USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > The town and city of Waterbury, Connecticut, from the aboriginal period to the year eighteen hundred and ninety-five. Volume III > Part 18
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In 1838: Michael Donohue, Patrick Donohue, Patrick Martin, Patrick Reilly and sister.
In 1839, 1840 and 1841: Patrick Delavan, Matthew Delavan, Finton Delavan, Thomas Delaney, Thomas Killduff and wife, Timothy Whalen and wife, Thomas Claffy.
* It appears from the Family Records of the town that "Timothy Corcoran of Ireland and Sarah Glover of Birmingham, England," were married January 7, 1831. Their first child, James, was born January 7, 1833. See Vol. I, Ap. p. 41.
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The Rev. James Fitton, of Boston, was the first priest to visit Waterbury. It cannot be learned, however, that he celebrated mass here. So little impression did his visit make, that his name is not remembered by any of the old people now residing here. At that time Waterbury was part of the diocese of Boston, and contin- ued under that jurisdiction until the appointment of Father Tyler as the first bishop of Hartford in 1844. Bishop Tyler resided at Providence.
The Rev. James T. McDermott of New Haven was, as far as can be learned, the celebrant of the first mass said in Waterbury. The precise date cannot be determined, but the place was the dwelling house of Cornelius Donnelly: So anxious were the Catholics of Waterbury to have the holy sacrifice of the mass offered for them and to receive otherwise the consolations of their religion, that they generously presented Father McDermott with a handsome horse, sad- dle and bridle, in the hope that being pro- vided with his own means of travel, he might occasionally find opportunity to visit them. But the good donors were doomed to disappointment, as he was unable to THE REV. JAMES T. MC DERMOTT. return, owing to a multitude of missionary duties. In the summer of 1837 he was transferred to Lowell, Mass. Following Father McDermott a Father O'Reilly made a few visits prior to 1837. But little is remembered of him, except that he celebrated mass for the little flock here.
The Rev. James Smyth officiated in Waterbury from 1837 to the fall of 1847. During these years Waterbury was connected with St. Mary's parish, New Haven, of which he was the first pastor. At that time Father Smyth and Father John Brady of Hartford were the only priests in Connecticut. In those days travelling was either by stage-coach or private conveyance, and Father Smyth generally travelled with a large sorrel horse that was about as well known among the people as the priest himself.
His first reception in Waterbury was not very encouraging. When he arrived, he went to the same house at which Father McDer- mott had stayed, but was informed that he could not be received there, as the owner had been notified by his employers that if he entertained the priest he would be discharged from work. He then went to the old Franklin House and immediately sent word of his situation to Michael Neville, who lived in the eastern part of
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HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
the borough. Mr. Neville at once went to his assistance and offered him the hospitality of his home.
From 1837 to 1845 Father Smyth offered the holy sacrifice of the mass at the residence of Michael Neville on East Main street. The building is standing now, the property of Edward Fagan, a precious landmark for the Catholics of Waterbury. In 1845 Wash- ington hall, on the corner of Exchange place and West Main street, was secured from Dr. Jesse Porter. Dr. Porter was an intelligent citizen, but his views in regard to Catholics were similar to those held by a good many others at that time. Although he granted the use of his hall, he insisted that the rent should be paid before the doors could be opened. The hand- ful of devout worshippers were not at all disconcerted at this turn in the proceedings. Worship they would, so they climbed into the attic through a trap door. 4.5 Divine services were usually held in this hall until the Catholics se- cured a church of their own.
James Smith.
A short time previous to Father Smyth's departure the Catholics, constantly increasing in number, determined to secure a fitting house of worship, one that might be solemnly set apart solely for religious uses. The possession of a church had been their control- ing desire, the aim of all their labors, and God rewarded their fidelity and perseverance. In 1847 they purchased the lot on the corner of East Main and Dublin streets, at present the property of Daniel Kelly, prejudice having again interfered to prevent the pur- chase of one more centrally located. The lot secured, the question of building a church became the all absorbing topic. The means of the Catholics were naturally limited. Just at this time the Episco- palians were seeking larger and better accommodations for their increasing flock, and the Catholics bought their church and began preparations for removing it to the lot on the corner of East Main and Dublin streets. When the building had been moved to a point in the street opposite the present church, the contractor (Major D. Hill of Hartford) became convinced that he could not get it over the high ground a short distance ahead. The original
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THE PARISH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
plan was suddenly abandoned, and the lot on which St. Patrick's hall now stands was purchased from Elizur E. Prichard, by Michael Neville, acting as the agent of the Catholics. The sum paid for it was $650.
In the midst of these transactions Father Smyth was removed from New Haven, and placed in charge of St. Mary's church, Windsor Locks. Father Smyth was about thirty years old when he first visit- ed Waterbury. He had re- cently come from Ireland, and after serving a short time at Providence as assist- ant priest was sent on his prolonged mission to New Haven. Waterbury, Meri - den, Bridgeport and Middle- town were under his juris- diction. He was a short, stout man, and spoke with great rapidity. He was for many years a sufferer from asthma, for which, as a rem- edy, he smoked stramonium almost incessantly. He was THE FIRST ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1847. a gentleman in the full sense of the word, was noted for his genial humor, and, above all, had a kind word for everybody. He was a just man and accomplished a great deal for the church of God, which is sufficient praise for any priest. He attained a ripe old age and died at Windsor Locks. His remains rest in front of St. Mary's church in that place, and a grateful people erected a suitable monument to his memory.
Except on the occasions when Father Smyth visited Waterbury, baptisms, marriages and funerals took place at New Haven. Among the earliest marriages recorded are the following:
Patrick Delaney and Mary Delaney, April 9, 1837. (Their first child, John, was born in Waterbury, February 11, 1838.)
William Moran and Bridget Neville. (Their first child, Catherine, was born in Waterbury, May 11, 1837.)
Michael Donahue and bride, July 7, 1839, and
Patrick Riley and bride, the same date; a double wedding.
The first children of Catholic parents to receive baptism in Waterbury were, it is believed, Thomas Donahue and James H.
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HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
Riley. The sacrament was administered by Father Smyth at the residence of Michael Neville. Funerals were always largely attended, the entire Catholic community accompanying the remains to the cemetery at New Haven. The last funeral to go to New Haven was that of Captain Bannon .* In 1847 Bishop Tyler, through John Galvin as agent, purchased the ground south of Grand street, adjoining the old burying ground, for burial purposes. The price paid for the land (about an acre) was $50. In 1890 the property, with that adjoining, was condemned by the city, as it was required for public uses. The Catholic section was valued by the city at $12,000, which amount, in accordance with the decision handed down by Judge Hall, is held in trust by the Catholic bishop of the diocese for disbursement.
In a sketch such as this, it would be impossible to speak of all those whose struggles in the early days built up a flourishing parish, and whose influence for good, always potent, is now unquestionable. Besides those previously named we shall be pardoned for mention- ing William Moran, Patrick Delaney and his brother, Andrew Moran, Thomas Matthews, Finton Riley, John Burns, Captain Bannon and John Reid, all honored in their day and generation. Many of them have entered into their reward. Others still remain, happy in the enjoyment of the respect of their fellows, and proud of the achievements of the past. In the evening of their lives they may well rest from active participation in parochial affairs. It is for their children to sustain what they established.
The following record of baptisms, with the dates of the birth of the children, is taken from the baptismal register of St. Mary's church, New Haven. The first record in the register is dated December 25, 1832. James Donnelly, the second Waterbury Catholic child of whom Father McDermott made record, was the son of Cornelius Donnelly. +
1834, December 25. Mary Martin [born in 1834], daughter of James Martin and Mary McDougal, his wife. +
1835, April I. James Donnelly, aged two years and six weeks. By Rev. James T. McDermott.
April 15. Mary Corcoran, aged three weeks. By Rev. James T. McDermott. 1836, February 25. Ellen Donnelly, born 16th inst. By Rev. James T. McDermott.
* The Waterbury American of September 8, 1854, contained this editorial note: "An Irish funeral procession which passed our office on Saturday (September 2) was the largest we have ever seen in this city. It numbered twenty-four carriages and 304 persons on foot, 128 of whom were females." Whose funeral was this ?
+ There is an evident discrepancy between the date of his birth in the baptismal register and that given in the Waterbury town records. See Vol. I, Ap. p. 45.
# According to the Waterbury town records, Mary Martin was born in 1834, and if born in Waterbury was the first Catholic girl born in the town.
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THIE PARISH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
1837, October 12. John Burns, born October 3. By Rev. James Smyth.
1838, May 8. John Thomas Delaney, born February 11th inst. By Rev. James Smyth.
1839, October 21. Susan Delaney, born October 5; also her sister Catherine Delaney. By Rev. James Smyth.
1840, June 14. James Riley, born June 2. By Rev. James Smyth.
Thomas Donohoe, born May 20. By Rev. James Smyth.
It will be observed that the list embraces a period of little more than five years.
THE REV. MICHAEL O'NEILE.
About October, 1847, the Rev. Michael O'Neile arrived in Water- bury. He was the first resident Catholic pastor. His first work was to put the church recently purchased in order. He placed it under the patronage of St. Peter. So energetically did he labor and so generously did his flock co-operate with him that on Christ-
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HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
mas day, 1847, he had the happiness of offering for the first time within its walls the holy sacrifice of the mass. It was an appro- priate day on which to crown the self-sacrificing labors of those sturdy pioneers, and many recollections are still affectionately entertained of it. The young pastor was full of life and the per- sonification of zeal. With pardonable pride he rejoiced in the completion of this work, and his parishioners shared in his enthu- siasm. Divine services were held in this church until 1859. Here, in 1851, Bishop O'Rielly administered, for the first time in Water- bury, the sacrament of confirmation. On that occasion 200 children were made soldiers of Jesus Christ. Bishop Tyler had previously visited Waterbury, and had promised to return when his engage- ments would permit and administer again the sacrament; but he was soon after called to his eternal reward. On December 29, 1854, while a large congregation was attending divine service, a fire broke out in the church. The coolness of the pastor and the efforts of the men present prevented what might have been a serious con- flagration. Grateful for the timely assistance rendered, Father O'Neile gave to the press a letter in which he expressed his appre- ciation of the promptness of the firemen and the kindness of his Protestant fellow-citizens.
From his arrival in Waterbury until the autumn of 1850 Father O'Neile resided with the family of Michael Neville on Dublin street, opposite the present cemetery gate. In 1850 he rented a house on East Main street from John Sandland, now the property of James Lunney. His housekeeper was Ann Keenan, a lady highly esteemed by all who knew her. Afterward, on November II, 1851, he purchased from George Root the property on which the church of the Immaculate Conception now stands. He occupied one of the old houses then on the property until July, 1855, when he was transferred to East Bridgeport.
Like many another pioneer missionary Father O'Neile had his trials. Anti-Catholic prejudice was strong then. There were some who did not look with favor upon the rapid increase of Catholicity, and who in consequence sought to stem the tide of its progress. Obstacles great and numerous were thrown in the way of the priest's labors, and to the annoyances from individuals, to which he was forced from time to time to submit, were added not infre- quently the complications of legal tribunals. In November, 1855, after his transfer to Bridgeport, the case of Blakeslee versus O'Neile came before the Superior Court at New Haven, and attracted unusual interest owing to the attendant circumstances. Alfred Blackman and N. J. Buell appeared for the prosecution, and
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THE PARISH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
R. J. Ingersoll and J. W. Webster for the defense. The suit was brought on an action of trespass on the part of Father O'Neile, who in the discharge of his duty as pastor had endeavored to adminis- ter the last rites to Blakeslee's wife, who was a Catholic (her maiden name was Helen Lynch) and after her death to read the funeral services of the Catholic church. This was in accordance with the wishes of the deceased, but Mr. Blakeslee, who was an Irish Protestant, remonstrated against the execution of the dying wishes of his wife; hence the suit. During the trial attempts were made to coerce Father O'Neile to divulge the secrets of confession. A record of the case says: "The judge is taking time to consider whether he shall be made to answer; " but the priest very properly refused to disclose what had transpired between him and his peni- tent. His reply was, "I will burn first." The result of the trial was that Father O'Neile was convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of $150 and costs. The judge in his charge stated that he did not require Father O'Neile to divulge the secrets of the confes- sional, as he did not consider that it affected the merits of the case, but said that if it had been important his priestly office would have been no shield against the usual punishment .*
In July, 1855, Father O'Neile, at the command of his superior, severed his connection with the Catholics of Waterbury, and went to East Bridgeport. He died at New Haven, February 25, 1868, aged forty-nine years. His remains rest in Waterbury, the city he loved so well and served so faithfully. The Catholic people of Waterbury loved him, and to show their affection and to perpetuate his memory among their children, erected a handsome monument over his grave in St. Joseph's cemetery. We can truly say of him, that he was a man without guile-"with charity for all and with malice towards none."
The Rev. T. F. Hendricken arrived in Waterbury in July, 1855. He came from Winsted. He was ordained at the famous All Hal- lows college, Dublin, Ireland.
The first work to which he devoted his energies was the erection of the present church of the Immaculate Conception. On Sunday, July 5, 1857, he had the happiness of seeing the corner-stone laid in the presence of a large concourse of people. The ceremony was performed by the Very Rev. William O'Reilly, administrator of the diocese. The priests assisting were the Very Rev. James Hughes
* Among the witnesses for Father O'Neile were the following persons well known and remembered by the older Catholic residents of Waterbury: Sandy (Alexander) and Dominick Lynch, brothers of the deceased; Maria and Charlotte, her sisters, Mrs. Andrew Moran; John Melville and his sister, and Mrs. Stephen Egan. Mrs. Blakeslee was buried in New Haven.
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of Hartford, the Rev.Luke Daly, the Rev. J. C. Moore, the Rev. Dr. Wallace, the Rev. James Lynch, the Rev. Fathers Aubier, Charaux, Bede and Hendrick- en. A proces- sion in which were two hun- dred Sunday school children marched from the pastoral residence to the grounds. The ser- mon was preached by the Rev. Thomas Quinn of Meriden.
On December 19 the church was sol- emnly dedicated under the patron- age of the Immac- ulate Conception of the Mother of God .* The ceremony of dedication was per- formed by the Right Rev. Bishop McFarland, who also preached the sermon. Pontifical mass was cele- brated by the Right Rev. John Lough- lin, D. D., bishop of Brooklyn, assisted by the Rev. Fathers Regnier and Lynch as deacons of honor, the Rev. Fathers Hughes and Dela-
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ; ALSO PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE, 1893.
* It has been said that this was the first church in this country to be placed under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception after the promulgation of the dogma on December 8, 1854.
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THE PARISH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
ney as deacon and subdeacon respectively, the Rev. Thomas Quinn as thurifer, and the Rev. James Lynch as master of ceremonies. At the evening service the preacher was Bishop Loughlin. At the close, Bishop McFarland addressed the congregation, congratulating them on the completion of their splendid church, and paying a de- served compliment to the zeal of their pastor. The architecture of the church is purely gothic. It presents the following dimensions: Extreme length 162 feet, extreme breadth 65 feet, interior height 60 feet, height of the spire 200 feet.
At the time the church was dedicated, and for some time after, Father Hendricken resided in the brick building directly opposite the present pastoral residence. The dedication of the church makes an epoch in his life in Waterbury. Between that event and his election to the episcopal see of Providence his was an extremely busy life. What with the building of the parochial resi- dence, the founding of the young ladies' academy of Notre Dame (see page 527), and the purchase of eight valuable pieces of property in the heart of the city, his time was advantageously employed. It was during his administration that the parish of the Immacu- late Conception was incorporated under the laws of the state. In conformity with an enactment, approved by the General Assembly, June 30, 1866, the corporators of the church of the Immaculate Conception filed the following certificate of incorpora- tion in the office of the secretary of state on December 4, 1866.
To the honorable, the secretary of state of the State of Connecticut:
The undersigned, F. P. McFarland, bishop of the diocese of Hartford, William O'Reilly, vicar general of said diocese, Thomas F. Hendricken, pastor of the church of the Immaculate Conception at Waterbury, John Galvin and Patrick Brett, lay members of said church, hereby certify that they have this day organ- ized (under An Act in Addition to an Act Concerning Communities and Corpora- tions, passed May session, 1866) into a body corporate, under the name of " The Cor- poration of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Waterbury, Connecticut"; that the said John Galvin and Patrick Brett have been duly elected members of such body by the committee of the congregation of said church, and that they have adopted the act aforesaid as their charter, and will be concluded and bound thereby.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, this fourth day of December, A. D. 1866.
F. P. MCFARLAND, Bishop of Hartford.
WILLIAM O'REILLY, Vicar-General.
THOMAS F. HENDRICKEN, Pastor. JOHN GALVIN. PATRICK BRETT.
47
Very frecht ally Thomas Festundrede Em Biskop of Tim +midlene
1880
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THE PARISH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.
At a meeting of the trustees of the corporation, held in Water- bury, December 4, 1866, by-laws were adopted, in purport as follows:
That the corporate powers of the church shall be exercised in conformity with the principles and general discipline of the Roman Catholic church; that the church is bound to receive as pastor and as one of its trustees such priest as the bishop of the diocese may appoint; that the officers shall be a president, treasurer and secretary, and that the bishop shall be president ex-officio; that at regular meetings of the board a majority shall constitute a quorum, but in all matters relating to the sale or mortgage of the property of the church the acts of the quorum must be confirmed by the bishop; that the treasurer's accounts shall be open to the inspection of the trustees, and on January I in each year a synopsis of such accounts shall be printed and laid before the congregation with a statement of assets and liabilities; and that no lay person shall be elected a member of the board who is not a pew holder in the church and at least a yearly communicant.
The news of Father Hendricken's elevation to the bishopric of Providence was received in Waterbury February 22, 1872. While his devoted parishioners were loth to part with him, yet they experienced feelings of pardonable pride in the fact that their parish had given to the church a worthy prelate. Many were the expressions of sorrow at his prospective departure, and sincere the testimonies to his worth not only as a churchman, but as a citizen interested in the welfare of his city. The Waterbury American of February 26, 1872, paid him the following editorial tribute:
We congratulate Dr. Hendricken on his elevation, and only regret that an acceptance of the appointment will necessitate the removal of the respected father to Providence, where he will be obliged to reside. He has by his urbanity and ability made many friends, not only in his own parish but among the citizens at large. His earnest and efficient labors in the cause of temperance and education will be greatly missed.
Desiring to place on record their sincere sorrow for his departure, and to testify their appreciation of his labors in Waterbury, his parishioners convoked a meeting on Sunday, March 3, 1872, at which the following resolutions concerning their pastor were unanimously adopted:
That we part with him with feelings of deepest sorrow, not only on account of the many and great benefits conferred on the parish by his untiring industry and correct administration of the affairs of the church during the past seventeen years, but also in view of the many virtues that grace his character as a true priest and good citizen.
That our esteem and that of the community at large for him during the past seventeen years have been combined; and, considering the truly valuable services that he has rendered to the parish and to religion in general, especially in his zeal for the education of our children and the cause of temperance, we sincerely deplore his departure, but console ourselves that our loss shall be to the gain of the diocese of Providence, and shall conduce greatly to the glory of God and the interests of our holy religion.
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HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
That we heartily congratulate our worthy pastor on this mark of honor and con- fidence from the Holy See; the diocese of Providence in the happy prospect of such a bishop, and the parish of Waterbury for giving a new prince to the church.
Dr. Hendricken left Waterbury for his new field of labor in March, 1872, followed by the good wishes and blessings of the entire city of Waterbury. His faithful assistant, the Rev. Robert Sulli- van, followed him to Providence soon after, having preached his farewell sermon on Sunday, April 22. Dr. Hendricken was conse- crated bishop of Providence on Sunday, April 28, 1872, in the cathe- dral of Sts. Peter and Paul, Providence. He died June 11, 1886. The cathedral is his monument.
Coming to Waterbury a young man, Father Hendricken was full of zeal and willing to spend himself to advance the spiritual and temporal interests of the people. He was a man of marked faith and piety, and soon gave evidence of possessing superior executive ability. His enthusiasm knew no bounds, and his constant aim was to build up a parish second to none in the diocese. That he suc- ceeded is a fact of history. For seventeen years he labored unceas- ingly in the cause of temperance, and the fruits of his labors in this field were numerous and are still manifest. Not less earnestly did he struggle for Catholic education. The seed sown by Father Hendricken is now bearing rich fruit. It is true that some feared that he was in advance of his time and that a few of his undertak- ings were more or less hazardous. But he was a man who had implicit confidence in divine providence. He believed that God's work must succeed, notwithstanding temporary difficulties. He saw far into the future and acted according to the light vouchsafed him, and the result justified his actions. The name of Father Hendricken and the parish of the Immaculate Conception are inseparable. The history of the one in its brightest pages is a his- tory of the other. He built the present church and parochial resi- dence, established a parochial school in the old church, purchased the property of the convent of Notre Dame, erected the convent hall, and bought the magnificent property on which St. Mary's school now stands. Though a great deal of that property has been sold from time to time, it is at present unquestionably the finest school lot in Connecticut. Dr. Hendricken's influence in Water- bury was recognized by the whole community. He was the head of a parish daily growing in numbers and influence. Following his wise guidance it attained an enviable position among the parishes of the diocese. The poor were its special charges, and those whose temptations led them into the path of intemperance found in Dr. Hendricken a kind, considerate and sympathetic
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