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MEMORIAL

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ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, UTICA, N. Y.,
BY
VERY REv.J.S.M. LYNCH, D. D., RECTOR.

 
\ 304295
A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.
ST. JOHN’S, UTICA. *

VERY REV. J. S. M. Lyncu, D.D., LL.D.
Mementote prepositorum, vestrorum qui vobts locutt sunt verbum Det.
Remember your prelates who have spoken to you the word of:
God.— Heo. xiit. 7.
Part I.
BISHOPS AND PRIESTS OF THE FIRST CHURCH.

The founder and organizer of this parish, Reverend Michael
O’Gorman, a young Irish missionary, died in the City of New
York just sixty-nine years ago yesterday. We chose that day
as a fitting anniversary for the celebration of a solemn Mass of
requiem for the repose of the souls of the deceased bishops of the
diocese, and of all the deceased priests of the church since the
formation of the parish. We supplement that sacrifice this
evening by memorial services.

The main purpose of this commemoration is to offer up our
prayers and sacrifices for the honored dead. It isa grand testi-
mony of our beliefin the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of
Saints, and of our faith in the dogma of Purgatory. We fondly
hope that the names of those for whom we pray have long since
been inscribed on the white roll of honor in Heaven. But we
know that the judgments of God are inscrutable, and we know
also that Holy Church bids us, evén after the lapse of centuries,
pray for those dear ones who are bound to us by ties of kindred
or affection, lest, perchance, some stain may yet be upon their
souls, hindering them from taking their places in that realm of
bliss where nothing defiled shall enter. But there is another
reason for this memorial service—a reason somewhat akin to its
chief object, and that is to perpetuate the memory, and call back

 

* Memorial and historical address at the unveiling of a marble tablet in
memory of the deceased Bishops of the diocese and of all the deceased priests
who were ever attached to the church. Delivered at St. John’s church, Utica,
N. Y., Sunday, Nov. 26, 1893, and the two subsequent Sundays, by the Very Rev,
James S. M. Lynch, D.D., LL.D.

9g

CO
2 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

in spirit, the recollection of those good priests who in days gone
by, in the face of trials and difficulties which we little dream of
now, broke the bread of life and spoke the word of God to our
forefathers in the faith. We unveil, then, this evening, a marble

 

[This memorial tablet ts the gift of the League of the Sacred Heart.)

tablet to keep alive the memory of those heroes of the past.
The history of nations is oftentimes written in their ruins. Let
us hope that until this, the third church built upon this sacred
spot, will have crumbled into dust, that this tablet, fastened in its
wall, may be the means of preserving for other generations the
names and the anniversaries of the deaths of those bishops who
ORIGIN OF PARISH. 3

here ruled the Church of God, and of those priests who minis-
tered within these hallowed walls. The-three epochs in this old
historic parish, so strongly marked by the three churches erected
on this spot and typified by the threefold form of this memorial
tablet, may be fittingly compared to the three stages of natural
life,—infancy, childhood, and manhood. The first church repre-
sents the infancy of our parish, the second its childhood, the third its
perfect manhood. We shall speak, then, in the first place, of the
deceased bishops and_-priests connected with the first church, then
of those connected with the second church, and finally of those
who were attached to this, the third church built upon this spot.

FIRST CHURCH—1820-1836.

In order to understand the conditions which called the fitst
church into being, it is necessary to take.a retrospective glance
at the condition of the Catholic Church in the United States be-
fore the formation of this parish. Bishop Carroll had long solic-
ited the division of his immense diocese, which comprised the
entire United States, and finally, by his brief of April 8th, 1808,
Pope Pius VII. acceded to his request by erecting Baltimore
into a Metropolitan See, and creating new Sees at Philadelphia,
New York, Boston, and Bardstown. As you will find on the
memorial tablet, there were three bishops who ruled the diocese
during the first period. in the existence of our parish—Bishop
Concanen, Bishop Connolly, and Bishop Dubois.

BISHOPS.

-RT. REV. RICHARD LUKE CONCANEN, O.°P.

CONSECRATED APRIL 24, 1808; DIED JULY 20, 1810.

Father Richard Luke Concanen, a native of Ireland, and a
member of the Order of St. Dominic, after having resided nearly
forty years in Rome, where he rendered signal and important
services to the Church in England and Ireland, was, at the age of
70 years, appointed the first bishop of New York. He was per-
sonally known to Pius VII., and was highly esteemed by that Pon-
4 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

tiff. He had already been appointed to the Sees of Kilennacduah
and Kilfenora in Ireland, but. had refused the honor. Soon
after his appointment
he fell dangerously ill,
and his death was
imminent. In this
conjuncture Father
John Connolly, a
brother Dominican,
who afterwards suc-
ceeded Bishop Con-
canen, was notified
that the bulls of con-
secration would be
made out for him. Fa-
ther Concanen, how-
ever, recovered, and
was solemnly conse-
crated in Rome by Car-
dinal Pietro, April 24,
1808, assisted by two
archbishops, in the Church of the Nuns of St. Catharine, in Rome.

At that time there was only one priest in the whole State of
New York, Rev. John Byrne; and he was anxious to withdraw to
other parts. There were less than seven millions of inhabitants
in the United States.

The aged bishop set out for Leghorn, but, as he was a British
subject, and the English and French were at war, he found it im-
possible to embark for America, and was obliged to return to
Rome, where he remained about two years. He then made anoth-
er attempt to get away.

Through the good offices of the American Consul at Naples, he
secured passage on a vessel bound for Salem, Mass.

Some excellent young priests, who had offered their services,

   

RT. REV. RICHARD LUKE CONCANEN, O. P.

 

Note.—The portrait here given of Bishop Concanen, is taken from a fine paint-
ting which hangs over one of the doors in the Casanatense Library, inthe Domin-
ican Convent of the Minerva, Rome. On the back of the picture is an inscrip-
tion showing that it is the work of a Dominican religious, Sister Anna Solano.
DEATH OF BISHOP CONCANEN. 5

were forced to remain behind, as he was not permitted to have
any companion or attendant. Finally, at the last moment, he was
prevented from leaving by the French police. This shock was
too much for the aged prelate.

He died a few days after—July 20, 1810. His death was so sud-
den that there was some suspicion that he had been poisoned. He
was buried in the vault of the church of St. Dominic Maggiore,
at Naples.

-Inhis will he left, among other things, his chalice, to the Cath-
olic Cathedral of New York.

Pius VII. was then a prisoner of Napoleon, and in this situation
he could not proceed to a new nomination. The See of New

- York accordingly remained vacant before it was ever occupied,
and it was not until 1814 that the Holy Father returned to Rome
in the plenitude of his power and liberty, and gave a successor to
Bishop Concanen. ;

There was but one church in New York State at that time—old
St. Peter’s in Barclay street, which had been completed through the
munificence of Charles X., king of Spain, whose ambassador to
the United States laid its corner-stone in 1786.

.During this long and sad widowhood of the Church of New
York, Father Kohlman, and subsequently, Father Fenwick, after-
wards bishop of Boston—both members of the Society of Jesus,—
exercised the functions of Vicar-General. Father Kohlman
founded St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the second church in New York,
and it was consecrated on Ascension Thursday, 1813, by Bishop
Cheverus, of Boston.

Father Kohlman is remarkable for having established a prece-
dent in regard to the secrecy. of the confessional in the civil
Courts which has ever since been a settled ruleof law. Refusing
to testify as to the prisoner from whom he had received a watch
in the confessional, the prosecuting attorney moved to imprison
him for contempt of court; but DeWitt Clinton, the Mayor of
the city of New York, and afterwards Governor of the State, de-
cided that it was a case where the priest could not be required to
testify. It was also during this period that Fathers Kohlman and
Fenwick made a visit to the notorious Tom Paine, in his last ill-
ness, in the hope of leading him to repentance. But they could
6 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

make no impression on the hardened mind and heart of the un-
believer. Father Kohlman, writing to Mother Seton, the found-
ress of the Sisters of Charity in the United States, speaks of Paine
as one “worried in mind and afflicted in body, and unwilling to
suffer; in fine, as given up to all the horrors of despair.”

As soon as the tidings of Bishop Concanen’s death reached
New York, impressive funeral services were held in the cathedral.
Father Fenwick preached on the episcopal dignity to an audience,
as the historian tells us, so numerous as was scarce ever seen be-
fore in any church. Bishop Concanen is still remembered in the
Dominican Order as having taken a lively interest in the Ameri-
can missions. It was at his suggestion that the first house of the
Dominicans was founded in Kentucky.

RT. REV. JOHN CONNOLLY, O. P.

CONSECRATED Nov. 6, 1814; DIED FEBRUARY 5th, 1825.

The choice of the Holy Father for successor to Bishop Con-
canen again fell on the Order of St. Dominic, and he chose: Fa-
ther John Connolly, like his predecessor, a native of Ireland and
Prior of St. Clement’s, in Rome, to organize the new diocese of
New York. Bishop Connolly was nearly seventy years of age,
but he assumed cheerfully the duty imposed upon him by the
Vicar of Christ. He was consecrated November 6th, 1814, and
set out soon after to take possession of his diocese. But as the
war of 1812 was then in progress, the venerable bishop did not
dare leave for America until peace was proclaimed. Meanwhile
he spent some'time in France for the purpose of administering
the sacrament of Confirmation in places where, on account of the
persecution of Napoleon, they had not seen a bishop for years.

On his way to this country he visited his native island, and
bade an eternal farewell to all his kindred. To secure the nu-
cleus of a clergy he applied to Kilkenny College for some aspir-
ants to the priesthood, and obtained Rev. Michael O’Gorman,
who either accompanied him, or came over soon after him, and
was one of the first priests whom he ordained. After this he
set sail from Dublin, but his voyage was long and dangerous, and
only after being tossed about for sixty-eight days did he reach the
BISHIJP CONNOLLY, 7

city of New York, Nov. 24, 1815, when all supposed that Provi-
dence had again deprived them of a chief pastor. It was an
eventful year in the history of the world. It was during this
year that the famous battle of Waterloo decided the fate of Eu-
rope, and it was during this year also that the first steamer was
built in England—a forerunner of those palatial “ ferries’ that
now pass so quickly and.so constantly between the Eastern and.
the Western world. :

A few days after his arrival in New York, the venerable Archbish--
hop Carroll, the first Bishop of the United States, died in Balti-
more, so that he never beheld the founder of the American hier-
archy. es

The diocese of which\Bishop. Connolly took possession, just
seventy-eight years ago, comprised t the whole State of New York,
and the Eastern part of ‘New Jersey’ ‘contiguous to New York.

Over this vast space were scattered some thirteen thousand
Catholics, with only three Jesuits and. one Dominican priest to
attend them. He :

Two of the Jesuits soon left him, and this aged prelate was
obliged to discharge, both night and day, the duties of a parish
priest as well as of a bishop. .

After a short time he got three good priests from Ireland to
aid him in his gigantic task, orie of whom, Rev. Michael Carroll,
became the first pastor of Carthage, which had previously been
attended from Utica.

He labored heroically, for several years, to organize the new
diocese. In the Autumn of 1820 he made a visitation of his dio-
cese, extending-to more than-a thousand miles.

The severity of the climate, and the exchange of a quiet clois-
tered life for one of care, anxiety, and constant labor as a mis-
sionary priest, now began to tell on the aged bishop.

To add to his trials, two of his priests died in quick succession
towards the end of the year 1824.

The aged bishop struggled for a while to fulfil the increased
duties which devolved upon him by this unexpected loss, but the
strain was too much for his declining strength.

He was taken ill immediately after attending Father O’Gor-
man’s funeral.
 

 

 

RT. REV. JOHN DUBOIS.

 
 

 

 

 

 

RT. REV. JOHN CONNOLLY, O. P.
8 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

He was prostrated at another funeral February Ist, and departed
this life a few days after, at seven o’clock on Sunday evening,
February 5, 1825. *

RT. REV. JOHN DUBOIS.

CONSECRATED OCT. 29, 1826; DIED DEC. 20, 1842.

Bishop Dubois was born in Paris, August 24th, 1774. He re-
ceived his early education in the College of Louis-Le-Grand,
where he was a fellow-student of Robespierre. After his ordin-
ation, which took place September 22d, 1787, he was chaplain
to the Sisters of Charity until 1791. With the connivance of his
old schoolmates, and aided by LaFayette, he fled from the hor-
rors of the French Revolution, and reached Norfolk, Virginia, in
August, 1791. Bishop Carroll,a good judge of men, was very
favorably impressed with him, and welcomed him with open arms.
He labored in Virginia, and afterwards in Maryland, in various parts,
living at one time in the family of President Monroe, and again
in the family of Governor Lee. He laid the foundation, in 1808,
of Mt. St. Mary’s College, Emmettsburg, which was afterwards
destined to be the means of so much usefulness to the Catholic
Church of America. While at Emmettsburg, he aided Mother

 

* Shea, in his History of the Catholic Church in the United States (p. 186),
states that Bishop Connolly died on Sunday, Feb. 6th. He cites the authority of
Bishop, Bayley, but the latter in his “ Brief Sketch,” gives z# hds text, Feb. 5th.

Shea was évidently misled by the footnote (p. ‘99), in which an extract is
given from the N. ‘Y. Gazette: of Thursday, Feb. toth. The date of the
newspaper is evidently an error, as‘iit should be Feb. oth, which fell in that year
(1825) on a Thursday. :

Besides, it is pretty certain that Bishop ony died on a Sunday, and Feb.
5th of that year was a Sunday.

The \. V. Gazette of Feb. 10, 1825, thus speaks of the funeral: “ The remains
of the pious, worthy, and venerable Bishop Connolly were entombed yesterday
afternoon ; attended by a larger concourse of people than is usual on such oc-
casions.

“For the last two days the body of this good man lay in state in the centre
arch of St. Peter’s Church, in Barclay street, andit is said that not less than
thirty thousand persons visited this novel exhibition. Everything connected
with this ceremony was conducted in a most solemn, appropriate manner, and
reflects much credit on the Catholics of our city.”
BISHOP DUBOTS, 9

Seton very materially in establishing her new foundation in
Baltimore,

He was consecrated at Baltimore on Sunday, October 29, 1826,
by Archbishop Maréchal, amid a crowd of his pupils, who wished
to give this last mark ofattachment to their late Director. He re-
ceived his cross and ring from the kindness of the venerable
Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one of the signers of the Declaration
of Independence. New York City contained then, according to his
calculations, about thirty thousand Catholics, with but six priests,
and the rest of the diocese about the same number, with only
four priests to attend to their spiritual needs. When Bishop
Dubois’ nationality was objected to, he answered i in these noble
words, which might be said to-day by many a holy prelate ham-
pered by the same kind of opposition: “If we were not long
ago Americans by our oath of allegiance, our habits, our grati-
tude, and our affection, thirty-five years spent in America in the
toils of the mission and public education will surely give us the
right to exclaim, ‘We, too, are Americans!’ But we are all Cath-
olics. Are not all distinctions of birth and country lost in this
common profession?”

His conflict with the old trustee system. which aimed to control
all the institutions of the diocese, lasted during his whole admin-
istration, and was handed down as a legacy to his successor.
Once when threatened by a committee with the withdrawal of his
salary, he. uttered these memorable words: ‘ Gentlemen, I have
seen the horrors of the French Revolution, and I could meet
them again. Iam an old man; I can liveina cellar or a garret.
But, gentlemen, whether I come up from my cellar or down from
my. garret, remember that I am still your bishop.”

In May, 1839, just two months before increasing age obliged
him to relinquish, the reins of government to his active coadjutor,
Bishop Hughes, he visited his old college, Mt. St. Mary’s, to
receive the homage of all. The whole population of the country
round, we are told, “ poured forth to welcome their benefactor, and
to ask a father’s blessing from him.”

Bishop Hughes acted as his coadjutor during the last four years:
of his episcopate. Bishop Bruté relates as an instance of the
zeal of Bishop Dubois, that once, after hearing confessions on Sat-
10 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

urday evening, he rode, during the night, nearly forty miles to
administer the last sacraments to a dying woman, and was back
hearing confessions in the morning, at the mountain, singing High
Mass, and preaching, without scarcely anyone knowing that he
had been absent at all. After laboring for more than half a
century in building up the Church in this country, the aged Bish-
op Dubois peacefully expired December 20th, 1842, with the
names of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph upon his lips.

Such were the three bishops that ruled over our diocese during
the infancy of this parish. Let us now study the lives of the
priests that guided the destinies of the parish during the same
period—that of the first church.

MISSIONARIES.
REV. PAUL McQUADE.
1813-1814.

Reverend Paul McQuade was ordained in Montreal, September
23d, 1808, in the old church which was built almost on the same
spot as the present church of Notre Dame. He was pastor of St.
Mary’s Church, Albany, from 1813 to 1815. Utica at that time
was a mission, and attended from time to time from Albany,
and Father McQuade made frequent visitations to Utica during
that period, and said Mass for the few Catholics there, generally
in the homes of John C. and Nicholas Devereux, the fathers of
Catholicity in these parts.

There is no record of where the first Mass was said in Utica,
but there is no doubt but that the Holy Sacrifice was offered up
for the first time in this city, in the house of John C. Devereux,
who lived, in those days, at the corner of Main and Second streets.
His wife—a Mary Colt, who came from New Jersey—was a convert
to the Church, and tradition has preserved how careful she was
in making all necessary preparations for the missionary priests
who were in the habit of visiting her home from time to time to
celebrate divine worship. She lived to see the present church
nearly completed, dying at an advanced age, in the summer of
1868. John C. Devereux, of this'city, was at that time (1813) a
member of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Church, Albany.
REV. MICHAEL O'GORMAN. It

We next hear of Father McQuade as a missionary in St. John’s,
N.B., in 1816, and at Newfoundland in 1818. In 1819 and 1820 he
was one of the few priests that comprised the entire clergy of the
diocese of Boston, under Bishop Cheverus. With Boston ashead-
quarters, with only two thousand Catholics, he visited Salem,
Massachusetts, once a month in order to minister tothe few Catho-
lics in that village. Finally, he returned to Ireland in 1823,
where he died.

REV. MICHAEL O’GORMAN.

FOUNDER OF THE PARISH, 1816-1819 ; DIED Nov. 25th, 1824.

‘Father O’Gorman was a native of the city of Kilkenny in Ire-
land, and was educated in the college of that city, under Dr. Kel-
ly, afterwards bishop of Richmond, in Virginia, and finally of
Waterford, in Ireland. He was ordained by Bishop Connolly,
and accompanied that prelate on his voyage to America, or came
over soon after him.

Bishop Connolly made him pastor of St. Patrick’s Cathedral,
directly on his arrival in New York, Nov. 24, 1815.

He became pastor of St. Mary’s Church, Albany, in 1817, and
attended Utica regularly until 1819.

On January 10, 1819, Mass was said in the courthouse oppo-
site the present church, by Father O’Gorman, and eight or nine
persons received Holy Communion, and eight or ten children
were baptized.. In the evening he preached a sermon, taking for
his text, ‘‘ Love thy enemies.”

Notice was then given, in due form, of the election of a Board
of Trustees. On the next two Sundays the Catholics met in the
same place without a priest, and after their usual services, notice
was again given, and on the 25th of January a meeting was held,
and it was decided to erect a church for Central and Western
New York, and as there were but few Catholics between Albany
and Buffalo, it was determined to build one church to supply the
needs of all, and Utica was selected as the place.

A corporation was duly formed under the name of the “ Trus-
tees of the first Catholic Church in the Western district of New
York.”
12 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

The first trustees were: John O’Connor, of Auburn; John C.
Devereux and Nicholas Devereux, of Utica; Morris Hogan, of
New Hartford; Oliver Weston, of Johnstown; Thomas McCarthy,
of Syracuse; John McGuire, of Rochester; and Charles Carroll,
of Genesee River.

Judge Morris S. Miller, one of the pioneers of Utica, donated
three lots, ninety feet on John street, and one hundred feet on
Bleecker street. The original deed, dated May 13th, 18109, is still
in the archives of the church.

It was on the 22d of October of this very year that the first
boat sailed on the canal from Rome to Utica.

On the ensuing day, the Governor of the State and the Board
of Commissioners, amongst whom was Henry Seymour, father of
Horatio Seymour, attended by about seventy ladies and gentle-
men of Utica and vicinity, embarked upon it to return to Rome.

The embarkation took place amid the ringing of bells, the
roaring of cannon, and the loud acclamations of thousands of
spectators.

John C., and Nicholas Devereux contributed $1,125 for the new
church, and several others, sums ranging from $1 to $50.

The resident congregation, which did not exceed twenty-five or
thirty, generously contributed of their scanty means towards the
erection of the church.

Utica had been set off from Whitestown by this time, and had
received a new charter, April 7th, 1817.

According to the Directory of 1816, the village then contained
420 dwellings and 2,161 inhabitants.

Captain Hall, an English traveller, thus described our little
village in 1818:

Utica stands on the right bank of the Mohawk, over which it is approached
by a covered wooden bridge, of some length. The appearance of the town is
highly prepossessing; the streets are spacious; the houses large and well-built,
and the stores (the name given to shops throughout America) as well supplied
and as handsomely fitted up, as those of New York or Philadelphia. There
are two hotels, on a large scale; for one of which, the York House, I can an-
swer as being equal in arrangement and accommodation to any hotel beyond
the Atlantic. It is kept by an Englishman from Bath. The number of inhab-
itants is reckoned at from 3,000 to 4,000; they maintain four churches,—one Epis-
copal, one Presbyterian, and two Welsh. To judge from the contents of three
DEATH OF FATHER O'GORMAN.,. 13°

large book-stores, their literaty ‘taste inclined chiefly towards theology: and
€hurch history. ee

The town is laid out upon a very extensive scale, of which a small part only
is yet completed; but little doubt is entertained by the inhabitgnts that ten
years will accomplish the whole. Fifteen have not passed since the traveller
found here no other trace of habitation than a solitary log house, built for the
occasional reception of merchandise on its way down the Mohawk. The over-
flowing population of New England, fixing its exertions on a new and fertile
soil, has in those few years effected this change,and goes on, working mir-
acles of industry and freedom from the Mohawk to the Missouri.

Utica has great advantages of situation, independent of its soil, being placed
nearly at the point of junction betwixt the waters of the lakes and of the Atlan-
tic. The Mobawk communicates with Wood’s creek by a canal from Rome,
fifteen miles north of Utica; and Wood's creek falls into the Oneida lake, which
is joined to that of Ontario by the Oswego river. Should the proposed canal be-
twixt Buffaloand Rome be cut, it will add very considerably to these advantages,
by drawing much of the produce of the Western country in this direction.
The expense of this undertaking is variously estimated at from $6,000,000 to
$10,000,000; and the expense of carriage at about $6 per ton. Commissioners
have been appointed to survey the line of communication, and the canal is al-
ready traced on paper.

Just one year afterwards Father O’Gorman, the sixty-ninth an-
niversary of whose death was commemorated yesterday, founded
St. John’s church. ;

After sowing the little seed which was destined to multiply so
many hundredfold, he returned to New York to assist his be-
loved bishop.

He frequently said Mass for the Catholics of Brooklyn,

The Long Island Star of March 2oth, 1822, has the following:

“The Rev. Mr. O’Gorman will perform divine service in Mr.

Dempsey’s long room, in Fulton street, on Sunday, at 10.30
A. M.”

He was appointed Rector of the new cathedral in Mulberry
street, which was then considered quite out of town.

But the hardships which he had endured, traversing, mostly on
foot, the vast area of his mission in the State of New York, had
undermined his health, and to the great sorrow of all who knew
him, he died at the bishop’s residence, 512 Broadway, New York,
Nov. 25th, 1824, at the early age of thirty-two.

Father O’Gorman was an exemplary priest, a good preacher,
and an untiring worker.
14 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

He was remarkable for his extraordinary zeal, and he was so
highly esteemed by Bishop Connolly that the aged prelate had
already petitioned the Holy Father to have him appointed Co-
adjutor Bishop, so that when the sickle should fall from his
hands, his faithful disciple, trained under his own eye, might be
able to carry on the great work to which, in his old age, he had
devoted himself with so much earnestness.

But death deprived Father O’Gorman of an earthly mitre, and
he went to receive his heavenly crown.
A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.
ST. JOHN’S, UTICA.
VERY REv. J. S. M. Lyncu, D.D., LL. D.

Part II.
PASTORS.
REV. JOHN FARNAN.
MARCH 2st, 1819 FEBRUARY Ist, 1823. D1iED NOVEMBER Igth, 1849.

WE have no record of the early years of Father Farnan.

He was probably one of that noble band of missionaries who
came over here about this time from that isle of apostles and
saints, to spread the faith of Christ in these western wilds.

He was appointed the first pastor of our little church of long
ago, which was designated the first Catholic church of the west-
ern district of the State of New York, and was intended to sup-
ply the wants of all the Catholics between Albany and Buffalo.

He was also placed in charge of a church in Carthage, which
was built by a French gentleman who had drawn settlers there
to develop his large property. This church was dedicated short-
ly after ours.

Father Farnan said Mass in Utica for the first time Sunday
March alist, 1819, in the Academy building. It was announced
a couple of months later, viz, May 24th, that ‘“ Father Farnan,
who is now established rector of the first Catholic church of the
western district of New York, has returned from a circuit through
said district, and will perform divine service at the Academy, on
Sunday the 30th. J. Lynch, Secretary.” Father Farnan now
went to work with great earnestness, and after two years the lit-
tle church was enclosed and fit for use, although it was two more
years before it was entirely finished. The church was a pretty
Gothic structure, 45 by 60 feet, surmounted by a low spire, and
painted white. It could hold about two or three hundred peo-
ple, but it was several years before it was filled. There were a
few pews along the walls,and benches down the middle of the
16 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK,

church, and a small choir gallery in the front. It was dedicated
by Bishop Connolly, August 1gth, 1821. This event was something
remarkable in those days, as it was the first time that a Catholic
bishop had been seen in this part of the world. Bishop Connol-
ly was assisted at the dedication of the first church by Father
O’Gorman, founder of the parish, and Father Power, who was then
attached to St. Peter’s Church, New York, and who was one of
that little corps of priests that in the early part of the century
occasionally crossed the river and said Mass in Brooklyn, and
preached in private houses, or wherever suitable accommodations
could be obtained. Father Farnan is described by our local chron-
icler, Dr. Bagg, asa young and agreeable man with pleasing
manners. He had but recently come from Ireland. His posi-
tion was by no means a sinecure, since, in addition to superintend-
ing the building of the edifice, he was much occupied in minis-
tering to the parishioners of his widely-extended district, and in
visiting the sick and destitute up and down the line of the Erie
Canal, the building of which had been begun July 4th, 1817.
Though in the larger villages along the line of the canal. other
Catholic churches were erected as fast as. the Irish influx de-
manded, yet his assistance was constantly needed to establish
them. He established the first Sunday-school in Utica, which
consisted of a dozen boys and a dozen girls. There was: but one
teacher, Margaret McIncrow, afterwards Mrs. McSorley. Asa
.preacher he was plain and practical, and spoke without notes.
His first residence, and until a rectory was built. for him, was a
small wooden house on the east side of Chancellor Square, the
first which was built thereon, and which is still standing.

The great event of Father Farnan’s pastorate was the opening
of the Erie Canal. ns a

The first boat sailed on the canal from Rome to Utica, October
22d,1819. It was a beautiful boat, and was fitted up to carry pas-
sengers, and on the following day the Governor of the state and
the Board of Commissioners, attended by about seventy ladies
and gentlemen of Utica and vicinity, embarked upon it to re-
turn to Rome. cy R ee ‘

The embarkation took place amid the ringing of bells, the roaring
of cannon, and the loud acclamations of thousands of spectators.
ane FOHN FARNAN., 17

In the words of one of the Utica papers of that date: “ Seldom has there been
seen more heartfelt joy than was manifested‘on this occasion, and the feelings

of those who viewed the departure from Utica of this, the first boat which the:!

waters of thejcanal had ever borne, bordered ,on enthusiasm. All the, way to
the embankment, across the Sauquoif. creek, many hundreds of spectators fol-
lowed the boat, ind frequently. filled the air with their animated cheers.”

Father ‘Farnan got into some difficulties a little later, and was
removed by the bishop, and returned to New York.

One of the first official acts of Vicar- General Power, who be-
came Administrator of the diocese upon the death of Bishop
Connolly, was the appointment of Father Farnan as first pastor
of St. James’ Church, Brooklyn, the present pro- -cathedral of
the diocese of Brooklyn. He was the first resident priest to at-
tend the Catholics of Brooklyn. He built St. James’ Church in
1825.

While engaged in building this church he attended Fort Ham-
ilton, where the Government had a large force of men employed
in building the fort.

He lived at 34 Sands Street, Brooklyn, until the completion, in
1827, of the modest three-story brick dwelling opposite St. James’
Church. .

During the absence of Bishop Dubois in Europe in 1830, Fa-
ther Farnan continued in the erection of a building, contrary te
the bishop’s wishes.

He was remonstrated with by the authorities of the diocese,
but he became insubordinate, and finally there was an open rup-
ture, and he was suspended. .

On October 27th, 1831, while under censure, he laid the corner-
stone of the Assumption Church, Corner York and Jay Streets,

with the intention of making it an independent Catholic church.

The basement was completed, but, owing to lack of support in
his opposition to the ecclesiastical authorities, he found it impos-
sible to proceed further in the work.

By a strange , coincidence Father Bacon, who had continued
the work of Father Farnan in Utica, laboring as assistant priest
in this very parish so happily. picenieed by its first pastor, was
selected to complete the church so unhappily begun by Father
Farnan without episcopal sariction. This church was finally ded-
icated by Bishop, Hughes i in 1842, as the Church of the Assump-
18 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary,—the third Catholic church in
Brooklyn.

Father Farnan soon bitterly repented of the false step which
he had taken, and became reconciled to the Church in a very
noble way. The heroic penances which he performed, and
his public manifestations of sorrow, did much to repair the scan-
dal which he had given. Bishop Dubois, however, refused to re-
store his priestly faculties to him, so that he could not exercise
the holy ministry. Meanwhile he occupied himself in useful avo-
cations. So remarkable were his talents that he was often em-
ployed in teaching mathematics in the Military Academy at West
Point. Not until Bishop Hughes succeeded to the administra-
tion of the diocese, in 1837, were his ecclesiastical censures re-
moved. ‘The repentant priest,” as one who knew him says,
“more edifying in his sorrow then he had been in his early zeal,
afterwards spent many fruitful years in the ministry.” Father
Farnan finally went to Detroit, where he was put in charge of
the Cathedral, and soon became a great favorite. He died in
that city while Rector of the Cathedral, November 14, 1847.

REV. RICHARD BULGER.

FEBRUARY I, 1823—JULY 6, 1824; DIED NOVEMBER 27, 1824.

Father Bulger, like the founder of our parish, Father O’Gorman,
was a native of Kilkenny, Ireland, and studied in the college of that
city under Dr. Reilly, afterwards Bishop of Richmond, Virginia.

His ordination took place in 1820. He was the first priest or-
dained by Bishop Connolly after taking possession of the See of
New York.

Father Bulger was first known as a laborious Missionary in Long
Island, Staten Island, and in New Jersey, in what are now the dio-
ceses of Newark and Trenton.

In 1821 he built the first church in New Jersey at Paterson.

Father Bulger was an indefatigable laborer in the vineyard of
the Lord. During his missionary labors he was often exposed to
insults, and underwent many hardships, which his ardent zeal and
buoyant spirits enabled him to bear, not only with patience, but
even with cheerfulness. His labors in his other missions were
also very commendable. His cheerful temperament made light
REV. RICHARD ‘BULGER, 19

of the abserice of comforts andthe great inconveniences which he
was obliged to suffer while serving thd scattered Catholics of his
extensive missions. “He used to relate many® aus storiés of
his experiences. Cs 18a

One Saturday, while trudging on foot along’ the road to Pater-
son, carrying under his arm a ‘large ‘bundle ‘containing his’ vest-
ments and breviary, a farmer with his wife’ drove by in a wagon.

Seeing that Father Bulger was a man of gentlemanly appear-
ance, they saluted him courteously, and asked him to take a seat
in the wagon. He cheerfully accepted the invitation. During
the conversation’ that followed the farmer casually interrogated
him:

“ Are you a farmer?” “No.” “A merchant?” “No.” “A
lawyer?” “No.” “A mechanic?” “No.”
“Then for goodness sake what are you?” “TI ama Catholic

priest,” replied Father Bulger.

The farmer stopped his horses; his wife was filled with -conster-
nation, -and insisted that ‘the ‘stranger should alight at once, de-
claring that if he did not she would get down herself and walk.
The footsore, weary priest, laughingly obeyed.

Within a year this same farmer and his wife-called on Father
Bulger, and requested to be received into the church. |

We next hear of Father Bulger as pastor of St. Mary’s Church,
Albany, in 1822.

He became pastor of St. John’s Chusali Utica, February 1,
1823. Hemet with considerable opposition, at first, from the de-
posed pastor, Father Farnan, who went so far as to interrupt the
public services in the church. Mainly through the efforts of
Owen O'Neill, the opposition was soon put down, and the author-
ity of Father Bulger firmly established in the parish. He lived,
while in Utica, at the corner of Whitesboro and Washington streets.
He was well liked, not only by Catholics, but even by those outside
of the fold.

It is related that c on one occasion, ‘when Father Bulger was
preaching a funeral sermon at the obsequies of a Mr. Morgan of
New Hartford, several deacons of the Presbyterian Church were
present, and were so favorably impressed that they afterwards
waited upon him, and desired to’ know if they could secure his ser-
20 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

vices to preach permanently for them in the Presbyterian Church.

He remained here untithe summer of 1823, and was then trans-
ferred to the Cathedral of New York, where he assisted Bishop
Connolly in his arduous labors.

His death occurred two days after that of Father oO Gorman.
He died at the Episcopal residence, 512 Broadway, New York,
November 27, 1824, in the third year of his laborious ministry.
He was buried near the door of the Cathedral. | |

Bishop Connolly, who had contracted a fatal illness himself at
the funeral of Father O’Gorman, was deeply affected by the sud-
den taking away of these two faithful co-workers, whom he could
illy spare when the harvest was so great and the laborers so few.

Father Shanahan, who shortly after succeeded Father Bulger
in Utica, in the brief biography which he has left us of this great
missionary, speaks of him asa man filled with piety, and burning
with true Christian zeal, and tells us that he brought many Protest-
ants into the true fold.

REV. CHARLES BRENNAN.
DECEMBER I, 1824—SEPTEMBER I, 1825. DIED APRIL 16, 1826.

Father Brennan was another of those Irish missionaries who
came forth from the celebrated Kilkenny College. He was
ordained in January, 1822, by Bishop Connolly. Hebecame pas-
tor of our parish December 1, 1824. He was in poor health, and
was obliged to return to New York after nine months.

Yet during his short stay a memorable event took place, viz.
the visit of Lafayette to Utica, which is thus described by our
local chronicler:

“A committee from Utica went to Rome and conducted our distinguished guest
hither. The procession was formed at Whitesboro. It moved rapidly, and in-
creased as it passed, from the accession of. citizens. All the way the
fences were lined and the houses thronged with people manifesting the utmost
eagerness to see the favored guest of the nation. :

“ When the General arrived at the boundary of the village, a salute of twenty-
four guns was fired. The procession entered Lafayette Street, where the troops
under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Ostrom were drawn up on both sides
of the way, and saluted the General as he passed. The procession entered
Genesee Street, the crowd of eager spectators accumulating at every step, and
passed the bridge over the canal, where a triumphant arch was erected, sur-
REV. CHARLES BRENNAN. ag

mounted by a flag labeled: ‘ Lafayette. the Apostle of Liberty, we hail thee; wel-
come!’

“The procession moved down Genesee ‘Street, and stopped at Shepherd's
Hotel; where thé General was received on the steps at the front door by
William. Clarke, Esq., President.of the Village of Utica, and.a speech was de-
liveréd by Mr. Clarke, followed by a reply from Lafayette.”

When Father Brennan left Utica he was stationed at Paterson,
N. J. until, his death, which occurred April 16, 1826. He was
buried with his, comrades, ‘Fathers O’ Gorman and Bulger,
and the venerable Bishop Connolly, in what is now St. Patrick’s
Church, at that time the Cathedral.
22 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IM NEW YORK.

REV. JOHN SHANAHAN.
SEPTEMBER I, 1825—-NOVEMBER I, 1827. Diep AuGust 8, 1870.

Father Shanahan was born in the County Kilkenny, Ireland.

He studied at Mount St. Mary’s, Emmittsburg—that nursery of
holy priests and bishops to which the American Church owes so
much. . me

He had the honor of being the first priest to go forth from its
sacred walls—the leader in that army of apostles that were to
evangelize the sacred soil of Columbia.

He was ordained in 1823, by Bishop Connolly, and was next to
the last priest over whom that aged prelate invoked the Holy
Spirit of God. He said his first Mass in Brooklyn in a shanty on
the spot where now stands St. James’ Church, the pro-Cathedral
of Brooklyn.

He had various and extensive missions. He attended, at one
time, the whole of northern New Jersey, with Paterson as a centre.

It was the great privilege of Father Shanahan to attend, in his
last moments, the venerable Bishop Connolly, ministering to the
aged prelate the last rites of holy Church. |

After the death of the Bishop, Father Shanahan was sent to
Paterson, N. J. After five months he was appointed pastor of
Utica. He arrived at our little village, and began his work Sep-
ember 1, 1825. His pastorate marks a new epoch in the history of
our parish.

The Erie Canal was completed October 26, 1825, and the opening
ceremonies were attended with unbounded joy and enthusiasm.

A flotilla of boats having on board Governor Clinton and
officers of the state government, a committee of the Common
Council of the city of New York, and numerous delegates from
towns along the line of the canal, made the passage from Lake
Erie to Sandy Hook. They left Buffalo on Wednesday morning,
and arrived in Utica Sunday noon.

Early on Monday morning these distinguished guests were re-
ceived at the court house, opposite our little church, where an
address was delivered to them, on behalf of the citizens, by Judge
Ezekiel Bacon, to which Governor Clinton replied.

They then re-embarked, and continued their excursion.
REV. 3OHN SHANAHAN, 23

In the evening the canal was illuminated, along its course
through the village, by floating tar-barrels on fire.

We all know what-a great impetus was given to Utica by the
completion of this water- way from Lake Erie to the Hudson.
The medal which was-strack off by the Corporation of Utica to
commemorate the completion of the Erie Canal, bore the follow-
ing inscription: “Utica, a village in the State of New York.
Thirty years since, a wilderness. Now, 1824, inferior to none in
the western section of the state in population, wealth, commer-
cial enterprise, active industry, and civil improvements.”

When Father Shanahan took charge of this parish the popula-
tion of the village was about five thousand. The village was
bounded on the north by the Mohawk River, on the south by
Elizabeth Street, on the east by Third Street, on the west by
Broadway. The rest beyond those limits was a_ wilderness.
There were at that time sixteen Catholic families in Utica. Mass
was said here every third Sunday. Father Shanahan also attend-
ed Cooperstown and Rome. He boarded, while in Utica, at the
Eagle Hotel. which was situated where Grace Church now stands,
and also for atime with Mr. O'Neill, on SenecaStreet. Bishop Du-
bois, who. had taken possession of his See on the Feast of All
Saints, November Ist, 1826, made his first visitation to Utica in
the summer of 1827, during the pastorate of Father Shanahan.
This was the second time that a bishop had ever visited this part
of the world.

Father Shanahan. remained here two years. At that time the
wages of laborers was so small and so irregularly paid that
Father Shanahan often stood in need of the necessaries of life,
while watching over the souls of those on his mission.

Father Shanahan opened the first baptismal and marriage reg-
ister in our church, and it is remarkable to observe the great
accuracy with which he kept those important records, and the
scholarly ability which he displayed in this apparently simple
work. oe

The first baptism recorded in Utica is that of Eleanor Murphy,
born in Vernon, June 11th, and baptized August 31st, 1825. The
first marriage is that of Jone Ruby and Ann Donnelly, October
18th, 1825.
24 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY wee YORK,

In this register he has left this account of himself in his own
handwriting, in Latin: “ During the year 7225 I was recalled by
Bishop Connolly from Paterson, New Jersey, to the State of New
York. I remained there only two months, On the death of the
bishop I was ordered by my superior to return to Paterson. Af-
ter five months, by command of my ecclesiastical superior, 1 left
Paterson and proceeded north to the village of Utica. I have
been here now four months. I cannot even conjecture how many
months I shall remain. I am not indeed, a man for all emergen-
cies, and yet I yield to circumstances, and especially to the ex-
treme need of the New York church. Thrice happy, fully re-
signed, because to such only is the yoke of Christ sweet and easy,
as the Scripture saith.”

Upon leaving Utica he was appointed pastor of St. Peter’s
Church, Troy,—the parish over which our present beloved bishop
presided when called to higher honors.

Father Shanahan said his first Mass in Troy, October 13, 1827.

He continued pastor of this church uninterruptedly until April
24, 1842, when he was succeeded in this charge by the venerable
Father Haverman, the oldest priest in the United States. In
1849 he went to California, where he labored indefatigably on
difficult missions for four years. His eyesight failing, he was
obliged to give up his missionary labors, and he returned to the
birthplace of Catholicity in this state—old St. Peter’s. He re-
mained attached to this church until his death, which occurred at
the Rectory, Monday, August 8, 1870, in the 78th year of his age.

His funeral took place from St. Peter’s Church, New York City,
August roth.

This good priest is described as a man of exceeding simplicity
of mind and purpose, and always characterized by the most sac-
erdotal spirit.

Father Shanahan enjoys the unique distinction of being the
only priest on our memorial list who lived long enough to see
the first, second, and third churches built upon this spot.

The present church was opened on Christmas, 1869, and Father
Shanahan died in the following August.

_His life is like a chain, binding the beginning of our beloved
parish with its present wonderful development.
DEATH OF FATHER SHANAHAN. 25

<

He watched over the babe in swaddling clothes, and he lived
to see the full-grown man-in all the maturity of advancing years,
and giving promise of a bright and brilliant future.

When he first came amongst us as the pastor of our little par-
ish, the old stage-coaches were running between’ Albany and
Buffalo. It was during his pastorate that was opened the great
water-way which binds the ocean to the lakes.

Although the packet-boat was a veritable revolution in the
mode of primitive travel, Father Shanahan was destined ‘to wit-
ness a far greater development. —

It was while he was pastor of Utica, in 1826, that the first railroad
in America was built. It was but four miles in length.” It wasin
Massachusetts, and was called the “Quincy Railroad,” and was
used for the transportation of granite from the celebrated quarries.
The motive power was horses.

It was during this same year, 1826, that the first horsecar rail-
road was operated in the United States.

And yet Father Shanahan lived to see paralleling the great
artery of commerce which opened up the resources of the Empire
State, a railroad which was destined to become perhaps the
greatest in the world, carrying its passengers almost on the wings
of lightning,—breakfasting them in the metropolis, by the. sea,
and dining them on the shores of Lake Erie.

When Father Shanahan presided over our little parish he could
number but sixteen families in his little flock, out of a popula-
tion of 5,000. At his death Utica was a growing city of 40,000
people, one-fourth of whom were Catholics, and two large
and flourishing parishes had been erected out of the St. John’s of
long ago.

Father Shanahan saw our holy religion advance in like propor-
tions all over our beloved country. The half million of Catholics
scattered among a population of twelve millions in 1825, was
changed to four millions of’ Catholics out of'a population of forty
millions in 1870. Wellindeed might the aged missionary closing
his eyes in the birthplace of all this: marvellous fecundity—old
St. Peter’s of Barclay Street—exclaim with Holy Simeon:
“Now, O Lord, lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, ac-
cording to Thy word. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.”
26 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

|. REV. LUKE BERRY.
NovEMBER Ist, 182/—-DECEMBER Ioth, 1828.
Diep DECEMBER 7th, 1831.

Father Berry was the second soldier of the Lord to go forth
from Mount St.Mary’s. He had the honor ofbeing the first priest
ordained by Bishop Dubois, the successor of Bishop Connolly.
He was ordained in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, January 1, 1827. He
was first appointed assistant to Father Shanahan; and came to
Utica September 27, 1827. Upon the departure of Father Shana-
han he became pastor, October 11, 1827. Bishop Dubois made
his second visitation of the diocese in the summer of 1828, during
the pastorate of Father Berry. Father Berry was very earnest,and
particularly interested in the children. Although apparently an
austere man, he wasa great favorite with the young people. It
was his delight to give his personal attention to the catechism
class.

He had a class of about a dozen boys and a dozen girls pre-
pared to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. A strange ac-
cident happened which made it necessary to postpone this beauti-
ful ceremony, so novel at that time, and looked for with such great
expectancy. The good bishop found that he had forgotten to
bring with him the sacred chrism for Confirmation. The class
received their first Communion, and Mrs. Mary McIncrow, who is
still living, read the formula for the renewal of the baptismal vows.
Mrs. Catharine Sexton and Miss Ann Quinn were also members
of this class.

At that time—1828—the congregation numbered six hundred.
Sixty-six pews were filled every Sunday, and eighty-six pupils
attended the catechism class; and Nicholas Devereux began his
long and faithful term as Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

Father Berry boarded, while in Utica, at Mr. Pontin’s house on
Second Street, between Bleecker and Elizabeth Streets. Once,
while on a sick call, he fell from his buggy and broke his leg, and
was incapacitated from duty for several months.

The Church was pushing West. The Catholics of Salina, Syra-
cuse, were beginning to grow in numbers, and were already tak-
ing measures for the erection of a church.
REV, LUKE BERRY. 27

Father Berry resigned his charge December Ig, 1828, and re-
turned to New York.

We find him pastor of St. Mary’s Church, New York, in 1831,
which had been formally opened a few years before by one of his
successors in Utica, Father Hatton Walsh. Rt. Rev. Francis
McNeirny, the present distinguished Bishop of Albany, and under
whose jurisdiction our parish was for many years, used to be an
altar-boy in this church—old St. Mary’s.

It was during Father Berry’s pastorate of St. Mary’s that an
unfortunate occurrence took place which was the cause of hasten-
ing his death. Hatred against the Catholic religion had been in-
dustriously fermented amongst the people, anda plot was formed
to destroy St. Mary’s church.

The church was first robbed; the bell was secured so that it
could not be rung. When the alarm was given the church was in
‘flames, and the whole structure was soon a mass of smouldering
ruins. The only church-bell in possession of the Catholics in
New York city was destroyed.

The Catholic school, too, kept in the basement of the church
by Thomas Harran, which trained many Catholic boys, and one
of whose pupils was afterwards honored with a mitre, was closed
by this cruel act.

Father Berry collected his scattered flock on Sundays in tem-
porary halls, but he never recovered from the shock caused by
this catastrophe, and died within a month—December 7, 1831.
A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

St. JOHN’S, UTICA.

VERY Rev, J. S. M. Lyncu, D. D., LL. D.
-;ParT IL].

REV. HATTON WALSH, 0.'S.'A.

DECEMBER Ig, 1828—NOVEMBER 24, 1829. DIED DECEMBER 7, 1854.

FATHER WALSH was a member of the famous Augustinian
Order. We have no record of his ordination. It is probable that
he came here from Ireland, like most of the early missionaries of
these parts. His first ministry was in New York City. In the
interval between the death of Bishop Connolly and the conse-
cration of Bishop Dubois, the growing numbers of Catholics in this
State demanded athird church. Consequently, in 1826, with the
approbation of Very Reverend Jolin Power, Vicar-General of the
diocese, a few of the most influential Catholics of what was then
called “up town,’ purchased the Seventh Presbyterian Church
on Sheriff street near Broome. The church was a small edifice,
frame, with a brick front, and a neat steeple with a very fine bell
—the only Catholic bell at that date in New York. Father Walsh
was installed as pastor, and preached the sermon at the formal
opening of this, St. Mary’s Church, May 14th, 1826. He was
considered a very eloquent man in those days, and fortunately his
sermon on that occasion has been preserved. We give a short
extract: “Behold then, my brethren, the religion to which you
have devotedly adhered from your childhood, which forced you in
some sense, to forsake the land of your birth, has, under the Di-
vine protection, made rapid and gigantic strides in this country.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has been promulgated by His lawful
ministers, through various and almost inaccessible parts of this
immense continent; the savage has embraced its morality, and
the philosopher has submitted to its yoke. Arrayedin the simple
REV. HATTON WALSH O. S. A. 29

attire of truth, Catholicity has worked a bloodless passage; and has
now attained such stability, in even the most unfrequented parts
of America, that we may truly say with Isaias: ‘The land that was
desolate and impassable shall be glad, and the wilderness shall re-
joie, and shall flourish like a lily. It shallbud forth and blossom,
and shall rejoice with Joy and praise.’

“It is a fact well known to many who now listen to me, that at no
far distant period, a single church was amply sufficient to contain
the Catholics of this vast commercial city; and when it was
deemed expedient to erect a sumptuous cathedral in honor of
the Most High, it was more than the warmest friend of Catholic-
ity 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 fruitfully has it
flourished that, in order to afford an opportunity to everyone of
assisting at the sacred mysteries of our religion, it has been con-
sidered necessary to procure for their accommodation this addi-
tional temple, in which I have the happiness to address you on
this day.”

Father Walsh came to Utica, December 19th, 1828, and re-
mained until November 24th, 1829. He boarded at the United
States Hotel, which then stood at the corner of Genesee and Pearl
streets, where the City Hall now stands. Bishop Dubois came
for the third time to Utica during the pastorate of Father Walsh.
For the first time in the history of the Catholic Church in cen-
tral and western New York, the sacrament of Confirmation was
administered. The class was composed of about a dozen boys
‘and a dozen girls; chiefly the children who had made their first
Communion the previous year, but had been disappointed in
receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. The ceremony took
place in the summer of 1829. Two important events happened
during the closing months of the pastorate of. Father Walsh.
The good Bishop Dubois sailed for Europe, September 2oth,
1829, to visit the tomb of the apostles, and make a report to the
Holy See of the condition of his vast diocese, embracing 150,000
Catholics scattered among three millions of Protestants, and com-
prising the whole State of New York and part of New Jersey,
50 4 PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

with only eighteen priests to minister to their spiritual wants.
Our little mission church had already exerted such an influence
on the growth of Catholicity in central and western New York
that the good bishop was able to report to Rome, four churches
in New York City, one in Brooklyn, one in Paterson, one in
Albany, one in Utica, one in Carthage, one in Auburn, and one
in Rochester, besides several others in process of erection. Al-
though the diocese of New York had now been established over
twenty years, this was the first time that the bishop had been able
to go to Rome and makea full report of its condition. The other
event which took place during the pastorate of Father Walsh
was the holding of the first provincial Council of Baltimore under
Archbishop Whitfield, which opened October Ist, 1829. Bishop
Dubois had taken a great interest in the coming Council, and
regretted that he was not able to take part in its deliberations.
He reached the Eternal City after thirty-eight days of travel from
New York. Father Walsh returned to his native country in the
winter of 1829, and labored indefatigably in the holy ministry
until his death which occurred at Drogheda, Ireland, December

ath, 1854.

REV. PHILIP J. M. O’ REILLY, O.P.
AUGUST 14, 1829—NOVEMBER 30, 1830, DIED DECEMBER 7, 1854,

Nothing is known about the early history of Father O'Reilly.
He also was, probably, one of the band of Irish missionaries that
came to this country about that time. He was a member of the
celebrated Dominican Order. He came to Utica August 14th,
1829, to assist Father Walsh, and upon the latter’s departure,
November 24th, 1829, became pastor. He boarded for a while at
the house of Dr. J. B. Marchisi, who was one of the principal
contributors to our second church.

His faith was strong and uncompromising, but there was a lack
of refinement in his manners. He was noted for his extreme
bluntness in reproving wrong-doers, often unnecessarily giving
oifence. Many amusing anecdotes are related of this missionary
or the olden time.
REV. PHILIP 3}. M. OREILLY O. P. 31

In the traditions of Utica it is remembered that once Judge
Samuel Beardsley, who had been District Attorney for Oneida
county, and was at that time U.S. Attorney for the Northern
District-of New York, was present during the celebration of the
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and remained standing during the
most solemn portion of ‘the service. Father O’Reilly observing
this, called out in a loud tone of voice, “Sit down, sir!” This.
action on the part of Father O’ Reilly led to quite a spirited cor-.
respondence between the learned judge and ‘‘Father Phil,” or
the “church-builder,” as he was familiarly called.

It was during the pastorate of Father O'Reilly that the first
Catholic cemetery was laid out in Utica—the old, grass-grown
burying-ground in Steuben street, from which most of the bodies
have been removed: Previous to the year 1830 the Catholics had
been obliged to bury their dead in unconsecrated ground. This
piece of land was donated by John C. Devereux to St. John’s
Church, for the purpose of a cemetery. The road leading to the
old cemetery was built over swamps and mudholes, and was gen-
erally in an almost impassable condition in those early years,

At that time, too, on the East side of Steuben street, there
was a dense forest, which abounded in game.

‘There was no Episcopal visitation during the pastorate of
Father O’Reilly, as Bishop Dubois was in Rome.

Father O’Reilly left here November 30, 1830, and did great
missionary work in cther parts. We read of him, shortly after,
building what was called a romantic church at Cold Spring, N.Y.,
and which was made the subject of a sketch by the celebrated
painter, Wier. He built a church in Saugerties, N. Y.,and cele-
brated the first Mass in the now flourishing city of Newburgh, N.Y.
He was.also pastor, for some time, of St.Patrick’s Church, West
Troy. Later on he became the first pastor of St. Bridget’s Church,
New York, where he died December 7th, 1854. He is spoken of
by the Catholic historians as an earnest priest and great mission-
ary. It issomewhat remarkable that Father Walsh, who belonged
to the order of St. Augustine, and Father O’Reilly, who belonged
to the order of St. Dominic, and who succeeded each other in
the charge of this parish, both died on the same day: ene in Ire-
32 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY 1N NEW YORK,

land, and one in New York, on the vigil of that great feast of the
Immaculate Conception, in 1854, when Pius IX., in the presence
of the assembled bishops of the world, solemnly proclaimed that
Mary was conceived without sin; and this, a few years after the
bishops of the United States had solemnly chosen Mary Immac-
ulate as the patroness of these United States,

REV. MICHAEL CUMMINS, D.D.
DECEMBER 1, 1830—MaRCH 25, 1832. DIED IN 1832.

Unfortunately we know very little of the life of the learned and
eloquent Dr.Cummins, who succeeded Father O’ Reilly in the ad-
ministration of the parish. Before coming to America he ex-
ercised the holy ministry in Paris, but fled from France during
the Revolution of 1830. He resided while in Utica at the corner
of John and Lansing streets. He is remembered by many of
the older parishioners as a priest gifted with more than usual
powers of eloquence. Pity it was that failing health obliged him
to return so soon to his native land.

It was during the pastorate of Dr. Cummins that our Sunday-
school was thoroughly organized and began to assume large pro-
portions, The superintendent was Nicholas Devereux, of whom
Dr. Bagg, in his Memoirs of Utica, says: “As an ardent Roman
Catholic, consistent and faithful in every requirement of his faith,
he was a very pillar of the church, and zealous forwarder of its
interest here and abroad.”

The pastorate of Dr. Cummins was remarkable for an event of
great localimportance. Utica ceased to be a village, and became
a full-fledged city, receiving a charter from the Legislature, Feb-
ruary 13, 1832. The CommonCouncil met for the first time
March 13, 1832—a few days before the departure of Dr. Cum-
mins,—and elected Joseph Kirklane as the first Mayor of Utica.

During thissame year Horatio Seymour was admitted to prac-
tice law.

William L. Marcy was elected Governor of the State in the fol-
lowing year, and young Seymour became his private secretary, a
REV, MICHAEI CUMMINS D. D. 33

position which he held for seven years; and then began that long
career of rare statesmanship which has made the name of Hora-
tio Seymour a household word throughout the length and breadth
of our land, and brought honor to Utica, which the Sage of Deer-
field always felt proud to claim as his home.

It was during the pastorate of Dr. Cummins that Bishop Dubois
returned from Rome, November 30, 1831, after an absence of
nearly two years, only to find his episcopal city poorer in churches
than when he left. The diocese had been ably administered
during his absence by Very Rev. Dr. Power, a man of singular
ability and rare accomplishments, whom Providence seemed to
have raised up at that time to guide the destinies of the strug-
gling Church of New York.

REV. JAMES McCAHILL.

May 8, 1831— May 11, 1833. Diep In 1833.

After the departure of Dr. Cummins, Father McCahill, who
had been assisting him for nearly a year previous, took charge of
the parish. He was a personal friend of Dr. Cummins, and ac-
companied himto America, Fora long time I was puzzled in
regard to the identity of Father McCahill. As Ihave to make this
history chiefly from the baptismal records, I found the signature
of a Father “McCahill,” running through several months, and
afterwards that of a Father “Cahill.” I could not solve the
difficulty until I had the hand-writing of both examined by an
expert, and found it to be identical; and finally the mystery was
fully solved when I learned from an old parishoner that the
people, persisting in calling Father McCahill “Cahill,” he deter-
mined to drop the “Mc,” and he never afterwards used it in signing
his name. Father Cahill was the pastor during the great scourge
of Asiatic cholera in 1832. His labors during that fearful scourge,
day and night, attending the unfortunate victims who were car-
ried to the improvised hospital in the Court House, are still re-
membered by old residents. He was young and delicate, but he
never flinched for amoment during that fearful ordeal. The his-
34 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY 1N NEW YORK.

tory of his labors in Utica is yet to be written. He has often been
styled ‘‘Utica’s martyred priest.” And surely he was a martyr of
charity,ready to give up his life for his flock. We have preserved,
in his own hand-writing, the names of fourteen of his little flock
who died within three weeks during that fearful epidemic which
carried off about seventy of the inhabitants of the little village of
Utica. Bishop Dubois, who had returned from Europe in No-
vember, 1831, made a fourth visitation of his diocese in the sum-
mer of 1832, going as far as Rochester. He visited our little
church just before the outbreak of the great epidemic. Father
Cahill returned to New York about the middle of May, 1833. In
order to show the high esteem in which Father Cahill was held
by Bishop Dubois, and at the same time to give you an idea of
the difficulty of retaining permanent pastors in those days, I will
give you an extract from a letter of Bishop Dubois, which was
kindly presented to me by Mr. Thomas N. Mooney. The letter
is dated May 18th, 1833, and is perfectly legible. I prize it very
much.

New York, May 18th, 1833.
To THE TRUSTEES OF ST. Jonn’s CHuRCH, Utica.

Gentlemen:—I view with great regret the departure of Rev. Mr. Cahill
from Utica, as I found him possessed with every qualification calculated
to endear him to his flock, and render him respectable to others ; but
what increases still my regret is that some hints about the inability of
the congregation to pay a salary, and the probability of the trustees be-
ing obliged to curtail it considerably, have produced that discourage-
ment which drove him from among us. How it happens that a con-
gregation so numerous as yours is represented to me, cannot raise
funds enough to provide for all the expenses of the church, is to me
incredible. To contribute to the decent support of our pastors is an ob-
ligation grounded on the Divine Law, on a precept of the Church, and
on natural equity; but it is not enough to do it; it ought to be done
cheerfully, nobly. I will provide another priest for you, as far as my
present circumstances permit me, having very little choice. My object
must be at present to get a good, pious man, more than an orator, I
have an older brother of Rev. Mr. Quarter, of St. Peter’s, whom I or-
dained lately, whose virtue and zeal are unexceptionable. I will try
REV, ZAMES McCAAILL, 35

to prevail upon him to goto Utica. He wants practice, but will soon
become familiar with his functions, With great respect, I remain, gen-

tlemen, your humble servant.
Joun Dubois, Bishop of New York.

REV. WALTER J. QUARTER.
June 18, 1833—DECEMBER 25, 1836. DIED DECEMBER 15, 1863.

Like the twelve apostles who went forth to preach the gospel
to the whole world, so did the twelve missionaries, whose
lives I have just briefly pictured for you, come to these parts in
‘the long ago to spread before the eyes of a wondering people the
beauty and splendor of our holy religion. These heroes and
apostles planted the seed of faith under trials and difficulties
which seemed almost insurmountable. Their territory was so
vast that their burning zeal took them from one place to another.
They did not tarry long with us, but -our dear little church was
the centre from which radiated the blessings of religion, scattering
its sunshine in every direction. But another era was dawning
upon our infant church. God is ever watching over His chosen
Spouse, and looking down from Heaven upon her vicissitudes.
He was preparing a striking character to close the first period of
old St. John’s, and to open the second and more fruitful epoch.
The band of twelve noble missionaries had guarded it in its in-
fancy. It was for Father Walter J. Quarter to protect it in its child-
hood, and prepare it for maturity.

Little perhaps did Bishop Dubois think when, with some mis-
giving, and because he had little choice in the matter, he charged
Father Quarter a few weeks after his ordination, with the respon-
sibility of directing the affairs of our now growing and important
parish, little did he think how closely he was guided in the selec-
tion by the Holy Spirit of God.

Father Quarter was born in 1802, and received his early educa-
tion in King’s county, Ireland. His brother William, who after-
wards became Bishop of Chicago, and James, who died on sea
as he was coming to America, were also preparing for the priest-
hood at the same time. The family belonged to a respectable
36 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

class of farmers in King’s and Queen’s counties, whose con-
nections had given more than twenty Bishops and priests to the
Church in Ireland, and all of them were most exemplary. men,
loved by the people and the clergy.

But the early years of these men witnessed the ruin of Irish
commerce, and the degradation of the Irish people, after the re-
bellion of 1798, and the union of 1800, The most respectable
Catholics were treated as inferiors and rebels, The Quarters
therefore cameto America. William came first, and Walter soon
followed. ;

Walter was received by Bishcp Dubois, finished his studies at
Chambly and Mt. St. Mary’s Coilege, Emmettsburg, and was or-
dained to the holy priesthood in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, April 28,
1833. He began his long pastorate here, June 18th, of the same
year. When he came to Utica the population was about 9,000.
It was no longera little village, having received a city charter the
previous year. He saw that it would be necessary to keep pace
with the new order of things, and he began to take steps for the
erection of a larger and more commodious church.

His first attention, however, was given to the spiritual needs
of the parish, and his first work of zeal was to prepare a small
class for the sacrament of Confirmation, which ceremony took
place September 6th, 1833. This was the fourth visit of Bishop
Dubois to our little church, and the second time that Confirmation
had been administered in Utica. Following are the names of
those who were confirmed at that time: Patrick Langan, John
Magee, Nector Mc Mackey, Anna Brackman, Winifred Burns,
Anna Farnan, Annie Greenwood, Margaret Ides, Mary Kearny,
Anna Langton, Cecilia Langton, Mary Mc Brien, Nancy Mc
Enney, Elizabeth Mackey, Johanna Mc Quade, Catharine Penson,
Catharine Ryan, and Agnes Stack.

During the year 1834, Father Quarter worked vigorously to
raise money for the erection of a new church. Meetings were
held, and Thomas Mc Incrow was appointed treasurer, and it was
decided to build achurch to cost $20,000. The firm of John C.,
and Nicholas Devereux subscribed $2,500, besides canceling all
their claims against the church. Owen O'Neill subscribed $1,000,
REV, WALTER }. QUARTER. 37

James Mc Donough $500, J. B. Marchisi, who was president of
the Board of Trustees in 1830, subscribed $250, and Thomas Mc-
Quade $100.

In a short time $6,000 was raised.

But busy as Father Quarter was with these temporal concerns,
and without any assistant priest, he yet found time to prepare
another large Confirmation class during the year. In the summer
of 1834 Bishop Dubois came for the fifth time to Utica, and Con-
firmed 150 persons,

Father Quarter lived while in Utica at 262 Genesee street, 47
John street, and 68 Catharine street. It is a singular fact that a
sister of Father Quarter, Mrs, Ellen Carrick, after residing in this
parish ever since the time of her brother's pastorate, ended her
days quietly in the same house where Father Quarter had
lived —68 Catharine street. She died November 26, 1884—ex-
actly nine years ago to-day—at the advanced age of 70 years.

Father Quarter had the honor of bringing to Utica the world-
renowned Sisters of Charity, through the munificent and kind
generosity of John C.and Nicholas Devereux, who each con-
tributed $5,000 for their maintenance. They came here May 1,
1834. They opened simultaneously an orphan asylum and day
school for girls, and to-day, after the lapse of nearly sixty years,
they are still continuing this twofold work of piety, blessing the
parish by their very presence amongst us.

ASSISTANT PRIESIS IN THE FIRST CHURCH,

REV. FRANCIS O'DONOGHUE.

JuLyY t, 1832—AuGusT 15, 1832. Diep DECEMBER 30, 1845.

Father O’Donoghue assisted Father Cahill for a few weeks,
just before the outbreak of the cholera in Utica. Even though
his ministry was so brief amongst us, we feel proud that the name
of this great missionary is on our roll of honored priests. We
first hear of him in the diocese of Charleston, in 1823, sent by
the celebrated Bishop England to establish churches in North
38 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK,

Carolina, He built at least one church in that state, at Washing-

ton, N.C.
He left the diocese of Charleston in 1826, and came to the north.

He became pastor of St. John’s Church, Paterson, New Jersey,
in 1829, The Catholics of Salina, Syracuse, had erected a
church in 1829, through the efforts and generosity of James
Lynch and Thomas McCarthy. I had the privilege of assisting
there, twenty years ago, at the funeral of James Lynch, who was
looked upon as the patriarch of Catholicity in our episcopal city.
By a singular coincidence, it was the last funeral which took
place from that old, historic church, the monument of his zeal,
as the building was soon after taken down, It is a striking proof of
the wonderful growth of our religion in central New York when
the preacher on that occasion could say with truth,that during
the lifetime of this old pioneer, the Catholics, not only of Syra-
cuse, but of the whole of Onondaga County, were able to find
ample room in his parlors for the celebration of Divine worship.
Father O’Donoghue became the first settled pastor of Salina, in
1831. In February, 1832, the farmers of Greece, N. Y., had the
happiness of seeing a beautiful church dedicated to St. Ambrose,
crowning the eminence overlooking the Genesee River, and due
to the zeal of this same indefatigable missionary. He built Holy
Trinity Church, Auburn, which was dedicated October 23d, 1834;
and St. Francis De Sales Church, Geneva, which was dedicated
December 20th, 1834. He again returned to the south to con
tinue his missionary labors in that fertile field for religion. We
have no further account of his labors. His death occurred in
Lynchburg, Virginia, December 30th, 1845.

REV. PATRICK BRADLEY.

FEBRUARY 1, 1835—May 4,1836. Diep January 7, 1874.

Father Bradley was ordained by Bishop Dubois on the Feast of
the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 1834, and came to
Father Quarter in all the freshness of his priestly fervor, He.
REV, PATRICK BRADLEY. 39

remained here a little overa year, and then sought other fields
for the exercise of his zeal.

It may be interesting to follow this good priest in his travels
from place to place, scattering the good seed of God’s Word.
In the year 1836 he took charge of Rome, Verona, and the
Black River country. In 1838 we find him laboring in Staten
Island. In 1841 he is pastor of Auburn and Geneva. In 1842
he is pastor of St. Mary’s Church, Albany. In 1845 he returns
again to Auburn and Geneva. He went to Buffalo in 1847, and
was pastor of “old” St. Patrick’s when the saintly Bishop Timon
took possession of that See. The good bishop lived with the great
missionary all through the winter of 1847-8.

We next find Father Bradley pastor of Geneva in 1848, where
he remained a couple of years. We next hear of him in Albion,
where he remained for two years. He was afterwards in Avon,
where he remained for five or six years. He was put in charge
of Addison in 1871, where he remained acouple of years. His
health at last broke down, and he went to Batavia and became
chaplain to the Sisters of Mercy, where he remained until his
death, which occurred January 7, 1874.

INTERESTING CONVERSION CONNECTED WITH THE FIRST CHURCH.

In looking over the Baptismal Register as the first church closes
its record and fades into history, we read in the hand-writing of
Father Quarter, the record of the baptism of two converts from
Pompey Hill, Onondaga Co. The conversion of this family was
an event which had a marked influence on the growth of Catholic-
ity in Central New York. It was indeed a fitting close to.the mis-
sionary work of that little shrine of religion in the early days.

So remarkable was the conversion of this family considered at
the time that Archbishop Hughes narrates a full account of it, in
1840, to Paris for the “Annals of the Propagation of the Faith.”
Following is an extract from his letter, as foundin his works:
“In the interior of the diocese of New York, in Onondaga County,
there is a little congregation, composed entirely of converts from
Protestantism. It consists of eighteen already received into the
Church, and two, who, as catechumens, are preparing for baptism.
Nearly all are members, or immediate relatives, of the principal
40 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK,

family; and when the first conversion took place, the nearest
priest was at a distance of sixty miles. Even at present they
have no priest nearer than eighteen miles. The head of this fam-
ily is a farmer of large wealth and property; a man of good edu-
cation and strong under-
standing, who has been a
representative of the coun-
ty inthe Legislature. From
himself and his excellent
lady I had the account of
their conversion, which [
give as nearly as possible in
their own words, But writ-
ten words can convey no
idea of the expression of
spiritual joy and peace of
soul which beamed on their

 

countenances whilst they
related it.

One evening inthespring’
of 1836, a peddler was pass--
ing along the road in front FRANCIS MURPHY,

 

 

of their house. The road, ‘rz peppLer WHO CONVERTED THE DODGE
as usual in spring, was deep, FAMILY.
and his horse, in dragging the wagon through the mud,broke some
of the harness,and he could not proceed.*Colonel Dodge,the farmer
referred to, seeing the situation of the poor man from his window,
came out and ordered his men to assist in extricating the wagon.
As it was near night, he invited the peddler to stay at his
house till morning, when he might proceed on his journey. _Af-
ter supper the farmer entered into conversation with his guest, and
the time passed agreeably until the hour for retiring approached,
when all at once it occurred to. Mrs,. Dodge that perhaps the
peddler was a Catholic, and the idea of having.a Catholic to
sleep under her roof frightened.her very much. She spoke to her

 

*To be more accurate, the peddler was on his way to Cazinovia with a sleigh load of goods pur-
‘chased in N. Y. City. Directly in front of Col.. Dodge's house ‘his sleigh ktuck fast in a snow drift-
"CONVERSION OF DODGE FAMILY, 4t

husband; for believing, as she had been taught, that Catholics
were idolaters, and capable of every crime, she thought it sinful,
as well as dangerous, to harbor one of them in her house. Her
husband made inquiry, and found that the poor man was really a
Catholic, but it was too late to send him away. Colonel Dodge,
who had found his guest very sensible and modest in conversation,
thought it a pity that so apparently honest a man should be in-
volved in the supposed errors of our faith; for although he did
not partake in the alarm of his wife (who had probably never seen
a Catholic before), still this much he was at least convinced of,
that no man of common sense could believe in what he imagined
to be the absurdities of our doctrine. Pitying the man, and yet
curious to hear what answer he would give, Colonel Dodge began
to expostulate with him, and express his surprise that he should
believe in the doctrines'of the Church of Rome. The peddler
answered with great modesty and prudence. Hesaid he was a
firm Catholic, but unqualified, for want of education, to defend
or explain his doctrine. He concluded by saying that if Colonel
Dodge knew what the Catholic faith was he would have a better
opinion of it.

Next morning the peddler, in returning thanks for the kindness
and hospitality he had received, observed that he had a book,
which he would be happy to leave, and which might induce Col-
onel Dodge to think better of the Catholic Church. To this the
Colonel agreed, and invited the peddler to call at the house when
he should have occasion to pass that way again.

The gentleman began to read his book, the first Catholic work
he had ever seen on the subject of religion, and as he advanced,
he was-struck and surprised at the unexpected strength of the
arguments from Scripture, from reason, and the early Fathers, in
favor of the Catholic faith. Passages that struck him as particu-
larly forcible, he would read aloud to his wife. At first she thought
it a sin to listen, but as her husband thought otherwise, her scru-
ples on that point soon gave way, and she became so interested
in the subject that she soon ventured to read the book herself.
In this way they continued for several months, until the peddler
returned. They asked him if he had any more books on the same
subject, and fortunately he was able to supply them. Colonel
42 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

Dodge obtained from him a list of all the Catholic workson the sub-
ject that could be procured in New York, and wrote to have them
forwarded. Hitherto, he and his family were the most steady, and
among the most influential members of the Presbyterian Church;
but the perusual of these books produced a singular and pain-
ful effect on his mind with regard to the whole Protestant system.
He had been sincere as a Protestant, and now his confidence in
Protestantism was shaken. The idea which began to predominate
in his mind was, that Protestantism could not be the Church, nor
could its ministers be the true ministers of Jesus Christ. This
idea was at first rather a doubt thana convictionof his mind. He
thought it was his duty to consult his minister, but the effect was
rather to increase than to remove his doubt.

In the meantime, the colonel ceased to attend their worship.
He who had been a deacon, the principal support of the church,
not only absented himself from the communion and public wor-
ship, but lost no opportunity of proving to his neighbors that
neither the true Church nor the true ministry of Christ is with
the Protestants of any denomination. The people were confound-
ed; for, being a man of superior mind and education, they were
unable to reply to what he said; and being also a man of known
probity, his opinions had great weight. He sought all oppor-
tunities to prove the same to his ministers; but they avoided him,
apprehending, no doubt, what would be the consequence if they
did otherwise. In order to allay the doubt which his remarks
were exciting among the people, the ministersand elders deemed
it wisest to charge him with heresy, and have him and his wife
tried before an ecclesiastical court for having denied the doctrines
of the sect. They ordered the process, however, in such a way
that he should not have an opportunity of speaking in his own
defence. It must have been an affecting sight to behold these
persons in the same congregation in which they worshipped God
from their childhood, arraigned by the ministers to whom they
had been attached; surrounded by neighbors and friends whom
they loved; and on their trial for the testimony which they had
borne against the errors of their former religion, and in favor of
truth. As yet they had never seen a Catholic, except the poor
man to whom they had given hospitality during the night. The
BISHOP HUGHES AND COL, DODGE 43

residence of the nearest priest was sixty miles, or twenty leagues
distant. However, they felt as they told me, an inward calm and
peace of mind for which they could not account.

The trial commenced with Mrs. Dodge; she was asked, specific-

ally, her belief on such and such points of doctrine, to each of
which she made reply. At length, to the great astonishment of
all (and even of herself, when she thought of it afterwards), she
stood up in the midst of the congregation, and said: ‘ My be-
lief, my whole belief,is in what the Roman Catholic Church
teaches. All, whatever that Church teaches, I believe firmly;
all, whatever that Church condemns, IJ disbelieve and reject. Now
this is my faith, and I bid you farewell.” She and her husband
immediately retired from the church, and returned to their-home,
leaving the poor minister at a loss what to do.’
I need but add to this full account, given by Archbishop
Hughes, the fact that our own townsman, Horatio Seymour, of
whom we are so justly proud—was born in Pompey, and as a lit-
tle boy, attended the Academy of his native village.

He must have known Colonel Dodge, who, even at that time,
was one of the most prominent men in the little place, and took a
special interest in popular education.

What makes this conversion of peculiar interest to us, is that
Utica claims a share in the fruits which sprang from it.
A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.
ST, JOHN’S UTICA.
Very Rev. J. S. M. Lyncu, D. D., LL. D.
Part IV.

THE wife of Col. Dodge, whose conversion was mentioned in the
previous paper, was baptized by Father Quarter in the first church
after it had been removed across the street, where it is still stand-
ing.* The ceremony took place on the Feast of St. Ignatius of
Loyola, July 31, 1836. The new convert took the name of Edaht
Ignatius, choosing for the patron of her baptism the illustrious
Founder of the Society of Jesus, on whose festival she had the
happiness of being received into the church. Her sponsors were
Captain J. H. Dwight—a convert himself,—who formerly lived in
Schenectady, and had been received into the church in Albany;
and Mary A.Manahan, afterwards Mrs, Owen O’Neill, the mother
of Father Ambrose O'Neill, a priest of our parish, of whom we
are justly proud, and of whom we are constantly reminded as his
picture looks down upon us from the beautiful memorial window
in the right transept of our church.

The eldest daughter of Mrs. Dodge—Diane de Roberts—then
ten years of age, was baptized with her mother. Her sponsors
were John C. Devereux, the father of Catholicity in Utica, and his
highly esteemed wife—a convert herself, —whose delight it was in
her home on Main street, to provide a place for the celebration of
Holy Mass, long before the erection of a Catholic church in
Utica. This young girl became afterwards the wife of Francis
Xavier Manahan, the brother of the illustrious and well-known
writer, Doctor Ambrose Manahan.

She died in Utica, March 5, 1856, at the age of thirty years.
The following obituary notice was published at the time:

 

* Bishop Hughes was evidently mistaken in stating that Colonel Dodge and wife were baptized
on Christmas day. ,
+ She was usually called ‘‘Ada.””
DAUGATER OF CUL, DODGE, 45

“Died; in Utica, March sth, Mrs. Diane de Roberts, wife of Francis
Manahan, and daughter of David F. Dodge, of Pompey Hill.

“In the life and death of this singularly gifted, lovely,and pious lady,her
sorrowing friends have many reasons for consolation and for holy hope.

“At the age of ten years, having been instructed in the tenets of the
Catholic Church, she, with a thorough apprehension of its divine truths,
was received with her parents into its communion, and from that happy
day till the day of her death, she strictly, lovingly, devoutly, ‘kept the
faith.’

“Living in the midst of Protestants, she was necessarily much in
their society, but never swerving for an instant—never for an instant
moved by the arguments or jests of her less favored companions, She al-
ways maintained her principles,observed always the practices of devotion,
bravely and noblydefended the truth,whenever and by whomsoever it was
' attacked in her presence, and compelled respect from those who would
have derided her. And the influence of her example, as well as the
force of her arguments, brought forth fruit. More than one have rea-
son to name the beloved Diane with benediction,—more than one ‘to
thank God for the faithfulness and the unobtrusive, yet untiring zeal of
His youthful servant,—her ‘spotless life,’ her earnest faith,her deep devo-
tion, her abounding charity!

“Who shall say yet what fruits are reserved forthem? Endowed with
talents of a high order, she was never so happy as when employing them
in the service of religion. Her brilliant wit, ready and tenacious mem-
ory and extraordinary reasoning powers, never so shone forth as when
elucidating its truths, or meeting the assertions of its opposers. Her
poems, informed with that intense love of the beautiful which seemed to
overflow her soul, were most eloquent when their theme was divine; her
exquisite painting, most perfect when it adorned the sacred vestments
of the altar.

In allthe relations she sustained—as friend, sister, daughter, wife—
she was most lovely, most beloved. Her warmth of heart, her playful
spirit, the perfect simplicity of her character, her constancy and devot-
edness, with a thousand endearing qualities, will ever live in the remem-
brance of those who had the happiness to know her well. Yet all earthly
love was subordinate with her to that whose source and end is God. Only
in Him and through Him were her affections cherished.
46 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

“And her death was worthy of such a life. Lying at the feet of
Jesus, as she herself expressed it, she was so blessed as to feel that His
eyes were ever compassionately, ever lovingly, bent upon her. Her
calmness and-serenity, her more than patience in suffering, the devotion
and sweetness with which she received the last sacraments, were each a
proof of the living presence of her Lord.”

Mr. and Mrs. John McCarthy, of Syracuse, were intimately ac-
quainted with this daughter of Colonel Dodge. They have in
their possession a poem written by her when only fifteen years
of age. It is of a very high order of merit. The writer evidently
had a foreboding of an early death.

Through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy I am able to
reproduce entire this youthful effort of the gifted convert:

SONG OF THE WEARY ONE.
(Written for the\Freeman's Fournal.”)

I’m weary ot this prison house, this frail abode of clay,

I would J had the eagle’s wings, that I might fly away—

I long to dwell forever in the mansions of the blest,

Where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.

I would be with departed ones, whose forms, arrayed in light,
Come in my hours of loneliness to bless my mental sight;

They whisper of their happiness in that bright land above,
And thitherward they beckon me,those long-lost forms of love!

Though youth and health are on me, I’ve seen enough of earth,—
I long to go where angels tune the harps of sacred mirth;

For the gaiety of mortals bringeth sorrow to my heart,

And maketh discord to my ear—oh, when shall I depart?

I've always trod what earthly poets call a “flow’ry way,”

But in its dang’rous windings I would never wish to stray—
For the roses quickly wither, and disclose the thorns beneath,
And the smiling road but leads us on to everlasting death.

I have longed to quit this tenement, but why, my soul, oh why ?
And art thou perfectly prepared--quite ready, then, to die?

Is death the portal a/ways to the mansion of the blest,

And the passage only to that place of everlasting rest ?
THE PEDDLER—FRANCIS MURPHY, 47

The Saviour trod the winepress of His Heavenly Father’s wrath,
And watered with His precious blood, the sure, but narrow, path,
And canst thou hope the guerdon of His followers to gain,

Not having taken upthy cross, and trod His course of pain?

Repine not, but wait patiently until the Bridegroom come,

And see thy lamp be lighted when He calls His chosen home!

Watch, fight, and, praying, conquer in the might of Jesus’ power,

And prove thyself,that thou,prepared, mayst meet Him in that hour.
D. D.

Colonel Dodge was baptized in the month of May or June in
the year 1837, inthe church of St. John the Baptist, in the village
of Salina, now.a part of Syracuse, by Rev. J. O’ Donnell, at that
time pastor. There isno record of his baptism in the church reg-
ister, but the fact is unquestionable. His sponsors were Thomas
McCarthy, one of the fathers of Catholicity in our Episcopal city,
and Eliza Lynch, wife of James Lynch, the other patriarch of
Syracuse, both of whom were intimate friends of the Dodge
family. Robert McCarthy, of Syracuse, who is still living, was
present at the ceremony, and remembers distinctly the reading of

pg the Profession of Faith by the fervent neophyte.

Another daughter of Colonel Dodge became a Sister of Char-
ity, Feb. 24,1853, and was for more than twenty years Treasurer of
Mt. St. Vincent’s Academy on the Hudson. She was known
in-religion as Sister Marie, and died Jan. 8,1893.

The peddler—the hero in this romantic story—was Francis Mur-
phy. Coming from Ireland asa young man, in 1826 he settled in
Uticaand was a member of this parish for upwards of ten years. He
was married to a Protestant woman by Father Bradley, May 4,1835.
He afterwards moved to Syracuse where he resided for more than
forty years. He was one of the founders of St. Lucy’s church,
Syracuse, the parish of the Very Rev. Father Kennedy, the Vicar-
General of our diocese. He died March 8,:1883, at the age of 83
years. He was buried in old St. Mary’s Cemetery. A headstone
marks his grave. His daughter became a Sister of Charity, June
12, 1870, and is still living.

By a happy coincidence, the youngest daugther of old St. John’s
48 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

—St. Agnes’ church,—founded by: the lamented Father Toomy,
whose name is last on the memorial tablet— is now presided over
by Father Michael O’ Reilly, who, for twenty years in Pompey,
cultivated the good seed sowed there by the Irish pedler, and
the present pastor, Father John V Simmons, was transferred
from this very parish to Pompey, where he is now carrying on the
good work of his zealous predecessor.

LAST DAYS OF THE FIRST CHURCH.

The old church was removed across the street in the summer
of 1835, and the corner-stone of the second church was laid Janu-
ary 14,1836, by Bishop Dubois, when Andrew Jackson was Presi-
dent of the United States, William L. Marcy, Governor of the
State of New York, and Jolin’ G. Osborn, Mayor of Utica, and
so closes the history of the first church,

Such were the zealous priests that spoke the word of God
to our Fathersin the faith in that little church of long ago. Shorn
of its beauty, completely altered as it stands across the street,
no longer the house of God, but devoted to commercial uses,
it preaches to us yet its great lesson of apostolic work well
done. We thank God that it still remains to link the old with
the new, so that the past may not be forgotten. Through
the kindness of Mrs, Francis Kernan, who with jealous care
has preserved a pencil sketch made by the drawing teacher of
her girlhood days, I have been able to secure a handsome en-
graving of this sanctuary of religion, and we may now see ex-
actly how it looked when it stood upon this hallowed ground.
The church was completed in 1820, and Milbert, a French trav-
eler, wrote of it: “On an isolated elevation rises a new church.
It is elegantly built of wood, in Gothic style. I attended the
ceremony of its dedication, which was performed by the Catho-
lic bishop of New York, August 19th, 1821.” The Catholic Al.
manac of 1822 has the following:

“In Utica a large and beautiful church has lately been erected and
consecrated, which reflects great honor on the Catholics residing there.
Their number is not great; neither are they generally wealthy ; their
zeal, however, for the house of God and the place where His glory dwell-
DESCRIPTION OF FIRST CHURCH. 49

eth, has enabled them to surmount every obstacle to the exercise of their

piety. From the multitude flocking annually to this flourishing village,

no doubt can be entertained but this will shortly become one of the.
most numerous and respectable congregations in the diocese.”

The Utica Directory of 1822 thus describes it:
“The chapel is a beautiful structure at the corner of mleecker and
John streets; is of wood, 45 by 60 feet, with a cupola, and was erected

in 1820. The society acknowledges with pleasure liberal assistance
from Protestants generally.”

 

_ THE FIRST CHURCH.

As I look upon that little picture, and read these descriptions
of that dear little church, methinks a vision comes upon me, and
scenes, one after another, float across my imagination: [I see the
bold Genoese navigator, spurred on by that holy monk, braving
unknown seas and planting the cross of Christ in the virgin soil of
this New World. I see heroic missionaries—Franciscans, Domin-
icans, Jesuits—falling in his wake and dotting every portion of this
continent with the sign of redemption. I go backwards in the past
two hundred years, and stand on this very spot. I see the Oneidas
and the Mohawks, and all the brave Iroquois, roaming through this
vast wilderness. Isee these children of the forest putting on their
50 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

war-paint and seizing their tomahawks and their battle-axes. I
hear their savage yells as they rush into deadly conflict. And lo!
the scene changes. I see the Black Gowns coming up the majestic
St. Lawrence in their little canoes, and entering into our inland
lakes and following the Indian trails, and soon the hymns of Mary
resound over the sparkling waters, and under the broad canopy of
heaven I behold these children of nature bending low before their
rudealtar and worshipping the God of the Eucharist; and St. Peter’s
in the beautiful valley of the martyrs below us, and St. Mary’s
of Ganentaa, on the shores of the lake which surrounds
our episcopal city, bind in a common faith the Oneidas with
the Mohawks and the Onondagas. Again the scene changes.
Advancing civilization of a type hostile to our holy religion de-
stroys these vestiges of faith, and a pall covers with its darkening
shadow the church of the martyr Jogues and the Lily of the
Mohawk. But the blood of the martyrs is again the seed of the
Church. She rises once more as from the catacombs, and even as
of old the children of St. Patrick planted anew the Church of
Christ in every country of Europe where barbaric invasion had al-
most wiped out its very existence, so now, again, these twelve Irish
missionaries, like the apostles of old, looked out from the isle of
saints towards the setting sun at this vast field of missionary
labor, stretching from the frigid snows of the north to the sunny
plains of the south; bathing the shores of the Atlantic on the one
side and looking out from the Golden Gate of the Pacific on the
other, to the vast empires of the East. And so they came, burning
with holy zeal—apostles of Christ—to revive once more the Church
of Columbus in the land of Columbia. And when, in the liv-
ing present, we look around us and see the fifteen hundred
churches, the two thousand priests, and the two millions of Catho-
lics scattered over the diocese where at its formation but a single
priest ministered, must we not bless the memory of those con-
secrated servants of God who began this noble work?

BISHOPS AND PRIESTS OF THE SECOND CHURCH.
DECEMBER 25, 1836—DECEMBER 25, 1860.

Before beginning the history of the second church, I would call
attention to a coincidence which should not pass unnoticed.
OLD ST, PETERS, NEW VORK; 51

Whilst we were celebrating the praises of the first church in
Central and Western New York, on that very day old St. Peter’s
church of New York, the first Catholic church in the State—the
cradle of Catholicity—was celebrating, with solemn pomp and
ceremony, the 108th anniversary of its foundation.

It may not be amiss to give a brief sketch of this ancient church,
which was the mother of our own.

St. Peter’s church stands not only as the first church of the Catholic denom-
ination erected on Manhattan island, but one whose history reveals a most re-
markable and vivid description of the rise and progress of the Church of Rome
in America.

On November 23, 1783, New York city was evacuated by the last of the
British troops, and allowed to enjoy the freedom hard-earned, after a seven
years war. It was then by no means a large town.

On June 11, 1785, the little Catholic community, without priest, altar, or edi-
fice, organized without venturing to consult the recognized ecclesiastical author-
ities of the Church of Rome, and incorporated St. Peter’s church under the general
act of the Legislature on April 6, 1784. St. Jean de Crevecceur, Consul-Gen-
eral of France; Jose Roiz Silva, John Stewart and Henry Duffin were named
as first witnesses. An Irish Capuchin Father, the Rev. Charles Whelan, who
had as achaplain in De Grasse’s fleet seen the overthrow of Cornwallis, and
subsequently been taken prisoner, came to New York in 1784 with letters from
Lafayette. The Rev. John Carroll, the Prefect Apostolic of Catholics in the
United States, gave the Rev. Charles Whelan faculties to perform church rites
under the Rev. Father Farmer.

Shortly after the demise of Father Farmer the trustees of St. Peter’s pur-
chased of Trinity church corporation a plot of ground on the corner of Barclay
and Church streets. .The corner-stone for the proposed new edifice was laid
on November 4, 1785, by the Spanish Minister. The church was completed
in 1786.

The Rev. Andrew Nugent succeeded the Rev. Father Whelan, but the
former priest had not long been presiding over the destinies of St. Peter's when
his strong and decisive sentiments and feelings expressed and demonstrated
so forcibly among the congregation caused his appearance before the Grand
Jury for being guilty of inspiring riot. The Rev. Father Nugent was removed,
and Rev. William O’Brien, a Dominican Father, was then installed as pastor
of St. Peter’s, and under the guidance of this priest the prosperity of the new
church became the more promising.

BISHOPS.
Even as three bishops of the diocese blessed with their pres-

ence the infancy of our parish, so three blessed our childhood
days—three ruled over our second church-——Bishop Dubois, whose
52, A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY 1N NEW YORK,
life have already sketched; the great Bishop Hughes, and the first
Prince of the Church in the United States—Cardinal: McCloskey.

' BISHOP HUGHES.

It is needless to say ‘that Bishop Hughes was one of the most
remarkable men that the American Catholic ‘Church has ever

 

 

 

 

 

. BISHOP : HUGHES.
produced. He ved: in the days of giants—of the Clays and the
Websters and the Calhouns,—and yet he shone above thetn all.
Bishop Hughes was born in the County Tyrone, Ireland,on the
Feast of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1797. .He was educated
at Mt. St. Mary’s, Emmitsburg, under Bishop, Dubois. After his
BISHOP HUGHES. 53

ordination he was for several years pastor of St. John’s church,
Philadelphia. He was consecrated Coadjutor Bishop of New
York by Bishop Dubois, January 7, 1838.

The aged bishop’s health had been gradually failing, and in
about a fortnight after the consecration of his coadjutor, he was
attacked with partial paralysis, from which he never fully re-
covered, Bishop Hughes assumed the management of the affairs
of the diocese in August, 1839, and then began a most eventful
era in the Catholic Church of America.

The life of the great Bishop was cast in stormy times, but he
never quailed before the tempest. Like a general in the midst of
battle, he seemed to be everywhere, encouraging the timid by his
presence, and dealing telling blows upon the advancing hosts of
the enemy. Facile with pen, at home on the rostrum as in the
pulpit, he was a very champion of God’s Church, silencing the
tongue of slander by his masterful logic, disarming prejudice and
bigotry, and vindicating her claims before the world. A mere
mention of a fewof the acts of his administration will give a faint
idea of his busy life.

With one fell blow he destroyed the system of secular incor-
poration of lay trustees which circumstances had compelled
Archbishop Carroll to tolerate, but which had produced havoc
in many parts of this Catholic fold. He visited Europe in 1839,
was presented to King Louis Philippe in Paris, induced the Ladies
of the Sacred Heart to found an academy in New York, spent three
months in Rome, laying before the head of the Church the con-
dition and wants of his vast diocese, returned by way of Ireland,
and was introduced to the great Daniel O’Connell.. He held a
diocesan synod for.the first time since the See of New York was
created, and framed wise regulations for the clergy. He founded a
theological seminary at Rose Hill, Fordham. He introduced into
New York the sons of Blessed Jean Baptist De La ‘Salle—the well-
known Brothers of the Christian Schools, who have been such an
ornament to the diocese ever since. He reorganized the Sisters
of Charity under the rule and dress of Mother Seton, and
placed them under diocesan management. He brought over a
colony of Sisters of Mercy to take charge of hospitals and asy-
lums, and to carry on their numberless works of charity among
54 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK,

the poor. He laid the corner-stone of the magnificent cathedral
of New York, August 15, 1858, and we glory in the fact that of the
six suffragan bishops that surrounded him on that great occa-
sion, there were four whose names are on our memorial tablet.
When the Civil War broke out, his voice was raised for the starry
flag that protects us all alike, and its thunder tones rang out, kind-
ling the fire of patriotism in every Catholic breast. When France
was hesitating on which side to lend her influence, the Government
appealed to our great Catholic Archbishop, and his powerful
plea with Napoleon III. saved, perhaps, our Union from destruc-
tion. One of the last great works of his life was the purchase, at
less than one-third of its cost, of a fine building on Ida Hill,
at Troy, erected by the Methodists for a University, and with its
grounds occupying some thirty-sevenacres. His intention was to
provide a seminary, not only for the diocese, but for the
whole province, embracing New England and New Jersey, as
well as New York. He did not live to see the seminary actually
established, but it is flourishing in our days, after a quarter of a
century’s noble work.

Such was the life of Bishop Hughes. He died with a smile
upon his lips. He had fought the good fight; he had won the
crown. He had seen four dioceses carved out of his own, and
evena greater progress in the spirit and devotedness of Catholics
to their religion. Truly might his illustrious successor, in that
eloquent eulogy which he pronounced at his obsequies, say that
if ever there was a man raised up by God to doa special work,
that man was John Hughes.

CARDINAL MC CLOSKEY.

After the storm came the calm, and the meek, gentle, amiable
Bishop McCloskey gathered in the fruits of the labors of his
fearless predecessor, and raised high the spiritual edifice upon
the solid foundations which had been laid.

Bishop McCloskey was born in Brooklyn, in 1810. Asa boy
he was one of that little band of Catholics that were obliged to
cross the East River, in the early part of the century, to hear Mass
in New York. His first pastor, Father Farnan, was also the first
pastor of our parish. He began, in Mt. St. Mary’s, Emmittsburg,
CARDINAL McCLOSKEY, 55

that great career in which he was to shed so much lustre on the
American Church. He first came into prominence as President
of St. John’s College, Fordham, the theological seminary of the
‘diocese. He was afterwards Rector of St. Joseph’s Church, New
York City. He was consecrated Coadjutor Bishop of New York,

 

CARDINAL MCCLOSKEY.

by Archbishop Hughes, March 10, 1844. He became Bishop of
Albany a few years later, and was duly installed by Bishop
Hughes, September Io, 1847. .

How well he governed that new diocese of Albany for the next
seventeen years, how it grew and developed and strengthened
under his fostering care, and how deeply he was interested in the
efforts of his people, is best asserted by the universal regret at his
56 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

leaving, when called to preside over the great See of New York,
May 6, 1864.

It seems but yesterday that I stood in that surging crowd that
filled every nook and corner of the vast cathedral, and heard the
sighs and the sobs on every side as in the rich tones of his sweet,
melodious voice, he bade his beloved people a last farewell, dis-
coursing on that beautiful text of St. John: “ Of them whom Thou
hast given me, I have not lost any one.”

For twenty-one years this great bishop ruled over the archdio-
cese of New York. Under his gentle and prudent sway, like a
garden this Church of New York blossomed. Churchesand schools,
academies and colleges, hospitals and asylums, sprung up, and the
Catholic population multiplied until the numbers were almost in-
credible.

Well, indeed, had he earned the high honor which, for the
first time, was bestowed upon our Church in this country; proudly
do we name him as the first American Cardinal.

He died October 10, 1885, his successor in the See of New
York pontificating at his Requiem, and his successor in the col-
lege of Cardinals pronouncing his panegyric.

Fortunate witness of his obsequies, never shall I forget the
solemnity and the impressiveness of that scene—the burial in the
New World, for the first time, ofa Prince of Holy Chureh, which
took place in that cathedral, the pride of our country, and whose
completion was the crowning work of his life.

PASTORS.

REV. WALTER J. QUARTER.
DECEMBER 25, 1836—NOVEMBER I, 1839. DIED DECEMBER 15, 1863.

As the second church rises in our parish, a new period also
opens in the history of our advancing civilization.

Many recently went down to the depot to see the Dewitt Clin-
ton, with its original pioneer train of three coaches, which made
its first regular trip between Albany and Schenectady, August 9,
1831. Inthe very year in which our second church was completed,
(1836), cars began running on the Uticaand Schenectady Railroad.

No wonder that they were watched with curious interest when
REV. WALTER F. QUARTER, 57

we recall the fact that ten E years previously there was not a rail-
road in America.’

Did it strike yous that whilst this miniature train looked like a
toy in comparison with
the train of palatial rail-
way coaches that was
on exhibition beside it,
yet it meant, in, those
days, simply a evel:
tion in the mode of trav-
eling; it was the death-
knell of the stage-coach
and the packet-boat, and
was destined to have a
remarkable influence on
thespread of the Church
in these parts.

The opening of the
Erie Canal planted the
church in this vicinity;
the iron horse penetrat-

FATHER QUARTER. ing the wilderness, and
opening up the avenues of civilization, scattered the blessings of
the true religion in the remotest parts of our State.

Father Quarter had the happiness of ministering for nearly
three years in the church which, at so much sacrifice, he had
erected. A link between the old and the new in the history of our
parish, he had also the pleasure of welcoming to Utica, during
his administration, the old and the new Bishop of the diocese.

Bishop Hughes made his first visit to our parish, and saw, for
the first time, our second church, in the summer of 1839.

It was on this visitation of the diocese that he consoled the Iit-
tle flock of converts in Pompey, now numbering sixteen, by
saying Mass for them in the private chapel of Colonel Dodge.

Father Quarter had now labored more than six years in Utica—
a much longer period of time than any of his predecessors. He

 

 

1 Exhibits returning from the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
58 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY 1N NEW YORK.

had opened with wonderful success the second brilliant period in
the history of our parish—our childhood days.

It was during these first years of our second church that Queen
Victoria, in 1837, ascended the throne of England, and began that
long reign which still bids fair to last for many years to come.
Martin Van Buren was President of the United States during this
portion of Father Quarter’s pastorate, and William H. Seward was
elected Governor towards its close. It was also during this peri-
od, in 1838, that the first regular passages of the Atlantic were
made by steamships. And justas his remarkable pastorate was
coming to an end, the first train of cars ran between Utica and
‘Syracuse, June 27, 1839, and there was great rejoicing along the
whole line. The road ran most of the way through a dense for-
est—the tracks were laid upon piles without filling between, so
that the train seemed to run in the air. And so with a new era
dawning upon Utica, and the world, Father Quarter brought
to a close his labors amongst us.

He was transferred to St. Mary’s Church, New York City. In
1842 he became pastor of St. Peter’s Church, Jersey City, which
place had at that time a mere skeleton of a church, which
Father Quarter finished. He found the Catholics in strife and
parties; but in two years he made St. Peter’s congregation one of
the most pious and prosperous in the United States. Even the
Protestants of Jersey City revere his memory to this day.

St. Peter’s Church is now in charge of the Jesuit Fathers, and is
in a most prosperous condition. There is a large college con-
nected with the church.

On the 28th of November, 1843, Chicago was erected into a
diocese comprising the whole State of Illinois—that hallowed
ground sanctified by the footsteps of Father Marquette nearly two
hundred years before. Father William Quarter, brother of our
Father Walter, who had often preached in Utica during his broth-
er’s pastorate, was selected as the first Bishop of this important
See. Father Walter accompanied his brother to Chicago, and
was appointed Vicar-General of the new diocese. In his new field
of labor, his zeal increased with the magnitude of the work, and
soon the wilderness blossomed like the rose. Churches, hos-
pitals, schools, Religious Orders and Confraternities, a Seminary,
FATHER QUAKTER: IN CHICAGO, 59

a University, collegians, seminarists, professors, all sprung up
rapidly, and worked in perfect harmony. The Bishop confided
most of the care to Father Walter, and he labored in good ear-
nest until the diocese of Chicago became the centre of Catholic.
Faith in the West.

The prosperity of the West was in harmony with that of relig-
ion. The Bishop found Chicago a village of shanties, and left. it
a city of palaces. Later days witnessed the erection of a white
marble palatial residence, on the Lake front, for the Bishop.
But in those days the poverty of the Bishop was so great that
we are told that the treasurer often reported the funds as low as
six cents. The Bishop was obliged to appeal to his friends in
New York. He collected in that city, $2,000, and Father Walter
collected $1,600.

It is related that the two brothers possessed about $1,300 when
they went té Chicago, and all of it was spent on lots for future
churches and convents, and in the erection of churches, schools,
and asylums, and in every way forwarding Catholicity.

The value of the property secured and paid for by Bishop
Quarter and his brother has been estimated at millions by persons
qualified to judge of such matters.

Upon the death of Bishop Quarter, April 10, 1848, Father Wal.
ter Quarter became the administrator of the diocese, which re-
sponsible position he held until the appointment of Bishop Vande-
velde, in 1848, as the second bishop of Chicago.

Father Quarter left Chicago in 1851, and returned to New
York. He was for a short time assistant priest at St. Brigid’s
church, in that city. He was then appointed pastor of St. Law-
rence’s church, Yorkville.

The old St. Lawrence church on 84th street, near Fifth avenue,
now giving way for a more imposing structure, the Academy of
the Sisters of Charity, the Catholic schools which he established
in this parish, are monuments of his zeal.

This venerable priest crowned with labor and zeal for the
glory of God, peacefully expired at the Rectory in Yorkville, at

‘five o’clock, A. M., December 15th, 1863.

Impressive services were held in our second church on the oc-

casion of his “ Month’s Mind,” which took place January Igth,
60 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

1864. Solemn High Mass was celebrated by his nephew, Rev.
Patrick J. McGlynn, then pastor of Potsdam, N. Y., who had
previously been attached to this very church, erected by his re-
vered uncle. There were some twenty priests present in the
sanctuary. After the Mass, Father Daly, whose privilege it was
to bring to a happy end the glorious work of the second church
built by the brilliant priest: whose memory they were honoring,
preached an eloquent and appropriate discourse on the life and
virtues of the deceased priest, who had occupied such a space,
not only in the history of the church of this city, where he erect-
ed the very church where his ‘‘ Month’s Mind” was being cel-
ebrated, but also in every other city where he was called to labor.
He spoke of the many priests, many of them now living, who,
through the instrumentality of Father Walter, had become zeal-
ous laborers in this vineyard, and faithful ministers’ at the altar.
Father Quarter seemed to have inspired them in early youth by
his own good and holy example, with a love, a respect, and ven-
eration for the priesthood and the altar, of which he himself was
such a worthy minister.

The history of Father Quarter was the history of the young
Church of America. He saw it almost in its infancy, struggling
against fanaticism, hatred, and persecution, and by his great zeal,
his indomitable energy, and his silent charities, he not on!y won
the respect and the love of his own people, but also of those who
were opposed to him in matters of faith. Hence his great suc-
cess in reclaiming sinners, in building churches, schools, and con-
vents, not only in the diocese of New York and Albany, but in
the far West, where he labored incessantly with his brother, the
first bishop of Chicago.

Wherever he was called to labor, churches and religious insti-
tutions seemed to spring up as if by magic; he was the guiding
spirit that infused energy into all around him. Every place
where he had been stationed during his long life and faithful min-
istry may be seen monuments of his zeal and labors for the glory
of God and the salvation of souls.

Such a life, so full of sacrifices, so unselfish, so exemplary, so’
everything that we are apt to admire in the lovely character of
the faithful priest of God, must command the respect and vener-
DEATH OF FATHER QUARTER. 61

ation of every one. But he has gone to his great reward. Peace
to his ashes, honor to his memory!

Whe shall say that the true priest of God is soon forgotten,
when so beautiful a tribute is paid to a pastor nearly a quarter of
a century after he had left us?

Father Quarter needs no monument to perpetuate his memory
in this parish. He stands a striking character between the old
and the new. His name is enshrined in the memory of old par-
ishioners, and the story of his zeal and piety will be handed down
to generations yet unborn,
_. A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK. |
T. JOHN'S, UTICA.
VERY REv. J. S. M. LYNCH, D. D., LL. D. .

Part V.

FATHER QUARTER’S ASSISTANT PRIESTS.

 

REV. WILLIAM BEACHAM.

DECEMBER 23D, 1836—JULY 22D, 1837. DIED MARCH IoTH, 1876.

FaTHER BEACHAM was born in Drummond, Queens County, Ire-
land, in 1806. He commenced his theological studies at Carlow
College for the diocese of Kildare. He was ordained by Bishop

Dubois in November, 1836, and
his first priestly ministry was in
- Utica, under Father Quarter. He
had the honor of celebrating
the first Mass in our second
church, which was formally
opened on Christmas, in 1836.
The church was probably ded-
icated by Bishop Dubois .on his
visitation in the summer of 1837,
although there is no record of
the ceremony.
° Through the influence of
to a Father Quarter St. Peter’s
Church, Rome, was dedicated
by Bishop Dubois, July 1oth,
1837, and Father Beacham was
appointed its first pastor. He found but five Catholic families
in the village. His field extended as far West as Buffalo, as
far North as the St. Lawrence, and as far South as Bingham-
ton. He labored on this arduous mission for over forty years.
With the exception of the venerable Father Havermans, of Troy,
who is now sixty-four yearsa priest, Father Beacham was, at the

 

 

 

 

 

REV. WILLIAM BEACHAM.
BISHOP BACON. 63

time of his death, the oldest priest in the State of New York.
His name is held in veneration to this day in the city of Rome,
where he labored so long and faithfully, and his zeal for God’s
glory is inherited by his worthy nephew, Rev. Patrick H. Beach-
am, pastor of Baldwinsville, N. Y., one of the most esteemed
priests of our diocese.

REV. JOHN LEWIS WARIATH.
June 6TH, 1837—AUGUST 31ST, 1837. DIED

There is very little recorded of Father Wariath. All we know
is, that he was appointed assistant pastor for the Germans, June
6th, 1837, and he appears to have been with Father Quarter un-
til August 31st, 1837. The Germans were not organized into a
parish until four years later, during the pastorate of Father Mar-
tin. Thus far, all my efforts have been fruitless to find the time
and place of Father Wariath’s death. Forgotten by men, we
trust that his works are not unknown to God, and have followed
him into eternity.

 

REV. PATRICK McCLOSKEY.

JUNE 27TH, 1838—JANUARY 13TH, 1839. DIED SEPTEMBER 28TH, 1861.

We have no record of the early life of Father Patrick McClos-
key. He was probably ordained in Ireland, and came to Amer-
ica in his priestly youth. He assisted Father Quarter from June,
1838, to January, 1839. He was afterwards appointed pastor of
Schenectady, and subsequently became the pastor of St. John’s
Church, Albany, which was formally a Dutch Reformed church.
Here he remained until his death. He was a remarkable man in
many ways—thrillingly magnetic in his preaching, winning in his
manners, and burning with holy zeal for the salvation of souls.
He died September 28th, 1861. Asa boy I attended his funeral,
and seldom or ever did I witness such a remarkable tribute
paid to the memory of any priest or bishop as I saw on that oc-
‘ casion, which is still fresh in my memory.

RT. REV. DAVID W. BACON, D. D.
JANUARY 13TH, 1839—OCTOBER 24TH, 1839. DrED NOVEMBER 5TH, 1874.

Father Bacon was born in the city of New York, September 15,
1815, and after a preliminary course in the academy of Mr. James
64 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

Shea, completed his studies in Montreal College, and Mount St.
Mary’ S, Emmittsburg. He was ordained, December 13th, 1838,
by. Archbishop Eccleston, of Baltimore, one of the most distin-
guished members of the American Hierarchy. He came to Father
Quarter in the first days of his priestly fervor, and even during
the few months of his ministry, he leftanimpression upon the parish
which still remains. After leaving Utica, he became pastor of
Dadensburg, now the seat of an Episcopal See. Returning
soon to New York, he was
assigned to Brooklyn,
where he completed the
church which our first pas-
tor, Father Farnam, had
started under such unhap-
py auspices. ©
This church of the As-
sumption soon grew to
large proportions, and he
began the erection of an-
other church—St. Mary’s,
Star of the Sea. In the
midst of his labors, at the
close of the year 1854, he
received the bulls appoint-
ing him Bishop of Port-
land, Maine. He was con-
secrated the first bishop of
this new diocese, April 22d,
RT. REV. DAVID W. BACON, D. D. 1855, by Archbishop
Hughes, the sermon being
delivered by Bishop, afterwards Cardinal, McCloskey. His is the
second name on our honored roll of priests to receive the mitre.
The States assigned for his episcopal labor were not a very en-
couraging field. New Hampshire, by her constitution, excluded
Catholics from the Legislature and all high offices. Maine was
the very hotbed of Knownothingism at that time. The church
at Manchester, N. H., where now resides, so peacefully, the first
alumnus of Troy Seminary to receive the mitre, was destroyed by a

 
REV. FRANCIS FERRALL, 65

mob. The church at Bath was set on fire, and entirely consum-
ed. . Father Bapst, a Jesuit, was seized, in Ellsworth, by a mob,
coated with tar and feathers, and injured so severely that he never
recovered from the fiendish outrage. Attempting to lay the cor-
ner-stone of anew church in Bath, Bishop Bacon was driven away
byamob. Suchwas the field into which our kind and gentle
Father Bacon, as he was known here, was sent. And to crown his
trials and sufferings, when the anti-Catholic agitation had ceased,
and Christian sentiments began to prevail, the city of Portland
was laid in ruins by a conflagration on the 4th of July, 1866. Of
the cathedral property nothing was left. Ina few hours the chap-
el, the episcopal residence, the houses, and the academy of the
Sisters, with nearly all that they contained, had been consum-
ed. Nothing daunted, Bishop Bacon assembled his flock in a
shed on the Grand Trunk wharf, and set to work with energy to
rebuild his temporary chapel, which he dedicated on Christmas of
that year. Bishop Bacon, after a life of labor in the Lord’s vine-
yard, leaving behind him the memory of his pious and zealous
works, closed his eyes where he first saw the light—in his native
city of New York. His remains were taken to Portland, and
buried in the vault of the present Cathedral.

REV. FRANCIS FERRALL.

OCTOBER 25TH, 1839—DECEMBER 4TH, 1840. DIED DECEMBER 4TH, I84o.

Born in Ireland, in the year 1812, Father Ferrall emigrated to
America at an early age. After completing his studies, he was
ordained to the holy priesthood by the illustrious Bishop Eng-
land, the first Bishop of Charleston. He labored fora short time
among the hard missions of the South. Coming North, he be-
came affiliated to the diocese of New York. He built a church
in Belleville, N. J.. which was dedicated by Bishop Dubois in
December, 1838. He was afterwards assigned to duty in the epis-
copal city. He was appointed pastor of our church, October
25th, 1839, by Bishop Hughes, who had taken charge of the ad-
ministration of the diocese only two weeks previous. Father
Ferrall was therefore the first pastor of this parish to receive his
appointment from Bishop Hughes. His ministry was _ brief
amongst us, but the impression which he made was lasting.
66 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

It was during the pastorate of Father Ferrall that the first elec-
tion for mayor took place, and the city manifested its sense of
obligation to one of its old pioneers, by electing John C. Dev-
ereux, one of the founders of our parish, as the first incumbent of
that office elected directly by the people.

After two weeks’ sickness, Father Ferrall peacefully passed
away in the home of Capt. Dwight, on Charlotte Street, where he
boarded. His remains were carried from his residence to the
church on a hand-bier, on the day of his funeral. He was bur-
ied in a private cemetery in the yard of St. John’s Asylum, ad-
joining the church. On his tombstone were inscribed these words:

THs:

This tomb has been erected by the congregation of St. John’s
Church, Utica, in memory of Rev. Francis Ferrall, who was born
at Maydon, County Longford, Ireland, and died in this city, De-
cember 4th, 1840, aged 28 years.

“ Abounding in zeal for the salvation of his people, he fell an early victim,
lamented by all. His talents, his piety, and amiable disposition endeared him
to his flock, who will long cherish the recollection of his virtuous life, his holy,
his edifying death.”

The following obituary notice is taken from the Unca Gazette
of December 8th, 1840, and shows the esteem in which he was
held by his people, and the sorrow caused by his death.

DrED—On Friday, the fourth of December, inst., at his residence in this city,
after an illness of about two months, the Rev. Francis Ferrall, aged twenty-
nine years.

Thus, ere the meridian of life, has the deceased been taken from the field
of his earthly labors, where his talents and his virtues gave promise of so great
usefulness, and where his loss will be most severely felt. his dispensation,
coming from a Providence that orders wisely the affairs of men, should be
bowed to without a murmur; yet it has filled with deep and sincere sorrow a
circle of acquaintances, by whom the deceased was warmly esteemed, and a
congregation among whose members he had discharged the duties of the min-
istry with the most unwearied solicitude for their spiritual welfare. At an
early age he left Ireland, his native country, and after due course of prepara-
tion was ordained a clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church by the Bishop
of South Carolina; subsequently he spent several years in the duties of his
avocation at Newark, New Jersey, and in the city of New York. In October,
1839, he was assigned to the pastoral charge of the Catholic congregation in
this city, the duties of which station he performed, up to the time of his illness,
in the most exemplary and satisfactory manner. Simple and unassuming in
his manners, cheerful in temper, social in his character, possessing natural
abilities of a superior order, and a mind cultivated and enlarged by study and
reflection, he commanded the respect and esteem of those who differed from
him in creed, while his sincere piety, exemplary life, and untiring exertions for
the welfare of those under his charge, secured to him their love and admiration.
With an eloquent tongue he portrayed the misery and deformity of vice and the
DEATH OF FATHER FERRALL., 67

beauty of virtue, and with an active zeal he labored to prevent the dominion of
the one and ensure the blessings of the other, by giving tothe youth of his con-
gregation a sound and virtuous education. But the eloquent tongue is now
mute; the hand that was ever active in discharging the offices of charity and
philanthropy, is cold in death; the kind and solicitous pastor, who but a ‘short
time since walked among us, exemplifying by his practice the beauties of those
divine precepts which he taught, has passed to another and, we trust, a hap-
pier world. Deeply do his acquaintances and the members of his congrega-
tion in this city regret his loss; long will they cherish his memory.

Utica, December 7th, 1840.1

It was during the pastorate of Father Ferrall that Francis
Kernan, a young man of twenty-three, removed to Utica, and soon
after entered upon the practice of law. Marrying, a few years
later, a daughter of Nicholas Devereux, one of the founders of
our parish, he seemed to take his place as a leader and wise
counsellor in church affairs-—a position which he never relin-
quished until the day of his death. For half 4 century he shed
lustre on this city of his adoption. Rising to the heights of pow-
er in state and nation, he wielded a magnetic influence over men,
born of that purity of life which forbade the very suspicion of
insincerity. Whether we look upon him as a lawyer, a states-
man, a citizen, or a Catholic, we feel proud that Utica can boast
of such a son.

It is a curious fact, that although our parish had been in exist-
ence for twenty-one years, and though eighteen priests had pre-

 

1 The following lines, whose author’s initials only—N. L. M. A.—are given,
appeared in a local paper at the time, and will be of interest to those who still
remember this good young priest—the first on the roll of our deceased priests
who never officiated in our first church:

LINES ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. MR. FERRALL.
Why weep, ye mourners, that he dies, Had he been like those whose years

And sleeps in death, at rest? On folly’s call attend,
His soul has sought its kindred skies. To whom the rest of life appears
He’s now among the blest; To be without an end:
The journey of his life is done, Whom fleeting pleasures e’er beguile,
And if his day was brief, Till guilt has flushed the brow,
The heavenly crown thathe has won He had not died with that sweet smile
Should now assuage your grief. Which lights his features now.
The world hath nothing to bestow His “ Miserere ” he has read—
That could entice his heart, His “ canticle ” is o’er,
To wish to linger here below The tapers on the altar shed
Or grieve him to depart; For him their light no more; [woe,
For early did he turn aside For he’s released from his anguished
From all its vain parade, From pains and sorrows here,
To wed the Church, the only bride And dwells where none shall ever

Whose charms will never fade. The misery of a tear. {know
—N.L.M. A.
68 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

ceded him in ministering to the Catholics of Utica, Father Fer-
rall was the first to die in Utica, and the first whose remains were
destined to stay with us. a

At a subsequent period it became necessary to close the ceme-
tery in the asylum yard. A beautiful portion of St. Agnes’ cem-
etery was then reserved for the burial of priests, and on the sixth
of October, 1886, the remains of Father Ferrall, after quietly rest-
ing for forty-six years, were transferred to our beautiful cemetery,
‘and the church which had erected the first monument over his
grave provided another, with an appropriate inscription, to mark
the grave of this saintly pastor.

FATHER FERRALL’S ASSISTANT PRIESTS.
RT. REV. JOHN LOUGHLIN, D. D.

NOVEMBER IST, 1840—JANUARY 3D, 1841. DIED DECEMBER IQTH, I8oI. -

Father Ferrall was obliged to give up all active work ‘about the
= middle of October. Father
Beacham came from Rome

 

a few times to assist him in
his parochial duties, and on
November Ist Father John
Loughlin became assistant
priest. He is the first on
our roll of priests who had
the honor of being elevated
to the episcopacy: John
Loughlin was born in
County Down, Ireland,
December 20th, 1817. At
the age of six years he came
to the United States with
his parents, and settled in
Albany, N.Y. He studied
first in the Albany Acad-
emy, under the famous
Latinist, Dr. Bullion, afterwards in Chambly, near Montreal. He
completed his studies in Mt. St. Mary’s, Emmittsburg, and was or-

 

 

 

RT. REV. JOHN LOUGHLIN, D. D.
BISHUP LOUUGALIN, 5 69

dained to the holy priesthood, October 18th, 1840. He assisted
Father Ferrall in the last few months of his pastorate, and was
with him in his lastmoments. He was then called to New York,
and became assistant priest at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. His co-
laborers in old St. Patrick’s were Fathers McCloskey and Bayley,
afterwards Cardinal and Archbishop respectively. He soon be-
came rector of the Cathedral, and on the eve of his departure for
Rome, in 1850, Bishop Hughes appointed him Vicar-General of:
the diocese, and administrator during his absence. He was se—
lected as the first Bishop of Brooklyn, by Pius IX. of blessed!
memory, and was consecrated October 30th, 1853, by Cajetan
Bedini, Pronuncio of His Holiness, in the church where he had so
successfully officiated for years. For thirty-eight years he ruled
over that important diocese whose episcopal city is deservedly
called the ‘‘ City of Churches.” He saw the Catholic population
increase from 15,000 to over 300,000, and that island—the garden
of the state,—dotted with churches, colleges, schools, asylums,
hospitals, and all kinds of charitable institutions. It was my
pleasure to be present at the celebration of the golden jubilee of
his priesthood, October 18th, 1890, and to witness the extraordin-
ary manifestations of regard in which he was held by all classes
of citizens. He expired peacefully, after a life of zealous labors,
in his episcopal city, December roth, 1891.

REV. THOMAS MARTIN, O. P.
JANUARY 10TH, 1841—-May 11TH, 1845. DreD May 10TH 1859.

Father Martin was born in Ireland in 1794. He partially com-
pleted his studies in his native country, and came to America short-
ly after reaching the years of manhood. Like the first two Bish-
ops of New York, Father Martin belonged to the illustrious Domini-
can Order. He entered the Order of St. Dominic in St. Rose’s
Convent, in Kentucky, and was ordained, in 1824, by Bishop Fen-
wick of Cincinnati.

It may be interesting to note the beginnings of his apostolic
work in the United States. The See of Bardstown, Ky., was
erected at the same time as that of New York, in 1808. The
whole State of Ohio was placed under the jurisdiction of the
new Bishop. Dr. Flaget, like our own Bishop Concanen, was
70 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY 1N NEW YORK.

reluctantly compelled to defer, for several years, setting out for
the See committed to his charge.

He entered the State of Ohio for the first time, October 7, 1811,
accompanied by Rev. Stephen T. Badin, who had the honor of
being the first priest ordained in the United States. He received.
Holy Orders from the hands of Bishop Carroll, in Baltimore,
May 25, 1793.

The missionaries stopped at the log hut of a settler who proved
to be a Catholic. When he heard that his guests were from
Kentucky, he exclaimed: ‘“ From Kentucky! They say there are
churches and priests there. Wife! we must go thither; it is thir--
teen years since we saw either a church or a priest, and my poor
children—!”

Here Bishop Flaget, deeply moved, interrupted him:

“No, my children, stay where you are; I am your Bishop. I.
will endeavor to send you a priest at least once a year to console:
you.”

The astonished man could hardly believe the reality of what:
was told him. .

It was to carry out the promise then made that Bishop Flaget
called upon the Dominican Fathers of Kentucky, to take charge of
the missions in Ohio. Father Fenwick, at that time Provincial
of the Order, and who was destined to become the first Bishop in
Ohio, took the lead in this great work. Associated with him.
was his nephew, Father Young, and Father Martin. A log
church in honor of St. Joseph was built; a two-story log house,.
near it, became the first Dominican Convent. From this as a
centre Father Martin and his associates, in the year 1825, extended
their ministry in all directions. Father Martin built a neat frame
church, dedicated to St. Mary, at Lancaster, where he attended
every month a congregation of twenty families. He labored for
twelve years in these difficult missions, which included a range.
of country now sufficient for several dioceses. In 1836, he visited
Rome on business of his Order. Upon his return, at the desire of
his Provincial, he offered himself as a missionary in the diocese-
of New York.

Bishop Dubois assigned him to duty, in 1840, as pastor of New-
port and Schuyler, in our vicinity. Upon the death of Father:
Ferrall he became the pastor of our parish, January Io, 1841.
\

REV. THOMAS MARTIN, O, P. a I

Father Martin, with the true spirit of an apostle, labored with
great zeal while amongst us. He is described as “one of the
most distinguished priests of the older generation.” He organ-
ized the first Temperance Society in Utica, and was noted for
his zealous efforts in suppressing the frightful evils of drunken-
ness. And so well did he plant the good seed of Catholic total
abstinence, that in after years, the enormous number of 1,500 men
were banded together under the banner of Father Mathew, and
the first church remodelled and altered, where they used to meet,
was known as Father Mathew Hall.

Father Martin boarded, while in Utica, at Mrs. Ann Farnon’s,
who lived at that time in Bleecker Street, between Burnet and Char-
lotte Streets. Mrs. Farnon was one of the historic characters
in our parish. She was received into the Church, in Boston, asan
adult, by Father Cheverus, who was consecrated the first Rishop of
Boston in 1810, and afterwards became Cardinal Archbishop of
Bordeaux. Mrs. Farnon came to Utica in 1820. Her husband,
John Farnon, taught school in that old building in John Street
known as Richard’s carpenter shop. He also performed the
duties of sexton of St. John’s Church for many years. Mrs.
Farnon died March 23, 1887. Her éxact age was not known,
but it was thought that she was about 105 years old.

As the little cemetery in Steuben Street was now wholly inade-
quate for the size of the parish, Father Martin purchased, June 3,
1844, in the name of the church, five acres of land for burial pur-
poses. This ground forms a portion of the present St. Agnes’
cemetery. Amongst other acts of his pastorate, Father Martin
made an earnest protest against the intolerance of the State gov-
ernment which forced the employees of the State Lunatic Asy-
jum to attend Protestant worship.

He is remembered especially for his extraordinary charity to-
wards the poor. He was constantly inquiring for the needy and
the destitute. Mary Savage and Rose Shaughnessy acted as his al-
moners in the distribution of the money which he appropriated for
the wants of the deserving poor.

After leaving Utica, Father Martin labored in New York City,
where he became pastor of St. Brigid’s Church, where he re-
mained until 1853. He was panstetrce to old St. Peter’s, in New
72 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY INV NEW YORK.

York City. Here he did some notable work. When the ship
fever, as it was called, raged throughout New York, St. Peter’s par-
ish was one of the most afflicted parts of the city. The streets
towards the Battery swarmed with emigrants, in and around
boarding houses, in cellars and in garrets, and in outbuild-
ings.

Here Father Martin showed his sacerdotal zeal. Day and
night he labored till fever seized on his own frame, and he was
confined to his bed. One happened to be at his bedside who at
the time found his feet bleeding from the wear of his shoes in
his indefatigable and ceaseless visits to the suffering poor. Fa-
ther Martin was prematurely an old man. The hard missionary
years of his earlier life were the cause of it. Of his labors tem-
porarily in other parishes, at Rondout, at St. Brigid’s, at Holy
Cross Church, in Forty-second Street, and finally at St. James’, it
is unnecessary to speak. Wherever he went he was edifying in
his words; in his conduct he was always a priest. Ina world
where the good and edifying are not too many, he shone in the
light of an earnest and a consistent life. His oftenexpressed de-
sire—that he might die in a convent of his Order, with his Do-
minican brethren, to whom he was so faithfully attached, about
him—was not gratified. Was it not better, as it happened, that
he should die as he had lived, at the post of duty, and in the field
where he had helped so many thousands to live and to die Chris-
tianly !

Shortly after Father Martin began his pastorate, William Henry
Harrison, of Ohio, the grandfather of the distinguished citizen who
has so recently occupied the Presidential chair, was inaugurated
the ninth President of the United States. He had been just a
month in office when he died. By the terms of the Constitution,
Vice-President John Tyler succeeded him in the office of Presi-
dent, and remained at the head of the Government during the
whole period of Father Martin’s administration. .

It is difficult for us to realize that it was during this period, in
1844, that the first telegraphic message in the history of the world
was sent, flashing the news from Baltimore to Washington that
James K. Polk had been nominated to succeed Tyler in the
office of President.
REV. GEORGE McCLOSKEY. 73

ASSISTANT PRIEST TO FATHER MARTIN.

REV. GEORGE McCLOSKEY.
OcTOBER 12TH, 1844--JUNE IST, 1845. DIED AUGUST 3D, 1890.

For over three years, Father Martin labored alone in this par-
ish. In the fall of 1844, Father McCloskey was sent to assist
him. -
Father George McCloskey studied at the Theological Semin-
ary at Fordham, and was
ordained by Cardinal
McCloskey, August 15th,
1844. He was sent here to
Utica shortly after his or-
dination, and remained here
until June Ist, 1845. He
was then appointed assist-
ant priest at St. Patrick’s
Cathedral. :

In 1846, he assisted, at
Nativity Church, Father
Kein, the founder and first
pastor of St. Brigid’s, New
York, and took turns with
him in celebrating Mass in
the Fourth Street Chapel,

which was the beginning of
St. Brigid’s Church. REV. GEORGE MC CLOSKEY.

 

Se

 

 

 

His brother, Rev. William McCloskey, was consecrated Bishop
of Louisville, Ky., May 24th, 1868. Father George McCloskey
then became affiliated to the diocese of Louisville. He was ap-
pointed Vice-President of the Theological Seminary of the dio-
cese, and afterwards Vicar General of the diocese, and President
of-the Seminary. He retained this position until his death, which
occurred at Louisville, August 3d, 18go.

REV. iene STOKES.

: “May. ITH, , 1845 FEBRUARY I5TH, 1851. Diep Jury IOTH, 1854.

" Unfortunately we have no record of the early years of Father
74 4A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

Stokes. It is probable that he was ordained in Ireland. He took
charge of the parish upon the departure of Father Martin, and
labored for six years with unflagging zeal in building up the par-
ish. His failing health made it impossible for him to carry out
all his projects for the spiritual improvement of the parish. But
he laid the foundation deep and well for his saintly successor to
build high and strong the spiritual edifice. But in spite of his
infirmities, Father Stokes accomplished one thing for which
alone he would be entitled to our everlasting gratitude. The par-
ish had now been in existence upwards of thirty years, and yet
there was no parochial residence for the clergy. A suitable rectory
is rightly considered one of the necessary adjuncts of every well
regulated parish. We can imagine the inconveniences, both for
the priests and people, for lack of this accommodation during
that long period of time. From the beginning the priests were
obliged to board here and there at different houses in the parish.
The difficulty in the way from the first was that there was
no convenient site that could be obtained. The lots donated for
the first church, covered only half the block on Bleecker Street,
and had a frontage of only ninety feet on John Street. All the
lots in the rear of the church, extending to Burnet Street, had
come into the possession of Rev. Eleazar S. Barrows, a retired
Presbyterian minister, noted for his extreme antipathy to the
Catholic Church. He erected upon the ground a residence for
himself. The house was almost a counterpart of Dr. Wolcott’s
house on Bleecker Street. There are a great many in the con-
gregation who can recall it, with its quaint green blinds, and the
wing inthe rear. It was about forty feet from Burnet Street, and
unlike the present rectory, there was a space between it and the
church.

Upon the death of Mr. Barrows, Father Stokes managed to
purchase from his heirs the house and all the adjoining lots, thus
securing a much-needed rectory, and making the church property
run through from street to street, with a frontage of ninety feet
on John Street, and one hundred and twenty feet on Burnet Street.
This property was purchased June roth, 1850, for $5,000; but Father
Stokes never had the happiness of residing in the new rectory, as
he was obliged to give up his charge in the following wirter.
KEV, GOSEPH STOKES, 75

Father Stokes was remarkable for his sweet and kindly disposi-
tion. He won all hearts, and the older members of the congre
gation love to hear his name mentioned to-day, and to recall the
memory of his many deeds of charity. He retired from the ac-
tive work of the ministry after leaving Utica, in the winter of 1851,
and died at Saratoga, July 16th, 1854.

It was during the pastorate of Father Stokes that the telegraph
first came into use. The year previous to his coming, May
24th, 1844, the first message sent by telegraph was transmitted.
It read: ‘What God hath wrought,” and was sent by Miss Annie
G. Ellsworth, daughter of the Commissioner of Patents, over a
wire from Baltimore to Washington. The next year a line to
operate in Central New York was organized, with headquarters
in Utica. Three ofour own citizens—Theodore S. Foster, John But-
terfield, and Hiram Greenman, stage-coach pioneers,—conceived
the idea of starting a line in this State. A line was completed
from Utica to Albany, January 31st, 1846. Syracuse was the
third point in the State to be reached by telegraph, before either
New York or Buffalo. The working of two'independent sections
of line, in opposite directions, by the same main battery, was also
first done between Albany and Syracuse, by a Grove battery of
thirty-eight cups, grounded at Utica, the circuits being respec-
tively fifty-three and ninety-seven miles.

Theodore S. Foster of Utica, brought the newspaper editors in-
to co-operation, and the New York State Associated Press was in-
augurated. The first daily reports to the press were sent January
Ist, 1847. Brief bulletins of the battles in the Mexican War of
1848, were sent to the press, and were a great news feature. The
election results in November, 1847, were for the first time trans-
mitted by the electric wire. The inaugural address of President
Zachary Taylor was the first important public document sent
throughout the country by telegraph. In the beginning it was
thought necessary to have a metallic circuit, so two copper wires
were used. In 1846 it was accidentally discovered that the earth
could be used as a part of the circuit. In 1847 it was learned by
accident that iron wire could be used instead of copper. Thus it
will be seen that it was the happy privilege of Father Stokes,
during his otherwise uneventful pastorate, to see the beginning of
76 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY 1N NEW YORK.

this wonderful invention which has revolutionized the world, and
Utica proudly boasts of the honor of having introduced it in-
to the Empire State. .

The pastorate of Father Stokes was coincident with an event-
ful period, both in the history of the world, and of the Church. It
may not be uninteresting to recall the contemporaneous events of
that time.

In 1845, Ex-President Jackson died. The illustrious Silas
Wright was elected Governor of the State of New York. Sir
John Franklin sailed on a voyage to the North Pole. In 1846
Pius IX. of blessed memory began his long and glorious reign,
protracted unto our time until he saw the days of Peter. The
Sixth Council of Baltimore solemnly chose the Blessed Virgin con-
ceived without sin, asthe Patroness of the United States. It was
also during this year that the Mexican War began. In 1847 oc-
curred the death of Daniel O’Connell, the liberator of Ireland.
In the same year postage-stamps were first used in the United
States. In 1848, the Pope was obliged to flee from Rome; the
third French Revolution took place, and Louis Napoleon became
the President of the new Republic. In this year also, gold was
discovered in California, and several Uticans caught the fever,
and left for the far West. In 1849, Wm. H. Seward, Jefferson
Davis, and Charles Sumner entered the United States Senate.
Pius IX. returned to Rome, and his authority was re-established.
In 1850, New York was made an Archiepiscopal See, and in 1851
took place the famous coup d@ Hat of Napoleon III.,and the French
Republic was again supplanted by the Empire.

ASSISTANT PRIESTS UNDER FATHER STOKES.

The parish had now grown to such large proportions that the
labor was too much fora single priest. Besides, the health of
Father Stokes was so very poor that he stood in constant need of
active coadjutors.

During his pastorate he had no less than ten different Assistant
priests. One of them is still alive—one of the five priests attached
to the parish, still living, who celebrated Mass in the second
church. Thenine others are dead, You will see their names on the
memorial tablet.
_ present cathedral of the diocese.

om,

ASSISTANT PRIESTS UNDER FATHER STORES. 77

Father McCloskey, who had been assistant priest under Father
Martin, remained with Father Stokes for three weeks.

REV. JOHN McMENOMY.
Jury 13th, 1845—SEPTEMBER Ist, 1845. DIED JULY 13th, 1892.

Father McMenomy was assistant priest from July 13 to Sep-
tember 1, 1845. After leaving Utica he went to pibeny: A few
years later he became pastor of :
Little Falls. He was subse-
quently transferred to Syracuse,
and built St. John’s Church, the

He was atterwards the pastor of
St. Peter’s Church, Saratoga,
where he remained until his
death, which occurred July 13,
1892.

If I might be pardoned for
remarking a coincidence which
is somewhat personal, I would
say that twice I was attached to
the church whith Father
McMenomy built in Syracuse—

 

once when I went there in June,
1870, a few days after my ordin-
ation to the holy priesthood,
to assist the venerable Father Guerdet; and the second fines
in May, 1887, when, upon the erection of the new diocese of
Syracuse, I went there as rector of the new cathedral.

REV. JOHN MCMENOMY.

REV. WILLIAM HOWARD.

_ SEPTEMBER 20TH, 1845—OCTOBER 6TH, 1845. DIED FEBRUARY 25TH, 1888.

Father Howard was assistant priest for only a few weeks. He
was afterwards pastor of St. Mary’s Church, Constableville, and
St. Mary's Church, Hudson, in which latter place he remained
for several years. Later he was appointed pastor-of the Church
of the Annunciation, Ilion, which parish thenincluded Herkimer
78 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

and Frankfort. A few ERE, later, ae health compelled him to
——— 7 a q resign his charge, and he re-
tired to Herkimer, where he
lived quietly until his death,
which occurred in that vil-
lage, February 25, 1888.
Father Howard was a real
missionary priest. In all,
he built ten different
churches in various parts of
the country.

REV. DANIEL CULL.

OCTOBER I2TH, 1845 — JUNE
13TH, 1847. DIED MARCH
2D, 1873.

 

Little is known of Father
Cull, who assisted Father
Stokes for nearly two years. He retired from active duty many
years before his death, and
lived quietly in Saratoga,
where his death occurred,
March 2d, 1873.

REV. WILLIAM HOWARD.

REV. JOHN CORRY.

NOVEMBER 24TH, 1847—APRIL
2D, 1848. DiED JUNE 27TH,
1863.

Father Corry remained
here only a few months.
' After leaving Utica, he
labored zealously in the
holy ministry in various
places. He had the rep-
utation of being a very
successful church builder.
He erected St. John’s
Church, Greenbush. This REV. DANIEL CULL.

 
REV. THOMAS OUELLET, S. 3. 79

church was burned down a few years ago, but has since been re-
placed by a magnificent structure, built by Very Rev. Dean Duffy,
the present zealous pastor.

REV. HIPPOLYTE C. DE LUYNES, S. J.
AUGUST IST, 1848—SEPTEMBER I5TH, 1848. DIED JANUARY 20TH, 1878.

During the Summer of 1848, Father Stokes went to Europe for
the benefit of his health. Two Fathers of the Society of Jesus
took charge of the parish during his absence.

One of them was Father De Luynes. Many will be surprised
to learn that Father De Luynes was an Irishman, born in
Paris, whose good old Irish name of Devlin, or something of the
kind, was gallicized into De Luynes. Father De Luynes is still re-
membered by old parishioners for his kind and agreeable manner
during his short stay among us.

After leaving Utica, he labored for over thirty years in that illus-
trious Order, which was so dear to him. He died at St. Francis
Xavier's College, New York, January 20, 1878.

REV. THOMAS OUELLET, S. J.

AUGUST 13TH, 1848—SEPTEMBER 3D, 1848.

I am speaking only of the dead priests, and I ought not perhaps
to allude to the living. And yet I may be permitted a word
in regard to the co-laborer of Father De Luynes in the Sum-
mer of 1848, in our second church.

Two years ago, when preparing the list of the dead priests of the
parish, I had amongst the rest, the name of Father Ouellet (Wel-
lett) of the Society of Jesus. Upon making inquiries touching the
place and time of his death, I was very much surprised to learn
that he was still alive, and laboring among the Indians in Canada.

As the result of my résearches, I receiveda letter from himat that
time, from Garden City, in the diocese of Peterboro, Canada. The
following extract from this letter may prove interesting, at least
to those who still remember this devoted priest of long ago:

“T am indeed the priest who was in Utica in 1848, attached for a few weeks to

St. John’s Church to help Father De Luynes replace Father Stokes, then
travelling in Europe for hishealth. I am living yet, though old ; and after such
80 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

a long time, I keep yet pleasant recollections of Utica and its good people,
who edified me during my short stay among them. Iamnowa poor Indian mis-
sionary. During the late American war | was chaplain of the 69th Regiment,
N. Y. 5S. V., Irish Brigade. I have been in many battles, particularly Fred-
ericksburg, Antietam, the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania and Peters-
burg, and then J have attended many wounded soldiers. Wherefore, I think I
have done something for the Catholics of the United States and the happiness
of the people under the Union. I think they cannot look upon meas a Stranger,
even though I am Jaboring among the poor Indians in Canada.”

There are twenty-four priests alive who were at one time or
another attached to this parish. Father Ouellet is by far the
oldest of them all. It is a striking coincidence that he was born
in 1819, the very year in which St. John’s Church was organized
asaparish. It may be interesting, therefore, to read an extract
from another of the good old man’s letters which I received from

him a short time ago:

“Thad to leave my Indian mission,” he writes, “ to come to this place for
treatment and rest.

“ This is our House of Studies for Philosophy and Theology, and, for the fu-
ture, if it is God’s will, and my health permits, I shall be one of those who take
care of our young students. At present, apart from other infirmities, I am
troubled with rheumatic pains, which nail me to my chair or bed, scarcely able
to stir myself one way or the other. Still, there is nothing dangerous in it.

“TI am happy to see your zeal forthe departed bishops and priests respect-
ively connected with St. John’s Church, in which I took so much interest forty-
five years ago. I wish I could help you in the good work.

“ But sickness and want of recollection make it impossible to add anything
to what I told you previously.

“Good Father Stokes! How he loved Utica, and what interest in the spiritu-
al welfare of his parishioners he took himself as long as his health permitted!

“ And when sickness compelled him to leave them, how solicitous he was in
procuring ae to continue the good work, so that they might not suffer from
the want of proper administration in his absence!

“TItis then I had, with good Father De Luynes, the good fortune of doing some-
thing for St. John’s Church and its dear people. :

“Don't put my name yet on your tablet containing the names of deceased
bishops and priests, but very likely I shall soon have togothere. And then, if
you kindly do so, you will confer a great favor on me, as it will procure me many
fervent prayers.”

Surely I may say that, ] need make no apology for this di-
gression. JI am speaking of the dead.. Do not the words of the
good old priest of your fathers sound like a voice from the tomb?’

“ASSISTANT PRIESTS.
REV. PATRICK CARAHER.
OCTOBER ISTH, 1848—JANUARY 20TH, 1850. D1ED OCTOBEK 23D, 1890.

Father Stokes returned from Europe about the first of Septem-
ber, 1848, and the two Jesuit Fathers left the parish where in a

 

! Father Ouellet died at the Immaculate Conception College, near Montreal,
’ November 26, 1894. Y
PER, ATHIOE Seba ee. 81

 

 

ihen ment 4g a

;

to Father ‘Stoked, He had

ssistant, priest
previously labored with
great zeal on the mission in
the State of Maine...

“St. Patri ck’s parish was
Rounded in December, 1849,
and he beeame the first pas-
tor. He held that, position
until a few years before his
death, when he, resigned”
his parish, and lived quiet-
ly at the “church rectory.
‘He often used to speak of
the year anda half that he
spent so happily in “‘this!,
parish as assistant priest
under Father Stokes.

 

 

REV. PATRIC® CARAHER,

REV. MICHAEL J. KELLY.
JuLy Ist, 1850 SEPTEMBER IST, 1850. Dr1Ep JULY 11TH, 1886.

Father Kelly was here only two months. He became, after-
ye pastor 6 of St. Paul’s Church, Oswego, New York. His
mental faculties becoming im-
paired, he was obliged to retire
from active duty. He was for
more than twenty years under
the care of the Sisters of Chari-
ty, at Mount Hope, New York,
where he died July 11th, 1886.

REV. MICHAEL E. CLARKE.

OCTOBER 28TH, 1850—JUNE ISTH,
1851. DiED MARCH IgTH, 1872.
Father Clarke succeeded

_| Father Kelly as assistant priest,
REV. MICHAEL E, CLARKE. and remained here about nine

 
82 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY 1N NEW YORK.

months. He subsequently labored in many places. We find
him, in 1863, pastor of St. Mary’s Church, Amsterdam.

He was appointed pastor
of St. John’s Church,
Schenectady, in 1866. He
died in that city on the
Feast of St. Joseph, March
19, 1872,

He is remembered as a
very holy priest. Many
very wonderful cures were
attributed to him.

REV. WM. C. COGHLAN,

NOVEMBER 12TH, 1850—May
IST, 1854. DIED JULY
7TH, 1862.

Father Coghlan became
assistant priest to Father
Stokes in the fall of 1850,
with a view to look after
the spiritual needs of Clin-

 

 

REV. WM. C. COGHLAN.

ton, where the Catholics were beginning to grow in numbers.
He became pastor of Clinton, May 1, 1854, and built St. Mary’s
Church, in that village. He died in Clinton, July 7th, 1862.
A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.
ST. JOHN’S, UTICA.

Very REV. J. S. M. Lyncu, D. D., LL. D.

Part VI.
RT. REV. FRANCIS P. McFARLAND, D. D.

MARCH IST, 1851—MARCH 6TH, 1858.

FATHER McFarLanD now opens the longest and one of the mast
important -pastorates in the history of the parish up to this time.

Francis Patrick McFarland was born in Franklin, Pa., April 16,
1819, almost on the very day when this parish, destined to be
sanctified by his zealous labors, was organized.

In the providence of God, new countries are evangelized by
missionaries from other climes, but in the course of time, native
vocations spring upto meet the wants of the new kingdom
brought to Christ. And so, whilst we shall never forget the
debt of gratitude which we owe to that band of Irish missiona-
ries that planted the good seed, still we glory inthe fact that
Father McFarland was the first product of our own soil—our first
American pastor. He received a careful training in an academy
conducted by Mr. James Clarke, subsequently a distinguished
Jesuit. After a course of divinity in Mt. St.Mary’s, Emmettsburg,
he was ordained by Archbishop Hughes in St. Patrick’s Cathedral,
New York, May 18, 1845. He was Professor for a time in St.
John’s College, Fordham. After spending a short time in New
York, Father McFarland was sent to minister to the wants of the
Catholics in Jefferson County, N. Y. He became pastor of St.
Mary’s Church, Watertown, and from there attended Brownsville
and other dependent missions. He remained in this position for
about five years, and was transferred on the Ist of March, 1851, by
Bishop McCloskey, the Bishop of Albany, to the charge of this
parish.

The Utica of Father O’Gorman, 32 years ago, with its 400 houses
and 2,000 people, had now become a thriving city with ten
times that population, and the church had kept pace with the
84 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK,

growth of the town. I need not speak of Father McFarland’s
work amongst us during this important period in the history
of our parish. His zealous labors so well remembered, crowned
the glory of the second church. His work was lasting. Hemade
an impression in the parish which remained long after the hal-
lowed walls of that church which he loved so well, had been razed
to the ground. His
memory is still green
in Utica, the blessing
which he left upon our
church is still with us,
and long, long will his
name be revered in the
parish which had the
happiness of being the
witness of his saintly
labors.

It was during Father
McFarland’s pastorate
that the Brothers of the
Christian Schools came
to Utica. Our beautiful
school building, in
which we take so much
pride, was built during
his pastorate. Assump-
tion Academy was
opened September ist,
1854, and its long line
of graduates are found

 

RT. REV. FRANCIS P. MC FARLAND, D. D.

among our citizens in
every profession and in every walk of life.. Father McFarland
purchased additional lots for burial purposes, to meet the increas-
‘ing needs of the congregation.

It was also during his pastorate that the bret mission was given in
the parish. It took place in the month of October, 1857. It
was a memorable mission, conducted by those renowned Re-
demptorists, Fathers Walworth, Hewitt, Deshon, and Baker,
BISHOP! McFARLAND,.- 85

Many of the-older members of the congregation will remember

‘this mission from a circumstance which impressed it upon their
‘minds. The veil of the statue of the Blessed Virgin, which. had
been placed above the high altar, took fire, and the church was
for a time threatened with destruction.

Father McFarland was the first pastor to reside in the old

s Barrows house, which was the new rectory, purchased by Father
Stokes, and which stood nearly on the site of the present rectory.
In the very midst of his labors, the bulls arrived from Rome
naming himas the third Bishop of Hartford. He left Utica for his
new field of labor, March 6th, 1858. A large number of the con-
gregation accompanied him to the train, and manifested their re-
gret at his departure. He was consecrated in St. Patrick’s Cathe-
dral, Providence, R. I.,. March 14th, 1858, by Archbishop Hughes.
The sermon was nfeacned by Bishop McCloskey, of aelbanys
afterwards the first American Cardinal.

Providence was then the seat of his diocese. He threw

himself at once into his work, building churches, schools, convents,
hospitals, and asylums. Sixteen years of episcopal labors
were not without their fruits. The territory comprised within the
limits of the diocese at the time of Bishop McFarland’s con-
secration, has since been’ divided, and the State of Rhode Island
has been formed into a new diocese, with. Providence as the
episcopal city. Bishop McFarland transferred the seat of the
diocese to Hartford, and secured a very desirable site for a new
Cathedral. He did not live to see it erected, but through the zeal
and energy of his devoted successor, there stands upon that spot
to-day a magnificent temple, second, perhaps, to none in the
United States, and entirely free from debt.
' The impress of Bishop McFarland’s zeal and piety is indelibly
stamped upon the diocese of Hartford. His task was not an
easy one. He was hampered very much in his work by the
ae Knownothings,” who actually at one time gained control of
the State. One of their first acts was to pass a law disbanding all
militia companies that were composed mainly of Catholics. But
the Civil War breaking out soon after, the iniquitous statute was
repealed in a single day,, and Catholic blood and Catholic valor
proved once again that patriotism is a virtue akin to religion.
86 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK,

Bishop McFarland continued to rule over the diocese of Hart-
ford until his death, which occurred in the episcopal city, Octo-
ber 12th, 1874. His obsequies took place in the Cathedral on the
15th, the venerable Bishop Loughlin officiating. At least a dozen
bishops and nearly a hundred priests, and large numbers of the
laity witnessed the impressive ceremonies over our once beloved
pastor. Bishop Hendricken, of Providence, in his funeral eulo-
gy, made this remarkable statement. He said that Bishop
McFarland was a man of extraordinary piety.

“T have known him,”’ he added, “ from the morning of his consecration, and
I have never been able to detect in him a venial fault.

“The poorest members of his flock or diocese could approach him without
fear, and would always be sure to receive at his hands the kindest of treat-
ment. He was a learned scholar in the best sense of the term,and a most pro-
found theologian. As acitizen he was a valuable one to both this city and
State, and also to Rhode Island when he resided there. During the late war
he was not wanting in patriotism, and in a proper method of showing it.”

And to show that these sentiments were echoed in this com-
munity, and that the lapse of sixteen years had not dimmed the
lustre of the glory in which his name was held in Utica, we
here quote the editorial published in the Utica Odserver at the
time of his death:

“Francis Patrick McFarland, Bishop of Hartford, died in that city on Mon-
day last, in the fifty-seventh year of his age. He was born in Franklin, Pa.,
and educated at St. Mary’s College, Md. (Mt. St. Mary’s).

“He was ordained to the priesthood in 1845. After laboring successfully in
Watertown for some years, he came to Utica, where he assumed the charge
of St. John’s Church. Here he won the most commanding success.

“His eminent piety, his unflagging zeal, his liberal culture, and, above all,
his broad and Catholic charity, gained him numberless friends outside the pale
of his Church, as well as within.

“He was sparing of others; he never spared himself.

“ He never knew what it was to be idle. In the homes of the poor, in the
room of sickness, and by the bedside of the dying, he was a frequent and
faithful visitor. He shaped his life to the strictest demands of duty, and found
his pleasure in doing good. Under his care his parish grew and prospered.
In 1858, the Bishopric of Hartford, which diocese included the States of Rhode
Island and Connecticut, hecame vacant through the death of Bishop O'Reilly,
who was lost at sea on the ill-fated Pacific.

“Father McFarland was called to be Bishop of Hartford.

“ He carried from Utica the love of every man, woman, and child, Catholic or
Protestant, who had known him during his residence here. He took up his
residence in Providence at a time when the prejudice against his Church was
exceedingly strong, and before the passions engendered by this hostility had
DEATH OF BISHOP McFARLAND., 87

cooled. He was, we believe, the youngest Bishop in the Catholic Church. He
resided in Rhode Island until 1872.

“He died on Monday, the 12th inst., in Hartford, after fulfilling a mission
which falls to the lot of few men, with a steadfast faithfulness unsurpassed.”

Let me recall a few of the contemporaneous events which sig-
nalized the pastorate of Father McFarland. In 1851 Jenny Lind
sang in the Bleecker Street church, and a thousand people paid
five dollars apiece to hear the famous Swedish songstress.

In 1852 the First Plenary Council of Baltimore, composed of
all the Bishops of the United States, was convened. It was dur-
ing this year, also, that Utica was honored with the visit of two
distinguished men. Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian patriot, came
in June, and General Winfield Scott, the hero of the Mexican
War, came in the fall. Both were received by our citizens in a
most enthusiastic manner. In 1853 Franklin Pierce became Pres-
ident of the United States, the World’s Fair took place at the
Crystal Palace in New York, and Horatio Seymour, of whom
our city is so justly proud, was elected Governor of the State.
Europe saw the beginning of the great Crimean War. In 1854,
Pius IX. solemnly defined the dogma of the Immaculate Con-
ception. And in the very last days of this glorious pastorate
an event took place in France, which has since come to be one
of the most remarkable occurrences of the nineteenth cen-
tury: I mean the wonderful apparitions of the Blessed Virgin in
the grotto of Lourdes—the first of which occurred February 11th,
1858.

FATHER MCFARLAND’S ASSISTANT PRIESTS.

Besides Father Coghlan, who had assisted Father Stokes, and
remained with Father McFarland until he became pastor of Clin-
ton, May Ist, 1854, four other priests assisted Father McFarland
during his pastorate.

REV. JAMES SMITH.

May IST, 1854—APRIL IST, 1855. DIED SEPTEMBER ISTH, 1881.
Father Smith assisted Father McFarland for nearly a year.
He became afterwards pastor of Fulton, Oswego County, which
position he held upwards of a quarter of a century, until his

death, which occurred in that village, September 15th, 1881.
88; A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY: IN \WEW YORK.

REV. DANIEL P. FALVEY.
APRIL 29TH, 1855—AUGUST 4TH, 1855. ‘Diep June 12TH, 1866.

Father Falvey was heré but a few months. He became after-
wards pastor of St. John’s Church, Schenectady, making the third
assistant priest of this parish who was appointed pastor of that
church. He held this position until his death, which occurred in
Schenectady, June 12th, 1866.

REV. JOHN McDERMOTT.

SEPTEMBER 6TH, 1855—MARCH 9TH, 1856. DIED JANUARY 18TH, 1860.

_ Father McDermott assisted Father McFarland for a short
time. He then became pastor of St. Patrick’s Church, Oneida,
and built the first church in that village, which has since been re-
placed by the handsome stone structure, erected by the Very
Rev. James A. Kelley, the worthy Dean of this district of the
diocese. Shortly after the completion of the first church, Father
McDermott went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he died January
18th, 1860.
REV. JOSEPH H. HERBST.

MARCH 31ST, 1856—MARCH 22D, 1858. DIED FEBRUARY 17TH, 1885.

Father Herbst was assistant priest for two years. His health
broke down shortly after he left here, and he was obliged to re-
tire from active duty. He died in the Hospital of the Sisters of
Charity, in Troy, N. Y., February 17th, 1885.

REV. THOMAS DALY.

APRIL 25TH, 1858—DECEMBER 25TH, 1869.

Just as our parish was beginning its long career, in the autumn
of 1822, an Irishwoman, with a babe in herarms, bade farewell to
her native land, and braving the storms of the ocean, sailed away
for free America. That infant was Father Daly, destined to oc-
cupy so large a space in the development of our parish. He was
born in the city of Dublin. His family settled in New York City.
Hardly had reason dawned upon his youthful mind, than he be-
gan to aspire to the holy priesthood. He had the great privilege
REV, THOMAS DALY. - 89.

of being an altar boy in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and listening to
the eloquent words of the great Archbishop Hughes.

He was one of the first to enter St. John’s College, Fordham,
whitch was then presided.over by Bishop, afterwards Cardinal,
McCloskey, where he was graduated with high honors. Thus it

will be seen’ that two of his youthful preceptors were two of the
greatest Bishops. that ruled our pioeer) and whose names are as-
sociated with his own on
our memorial tablet. He
was ordained by Archbish-
op Hughes, on the 30th of
May,.1847... He was first
appointed assistant priest
in St. Peter’s Church, Sara-
toga. Subsequently. he
was. transferred to St.
Joseph’s Church, Albany,
where he assisted Father
Conroy, afterwards Bish-
op of Albany. Later-on,
he was pastor of St. Ber-
nard’s:‘Church, Cohoes, St.
Patrick’s Church, West
Troy, and St. Peter’s’
Church, Troy. Finally, in
1858, his Eminence, Cardi- . REV. THOMAS DALY.
nal McCloskey, who was then Bishop of Albany, recognizing his
superior abilities, appointed him pastor of this important church.

A new era seemed to dawn upon our beloved parish upon the
transfer of Father McFarland to a broader sphere of usefulness,
and the coming of Father Daly. Under his administration a won-'
derful development took place. The child was fast becoming a’
man. His pastorate is remarkable in many ways. I have said
that there are three periods in the growth of our parish. Father
Daly was pastor for almost one-third of the entire period of its ex--
istence. His first care, upon taking charge, was to complete and’
perfect the spiritual edifice whose foundations had been so
broadly and solidly laid by his energetic predecessor.

 
go A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

A few months after his coming, the Society of the Children of
Mary, aconfraternity composed of young ladies, and whose object
is to foster piety and special devotion to the Blessed Virgin, was
organized under the direction of the Sisters of Charity, Decem-
ber 8th, 1858, the very year of the apparitions of Lourdes. This
Sodality is still in existence, celebrating, December 8th, 1893,
the thirty-fifth anniversary of its organization, and the good it
has accomplished in this parish during that long period of time
will be known only in Heaven.

For two years Father Daly devoted himself in a special man-
ner to the promotion of spiritual affairs. One of his first cares was
to provide a home for orphan boys, and under his direction the
Brothers of the Christian Schools opened an orphan asylum for
boys in a portion of thé school building on the corner of John
and Elizabeth Streets. This great work was inaugurated on the
Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, March
25th, 1862. But he soon found temporal concerns thrust upon
his attention, and calling for the exercise of his zeal and energy.
The second church, which seemed too large when built, was now
becoming altogether inadequate for the increasing numbers of the
congregation, and he saw that it would be necessary to take im-
mediate measures for the erection of a more spacious edifice.
And so it was his privilege to be the last of. those honored pas-
tors that guided our destinies during the period of the second
church. And even as the great Father Quarter closed the list of
the pastors of the first church, and opened that of the second, so
it was given to the beloved Father Daly to close the list of the
pastors of the second church, and to open that of the third.

Mass was said in the second church for the last time on Sun-
day, June 8th, 1868. On Monday morning the work of tearing
down was begun. That good old church, loved so well, was
soon levelled to the ground.

The corner-stone of this present church was laid by Father
Daly, in the afternoon of June 27th, 1869, both the ending of the sec-
ond church and the beginning of the third occurring in the
month of the Sacred Heart. The sermon on the occasion was
preached by Rev. Dr. Keating, then pastor of Newport. The pa-
pers and coins which had been placed in the corner-stone of the
LAST DECADE OF SECOND CHURCH, gl
second church, were found to be in a good state of preservation,
and were deposited, with the other articles, in the corner-stone of
the present church.

For a few years the congregation were compelled to make use
of the Court House and Sisters’ School building as places of wor-
ship. Many parishioners remember the inconveniences and the
hardships of those days. Many remember, too, the trials and diffi-
culties of Father Daly in carrying to completion so gigantic a
task. Even with failing health he struggled on to do what seemed
almost too much for his physical strength. Many remember
the touching appeal he made in August, 1869, for funds, that the
church might be completed for Christmas of that year. Many
will recall the joy and heartiness with which they worked to dec-
orate the new house of God for that great Festival of Holy
Church—that memorable Christmas of 1869. ™

The old Barrows house, which had served fora rectory for near-
ly twenty years, was also torn down during this same year of 186y,
and the present elegant and spacious residence for the clergy was
constructed. While this work was going on, Father Daly board-
ed for a few months, from April to July, 1869, with Mr. Leslie A.
Warwick, on Genesee Street. Much to the delight and consola-
tion of that good Catholic family, their house became, for the
time being, a little church, and baptisms and marriages and other
ministrations blessed their quiet home. A house was subse-
quently provided for Father Daly at 58 Mary Street, where he re-
sided until the completion of the new rectory.

But besides these two great works which demanded so much
of his attention, another task was imposed upon him. The ac-
commodations for the orphan boys at the school building were
found to be totally inadequate, and besides, the Catholics of the
city generally were beginning to appreciate more and more the
opportunity presented by Assumption Academy for a sound
Catholic education, as well as the highest form of commercial and
scientific instruction. It became necessary, therefore, in the sum.
mer of 1869, to make better provision for the orphan boys, and
the large and commodious and beautiful building was erected on
the corner of Rutger Street and Taylor Avenue. The schoo}

building was henceforward devoted exclusively to educational
5
g2 A FAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

purposes, and the orphan boys were transferred to thé new asy--
lum now known as “ St. Vincent’s Industrial School.”

This last decade in the history of the second church, and the’
first in the long administration of Father Daly, was a period re-
markable in many ways. While Father Daly was prudently and
zealously looking after the material and spiritual growth of our:
parish, stirring events were taking place, both in our own country
and in the world, and history was being made faster than the.
chronicler could record it. In 1858, the first Atlantic cable, im-’
perfect as it was, conveyed congratulatory messages between
Queen Victoria and President James Buchanan, and the world saw:
with amazement an unexpected revolution in telegraphy. In the’
same year was laid, by Archbishop Hughes, the .corner-stone of’
the present St. Patrick’s Cathedral of New York.

In 1861 Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated President, and then
began those four years of fratricidal strife which deluged our land
in blood, and wasted millions of treasures. In the midst of the
Civil War in 1864, which he had so loyally supported, the great?
Archbishop Hughes surrendered his soul to God. In the next:
year, 1865, Lincoln was assassinated, General.-Lee’ surrendered’
to General Grant, and the cruel war was over, and the Northern
and Southern armies disbanded. In 1866 the Atlantic cable
was at last, after many experiments, a complete success, and the
Old and the New World were united as in acommon family. In’
the same year, 1866, was held the Second Plenary Council of Bal-
timore. In 1869, Ulysses S. Grant was inaugurated President, the
Pacific Railroad was completed, the Suez Canal was opened, and
‘across the water the great Gécumenical Council of the Vatican,
the first general council since the Council of Trent, was opened
auspiciously by the saintly Pius IX. of blessed memory, on the
feast of the Immaculate Conception, the patronal feast of the
United States.

Local happenings were not less interesting during the last dec-
ade of our second church. Roscoe Conkling, one of Utica’s
favorite sons, was Mayor of the city,in 1858 and 1859. President
Lincoln passea through here, February 18, 1861, on his way to the
inauguration ceremonies at Washington, and was tendered a re-
ception. With the firing upon Fort Sumter a little later, the city
LAST DECADE OF SECOND CHURCH, | « 93

became filled with martial enthusiasm, and a local paper stated
at the time that Utica was doing more in proportion to population
to fill the ranks of the army than any other city or town of the
State. Father Daly’s flock were not behind their fellow-citizens
in their devotion to the flag. James. McQuade, the'son of Michael
McQuade, one of the pioneers of the church in our city, was at
that time a devout member of the parish. ‘When the war broke
out he was Captain of the Citizen’s Corps. On the day following
the firing on Fort Sumter, he offered his own services and those
of his entire company, to the Government for two years. They be-
came a part of the 14th Regiment, of which he was elected Col-
onel. For gallantry and bravery in theseven days’ fighting, from
June 27th to July 3d, 1865,and at Malvern Hill, he was pro-
moted to the rank of Brigadier-General. The city showed its ap-
preciation of its loyal son by electing Aim Mayor‘in 1866 and
1870. oe :

Many other local events are still fresh in the memory of the
people of St. John’s. The opening of the street railroad to New
Hartford and New York Mills, in 1863, was an event in the history
of our city. Many have not yet forgotten that great freshet
on that memorable St. Patrick’s Day, just before the war closed,
when the water was two feet deep on the corner of Whitesboro
and Genesee Streets. ”

Still fresh in the memory of many are the happy scenes of those
bright June days, when amid the pealing of bells and the booming
of cannon, and the sweet strains of “ Home, Sweet Home,”. their
loved ones came back from the field of carnage, nevermore to re-
turn. Many remember the unprecedented celebration that year
ofthe 4th of July—the fireworks on Chancellor Square, and thestir-
ring speech of Francis Kernan. And many recall, a little later
—in 1868—the band of enthusiastic citizens. pulling the rope
of the City Hall Bell, and ringing a joyous and protracted peal,
when the news reached the city, that for the first time the hon-
or of being a candidate for the highest office in the land had fal-
len upon a citizen of Utica, the almost idolized Horatio Sey-
mout.

Truly, our second church, in the closing years of her existence,
was a witness of events that will not soon be forgotten.
G4 da PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY 1N NEW YORK.

FATHER DALY'S ASSISTANT PRIESTS IN THE SECOND CHURCH.

REV. PATRICK J. McGLYNN.

Jury 15, 1858—OcroseEr Ist, 1858. D1zED DECEMBER 13th, 1867.

The church of Father Quarter was just of age—it was celebrat-
ing its 21st birthday—when his own nephew, Father McGlynn,
came to assist Father Daly. He studied first in St. Mary’s Col-
lege, Chicago, and then successively in St. John’s College, Ford-
ham; St. Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore; and St. Joseph's Seminary,
Troy, N. Y., where he was ordained in June, 1858. Utica was his
first mission. He remained but a few months, just long enough
to claim the privilege of hav-
ing been attached to the
church. Itseemed singularly
appropriate that he should
minister at the same altar,
and labor, even for a while,
in the church of his illustri-
ous uncle. After leaving
Utica he labored in the north-
ern part of the State, in what
is now the diocese of Ogdens-
burg. He lived to see, of
the three churches, only that
which his uncle had built, as
he died before the second
church was torn down. He
became pastor of St. Mary’s
Church, Potsdam, in the sum-
mer of 1858, and he remained

REV. PATRICK J. MCGLYNN. there until his death, which

; occurred in that village,

Decembcr 13th, 1867. His remains were transferred to Utica
a couple of years later, and buried in St. Agnes’ Cemetery.
Father McGlynn is the second on our long list of priests whose

 

remains rest in our own city of the dead. It may not be generally
known that Mr. Wm. J. McGlynn, who is now a member of St.
REV, EUGENE CARROLL. 95

Agnes’ Church, Utica, is a
nephew of: Father Quarter,
and a brother of Father Mc-
Glynn...

REV. EUGENE CARROLL.

Ocroser toth, 1858—Degcem-
BER Ist, 1860. Dikp JuLy
16th, 1882.

Father Carroll labored
first for several years in the
hard" mission of Hunter, in
the Catskill mountains. He
was then transferred to
Utica, where he assisted Fa-
ther Daly for nearly two
years. Subsequently he ex-
ercised the holy ministry in
Albany, where he was Chap-

 

 

REV. EUGENE CARROLL.

lain, for several years, of the
Boys’ Orphan Asylum. He
was later appointed pastor of
Constableville and Port Ley-
den. He labored in this mis-
sion until his death, which
occurred at Port Leyden,
July 16th, 1882.

REV. JOHN McDONALD.

SEPTEMBER 15th, 1864—Au-
’ GUST 26th, 1866. Diep FEB-
RUARY 4th, 1879.

Father McDonald is the
last name on our memorial
tablet of the priests who as-
sisted Father Daly in the
REV. JOILN McDONALD. second church. He was a

 
96 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

nephew of the present distinguished Archbishop: Walsh; of
Toronto.’ He enjoyed the unique distinction of being the
first student of St. Joseph’s Provincial Seminary, Troy, N. Y.,
ordained to the holy priésthood—the leader of that army of
seven hundred soldiers of the Lord who have marched forth from
that noble institution of learning, founded by the great
Archbishop Hughes, and directed by that saint and scholar, the
Very Rev. Dr. Vandenhende, the present Vicar-General of Ghent,
assisted by a corps of devoted priests from Belgium, who are still
successfully carrying on the great work. Father McDonald re-
mained with Father Daly abouttwo years. After laboring in
various places, he was finally appointed pastor of St. Mary’s
Church, Potsdam, where Father McGlynn, his warm friend, had
labored a few years previously, He, too, died in Potsdam, Feb-
ruary 4th, 1879.

LIVING FRUITS OF THE SECOND CHURCH.

Before we close the book on whose pages are recorded the
glories of the second church, it may not be amiss to cast a glance
at the men and women whom that church inspired and prepared
for a consecration of their lives to the service of God,

I have no record of the names of those holy men and women
trained in that second church, whoimmolated themselves entirely
upon the altar of religion, and gave themselves wholly and
completely to the service of their Master. But they were not
few. In different Religious Orders and Communities they buried
themselves from the world, and one day they will all stand
amongst the white-robed virgins that follow the Lamb whither-
soever He goeth, and praise the name of the second church.

_As regards the priests, there were twelve, as far as I have
been able to learn, that were the product of the second church.

Three of them have gone to their reward. Father Patrick J.
McGlynn, of whom I have but just spoken, Father Ambrose
O’Neill, and Father Edward O’Connor—three noble priests of
whom the parish may be justly proud. ‘Let us breathe a praver
for the repose of their souls. -
 

THE SECOND CHURCH.
98 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK,

There are nine still alive, laboring faithfully in the Lord’s
vineyard.

Very Rev. Thomas M. A. Burke is now the Vicar-General of
the diocese of Albany, and the Rector of St. Joseph’s Church in
that city. *

Rev. George Quin is a member of the illustrious Society of
Jesus. He is at present attached to St. Joseph’s Church, Troy.

Rev. John F. Lowery, LL. D., is rector of St. Agnes’ Church,
Cohoes,

Rev. Philip Grace, D..D., is rector of the Church of Our Lady
of the Isle, Newport, R.'I,

Rev. Thomas P. Grace is rector of St. Mary’s Church, Provi-
dence, R. I.

Rev. John P. McIncrow is rector of St.Mary’s Church, Amster-
dam, N. Y.

Rev. John F. Mullaney is rector of St.John the Baptist’s
Church, Syracuse, N. Y.

Rev. William O’Mahony is rector of St. Paul’s Church, Troy.

Rev.Jos.S. Tiernan is rector of St.John’s Church, Camden,N.Y.

LAST DAYS OF OUR SECOND CHURCH.

And so closes the history of.our secondchurch. In the “ An-
nals and Recollections of Oneida County,” published in 1851,we
find the following in relation to St.John’s:

“This church was organized in 1819, and was the first Catholic
church formed in Central and Western New York since the settlement
of the country. Its first church edifice was of wood, and which, about
ten or twelve years since, was removed across Bleecker Street, and the
present large edifice erected in its place. The Jate John C. and Nicholas
Devereux were the greatest benefactors of this church, having contrib-
uted over $12,000 towards building the brick house of worship, The
church is the largest in the city, and on Sundays and other days, when
open for service, is generally filled to overflowing. Many attend here
from considerable distances in the surrounding country.”

I have said that the second church represents the childhood of

 

* He was consecrated Bishop of Albany. July 1st, 1894.
LAST DAYS OF SECOND CHURCH. 99

our parish, The babe had safely passed through the most pre-
carious period of its existence. Carefully nursed by those twelve
Irish missionaries, it had outlived the trials and perils of infancy,
and now a child tenderly placed in the lap of Father Quarter to
begin a new period of its life, it was growing, strengthening, de-
veloping; but it was still a child,—not yet a perfect man.

But, people of St. John’s! thesecond church is dear to you be-
cause. of its associations with your own childhood days. Youare
gradually growing old; springtime and summer have come and
gone, and for many of youthe autumn of life is approaching;
and soon you will feel the winter’s chilly blast. For some of you
the sun of life is fast sinking in the West. Your bedimmed eye,
your silvery locks, your furrowed brow, your halting gait, your
waning strength, warn you that the sands of life are running out.
Ah, you have fought well the battle of life! You have seen the
giant oak uprooted, and the young saplings cut down at your
side; you have weathered many astorm. Soonthe Reaper will
come closer to you. And whilst you look forward to the end so
near at hand, you love to look backward, too, to the beginning.
Fond memory brings you back again to the happy days of
childhood—those days of innocence and sweet content—-“when
prosperous was the ray that painted with gold the flowery mead
that blossomed in your way.’’ You live once more in that dear
old church of long ago. Oh,-Fancy! take thy brush, and picture
that church of childhood’s days!

You remember it, people of St. John’s! better than I can
describe it, because I never had the pleasure of seeing it.
Not as large as the present church--it extended only as far as
the galleries that have just been taken down, as far as where the
rear columns now stand,—you recall the altar with its four Corin-
thian columns, and high above all, the words “Gloria in Excelsis
Deo,” with the picture of the Lamb upon the front. You remem-
ber the tabernacle with the plain gable top to it, inscribed with
the word “‘Jesus,”’ the little crucifix surmounting it, and the beau-
tiful heart of gas jets behind it, and the candles and flowers on
either side. You remember the beautiful picture of the Crucifix-
ion behind the crucifix, On the right you recall that work of
100 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

art, ‘‘The Ecce Homo,’’ presented to the church through Mr.
Nicholas Devereux, by a Mr. Olmsted, of New York. Under

THE INTERIOR OF THE SECOND CHURCH.

 

this picture, in confirmation days, you remember the Bishop’s
throne, with a picture half concealed behind it. On the north
side, where we have brought back our Blessed Mother, you
recall the niche and that dear little statue of Mary that we
DESCRIPTION OF SECOND CHURCH. 10!

still preserve with such jealous care; you see it again, as in days
of yore, with candles and flowers on either side, and the little
‘pedestal which was scarcely an altar,and the pulpit, run on wheels,
brought out to the middle when required. You remember the seats
on either side, facing the centre as far back as the first pillar; you
remember the cosy little chapel up stairs, where the present
choir gallery is, and the little altar, and the confessionals on,
either side.

Once more you are within those hallowed walls. It is the day
of'your baptism. You are borne in the arms of your godmother to
the regenerating Font, and the robe of innocence is placed upon
your soul, and you go forth like.an angel, pure and spotless. You
come again, when reason has developed, to ratify what was done
in your name. It is the day of your First Communion. Robed
in spotless white, with beating heart and beaming eye you
approach that little altar, and for the first time receive upon your
lips the Bread of Angels. You comeagain to receive from the hands
of the Bishop the strengthening sacrament of Confirmation that
was to make you strong and perfect Christians, and soldiers of
Jesus Christ. You come again to Mary’s altar with your ribbon
and medal and your badge, to consecrate yourselves forever to
her service, and to choose her for your Queen. Years pass on, and
you stand once more before that same altar. You are not
alone, and the love knitting two hearts together is blessed and
consecrated by religion,and made like unto the love of Christ for
His Spouse, the Church. Sadness follows joy, and you come be-
fore that same altar to bid a last farewell to your loved ones, and
the Requiem is chanted over their remains, and Holy Church
bids you not mourn as those who have not hope.

O church of hallowed memories! church of your fathers!
church of your childhood days! no wonder that old men wept
when its walls were taken down. Gone is that sanctuary of relig-
ion; departed its glories. No, it is not gone, because its work en-
dureth forever. The holy Religious who within its hallowed walls
heard the Master’s voice, and left all to follow Him for that prom-
ised hundredfold and life everlasting.—They are not gone.
102 A PAGE. OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

Some in Heaven are pleading before the Throne of God for old
St. John’s; some on earth, by their lives of devotedness and self-
sacrifice, are bringing down blessings upon that church which
inspired their holy vocation. And the priests of God—His own
anointed ones—laboring in His vineyard, working for His glory,
trained in that church of long ago, continue still its blessed
work though the material temple has passed away. No, the
graces and inspirations, the pious thoughts and holy desires, .
that rose like sweet incense in that old church, have not departed.
No, ascending Heavenward, carried tothe Throne of God,
blessed and sanctified before the altar of the Lamb, they have
been brought back by angel hands, like rich mosaics,to beautify,
adorn, and enrich the walls of this third church,—the offspring of
the first and the second.

O dear old church of long ago! Church from, whose pulpit
were heard the learned and profound teachings of a Dubois,
whose walls resounded with the powerful, majestic, and soul-thrill-
ing eloquence of the lion-hearted Hughes, and through whose aisles
floated the soft, sweet music of the gentle Prince of the church,
our first American Cardinal—the beloved Bishop McCloskey. O
church of a Quarter, a Ferrall, a Martin, a Stokes, a McFar-
land, and a Daly! May thy memory remain ever green in the
hearts of the children of St. John’s; may they never forget the
noble bishops and priests whose names are connected with that
second church; may they emulate their virtues and walk in their
footsteps, and when another generation will have passed away, and
this present church, which we now think so grand, will have done
its work, and a monumental temple of granite or marble may per-
chance rise upon its ruins, God grant that when its story—the story
of the third church—shall be written, it may not prove unworthy
of the glory of the second church built upon this hallowed spot!.
A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.
ST. JOHN’S, UTICA.

Very Rev. J. S. M. Lynen, D. D., LL. D. -
Part VII.

 

THIRD CHURCH.

DECEMBER 25TH, 1869—DECEMBER 25TH, 1893..

BISHOPS.

THank God there are no names on our memorial ‘tablet of
the bishops of the diocese during the period of the third church!
As there were three bishops who ruled the diocese during the life
of the first church, three who blessed with their presence the sec-
ond church, so there have been also three placed by the Holy
Ghost to rule this portion of the church of God during the exist-
ence of this third church. We rejoice, however, that they are all
yet alive, in hale and vigorous health, and our prayer is that it
may be many, many years before the place on our tablet reserved
for their names will have to be filled.*

PASTORS,
REV. THOMAS DALY.

DECEMBER 25TH, 1869—OCTOBER 11TH, 1881. DIED FEBRUARY 5TH, 1885.

The life of Father Daly, up to the end of the second church,
has been sketched. After many trials and struggles in the erec-
tion of this third church, he had at last the great happiness of
celebrating Mass in this temple which was to be the crowning
work of his life.

The second church was opened on Christmas day, in the year
1836, by that grand old patriarch, Father Beacham; this, the third
church, was also opened on Christmas day, by Father Daly, in
1869. Just thirty-three years in the life of the second church,—the
years of our Blessed Lord Himself on earth. What a happy

 

* Rt. Rev. Francis McNeirny, the bishop of Albany, died a few weeks af-
ter these words were spoken—January 2, 1894.
 

ST. JOHN’S, UTICA, NEW ANID PRESENT CHURCH. :
FATHER DALY AND THE THIRD CHURCH, 105

thought it was of these pastors of old to open the second and
the third churches on the beautiful Feast of the Nativity, thus
making the birthday of,the Saviour the birthday also of these
temples dedicated to His,glory !

Many .will recall the very successful fair which was held in
this church immediately after that Christmas of 1869, at which
the large sum of $9,000 was realized. After the fair, Father Daly
called for volunteers to assist in the plastering and stucco work.
His appeal met with a hearty response, the work went steadily on,
and after a few years the church was completed.

It was during this interval that Father Daly turned his attention
to another matter of no little importance. It was the privilege of
Father Daly to complete the work of his predecessors, Father
Martin and Father McFarland, and secure a permanent and capa-
cious resting-place for the departed members of the parish. In
1871 he purchased that narrow strip of land running along the
Gulf from South Street to Pleasant Street, and known as “the
farm.” About this time St. Agnes’.Cemetery Association was
formed, and Father Daly was one of the original trustees. The
five acres of land belonging to the church which had been pur-
chased by Father Martin for burial purposes in 1844, and the ad-
ditional lots purchased by Father McFarland, were conveyed to
this new-corporation, and that portidn-of the “ farm” bounded by
South, Third, Arthur Streets and the Gulf was sold by the church
to the trustees of St. Agnes’ Cemetery Association. _Thencefor-
ward the prosperity of St. Agnes’ Cemetery Association was as-
sured, and the Catholics of Utica rejoiced in a large and commo-
dious burying-ground, conveniently located, and beautifully laid
out, and sufficiently large for their growing needs.

. But the great day of Father Daly’s life at last arrived. Many
remember the joy which beamed on his countenance when at last
the work of his life was done, and he beheld, on that beautiful
Feast of the Guardian Angels, October 2, 1872, this splendid edi-
fice dedicated to the Living God by Rt. Rev. John J. Conroy, the
Bishop of Albany, assisted by Rt. Rev. Francis McNeirny, the.
coadjuter bishop. Ihave said that the first church represents:
the infancy of the parish, the second its childhood, the third
its‘perfect manhood: and is it not true? Buta short while ago
106 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK,

we celebrated the twenty-first anniversary of the dedication of
this church. It had just reached its majority, its perfect man-
hood. Many will remember the touching words of Bishop Mc-
Farland, the light of the second church, coming back so appro-
priately to preach the- dedication sermon of the third. After
congratulating the devoted and well-beloved pastor, Father Daly,
and the people of St. John’s Church upon the completion of the
great work, he said:

 

INTERIOR OF ST. JOHN’s, UTICA, THIRD CHURCH.

“The elegant edifice in which we are now assembled is the third church
which has stood on this site. The first church was built fifty-three years ago.
The ground was donated by a respectable and liberal Protestant family; the
church was built by faithful Catholics, whose names and memories are still
cherished, and will always be revered by their associates. That church was
occupied eighteen years, when, although very large in size, it had become al-
together too small to accommodate the rapidly increasing congregation. The
building was removed to the opposite corner of John and Bleecker streets,
where, altogether greatly changed, it still remains. Later, another was built,
which stood on this site for about thirty years. In that church the majority of
the members of St. John’s present congregation were baptized, and in later
years received their first Communion and the other sacraments of the Church.
Although held with sacred regard for the many affectionate memories which
DEATH OF FATHER DALY. ee 107

clustered around it and endeared it to every man, woman, and child, it was
razed.to its foundation. It was thought not to be what the congregation de-
sired and required for its accommodation, About four years ago the work of
building the present beautiful edifice was commenced, and now all rejoice at
its completion. I am happy to rejoice with you, and glad in my heart to see so
granda building reared on this spot to the service of Almighty God. I trust that
it will stand for many, very many years, and that it will be long before this
congregation will be called to make other outlays and sacrifices such as they
have so cheerfully done for this one. In conclusion, I pray that God may
bless the deserving people of St. John’s church; and that their patron saint,
John, may intercede in their behalf, and obtain for them the choicest and
greatest of blessings.”

In the report of the sermon on that occasion we are told that
it recalled to many minds the pleasant memories of years so rich-
ly laden with blessings when good Bishop McFarland was the
pastor of this flock, which will always hold his memory dear.

Among the bishops present at the dedication was Bishop
Loughlin, of Brooklyn, one of the tormer assistant priests in the
sécond church.

Father Daly enjoyed the fruits of his labors for only a few
years. Failing health obliged him to retire to the quiet retreat
of Mount Hope, Md., where, under the tender care of the good
Sisters of Charity, to whom he had been for so many years a
father, he prepared for his final end. A few days before it
came he felt a presentiment of his approaching death, and sending
for the chaplain of the institution, he said to him: “ Father, I of-
ten advised others to prepare for death. Now my time has
come. I wish to make a general confession, and receive all the
sacraments, and depart in peace.”

And so died the pastor whose name will ever be connected
with this third church. His funeral was one of the most im-
pressive in the history of St. John’s. The eulogy was pro-
nounced by Rev. John Lowery, LL. D., of Cohoes, an intimate
friend from boyhood of Father Daly,and whose deep personal sor-
rowlent touching pathostohiseloquentdiscourse. Besidehis father
and mother his remains were tenderly laid at rest in our own city
ofthe dead. The funeral, according to the Utica Observer, ‘‘ was one
of the largest ever held in this city, and testified ina way as unmis-
takable as it was memorable. to the regard in which the late. pas-.
108 4 PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK,

tor was held, not alone by his flock, but by the citizens of Utica
in general. The grief of his parishioners told eloquently of their
filial affection for him. It was more like the disruption by death
of a happy family than the departure of an old friend. Many
generations will come and go before the remembrance of the gen-
tle, genial, and accomplished priest, who rests to-day in the ceme-
tery which he provided for his beloved dead, will pass from the
minds of the Catholics of Utica.”

Through the zeal and energy of the lamented Father Cullen, a
handsome monument was erected over his grave,a few years later,
by the members of the parish.

Ah, people of St. John’s! as you walk through our city of the
dead, forget not to pause and kneel at his grave, and breathe
a prayer for the repose of his soul. Strange it is that there is’
but one other on the list of our pastors whose dust we can claim
as our own—the saintly Father Ferrall. All the others sleep in
graves that are far away.

These last twelve years of Father Daly’s pastorate, in the third
church, were signalized by many important events. In 1870 the
Pope was deprived of his temporal sovereignty, and ever since
he has been a prisoner in his own palace. During that same
year took place the Franco-Prussian War. In 1875 Archbishop
McCloskey, of New York, became the first American Cardinal.
In 1876 the centenary of American Independence was celebrat-
ed at Philadelphia by the Centennial Exposition, and that same
year saw the invention of the telephone, which has now become
almost a necessity in daily life. In 1878 Pius IX. of blessed
memory passed away, and our present Holy Father, Leo XIIL,
was elevated to the pontifical throne.

Utica, during this cycle of years, showed signs of new life and
increasing growth. When our new church was opened by Father
Daly, in 1869, the population was.28,000. It was fully 35,000 when,
at the end of a dozen years, he laid down his burden, and was in-
creased to 40,000 before his death.

Our beloved parish kept pace with -the steady growth of the
city. In 1870, St. Mary’s German Catholic Church was established
within its limits, and in April, 1877, St. Francis de Sales’ Church
was cut off from the southern part, and Father Daly’s assist-
REV, PA TRICK BIRMINGHAM. 109

ant priest, Rev. L. G. O'Reilly, was appointed the first pastor of
the new parish, and to-day, thanks to his zeal and energy,.a
handsome brick church is located in the very midst of the forest of
early days, But the old trunk, even after the lopping off of these
branches, seemed to be more vigorous and full of life than ever.
And so as Father Daly retired from the scene of his labors, after
laboring for nearly a quarter of a century in the upbuilding. of
this parish, if he was not permitted to enjoy the fruits of his many

‘ sacrifices, he had the happiness at least of witnessing the dawn ot
an era of unexampled prosperity for his beloved parish.

FATHER DALY’S ‘ASSISTANT PRIESTS IN THE THIRD CHURCH,
REV. PATRICK JOSEPH BIRMINGHAM.

NOVEMBER IST, 1872

 

JANUARY IST, 1873. D1iED AUGUST 24TH, 1883.

Father Birmingham was born in Kings County, Ireland. He
was ordained in Maynooth
Seminary, at the Pentecost

_ ordination of 1872. Heas-
sisted Father Daly for a
coupie of months towards
the end of that same year.
He was appointed assistant
priest to Father Beacham.
of Rome, in January, 1873,
where he remained until
November, 1875. He then
became pastor of St. Mary’s
of the Assumption church,
Cleveland, Oswego County,
N.Y. After laboring for
‘four years in this difficult
mission, he was appointed
pastor of Florence, Oneida
County, succeeding Rev.
John Ludden, a cousin of
our present bishop, .

“His jatar in his new field were unremitting. He was indefat-

 

 

REV. PATRICK J: BIRMINGHAM.
110 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY 1N NEW YORK.

‘igable in his efforts to reclaim sinners who had strayed away
from the path of duty. His repeated efforts to introduce‘into
every home the devotion of the:holy Rosary, and to have it prac-
ticed every:day throughout the year, and the fact mentioned: by
the eloquent preacher'at his funeral obsequies, that there was no
mission in the diocese where the beautiful devotion of the Angelus
was more' thoroughly established and more generally: practiced,
testify to his.deep devotion to the Mother of God. His efforts
to beautify his little church were most.commendable. He had
scarcely finished the- plastering and the frescoing which made it
look so attractive, he had just laid out and improved the little
cemetery which stood beside it, when he felt a premonition of
his approaching end, and begging a Hail Mary from his parish-
ioners, he hastened to place himself under the care of the spouses
of Jesus Christ at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Utica. After five
years of laborious work in this little parish, he calmly expired
August 24, 1883, at the early age of 36 years.

He was the second of our priests to die in Utica; the first, Father
Ferrall, having died in this city forty-three years previously. His
funeral took place from St. Mary’s Church, Florence, and his re-
mains are buried in the little graveyard close to the church where
he so faithfully ministered. He was a priest of a most delightful
character, full of faith and piety, and won the affection of his
people to a remarkable degree. Of the five priests who labored
with Father Daly in the present church, Father Birmingham is
the only one who has been called to his reward. The others,four
in number, are still alive, actively engaged. in the sacred ministry,
and pastors beloved by their respective flocks.

REV. JAMES J. MORIARTY, LL. D,

May 18TH, 1887—DECEMBER 4TH, 1887.. Digp, DECEMBER 4TH, 1887.

Father Moriarty was born in Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland, Jan-
uary 8th, 1843. Like the pastor who precedes him on our roll of
dead priests, he came to this country a babe in his mother’s arms.
When a lad of twelve he entered St. Francis Xavier’s College,
New York, from which-he graduated with honor in 1861. He
finished his philosophical studies in St. John’s College, Fordham.
REV: GAMES F. MORIARTY, D. D. Iii

‘REV. JAMES J. MORIARTY, LL. D.
May 181u, 1887—DEcEMBER 4TH, 1887. Diep DECEMBER 4TH, 1887.
.Father:-Moriarty was born in Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland, Jan-

uary 8th, 4843. . Like the pastor who precedes him on our roll of
dead priests, he came to this country.a babe in his mother’s arms.

 

REV. JAMES J. MORIARTY, LL. D?

When a lad of twelve he entered St. Francis Xavier's College, New
York,from which he graduated with honor in 1861. He finished his
‘philosophical studies in St. John’s College, Fordham, He com-
-menced his theological'course at the Grand Seminary, Montreal,and
~when St. Joseph’s Provincial Seminary,Troy,N.Y., was opened,he
112 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

became one of its first students. When that great institution was
solemnly dedicated, October 24th, 1864,Father Moriarty was chos-
en to deliver the address on the occasion on behalf of the profes-
sors and students. He was ordained to the holy priesthood by
Bishop Conroy of Albany, November rith, 1865. Shortly af-
ter, he was appoiited pastor of St. Patrick’s Church, Chatham,
N. Y., whete he labored for about eighteen years. He had
charge of séveral places, located within a radius of fifty-six miles.
As a result of his earnest labors, the Church was freed from
debt, a free parochial school was established, and new churches
were built at New Lebanon, Philmont, and Stephentown, He
became pastor of St. John the Evangelist’s church, Syracuse—
now the cathedral of the diocese—December 13th, 1883. At
the silver jubilee exercises of his Alma Mater, which were held
in the Academy of Music, New York, Archbishop Corrigan pre-
siding, June 22d, 1885, he delivered an eloquent address to the
graduates, and was honored by receiving the degree of LL. D.
from that noble institution of learning, St. Francis. Xavier’s Col-
lege, New York.

The new diocese of Syracuse was established towards the end
of the year 1886. Our beloved bishop was consecrated May 1,
1887. He selected St. John the Evangelist’s church as his cathe-
dral. Father Moriarty was then transferred to this parish May
18, 1887. Succeeding him myself in Syracuse, I am able to bear
testimony tothe place which he won, during his short pastorate,
in the affections of that people. His elegant and powerful pulpit
utterances, and his bold, outspoken stand on all questions which
affected the interests of the community in which he lived, gained
for him the esteem of all classes of citizens, while his kind and
gentle manners, his heartfelt sympathy with the poor and the dis-
tressed, and his tender care for the sick and dying, endeared him
in a special manner to his own flock. Keenly did they feel his
going from amongst them. Many were witnesses, more than once,
of the love’ which they bore for him in life and death. His la-
bors in this church were of short duration. With adeep appre-
ciation of the responsibility of the task imposed on him in_pre-
REV, ‘THOMAS F, GULLEN, ‘ 113

siding over the destinies of this-important parish, he was already
maturing projects for its advancement and well-being, when his
light suddenly went out. eg

Besides attending to his various parochial duties, he found time,
during his priestly life, to enrich the literary world with several
valuable works, which, besides benefiting-religion, were also the
means of bringing many. converts into the Church. Yes, for
years to come, though dead, Father Moriarty will continue to
speak to us, and “Stumbling Blocks Made Stepping Stones,”
“ All for Love; or, -from: the Manger to the Cross,” and the
“ Keys of the Kingdom; or, the Unfailing Promise ” will keep his
memory green, even when the granite pile which marks his grave
will have crumbled into dust.

He died at his residence, corner Broad and Second streets, on
Sunday morning, December 4th, 1887. It was forty-seven years
since a pastor of this church had died in Utica. His funeral ser-
vices took place from this church on the Tuesday following.
The bishop of the diocese officiated, assisted by a large concourse
of the clergy from various parts of the State. The eulogy was
pronounced by his life-long friend, Rev. James H. McGean, pas-
tor of old St. Peter’s Church, in Barclay Street, New York.

Our own church, and the church in which he ministered in
Syracuse, are both under the patronage of the “disciple whom
Jesus loved,” and with singular appropriateness his final obsequies
took place in the- Church of St. John the Evangelist, in New
York. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery.

And so passed away our nineteenth pastor. His pastorate was
the shortest of all in the history of the parish. And yet he was
long enough with us to enable us to recognize those qualities of
mind and heart that ennobled his passing presence, and wiil
Serve to keep alive the memory of his name.

“REV. THOMAS F. CULLEN.

JANUARY 9, 1888—May 9, 1891. DiED May g, 1891.

Father Cullen is the only priest amongst all those whose names
are inscribed on our memorial tablet, who was born within the
limits of the present diocese of Syracuse. Even as Father
‘McFarland was the first pastor who was the product of American
114 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

soil, so Father Cullen was the first to spring from our own State
of New York. And, more than this, he was a native both of the
diocese and of its episcopal. city. Father Cullen was born ir
Syracuse, July 29, 1852. After acquiring an academic education
in his native city, he entered the College of Our Lady of Angels,
Suspension Bridge, where he was carefully prepared by the good
Lazarist Fathers for the burden of the holy priesthood.

: During his college days he edited the Magara Index, and its
columns gave evidence of that literary talent which was afterwards
so conspicuously displayed in his sermons and instructions.
He was ordained in St. Joseph’s Provincial. Seminary, Troy, N. Y.,
by Bishop McNeirny, of Albany. He is the only priest in our long
roll of dead at whose ordination I had the pleasure of assisting, and
upon whom, in union with the ‘bishop and the clergy,I had the
privilege of imposing my hands at that solemn moment when Holy
Church teaches us that the Spirit of God comes down upon His
chosen ones to bless them with the sublime dignity-of the priest-
hood. Shortly after his ordination he was appointed assistant
priest in St. Bernard’s Church, Cohoes. He remained there five
years, endearing himself by his zealand piety to every member of the
parish. Hewasappointed February 21, 1883, pastor of Norwich,
N.Y. For five years more he bore the brunt of this hard mission,
which then included Oxford. Through heavy rain storms, over
rough roads, in the cold of winter and the heat of summer he
travelled twenty miles, Sunday after Sunday, attending these two
places. As a result of his unwearying labors Oxford has now a
fine church anda settled pastor. The constant labors and success-
ful work of Father Cullen, albeit so modest and unobtrusive in his
ways, could not escape the vigilant eye of the shepherd of the
diocese, and it was not long before the bishop felt that his zeal
and piety fitted him for a broader sphere of usefulness. And so
when a vacancy occurred in this parish by the death of Father
Moriarty, Father Cullen was placed in charge. Protestants and
Catholics alike in the village of Norwich, while they rejoiced at
his well-deserved. promotion, regretted exceedingly his. depart-
ure from amongst them. There is no need to recount his labors
in this parish. Coming in robust health and in the full vigor. of
manhood, thoroughly equipped. for his task, burning with zeal for
REV, THOMAS F, CULLEN. 115.

the salvation of souls, he threw himself into his work with an
earnestness which gave promise of great results. I know from
personal conversations with him, how his whole soul was wrapped
up in the interests of our beloved parish. I know how he shrank
from the burden at first, dreading the responsibility of the charge,
but I know, too, once accepted, how complete was the sacrifice.
Constantly conceiving and maturing plans for the spiritual wel-
fare of his flock, his thought by day and a night was for the
betterment of his people.
It was during the pastorate
of Father Cullen that this
parish was designated by
the bishop as one of the
very few in the diocese
whose pastor would be
henceforth what is called, in
the language of the Church,
an immovable rector. As
the parish was now in a
condition to merit this
marked distinction, and,
-as in the eyes of the bishop,
Father Cullen possessed all
the qualifications befitting
the dignity, he was selected
the first in the long line of
our pastors to enjoy this REV. THOMAS F. CULLEN.

high honor.

But, alas! how fruitless were our forecasts, how illusive our
dreams; the bright hopes that were built at his coming were soon
to be dashed to pieces. He was to sow the seed, but not to reap
the harvest. After presiding over the parish a little more than
three years, he was stricken down, and after a brief sickness he
peacefully expired in the Rectory—the first priest to die in the
parochial residence since the formation of the parish, nearly.
seventy-five years before. His funeral was the most imposing’
that ever took place from our church. Many remember that great:

procession from the church to the station. There were the little
4

 

 
116 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY 1N NEW YORK.

orphan girls of St. John’s Asylum and the good Sisters of Charity;
there were the orphan boys of St. Vincent’s Industrial School;
there were the pupils of Assumption Academy, headed by a
corps.of the Brothers of. the Christian Schools; there were the
girls of St. John’s School; there were the clergy in extraordinary
numbers, and there was that immense concourse of his bereaved
parishioners and that throng of citizens who shared with us a
loss which affected the entire community. Three coaches were
needed to accommodate the numbers of sympathizing people that
accompanied the remains of the dead priest to'Syracuse. He was
buried in St. Agnes’ cemetery,in that city; and so, the city where
he first saw the light, and which had loaned him to us while his
soul quickened his mortal frame, took him back when that soul
had fled, claiming for its own the body in which that soul had
lived. :
REV. JOHN j. TOOMY. |
JANUARY 218t, 1883—JUNE 2oth, 1887. Diep June 13th, 1891.

We have come now to the last name in our roll of dead priests,
the lamented Father Toomy. He is the only one of the entire
number whose infant years were guarded, and whose vocation was
encouraged and fostered, by a priest. who_himself is a child of old
St. John’s, the distinguished and beloved Father Lowery of
Cohoes. He is also the only one of our deceased priests whose
whole priestly life was acted under our eyes. From the very day
of his ordination until his eyes closed in death he labored in our
midst, either as assistant priest in this church, or as pastor of St.
Agnes’ Church, a parish carved out of St. John’s. — ,

Father Toomy was born in Cohoes, September 12,1857. He be-
gan his studies in St. Bernard’s School, in that city, under the good
Sisters of St. Joseph, and pursued them afterwards at the Acad-
emy of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, in Troy. He made
his classical studies in St. Mary’s, College, Montreal, under ‘the
Jesuit Fathers, and subsequently at the College of Our Lady of
Angels, Suspension Bridge, N. Y. His theological studies were
pursued in St. Joseph’s Provincial Seminary, Troy. He was or-
dained by Bishop McNeirny on the vigil of Christmas in the year
1882, and celebrated his first Mass in the church of his baptism
REV 390HN ¥, roots ¥ Sie 7

on the beautiful feast of the Nativity: “He was immediately ap-
pointed assistant ‘priest in this, church, and began his labors here
on the 21st of January, 1883. =

Many will recall an incident which for pe in the church on
his very first Sunday. It =
was the solemn opening
of the Forty Hours. One
of the altar boys, in a
moment of thoughtless-
ness, touched his lighted
candle’ to the surplice of
his companion, and in an
instant two of the boys
were in flames. The
church was unusually
crowded, and a panic was

   

 

imminent; the congrega-
tion, terror-stricken, rose
upon their feet, but the
powerful voice of Father
Toomy rang out from the
sanctuary, and’ blended

 

 

 

€ Byes

with the commanding : REY. JOHN J. TOOMEY.
tones of the lamented —
General McQuade from the choir. The gsepls pormanced in their

seats, and many lives were saved. 9”

People of St. John's, you have not yet forgotten the zeal and
piety of Father Toomy during the few short years of his ministry
among you! ”

Indefatigable in the tabors of his calling, tireless i in his minis-
trations to the sick and dying, he was" ‘always cheerful and buoy-
ant of spirit, and his smile was like sunshine as he passed along
day by day. When old’ St. John’s, the mother of so many chil-
dren, gave birth to another, Father Toomy was chosen to pre-
side over the destinies of her new-born child—her youngest
daughter, St. Agnes. Jealous of her offspring, she would have it
nursed by | one who had rested upon her own bosom, been tr ained
in her own household, For four years he labored in this new field.
118 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK,

Under the wise and careful administration of the present zealous

. pastor, the beautiful church of St. Agnes, of which we are all so
proud, is now nearing completion. The end has almost come,
but the beginnings are not yet forgotten. The people of that
district will ever treasure in hallowed memory that young priest
who came amongst them in the flower of his youth, and brought

-to his task so much devotion and self-sacrifice, and struggled on
against difficulties and trials and obstacles of every kind, in lay-
ing deep and solid the foundations of that new parish, the up-
building of which had been confided to him as a sacred trust by
his bishop. In the midst of his labors his physical strength gave
way, and the dream of his life was never to be realized. He died
after a few days’ sickness, June 13th, 1891. His funeral took
place from the basement of his new church, and most extraordin-
ary were the demonstrations of grief on the sad occasion on the
part of his stricken parishioners, His co-laborer in St. John’s,
Father Ryan, of Camillus, delivered a touching eulogy at his
obsequies. Accompanied by a large delegation of friends and
parishioners, his remains were carried from St. Agnes’ Church
which he formed, to St. Agnes’ Church where he was born, and
there, amid the. sobs of another grief-stricken cougregation, the
pastor ot his childhood in eloquent words portrayed the virtues
of the devoted young priest whose dust had been brought back to
the parish which gave him the inspiration of his life. He was
buried in the Catholic cemetery in the city of Cohoes.

His sweet and gentle disposition, his warm and generous heart,
his true and loyal friendship to those whom he loved, his solid,
though unostentatious piety, his zeal for the salvation of his people,
will not soon be forgotten, but will be treasured in sacred memory
that will bring him the return of fervent prayers in his behalf from
many a grateful soul.

Ah, people of St. John’s! short-lived was the ministry of Father
Toomy, and yet dare we say that he did not live long enough to
accomplish the work which the Master sent him to do? “ For
venerable old age is not that of long time, nor counted by the
number of years, but a spotless life is old age.”

The all-seeing eye of God searches the depths of our
hearts,.and oftentimes the desires with which we are inflamed
DEATH OF FATHER TOOMEY., a ‘119

are more precious in His sight even than our grandest ac-
tions. we ‘ i

A St. Teresa panting for martyrdom amidst the wilds of Africa,—
a St. Francis Xavier closing his dying ‘eyes on that kingdom
which he thirsted to win to Christ, pleased God in desire, even
though in the hidden designs of His providence those desires
were never to be realized. And-so may we not hope and fondly
believe that Father Toomy has received a reward for the much
that he wished to do, rather than for the little that he was per-
mitted to do, for God?

Such is the history of our church:as told in the lives of its dead
priests,—its history written onits walls. The study of the names
upon the list suggests another thought to my mind: How sing-
ularly they seem to preach to us devotion to that beloved Apos-
tle under whose special patronage all these priests of God la-
bored on this hallowed spot for the glory of their Master! And
fittingly will that great event in the history of our church—the
placing of this memorial tablet—be supplemented in a brief time
by the blessing of a life-like statue of the beloved Apostle, which,
raised aloft between our towers, will tell the world of what our
great patron has done for us during the last three quarters of a
century, and will be a silent prayer pleading for his powerful in-
tercession in the ages that are yet to come.*

It often happens that when old churches are demolished and
new ones are erected on the same spot, that their names are
changed and new patron saints areselected. But we glory in the
fact that the patron of our first church was St. John, the patron
of our second was St. John, the patron of our third church is St.
John; and the asylum under the shadow of our church, which for
sixty years has done its blessed work for the little orphans, has
always been under the patronage of St. John. Yes, the disciple
whom Jesus loved watched over our infancy, guided us in our
childhood, and still protects us in the full vigor of our manhood,
It is a striking fact how the name of John appears on every page
in the history of our parish. Every one of the bishops upon the

 

* The statue was blessed and erected on the Feast of St. John the Evangelist,
December 27, 1893, a few weeks after the delivery of this lecture.
120 A FAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.
Les : :

roll of the dead, who ruled the diocese from the foundation of
the parish, rejoiced in the name of John.*

Each of the three churches built upon this spot was dedicated
by a bishop whose name was John. Two bishops visited our
first church: each was called John. Three bishops officiated in
our second church: all three had the name of John. It was a
bishop by the name of John that dedicated our first, church; it
was a bishop by the same name that dedicated our second
church, and it was a bishop by the name of John that dedicated
this third church, Every time the Sacrament of Confirmation was
administered in the first church, in the second church, and in the
third church, up to the time of its dedication, the name of the
officiating prelate was John. The first name on our roll of priests,
our first pastor, was Father John Farnan; the last name upon the
long Jist is Father John Toomy. The first priest attached to our
church to become bishop was Father John Loughlin. There is
only one priest upon our roll who was trained up by a child of
our parish, and his name, too, was John; and the good pastor him-
self,—the product of St. John’s,—who led him into the sanctuary,
was also blessed with the name of John. There were two who
died while the tablet was being prepared, the last names placed
upon it, and both had the name of John: Bishop John Loughlin
and Father John McMenomy.

Oh, as we study the history of our parish, as we recall its
rulers who have long since passed away, the picture of the great
Apostle and Evangelist crosses our vision at every part, and we
cannot but be inspired with a more earnest and fervent devotion
to that great Saint who from the beginning was so wisely selected
as the patron of our church.

And now my task is done. It has indeed been a labor of love.
I have called the roll of the dead, and they have answered one

 

* It is asingular fact that, a few months after these words were spoken, Arch-
bishop Corrigan presented a handsome marble altar to his Cathedral in mem-
ory of his predecessors. He dedicated this altar to St. John the Evangelist, to
commemorate the fact that every one of his predecessors who occupied the See
of New York bore the name of John. Thealtar was consecrated by Archbishop
Corrigan, May 6, 1894, and may be seen in one ot the beautiful litile chapels on
the epistle side of the Cathedral.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS, (ox

by one. I have raised them from the tomb. Ihave brought back
the memory of their noble deeds, and they have lived before us
as in days gone by.

Oh, may the characters chiselled upon the memorial tablet, re-
calling their names and indicating the anniversaries of their
deaths, be a silent monitor to make all hearken to the injunction
of the Apostle, to * remember your prelates who have spoken to
you the word of God.”

And now pardon my seeming egotism if, before closing, I beg
to be allowed to take one more look at a few of those names which
have for me an interest which is all my own. Some of:them there
are which recall to me memories that are sacred, days that will
never be forgotten.

I look, and see the name of Bishop Loughlin. Attending in
his boyhood days the very church of my own parish—that old,
tumble-down structure that served the purpose before the pur-
chase of the present St. John’s of Albany—beginning his studies
in the very school of my childhood, sitting on the same benches
and reciting in the same class-rooms where, in after years, I fol-
lowed him, I feel that there is a sort of kinship between us, and
I hold the name of Bishop Loughlin in most affectionate remem-
brance.

I look again, and I see the name of Father Patrick McCloskey.
He was the pastor of my boyhood days. It was he that pre-
pared me for my First Communion, and his words of heavenly
wisdom seem yet to ring in my ears.

Isee the name of Cardinal McCloskey. It was from his hands
that I first received the Bread of Life; it was he who anointed me
with holy chrism in the Sacrament of Confirmation; and, later on,
it was he that ordained me tosub-deaconship. It was in his hands
that I placed my vow of perpetual chastity, by which I became
forever bound to the service of Holy Church.

1 look again, and I see the name of Bishop McFarland. It
was he that led me into the sanctuary, and, cutting the hair
from my head as a sign of the sacrifice, separated me forever from
the laity, and placed me by clerical tonsure under the particular
jurisdiction of the Church.

Again I look, and I see the name of Bishop Bacon. It was he
122 A PAGE OF CHURCH HISTORY IN NEW YORK.

that ordained me to the holy nriesthood—that highest dignity
upon earth; and as fancy paints for me the picture of that day
of days in my life, so deeply imbedded in my memory, the form
of dear Bishop Bacon comes up before me as he imposed his
hands upon my head, and called the Holy Spirit upon me, bless-
ing me in the office of the priesthood.

I look again, and I see the name of Father Cullen. He was my
immediate predecessor. It was my melancholy privilege to pro-
nouncc the eulogy over his remains, and to speak words of hope
and comfort to asorrowing people; and then it was my lot to take
up the plough that had fallen from his lifeless hands, and continue
the good work which he had so happily begun, and gather the
harvest sure to spring from the good seed which he had plant-
ed. With a deep appreciation of my unworthiness to walk in his
footsteps, and a clear consciousness of my inability to do what
he would have done had God spared him, there is mingled an af-
fectionate reverence for his name born of that close relationship
which must of necessity exist between tne one who taxes up the
work which another has laid down.

Finally, I see the name of Father ‘loomy. Coming to me fresh
fromthe anointing hand ot the bishop, there sprung up petween us
an attachment which grew in str ngth until the very day of his
death. In my long years of ministry he is the only priest who
ever assisted me in my labors who has been called to his reward.
He is the only priest upon our roll at whose bedside I stood in the
last moments, closing his eyesin death. Oh, as long as life shall
last I shall keepin prayerful memory the name of Father Toomy!

Ah, was I wrong in saying that this memorial tablet has for me
a peculiar interest because of the names inscribed upon it?
Need I say that I thank God that it has fallen to my lotto place it
inour church? These good bishops and priests have passed away,
but have I not special reason to keep them in memory, and to beg
my people never to forget them in their prayers? In your keep-
ing then, my people! I leave the dead priests of old St. John’s.
You have a roll of honored dead of which any parish might well
be proud. It may be in Heaven they are guarding the interests of
eur beloved church; it may be in Purgatory they are crying for re-
lief from their pains. Oh, hearken to the wail of woe which comes
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS. 123

from the nether world from the consecrated sons of God! Oh,
have pity on them, have pity on them, at least you their friends,
for the hand of the Lord hath touched them !

And that your supplications to the Throne of Grace may not
end with your death, teach your children the sacred duty which
rests upon them of praying always for the repose of the souls of
those bishops and priests who spoke the word of God to your
fathers in the faith.
“< . (The End.)
APPENDIX.

DIED SINCE THE ERECTION OF THE |
TABLET.

BISHOPS.

Rt. Rev. JoHN J. Conroy.

Consecrated October 15, 1865.

Resigned October 10, 1877.

Died in New York City, November 20, 1895.
Rr. Rev. Francis McNEIRNY.

Consecrated April 21, 1872,
Died in Albany, N. Y., January 2, 1894.

ASSISTANT PRIESTS.

REv. WILLIAM S. Latror.

March 6, 1893—December 19, 1893.

Died in Utica, N. Y., December 19, 1893.
Rev. Josep A. LANAHAN.

July 10, 1881—January 16, 1883.

Died in Albany, N. Y., January 30, 1895.
Rev. JoserH H. W. MAgEyer.

September 1, 1857—October 1, 1858.

Died in Salisbury, N. Y., April 18, 1895.
Rev. WILLIAM J. SMITH.

June 28, 1868—March 1, 1870.

Died in Paris, France, June 10, 1895.

 
ARGENDIX. os

LIVING.
RT. REV. PATRICK A. LupDDEN, D. D.

Bishop of Syracuse, N. Y.
Consecrated May 1, 1887.

PASTORS.

Rev. EDWARD A. TERRY, LL.D.

June 24, 1876—-September 21, 1880.
Rev. JAMES M. LUDDEN.

September 26, 1880—February 16, 1882.
V. REv. JAMES S. M. Lyncu, D.D., LL. D.

February 18, 1882—May 15, 1887.

July 2, 1891—

ASSISTANT PRIESTS.

REv. WILLIAM F. SHEEHAN.

January 20, 1861—November 23,1861.
REv. FRANCIS J. PURCELL.

November 23, 1861—July 4, 1865.
Rev. Patrick F. SMITH

August 26, 1866 —March 4, 1867.
REV. BARTHOLOMEW B. GRATTAN,

March 17, 1867—July 5, 1868.
REV. JaMES M. LUDDEN

March 13, 1870—November 26,1872,
REv. ALOYSIUS MURPHY.

December 2, 1872—April 20, 1874.
REv. LUKE G. O’REILLY.

May 1, 1874-—April 8, 1877.
REv. JAMES L. MEAGHER.

April1, 1876— May 15, 1876,
REv. JOHN F. MULLANEY, LL. D.

May 24, 1880—July 7, 1880.

REV. PATRICK J. BRADY.

July 2, 1880—July 9, 1880.
126!

APPENDIX,

Rev. JAMEs B, GREENE.

December 16, “1880—May 12, 1881.

REV. WILLIAM A, RYAN.

January 16, 1883—April’28, 1885.

REV. JOHN F. LovETT. :

January 24, 1885—Jaly 1; 1887.

REV. ANTHONY CASTELLI. ;
September ‘10,1885 — May 15, 1887.
November 1, 1894—August 1, 1896.

REV. JOHN J. MCGUINNESS.:

July 1, 1887—January 9, 1888.

REV. JoaN V. Simmons.

December 7, 1887—January 9, 1888.

Rev. WILLIAM P. QUINN.

January 23, 1888—December 31, 1892.

Rev. CHARLES MCMaNnus.

May 17, 1891—May 1, 1892.

REV. JOHN E. CHAPUIS. -

May 6, 1892—February 21, 1893.

REV. PETER F.MCUCABE.

February 16, 1893— December 20, 1893.

Rev JaMes M. MurpPHy. ~
January 8, 18964—

REv. JOHN LUNNEY.

July 27, 1894—September 20, 1894.

Rev. Epwarp J; FITZGERALD.
September 22, 1894—Qctober 18, 1894. .

REv. Patrick H. BOLAND.

October Ig, 1894— June 8, 1896.

REV. MICHAEL J. MARA,

June 16, 1896—

Rev. THomas N. STAUNTON.

January 12, 1894—June 8, 1894. .