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 20
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 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93
-
The population of the Immaculate Conception parish is esti- mated to be, in round numbers, 6000. The value of the parish prop- erty is about $150,000.
* Deceased. J. Delaney may be added, who died a deacon.
John H. Duggan
CHAPTER XL.
A PURCHASE OF LAND IN "BROOKLYN" - A SECOND CATHOLIC PARISH- BOUNDARIES - A CORNER-STONE LAID -ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH -A GREAT WORK AND A LIGHT DEBT -THE RECTORY - PARISH SOCIETIES-FATHER DUGGAN-ASSISTANTS-ANOTHER DIVISION- PARISH OF THE SACRED HEART-FATHER TREANOR-A COURA- GEOUS PEOPLE - THE CHURCH WITHOUT AND WITHIN - PASTORAL RESIDENCE-THE FRENCH POPULATION-FATHER FONES - FATHER BOURRET - GERMAN CATHOLICS - A "HOLY FAMILY" SOCIETY- A PARISH ORGANIZED- THE CHURCH DEDICATED - DR. MARTIN - A LITHUANIAN PARISH - A PASTOR AND A BUILDING - THE ITALIANS.
ST. PATRICK'S PARISH.
I N the early part of February, 1880, the Rev. John H. Duggan, who was then pastor of the Catholic parish of Colchester and the outlying missions, was directed by the Right Rev. Lawrence S. McMahon, D. D., bishop of Hartford, to proceed to Waterbury and purchase land for a new church and its future dependencies in the southwest part of the city, known as the Brooklyn district. On February 19, 1880, Father Duggan purchased nearly three acres of land from J. C. Booth and N. J. Welton for $5200, the last install- ment of which was paid July 25, 1881. In the following April he was instructed by the bishop to go to Waterbury again and com- mence the organization of a parish, of which he was appointed pastor. On his arrival, towards the middle of April, he was received at the pastoral residence of the Rev. Father Walsh, who on the preceding Sunday had officially announced the contemplated division of the parish of the Immaculate Conception. He said that for some time past the Catholic population of the city had been outgrowing the present facilities for providing for its spiritual wants. He had laid before Bishop McMahon the situation and the necessities involved in it, and they were promptly recognized and acted upon. Father Walsh paid a glowing tribute to the Rev. Father Duggan, who had been selected to preside over the new parish, assuring the people of the district that the prosperity and ultimate success of the new undertaking rested with them. They had only to respond generously to the efforts and labors of their
48
754
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
new pastor, and all would go well. He hoped for the most gratify- ing results, and the rapid and successful development of the new parish.
Father Walsh afterwards defined the boundary lines of the new parish, and having submitted them to the approval of Bishop McMahon, they were announced in the church of the Immaculate Conception as follows :
Commencing at the city limits in the direction of Thomaston, the line will run south along the Naugatuck railroad to the West Main street crossing, thence along the middle of West Main street to the New York and New England railroad, and down that railroad to the north end of Meadow street, thence along Meadow to Grand street, through the middle of Grand street across Bank street to South Main street, along the middle of South Main street to Clay street, through Clay and along Mill street to Liberty street, then across the bridge over Mad river, and thence in a straight line through the Abrigador and over the hill in the direction of St. Joseph's cemetery.
That part of the city lying west and south of this line was to constitute the new parish. By a census taken in 1881 it was found to contain 3000 souls. Father Walsh, on behalf of the Immaculate Conception parish, gave the use of the old Methodist church, on the corner of East Main street and Phoenix avenue, then called St. Patrick's chapel, as a temporary place of worship for the members of the new parish, and they worshipped there until the basement of their church was ready, in December, 1882. The parish was placed under the patronage of St. Patrick, the apostle of Ireland.
The corner-stone of St. Patrick's church was laid on the after- noon of October 16, 1881. Fully 10,000 persons were present. A - procession composed of the Roman Catholic societies, military organizations and members of both parishes was formed on East Main street and marched to the railroad station to await the arrival of trains from New Britain (where Father Duggan was formerly an assistant) and from Torrington (the parish to which he was first appointed pastor). A train of thirteen cars arrived from New Britain, and another of nine cars from Torrington. Aug- mented by these arrivals the procession proceeded to the site of the new church where a platform had been erected which was occupied by some of the prominent citizens of Waterbury. The ceremony of laying the corner-stone was performed by Bishop McMahon. The Rev. J. C. O'Brien acted as cross bearer, and the Rev. P. W. Kennedy and the Rev. James Fagan as chanters. The Rev. Philip McCabe was master of ceremonies. In the corner stone was deposited a parchment record containing the names of the president of the United States, the governor of Connecticut
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH, CHARLES STREET.
756
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
the mayor of the city, the selectmen of the town, the sovereign pontiff, the officiating bishops, the pastor and his assistants, the trustees of the new parish, the architect and the mason; also the name of the patron saint and the title of the new parish, together with copies of the local and other newspapers, various curious coins, and other articles of interest. The sermon was preached by the Right Rev. M. J. O'Farrell, bishop of Trenton, N. J. The purpose of his discourse was to show in what sense a church is the dwelling place of the invisible God, and the church in process of erection was characterized as one of the links in the mighty chain of churches that encircles the world,-a house of God that would afford every one who worshipped in it the same privileges as if he worshipped under the dome of St. Peter's in Rome. The contribu- tions on the occasion amounted to $5000. The Roman Catholic Total Abstinence and Benevolent society donated $150, the St. Aloysius society $100, the Temperance Cadets $110, the Young Men's Catholic Literary association $100, the Children of Mary $113, and the convent of Notre Dame $50. Father Duggan returned his sincere thanks to the citizens of Waterbury, to those who had come from outside parishes, and to all who by their presence and benevolence made this a crowning day of success.
St. Patrick's church is situated on high ground in a lot con- taining nearly three acres. It fronts on Charles street and over- looks the city, commanding a beautiful view. The main points gathered from a carefully prepared description of the edifice are as follows:
It is built of a light blue granite, with trimmings of cut stone of the same material, and is constructed in the most substantial and perfect manner. The basement is more than fifteen feet in height, and will seat over a thousand persons. There are four spacious entrances to the basement, one at each corner of the build- ing, and two flights of stairs connecting with the church above. Although the nave of the basement is seventy-six feet wide, there are but two rows of iron col- umns, placed under the clearstory columns of the church above and supporting them. The church floors are supported upon heavy compound wrought iron girders, resting on these columns and on the walls, so that the basement is clear of all obstructions excepting these, and preserves the comfort and convenience of a finished church. It is lighted by large windows filled with cathedral glass.
The church is 165 feet long, and 105 wide at the sanctuary end. The width between the main side walls is 76 feet, and the height from the ground to the apex of the roof is 87 feet. The style of the building is the "early decorated " Gothic, which prevailed at the commencement of the fourteenth century, when the most expressive features of Christian architecture were developed. Constructively the church is divided into nave and side aisles, with an apsular sanctuary, around which are grouped the sacristy, baptistry, side chapels and other ecclesiastical features. The tower is in the northeast corner, fronting on Charles street. It does not grow out of the roof of the church, but is distinct in itself, carrying out the monu-
757
OTHER ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISHES.
mental idea of a church tower. It is to be crowned by a spire, rising to a height of 205 feet.
The main entrance comprises three large doorways, besides one in the tower communicating with the church and with the end galleries which extend across the nave. At the sanctuary end are two other entrances connecting with the church proper, with the basement by a staircase, and with the sacristies on each side of the sanctuary, which are connected by a passway behind the altar. Between the porch, on the northeast side, and the priests' sacristy is the baptistry, which forms a pleasing feature of the general grouping. The sanctuary is finished with an apsular end having five sides, in each of which, at a height of 33 feet from the floor, is a richly traceried window, which will be filled with stained glass containing appropriate figures. On either side of the sanctuary are chapels, each of which forms a small apex to contain the side altars. The main altar will stand under the centre of the sanctuary apse, the canopy over the tabernacle being immediately under the centre of the groined ceiling.
The front on Charles street is strengthened and ornamented by turrets and pinnacles. The side walls on Bank street are terminated by bold buttresses, gables and other features, all having a meaning. No unnecessary or frivolous ornament has been incorporated in any part of the building. The clearstory is perforated with a continuous line of traceried windows, so arranged that all on either side can be opened at once. Over the main entrance is a triplet window nearly thirty feet high, with richly traceried head and deep receding jambs. The side walls of the church contain large traceried windows, one in each bay or division. They will be filled with stained glass with appropriate memorial figures. The clearstory arches will spring from the pillars, which will have richly carved and clustering capitals. The auditorium will have a seating capacity of 1525 persons.
The church was designed by the lamented Arthur Crooks, who after studying his profession spent eleven years with the celebrated Upjohn of New York. It was while he was connected with Mr. Upjohn that the design of the capitol at Hartford was drafted, a work in which Mr. Crooks took a prominent part. The interior of the church is now (September, 1895) approaching completion. The plastering and stucco work are being done under the direction of P. W. Ford, architect, Boston.
A rectory has been built near the church, the interior of which is now in course of construction. It is of stone, in the Gothic style, and was designed by Augustus J. Smith, of this city, under the direction of the pastor. The interior finish is under the direction of Joseph A. Jackson.
St. Patrick's church might have been completed sooner, had not the Rev. Father Duggan determined to avoid, so far as pos- sible, paying interest on borrowed money. In the meantime the congregation has had a comfortable place of worship in the base- ment of the edifice, which was from the first expressly fitted up for church use. The work on the church has mostly been paid for,
758
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
as it has gone on, from the parish revenues, collections and the like. The whole indebtedness at the end of 1894 was only $14,- 500, and a part of this was due for the land upon which the lyceum stands. This building contains a library, reading rooms and a hall for literary and social entertainments and for society meetings.
The successful accomplishment of all this work is chiefly due, under God's providence, to the strong faith and religious zeal of the parishioners, who have heartily cooperated with the efforts of their pastor. Though principally of the working class they constantly and voluntarily contributed a portion of the means God gave them towards the erection of a church that would redound to the glory of God and the advancement of religion.
Because both the pastor and the people desired that the church and the rectory should correspond as nearly as possible in style of architecture and in durability, the latter was built of stone. Pro- vision has been made not only for present requirements, but for the needs also of the future.
The amount of money required of each parishioner at any one time was not large; but constant contributions of even small sums ensure success and strengthen faith. The offerings for the monthly and annual collections were enclosed in envelopes on which were printed the following texts of scripture:
I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of thy house and the place where thy glory dwelleth. Psalm xxv: 8.
In every gift show a careful countenance and sanctify thy tithes with joy. Ecclus. xxxv: 11.
My son, in thy good deeds make no complaint, and when thou givest anything add not grief by an evil word. Ecclus. xviii: 5.
Give to the Most High according to what he hath given to thee. For the Lord maketh recompense and will give seven times as much. Ecclus. xxv: 12, 13.
The parishioners were buoyed up with the hope, often inculcated, of sharing in the merit that would accrue from the many holy works that were to be wrought within that sacred edifice so long as it should last, namely, the preaching of the word of God, the offer- ing of the holy sacrifice of the mass, the many sacraments that should be administered, the many souls that should be regen- erated, strengthened, consoled and sanctified. They leave to their descendants in St. Patrick's parish enduring memorials of what the strong faith that begets Christian zeal and genuine self-sacri- fice can accomplish when strengthened by the all-powerful grace of God.
759
OTHER ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISHES.
The societies of St. Patrick's parish'are:
The Holy Name society. St. Patrick's Temperance soci- ety.
St. Thomas's Cadets. The Scapular society.
The Sodality of the Children
of Mary, for young ladies.
The Sacred Heart society.
The Holy Angels' society for young children.
THE REV. JOHN H. DUGGAN.
John H. Duggan, son of Hugh and Nancy (Walsh) Duggan, was born in the parish of Monsea, county Tipperary, Ireland. He pursued his early classical PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE, ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH. studies in Nonagh, being designed by his parents for the priesthood. He removed to Canada in his youth and entered Montreal college. After completing his classical studies and a course of two years in philosophy, he studied and practiced law for some years in Mon- treal. In May, 1870, as a subject of the diocese of Hartford, he entered the Grand seminary of St. Sulpice in Montreal for the priesthood. He received tonsure and minor orders on March 25, 1872, and sub-deaconship on June 7, 1873, and was ordained deacon and priest on December 21 of that year, by the Most Rev. Edward Charles Fabre, D. D., archbishop of Montreal. In February, 1874, he was appointed by Bishop McFarland assistant pastor to the Rev. John Cooney of St. Patrick's parish, Thompsonville, and two years and a half later was transferred to New Britain as assistant to the Rev. Luke Daly of St. Mary's. After three years he was appointed by Bishop Galberry pastor of St. Francis' parish, Torrington. He was successful there in securing the renovation and frescoing of the church, but soon after was appointed pastor of St. Andrews' parish at Colchester. There- also he had the church renovated, and in April, 1882, was transferred to Waterbury.
Here, while carrying forward with much industry and skill the erection of a costly church and rectory, he has given much atten- tion to matters pertaining to the material and moral welfare of the community.
ASSISTANT PASTORS.
The Rev. JAMES BIRRACREE, the first assistant priest of St. Pat- rick's parish, was a native of Norwich. He was the son of Michael
760
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
and Anastasia (McDonald) Birracree. He entered Holy Cross col- lege at Worcester, Mass., in September, 1873, and after remaining there a year, went to the college of Our Lady of Angels at Niag- ara, New York. From there he passed to St. Bonaventure Theologi- cal seminary, where he finished his theological course. He received deaconship June 14, 1880, and priesthood the following day. He celebrated his first mass at St. Patrick's church, Norwich, June 20, 1880, and was appointed to St. Patrick's, Waterbury, in July follow- ing. He died in Waterbury.
The Rev. JEREMIAH CURTIN Was born in New Britain in August, 1860. He entered St. Charles' college in September, 1875, having already made good progress in the study of the classics in the New Britain High school, and went from there to St. Mary's Theological seminary, Baltimore, in September, 1878. He was ordained in New Britain by Bishop McMahon, June 29, 1883. He came to Waterbury as assistant pastor at St. Patrick's, July 2, 1883. After a brief stay at Norwalk he was transferred to the church of the Sacred Heart in New Haven, November 2, 1888. On May 1, 1895, he was appointed pastor of the West Haven and Westville parishes.
For the Rev. FARRELL MARTIN, assistant for two years, see page 770.
The Rev. DOMINIC BROWN succeeded the Rev. Farrell Martin, being appointed to St. Patrick's parish July 23, 1890. He studied and was ordained at Mount St. Mary's, Emmitsburg, Md. He remained at St. Patrick's until March, 1892, when he was trans- ferred to St. Patrick's, New Haven.
The Rev. JAMES B. LAWLESS, the present assistant pastor, was born in Stamford, August 3, 1863. He was educated at Holy Cross college, Worcester, and at St. John's, Fordham, N. Y., from which he graduated June 26, 1885. He entered St. John's Ecclesiastical seminary at Brighton, Mass., in September, 1885, and was ordained to the priesthood June 22, 1889, in Holy Cross cathedral by the Most Rev. John J. Williams, archbishop of Boston. He was appointed to St. Patrick's church New Haven, August 3, 1889, and was trans- ferred to Waterbury, March 5, 1892.
THE SACRED HEART PARISH.
Second of the daughters of the mother church, the parish of the Sacred Heart is discharging faithfully its appointed task and real- izing the fondest hopes of its founders. Like all other young par- ishes, it has had its struggles and trials, but with steady purpose
761
OTHER ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISHES.
it has held to its course and has seen the greater part of its mate- rial work accomplished.
On Sunday, February 15, 1885, the Rev. William Harty, then rector of the parish of the Immaculate Conception, made the formal announcement that the Right Rev. Bishop McMahon had erected a new parish in the city. The announcement was not entirely unex- pected, as rumors of the intended division had been current for some time. The new parish was to comprise East Main street east of Dublin street, all of Dublin street, the east side of Welton street, Walnut street and all of the streets east of these points, and would include between 1500 and 2000 souls. The Rev. Hugh Treanor, who for six years had been the efficient assistant pastor of St. Mary's church, Norwalk, was appointed by Bishop McMahon, pastor of the new parish. A short time after the division the lots on which the church now stands were purchased by Father Treanor from the estate of Horace Porter for $4440. A piece of property north of the church and six acres on the east were subsequently added.
On Sunday, February 22, Father Treanor preached his initial sermon to his new flock in the church of the Immaculate Concep- tion. On March I, the members of the Sacred Heart parish held divine services for the first time as a distinct congregation in St. Patrick's chapel. Services were held here until the date of the blessing of the basement of the new church, March 14, 1886.
Bringing to his new field of labor earnestness, zeal and a spirit not easily subdued by real or apparent difficulties, Father Treanor began immediately the task of providing his parishioners with a temple of worship that would be not only suitable to their present and possible future requirements, but an ornament also to the city. And this was no light undertaking. For years Father Treanor's parishioners had contributed generously to the support of the mother parish. Many of them had been pew-holders since the dedication of the church. The memories of many, likewise, went back to the days when, but few in number comparatively speaking, they reverently knelt around the altar in old St. Peter's. To begin again the erection of a church and its necessary adjuncts was the task which the central authority of the diocese called upon them to perform. They cheerfully obeyed. With the courage, persever- ance and self-sacrifice so characteristic of Catholic people in the cause of religion, they at once bent their energies to accomplish the will of the bishop, which they regarded as the will of God. Generously they cooperated with their pastor, giving freely of their time and money. In the furtherance of their purpose they received generous assistance from their former fellow parishioners. So
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART, EAST MAIN STREET.
763
OTHER ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISHES.
successful were their efforts that in seven months almost from the day that Father Treanor assumed charge of the parish, his congre- gation had the happiness of witnessing the laying of the corner- stone of their church edifice with the impressive ceremonial of the Catholic ritual. That day, which meant so much for the parishion- ers of the Sacred Heart parish, was Sunday, August 16, 1885. The corner-stone was laid by Bishop McMahon in the presence of an estimated attendance of 8000 persons. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Francis Delargy of the order of Redemptorists. The handsome silver trowel used by the bishop during the ceremony was presented to the Rev. John Russell of New Haven, who was the largest contributor on the occasion.
The first mile-stone on the journey of the young parish had been reached and passed successfully. The future was bright with promise, as the past had been fruitful in blessings. Redoubling their efforts the members of the parish began to look anxiously forward to the day when they could worship within the walls of their own church home. This happiness was vouchsafed them on March 14, 1886, when the basement of the church was blessed and formally opened for divine worship. Bishop McMahon graced the occasion by his presence. The Rev. John Russell was the celebrant of the mass and the sermon was preached by the Rev. William J. Slocum, then of Norwalk. At the vesper service confirmation was administered for the first time to a class of over sixty children.
Thanksgiving day (November 28) 1889, witnessed the crowning of the good work, a fitting day on which formally to give to God a holy temple wherein his name should be praised. On that day the new church edifice was solemnly dedicated under the patronage of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by the Right. Rev. Bishop McMahon. The celebrant of the mass was the Rev. Michael Tierney, now the bishop of the diocese. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Thomas Broderick of Hartford. In the evening vespers were sung, the Rev. James Fagan of Naugatuck (since deceased) officiating.
As one of the prominent edifices of our city a brief description of the church of the Sacred Heart will not be amiss:
The extreme length of the edifice is 136 feet and the extreme width 70 feet. It contains 180 pews, with a seating capacity of 900, exclusive of the choir gallery. The basement is built of Plymouth granite laid in rock-face broken ashlar work, pointed in red cement. The water table is of the same material, as also the trimmings of the basement exterior. The superstructure is of deep red North Haven brick, laid in red mortar. The sills, buttresses, gables, arches, finials, panels and pediments are of cut Plymouth granite. The roof and octagonal spire are covered with dark blue Pennsylvania slate. Each of the three front doors is reached by a separate flight of steps and a platform which is a single piece of dark
764
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
granite. The tower which rises from the centre of the front is twenty feet square, surmounted by an octagonal spire of 170 feet, this again surmounted by finials and a gilt cross. The tower is pierced with numerous windows. Provision has been made for a chime of fifteen bells to weigh 8000 pounds. The extreme height of the nave is fifty-two feet and of the aisles twenty-eight feet.
There are three altars in the church, the centre or main altar, and two side altars dedicated to the blessed Virgin and St. Joseph respectively. The pictorial decorations are the work of the celebrated painter, William Lamprecht of Munich, Bavaria. The central panel over the main altar represents the apparition of the sacred heart of Jesus to blessed Margaret Mary, who is in adoration before the blessed sacrament. The picture is twenty-five feet in height and fifteen feet in width.
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.