USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > History of South Boston (its past and present) and prospects for the future, with sketches of prominent men > Part 33
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PHILLIPS CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL, East Seventh Street .- This chapel, which is a branch of Phillips Congregational Church, was organized in 1874, for the purpose of caring for the spiritual needs of the members of the church in that section of South Boston.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
A few years after its organization, land was purchased, and the present wooden structure was erected, and services have been held there since that time. Miss Clark, the present missionary, has per- formed excellent work in the parish for the past 25 years. Rev. Percy H. Epler, assistant rector of the home church, superintends the work at the chapel and officiates at the services.
SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH- East Fourth Street.
A series of prayer meetings organized by Deacon Jeremiah Flynn, during the year 1825, led to the gathering together of enough of the supporters of this denomination to organize the South Baptist Society. By degrees the congregation developed, and two years later weekly religious services were being held.
The first step taken regarding a house of worship was in 1828, when a house at the southwest corner of West Broadway and C Street, formerly occupied by the Methodists, was secured, and services were held there until April, 1830, the first permanent rector being Rev. Duncan Dunbar. In this short time the society had developed to such an extent that it became necessary to obtain more spacious headquarters, and with this object in mind a committee was appointed early in 1830.
The committee, deciding to build a house of worship, pur- chased the land directly opposite the little chapel then occupied by the society, and work began on the new structure, which was of wood, with a frontage of 57 feet on Broadway and a depth of 72 feet on C Street. It contained 104 pews, giving it a large seating capacity for that time.
In erecting this structure the society incurred a considerable debt, which was not wholly eliminated until the early sixties. The frame of the building was that of the First Baptist Church of Charles- town, and later of the North End. The building, now changed in appearance, the lower part being devoted to store purposes, still stands at West Broadway and C Street.
A division occurred in the church in 1838 over the ejection from the pulpit of the Rev. William Jackson of Halifax. The breach was soon healed, however, and he remained until Dec. 1, 1838, at which time he was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Driver. In the meantime a member of the congregation had taken up the study of theology, and, when completed, being a particular favorite with the members, he was called to the pastorate of the church. This was Rev. Charles Neal.
In May, 1863, Rev. Granville S. Abbott, a graduate of the New- ton Theological Institute, assumed the pastorate. Excellent growth had been made up to this time, and it was decided to sell the old church property and erect a more substantial structure of brick, the site for the new building being the southeast corner of Broadway and F Street.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Deaon Samuel Hill, who resided at City Point, had decided, a short time previous to this, to start a church nearer his home, and, with about twenty other members, formed the nucleus to that which later developed into the Fourth Street Baptist Church. This new body grew rap- idly, and soon a large wooden structure was erected at the north- east corner of L and East Fourth Streets, as a house of worship.
SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH. L and East Fourth Streets,
ing had a seating capacity of 500 and contained, besides the main auditorium, vestry and Sunday school rooms, the entire structure being well fitted out. A tall spire, over the main entrance, reaching 180 feet into the air, contained a large bell which summoned the members to worship. The building and land cost $60,000. Rev. Mr. Abbott was the first pastor of the new church going to it with his congregation when it was in readiness for service.
Here the congregation worshipped up to the spring of 1899, when steps were taken to effect a consolidation between this and the Fourth Street Baptist Society, which was successful, the South Baptist Society giving up its place of worship to go to the home of the Fourth Street Baptist Society, while the consolidated bodies were to be known, as be- fore, as the South Baptist Society.
In the meantime, Rev. Mr. Abbott and his parishioners had made good progress with their new build- ing, the corner stone of which was laid July 31, 1867, the vestry being finished and occupied March 1, 1868, and the dedication occurring Nov. 5, of the same year. The new build-
Rev. FREDERICK M. GARDNER.
The consolidated churches made many alterations and improve- ments in the building at East Fourth and L Streets, among them being
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
the erection of a steeple over the entrance to the church, in which the bell, formerly used in the brick structure on Broadway, hangs today and calls the congregation to worship. Rev. A. T. Sowerby was pastor of the South Baptist Church for several years and when he accepted a call to New York, just previous to the consolidation of the two so- cieties, the South Baptist congregation came under Rev. Frederick M. Gardner, who then had charge of the Fourth Street Baptist Church, therefore becoming pastor of the united societies, and he is still in charge of the flock.
Rev. Frederick M. Gardner was born in Salem, March 24, 1858. He graduated from Colby University in 1881 and received his degree at the Newton Theological Institute, in 1884. While a student he preached at the First Church at Winthrop, and was ordained there in May, 1883. The following year he was made rector of the Second Baptist Church, of Lawrence, and remained there seven years, leaving there to succeed Rev. Dr. Alden of the Central Square Baptist Church, East Boston. Here he remained until May, 1899, when he accepted his present pastorate.
The pastors of the South Baptist Church have been as follows : Rev. Thomas Driver, April 16, 1829 to April 1, 1830 ; Rev. Rollin H. Neale, Sept. 15, 1833 to March 19, 1834 ; Rev. Timothy R. Cressey, May 24, 1834 to June 22, 1835 ; Rev. Thomas Driver, Dec. 1838 to April 12, 1843 ; Rev, Duncan Dunbar, Nov. 1843 to Nov. 24, 1845 : Rev. George W. Bosworth, March 29, 1846 to Jan. 29, 1855 ; Rev. Joseph A. Goodhue, Nov. 22, 1855 to June 27, 1857 ; Rev. John Dun- can, Jan. 1, 1858 to June 1, 1863 ; Rev. Granville S. Abbott, Sept. 4, 1864 to Nov. 1, 1869 ; Rev. James S. Dickerson, June 5, 1873 to Jan. 31, 1875 ; Rev. Henry A. Cordo, Sept. 5, 1875 to June 29, 1878 ; Rev. John H. Barrows, Nov. 12, 1878 to Oct. 26, 1879; Rev. Thomas D. Anderson, April 4, 1880 to Dec. 19, 1883 ; Rev. David B. Jutten, Feb. 10, 1884 to April 15, 1893 ; Rev. Albert T. Sowerby, Sept. 1, 1894 to Dec, 31, 1898 ; Rev. Frederick M. Gardner, May, 7, 1899 to the present time.
The pastors of the former Fourth Street Baptist Church were as follows : Rev. Samuel Davies, Jan. 1, 1858 to Dec. 30, 1859; Rev. Austin H. Stowell, Nov. 3, 1860 to April 24, 1862 ; Rev. Edwin A. Lecompte, July 20, 1862 to Dec. 31, 1868 : Rev. Evan Lewis, Sept. 19, 1869 to Sept. 1, 1871 . Rev. Andrew Pollard, Jan. 1, 1872 to June 19, 1874 ; Rev. Lambert L. Wood, Dec. 16, 1874 to June 1879; Rev. Charles H. Spalding, April 1, 1880 to Oct. 31, 1889; Rev. Charles L. Rhoades, Jan. 1, 1889 to Nov. 30, 1889 ; Rev. Edwin S. Wheeler Dec. 1, 1890 to June 1, 1895 ; Rev. Oscar A. Hillard, Oct. 6, 1895 to June 3, 1898. Shortly after the latter date the union of the churches occurred.
ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHAPEL - Dorchester Street.
It was an act of love that planted the seed from which the Catholic faith took root in South Boston, and it is to the good Bishop John
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Cheverus that the origin of Catholicity, as well as its strong and healthy growth, is due. It was he, who, about 1819, purchased the property now known as St. Augustine's Cemetery, that he might erect thereon a mausoleum for the remains of his beloved friend and benefactor, Rev. Francis Anthony Matignon, D.D.
Bishop Cheverus, who came to this country a French exile, found no better friend than Dr. Matignon. It was he who brought Bishop Cheverus to Boston to aid him in the pastorate of the only Catholic church then within the city limits. They were devoted friends, each sharing the other's labors and trials, and a willing assistant in each other's enterprises. Thus they lived and labored, until Dr. Matignon, after his twenty-sixth year of service in Boston, died, Saturday Sep- tember 19, 1818, age sixty-five years.
T
ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHAPEL.
Dorchester Street.
BISHOP JOHN CHEVERUS. (First Catholic Bishop of Boston).
The news of his death brought sincere sorrow and regret, and the love and esteem in which he was held was made manifest by the elab- orate funeral accorded him, in which the remains were escorted to the Granary Burying Ground by a procession headed by acolytes, and the remains entombed in the vault of John Magner.
Up to this time there was not a Catholic burying ground in Boston. Bishop Cheverus, therefore, as a mark of respect to his devoted friend, and to provide a burial place for Catholics, purchased the land now known as St. Augustine's Cemetery, and immediately arranged for the erection of a small brick building to be used as a sepulchre for the remains of Dr. Matignon.
Being without funds, the task was not an easy one, but, through the able assistance of the Rev. Fr. Larisey, who collected $1,500, the land was purchased, and a small brick building erected. The land was purchased December 9, 1818, and the structure, which was of brick, 30 by 20 feet, was finished in a short time. The rest of the land was cleared and laid out for burial purposes.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHI BOSTON.
For the great assistance rendered him by Father Larisey, the cemetery was named St. Augustine's, by Bishop Cheverus, that being the patron saint of his order. Shortly after, when the little brick structure was opened for worship, the same name was bestowed upon it, and it is doubtful if there are any more familiar names in South Boston than St. Augustine's Cemetery and St. Augustine's Chapel.
As soon as everything was in readiness, the remains of Dr. Matignon, of whom Bishop Cheverus wrote, " He died as he had lived - a saint," were brought to their last resting place and deposited in a sepulchre at the right of the little altar, and a mural tablet was then placed in the chapel, bearing the following :
HERE LIE THE MORTAL REMAINS OF FRANCIS ANTHONY MATIGNON, D. D., AND FOR 26 YEARS PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS IN THIS TOWN OB. SEPT. 19TH, 1818, ET 65.
Far from the sepulchre of his fathers repose the ashes of the good and great Dr. Matignon. But his grave is not as among strangers, for it was, and often will be, watered by the tears of an affectionate flock, and his memory cherished by all who value learning, honor, genius, and love devotion. The Bishop and congregation in tears have erected this monument of their veneration and gratitude.
As there was a demand for services at this time, a few pews were installed in the little building, and it was then used as a place of wor- ship by Catholics in the vicinity. It proved to be a strong attraction to Catholic residents for miles around, and there was such an influx that in 1833 it was necessary to increase the size of the chapel.
This was done by enlarging the nave, and additional pews were then added, giving a seating capacity of about 250. Several other improvements were made at the time that added considerable to the comfort and convenience of the worshippers.
The chapel today is practically the same in apeearance as it was after these improvements were made. Built of brick, it is cruciform in shape, with a small altar in the apse. There is also a small choir gallery and two small vestries. The roof is slated, and the windows, being of Gothic style, give it a quaint appearance.
Bishop Fenwick consecrated the chapel after the improvements had been completed, and Rev. Fr. Drummond was the first priest to officiate regularly at the chapel. Succeeding him Rev. Thomas Lynch celebrated mass from 1833 to 1836. Those who followed him were Rev. John Mahoney, 1836-39, Rev. Michael Lynch, 1839, and Rev. Terence Fitzsimmons, 1840-45.
A steady growth soon increased the congregation to such an extent that the little chapel soon gradually became inadequate, and a more
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spacious structure became a necessity. This was brought about pri- marily to the opening of free bridges to South Boston in 1843.
In the meantime the chapel and cemetery had received the remains of many of those who composed Boston's Catholic colony, and the inter- ments were very numerous up to about 1880, and, though others have been made since that time, they have been few in number.
Among those buried beneath the chapel may be mentioned Rt. Rev. John B. Fitzpatrick, third Bishop of the diocese, who was interred in 1866, the remains being placed on the gospel side of the altar, where a marble slab marks the spot. They were later reinterred in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
Outside of the sanctuary rail are the resting places of many priests, a marble slab bearing the name of the deceased and the church in which he labored, marking each. Among them are Rev. Hilary Tucker of the Cathedral, died March 15, 1872; Rev. John W. Donahoe, rector of St. John's Church, East Cambridge, died March 15, 1873; Rev. John B. Purcell of the Cathedral, died March 24, 1873; Rev. Emiliano F. Gerbi, rector of the Gate of Heaven Church, South Boston, died June 28, 1873: Rev. G. A. Hamilton, rector of St. Mary's Church, Charles- town, died July 31, 1874; Rev. Bernard O'Reilly, rector of St. Joseph's, Boston, died May 21, 1875; Rev. Stanislaus Buteux, died June 14, 1875; Rev. Alexander Sherwood Healy, brother of former Bishop Healy of Portland, and rector of St. James' Church, died Oct. 21, 1875 ; Rev. Nicholas J. O'Brien, died April 25, 1876; Rev. Michael Lane, builder and first rector of St. Vincent's Church, South Boston, died February 2, 1878; Rev. J. S. Dennehy of St. Mary's Church, Ran- dolph, died October 26, 1878; Rev. A. I. Conterno, died August 10, 1881; Rev. John Cummings; Rev. John B. F. Boland of St. Francis de Sales Church, Charlestown, died November 30, 1882; Rev. William Walsh, died July 9, 1883; Rev. John B. O'Donnell, rector of the Church of St. Mary's Star of the Sea, East Boston, died August 22, 1884; Rev. John Wall of St. Joseph's Church, Somerville, died March 5, 1886; Rev. William A. Blenkinsop of SS. Peter and Paul's Church, died January 8, 1892; Rev. Leo P. Boland of the Cathedral, died Jan- uary 19, 1892; Rev. Denis J. O'Donovan, a chaplain of the 9th regiment, M.V.M., died September 24, 1892; Rev. Michael Moran of St. Stephen's Church, died July 11, 1894; Rev. Edward E. Clexton, St. Augustine's Church, South Boston, died January 9, 1897.
The advent of SS. Peter and Paul's Church, which was dedicated in 1845, marked the passing of St. Augustine's Chapel as a place of worship, until reopened by Rt. Rev. Mgr. Denis O'Callaghan, D.D., P.R., in 1868, when St. Augustine's parish was organized.
The final abandonment of the chapel as a regular place of worship occurred after the dedication of St. Augustine's Church, August 30, 1874, only a monthly mass being celebrated since then.
Unaltered, it stand's today, probably the most picturesque spot in our entire district-in summer almost completely concealed in its
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
cloak of ivy and the wide spreading branches of the verdant and stately elms that surround it, in winter garbed in a mantel of purity, it stands forth mid its impressive surroundings, while the winds of heaven pass- ing through the clinging leafless ivy and the now barren branches of the trees, murmur softly and mournfully a requiem for the dead.
SS. PETER AND PAUL'S CHURCH - West Broadway.
Through the efforts of Rev. Terence Fitzsimmons, pastor of St. Augustine's Chapel 1840-45, SS. Peter and Paul's Church on West Broadway, between Dorchester Avenue and A Street, was built, being dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul in 1845.
SS. PETER AND PAUL'S CHURCH, West Broadway,
RT. REV. JOHN J. BRADY
Father Fitzsimmons, finding the facilities at St. Augustine's Chapel inadequate for the demand, arranged for the construction of a new church. The limits of the parish at that time were very extensive, not only including the entire district of South Boston, but Dorchester, Canton, Hyde Park, Stoughton and Sharon, the boundaries reaching out some twenty miles.
After arranging his plans, Father Fitzsimmons set out to secure contributions for the new church. This was previous to 1843. In that year free bridges were opened to South Boston, and being so convenient to the city proper, the district began to increase rapidly in population, and Father Fitzsimmons was aided thereby.
His new church, a handsome Gothic structure, composed mainly of dark granite, was completed and dedicated in 1845, the members of St.
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Augustine's Chapel coming to the church to worship. The congreg- tion, believing that nothing could be too beautiful for such a place, contributed a large amount to fitting it up.
Three years later, Sept. 7, 1848, a fire occurred in a nearby build- ing and sparks, alighting in the belfry of the church, set it on fire and before the blaze could be subdued the entire church was consumed, with the exception of the side walls. During the fire the belfry and a large section of the wall toppled over and a magnificent figure of "The Dead Christ," and a costly organ, were completely destroyed.
The fire necessitated the reopening of St. Augustine's Chapel, and, the congregation, having assumed large proportions, it was also necessary to secure a hall on Fourth Street making it obligatory to Father Fitz- simmons to divide his flock. Though greatly inconvenienced by the disaster Father Fitzsimmons did not lose courage, but was soon engaged in the reconstruction of the church.
Father Fitzsimmons kept at his task untill 1853 when he was suc- ceeded by Rev. P. F. Lyndon previously rector of the Cathedral, who continued the work to completion, and November 24, 1853, the present structure was opened to the congregation and dedicated, being in constant use ever since.
During the pastorate of Rev. P. F. Lyndon great progress was made through his efforts. It was he who introduced the Sisters of Notre Dame, and it was his efforts that secured the school building and convent opposite the church. He also built up the parish greatly during his pastorate and was greatly beloved by his flock.
He remained at SS. Peter and Paul's until 1863 at which time he was succeeded by Rev. William A. Blenkinsop who was pastor until 1892. Father Blenkinsop was a worthy successor, and, taking hold where his predecessor had ended, he continued the work by enlarging the parish school and placing the Sisters in charge of the Sunday School.
Like Father Lyndon, Father Blenkinsop won the love of his flock during his many years of labor and, when finally the hand of death rested upon him in 1892, a deep sorrow spread through the parish, he having endeared himself to all.
Bishop John J. Brady was Father Blenkinsop's successor and the congregation was fortunate to secure such an administrator. He was sent from Amesbury where he was looked upon as an ideal priest and for his many excellent characteristics was considered worthy of emulation.
His work here as well as in Amesbury has shown his deep devo- tion as well as his consideration for his parishioners. One of his first acts was to have the church renovated, and later the rectory adjoining the church underwent an enlargement, which not only changed its entire appearance but added greatly to its comforts.
In its many years existence, this parish has gradually diminished in size, although its congregation is still very large. As Dorchester, Roxbury and other adjoining places grew, churches were erected at
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frequent intervals and in this way the size of the parish was reduced.
South Boston in the meantime had also become settled very thickly, so that the district was divided in order to give a parish to the Gate of Heaven and St. Augustine's Churches, the Church of the Rosary and St. Vincent's Church, but, owing to the crowded population, at the present time, SS Peter and Paul's Church still has one of the largest congregations in the district.
Bishop Brady had the parish school enlarged a few years ago and boys were admitted, and he has given much attention to the convent of the Sisters of the Notre Dame and the rest of the church property. Bishop Brady is assisted in his labors by four curates, Rev. Charles A. O'Connor, Rev. Denis J. Sullivan, Rev. Walter J. Browne, Rev. William B. Whalen. Father O'Connor is one of the few Gaelic- speaking clergymen in the archdiocese.
ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH - Dorchester Street.
For thirty-three years Rt. Rev. Mgr. Denis O'Callaghan, D.D.,
ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH. Dorchester Street.
Residence of MONSIGNOR O'CALLAGHAN, D D. P. R. F Street.
ST. MONICA'S CHAPEL Dorchester Street,
P.R., has presided over the destinies of St. Augustine's parish, or in other words it was he who organized it and it is he who has ever since
MONSIGNOR D. O'CALLAGHAN, D.D., P.R.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
that time presided over its destinies and will be the director of the flock until he answers the last call.
As one looks about and realizes the labors and the results obtained during these thirty-three years it is sufficient to teach at least the characteristics, activity, determination and confidence which are among the most prominent of Monsignor O'Callaghan.
He was a curate at SS. Peter and Paul's church under Rev. Will- iam A. Blenkinsop in 1868, at which time, the Catholic population, having increased remarkably, he was ordered to organize a new parish, convenient to the little chapel on Dorchester Street, and, without hesitancy, he started out by first opening the old chapel which had been closed to worship for several years.
He conducted services here regularly and in a short time had con- siderable of a flock about him. Through his many personal acts as well as his strong characteristics he won the respect and esteem of all, who knew him and, thus armed, he pushed forward with his parishion- ers ever with him and giving their undivided support to all his under- takings.
Thus strengthened he progressed. He first rejected a tract of land on E Street for his church and finally selected the spot where St. Augustine's now stands on Dorchester Street. This, being a higher, location and in closer proximity to Dorchester, he calculated that it would be the better of the two, and this it proved to be.
After having his plans perfected, ground was broken for the new structure in the spring of 1870 and was pushed forward with such rapidity that on September I I of the same year the corner-stone of the new edifice was laid with appropriate ceremony.
Not a hitch occurred to delay the work, which progressed with such rapidity that on July 2, 1871, less than a year after the laying of the corner-stone, the basement was in readiness for worship and on that date the first mass was said. The work was rapidly pushed to completion and August 30, 1874, Bishop John J. Williams dedicated the structure, it being, as today, one of the most beautiful parish churches in the archdiocese.
When completed, with its interior fixings, the church represented about $250,000. It is a handsome structure, constructed of red brick with freestone trimmings in the Gothic style of architecture. There are three entrances on Dorchester Street to the inain auditorium, the basement of the church being reached from entrances on either side.
An excellent organ was installed in the main church. There are three magnificent marble altars, and the church is lighted by beautiful colored windows on either side, some of the windows having been imported and are valued in the vicinity of $500.
Such a structure naturally brought a heavy debt upon the parish- ioners and when the church was completed Father O'Callaghan set to work to clear the debt. As the parish was well organized by this time his task was made easier, although it was by no means a diminutive
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
one. He worked diligently and unceasingly, however, and the burden, remarkable as it may seem, had entirely disappeared within ten years, and on August 31, 1884, the archbishop performed the ceremony of consecration.
Father O'Callaghan erected a substantial brick building as a rec- tory on F Street, connecting directly with the church, and in 1888 also built a brick structure on F Street, and also connected with the church, principally for hall purposes and for additional vestry room.
Both rector and congregation were well satisfied with the results, but much remained to be accomplished before Father O'Callaghan's ideas could be carried out. He desired to erect a parish school, and after a few years he had in his possession a sufficient sum to purchase the lot of land on E Street which he had refused for his church site.
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