History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 39

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed. cn
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1226

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II > Part 39

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Of its esteemed pastor, Rev. William O'Brien, a

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

local paper says : " He is genial and kindly in tem- perament and much loved by all his parishioners. His management of the church has been excellent ; and under his careful guidance the parish is destined to become one of the largest in the city." His present assistant is Rev. John J. Gilday, a native of Lowell, a most zealous and highly esteemed clergyman.

A handsome parochial residence was purchased soon after the dedication, and a fine parochial school was then built-a school said to be possessed of every convenience, and, in point of architectural beauty, un- surpassed by any building of its class in the city. It is of wood, sixty by sixty, and two and a half stories high, or sixty-two feet from the first floor to the bell- tower. There are six rooms, which, altogether, will ac- commodate over four hundred pupils. In the top story, will be a large hall which will be used for lectures and entertainments. The basement can be used as a recreation hall on stormy days. Being ready for occupancy in September, 1889, the Girls' School was opened with two hundred pupils, in charge of five Dominican Sisters. The coming September the Boys' Department will be opened with about the same num- ber, and under Sisters of the same order.

The education of all committed to his care having been attended to, through the provision of parochial schools and the Academy, Father O'Brien was next desirous of providing for the theological training of poor but deserving young men of his parish, whom God might bless with a vocation for the priesthood. Accordingly, on the opening of the Diocesan Ecclesi- astical Seminary, at Brighton, he contributed a burse of five thousand dollars to that institution, with the understanding approved of in the following acknowl- edgement which he received from the Archbishop:

" BOSTON, June 15, 1888.

" Received from Rev. Michael O'Brien, P.R., St. Patrick's Church, Lowell, five thousand dollars for a full burse or two half burses in the Boston Ecclesiastical Seminary, Brighton, with rights of presentation by the rector of St. Patrick's Church, Lowell, of students for the burse, and with preference to be given to students from the said parish.

" + JNO J. WILLIAMS,

" Archbishop of Boston, Pres."

And now to return finally to "the parent church " of all Lowell's Catholic temples of divine worship --- St. Patrick's-after having. given somewhat of a de- scription of all the buildings connected with it-the Parochial Residence, the Convent, the Sisters' chapel, the Academy, and Girls' School, the Boys' School, and the Brothers' House-all of which appear in the accompanying engraving.

In describing its beauties and recounting its ex- cellent qualifications for the sacred purpose of its erection, it seemed difficult to specify anything in which St. Patrick's Church seemed lacking. There was one thing, however, that presented itself to the minds of the zealous and active assistant priests there, when the approach of the forticth anniversary of the ordination of the honored rector, February 17, 1889, suggested a celebration of the event, and a presen-

tation of some gift that would, in a measure, bcspeak the reverence, affection and appreciation of them- selves and of the congregation. This was a chime of bells to be placed in the church-tower in his honor. The absence of Father O'Brien, who had gone to Palmyra, N. Y., to attend the funeral of an old friend, Rev. Thomas Cunningham, gave them an opportunity to carry out their plans. Calling the congregation together, the project was no sooner mentioned than it was entered into with the greatest enthusiasm. Com- mittees were formed and the parish canvassed with most gratifying results before Father O'Brien's return ; which, however, did not occur until after the anni- versary ; and they, in consequence, were obliged to postpone the celebration of the event until Sunday, February 24, 1889. That was, indeed, a gala-day at St. Patrick's. The religious commemoration of the event commenced in the morning, when Solemn High Mass was celebrated by the reverend rector himself. The Very Rev. John B. Hogan, D.D., president of St. John's Ecclesiastical Seminary, Brighton, and Rev. Louis S. Walsh, also of the seminary, were present at the Mass.

The exercises connected with the presentation took place in the evening after Vespers, which commenced at half-past seven, when the church, ablaze with lights and fragrant with flowers, was crowded to its utmost capacity. Describing the event, the Lowell Daily Courier said : "It was an occasion unique among the Catholic community, and it was improved to the ut- mnost, with an outpouring of good will and substantial appreciation that could not fail to impress all who participated as it did the honored recipient. St. Patrick's Parish is a good deal like a gigantic family. The pews to-day are largely occupied by those whose fathers and grandfathers preceded them in the same places, and there is naturally that feeling which, while in no way exclusive or reserved towards the new-comers, warms into a glow on an occasion like this, when the thousands to whom St. Patrick's is the cradle of faith, gather to do honor to a beloved pastor and friend. The affection between the shepherd and the flock was never more cordially exhibited, and on both sides there were the most touching evidences of mutual good will, respect and love." And the Lowell Sun gave the following tribute to the worthy recipient of all these honors : "The friends of Father Michacl found it hard to convince themselves that that young- looking priest had been a worker in the Church dur- ing forty years. It is safe to say that hardly a dozen members of St. Patrick Parish were aware one month ago that Father Michacl was about to reach his for- tieth sacerdotal anniversary. And his review of his early days as a priest astonished them still more, as he presented for their inspection the scenes he acted in as a missionary in the frontiers of New York and Pennsylvania. The missionary days of Father Michael O'Brien had been carefully concealed by that gentleman, and his retiring disposition kept in the

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background deeds of which any priest might be proud. These were brought to the front at this late day on a flood of tender emotions raised by the unexpected tribute from his congregation."

In the front pews of the middle aisle were seated His Honor, Mayor Palmer, a contributor to the bells fund, the Xaverian brothers, delegates from the sodal- ities and other religious societies, members of the committee, and several prominent citizens.

Vespers were chanted with Rev. M. T. McManus, South Lawrence, as celebrant; assisted by Rev. D. J. Gleeson, of St. Patrick's ; and Rev. William M. O'Brien, of Winchester; and with Rev. John J. Shaw, of St. Patrick's, as master of ceremonies. In the sanctuary, were all the other priests of St. Patrick's, besides Revs. William O'Brien and John J. Gilday, of Centralville ; and Rev. J. J. Foley, of Lowell.

After Vespers, while Father O Brien knelt before the altar in silent prayer, the choir sang Vivat pastor bonus, on the conclusion of which he took his seat in front of the altar with Father Shaw beside him. John J. Hogan, Esq., then advanced to the altar rails, and, on behalf of the congregation, delivered an elo- quent address, in the course of which he reviewed the priestly life of the beloved pastor of St. Patrick's on his various missions before coming to Lowell, and then thus spoke of his services in this city :

"To the people of St. Patrick's parish you have ministered for more than twenty-two years. In that period, how many of the sturdy, up- right and honest men of our congregation have passed away, who, with your saintly predecessors, Fathers Jobn and Timothy, built this sacred edifice, and now the sons and dangliters of those men revere, respect and honor you, their worthy successor.

" By your efforts was this church freed from debt and consecrated to the service of God. It stands for future generations to gaze upon, giving testimony of an earnest and loyal people, proud in having so zealous and iudefatigable a pastor.

" To you we are indebted for this beautiful marble altar, a work of art and beauty, and emblematic of the purity of our church. The maguifi- cent windows, which portray the mysteries of our religion, are the result of your labor; and our efficient schools, founded by you, are fur- ther proofs of your anxious care and watchfulness.

" For these priceless favors we, your parishioners, are most deeply grateful, and in appreciation thereof we have assembled here to extend to yon our best wishes and heartiest congratulations. This is a grand and magnificent outpouring of your people, all actuated by the single purpose to do fitting honor to you, whom, with profound faith aud willing obedience, we look up to as our spiritnal guide.

" And now, Reverend Father, in behalf of your people, it is my pleas ure to present to you this moet beautiful chalice, symbolic of the priest- hood, male of the purest metals, aud ornamented and designed with the finest art of the gullsmith. It tells of the sufferings of Our Saviour when he said, ' Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,' and being the cup in which the Eucharistic Victim, Christ, the spotless Lamb, is to reprze, it is thus the most holy of the sacred vessels.

" Beloved pastor, while you were visiting the scenes of your early priestly labors, your congregation, as one harmonious whole, resolved to crown this hallowed temple with a clitne of bells We feel that this Doble structure in which you and your devoted people take a just pride should have located in its lofty tower tongues of music, that will proclaim to heaven the love of the fock for the shepherd. As their joyous jeals resound in the skies above, the melody of their tones will reverberate through the hearts of the faithful here below. Their merry chimes will ring out a glad welcome to the Sunday Mans, while their solemun cadence will foretell the time for evening prayer. Their awert music will ofttimes cause the hearts of the faithful to leap with joy and the sinner to return to his mother Church. I herewith place in your hauls a purse of money, the sun of five thousand dollars, subscribed for the purpose.

"In conclusion it is our wish upon this anniversary to assure you of our affectionate attachment to your person, and to offer up a sincere prayer that Almighty God may preserve you in health and strength in these coming years in order that you may live to celebrate your goldleu jubilee."

Mr. Hogan also informed Father O'Brien that, in due season, he would be asked to accepta bronze bust of himself as a token of the esteem of the clergy and relatives.

Mrs. Mary Calvert then addressed Father O'Brien in behalf of the Holy Family, of which she was then prefect ; and Miss Nellie Foley, for the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception, in which she held the same office. Both ladies presented handsome bou- quets of rare flowers. Mr. Michael McDermott spoke for the Holy Name Society, and James H. Carmichael for the Young Men's Sodality, whose offering to their pastor was a gold-headed cane.

We quote a brief extract from the eloquent address of the gentleman last mencioned as an epitome of what had preceded :

" Forty periods of time called years have elapsed sinco you became a minister of God. During those years you have seen churches reared in former wildernesses ; you have seen dioceses spring up in almost an un- discovered country ; you have seen universities and colleges established and schools built in every part of this vast country; and more wonder- ful than all, you have seen your people increase from a few thousand to millions. You, reverend sir, have proved true in periods of persecution and oppression, have seen your people persecuted on account of their Faith, prohibiting them from enjoying all the privileges and political rights granted them by the Constitution of our country.

"You have heard your people's devotion to tho Constitution and laws of these United States questioned by corrupt, ignorant and lawless fa- natics and bigots ; and you have seen your people give the lie to these do- faniers when the nation was in its hour of peril. They proved their devotion to the Constitution and their loyalty to the institutions of the couutry by sacrificing their lives for its defence."

Father O'Brien then ascended the pulpit, and though much overcome at first, recovered strength as he proceeded in an eloquent response to this re- markable demonstration of his people's estcem. We do not give here his address in full, as it was main- ly reminiscences of his life. which will be presented elsewhere. He thanked them for their uniform devo- tion to him. He said he took all their praises less as a tribute to himself personally, than as a testimony of the reverence in which they held the holy office of the priesthood. He closed by expressions of grateful feeling to his fellow-citizens, Catholics and Protestant alike, for the uniform courtesy and good-will they had always manifested towards him.

At the conclusion, the congregation rose and joincd with the choir in singing, to the air of " America,"' the following hymn written for the occasion, by Miss Katherine E. Conway, of the Boston Pilot editorial staff, formerly of Rochester, N. Y., where, when an infant, she had been baptized by Father O'Brien, then its pastor :

Oh, lift glad heart and voice, And to the Lord rejoice In hymns of cheer, That to our love and care, And to our daily prayer, Ilis tenderness doth spare, Our Father dear !

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The day that glads the priest In church and home a feast His people keep- Ile sowed in bygone years God's seed in grief and fears, And now the ripened cars In joy we reap.

What need of praising word ? Lo ! his works praise him, Lord : His fruitful days- Long records fair and white And brave in all men's sight The eyes of Heaven delight- Ilow poor our praise !

The following Tuesday most pleasing celebrations of the auspicious event took place in the Academy and in the girls' department of the parochial school ; and Wednesday the same in the boys' department, on all of which occasions gifts were presented. A few days after, members of the Sodalities of the Holy Family and Immaculate Conception informed Father O'Brien that they intended, as soon as possible, to present an altar shrine to the church in commemora- tion of the happy anniversary-an intention, which, as we write, is approaching realization, and is to be supplemented by a similar gift from Father O'Brien and the congregation. To this end, plans have been drawn, and specifications made out, whose execution, next October, will provide St. Patrick's Church with two most beautiful marble side-altars, one in each transept, each to be surmounted by large groups of sculptor work, thirteen feet high and eight feet wide. That to be presented by the sodalities is to represent the Apparition of Our Holy Lord to the Biessed Mar- garet Mary ; and the one by Father O'Brien and the congregation to represent St. Dominic receiving the Rosary from the Blessed Virgin. These are to be made of alabaster, in full alto-relievo, and finished in old ivory.

In less than a year from the presentation of the bells fund, the chime of bells was finished and set up in the belfry, all but the principal one-St. Mary's- which, representing the whole chime, was yet to be blessed.

This ceremony, which is a most impressive one, took place on Sunday, the 9th of February, 1890. The Lowell Sun thus graphically described the sur- rounding circumstances : "The thousands who at- tended St. Patrick's Church on Sunday last will re- member the experience as one of the most inspiring of their lives. All the space in the church that could hold a spectator was filled at both morning and after- noon services ; the vast crowds gathered to attend the ceremonies of the blessing of the chime of bells pre- sented to the church to mark the fortieth anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Michael O'Brien, the perma- ment rector of the church.

"Tickets were in great demand for the two weeks before, and the fathers tried to accommodate all the friends of the church. A large number of Protestants were eager to attend the ceremonies, and they were

well treated by the clergymen and members of the committee. Everybody realized that the baptism of the bells would be a series of events as grand as the profound ceremonies of the Catholic Church could make them. They were not mistaken, for all who at- tended the ceremonies were greatly impressed.

" The day was a succession of beautiful and inspir- ing events. Noble sermons, powerful music, the sol- emn Pontifical Mass and Vespers, the kneeling thon- sands, the chanting of the bishops and clergymen, all these were there for the glory of God."

Solemn Pontifical Mass was celebrated in the morn- ing, at which Most Rev. Archbishop Williamns was present, with Rev. John Flatley, of Cambridge, and Rev. L. J. Morris, of Brookline, as deacons of honor. Rt. Rev. Bishop Bradley, of Manchester, N. H., cele- brated the Mass, with Rev. Arthur J. Teeling, of Newburyport, assistant priest, Rev. William O'Brien of Centralville, deacon ; Rev. James Walsh, of Lowell, sub-deacon; Rev. L.S. Walsh, of St. John's Seminary, and Rev. J. J. Shaw, of Lowell, masters of ceremonies. Rt. Rev. Bishops McQuaid, of Rochester, N. Y., Healy, of Portland, Maine, and O'Reilly, of Spring- field, Mass., Rev. Fathers Joyce, O.M.I., and Ronan, of Lowell, O'Reilly, O.S.A., and McManus, of Law- rence, were present in the sanctuary.

An eloquent sermon was preached by Rt. Rev. Bishop O'Reilly, on the Gospel of the day, which was Luke viii. 4-15.

A still larger congregation crowded the church at Vespers, in the afternoon, when the blessing or baptism of the bells took place. Pontifical Vespers were celebrated by Most Rev. Archbishop Williams, with Rev. Arthur J. Teeling, deacon ; Rev. James T. O'Reilley, O.S.A., sub-deacon ; Rev. Fathers Walsh and Shaw, masters of ceremonies. Besides the clergy present in the morning, there were at the afternoon services, Very Rev. James McGrath, O.M.I., of Lowell, Rev. J. J. Gilday, of Centralville, and Rev. William M. O'Brien, of Winchester. The music on the occasion-as is always the case at St. Patrick's- was most excellent.

After the singing of the psalms, the bell was blessed, with all the solemnity possible, by the Archbishop and attendant clergymen, while twenty-five boys of St. Patrick's school and the same number of girls from the academy stood as sponsors.

Another eloquent sermon, explanatory of the use of bells and the ceremonies attendant on their dedi- cation to divine service, was delivered by Rt. Rev. Bishop Healy, from the text " I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness."

In the course of his explanation the Rt. Rev. preacher spoke in substance, as follows :

" The Church nses nothing without making it sacred by her blessing. You must be astonished to see that this bell underwent so many differ- ent forms of ceremony. Yon would almost have said it was the ordina- tion of the preacher. You know, or you should know, that it was washed with consecrated water, that the metal within and withont was purified by it ; you know, or you should know, that in the invocation, the

totrinn.

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Church prayed that the matter profane might be consecrated to God, and in this prayer all implored that the spirit of darkness in it might be from that time dispelled.

"Yon see that the reverend brethren went aronnd consecrating it hy repeated signs of the cross, first with water and then with repeated unction of consecrated oil, and, at last, you saw that they placed in it the smoking thurible, showing thereby what should he the sacreduess of the sound diffused by the bell in the upper realms. Thus the church ·makes everything sacred, and thus she blesses this instrument in order to consider it freed of all profanity, and that for the first time its voice is to be like that of one crying in the desert, and that you will hearken to its sound as to the voice of the servant of God in all the lessons it brings to you.

"" I am the voice of one crying in the desert,' and this bell, when elevated in the tower of the church, will be to you a preacher ; and when I look upon this congregation and remember the old bell that sounded on so many days ,of gladness and of sorrow in this church iu years past, I caunot but wish that this voice that cries in the wilderness may be to yon a faithful preacher and keep in your minds the divine character of the church and her teaching. And I cannot but hope, too, that it will be many years before the hells erected here to commemorate the furtieth anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of your dear pastor-will toll the sid notes that will follow him to the home of bis predecessors."

On the conclusion of the discourse the Archbishop gave the Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament to the kneeling multitude, in which every heart thrilled with the triumphant inspiration of Catholic piety as Father O'Brien rang out the consecrated bell's first peal in honor of the Real Presence of our Lord.

A few days later, this bell also was raised to its place in the belfry beside the other sixteen. Thurs- day evening of that week Mr. Barbourka gave a most pleasing concert upon them, the first number of which was, most appropriately, a hymn to St. Pat- rick. This was followed by various sacred and patri- otic airs. Mr. Barbourka's place has since been well supplied by Mr. Cosgrove, whose manipulations are most satisfactory.

And thus the chimes have continued ever since, and will so continue long after they have tolled a re- quiem for all who now listen to their summons-in- creasing in strength and harmony, gladdening priests and people as they raise their hearts and souls hea- venward; a call to God's worship, a proclamation of the glory and splendor of His holy temple, and a re- minder of the devoted priest more than half of whose consecrated years have been unselfishly given to the Catholics of St. Patrick's Parish.

The year 1890 presents, indeed, a pleasing retro- spect in the history of St. Patrick's Church. She has been assailed by many enemies and conquered them ; loved and respected by many friends, and been true to them ; mother of many devoted and worthy chil- dren whom she has tenderly nurtured, and for whom she has won the blessing of her Divine Spouse. She sees now, in place of the few exiled, poverty- stricken, but whole-souled and faithful sons of St. Patrick forty thousand Catholics of various ances- tries, but all devoted and loyal to this noble country, whose justice and liberality have allowed their Church such phenomenal growth. She sees them gathered around many altars of the one True Living

God, in the numerous temples of Catholic worship in Lowell, all of whom look upon her as the parent church ; and she congratulates herself and them that the three-score years of Catholicity in their city that have rolled on, with their changing seasons, their varying sunshine and storm, have but caused her Heaven-inspired organization to wax stronger and stronger, and become a more and more potent factor in the temporal, educational, moral and spiritual advancement of the people of Lowell.

REV. JOHN O'BRIEN.1-In the honored list of pas- tors of St. Patrick's Church, Lowell, none, probably, will hold a higher, none, certainly, a dearer place, than Rev. John O'Brien, whose devoted toil of up- wards of twenty-six years made for that parish a most honorable record, and won for Catholicity mnost glorious results.

Descended from a noble family of ancient Thom- ond, whose records are amongst the most illustrious in Ireland's annals, John O'Brien was born in the year 1800, in Ballina, County Tipperary, Ireland. Blessed, as had been his brother, Timothy, who was nine years his senior, with a vocation for the priesthood, he was carefully educated for that highest of all professions; and, having honorably completed his studies, was or- dained at Limerick the 28th of December, 1828, for the Diocese of Killaloe. He was stationed for some time at Clare, near Ennis, and was there highly es- teemed ; as, indeed, he was wherever the duties of his profession led him.

After about twelve years of faithful and zealous ser- vice, he expressed to his bishop an ardent desire to once again see his brother, Father Timothy O'Brien, who had left Ireland when John was only sixteen years old, but for some time his request for permission to visit him was not granted. Meanwhile, accounts from Father Timothy and others of the scarcity of priests in this country, and the great work to be done here, inspired him with a desire not only to visit, but to remain with his brother. At length, permission was given him to do so ; and about the year 1840 the two brothers, sep- arated for twenty-four years, were re-united at Rich- mond, Va., where Father Timothy was for several years stationed. They did not remain so long, how- ever. In about a year Rev. Richard V. Whelan, who had been pastor of Martinsburg and surrounding missions, was consecrated Bishop of Richmond, March 21, 1841 ; and, having a high appreciation of Father John's energy and zeal, as also of his great physical strength and vigor, urged him to take his own place in the extensive missionary field to which Martins- burg belonged.

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 39

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed. cn Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1226

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed. cn
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1226