which is also directed by the Ur- sulines.
In ten years, by the most earnest and assiduous labor, this priest had thus established his church, with academies and parochial schools for both sexes, under the charge of competent teachers belonging to religious com- munities. But it had not been eft'ected without overtask- ing his strength. In 1869 his health began to fjxil, and though the congregation generously subscribed a purse to send him abroad to recruit, the relief was but temporary.
He Avas cordially welcomed on his rotum, and a per- fect ovation given to him. Relying on the new strength.
678 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
he resumed his visual labors, but his health soon failed, and he lingered during the years 1875 and 1876 till the exhausting heats of July completely overcame him, and he died on the 9th of July.
More than a hundred priests attended the Solemn Requiem Mass which was offered in St. Teresa's on the 12th by the Rev. Mr. Farrelly of St. James', with the Rev. Messrs. Farrell and Ward as deacon and subdeacon. The Very Rev. William Quinn, V.G., paid an eloquent tribute to the religious zeal of the deceased, and expressed the regret of his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey at the loss which the parish of St. Teresa had sustained.
During his pastorship the Rev. Mr. Boyce had been assisted by the Rev. E. Briady, 1864 ; Rev. P. Ferrall, 1865-7; Rev. John Brogan, 1866-7; Rev. Hugh Flat- tery, 1867-73; Rev William P. Flanelly, 1867-8; Rev. John McCauley, 1868-72; Rev. James J. Flood, 1872-4; Rev. Thomas F. Lynch, 1873-4; Rev. Peter Farrell and Rev. William Ward, 1874-7.
On the 27th of August, 1876, his Eminence Cardinal McCloskey selected as pastor of St. Teresa's the Rev. Michael C. O'Farrell, a priest who, as assistant at St. Peter's and pastor of St. Mary's, Rondout, had evinced zeal and ability.
The position of pastor of St. Teresa's required a priest of great energy and administrative skill. The church with the vai'ious institutions had cost nearly a quarter of a mil-
CnURCH OF ST. TERESA. 679
lion of dollars, and there was a debt still of ou(> lum- di-ed and twenty thousand dollars to be reduced, tlie in- terest paid annually, and the yearly expenses of divine worship and the schools to meet. Notwithstanding the stringency of the times, felt with increased severity in ji parish like St. Teresa's, where the majority depend on their own labor for their daily support, the Rev. Mr. O'Fan-ell has already succeeded in relieving his par- ish of fifty thousand dollars of its debt. He has also materially improved the condition of his academies and schools, adding to their convenience and power for good. He has been assisted by the Rev. William Ward, the Rev. E. J. Flynn, and by his present curates, the Rev. Peter Farrell, a zealous and untiring priest, great- ly esteemed by the people, and the Rev. James W. Power, a highly eloquent and accomplished priest, re- markable for his meekness and piety, who had been attached to St. Stephen's, Holy Cross, and the Annun- ciation.
The educational establishments of the parish are in a thriving condition, continuing to diffuse the advantages of Christian education. St. Teresa's Academy for boys, under the Christian Brothers, has eighty-five pupils; that for girls, under the Ursuline nuns, has one hundred and thirty pupils. The parochial school for boys, under the Clu-istian Brothers, has seven hundred and thirty pupils; that for girls, under the Ursuline nuns, has six hundred,
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680 CATHOLIC CHUECIIES OF NEW YOKE. |
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making a total |
of one thousand five hundred and forty- |
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five in this single parish. |
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The parish has admirable associations to keep alive |
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the spirit of Christian piety. Thei |
e are Rosary and Al- |
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tar Societies, Childi-en of Mary, a |
Confraternity of the |
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Sacrecl Heart, |
a Cln-istian Doctrine Society, and St. |
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Teresa's Mutual Benevolent Bm-ial |
Society, as well as a |
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conference of |
the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. |
• |
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Roll of H |
ONOR. |
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CHURCH OF ST. TERESA. |
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Ahern, William, Mrs. |
Breen, Thomas. |
Carey, S. Mrs. |
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Anthony, John. |
Brennan, Patrick. |
Carney, Thomas. |
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Ardle, F. M. |
Broderick, Timothy. |
Carr, Timothy. |
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Arnokl, William. |
Brosnan, Mary E. |
Carroll, Bernard. |
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B.igley, J. Kirker. |
Brown, Jane. |
Carroll, Fannie. |
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Rannon, Ellen. |
Bruton, John. |
Carter, James. |
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Barnes, John. |
Buckley, Edward. |
Casey, Mich.icl. |
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Barrett, fames. Mrs. |
Buckley, Mary, Mrs. |
Chcever, E. M., Mrs. |
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Barrett, Michael. |
Bulger, Anna. |
Cherry, E., Mrs. |
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Barrett, Thomas. |
Bunyan, Mary. |
Clark, Thomas. |
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Barrett, William. |
Burke, John. |
Clark, William B. |
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Barry, Julia, Mrs. |
Burke, Richard. |
Clarke, William G. |
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Barry, Mary, Mrs. |
Byrnes, Catharine, Mrs. |
Clarkson, Edw.ard. |
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Beechinom-, Julia, Mrs. |
Byrnes, Edward G. |
Class, Dora T., Mrs. |
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Bentley, Joseph. |
Byrnes, James. |
Coffey, William. |
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Bertranil, Charles. |
Caln'll, Patrick. |
Collins, Johanna. |
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Blake, Thomas. |
Cahill. Philip. |
Collins, Philip. |
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Blanck, William A. |
Cain, Thomas. |
Connell, Thomas. |
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Botas, Mary A. |
Caldwell, John. |
Connell, M., Mrs. |
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Bourke, J. C, Mrs. |
Callahan, Jolm. |
Connelly, James, Mrs. |
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Bracklin, Peter. |
Callalian, William. |
Connolly, Joanna J. |
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Bradley, Daniel. |
Campbell, James. |
Conroy, Peter C. |
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Brady, James. |
Camp1)cll, John. |
Conroy, William. |
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Brady, Thomas. |
Campion, Mary, Mrs. |
Considine, Dennis. |
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Breen, George. |
Cantwell, John, Mrs. |
Conway, Edward. |
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Breen, Matthew P. |
Carey, John. |
Conway, John. |
CHURCH OF ST. TERESA.
GSl
Conway, William A. Corcoran, Mary- Corriston, Kchvarcl. Cortelyoii, Rose, Mrs. Coss, James. Couglil.m, Jeremiah. Coughlin, Xlichael. Coughlin, Patrick. Cronin, Mary. Crosby, Robert. Ciirran, James. Curtin, David. Dalton, Mary. Darcy, Patrick. I'emiy, James. Devlin, Mamie. Donavan, I\Iichael. Donnelly, Rose. Donolioe, Jeremiah. Donovan, Eugene. Donovan, James T. Donovan, Jeremiah. Donovan, .Mary, Mrs. Donovan, Timothy. Doody, Jeremiah. Doolan,"\Villiam. Dooley, Christopher. Dougherty, Patrick. Dougherty, Tliomas. DriscoU, Ellen, Mrs. Driscoll, James. Diiane, John. Duffy, James.
Ihiffy, James.
Dugan, James.
Dugan, Michael.
Duiuphy, Julia, Mrs.
Dunn, Ellen, Mrs.
Dunn, Patrick.
Dunn, William.
Dunphy, J. E.
Eagan, David.
English, Ellen, Mrs.
English, Patrick.
Enright, Mrs. D.
Enright, Thomas, Mrs.
Eagan, Margaret.
Eailey, Michael.
Earrell, John, Mrs.
Earrell, Mary, Mrs.
Fay, John.
p"ay, Patrick.
Fenton, M.
Finnegan, Thomas.
Fitzgerald, John.
Fitzgerald, John, Mrs.
Fitzgerald, Michael.
Fiizsimmons, B.
Fitzsimons, C.
Flanagan, I)aniel F.
P'lanagan, Owen.
Flamicry, James.
FIniid, I'ohn.
Flvun Patrick.
Flynn, Timothy. Fogarty, Cornelius. Fotey, William. Foley, William T. Galvin, Willi.am. Ganley, Patrick. Gannon, Barbara, Mrs. Gardiner, Michael. Gibbs, Patrick D. Gilmarlin, Michael. Goulding, Lawrence G. Grady, James. Graff, Dominick. Greene, Francis J. M. Grenn, Lizzie, Mrs. Guilfoylc, Daniel. Ilagan, Catharine, Mrs. Haley, John. Hall, Mary, Mrs. Hall, Samuel J. Hallisy, Willi.am. Hancock, Catharine. Hand, Bernard. Haran, Bernard. Hardgrove, John.
Harrigan, Patrick.
Hayes, Julia E.
Hayes, Patrick.
Healey, Jeremiah F.
Herrick, Catharine, Mrs.
Hickey, Arthur.
Hickcy, John.
Higgins, Catharine.
Higgins, Michael.
Higgins, P.atrick.
Hoare, Johanna M., Mrs.
Hoey, Joseph.
Hoffman, Celestine, Mrs.
Hogau, J., Mrs.
Hogan, "Kate, Mrs.
Hogan, Thomas H.
Hooley, Daniel.
Howard, John.
Howard, Norah.
Hughes, Ros.ey, Miss.
Hunt, Annie, Miss.
Iluut, Owen W.
Hussey, Catharine.
Hyland, Martin.
Irwine, John.
Johnson, William A.
Joyce, Ilenry.
Joyce, Thomas.
Kavanagh, .-Vnu.
Kcaly, James.
Keanc, John.
Ktane, Patrick.
Kearney F^ilward.
Keefe, James J.
Kccfe, 'M ich.ael.
Keenau, I laniel A. Kelly, Annie. Kelly, Cliavles. Kelly, iMlward J., Mrs.
Kelly, Jeremiah. Kelly, Mary E., Mrs. Kelly, Michaeh Kelly, P. Kelly, William. Kemple, Michael. Kenny, M. Kenny, Matthew. Keiniy, Patrick, Mrs. Kent, James. Keohane, P. Killeen, Daniel. Klein, John. Lamb, J.anies. Lane, Maggie J. Lane, MichaelJ., Mrs. Lane, Patrick J. Larkin, Sarah, Mrs. Larkin, Michael. Lawler, Mary. Legg, Mary, Mrs. Leonard, F'rederick. Leonard, James. Lindeman, M. A. Emilie. Logan, Mary, Mrs. Looney, Bridget, Mrs. Loouey, ILarry. Lorenzo, Nicholas. Loughlin, Bernard. Loughlin, Fanny, Miss. Lover, John. Lowery, James. Lowther, Thomas.
Lund, Thonias.
Lynch, John.
Lynch, Patrick.
McAdam, James.
McAuliffe, Patrick.
McCabe, Andrew.
McCafferty. Thonias.
McCarthy, Ellen, Mrs.
McCarthy, J. Henry.
McCarthy, Mary F.
McCauley, Neil, Mrs.
McCloskey, James.
McColgan, John J.
McColgan, "Neil.
McCormick, John.
McCourt, Patrick.
McDerniott, Hugh.
McDonald, Daniel.
McDonald, John.
McDonnell, John.
McEntee, James.
McEntee, Mary A., Mrs.
McGauley, Mary.
McGinty, Jtimes.
McGowan, John.
McC^rorty, James J.
McGuiness, Kosanna, Mrs.
McGuirk. Ellen, Mrs.
McKee, Peter.
McKenna, Eliza, Mrs. McKenna, Matthew.
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G82 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. |
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McKeon, Benjamin. |
Nugent, Mary C. |
Ryan, Peter, Mrs. |
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WcKeon, Joseph. |
O'Brien, Daniel. |
Ryan, Timothy. |
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McLean, William. |
O'Brien, Ellen. |
Schlobohm, Henry. |
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McLoughliii, Richard. |
O'Brien, James. |
Scully, F. J. |
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McMahon, Daniel. |
O'Brien, Margaret Miss. |
Seymour, Fielding A. |
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McManus, .'\nn. |
O'Brien, Patrick. |
Shaw, Joseph. |
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WcManiis, Charles. |
O'Brien, Timothy. |
Shea, Slaggie. |
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McMiillcn, Mary. |
O'Connell, Cornelius. |
Shea, Mortimer. |
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WcPaul, William. |
O'Connell, Daniel. |
Sheehan, Daniel. |
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McQuade, Peter. |
O'Connell, Denis, Mrs. |
Shells, James H. |
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McSweeney. J. |
O'Connell, lames. |
Shells, Thomas. |
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McSvveeny, John. |
O'Connell, Patrick, Mrs. |
Sheridan, Owen. |
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McSwiggan, Samuel. |
O'Connell, Thomas, Mrs. |
Sides, James, Mrs. |
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Mailer, I'eter, Mrs. |
O'Connor, Annie. |
Silles, Susan, Miss. |
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Mahoney, Catharine. |
O'Connor, William. |
Silva, p'rank. |
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Mahoney, James. |
O'Donnell, Hugh. |
Simcox, David. |
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Mahoney, Michael. |
O'Donnell, Neil. |
Simpson, Marv, Mrs. |
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Manning, Margaret, Mrs. |
O'Donnell, Thomas. |
Skelly, Charles H. |
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Markey, Hugh. |
O'Farrell, Mary, Mrs. |
Slattery, David. |
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Marlow, James. |
O'Grady, Richard. |
Sleavin, J.ames. |
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Martin, Thomas. |
O'llalloran, Edward. |
Smith, Catharine, Mrs. |
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Masterson, James. |
O'Keefe, Rose, Mrs. |
Smith, Essie. |
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Matthews, James. |
O'Keeffe, Stephen D." |
Smith, Hugh. |
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Melia, Thomas. |
O'Neil, P'rancis. |
Smith, Mary, Mrs. |
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Moloney, J., Mrs. |
O'Neil, Florence. |
Smith, Thomas. |
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Molony, Nlark. |
Oliver, Mary A., Mrs. |
Stackpole, Annie, Mrs. |
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Moore, Edward. |
Orpheus, D. W^., Mrs. |
Stewart, James L., Mrs. |
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Moore, J.ane, INIrs. |
Park, Annie T. |
Sullivan, Daniel J. |
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Moran, Charles. |
Payten, J. ]'. |
Sullivan, James. |
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Moran, Thomas. |
Pennefafher, Mary. |
Sullivan, Martin. |
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Mordaunt, Charles. |
Perry, P^ihvard. |
Sweeney, Daniel. |
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Morgan, Henry, Mrs. |
Pinson, John F. |
Sweeney, William. |
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Moriarty, Philip. _ |
Plott, P'rancis. |
Swift, John W. |
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Moriarty, Teresa S., Miss. |
■ Plunket, James. |
Taggart, John, Mrs. |
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Moriarty, Thaddeus. |
Plunkell, Thomas. |
Thompson, George. |
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Morrissey, John. |
Pohudorff, Frederick. |
Trainor, James. |
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Moylan, Johanna. |
Powers, Mary, Miss. |
Wagner. Louisa. |
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Miilcahey, J., Mrs. |
Prange, John. |
Wafl.ace, Lizzie. |
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Mnllane, John. |
Quinlan, Hugh. |
Walsh, David. |
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Midlaney, Peter. |
Quinlan, Stephen. |
Walsh, John E. |
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Mulry, James B. |
Quinn, John. |
Walsh, Margaret, Mrs. |
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Mulry, Michael. |
Reilly, Catharine, Mrs. |
W'alsh, Thomas. |
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Midry, Thomas P. |
Reilly, Catharine T., Mrs. |
Walsh, Patrick. |
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Murphy, James. |
Reilly, Patrick. |
Walters, Charles F. |
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Murphy, John. |
Reilly, Patrick J. |
Walters, R. M. |
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Murphy, Maurice L. |
Revins, John. |
Ward, .\nnie, Miss. |
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Murphy, William, Mrs. |
Reynolds, Edward F. |
Ward, William. |
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Murray, Christopher. |
Reynolds, James. |
Welsh, David. |
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Murray, Francis. |
Riordan, Jeremiah. |
Welsh, Mary, Mrs. |
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Murray, John, Mrs. |
Riordan, Patrick. |
Wells, P. P. |
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Murray, Patrick H. |
Roche, John B. |
•Whelan, Catharine. |
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Murray, Thomas J. |
Roche, William. |
White, Robert. |
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Neary, John. |
Ryan, Cornelius. |
Wilkinson, Samuel, Mrs. |
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Nelson. John. |
Ryan, John J. |
Woehrle, Amelia. |
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Nevins, Michael. |
Ryan, Lanty. |
Wrenn, John. |
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Nolan, William. |
Ryan, Margaret, Mrs. |
Young, James. |
OHuacr
1
onk'T
IIEV. MlOn ' '. O'F
PASTOR OF THE CIiaB* >'' • '
Rfv ^f
iUTPli. T
. . \ of tlir
!ic
' lri-!:iiul. on the 12th of (>r'rnnh' T
\V!1- ' ■ ( 'i>t<-('Cl.'l 11 ■>-
ll.-i •<■ fonn.lcf.i! ':!-
Iifi fionf-lit adaii. .
i»-r.nriv(. i'l.r the holj'
-..•.., .. iwitiroi! 1 :-4t TTiR
-pending . fiiji'- tlint tin ,.I,..ri.
'■r, Ik' '■ '^ <<> 'I'^vote ...... i
aiKi. .w... .,,. '^lii'^ ''oinn., , ^..., . ]\v
;.iov,- .1* Xr. ('^'- ■' -"mple-
Diocese of^ Jv "k, on ." ■ 6th of "=(^8, by
th(- Tit. Rev. i . McFarlaau. D.D.,. Biisl,u|, .,< •' -^
' vas immediately appr;" ' ' assistant p..-:
f'hy-'-' nn.l lor fiv. -^ i mid.-. .„•
^^'illiam <i' •. wlio,
zeal and ' 'r- land, th*>
m
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i
•I
CHURCH OF ST. TERESA. 683
REV. MICHAEL C. O'FARRELL,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. TERESA.
THE Rov. I\Hc]iaol C. O'Farrell, pastor of the clmr("Ii dedicated to the glory of the Carmehte order, the great 8t. Teresa, was liorn m Lismore, Coitnty Wuterford, Irehmd, on the 12th of December, 1844. He was educated by the Cistercians, at the abbey of Monnt Melleray, where he spent six years. Having completed his course of philosophy, he sought admission into St. Pat- rick's Colleg-e, Carlow, in order to prepare for the holy order of priesthood, as he aspired to serve God at His holy altar. After spending three years in that theologi- cal seminary, he resolved to devote himself to the Ameri- can mission, and, coming to this country, entered the Provincial Seminary at Troy, in 18G6. On the comple- tion of his divinity course, he was ordained for the Diocese of New York, on the Gth of June, 1868, by the Rt. Rev. F. P. McFarland, D.D., Bishop of Hartford. He was immediately appointed assistant pastor at St. Peter's Chiirch, and for five years labored under the direction of the Rev. William Quinn, then pastor, who, on leaving, attested his zeal and woi'th. In 1872, desir- ing to visit his native land, the faithful of St. Peter's
684 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
presented their pious and zealous young priest with a substantial testimonial expressive of their esteem and love. He was transferred to St. Mary's, Rondout, May 1, 1873, where he soon won the affection of his flock, as he had done at St. Peter's. He zealously set to work to endow his parish with all necessary institutions. He erected a col- legiate institute for young men, and placed it under the care of the Franciscan Brothers from Brooklyn. The parish was very extensive, and he roused the faith and zeal of the people to erect churches at the most needed points. Thus, imder this impulse, a new church was erected at Flatbush, near Rondout, and a graceful edifice rose at Port Ewen, in a remote part of his parish. While in the midst of his active and zealous career at Rondout, he was summoned to New York. There he entered a thriving parish, but one yet in its youth, with the cost still to be met and paid. Many a one would have shnink from assuming, at a time when those most skilled in financial affairs were full of de- spondency, a bm-den which, in addition to the exercise of the holy ministry and constant parochial duty, seemed beyond the limits of human strength. Wliat he has ac- complished, in relieving the chm-ch of nearly half its debt, tells clearly how mind and energy were strained to the utmost. His health began to show how he had overtasked his strength. In November, 1877, his health gave way, and the people of his parish, who had warmed
CHURCU OF tiT. TERESA. 685
to the young and zealous pastor so gallantly fighting the battle, were filled wth the deepest anxiety for his welfare, and diu-ing his enforced respite earnest prayers were offered for his speedy recovery.
The chiu'ch was filled with joy when liis eloquent and impressive words again resounded in the walls of St. Teresa's, pointing out the way to life, and exhorting all to enter thereon, with the earnest pleading of eloquence and the most graphic pictm'es of the great truths of religion.
CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION.
MOTT STREET.
CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD.
M O T T S T R K K T .
TRANSFIGURATION Church, in its origin, ranks among uiu- oldest. As we have seen in the sketch of St. James', it sprang from Chi-ist Chm-ch in Ann Street
The founder of this last named was the venerable Cuban priest, the Very Rev. Felix Francisco Jose Maria de la Concepcion Varela y Morales, one of the most re- markable men of our time, whose recent biogi'aphy, by Jose Ignacio Rodi'iguez, gives at last a picture of his life and a monument to his fame.
He was bom in Havana, Cuba, in 1788, and, hav- ing by his eloquence and his learning in a professor's chair won the respect and esteem of his fellow-countrymen, was sent to the Spanish Cortes as one of the delegates to represent the Island of Cuba. When the Constitution was overthrown, a decree of banishment prevented him from returning to his native city, where as priest and professor he had rendered such solid service to religion and learning. He arrived in New York from Gibraltar, on the 17th of December, 1823, in the Draper, Andrew Thorndike, Jr., captain. No longer in the freshness of
G8S (JATllULIO CHURCHES OF NEW YOKK.
youth, a priest and exile, with no knowledge of the lan- guage of the country, his position was one of difficulty. After receiving faculties he was placed for a time at St. Peter's, in the last years of Bishop Connolly and during the administration of Very Rev. Mr. Power, so that when Bishop Du Bois entered the diocese, the Rev. Mr. Varela, by his progress in Enghsh, was abeady able to labor among the faithful at large.
In 1827, he purchased Cluist Church in Ann Street, and it became a Catholic church imder the same name, and he acted as pastor till its insecure condition made it necessary to seek another spot. The property now occupied by St. James' Church was purchased by the corporation of Clu-ist Church, but as many of the old congi-egation wished a church lower down town, the Rev. Mr. Varela yielded to their wishes. In 1835, the Reformed Scotch Presbyterian Chm'ch, in Chambers Street, oj^jjosite the Park, Avas offered for sale. There the very strictest doctrines of Calvin had been proclaimed by the Rev. Dr. McLeod, little conscious that his kirk was one day to become a Catholic chiu-ch and his own son a Catholic priest.
Mr. John Delmonico purchased the property at the sale, with the view to its use by Rev. Mr. Varela; and when the Right Reverend Bishop approved the project, that zealous priest fui-nished the money — fifty-five thousand dol- lars— and on the 11th of March, 1837, the premises were
CHURCH or THE TRANSFIGURATION. 689
formally convoyed to Felix O'Neil, William McCloskey, Francis Everard, and Michael Bm-ke, as trustees of Transfiguration Cliiu-ch, which Avas duly incorporated un- der the law in the same nu)nth. The property was fifty feet in front by seventy-five feet seven and a half inches in depth; and the chm-ch was a brick structure, covering the whole width of the lot and extending back seveiity feet.
A house and lot in the rear, on Reade Street, were subsequently purchased for a })astoral residence.
Transfiffm'ation Church was dedicated on the 31st day of March, 183G, and soon had a large and docile congregation, who, luider the guidance of so excellent a priest, showed the influence of their holy faith. He was constant in offering the holy sacrifice, in the confessional, in the Aasitation of the sick, and in instructions to his flock. After his appointment as Vicar General, in 1837, he Avas frequently sent to distant parts of the State to set- tle difficulties, to examine charges l^rought, and represent the Right Reverend Bishop in most delicate questions.
There were not yet religious orders, with eloquent
priests, trained especially for the giving of missions and
exciting anew the fire of piety in the hearts of those
who attended the vax'ious churches, but from time to
time the Rev. Mr. Varela would make a feast and its
whole octave an occasion of a series of discourses, so
that the week thus given to God created a new life in 44
690 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOKK.
the chiu'ch. The octave of Corpus Christi thus celebrated produced great fruit.
Assiduous as lie was in parochial duty, he found time to labor much with his pen, not only for the good of his native island, which he loved too well ever to become a citizen in his adopted country, much as he appreciated it, but also for the Catholics in the United States, by having good books reprinted, by establishing Catholic newspapers and periodicals, and by his able defences of the true faith and doctrine. His charity was unbounded, and many anecdotes are told of his sacri- fices for the poor. The salary he received, the income sent him from Cuba, all went to the afflicted ; and when money was gone he gave his clothing, the silver off his table. His housekeeper could never persuade him to replenish his wardrobe; but once, by telling him of a gentleman — a real gentleman — who was in such dis- tress that he had not a change of linen left, or clothes fit to appear in while discharging his duties, so worked on his feelings that he gave her money to relieve the gen- tleman, and discovered, to his own amazement, that he was the object of his own compassion, when he found his wardi'obe restocked.
The Rev. Dr. Varela was assisted at first by his old associate. Rev. Mr. Schneller; then by Rev. Mr. Terhy- kowicz, Rev. John Freitas, Rev. B. A. Llaneza; and from 1S42 to 1846 by a holy Carthusian, Rev. Alexander
CHUKCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION. 691
Muppietti, who, coming here for his health, remained laboring at Transfiguration Chiu'ch till his death, March 21, 1846. He produced most extraordinary fruit among the people, who revered him as a saint.
After his death, the Rev. William McClellan became curate, and continued to discharge the duties during the life-time of Dr. Varela. The health of that model priest gave way beneath the severity of a climate so unlike that in which he was born and reared. He had to seek a more genial air. "It was to be deplored," wrote Rev. Mr. Vilanis, in 1850, "that so learned, pious, and charita- ble a man should find himself overcome by a long in- firmity, and compelled to pass the last years of his life iiL Florida, far from his parish of the Transfigm-ation, where, under the influence of a more benign climate, he hoped to prolong his days."
This hope proved fallacious. He never returned to his flock, dying at St. Augustine on the 18th of Feb- ruary, 1853. Transfiguration Church possesses on her altar a crucifix, a memento of this excellent priest, and the lamp that lights the sanctuary was also his, as well as many objects preserved in the pastoral residence.
The mismanagement of the financial affairs of the church by the trustees increased his afilictions. It will never be known how much of his own personal means or money obtained from personal friends went from time to time to save the chiu-ch. It was finally actually trans-
G92 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
ferred to him, when he aloue could save it ; and in April, 1850, he conveyed the title to the Hight Rev. Bishop Hughes, the trustees in the following year, under an order of the Supreme Com-t, giving a release of all their rights.
Soon after the Rev. William McClellan became pas- tor, a meeting was held by Bishop Hughes in Transfig- uration Church, on the 15th of March, 1853, of not only the clergy of the diocese, but also of eminent la}-men, to express their sympathy and admiration for the ban- ished Archbishop of Bogota, and for the Rev. John Henry Newman, who had recently been convicted of libel by a bigoted English jury because he had exposed the real character of an apostate declaimer.
The church on Chambers Street had always been too small. Moreover, it had become unfit for further use. The edifice was extremely ricketty. Improvements in the neighborhood required that great expense should be under- gone to shore it up. The site was too contracted for a new edifice, and the adjoining property too dear to pm-- chase. It was therefore resolved to dispose of this site and pui'chase another where a chvu'ch was much needed.
With the money obtained from its sale in 1853 — seventy-five thousand dollars — the debts were paid off, and Zion Church, a large and substantial stone edifice erected by the Episcopalians, at the corner of Mott and Cross Streets, after the destruction by fii'e in 1815 of a
CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION. 693
previous church, was purchased for thh-ty thousand dol- lars, and was conveyed to the Bishop April 30tli, 1853.
The ground was nearly a square, each dimension being about eighty-five feet ; the church itself being eighty feet in length l)y sixty-four feet in width ; the purchase of an irregular piece adjoining giving a pas- toral residence.
This edifice was repaired by the Rev. Mr. McClellan, and adapted for the worship which the Cluu'ch has main- tained for more than eighteen hundred years. It was solemnly dedicated and opened for divine service on the 14th day of May, 1853, preserving the old title.
Transfiguration Church soon numbered a large congre- gation. In 1856 the schools were erected, and the Sisters of Charity began a parochial school for girls ; and in the following year the Christian Brothers opened one for the boys of the parish. The two schools, in 1857, report- ed five huncb'ed and fifty children ; in 1878 the number is twelve hundred.
One of the fruits of the school was seen on the 26th of ]\Iay, 1858, when four hundred and thirty-five were confirmed by the Most Rev. Ai'chbishop Hughes. The mission given by the Jesiiits, in October, I860, did for the adults what the schools had done for the young, and no fewer than five thousand approached the sacra- ments.
Towards the close of the year 1860, the Rev. John
694 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
McEvoy was appointed pastor, and in December held a fair to relieve the church and schotds. He continued zeal- ously acting as pastor for about a year, when the Rev. Thomas Treanor, who had for years been the earnest curate, became pastor, in December, 1861.
He made lais schools perfectly free, and in October, 1862, renewed his parish by a second mission, in wliich no less than sixteen priests were at times engaged in the confessionals.
A few years after, this zealous priest enlarged and completely renewed the chiu'ch, at an expense of fifty thousand dollars. He added a belfry tower, siu-mounted by a cupola. Within, the walls and ceiling were frescoed, by Brandenberg — the Assumption of the Blessed A^rgin being the centre of the ceiling, with figures of the four evangelists. Beautifid stained-glass windows, with the em- blems of the Passion, aided to show the beauty of the renovated church.
An exquisite altar of Italian marble, finely sculptured, is sui-mounted by a figure of Oxvc Lord after his de- scent from the cross. The graceful tabernacle is sm-- mounted by a Gothic expository. Everything is elegant without the slightest point for criticism.
Under the organ is portrayed the Adoration of the Shepherds. The I\Iost Reverend Archbishop assisted at the reopening of the chm-ch, in February, 1867, and compli- mented the congregation and their pastor on their improve-
CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGUIl^VriON. G95
nieuts ; and when nil was completed lie consecrated the new altar, on Sunday, the lOtli of IMay, 1868; the Rev. Francis McNeirny celebrating a Solemn High Mass, with the Rev. F. H. Farrelly as deacon. The Most Reverend Archbishop preached on the occasion, taking as his text the words of the Royal Psalmist: "I have loved the beauty of thy house and the dwelling place of thy glory."
The Rev. Mr. Treanor did not long survive the ac- complishment of his great work. He died of pneumonia on the 28th of November, 1870, aged forty-eight. He was a native of Fintona, in the County Tyrone, and had been ordained by Archbishop Hughes in 1857. His pre- decessor, the Rev. William IMcClellan, died at St. Au- gustine's Church, Sing Sing, JMay 9, 1871.
Dui-ing his parochial charge, the Rev. j\lr. Treanor was assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Michael McKenna, James Hasson, Thomas Maguire, James Quinn, Patrick W. Tandy, W. C. Poole, James Keenan, and Eugene McKenna.
During the pastorship of the Rev. James Hasson, his Grace the Archbishop blessed, according to the rite in the Roman Pontifical, a fine bell weighing fifteen hun- dred pounds, made for the church by Meneely of Troy. This interesting ceremony took place on Sunday, the 12tli of February, 1871, and at the High Mass an eloquent sermon was delivered by the Rev. Mr. O'Fan-ell of St. Peter's.
On the 9th of June, 1871, the Rev. James H. Mc-
696 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Gean was appointed pastor, and has since directed the parish. His district contains a Catholic population of about thirteen thousand, but is not now increasing, many Chinese, with all their j^agan ideas, having settled in the parish, with some from Catholic countries of Europe, in- deed, but who seem to lose all faith and religion here, and seldom cross the threshold of the chiu'ch.
The Rosary Society, one of the oldest connected with the church, meets every evening, and still remembers in its prayers the Rev. Dr. Varela and Rev. Mr. Muppietti. The Archconfratemity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for the conversion of sinners, was established in this church in the time of Rev. Mr. McClellan. There is also the Confraternity of the Sacred Heart, the Society of St. Vin- cent de Paul, and a temperance society.
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PASTOR OF TUE CHUECH OF i
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CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION. G97
REV. JAMES H. McGEAN,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION.
THE pastor of the church founded by the vener- ated Dr. Varela is a native of Ncav York City, bom and brought np amid the scenes which have be- come the field of his priestly labors.
He was born on the 29th of January, 1841, and after preliminary studies entered the College of St. Fran- cis Xavier, where, trained in literary culture and a solid knowledge of his faith, he was graduated honorably in the year 1861.
Feeling himself called to the priestly state, he turn- ed his back on the world and its prospects, and, being accepted by the Archbishop as a candidate, was sent to Montreal to pursue his theological course in the great Seminary of that city, where the Sulpitian Commiinity, founded by the saintly Mr. Oliei-, have so long and so successfully imbued young levites with ecclesiastical leai-n- ing and the true sacerdotal spirit.
At the conclusion of his course he was ordained priest, in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York, by the Rt. Rev. James Roosevelt Bayley, D.D., Bishop of Newaik, on the 24th day of September, 1864.
698 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
He was at once appointed one of the assistants at the Cathedral, and for six years discharged the laborious duties of that position under the eye of his Archbishop, ever ready at the call of duty, prompt, pious, and ex- emplary.
On the 9th of June, 1871, the parish connected with the Church of the Transfiguration was committed to his care, and for more than seven years he has min- istered to his flock, by whom he is much loved and respected. He is not one anxious for change, but one who aims to fulfill to the utmost the duty where he is placed, as is evident from the fact that in a priestly career of fourteen yeai's he has held only two positions.
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Abbott, Mary, Mrs. |
Corcoran, John, Mrs. |
Freel, John. |
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Ahern, Elizabeth T., |
Mrs. Corrigan, Hugh. |
Freemont. Kate. |
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Bannon, Michael. |
Costello, P.J. |
Gallagher, Bridget. |
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Barins, Bridget. |
Costello, William. |
Gallagher, Frances J., Miss. |
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Barrett, John, Mrs. |
Creeden, Anastasia. |
Gallagher, John. |
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Barrett, "Michael. |
CuUen, Mary. |
Gann, Bridget. |
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Barry, Michael. |
Cummings, Eliza. |
Gaughan, Anthony. |
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Beel<man, William. |
Cunningham, Patrick. |
Geraghty, John. |
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Birmingham, Michae |
Curry, Ann, Mrs. |
Gill, Thomas- J. |
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Boland, William. |
Cusack, Annie. |
Gill, P. H. |
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Bonner, John. |
Dahlbender, Martin. |
Gillan, Peter. |
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Boyce, James. |
Daly, James. |
Gillen, John. |
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Boyle, Charles. |
Daly, Michael. |
Gilligan, Matthew J. |
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Brady, Thomas, Jlrs. |
Deasy, Mich.ael. |
Gillon, James. |
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Bray ton, Charles. |
Dee, John M. |
Gillon, Martin. |
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Brennan, Mary. |
Derrick, Martin. |
Gilmartin, Michael. |
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Burke, Bernard. |
Devine, Patrick. |
Gilmartin, Patrick. |
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Burke, Edward. |
Doogue, Hugh. |
Gilroy, Peter. |
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Burns, Denis. |
Doran, Ellen. |
Gilroy, William. |
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Byrne, Eliza. |
Dore, James W. |
Glasco, John. |
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Caddie, iNIichael. |
Doudican, Michael. |
Golden, Bernard. |
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Caffrey, William. |
Dowling, John. |
Golden, Philip. |
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Callaghan, Patrick. |
Downey, Mary. |
Gorden, Frank J. |
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Callan, Bernard. |
Drumgoole, ^Iichael. |
Gorman, William. |
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Callion, Jeremiah. |
Dunleavey, Patrick. |
Goulding, Catharine, Mrs. |
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Calvey, Daniel. |
Dunn, Edward, Mrs. |
Grady, Thomas. |
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Campbell, Daniel. |
Dunn, Ellen, Mrs. |
Gregg, Mary. |
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Carens, Charles. |
Farley, Mary. |
Green, Maria. |
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Carey, Edward. |
Field, Richard. |
Griffin, J.ames. |
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Clancy, James. |
Finegan. Mary. |
Grant, James. |
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Clancy, Mary. |
Finegan, Michael. |
Guntlier, Theodore. |
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Clarey, Charles. |
Finegan, Patrick. |
Haggerty, Bridget. |
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Clarke, Katie. |
Finn, William. |
Haggerty, Jeremiah. |
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Clune, Patrick. |
Finnegan, Matthew. |
Hamilton, "Robert. |
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Coffev, Miles. |
Finnerty, Thomas. |
Hanlon, James. |
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Colbert, Patrick. |
Fitzgerald, John. |
Hanly, Thomas. |
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Comerford, Kate. |
Fitzpatrick, Daniel. |
Harley, Michael. |
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Conhin, D.avid. |
Flynn, Catharine. |
Harrickey, Thomas. |
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Conlan, James. |
Flynn, Matthew F. |
Harrington, Daniel. |
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Connelly, Julia. |
Flynn, Thomas. |
Hart. Patrick, Mrs. |
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Connelly, Patrick. |
Foley, Hugh. |
Hartlgan, Jeremiah. |
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Connors, Owen. |
Foley, W'innie. |
Hawkins, James. |
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Conroy, Morris. |
Ford, Timothy. |
Hayden, Winnie. |
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Conway, Patrick. |
Fox, Cornelius. |
Hays, Mary. |
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Cook, Lawrence. |
Fox, William. |
Hayes, Michael. |
700
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OP NEW YORK.
Healey, James. Ilealy, Bryan. Heart, Anne. Ilennessy, James. Herney, John. Ilogan, John. Hogan, Rolsert. Hogan, Thomas, Mrs. Hughes, Henry. Jackson, Thomas. Jarvis, Joscpliine. Jones, George. Kane. James F. Keenan, John. Keliher, Cornelius. Kelilier, Peter. Kelly, Cornelius. Kennedy, Thomas. Keyes, Maria E. Kiernan, Kate. Kilgorc, James. Kirk, John. Lalor, iVntlrew. Lawlor, M., Mrs. Leary, Cornelius. Lenehan, James. Logan, lillen. Lonergan, Edward. Lopez, Matilda D. Lupton, Bridget, Mrs. Lynch, Uernard. Lynch, John. Lynch, Michael. Lynd, James. Lyons, Catharine, Mrs. Lyons, Thomas. Mc.'\rdlc, Bernard. Mc.'VulilTe. Jane. McCann, James. McCarrick, John. McCarthy, Annie, Mrs. McCarthy, Bridget. McCarthy, Daniel. McCarthy, Sylvester. McCloskey, George W. McComan, James. IMcCormack, John. McCoughran, James. McCrann, Katie, Mrs. McCuUough, Daniel. McDermott, James. McDermott, I'eter J. McDevitt, Patrick. McGann, Bernard. McGann, Bridget. McGovern, Margaret. McGowan, Annie. McClrath, Elizabeth, Mrs. McGrath, Maggie. McGrath, Thomas. McGuire, M. McGuire, Thomas.
McHugh, Mary, Mrs.
McKenna, Frank.
McLaughlin, Bernard.
McLaughlin, Patrick.
McMahon, Thomas.
Maher, Edward.
Mahoney, John.
Mannion, Patrick.
Marrens, Andrew.
Martin, Michael.
Meehan, Patrick.
Meehan, Peter.
Mooney, Matthew.
Moran, William.
Moriarty, Mary.
MuUaney, James.
Mullen, Patrick.
Mulry, Mary.
Murphy, David.
Murphy, John.
Murphy, John J.
Murphy, Kate.
Murphy, Mary.
Murray, Hugh.
Murray, John.
Murray, Patrick.
Murray, Thomas.
Nanncry, Lizzie.
Naughton. James. Nealis, Thomas J. Nicholson, J.
Norton, Sarah. Nugent, Arthur. Nugent, Bernard. O'Brien, Johanna. O'Brien, Kate E. O'Connor, Daniel. O'Connor, Edward. O'Connor, Jolrn, Mrs. O'Connor, Michael. O'Connor, Patrick. O'Connor, Thomas. O'Donnell, Patrick. O'Donnell, Patrick, Mrs. O'Hara, Patrick. O'Leary, Hannah. O'Leary, John. O'Leary, Timothy. O'Neil, Denis. O'Neil, Francis, Mrs. O'Xeil, ^Llrgaret. O'Neill, Ambrose. O'Reilly, Charles. O'Reilly, James. O'Shaughnessy, Edward. O'Sulliv.an, John. O'SuUivaii, Maurice. O'SuUivan, T. Parks, Matthew. Patten, Charles E. P.itton, William G. Peters, Mary A., Mrs. Phelan, John.
Plet, Louis A.
Powers, Delia J.
Powers Mary.
Quinn, Bartholcniew.
Quinn, Kate.
Quinn, Michael.
Reilly, Mary F.
Reynolds, MichaeL
Regan, Annie.
Richardson, George.
Rogers, Frank.
Rooney, Ellen.
Rooney, Owen.
Rooney, William J.
Rouse, Rosanna.
Ryan, Daniel.
Ryan, John.
Scully, Patrick F.
Sessina, Antonio. Shades, Andrew. Shanahan, Daniel. Shanahan, James. Shea, Cornelius. Shea, Dennis. Shea, Edward M. Shea, Ellen. Shea, James. Shea, James, Mrs. Shea, John. Shea, Morris. Shea, Patrick. Sheehan, James J. Sheeh.an, Jeremiah, Mrs. Sheehan, John. Sheelian, Thomas P. Sinnott, John. Smith, John. Stack, Bridget, Mrs. Stewart, James E., Mrs. Sullivan, Cornelius. Sullivan, Daniel. Sullivan, Jeremkah. Sullivan, John. Sulliv.m, Katie V. Sullivan, Martin. Sullivan, Patrick. Sullivan, Timothy. .Sweeney, Thomas. Taggard, John J. Tierncy, John . Tucker, Maggie. TwiblcSs, Joseph. Tynan, William. Wade, Patrick. Walker, Thomas. Walsh, Joseph. Ward. John PL Waters, Charles F. W.aters, John. Weldon, James. WHielan, John F. Whitehurst, Edward.
CHURCH OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL.
WEST TWENTY-XHIKD STEEET.
CHURCH OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL
(FRENCH).
WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET.
OUR Holy Church was fii'st represented on this island by priests from France. In later times a consideraljle body of French Catholics from Acadia were landed here ; then, when under happier auspices Catholicity was free, the venerable Father Farmer came from Pennsylvania to break the Bread of Life to the French and Canadian Catholics. Later still, when St. Peter's congregation was formed, the good but eccentric priest, the Rev. Mr. Lavaliniere, in 1785, received from Dr. Carroll faculties to minister to the French in and around New York City. Though he subsequently had charge also of the English-speaking Catholics, he is the pioneer of the separate work among the French.
This did not lead, however, to the organizing of a church and congregation, and for many years the "French in New York City depended on the occasional presence of a priest of tlieir nationality — the Abbe Sibourd, Fath- ers Kohlmann, Maleve, and Malou, Bishop Du Bois him- self, who was eA'er ready and devoted. But many kept aloof from the existing Catholic churches, and were led, by a desire of hearing their own language, to the French
CHURCn OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. 703
clnirch whicli had long been maintained by the Protest- ant Episcoi)al denomination.
The Count de Forbin-Janson, Bishop of Nancy, vis- ited America in 1840, and gave missions in various parts of Canada, which produced immense fruit. On the last day of February, 1841, he gave a lecture to his coun- trjonen in St. Peter's Chm-ch. The edifice was crowded with French and Spaniards. The bishop gave an account of liis missions in Canada, and announced that he would open a retreat in St. Peter's for the French on the fol- lowing Wednesday.
He was soon convinced of the deep and vu'gent want of a French Catholic chm'ch in New York City. In a sermon on Easter Sunday he appealed to his coun- trymen in the most earnest tones : " In this great city, where the Irish and German Catholics have recoiled from no sacrifice to have theii" own chm-ches and priests, how is it that the French, so famous for the faith of their fathers, alone remain indifferent? They are wanting both to the highest interests of their ' salvation and to those of their nationality. How, in fact, can tliis nationality be long preserved in a foreign land without the powerfiU bond of religion? Such a church is ardently desu'ed by Bishop Hughes, the pious and able administrator of the diocese, for which he expects gi'eat benefits from it."
The project was at once taken up with enthusiasm. Bishop Forbin-Janson opened the subscription by putting
704 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
his own name down for five bunclred dollars, promising to increase the sum till it equaled the lai'gest contribu- tion. A connnittee was appointed to solicit subscriptions, and an association formed of subscribers who were to give a dollar monthly.
The zealous Bishop continued to gather and instruct the French Catholics, and before he left the city had the consolation of seeing that he had not labored in vain. The existence of a French church was assm*ed. Before the close of May the committee piu'chased, for thirty thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars, a lot on Canal Sti'eet, marked bj- the blackened ruins of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. The corner-stone of the new chm-ch was laid on the 11th of October, 1841, by Mr. de la Foret, then Consul General of France.
The Bishop of Nancy lent six thousand dollars to aid in building the chm-ch, and the Association for the Propagation of the Faith made on several occasions do- nations for the same purpose. Several of the French residents in New York, or gentlemen of Frencli origin, whose faith was still fresh and active, exerted themselves warmly in carrying on the work. The church cost a little over thirty-eight thousand dollars to erect, and was finally ready for dedication on the 21st of August, 1842.
On that day the impressive ceremonies of the dedica- tion of a cluu'ch were performed by the Right Rev. Bishop Hughes, assisted by the Rev. Di'. Manahan, Rev.
CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. 705
Messrs. Labbe, Deydier, and others. When the eleoant building had thus, by the prayers of the Holy Church, been set apart solemnly for the worship of God, a Sol- emn High Mass was offered up, and an eloquent dedication sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Raymond, Presi- dent of St. Mary's College, Baltimore. At the benediction, which he gave, the Right Reverend Bishop also address- ed the conffreffation. He referred to the dedication of that chiu'ch as an epoch in the history of Catholicity in the United States, and as an event pregnant with results the most salutary to the vast body of French residents in and around the city. Now, for the first time, they had a chm-ch which they might look upon as their own, and to which they might bring those who had too long absented themselves from the consolations of religion — where they might hear the gospel of the Most High and the precepts of the true faith inculcated in the accents of their own tongue. He looked upon that edifice within which they Avere that day assembled, as a centre round which the scattered childi-en of France would hasten to congregate.
The Rev. Mr. Deydier, a worthy priest of the Diocese of Vincennes, who happened to be in New York at that time seeking aid for his own mission in the West, as installed provisionally, and from that day mass was said regularly in the church.
The Bishop of Nancy had been connected in tbe 45
706 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Apostolate with the Venerable Father Rauzan, and ap- pealed to him to send one of his Fathers to the church in New York.
The Rev. Father Annet Lafont was selected, and was thus the first regular pastor of the church. lie arrived in 1852, and continued to guide the congregation of Fi-ench Catholics from that time till his death, in 1875. He belonged to the Society of the Fathers of ]\Iercy, founded in France by Father Rauzan, and was an ac- tive and zealous pnest. As soon as he had become acquainted with his field of labor and organized his con- gregation, he set to work to meet all its wants. Appealing to the society of which he was a member, he received from them a generous aid in money for the church in New York. Fully impressed with the necessity of Christian education, he established parochial schools, and having in 1848 introduced the Brothers of the Clmstian Schools, he committed the boj's of his parish to their care. He was persuaded that an institute of this kind, blessed b}' Divine Providence wherever it had been introduced, would not be less blessed of God nor less generously sustained by Catholics in New York than it had been elsewhere.
Bishop Du Bois and Bishop Hughes had both made ineffectual efforts to secm-e such a community, and the great work was at last accomplished by Father Lafont.
They soon had one hundred and seventy-four pupils, and then opened their first select and boarding school in
CIIURCn OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. 707
Canal Street. And all their institutions in the city — Manhattan College, Lasalle Institute, and the paroclual schools — are the outgrowth of" this great step of Father Lafont.
A free school for girls was also organized, and num- bered the first year eighty-eight i)upi]s. It was conducted b}- pious ladies for some years, until he succeeded in introducing the Sisters Marianites of the Holy Cross, whose mother house is at Le Mans, in France.
"In the year of grace 1841," says Father Lafont, in an address to his congregation, " the City of New York was endoAved with a new Catholic clnu'ch, placed under the invocation of St. Vincent de Paul, the hero of Christian charity in oiir modern times : the French congregation of St. Vincent de Paul was founded. Tliis work of your faith, this work of zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, this Avork of jjublic charit)', was ere long menaced in its external existence, by the forced removal of its fsTithfid from the spot occu- pied by the Church of St. Vincent de Paul."
This resulted from the gradual extending of the busi- ness part of the city around and far beyond the church. The great mass of the French Catholics had residences far from the chui'ch, and it became necessary to seek a more convenient site.
An eligible position was found in Twenty-thu'd Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, and was
708 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
purchased in the year 1857. The plan of the new church was made by the architect, H. Engelbert, and the founda- tion laid. On Svmday, June 14th, 1857, the Most Rev. Archbishop Hughes, with the Very Rev. William Starrs, V.Ct., the Rev. Messrs. McClellan, Donnelly, Curran, Quinn, McNeirny, and the pastor of the new chiu-ch, moved pro- cessionally to the spot where the corner-stone was to Ije laid, and blessed it according- to the Roman Pontifical. The procession then made the circuit of the new church, the Archbishop blessing and sjjrinkling the walls, with ajDpropriate prayers. On retiu'ning to the ^'^'i^tform, his Grace addressed the vast nudtitude, as follows : —
" You have mtnessed, beloved brethren, the ceremony of la}ing the corner-stone of a temple to be erected to the honor of Almighty God. The ceremonies attending this, as prescribed by the Church, have been complied with. The benediction of the corner-stone and the sprinkling of the foundation walls all imply the dedica- tion of this s^Dot to the great end for which it is set apart. God does not require churches of stone or brick at our hands, but Ave need them, and from the begin- ning to the end of a temple erected according to Catho- lic rites, every thing is blessed and consecrated to his glory and the salvation of men. This is no longer the same profane ground that it was. Ground and matter are not susceptible of sanctity by themselves, but only by their relations to man, and men by their relations
CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, 709
to God. A temple is to l^e erected here in which the sacraments of" redemption shall be administered; in which the word of eternal life shall be preached and pro- claimed ; in which children shall be tanght the first les- sons of their duty to God and their fellow creatures ; in which the holy rites of matrimony shall be pro- claimed, laying the foundation of everything that is pure and noble — first in humanity, next in society. This temple is to be erected to the honor of Almighty God. All chm'ches of worship or of ceremony must have refer- ence to Him. Although this is to be dedicated under the invocation of a saint of earth, yet it is God whose temple 'it is. It Avill be iinder the invocation of St. Vincent de Paul — and who was St. Vincent de Paul °? When he lived on earth he was unnoticed in the world, except by his humility and his poverty of spirit, his zeal in the salvation of souls, and his devotion towards everything that concerned the honor and g'lory of liis God. It was he who in the ingeniousness of his char- ity invented the idea of Sisters of Charity, so called. Though he has passed from this world nearly two hun- di'ed years, still no conqueror that ever desolated prov- inces, no gi-eat warrior leaving behind the bloody prints of his victories over the nations, has been of so much benefit to mankind as the humble St. Vincent of Paul. He is one of those distinguished servants of God of the land whose sons have imdertaken to erect this temple. I
710 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
need not tell you that the Catholic Church is the same all over the world — no national doctrines belonof to it. It is important, and a very desirable thing, tliat while all are blended in one community of belief by the term Cath- olic, still every nation and tongue prefers to hear the A^'ord of God ill that language which has first sounded in the ears of childhood and infancy. Hence it is that we have French churches — not that they are French other than ill the sense I have just mentioned — so also we have German churches ; and would to God ^ve could liave churches devoted to every language of the nations where Catholicity could be made known. This under- taking is worthy of the nation that has produced, in every department, such distinguished men and warriors — great in evil as well as in good — for there is no mediocrity. The same nation has produced great bad men, as also great best men, whether as warriors, as addicted to jurisprudence, as scientific men, or as men distinguished by eminent ecclesiastical learning and eminent eloquence, by which they have adorned the Church of God, and man)- of whom are ready to shed their lilood in the fixrthest East, or in the lands of Paganism, in the work of God. It is proper, therefore, that I should expect you to aid by the contribution of your means, whatever you can toward the erection of this church of God; and you will find ample reward in encouraging the pastor and people to cany on successfully the work which has been thus begun."
cnuRcn OF st. vincent de paul. 711
Tlie ])r(>perty on Canal Street was sold, and the cliuTpli, nftrr ho'mg temporarily used by Rev. Mr. Sangni- netti for an Italian congregation, was finally torn down, and buildings for business purposes erected on the site.
With the proceeds the new church was erected. It is of the Roman style of architecture, of hrcnvn stone, with two towers, and a center pediment. At the summit of this in front is a stone statue of St. Vincent de Paid. The sides and rear walls are of brick, and the roof of slate. There are to be two spires of cast-iron risino- to a, height of one hundred and forty feet. With- in, the church is finished in the Corinthian order, with tAvo aisles thirty-three feet high, and a nave Avith semi- circular vault fifty feet high. Each of tlie aisles and the nave leads up to an altar. The church is sixty-foui- feet wide, one hundred and thirty feet long, and seventy feet high. It cost about eighty-five thousand dollars, and was erected by Joseph M. O'Connor, under the direction of ]\Ir. Engelbert, the building committee being Claude Lic'neaux, Victor Durand, Laville Dubercan, L. N. d'Ho- mergue, Mr. de Comeau, L. Boquet, and John ]\Iilhau.
The church was dedicated on Sunday, the 9th day of May, 18G8, by his Grace the Most Re>^erend Arch- bishop McCloske}', with all tlie ceremonial prescribed in the Roman Pontifical, a numerous attendance of the clergy giving dignity and beauty to the procession as it moved through the elegant and truly Christian church.
712 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
During the Solemn High Mass which was offered, the Most Reverend Archbishop made a graceful and hapjDv address, congratulating the French Catholics on theu* new chui'ch, and expressing the hope that the Italian and Spanish population would follow their example by erect- ing churches in this city.
With his new church erected, and his congregation reorganized, Father Lafont set to Avork to rear up in his vicinity parochial schools and academies, which were speedily in operation.
Father Lafont was assisted from time to time by sev- eral priests, among whom may be mentioned the Rev. An- thony Cauvin, 1848-53; Rev. N. Madeore, 1850-7; Rev. A. Fourmount, 1858; Rev. L. Gambosville, 1858-64; Rev. E. Aubril, S.P.M., 1867-78 ; Rev. Michael Ronay, S.RM., 1868.
The Rev. Father Ronay believed that a college of a higher literary and social grade than any yet possessed by Catholics was needed, and established the College of St. Louis, for which an elegant edifice was erected in West Forty-second Street, in 1873, at a cost of one hun- dred thousand dollars. This continued in existence for some years, attended by the sons of some of the wealth- iest families in the city, until the death of Father Ronay.
Besides the schools and educational establishments. Father Lafont, by the aid of a charitable gentleman, created also a French Orphan Asylitm, which he placed under the Sisters Marianites of the Holy Cross.
CHURCn OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. 713
His healtli fmnlly gave way under his long mission- ary labors and tlio piivations to which he subjected him- self during the early struggles of his church, when he \\ith his associate priests, generally two in number, drew for salaries in fifteen years only $4,192.89, not one-sixth of what a single popular Protestant clergyman sometimes receives in a single year. He went to Europe, hoping to regain his strength, but returning to his church, which had been recently restored and renewed by the brother of the zealous parishioner already mentioned, died on the 7th of January, 1874 At his requiem the Rev. Father Duranquet preached a funeral discourse, rehearsing the noble life of the dead priest before them, and his Grace the Archbishop, paying his tribute of respect, assm-ed the cono-regation "that they did not mourn alone; that the whole clergy of New York and their cliief pastor momnied with them for the loss of one whom he himself had ever reo-arded as a faithful and wise coimsellor, as a model for his priests, as one who exhibited in his own person the dignity of the true priest of God."
The Rev. Edmond Aubril, of the same society, be- came pastor of the Cluu-ch of St. Vincent de Paul on the death of Father Lafont, and has since directed it. He is assisted by the Rev. C. Tom-nier, S.P.M. ; Rev. F. A. Aigueperse, S.P.M. ; Rev. Stephen Septier, S.P.M.; and Rev. Ch. Giese.
In 1876, the old house in which the clergy of St.
714 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Vincent's Imd lived most uncomfortably for many years was demolished and replaced by a handsome pastoral residence.
In the same year the basement of the church ceased to be a school-room, and a fine building was secured for parochial schools.
The institutions in the ])arish and connected with the church are the Convent of the Sisters Marianites of the Holy Cross, with an (_)rphan Asylum containing- one hun- dred and fifty inmates, and Free School, No. 215 West Tliirty-ninth Street; St, Vincent de Paul's Select French and English Parochial Schools — that for young ladies di- rected by the same sisters ; that for young men under the Christian Brothers.
The religious societies include the Archconfraternity of the Immaculate Heart of ]\Iary, introduced into this country by Father Lafont; the Society for tlie Projia- gatiou of the Faith, Rosary and Pxu'gatorian Societies, the Children of Mary, Association of Clmstian Mothers, and an Altar Society. In 1877, by the zeal of tlie ladies forming this last society, a neat marble altar was erected ill tlio sanctuary of the church. For the relief of distress there are Conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Ladies' Association for the Parish Orphanage, St. Ann's Mutual Benevolent Association for Colored Women, and St. Francis Xavier's Benevolent Association for Coloi^ed Men.
UULiiCH OF ax. VINCENT UE PAUL.
715
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CHURCH Oi^ 1ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. 715
REV. EDMOND AUBRIL, S.P.M.,
PASTOK OF THE CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.
THE Rev. Edmond Aubril, like his predecessor, Fa- ther Aunet Lafont, is a priest of the Society of Mercy. He is a native of St. Gilles, Diocese of Cou- tance, Normandy.
He was ordained at the Cathedral of Coutance in May, 1839, and came to this country in 1843, with the Rev. Benedict Madeore, to take charge of the church in St. Aui-ustine, Fl6rida. After acting as assistant to Rev. Father Madeore, he became pastor in November, 1848, and by his zeal, piety, and extreme charity, completely won the hearts of his parishioners, among whom there had for- merly been many malcontents.
When Florida, in 1857, received a Bishop as Vicar Apostolic, the Rev. Mr. Aubril became Vicar General, and continued to direct the parish over which he had so long presided. During all the troubled period of the war he continued his ministry among his old flock and his missions, as well as among the soldiers who from time to time were stationed in those parts. He erected a church at Tampa Bay to commemorate the martyrdom of the holy Dominican Father Cancer.
716 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
In 1867, he came to New York to assist the Rev. Father Lafont, and was acting pastor during his absence in Europe.
On the death of the founder of the church, the ]\Iost Reverend Archbishop apjDointed the Rev. Father Au- bril to fill the vacancy. He has actively earned on all the work of the parish designed to strengthen the faith, increase piety, and relieve distress among the Catholics of French origin in the City of New York.
Roll of Honor.
CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.
Eloie Desloriers. Frank C. Fox.
Owen Dufiy. Louis F. Grenier.
CHURCH OF SAINT VINCENT FERRER.
LEXINGTON AVENUE.
THE Holy See, in establishing an Episcopal See at New York, evidently intended to make the city and State a field for the evangelical labors of the sons of St. Dominic, one of whom, Father William O'Brien, had done so mnch to organize and direct the oldest Catholic congregation in New York City.
The first bishop selected for New York was the Rt. Rev. Richard Luke Concanen, a Dominican, who, when suddenl}' cut off at Naples, was on iiis way to this city with means to found a house of the Order of Preachers, and all measui'es adopted to inti'oduce at once into the diocese a long needed body of zealous and leai-ned priests.
His death defeated this noble design, and the Do- minicans of the West received the aid intended for New York. Bishop Connolly, also a member of the same order, could not command similar resoiu'ces, and New York for years failed to enjoy the benefit designed for it. One Father, the zealous Rev. Thomas Mai'tin, labor- ed here alone for many yeax'S, as though to keep alive
CHURCn OF ST. VINCENT FERRER. 719
in tlie minds of the faithful what the Dominican Fathers
were.
The Fathers Preachers of the West at List felt that they owed a debt to New York, and in 1867, with the encoviragement of the Most Reverend Archbisliop, came to the city to found a conventual and jjarochial chm-ch, where the white-robed friars could break the bread of hfe to tlu! Catholics of New York.
They pm-chased a fine site on Lexington Avenue, lietween Sixty-fifth and Sixty-sixth Streets, in 18G7, and at once began to lay the foundation of a building to serve as a temporary church; and Avlieu times permitted the erection of a nobler edifice, the structure first raised would serve as an academy and lectm-e hall.
The corner-stone was laid on the 10th day of Novem- ber, 18G7, and was attended by a number of confrater- nities and temperance societies, which marched to the spot. The ceremony was performed by his Grace the Most Reverend Archbislioi) McCloskey, who was surrounded by a large number of priests, representing the secular clergy and tlie various religious orders in and near the city. The Most Reverend Archbishop, after concluding the sacred rite, addressed the spectators in eloquent and edi- fying words, and the Dominican Father Wilson made a few i-emarks.
The church was intended to be under the invoca- tion of St. Vincent FeiTer, one of the most apostolic
720 CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YOEK.
men of the Dominican Order, avIio aroused faitli and piety by his eloquence, his zeal, and his miracles in almost every country of Western Europe.
When completed, the temporary chui-ch was a plain Gothic structm-e, one hundi-ed and seventy-two feet long by seventy-five wide. The side walls of brick are thirty- five feet higli; the rising roof giving the vault of the nave a height of fifty feet. The interior is beautiful : the ceiling is richly illuminated and frescoed; that over the aisles adorned with j^aintings of the life of our Divine Lord and tlie Blessed Virgin. The pews and the fittings are of hard wood, and the three altars of richly carved work; the tabernacle being rich in white and gold. The Gothic screen behind is adorned with pictm-es of several saints of the order. The convent in the rear is forty feet squai-e and four stories high. These buildings were grad- ually completed, without haste, and the clmrch was sol- emnly dedicated on the 12th day of December, 1869.
The Very Rev. George A. J. Wilson, of the Order of Preachers, was the first Superior and pastor, assisted by Fathers Turner, Byrne, McGovern, Slinger, and Cady. They soon won the esteem of the large congregation.
In 1871, the Rev. Michael D. Lilly, O.P., became Superior, and when in 1874 the house received the rights and privileges of a convent he was appointed its first prior. He was succeeded in 1877 by the Very Rev. Josej)h H. Slinger, O.P.
CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT FERRER. 79 1
Among the Fathers who were attached to the church were the Rev. J. R. ]\[eagher, O.P., 1871-6; Rev. J. V. Daly, O.P., 1871-8; Rev. C. H. McKenna, O.P., 1871-8; Rev. J. A. Rotchford, O.P., 1872-8; Rev. F. J. Duimc, 1873-8.
Besides their own church, the Dominican Fathers attend the Foundhng Asylum, at the corner of Sixty- eighth Street and Third Avenue, the Little Sisters of the Poor in Seventieth Street, and the Catholic Protectory at Westchester; two of the religious being stationed at the Boys' Protectory.
The Third Order of St. Dominic, composed of per- sons living in the world, is established at the Conventual Church of St. Vincent Fen-er. The Fathers have insti- tuted also the Society of the Most Holy Name of Jesus for men and boys, the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary, the Sodality of St. Thomas or the Angelic War- fare, the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Young Ladies' Sodality, the Ladies' Altar Society, and the Clnis- tian Doctrine Association, of one hundred and eighty members, who instruct seventeen hundred childi'en in the principles of our holy faith, and have a library of thir- teen hundred volumes for their use. A conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for the relief of the poor was organized soon after the establishment of the cliurch. St. Vincent Ferrer's Temperance Benevolent Society is
another organization in the parish. 46
722
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
Several of the Doiniuican Fathers are set apart es- pecially for the great work of giving missions in the various congregations, and their labors have been pro- ductive of great good.
R
OLL OF
H
ONOR.
CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT FERRER.
Andrews, Thomas. Bennett, Patrick. Barry, Thomas. Bell, John A. Boyle, Patrick. Bradshaw, John. Brennan, Roger J. Breslin, Michael P. Brierly, John J. Brown, Daniel. Burke, James. Carey, James. Clancy, Dennis T. Clarke, Terence. Collins, Daniel F. Corcoran, John. Comtney, J. Courtney, N. Creeden, John. Cremin, Jbseph W. Crimmins, John D. Crimmins, Thomas. Cronin, Michael. Cronogue, John. Crowley, William. Delmage, Michael. Dennis, Jane E. Devine, John. Donegan, Daniel M. Doyle, John F. Diig.an, Michael. Dunn, Lawrence. Dwyer, Timothy. Farley, Cornelius. Farley, Patrick. Finn, Daniel. Fitzpatrick, John. Fitzsimons, Nicholas. Flynn, Michael. Foy, Thomas, Geraty, Nicholas G. Hanley, Edward. Ilanley, Martin M. Hannagan, William.
Healy, Owen. Hennessey, John, Mrs. Henry, Cathaiine T., Mrs. Higgins, James. Higgins, Thomas, Mrs. Horgan, Cornelius. Hunt, Henry G. Jordan, John. Kelly, Daniel. Kieran, Ellen. Kilduff, Edward. King, James. Loonie, Dennis. Lynch, Bernard. Lynch, Thomas. Lyons, John D. Lyons, Patrick. Lyons, Timothy. Lyons, William. McArdle, Peter. McCabe, Hugh. McCarron, John, Mrs. McDonald, D. J. McDon.aId, John. McDonnell, James. McElhone, Edward. McElroy, James. McGovern, Michael. McGuckin, Henry J. McGuire, Edward. McKay, Francis J. McKeon, John. McKilvey, John. McLarney, James E. McMahon, Thomas. McNamara, John P. Madden, John, Mrs. Maguire, Tliomas. Mahon, Edward. Mahon, Michael. Maloney, Richard, Mrs. Martin, James F. Miller, Dennis, Mrs. Minnick, John, Mrs.
Moloney, James. Monaghan, Roger. Moore, Stephen. Moran, Dennis W. Muldoon, Bernard. Mulvany, Edward J. Murphy, Daniel P. Naylor, Charles F. Nolan, Dennis P. Norris, Walter. Norton, Richard. O'Connell, Patrick. O'Connor, John W. O'Connor, Peter. O'Connor, William. O'Dea, Patrick. O'Farrell, Mary. O'Geary, DanieL O'Mara, William. O'Reilly, Thomas. O'Tool, John. Ott, Joseph. Powers, Ann, Mrs. Reg.in, Mich.ael, Mrs. Reilly, Edward, Mrs. Reilly, John T. Reville, Thomas, Mrs. Rigney, James. Rush, John. Ryan, P.
Sheehan, Kate, Mrs. Shepard, John. Smith, John. Smith, Matthew. Smith, Thomas. Stack, Thomas. Stafford, Maggie. Strachan, Mary Ann. Thornton, WiUiam J. Turner, Alicia. Walsh, Patrick. Whetsteon, Nellie M. Williams, Daniel. Youngling, Henry.
CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT FERRER. 723
VERY REV. JOSEPH H. SLINGER, O.P.,
PRIOR OF THE CONVENT AND PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT FERRER.
THE Very Rev. Father Joseph H. Slinger, after the usual probation in the novitiate, entered the Order of St. Dominic, and, pursuing his theological course in the schools of tliat famous body, which gave the Church the prince of theologians in the person of St. Thomas Aquinas, was ordained priest December 5th, 1863.
The young Father was first stationed at the Convent of St. Joseph's, Peny County, Ohio, one of the pioneer establishments of the order in the West. In 1864 we find him at a convent of his order at Sinsinawa Mound, in Wisconsin, but in the following jear he was again engaged in missionary duty at St. Joseph's.
In 1867 he was sent to New York City, and for two years labored assiduously among the congregation, who learned to appreciate his zeal and earnestness.
From 1869 to 1872 he was prior of the Domin- ican Convent at Springfield, Kentucky, but in the latter year returned to New York. In 1874 he was made sub- prior of the convent, and in 1877 prior, and became pastor of the chiu'ch.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY.
MORTUARY CHAPEL, CALVARY CEMETERY.
BESIDES the churches within the hmits of New York City, is one intimately connected with them, the Church of om- Lady of the Holy Rosary, standing amid its ever-increasing congregation of Catho- lic forms lying in their silent homes.
The first cemetery used by the faithful in New York was the ground around old St. Peter's, the narrow space not occupied by the church. This was soon filled up, especially after the visitation of the city by the yellow fever. Some were then interred in Trinity church- yard. The Cathedral site was purchased, however, in 1809, and a new cemetery was afi^orded to the Catholic body. The burial-ground was extended in 1824, by the purchase and blessing of the land between the original property and Prince Street. This cemetery for many years received the Catholic dead, including those removed from St. Peter's at the time it was rebuilt. But after the fu'st cholera season the trustees of the Cathedral, finding that the ground in use nearly a quarter of a centmy was inadequate, in 1833 purchased of Charles Henry Hall a block of ground on First Avenue and
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY. 725
Eleventh Street. It was opened for use in December, 1833, and was the Cathohc place of interment for more than fifteen years.
In 1848, the Most Rev. Archbishop Hughes pm-- chased the Alsop Farm, on Newtown Creek, to afford a cemetery for the use of the Catholics of New York City. It was solemnly blessed in August, 1848, under the name of Calvary Cemetery, and has since been the great burial place of the Catholic body. The first interment was made on the second of August, 1848. Tliither have since tended from all parts of New York City the long and sad processions, bearing devoted priest and Sister of Charity, religious and secular, ecclesiastic and layman. The wide acres are studded with monimaents, from the simple cross to the elaborate and gorgeous tombs of the wealthy, palaces for the dead.
In a few years there was felt the want of a suita- ble chapel here, where the burial service could be per- formed, and where mass could be offered by the attendant priest. Mr. Edward Boyle, the engineer of the cemetery, drew the plans of a church, and on their adoption erected the graceful chapel now standing in the city of the dead.
It is a pure Gothic structure, crucifomi, eighty feet in length and forty feet in width, the transepts twenty feet wide, being also eighty feet in length across. The clerestory roof, which is open, showing the main timbers, is supported by ten columns. The interior is lit by twelve
726 CATHOLIC CHUECHES OF NEW YORK.
stained-glass windows. The Gothic altar has a spire of frosted silver and gold, the rest being white and gold. As it stands on an eminence at the north-west comer of the cemetery, with its tower and spire, this church is a striking object, and at once proclaims the faith of those who are borne from its nave to the tomb.
The mortuary church was dedicated to the service of Almiglity God on Sunday, October 3d, 1858, under the invocation of Om* Lady of the Holy Rosary, by the Very Rev. William Starrs, Vicar General, assisted by the Rev. Francis McNeimy and the Rev. Mr. Hennessy, chaplain of the cemetery.
After the dedication a Solemn High ]\Iass was offered by the pastor, the Rev. Mr. McNeirny acting as master of ceremonies. The Very Rev. Vicar General preached, tak- ing as his text the words of III. Kings, viii. 13: "Build- ing, I have built a house for Thy dwelling, to be Thy most firm tin-one forever." After describing the glory of Solomon's temple, he spoke of the dignity of the churches of the new law derived from the Real Presence, and showed the perpetuity of the faith of the Church in this dogma, and the plain warrant of Scripture. He concluded: " Here, in this mortuary chapel, where prayers will be offered up for the souls of the living and dead, what would it be without this sacrifice of the altar, the great sacri- fice of Mount Calvary? Take away this Chi-istian sacri- fice, and religion is no more than the opinions of men.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY. 727
Clii'ist died for us. He offered himself up on Mount Calvary for the sins of the world, and He wishes this to be renewed for all time, even to the end of the world. You all know the object of this chapel. It is that the remains of Chi'istians should be brought here before this altar, and the last rites of the Church should be per- formed over them. This church is dedicated to Almighty God, under the title of 'Om- Lady of the Holy Rosary.' My bretlu-en, let us beg at all times the intercession of the Holy Mother of Grod; let us ask her to present oiir petitions at all times, that at the hour of death we may be admitted to the happy mansion of everlasting bliss."
The Rev. Patrick Hennessy remained chaplain of Calvary Cemetery and pastor of the Church of Oiu- Lady of the Holy Rosary, till his death, January 26, 1861, when he was laid before the altar where he had so often pronounced the bm-ial service. He was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Joyce, who has for seventeen years zealously performed his duties in this isolated church.
Though lying beyond the bounds of the city and diocese of New York, the Church of Om- Lady of the Holy Rosary and Calvary Cemetery are in too close re- lation to the Catholic chiu-ches of New York City not to be mentioned in a work specially devoted to them.
A Visitor's Guide to Calvary Cemetery, with a map and views of several striking monuments, was prepared a year or two since by John J. Foster.
THE CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK CITY.
BESIDES the churches which we have described, there are institutions in the City of New York, many of which possess beautiful and extensive chapels. It would require a volume to describe these institutions in detail, and sketch their history with the scope of the literary or charitable design.
COLLEGES.
SAINT .JOHN'S COLLEGE, FORDHAM.
This is the oldest Catholic literary institution of the rank of a university in the City or State of New York. It is one of the great works of Archbishop Hughes, who purchased the estate at Rose Hill in 1839, and opened St. John's College June 24, 1841, Avith the present Archbishop of New York, his Eminence Cardinal Mc- Closkey, as the first president. He gathered around him a talented faculty, and gave St. John's College a char- acter and standing wliich placed it at once in the fore- most rank. It was incoqjorated by the Legislature April 10, 1846. In the summer of the same year the Arch-
CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK. 729
bishop confided the college to the Fathers of the Society of Jesns, who have since directed it.
Bishoji Rosecrans of Cohimbus, John R. G. Hassard, one of the editors of the Tribune.^ and many distinguished in Church and State, were graduated at this institution.
It has a fine library of twenty thousand volumes, and large cabinets of mineralogical and other specimens, as well as fine scientific apparatus. The president is the Rev. F. William Gockeln, S.J.
COLLEGE OF SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER.
This institution began as an academy in the Church of the Holy Name, Elizabeth Street, and was then in Third Avenue. In ISfiO, this academy was transfeiTcd to Fifteenth Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, where the College of St. Francis Xavier had been erected, by Rev. John Ryan, S.J., the first president. It was incor- porated by the Regents of the University of the State of New York. It includes not only the University course. Post-graduate and Under-graduate, but the Gram- mar School classes, and a Commercial and Prepara- tory Department.
It is a day college, no l)oarders being taken.
The annual expense is very slight, and there have been a number of free scholarships founded by his Emi- nence Cardinal IVIcCloskey, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Devlin,
730 CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK.
Jeremiah Devlin, Esq., Edward C Donnelly, Esq., Eu- gene Kelly, Esq., Rev. F. H. Farrelly, St James' Parish; W. S. Caldwell, Esq., Patrick Brophy, Esq., Hugh O'Don- ohue, Esq.
The president at this time is the Rev. H. Hudon.
MANHATTAN COLLEGE.
This institution, situated on the corner of Broadway and One Hundi'ed and Tliirty-first Street, is directed by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, who were intro- duced from France by the late Rev. Annet Lafont, and opened their first academy in Canal Street, near the Chvu'ch of St. Vincent de Paul. The present college was founded in 1853, as the Academy of the Holy In- fancy, and has a fine large edifice, on an elevated position, about eight miles from the City Hall. It was chartered as a vmiversity in 1863, and combines the system of col- lege and polytechnic school.
The students all board in the institution.
The president of Manhattan College, in 1878, is Brother Anthony.
DE LA SALLE INSTITUTE.
This academy is situated at Nos. 46, 48, and 50 Second Street, and is a High School, affording every
CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK. 73 1
opportunity for a thorough coiu'se, either in preparation for commercial hfe or for entrance to college. The director is Brother Frank. It has now two hundred and thirt)' jjupils.
MANHATTAN ACADEMY.
This Academy, also under the direction of the Bro- thers of the Cln-istian Schools, is situated at No. 213 West Thirty-second Street, and receives both boarding and day scholars. It has at present two hundred and twenty scholars. The director is Brother Bertram.
The last tlu-ee institutions are under the care of the Brothers of the Cln-istian Schools, an order founded in France in the seventeenth century by the Ven. John Baptist de la Salle. He was a native of Rheims, and became a canon in the Cathedral. The neglected state of the children of the poor aroused the charity of the good priest, and he established an order of Brothers to conduct schools. He invented the mutual simultaneous system, and originated normal schools. The rule drawn up by this holy priest was approved by Pope Benedict XIII. The Brothers are all laymen, none of them being raised to the priesthood. They number now about ten thousand, and conduct at least twelve hundred schools.
732 CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK.
THE SISTERS OF CHARITY. MOUNT ST. Vincent's academy, local academies, astltms,
HOSPITALS.
The Sisters of Charity, as founded by Mother Seton, now belong entirely to the community in the Diocese of New York, those elsewhere in the United States having abandoned her rule and habit. This pious lady founded, at Emmettsbui'g, Maryland, in 1809, a community, for which she adojDted a rule based on that of St. Vincent de Paul, it being, at that time, impossible to obtain Sis- ters from France to organize a branch in this country. The community spread through the country, and were introduced into New York in 1817.
In time the Sisters at Emmettsburg effected a imion with the Sisters of Charity in France, adopting their rule and habit; but those in New York retained them and es- tabhshed a Mother House at Mount St. Vincent, One Hun- dred and Fifth Street, New York; but as their grounds were included in the limits of the Central Park, and were taken by the city, they removed to their present site, Mount St. Vincent, near Riverdale on the Hudson. The estate had belonged to Edwin Forrest, who built there a castellated house, still standing. The Sisters, in 1859, erected a fine large building in the Byzantine style, with a tower two hundi-ed and ninety feet above the water level. The chapel is an elegant structure, the corner-
CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK. 733
stone of which was laid by Archbishop Hughes, on the 8th of September, 1857. It has a nave, with the roof supported by arches springing from chaste columns ; the panels of the vault are adorned with frescoes of the Joy- fid Mysteries ; the aisle and nave lead up to altars of white marble, the high altar being exquisitely wrought, and behind the tabernacle is seen the altar-piece, a fine Crucifixion ; confessionals are artistically disposed at the side in harmony Avith the general character of the chm'ch. The chaplain who has for many years ministered here is the Rev. Louis Musai-d. They have also a Grotto of Lourdes, dedicated December 8, 1874, and enriched by the late Pope Pius IX. with special indidgences.
The community numbers six hundred and sixteen members, who direct academies, parochial schools, hospitals, asylums, and visit the sick and poor at their residences. The Superior General is Mother Jerome. Their chief institutions within the limits of New York City are : — Mount St. Vincent Academy, at Mount St. Vincent on the Hudson, one of the oldest and most creditable of our literary institutions, where thousands of young ladies have received an accomplished education. It contains at present 220 pupils. St. Peter's Select School, 16 Barclay Sti'eet. Pupils, 87. St. Mary's School, 229 to 231 East Broadway. Pupils, 90. St. Bridget's Academy, 313 to 315 E. Tenth Street. Pu- pils, 110.
734 CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YOEK.
St. Joseph's Academy, 194 W. Fom-tli Street. Pupils, 40. Academy of St. Angela, 350 W. Twenty-second Street.
Pupils, 50. St Grabriel's Academy, 229 to 231 E. Thirty-sixth Street.
Pupils, 120. Holy Cross Academy, 343 W. Forty-second Street. Pu- pils, 150. St. Vincent's Industrial School. Pupils, 160. St. Lawrence's Academy, Eighty-foiu'th Street. Pupils, 87. St. John the Evangelist's Select Female School. Pupils, 5. Are all academies for day scholars only, conducted by the Sisters within the City of New York.
The Sisters of Charity also direct St. Patrick's Female Orphan Asylum, at the corner of Prince and Mott Streets, the oldest of the Catholic charitable institutions, dating back to 1817. Here are maintained and educated two hundred and ten orphan girls. The chaplain who at- tends the institution and officiates daily in the chapel is a priest of remarkable literaiy ability, the Rev. Bernard O'Reilly, author of a Life of Pope Pius IX., "True Womanhood," &c.
St. Patrick's Male Orphan Asyhmi, on Fifth Avenue, between Fifty-first and Fifty-second Streets, stands on ground leased at a nominal rent to the institution by the city as long as an asylum is maintained there. One of the strong motives laid before the Common Council at the time was the fact that the capitation tax laid by the
CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK. 735
State on emigrants, then cliiefly Catholics, had been squandered on eveiy conceivable object, tens of thou- sands of dollars having been given from the fund to negro institutions, while this Catholic asylum was sup- porting the childi'en of the very emigrants who had paid the money. The Asylum is a large and well conducted institution, in charge of the Sisters of Charity, and con- taining five hundi'ed and twenty orphans. The chapel is attended from the Chm-ch of St. John the Evangelist.
The new Female Orphan Asylum, on the comer of Madison Avenue and East Fifty-second Street, contains five hundred and ten oi-phan girls, under the care of the Sisters of Charity. Theii* chapel is attended from the Church of St. John the Baptist.
The Sisters of Chaiity have charge also of the fe- male department of the New York Catholic Protectory, which is beyond the city limits. Within them eight Sisters direct also St. Stephen's Home for Destitute Chil- dren, at No. 145 East Twenty-eighth Street, with one hundi-ed and forty-one inmates, and thence visit the Catho- lics in Bellevue Hospital, as well as the sick and poor of the parish of St. Stephen.
The New York Foundling Asylum, Sixty-eighth Street, between Third and Lexington Avenues, founded by Sister Mary Irene, and conducted by her and other Sisters of Charity, is one of the most wonderful institu- tions in New York City. No such asylum had ever
736 CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK.
beeu established, and the public were appalled at the frequency of infanticide and exposure of infants. The Sisters resolved to open an institution which would save some of these helpless creatm-es. It ay as an immense undertaking, but by the public aid they are able to receive and care for immense numbers. They have now about eighteen hundi-ed foundlings. As they grow up, some are adopted; others learn trades to enable them to support themselves. The boys, on arriving at a suitable age, are sent to the Children's Home at Han-ison, West- chester County, where they aa-e instructed and learn some employment until places are found for them. There are now about a hundred and fifty there. The chapel of their asylum in New York is attended from St. Vincent Ferrer's. The chapel at St. Vincent's Hospital, on Eleventh Street, near Seventh Avenue, originally a half orphan asylum, is the great Catholic hospital of New York City, It was founded by the devoted Sisters, in 1849, on East Thirteenth Street, between Third and Foiu-th Avenues. It was chartered in 1857, and subsequently removed to the present building, which was enlarged and fitted up for hospital purposes chiefly by means derived from a great fair in which all the city churches joined. St. Vincent's Hospital receives every year nearly a thousand patients. A few, and only a few, free beds have been founded by the generosity of Catholics of means. Their chapel is attended from St. Francis Xavier's.
2.
CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK. 737
The Sisters of Chanty show their heroism in con- fronting that dangerous disease the small-pox, and take charge of a city institution for the reception of those overtaken by it -the Riverside Hospital for Small Pox Patients, situated on Blackwell's Island. This institution was placed under the care of seven Sisters of Charity, on the 3d of February, 1875. The number of patients has been about three thousand every year, and whih^ all receive alike the kindest and most devoted care, the CathoUc patients have also spiritual aid from the self- sacrificing Sisters who brave disease to serve them.
Another institution of the Sisters of Charity is the St. Joseph's Home for Aged and Destitute Women, at Nos. 203 to 209 West Fifteenth Street. It was opened on the nth of May, 1868, and had always about two himdred and fifty inmates.
LADIES OF THE SACRED HEART.
CONVENT AND ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART, MANHATTANVILLE.
This religious order, devoted entirely to the cause of female education, and especially to the highest and most accomphshed Clmstian training of young ladies, was founded in France by Madame Magdalen Josephine Barat, in 1800, under the gtndance of the Jesuit Father Varin.
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CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK. 739
Their rule was approved, in 1826, by Pope Leo XII., who invited them to Rome, where they estabhshed three convents.
Their first estabHshment in tlie United States was at Florissant, Missouri, in 1817. Archbishop Hughes, in 1841, obtained from the venerable Superior, Madame Ba- rat, a colony of her religioiis, and the convent in New York Avas founded by Madame Elizabeth Galitzin, a Rus- sian princess. Their fii-st house was in Houston Street, then in Bleecker Street, but as the city was unsuited to a large boarding-school, they removed to Astoria, in 1844. Two years afterwards they piu-chased the Loril- lard estate, at Manhattanville, and established the best Catholic academy for young ladies in the diocese. Pupils of the highest social standing, Catholic and Prot- estant, have been trained here in all the culture and accomplishments which can adorn the sex, and the reli- gious instiiiction is solid. There are now thi-ee hmidred pupils.
Their elegant chapel is attended by the Rev. A. Kesseler of St. Joseph's Church.
ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART, SEVENTEENTH STREET.
Besides their boarding-school at Manhattanville, they have their academy in Seventeenth Street for day schol- ars only, where the covu-se is thorough and careful. The attendance is one hundred and thirty. Their neat chapel
740 CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK.
is attended by the Fathers of the College of St. Francis Xavier.
The Ladies of the Sacred Heart, in addition to their labors in instructing the young ladies in their academies, teach the parochial school for girls in the parish of St. Francis Xavier, the four hundi-ed and twenty-five schol- ars requiring the care of seven ladies.
They instruct the girls in the parochial school of St. Joseph's Church, Manhattanville, numbering two hun- dred.
THE SISTERS OF MERCY.
This community, devoted to the corporal and spirit- ual works of mercy, was founded in Ireland by Cath- arine McAuley, in 1827, and took its position as an order on the 12th of December, 1831, when she, with two of her associates, took the solemn vows of religion. The Order of Mercy spread rapidly, and applications came from all parts for Sisters to found houses under their rule. It was introduced into the United States in 1843, the first house being in Pittsburgh. Ai-chbishop Hughes made application for members, and seven Sisters arrived from Dublin, May 15th, 1846, who founded St. Catharine's Convent, New York, at No. 18 West Washing- ton Place. They at once began their labor of love, visiting the sick, making up clothing for the destitute, instruct-
CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YOIIK. 741
ing the ignorant in their Christian doctrine, and in pro- viding sheker for female domestics. The estabUshnient was subsequently transferred, in 1848, to the large build- ing at the corner of Houston and Mulberry Streets. Their establishments now are St. Catharine's Convent of Mercy, No. 35 East Houston Street, with fifty professed choir Sisters, twelve professed lay Sisters, and .seven novices. They visit the sick and dying poor in their houses and at the hospital. They also visit the city prison and the State Prison at Sing Sing, where they instnict the inmates in their moral and religious duties. Adjoining the convent, at No. 33 East Houston Street, is the House of Mercy, where two hundi-ed female domestics out of situations can be accommodated. Dm-ing their stay the}' receive religious instructions from the Sisters, and, when necessary, in the duties of their station to fit them for obtaining suitable situations. This institution is one, therefore, where families can reckon upon obtaining servants on whom tliey can depend.
The Sisters also conduct, at No. 128 East Fifty- foiu-th Street, near Lexington Avenue, St. John's Acade- my of Om- Lady of Mercy, and St. Joseph's Industrial School and Home for Homeless Childi'en, Madison Ave- nue and East Eighty-fii'st Street. This branch of the La- stitution of Mercy is intended for the protection of young cirls and children of unblemished morals, whose circum- stances render them fit subjects for such an establish-
742 CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK.
ment. The children are provided with the comforts of a home, receive a plain English education, are carefully instructed in their religious duties, and are trained to some trade or useful occupation. It contains five hundred and fifty inmates.
SISTERS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
One of the greatest charities in the Church is seen in those good ladies who renounce the world and de- vote their lives to reclaim those of their sex Avho have been led astray from the path of virtue, and fomiing those who show a disposition for a life of devotion and reparation into a community under their roof The Re- ligious of Our Lady of Charity of the Grood Shepherd were founded originally in the seventeenth century, in France, by an apostolic priest, the Rev. John Eudes ; they were revived after the French Revolution, and the house founded at Angers, in 1828, became the Mother House of the present organization, approved by his Holi- ness March 10, 1835. They were introduced into the United States by the venerable Bishop Flaget, and ar- rived at Louisville December 1, 1842. Their convent in New York Avas established on the 2d of October, 1857, at No. 191 East Fourteenth Street, by five religious.
CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS Or NEW YORK. 743
Novices soon joined them, ;ind the work was su great that in 1861 they had, besides their community, eighty penitents in the house, so that tlie}' erected, on property purchased on Eighty-ninth Street, a convent, with a large and beaiitiful chapel adjoining.
In 1864, a five-story building fronting on Eighty-ninth Street Avas erected, but in Septendjer, 1868, it was found necessary to continue this through to Ninetieth Street, forming a continuous building hfty feet in front by one hundred and eighty feet in depth. The erection of these buildings cost nearly two hundred thousand dollars.
Mother Mary of St. Magdalen of Jesus Clover is the Provincial and Superioress, with thirty-fom* professed choir Sisters, nineteen professed lay sisters, fifteen choir novices, sixteen lay novices, four postulants, and eight out-door Sisters. They have under their charge nearly fovu- hundi'ed penitents, some of whom have entered of their o\vn free choice, while others are committed by the action of the magistrates.
Besides these there are in the j\Iagdalen House of Reformed Penitents, under the rule of the Third Order of St. Teresa, sixty-five professed Sisters, four novices, two postulants, who are directed by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.
The chapel is attended by the Fathers of St Joseph's Church, Yorkville.
744 CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK.
THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR.
This Order, one of the marvels of the nineteenth century, has a convent, with a Home for the Aged, at No. 179 East Seventieth Street, near Third Avenue. Tliey have under their charge one hundi-ed and fifty- eight aged persons, for whom they obtain food and cloth- ing, and all whose wants they supply. The community numbers fourteen sisters, besides whom there are several postulants.
The Little Sisters of the Poor were founded at St. Servan, France, in 1840, by M. Le Pailleur, and by the example of their devotedness and poverty were welcomed everywhere. Thej^ were introduced into the United States by the late Mrs. Peters of Cincinnati. Their first house in New York was established in 1870.
THE SISTERS MARIANITES OF THE HOLY CROSS
have a Mother House at Le Mans, in France. In New York City they direct St. Vincent de Paul's Orphan Asy- lum, at No. 215 West Thirty-ninth Street, which contains one hundred and fifty orphans. The community nximbers thirteen Sisters and two postulants, and they direct also the Select French and English Parochial School for girls connected with the Clim-ch of St. Vincent de Paul.
CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK. 745
URSULINES.
The Ursiiline Nubs were founded by St. Angela de Merici, in 1535, and they were confii-med by Pope Paul III., in 1544. A convent of this excellent Order, which has' always been eminent for its young ladies' academies, was founded at Quebec, March 28, 1639, by Mother Mary of the Incarnation, whose canonization is now m progress. Another house was established at New Orleans in 1727. A convent was foimded in New York in 1812, but did not continue. With happier results one was estab- lished at East MoiTisania, in 1855, under the patronage of St. Joseph. This now contains thh:ty-nine professed reli'^ious, four novices, and four postulants. Their acad- emy numbers sixty pupils. Their chapel is attended by Fathers from St. John's College, Fordham.
A filiation from St. Joseph's founded a convent at 139 Henry Stx-eet, New York, now numbering twelve nuns, who have an academy with one hundred pupils, and also direct the parish school of St. l^eresa's Church, numbering five hundi-ed gnls.
THE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE THIRD
ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS
have their Mother House at Peekskill, Westchester Co.,
where they direct a large academy for young ladies.
746 CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK.
In New York City they have houses in Macclougal Street and West Thirty-first Street, and direct the girls' parochial schools connected with the Chm-ch of St Francis of Assisi and St. Anthony of Padua.
THE SISTERS OF THE POOR OF SAINT FRANCIS.
The Mother House was at Aix la Chapelle, in Grer- many. They came to the United States in 1857. These Sisters have a convent in Fifth Street, near Avenue A, and have charge of St. Francis' Hospital, 605, 607, 609, and 611 Fifth Street, where thirty Sisters and five pos- tulants have charge of more than two hundred patients.
They have also a second institution in the city, St Elizabeth's Hospital, at 225 West Thirty-first.
THE SCHOOL SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME.
They were founded in 1597 by Mother Alice le Clerc, under the guidance of the Blessed Peter Fourier. The Order was revived at Ratisbon in 1832, and con- fu*med by Pope Pius IX. in 1854. They were first established in the United States in 1847, and have four convents in New York City — in Fourth, Eighty-ninth, West Forty-ninth, and Thompson Streets — and teach the girls in the parochial schools at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, St. Alphonsus, and the Assumption, and direct St Joseph's Orphan Asylum.
CATUOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK. 747
THE SISTERS OF THE ORDER OF SAINT DOMINIC
have thi'ee convents, and direct St. Nicholas' girls' school and free industrial school, and the parochial schools of Our Lady of Sorrows and St. John the Baptist.
SAINT MICHAEL'S CONVENT OF THE PRESEN- TATION NUNS.
This order of nuns was founded at Cork, in Ire- land, by Miss Honoria Nagle, in 1777, and was ajoproved by the Holy See in 1791. They Avere at first Sisters \nsiting the sick, but in 1805 became cloistered nuns. They were introduced into the United States in 1854. St. jMichael's Convent was founded September 24, 1874, and the community now contains nine professed, six novices, and some postulants. These excellent religious direct the girls' school of St. Michael's parish, containing about one thousand girls.
THE SISTERS OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY
have a convent at Melrose, and direct the parochial schools. The Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary have an industrial school in Thixty-first Street, and a religious counnunity
748 CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS OF NEW YORK.
are in charge of St. Joseph's Academy, boarding and day school for young ladies, and boarding school for deaf mutes at Fordham.
THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATE VIRGIN.
One of the great Catholic charities of New York City is the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, 53 War- ren Street, New York, founded and still directed by the Rev. John Drumgoole. Its object is to protect and shelter homeless and destitute boys. It affords a home to two hundred and forty boys, whom it trains to vir- tue and piety.
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
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LOYOLA SEMINARY LIBRARY
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Shea, John Dawson G.
The Catholic churches of New York City
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