USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > History of the diocese of Hartford > Part 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
Father Kelly's successor was the Rev. John Lynch, who came to Hart- ford from Birmingham, now Derby. In April, 1865, Father Lynch began the erection of the present church edifice. In order not to deprive his parishion- ers of the privilege of assisting at Mass on Sundays, or to obviate the neces- sity of removing elsewhere for divine worship, he adopted the plan, hitherto unheard of in church construction, of building the new church up and around the walls of the old, and it was only when the new structure was ready for roofing that the old building was removed .; and so scientifically was the work carried on that not for a single Sunday was attendance at Mass interrupted. The corner-stone of the new church was laid in October, 1865, and its solemn dedication occurred on July 26, 1868, Bishop McFarland officiating.
The present rectory was purchased in 1865 from the Hon. Henry Bar- nard. It was used as a parochial residence for ten years, after which it was occupied for six years by the Sisters of Mercy. After the erection of the convent in 1881, it reverted to the use of tlie clergy.
Father Lynch gave to the construction of the church his constant and per- sonal supervision. His watchward was "Duty," and the traits that shone con- spicuously in his character were exactness, promptness, and love of labor. He watched over the school with truly paternal solicitude, and was ever anxious concerning the educational interests of the little ones of liis flock. His love for children was boundless. An accident which occurred while driving through his parish on parochial duties, and which resulted in a fracture of his
1 " Historical Sketch of the Catholic Church in Hartford."
216
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
collar-bone, necessitated complete rest. Accordingly, he visited Ireland in 1869. The affairs of the parish were administered during his absence by the Rev. Jolin Cooney. The unexpected death of Father Lynch's father rendered the prolongation of his visit a necessity. In June, 1870, the Rev. Lawrence Walsh was appointed Father Lynchi's successor as pastor of St. Peter's parish, and upon his return from Europe he was re-appointed to his former charge at Birmingham. An event which rendered Father Walsh's administration noteworthy was the consecration of Right Rev. Bishop Galberry in St. Peter's church on St. Joseph's Day, March 19, 1876. During the pastorate of Rev. Father Walsh the excellent custom was introduced of paying monthly visits to the Connecticut State Prison and saying Mass for and instructing the inmates in Christian doctrine. This work was continued down through successive administrations until the formation of the parish of the Sacred Heart at Wethersfield, whose pastor has the Catholic prisoners under his spiritual charge. The instructions in Christian doctrine were imparted, and are still given by young men of approved character and competency, and the good that has been accomplished among these wards of the State during the past twenty-five years has been incalculable. In July of that year, Bishop Galberry having selected St. Peter's church as his pro- cathedral, Father Walsh, who preached his farewell sermon on Sunday, July 30th, was transferred to the parish of the Immaculate Conception, Waterbury, and was succeeded by the Rev Thomas Lynch, who served in the capacity of rector until January, 1877. His successor was the Rev. M. A. Tierney, the present bishop of the diocese, who, as pastor, governed St. Peter's parislı until June, 1883. During his pastorate, Father Tierney built the convent in 1881. He also erected the third addition to the school, the first part liaving been built by Rev. Peter Kelly, and the second by Rev. Lawrence Walsh. The splendid organ of the church was put in during Father Tierney's incui11- bency. It was during this administration that the centennial of the first Mass said in Connecticut was celebrated. This event occurred on June 26, 1881.
Bishop McMahon was the celebrant of the Solemn Pontifical Mass, as- sisted by the following officers :
Assistant Priest, Rev. Augustine F. Hewitt, New York.
Deacons of Honor, Rev. Lawrence Walsh, Waterbury, and Rev. E. D. Boone, Worcester. Deacon of the Mass, Rev. John J. Furlong, Rockville.
Sub-deacon, Rev. John J. Quinn, Hartford.
Masters of Ceremonies, Rev. Philip T. McCabe, Hartford, and Rev. Maurice Crowley, Hartford.
Right Rev. J. J. Conroy, Bishop of Albany, and Right Rev. J. P. Mache- beuf, Vicar Apostolic of Colorado honored the occasion by their presence. A large gathering of priests from this and other dioceses assisted at the impress- ive and liistoric ceremony. The oration was pronounced by the Rev. Thomas O'Gorman, C. S. P., the present bishop of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. An appropriate text was selected from Isaias v. 2. 3: " Enlarge the place of thy tent, and stretch out the skins of thy tabernacles. Spare . not. Lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes. For thou shalt pass on the right hand and to the left, and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles and shall inhabit the desolate cities." Present at
217
DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
the celebration were Mayor Morgan G. Buckley, with officials of the town and city governments.
When Father Tierney was appointed pastor of St. Mary's, New Britain, he was succeeded in St. Peter's parish by the present incumbent, the Rev. Thomas W. Broderick. Father Broderick's pastorate has been fruitful in works that tend to the advancement of religion and to the upbuilding of the faith of his devoted people. Among the works that have signalized his admin- istration are the renovation of the parochial school and the complete and beau- tiful redecoration of the church. So thorough was the transformation of the latter and so notable the improvement that the church had lost its former dedication ; in consequence, it was solemnly rededicated by Bishop McMahon in September, 1887.
The people of St. Peter's parish deservedly occupy a high position among their fellows in the political, social, intellectual worlds. They are represented in local, state and national positions of honor and trust. They have given many honored names to the clerical, legal and medical professions, while not a few have attained eminence in commercial, mechanical and industrial vocations. The parish is composed of mixed nationalities, Irish and their descendants, Americans, Poles, Lithuanians and Portuguese, and comprises 4,500 souls.
As a benefactor the name of Patrick Cavanagh stands out in prominence. He left his entire estate in 1897 to be devoted to religious and charitable pur- poses. Among the notable conversions to the ancient faith within this jurisdic- tion we inay mention Miss Spencer, Miss Hammersly and Mr. Frederick Tudor, all of whom were connected with some of the oldest and most prominent fami- lies of Hartford. The last was a descendant of Mr. Samuel Tudor, who treated Bishop Cheverus so courteously at the time of his visit to Hartford in 1823.
The first marriage recorded after the organization of the parish is dated October 9, 1859, and the ceremony was performed by Father Kelly. It was that of Patrick Cullinane and Bridget Glynn, alias Mallon. The witnesses were Charles and Ellen Doherty. From this date to July 1, 1898, the number of marriages solemnized was 2,019. The baptismal records in possession of the parish begin at October 2, 1862. From this date to July 1, 1898, the number of baptisms was 7,983.
The clergy who have served as assistants in St. Peter's parisli are the fol- lowing :
Rev. Daniel Mullin.
Rev. Patrick Sherry, 1862.
Rev. P. Grau, March to Dcc., 1863.
Rev. Hugli Mallon, Dcc., '63-Marclı, '66.
Rev. J. McCarten, April, '66-Oct., '67.
Rev. J. Cooncy, Oct., '67-May, '70.
Rev. R. J. Sullivan, Sept., '69-March, '70.
Rev. F. Dent, O. S. F., April, '70-March, '74. Rev. D. Cremin, Dcc., '72-Jany., '77.
Rev. W. T. Slocum, July, '76-Aug., '76.
Rev. J. J. Galligan, Aug., '76-Febry., '79.
Rev. l'. F. McAlenney, Jany., '77-July, '81. Rev. M. J. Crowley, Jany., '79-April, '85.
Rev. J. P. Connelly, July, 'SI-Oct., '81. Rev. C. J. McElroy, Oct., '81-Oct., '87. Rev. W. J. Shanley, April, '85-July, '86. Rev. R. J. Carroll, July, '86-May, '88.
Rev. J. C. Lynclı, Feby., '87- Marchi, '87. Rcv. E. J. Broderick, Oct., '87- '98.
Rev. J. J. Lynch, May, '88-Sept., '97. Rev. J. Lec, May, '91-May, '93.
Rev. J. F. Lally, May, '93.
Rcv. D. L. Gleason, D.D., Sept., '97-Jany., '98.
Rev. J. J. Laden, Jany., '98.
Rev. Stanislaus Musiel.
218
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
Father Broderick has been the Defender of the Marriage Tie in the diocese since 1884 ; a diocesan consultor since 1886, and is also a member of the dio- cesan Board of Examiners of the Clergy. In the summer of 1896 he received the public thanks of the governor of the State and a handsome medal in recognition of his services as the Catholic chaplain at the encampment of the National Guard at Niantic.
ST. PETER'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL .- St. Peter's school is the successor of the school organized by the Rev. Father Kelly in 1860. At that time there were about 200 children enrolled. For some years the school was conducted under the management of the committee of the South school district. The parish furnished the building and furniture, but the district paid the salaries of the teachers. The first teachers of this school were : Mr. John Godfrey, Miss Saralı Kelly, Miss Mary Bows and Miss Hannah Pembroke,1 all Catho- lics. Upon the death or resignation of a Catholic teacher, the committee appointed a Protestant teacher in her place. In 1865, during the pastorate of Rev. Father Lynch, a Protestant teacher was appointed who rendered her- self objectionable by persisting in reading from a Protestant Bible before beginning the morning exercises. Adhering to the practice despite the pro- testations of the committee, she was removed, but on appealing to the courts was reinstated over the children she had so persistently offended. Discord . only could result from such an arrangement, and the school was closed. After a brief period it was reopened and placed under the control of the Sisters of Mercy. At present the school lias eight grades, with 900 pupils, taught by seventeen Sisters, of whom Sister M. Antonius is the directress. It is in a most flourishing condition, and the proficiency of the pupils is demonstrated by the gratifying fact, that for more than ten years the graduating classes have unanimously and with honor passed the competitive examinations for admis- sion to the High School.
An appreciative critic says: "In Hartford no better example of the 'modern school idea' can be found than that offered by St. Peter's Parochial school. Established thirty years ago, it has ever maintained a prominent place in the advance of education in this vicinity. It is the second oldest parish school here and has an annual attendance of 900 boys and girls. It is graded from the kindergarten to the high school course, and the boys and girls, excepting in the kindergarten, are educated in separate rooms. Though the discipline is strict, it is mild and quiet, and the pupils are taught to love rather than to fear their teachers. The Sisters of Mercy preside, and as is their custom, create around them an atmosphere that is sunny, refined and stimulating. There are fifteen rooms devoted to school purposes besides the kindergarten. Two rooms are now utilized in the convent building adjoining the school for the music class and the eighth grade. Both instrumental and vocal music are taught, and a course is provided in needlework and cooking for the girls and in manual training for the boys."
1 Hist. Sketch of the Catholic Church in Hartford.
219
DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
ST. LAWRENCE O'TOOLE'S PARISH,
HARTFORD.
T. LAWRENCE O'TOOLE'S parish was organized on February 16, 1885. During the fourteen years of its existence it has accomplished much that has redounded to the honor of religion and the glory of God. The Catholics of this locality were under the jurisdiction of St. Peter's parish from its formation in 1859 until 1881, when they passed under the spiritual guidance of the clergy of the cathedral. This parish is familiarly called "The Rock," from its proximity to a ledge from which for nearly seventy years have been quarried the stones used on the streets of Hartford, and which has furnished employment for the heads of families in this locality. In 1876, the Rev. Lawrence Walsh, then pastor of St. Peter's parish, recog- nized the necessity of a church in that vicinity, and having obtained from Mr. John Allen thie donation of a desirable lot on the corner of Laurel and Wilson streets, 100 by 150 feet, he proceeded to put into execution his con- templated design. Before the work was completed, however, Father Walsh was transferred to Waterbury. The corner-stone was laid on Sunday, Septem- ber 3, 1876. The Rev. Lawrence Walsh, who began the church, preached the sermon. The construction of the church was prosecuted industriously by his successor, the Rev. Thomas Lynch, rector of the pro-cathedral, and was dedicated on Sunday, December 3, 1876. The officiating prelate was Bishop Galberry. After the ceremonies of dedication, a solemn high Mass was celebrated with Rev. Luke Daly, of New Britain, as celebrant ; Rev. Philip McCabe, of Hartford, as deacon ; Rev. M. Galligan as sub-deacon, and Rev. D. Cremin as master of ceremonies. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Joseph Coleman, O.S.A. Joy and happiness were visible in the countenances of those sturdy sons of toil and devoted children of holy church as they wit- nessed the celebration of the divine mysteries in a church of their own. From that time Mass was said regularly every Sunday and holy day of obliga- tion by a priest from the inother church until the cathedral assumed charge, when the same facilities for attending divine service were continued.
Recognizing the great spiritual and temporal benefits that would accrue to this section of the city from the presence of a resident pastor, Bishop McMahon organized it into a separate parisli, and appointed the Rev. Jolin Lenahan as its first pastor. For ten years Father Lenahan labored unceas- ingly for the welfare of his flock, and it was with profound regret that they heard the announcement that the relations between him and them were to be dissolved.
The second pastor was the Rev. James Smith, who came hither from Guilford. He continued the excellent work of his predecessor, and among the successes that marked his pastorate of four years was the erection of a finely equipped lyceum for the young men of his parisli. Here they were and are provided with every facility for moral, social, intellectual and spiritual advancement. Father Smith preached his farewell sermon in St. Lawrence
220
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
O'Toole's church on Sunday, November 21, 1898, and was immediately suc- ceeded by the present pastor, the Rev. Thomas J. Keena, who came to Hart- ford after many years of faithful and successful labors in St. John's parish, Stamford.
When St. Lawrence O'Toole's parish was organized the census showed a population of 700 souls, principally Irish and Irish Americans. It has since increased to 800.
The priests who served this parish have possessed not only the affec- tionate regard of their own people, but have also enjoyed the respect and shared in the good-will of their separated brethren, and have done much to dissolve the mists of sectarian prejudice. Father Keena is the Diocesan Director of the propagation of the faith.
St. Lawrence O'Toole's church is a frame building with a solid brick foundation, and is Gothic in style of architecture. It has a front of 40 feet and is 60 feet deep, and will accommodate 300 people. The cost of the church was about $3,500.
ST. ANN'S (FRENCH) PARISH,
HARTFORD.
HE first meeting of the Frenchi-Canadians with the object of organizing a separate parish with a pastor of their own nationality was held in October, 1888. Mass was celebrated for the first time in St. Joseph's school hall on January 6, 1889, by the Rev. A. St. Louis. The French-Cana- dian population at that time was 650 souls. The Rev. Father St. Louis was the first pastor of the newly-organized parish, but after a brief terin of service he was compelled by illness to retire from his pastoral duties. He was suc- ceeded in March, 1890, by the Rev. P. E. Roy.
Father Roy immediately set himself the task of providing his people with a place of worship. A site was secured at the corner of Park and Putnam streets. Eager to possess a church his parishioners diligently co-operated with him, and in a short time saw their hopes fully realized. Sunday, May 28, 1893, was hailed with joy and delight by the French-Canadians of Hart- ford, for on that date their new church, whose completion has been awaited with much pleasurable anticipation and longing was dedicated to the service of God with all the imposing ceremonies incidental to such occasions. The dedicatory services began at 10 A. M. with Bishop McMahon officiating. He was assisted by the Rev. M. A. Tierney of New Britain, as deacon, and the Rev. T. W. Broderick of Hartford, as subdeacon. At 10.30 a solemn high Mass was sung, the celebrant being the Rev. J. Bourret of Waterbury ; deacon, the Rev. J. E. Marcoux of North Adams, Mass .; subdeacon, the Rev. C. Leddy of Hartford; master of ceremonies, the Rev. W. J. Shanley of the cathedral. The sermon of dedication was delivered by the Rev. J. P. Guinet of the order of Our Lady of La Salette. At the close of the Mass Bishop Mc- Mahon imparted the episcopal benediction. At 3. 30 vespers were sung with the Rev. E. Cartier of New Haven, as the celebrant. During this service
221
DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
Bishop McMahon administered the sacrament of confirmation for the first time in the parish to seventy-three children. The bishop addressed the con- gregation in French in words of encouragement and congratulation upon their fine edifice, the result of their united efforts and generosity. Present at the services were all the priests of the city with many from neighboring parishes.
The church has a seating capacity of 600, and cost $22,000. Above the church is a large hall which is used as a school, wherein the children of the parish obtain instruction in both the French and English languages. The parish numbers at present about 1200 souls.
After nine years of arduous labor which he carried on with commendable zeal, Father Roy severed his connection with St. Ann's parish and with the diocese on Sunday, April 30, 1899. Though laboring within the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Hartford, Father Roy was a subject of the Archbishop of Quebec, not having received dimissory letters from that dignitary. He returned to the archdiocese of Quebec, his mission being to collect funds for the great archdiocesan hospital, the Hotel Dieu. His successor is the Rev. J. E. Senesac, who assumed charge of St. Ann's on Sunday, May 7, 1899.
ST. ANTHONY'S PARISH, HARTFORD.
T. ANTHONY'S is the Italian parish of Hartford. For many years it had been the desire of the Bishops of Hartford to provide ways and means that would enable the rapidly increasing Italian popu- lation to receive instruction in the doctrines of our holy faith in their own language. To that end they have been attended for some years by priests set apart for that purpose. In January, 1895, the Rev. Edward Flannery began his ministry among them as assistant to the Rev. Angelo Chica- gilione. As the latter returned to Europe on February 27th following, the care of the parish was intrusted to Father Flannery. The present pastor, the Rev. D. L. Gleason, D.D., was appointed on January 1, 1898. In May of the same year, Bishop Tierney purchased from the German Lutheran congrega- tion its church property on Market street. After suitable improvements were made the church was dedicated to St. Anthony on June 5, 1898.
In December, 1898, A. Andretta and P. M. D'Esopo were elected trus- tees, and on January 11, 1899, the Right Rev. Bishop transferred the church property to St. Anthony's corporation. The census of June, 1898, shows a record of 2,800 namnes.
222
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
·
PARISH OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS.
HARTFORD (PARKVILLE).
ARKVILLE originally belonged to the jurisdiction of St. Peter's parish, but latterly it came under that of the cathedral. The present church was erected during the rectorship of Rev. William A. Harty and was attended by the clergy of the cathedral until it was given in charge of the Missionary Fathers of La Salette. The Congregation of La Salette was admitted into the diocese on August 11, 1892, by Bishop McMahon, who granted to the fathers the use of the former episcopal resi- dence on Woodland street. After some necessary repairs Mass was said in the house for the first time on September 19th by Rev. Father Pajot and Rev. Father Vignon. In this year his Eminence, the Cardinal Prefect of the Propaganda, perinitted the community to have a novitiate. Rev. Father Pajot was Superior in Hartford from 1892 to 1898. In the latter year, Rev. Father Vignon was appointed Vicar General of the Congregation in America and Superior of the Hartford community. In 1892 the community numbered five priests ; there are now eighteen and fifteen professed scholastics.
With the increasing number of priests and students, the house on Wood- land street became too small, so that in 1894, the Congregation began pre- parations for more adequate accommodations. Accordingly, they secured a val- uable site on New Park Avenue and began the erection of a new home. The corner-stone was laid on October 7, 1894, by Bishop Tierney, the discourse being delivered by Rev. W. J. Shanley, rector of the cathedral. The semi- nary is an attractive building 114 X 45, and has accommodations for 100 students. Its cost was about $45,000.
Combined with the seminary is a missionary college embracing the class- ical and preparatory branches necessary for the ecclesiastical state. Only aspirants to the priesthood in the Order of the Missionary Fathers of La Salette are admitted. There are in this department ten students.
The Fathers of La Salette have pastoral charge of two parishes in the diocese, Our Lady of Sorrows, of which the Superior, Rev. Joseph Vignon, is pastor, and St. James', Danielson, whose rector is Rev. J. P. Guinet. At present all the fathers are French, but it is the avowed purpose to secure vocations among English-speaking young men, who will continue the apos- tolic work already so auspiciously entered upon. The ten students above mentioned are of this class, which makes the future bright with promise for the enlargement of their field of activity.
The fathers also give missions in French parishes and assist in various parishes on Sundays.
REV. HENRY T. WALSH.
REV. PETER H. McCLEAN, S.T.L.
REV. MICHAEL B. RODDEN
REV. WILLIAM J. DOOLAN.
REV. RICHARD CARROLL.
223
DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH,
HARTFORD.
HE youngest of the parishes of Hartford and one of the most promising is that of the Immaculate Conception. The growth of the Cathedral parisli in this section of the city necessitated the erection of a church, which was attended as a mission from the Cathedral until its formation into an independent parisli on April 2, 1899. The churchi was built under the supervision of the rector of the Cathedral, the Rev. Walter J. Shanley. Ground was broken on the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel July 16, 1894. The corner-stone was laid by Bishop Tierney on October 21, 1894, on which occasion the Rev. Thomas W. Broderick preached the sermon. The church was dedicated on May 19, 1895. The celebrant of the Mass, which followed the ceremony of dedication, was the Rev. Thomas Keena, and the preacher was the Rev. Edward Flannery. Previous to its organization into a separate parish, the clergy of the Cathedral celebrated Mass three times here every Sunday, besides offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on holy days of obli- gation, First Fridays, etc. The Rev. John T. Winters assumed charge of the new parish at the time of its formation. The church is situated directly south, and within three blocks of the State capitol, at the corner of Park and Hungerford streets. It is of Gothic design with spire, and presents an attract- ive exterior and interior appearance. Its seating capacity is 420.
The church, which was built as a "chapel of ease," is now inadequate to accommodate the parishioners, notwithstanding that four Masses are said every Sunday. This insufficiency of accommodation will necessitate an enlargement of the church in the near future. Father Winters is assisted in his Sunday labors by a priest from the college of Our Lady of La Salette, Parkville. An assistant, however, has been appointed, but has not yet entered upon the discharge of his duties. Father Winters resides temporarily at No. 39 Hungerford street.
The first baptism was administered April 4, 1899. The recipient of the sacrament was Joseph Hood, son of John J. Hood and Delia McMalion. The first marriage was that between Patrick Doran and Elizabeth Brown, April 19th. The first death was that of Mrs. Ann Gilligan of Lawrence street.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.