USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > History of the diocese of Hartford > Part 30
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The new parish began its career under the happiest auspices and with the brightest prospects of future success.
ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH,
BRISTOL.
AMES SHEEHAN, John Moran, Annie Madden and Mary Moran con- stitute a little band whose names should be gratefully cherislied for their devotion to the church in the days when to be a profcssing Catholic demanded courage indeed. The working of the Northi copper mines brought into this locality a goodly sprinkling of Irislinien as stalwart in faith as in physique. Mass was first said here by the Rev. Like Daly of Hartford, about 1848 or 1849. At the time of the first Mass there were about
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
one hundred Catholics in Bristol. When the copper mines closed and the construction of the railroad began, many Catholics found employment at the work and settled in Bristol Centre. From this time the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered up in a building on Queen street, near John Moran's residence, and also in Gridley's hall.
The church was built by the Rev. Father Daly, in 1855, as pastor of St. Mary's, New Britain, to which Bristol was a mission. The Catholic popula- tion at this period had reached two hundred souls. On October 1, 1864, Bristol was made an independent parish, with the Mines and Forestville as dependencies, and the Rev. Michael Rodden was appointed its first resident pastor. Father Rodden's term of service at St. Joseph's was four years. He was succeeded by the Rev. Christopher Duggett, whose pastorate was of three years duration. At the expiration of Father Duggett's administration, Father Rodden returned in 1872, and lias administered the affairs of the parish continuously ever since. For many years Father Rodden had the spiritual charge of Plainville, Farmington and Forestville. Plainville was the first mission to be taken from the parent parish, and with Kensington formed a separate jurisdiction. Farmington was attached to Plainville in February, 1885, and Forestville was also annexed on September 20, 1891.
The parish cemetery was purchased in 1868, and solemnly blessed in the same year.
Father Rodden is assisted in his parochial labors by the Rev. Patrick J. O'Leary.
ST. CATHERINE'S PARISH,
BROAD BROOK.
HE honor of being among the pioneer Catholics of Broad Brook belongs to Patrick Duffy, James O'Neil, Michael Geary, Patrick McDonald and Patrick O'Reilly. Rev. James Smyth was the celebrant of the first Mass said here, and the house that enjoys this distinction was the resi- dence of Patrick McDonald. But bigotry was rife in those days, and in that section, and Mr. McDonald suffered the penalty of eviction for allowing his house to be used as a temporary chapel. At this time there were about twenty Catholics in Broad Brook, all Irish. In 1856, it passed under the care of the pastor of Rockville, the Rev. Bernard Tully, who met with consider- able opposition from fanatics. Being thwarted in his desire to say Mass in the public-school house by the strong anti-Catholic sentiment prevailing, he was rescued from his dilemma by the generosity of the proprietor of the village hotel, a Mr. Hubbard, who placed at the disposal of Father Tully a large room in his house. Mr. Hubbard's generosity and broad-minded prin- ciples were still further brought in evidence by the donation of a large lot, upon which the church was afterwards erected.
Cautious to a great degree was Father Tully, as was also his successor in Rockville, the Rev. Hugh T. O'Reilly. They justly feared the burden of debt which the erection of a church would entail, and therefore deferred building. In 1865, Broad Brook was served from Thompsonville, whose
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pastor, the Rev. Bernard Tully, had been transferred fromn Rockville. From this time until November, 1882, it continued under the control of the pastors of Thompsonville, being attended every Sunday during the administrations of the Rev. William E. Duffy, Rev. John Cooney and Rev. John A. Mulcahy, and Rev. Patrick Donahoe for a brief period. It was during the pastorate of Father Mulcahy that the church lot was secured and St. Catherine's church erected. In November, 1882, as said above, it passed again under the juris- diction of Rockville, where it remained until its formation into a separate parish.
The first pastor of the newly created parish was the Rev. Michael J. Daly, who received his appointment in July, 1886. The population of the parish at this time was chiefly-it might be said exclusively-Irish people, and num- bered, it was estimated, 600 souls. In 1898 they had declined to 450 souls.
On taking the reins of government, Father Daly entered with zeal upon his labors, and to him is the parish indebted for its handsome rectory and its cemetery. His successor was the Rev. Michael Lynch, who served from August, 1890, to May, 1891. St. Catherine's thereupon reverted to Rockville, whence it was attended until the advent of the present pastor, the Rev. Thomas Dunn, in August, 1891. Father Dunn's systematic labors have borne excellent fruit. What with the liquidation of the debt, improve- ments made in the church, residence and cemetery, the parish is in a pros- perous condition. The people are responsive, devoted to their spiritual guide, and all indications point to a bright future.
From August, 1887, to January, 1898, the records show 205 baptisins and 52 marriages.
ST. PATRICK'S PARISH,
COLLINSVILLE.
ROMINENT among the first Catholic settlers of Collinsville the fol- lowing names stand forth : Peter Myers, Michael Sinnott, Stephen McMahon, James Furlong, Patrick Moore, Patrick Kane, Patrick O'Loughlin, Patrick Tinnian and Walter Lambert. The pioneer priest, Father Brady, of Hartford, being overtaken at night in Collinsville in the winter of 1841, celebrated Mass for the Catholics there resident. Father Brady found the number of people here sufficiently numerous to war- rant visitations at frequent intervals; so that Collinsville was faithfully served from Hartford until the appointment of the Rev. Luke Daly to New Britain on May 9, 1849. Fatlier Daly administered the affairs of this congregation until December 10, 1856. It was during Fathier Daly's pastorate that the church was erected. The lot of which it stands was the generous gift of Mr. Peter Myers, an excellent representative of the Irish Catholic character. When Father Daly remonstrated and suggested to Mr. Myers that the dona- tion was too large for his means, this worthy Catholic, with the grateful fecl- ยท ings of a warm-hearted Christian, made an answer that deserves to be perpetu- ated : " I have resolved to make this offering to religion and iny God ; permit ine to complete my resolve. I came liere poor. God has blessed mne witli 11-15
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
health, the capital with which I have provided what I am possessed of. I will, I trust, ever be grateful to him." The church was dedicated on August 22, 1852, by Bishop O'Reilly under the patronage of St. Patrick. The discourse on the occasion was delivered by the Rev. Thomas Quinn of Winsted. The bene- factors to the church who merit remembrance are Bishop O'Reilly, who con- tributed $100, and Michael Sinnott, whose gift was $150. The total of Mr. Peter Myers' donation was $230. At the time of the celebration of the first Mass in Collinsville the Catholic population was twelve; when the church was dedicated it was 140.
On the 10th of December, 1856, Collinsville was elevated to the dignity of a parish, with Tariffville and New Hartford as dependencies. The Rev. Patrick O'Dwyer was appointed the first resident pastor, and remained in charge till 1861. His pastorate witnessed the purchase, in 1856, and the blessing of the cemetery ; the latter event occurred on April 29, 1858, Bishop McFarland officiating, and also preaching an eloquent discourse on the nature of the ceremony, and the spirit of the church in setting aside and blessing spots of earth. for the reception of bodies after death. Previous to this ceremony the bishop administered the sacrament of Confirmation to over 100 persons, after the Solemn High Mass, which was celebrated by the Rev. P. J. O'Dwyer, the pastor, assisted by the Rev. Luke Daly of New Britain, as deacon, the Rev. B. Tully of Rockville, as sub-deacon, and the Rev. E. J. O'Brien of New Haven, as master of ceremonies. Present in the sanctuary were the Rev. Thomas Quinn of Meriden ; the Rev. Lawrence Mangan of Winsted, and the Rev. Michael O'Reilly of Waterbury. Bishop McFarland preached also at this ceremony from the text Matt. xvi. 18. The succession of priests after Father O'Dwyer was as follows : The Rev. John Fagan, from 1861 to 1868 ; the Rev. Lawrence Walsh, from 1868 to May, 1870; the Rev. Bernard O'R Sheridan, from 1870 to 1885; the Rev. Maurice Crowley, from 1885 to 1889. Father Crowley was succeeded by the Rev. John J. Quinn, who still continues in charge. The priests who have served as assistants in this parish are : Rev. William O'Brien, Rev. John Russell, Rev. J. Creedon, Rev. J. Schacken, Rev. T. A. Mulvaney, and Rev. Luke Fitzsimmons.
When St. Patrick's parish was organized in 1856, the population was about 500 souls, principally Irish, and some Canadians. In 1898 it was 1100, comprising 500 Irish, 400 Canadians, 100 Germans and 100 Poles. In the four decades that have elapsed since the organization of the parish, 3298 souls received the priceless gift of faith by baptism, and 544 marriages have received the blessing of the church.
Besides the church and rectory St. Patrick's parish is possessed of con- siderable property. Regarding no labor too burdensome, and recognizing their obligations to religion, the people are cheerful and earnest in their responses to Father Quinn's appeals, are docile to his authoritative instruc- tions, and stimulated by his zeal and activity in the performance of his duties, are continuing the noble work of their predecessors, and by their profound attachment to the faith are promoting the honor and glory of God-the one thing necessary .
REV. MICHAEL A. SULLIVAN.
REV. JOHN J. QUINN
REV. THOMAS J. PRESTON.
VERY REV. JOSEPH VIGNON, M.S.
REV. C. SOCQUET, M.S.
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DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
ST. MARY'S PARISH, - EAST HARTFORD.
HE Catholics of East Hartford were organized into an independent parish in August, 1873, with the Rev. Patrick A. Goodwin as the first resident pastor. Previous to that time they had formed part of St. Patrick's parish, Hartford. Before the division land for a church had been purchased through the agency of Mr. Patrick Garvan at a cost of $3, 000. The times were then unfavorable, and no attempt was made to build a church. Services were held every Sunday at Elm Hall, on Main street, the Christian doctrine class always preceding the ten-o'clock Mass. A fair held in the fall of 1876, which realized $1,450, infused courage into the people, and they determined to com- mence the erection of a church. In the meantime, Father Goodwin was stricken with a fatal illness and died on February 15, 1877. Immediately after, the Rev. John A. Mulcahy, who was assistant to Vicar General Lynch at New Haven, was assigned to the pastoral charge of the new parish.
Soon after-such were the desires and the paramount need of his devoted congregation-the energetic young pastor felt obliged to push forward the work of building the church. Accordingly, ground was broken on the Ist day of April, 1877, and on June 3d the corner-stone was laid.
On Sunday, November 11, 1877, the congregation assembled in their new place of worship to witness its dedication to the service of God by Bishop Gal- berry, who was assisted by Very Rev. Thomas Walsh, Vicar General ; Rev. M. A. Tierney, Rev. T. Synnott, Rev. J. Fitzpatrick, Rev. J. Campbell, and Rev. John A. Mulcahy, the pastor. After the services of dedication, a Pon- tifical Mass was celebrated, with Bishop Galberry as celebrant; Very Rev. Thomas Walsh, assistant priest ; Rev. Thomas Synnott and Rev. J. Fitzpatrick, deacons of honor ; Rev. J. Campbell and Rev. John A. Mulcahy, deacon and sub-deacon of the Mass, respectively ; Rev. M. A. Tierney, master of cereinon- ies. The discourse was preached by Very Rev. James Hughes.
During his pastorate here, Father Mulcahy built also St. Augustine's church at Glastonbury; liquidated the debt on the church lot in Wethers- field, and collected money for the erection of a churchi at Rocky Hill. He was transferred from St. Mary's in November, 1878, to St. Patrick's parish, Thompsonville. His successor was the Rev. John T. McMahon, who took control of the parish on November roth. Father McMahon's administration was marked by many successes, both in the temporal and spiritual order. He was succeeded by the present rector, the Rev. James Gleason, who has labored assiduously in promoting the religious welfare of his flock. When the parish was formed it comprised Glastonbury, Wethersfield, and Rocky Hill. At pres- cnt Glastonbury only remains with East Hartford. The mission church is 64 feet long by 37 wide. The chancel is 14 feet deep and 24 feet wide. It has a seating capacity of three hundred and fifty persons. Its corner-stone was laid on the 7th of April, 1878, by Bishop Galberry, the Rev. M. F. Kelly, of Windsor Locks, preaching the sermon. The ceremony of dedication took place on Sunday, November 17, 1878, Very Rev. Thomas Walsh, V. G., offi-
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
ciating. The celebrant of the Mass was Rev. James Campbell of Manchester, of which place Glastonbury was formerly an out-mission. The preacher on the occasion was the former pastor, Rev. John A. Mulcahy. The cost of the church was about $3, 500.
St. Mary's church, East Hartford, is admirably situated on Main street, and located on a gentle slope off the wide avenue, has a fine sweep of land- scape within its view. The edifice is beautiful in design and workmanship, has a seating capacity of six hundred, and is capable of seating seven hundred .. At a distance its spire and cross, overtopping and looming up from out of the noble old elms that give grandeur and dignity to the place, harmonize with the Catholic and cultured mind.
ST. BERNARD'S PARISH,
HAZARDVILLE.
AZARDVILLE is situated about three and one-half miles east of Thompsonville in the town of Enfield. Its earliest Catholic resi- dents were William Casey, Martin D'Arsey, John Cunningham, Daniel Bailey and Michael Leary, all of whom are still living. The first Mass said in Hazardville was offered up by the Rev. James Smyth, pastor of St. Mary's parish, Windsor Locks, about the year 1860, in the resi- dence of Williamn Casey. There were at this period about one hundred Catho- lics here, but scattered over a large extent of territory, and were, for the most part, Irish. Father Smyth visited Hazardville occasionally until the forma- tion of St. Patrick's parish, Thompsonville, in January, 1863, with the Rev .. Bernard Tully as its first resident pastor. Father Tully visited Hazardville at monthly intervals and said Mass at William Casey's residence until 1865 when he purchased an old school-house, whichi was suitably arranged for divine service. Father Tully was succeeded in 1866 by the Rev. William E. Duffy, who said Mass semi-monthly until 1870, when the people began to ex- perience the great blessings of weekly service. Succeeding Father Duffy, the Rev. John Cooney attended Hazardville for eight years, offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass every Sunday, visiting the sick and attending to the spiritual needs of the children. His successor was the Rev. Jolin A. Mul- cahy, now the Vicar-General of the diocese, who was appointed pastor of Thompsonville and missions in October, 1878. Father Mulcahy began at once the erection of a church. The corner-stone was laid in 1880 by Right Rev. Bishop McMalion, and the discourse on the occasion was delivered by the late Rev. John Duggan, of Waterbury. In the same year the church was dedicated in honor of St. Bernard, the serinon of dedication being preached by the Rev. M. A. Tierney, now Bishop of the diocese. In 1881, the Rev. Patrick Donalioe succeeded Father Mulcahy and continued to serve Hazardville until its erection into a separate parish in January, 1888. The first resident pastor of the new parish was the Rev. John Synnott, who came on Jannary 12, 1888. During his pastorate the parochial residence was built upon land secured by him, a cemetery was purchased and extensive
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DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
improvements were made in the church. The indebtedness incurred by these works was liquidated by Father Synnott, and a substantial sum was left in the treasury at his departure on May 20, 1894. The cemetery was bought in 1889 by Martin D'Arsey and immediately transferred to the church corporation. It was solemnly blessed in the same year by- Right Rev. Bishop McMahon. After a residence of six years in Hazardville, during which he labored actively and successfully for the welfare of his parishioners, Father Synnott was succeeded on May 24, 1894, by the present incumbent, the Rev. Thomas J. Maloney, who has proved a worthy successor of the zealous priests who preceded him in the care of the Catholics of Hazardville.
Among the evidences of his material labors, we may note the introduction of a steam-heating outfit at an expense of $800, the renovation of the paro- chial residence at an expenditure of $700, and the frescoing of the churchi.
Among the special benefactors of St. Bernard's parish mention should be made of the Hazard Powder Co., whose donation of $500 infused hope and courage into the hearts of the Catholic people who eagerly desired a suitable place in which to worship God. At the period in which the parish was formed the Catholic population numbered about four hundred souls, chiefly Irish, with a few Canadian families. The growth of the parish has been slow, as its population in 1898 was 425 souls, of the same nationalities and in the same proportion as in 1888. The number of baptisms in the ten years of the parish's existence is one hundred and twenty-five. The first child to receive the sacrament of baptism in Hazardville after the formation of the parish was George Ruschette, January 20, 1888, and the marriage of Clallane Kilba and Catharine Bailey was the first solemnized, September 23, 1888.
St. Bernard's church is a handsome brick edifice with brown stone foun- dations, and finely situated on the main street of the town. Its attendants are loyal to parochial and diocesan rules and regulations, proud of their faith, patriotic in sentiment and in deed, and generous in their responses to all appeals made in behalf of religion.
SOMERSVILLE, ALL SAINTS' MISSION.
Somersville is a mission of St. Bernard's parish, Hazardville, and is dis- tant about three miles, in the town of Somers. While pastor of Thompsonville, the Rev. Patrick Donahoe purchased an old Congregational churchi for the use of the Catholics of Somersville. It was remodeled and appropriately fitted up for Catholic worship by the Rev. John Synnott. Father Synnott paid the indebtedness on the parisli, $2,000, and at liis transfer left $1, 500 in the treasury. The congregation soon outgrew thie seating capacity of the building, and early in May, 1897, Father Maloney broke ground for a new church. The corner-stone was laid on July 18th, 1897, by Riglit Rev. M. A. 'Tierney, D.D. Tlic Rev. William Gibbons preached thic sermon. Among the clergy present were the Revs. Jolin Cooney, Thomas Dunn, Thomas Preston, Richard C. Gragan, and Thomas F. Maloney. Bishop Tierney ded- icated the church under the title of All Saints, on January 16th, 1898. A
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NEW ENGLAND.
Solemn High Mass was celebrated, with the Rev. James P. Donovan, D.D., celebrant; the Rev. Thomas Preston, deacon, and the Rev. R. C. Gragan, sub- deacon. The dedicatory discourse was delivered by the Rev. Peter McClean. The organ in the church was the gift of Mr. R. Keeney, and Mr. George Keeney has also proved and still continues to show himself a generous bene- factor. Somersville mission comprises about 325 souls, the majority of whom are of Acadian descent. Father Maloney offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on every Sunday and holy day of precept, and in other ways assiduously guards the spiritual interests of this portion of his flock. The church is a frame building with stone foundations, and is unencumbered by indebtedness.
ST. PAUL'S PARISH,
KENSINGTON.
HE year 1855 witnessed the advent of the first Catholic to Kensington, William Daly. He was followed by John O'Brien, Frank Malloy and Martin Hart in 1856. After this came Peter Hackett, Patrick Roche, James Stafford, John Lynch and John Halloran. It was not, however, until after tlie Civil War that Catholics came here in any considerable numbers. With the close of hostilities and the return to their homes of the Union's defenders, business interests revived and the factories required additional lands. In consequence of this improved order of things a number of Cath- olic families came hither in quest of labor, and found it in the factories. It was not until 1872 that Kensington was honored by the offering of the Ador- able Sacrifice within its boundaries, the people assisting at Mass in New Britain. In the year mentioned the Rev. Luke Daly said the first Mass in Hart's Hall. At that time there were 350 Irish Catholics in Kensington.
The congregation of St. Paul's continued in missionary relationship until 1881, when the Rev. Paul F. McAlenney was designated as the first resident pastor. He found a church here whichi had been erected in 1877, but it was in poor condition, unfinished and burdened with a heavy debt.
.His dwelling place for the first year of his pastorate was in the sac- risty of the church. The church was begun during the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Carmody, of New Britain. The corner-stone was laid on October 27, 1878, the Rev. M. A. Tierney preaching the sermon. It was dedicated by the pastor in May, 1879. The celebrant of the first Mass in the new church was the Rev. Father Donahoe, and the preacher on the occasion was the Rev. J. H. Ryan, D.D.
Father McAlenney overcame the difficulties. with which he was con- fronted. He finished the church, provided a pastoral residence and liquidated the debt. He severed his relations with St. Paul's parish in February, 1885, and was followed by the Rev. Thomas Shelly, the duration of whose pastor- ate was eleven years. Father Shelly's success is attested by his promotion to St. John's parish, Cromwell, and his recent advancement to the parisli of the Sacred Heart, Waterbury.
The Rev. M. A. Sullivan came in 1896, and still administers the affairs
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DIOCESE OF HARTFORD.
of St. Paul's. When Kensington was elevated to the parochial dignity the Catholic population numbered about 1,000 souls, chiefly Irish and their descendants. At present it is greatly reduced, the number being 500 Irish and 50 Italians.
In two decades, from 1878 to 1898, the sacrament of baptism has been administered 364 times, and in the same period 59 marriages have been solemnized. The first to receive baptism was James McGee, born December 13, 1872. The waters of regeneration were poured upon him in Hart's Hall, where the first Mass was said. The first marriage ceremony performed in the new church was that between John McKeon and Elizabeth Duffy in 1878.
SACRED HEART MISSION, EAST BERLIN.
HE Catholics of East Berlin attended St. Paul's church, Kensington, for many years. They were obliged to travel from four to six miles to assist at divine worship. This was no small inconvenience; and as their numbers increased the need of having a priest to visit them became evident. Rev. Father Shelly said Mass for them in Clark's Hall on June 4, 1893, this being the first time the Holy Sacrifice was offered in East Berlin. He visited this mission thereafter every Sunday, a privilege highly prized by the people, who contributed generously for the purchase of a chalice, vest- ments, and other articles necessary for the celebration of Mass. Upon Father Shelly's promotion to Cromwell in May, 1896, his successor, Father Sullivan, undertook the erection of a church suitable for the needs of the people.
A generous collection from the parishioners, the sympathy and practical assistance of many non-Catholics, made the task a pleasing one. The contri- bution of the Berlin Iron Bridge Company, Charles M. Jarvis, president, gave mnuch encouragement and cheered the hearts of their Catholic brethren. A fine site was secured, plans were drawn, and work on the new church was auspiciously begun. The corner-stone was laid by Bishop Tierney on Novem- ber 8, 1896. An attractive Gothic church, 72 by 42 feet, rose rapidly, and it was solemnly dedicated to God's holy service under the invocation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, by Bishop Tierney, on Sunday, May 30, 1897. The Mass that followed was celebrated by Rev. M. F. Rigney, with Rev. T. W. Dolan, and Rev. E. P. Sullivan as deacon and sub-deacon, respectively. Rev. N. F. X. Schmeider was the master of ceremonies. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. M. H. Barry, whose theme was, "The Unity of the Church." At the end of the services Bishop Tierney made a felicitous address, in which he congratulated both pastor and people on the happy issue of their labors, and invoked a continuance of the divine favors upon them.
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