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 34
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
He purchased the lot and soon after had plans drawn for the school. The structure grew rapidly and was finally completed, being fitted throughout with the most modern appurtenances at a cost of about $150,000.
Upon its completion the school was immediately opened and has today an attendance of about 800 pupils who are tutored by the Sisters of Notre Dame. Since that time Father O'Callaghan has worked diligently to eliminate the debt, which is rapidly diminishing.
The year 1898 was an eventful one for Father O'Callaghan as it came laden with many greetings of good will and esteem from various sources. It marked the 30th consecutive year of his pastorate and in recognition of this the parishioners tendered him a reception, April 12 and 13, in St. Augustine's Hall. Two months later, when St. Charles College, of Baltimore, Maryland, was observing its golden anniversary, Father O'Callaghan, who was ordained there, received the degree of " Doctor of Divinity " from Cardinal Gibbons.
Nor was this all, for Mayor Josiah Quincy of Boston invited the Rev. Denis O'Callaghan to be the orator of the day on July 4th of that year and his address in Faneuil Hall, on that occasion, was listened to by a multitude of people. His zeal in his constant labors also won him a reward from His Grace Archbishop John J. Williams who recognized his successful efforts by making him permanent rector of St. Augustine's Church in the fall of the same year, much to the gratification of his parishioners.
During the many years of his pastorate the congregation was ever increasing, the greatest development being manifested in the Andrew Square district, and it soon became evident that the church was gradu- ally becoming inadequate and that a change would have to occur eventually.
Father O'Callaghan was not ignorant of the progress and conse- quent needs. He had been watching it and trying to solve the matter until, in 1900, he succeeded in a way that not only relieved the church but made matters much more convenient for the parishioners residing in the vicinity of Andrew Square. He purchased Unity Chapel
369
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
from the Unitarian Society when that property was for sale, and, after enlarging and altering the structure and putting it in excellent con- dition, it was blessed and dedicated by Archbishop John J. Williams Nov. 4, 1900, being named St. Monica's Chapel, after the mother of St. Augustine.
On the observance of his 33 years pastorate his parishioners pre- sented Father O'Callaghan with a handsome bronze bust of himself which occupies a place in St. Augustine's Hall.
Nor was this all, the crowning honor was yet to be bestowed upon him a little later. This most recent and greatest of all honors was the appointment from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIII., making Father O'Callaghan a Monsignor and he was invested in the purple robes of his office October 2, 1901. His most recent public act was administer- ing the oath of office to His Honor, Mayor Patrick A. Collins.
GATE OF HEAVEN CHURCH AND RECTORY,
N W. Corner I and East Fourth Streets
Monsignor O'Callaghan was born in Ireland in 1841, and early in life came with his parents to Salem, Mass., receiving his education first in St. James Parochial School under care of Rev. Thomas H. Shahan. He then went to St. Charles College, Maryland, and later to St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. He was ordained to the priesthood June 29, 1865, by Bishop Spaulding and, after coming to Boston, was appointed assistant to Rev. Fr. Blenkinsop of SS Peter and Paul's Church.
Rev. John J. Harkins, Rev. Francis G. Russell, Rev. Michael C. Gilbride and Rev. Francis W. Maley are the curates and able assistants of the Rt. Rev. Mgr. Denis O'Callaghan, D.D., P.R.
GATE OF HEAVEN CHURCH - East Fourth Street.
There were very few Catholics living at City Point when St. Augustine's Chapel was first opened as a place of worship, and
370
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
SS. Peter and Paul's Church, when erected, was placed where it would be most convenient to the greatest number.
As the congregation grew, however, it spread out to such an extent that within a few years there were many Catholic families scattered through the City Point district, and the need of a church there soon became evident. It was not until the sixties that the work of erecting a church assumed any definite form.
Father Lyndon, who was then pastor of SS. Peter and Paul's Church, was consulted in the matter, and it was through his efforts that the plain brick structure at East Fourth and I Streets was erected and dedicated March 19, 1863.
Father Lyndon and Father Blenkinsop atten- ded to the spiritual wants of the congregation until 1865, when Rev. James Sullivan, the first resident rector, took charge and administered to the flock until 1868. He soon erec- ted the rectory on East Fourth Street, adjoining the church property, which has undergone alterations and repairs at frequent intervals since then.
Father Sullivan's suc- cessor was Rev. Emiliano Gherbi, an Italian Fran- ciscan, who, for five years, cared for the welfare of GATE OF HEAVEN CHURCH, S W. Corner I and East Fourth Streets. As it will appear when completed. the parish and the congre- gation and did much tow- ard strengthening and building it up. Rev. Emiliano Gherbi, after a brief illness, died in 1873 and Rev. Michael F. Higgins succeeded him as rector.
Father Higgins proved to be a very active and energetic man and one of his first undertakings, on assuming the pastorate, was to erect St. Agnes' Convent, corner of 1 and East Fifth Streets, and introducing the Sisters of St. Joseph.
For thirteen years the ever increasing congregation was cared for by Rev. Father Higgins. While yet in the prime of life he was stricken down, and after an illness of several months he died May 7, 1886.
Rev. Theodore A. Metcalf was the successor of Rev. Father Higgins and from 1886 until 1890 had charge of the parish, during which time
371
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
he made many improvements. Father Metcalf was the organizer of the " League of the Sacred Heart." In 1890 he was transferred, and, shortly afterward, owing to his failing health, he retired.
Rev. Robert J. Johnson of Dedham next assumed charge of the parish, in 1890. He was at once impressed with the necessity of a new church, for at that time part of the congregation, owing to the size of the church, was compelled to worship in St. Michael's Hall. Plans were accordingly prepared, but before anything definite had been done, the old church was visited by fire, March 4, 1895, causing great damage. This was repaired as soon as possible and work on the new building was hurried along.
Sunday afternoon October 4, 1896, Archbishop John J. Williams laid the corner stone. Rev. Peter Ronan of St. Peter's Church, Dorchester, delivered the sermon. Every effort was made to quickly finish the basement, with
PEV ROBERT J. JOHNSON
-
ST. EULALIA'S CHAPEL O St and E. Broadway.
the result that on Sunday, June 17, 1900, it was opened for worship. The main auditorium remains to be completed, and, according to the plans, two large steeples, one of which is to have a clock, are to be reared on either corner of the front elevation.
The edifice is constructed after the thirteenth century type of Gothic architecture, of buff Roman brick, with brownstone trimmings. It has a frontage on East Fourth Street of 106 feet, a depth of 184 feet, and with its great height and other conspicuous points presents an imposing appearance.
Though the main auditorium is unfinished, the plans indicate it will be beautiful when the work is completed. The basement itself is magnificent in its arrangement and fittings -the woodwork of oak, altars of sandstone and marble, the blue and gold-tinted walls, the
372
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
beautiful organ and magnificent stations, making it one of the most elaborate houses of worship in or about Boston.
During the construction of the new church, Father Johnson, in response to the urgent demands of the parishioners at City Point, erected St. Eulalia's Chapel on East Broadway and O Street.
The chapel, a composite design in Spanish architecture, has a frontage of 75 feet on Broadway and a depth of 200 feet, and its exterior is of a cement finish, giving it an odd appearance. The main entrance consists of a triple doorway on Broadway, and, rising directly over it from the roof, is an arch surmounted by a cross. The interior is prettily finished in cherry, the walls being tinted in light and dark green and yellow. The altar is done in white and on either side of it are niches with statues of the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph.
The main portion of the church is one story high, while the centre rises to two stories. It is well lighted throughout. This chapel was opened for services May 6, 1900.
With these two important steps taken, the openintg of the base- ment in the new church and the holding of services in he chapel, Rev. Fr. Johnson took his first vacation in nineteen years, going abroad. During his travels he studied the great churches of other countries and has incorporated many ideas into the new edifice. On his return, at a reception tendered him in St. Michael's Hall, he was presented with a purse of $2,300, which he immediately turned over to the building fund.
During Father Johnson's pastorate great strides have been made and he has endeared himself to his large flock. In his labors Father Johnson is ably assisted by Rev. Timothy J. Mahoney, Rev. Thomas F. Brannan, Rev. John T. O'Brien, and Rev. Charles Ulrich. Among the institutions in the parish receiving attention from the rector and curates are the House of Correction, the Perkins' Institution for the Blind and Massachusetts School for the Blind, and the Carney Hospital.
CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL - E Street.
St. Vincent's Church, as it is generally known, is remarkable for at least one thing, it followed many of its original parishioners when it changed location from Purchase Street to E Street, South Boston. To the majority of the present parishioners, it is well known that much that is apparent of the exterior of St. Vincent's Church was once the old Purchase Street Church on Fort Hill. The old church was built in 1825 for the Unitarians, but sold to the Catholics in 1848, Bishop Fitzpatrick purchasing it for the purposes of the Catholics of that section.
The levelling of the old hill, in the early sixties, compelled the removal of the residents, and many of them made their home in South Boston.
So great a number settled in the vicinity of D and E Streets, that it was soon decided to form a new parish. For a long time mass was celebrated in the old Baptist Church, corner of C Street and West
373
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Broadway, and in 1872 a portion of SS. Peter and Paul's parish was set apart as St. Vincent's parish and work was commenced on the church. Material from the old Purchase Street Church was carted to West Third and E Streets and the large granite blocks were used for the two main walls of the new church. When completed, the old bell was also transferred and has since called the worshippers of St. Vin- cent's Church to services. The magnificent painting of "The Crucifixion " which has ever since occu- pied a prominent position over the main altar, in St. Vincent's Church, was also . from the old house of wor- ship.
Rev. Michael Lane was chosen the first rector and under his direction the new church took shape. July 19, 1874 it was dedi- cated by Bishop Williams, solemn high mass being CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, E and West Third Streets. celebrated by Rev. William A. Blenkinsop, with Rev. M. Supple, deacon, and Rev. Richard Barry, sub-deacon. Rev. Fr. Wissel, C. SS. R. preached the sermon.
For four years Rev. Michael Lane labored in this parish, winning the esteem and love of the parish- ioners. During his pastorate he strengthened the parish and devoted great energy to its welfare and in beautifying the church. In 1879 he died, causing much sorrow through- out South Boston as well as in his own parish. He was succeeded by Rev. William J. Corcoran of Hyde Park.
REV GEORGE J. PATTERSON
pastorate of St. Vincent's Church.
Father Corcoran remained pas- tor until his death February 21, 1897, eighteen consecutive years, and Rev. George J. Patterson was sent from Abington to assume the
He received a warm welcome by the congregation as he was for- merly a resident of the Fort Hill district, and an altar boy in the old
374
HISTORY OF SOUTHI BOSTON.
church, and had been a pupil of the Boylston school, so that his coming marked another reunion.
Father Patterson had the reputation of being an energetic worker and a man of ability and determination and it was not long before there were many indications of these characteristics, and his labors, both for the spiritual good of his flock and the beautification of his church, have never ceased.
He directed his attention to the church immediately on assuming the pastorate, and the structure, under his supervision, underwent a thorough renovation. He reconstructed the sanctuary, beautified the entire interior of the church including the basement, reconstructed the organ gallery and fitted the church with beautiful windows of opal- escent glass, and also introduced electric lighting. The most recent and most extensive improvement was the erection of a magnificent marble altar.
Two of the windows, the most beautiful in the church, were pre- sented to him. One, representing the Saviour, was the gift of the members of the Society of the Sacred Heart ; the other, a likeness of the Blessed Virgin, was the gift of the Young Ladies' Sodality. These two windows are considered the finest specimens of opalescent glass work in the city. Each cost $1,000.
Though Father Patterson has given so much time and attention to beautifying his church he has not allowed this work to interfere with his spiritual duties. He has given much attention to the suppression of intemperance in his parish and has also devoted much time toward the higher education of the younger members of his flock.
Since he assumed the pastorate of St. Vincent's Church, a splendid sanctuary choir has been formed, a library has been established for the young ladies, Father Patterson securing a small house opposite the church for this purpose, and a banjo, mandolin and guitar club, as well as a sewing school, are other features he has introduced for the entertain- ment, education and sociability of the younger members of the parish.
In all these undertakings and labors, Father Patterson has received able assistance from his two curates, Rev. Farrah A. Brogan and Rev. John J. Lyons.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY - West Sixth Street.
When this parish was set apart from SS. Peter and Paul's Church it marked the last division of the first Catholic parish in South Boston. As the church was inconveniently located for persons living in this neighborhood, and as it was overburdened with members, it was deemed advisable to make this final division, thereby adding to the convenience of all. With this object in view Rev. John J. McNulty came from Dedham to collect funds for the erection of a church in the new parish.
He commenced his undertaking in 1884, taking up his residence for the time at SS. Peter and Paul's Church. Here he became
375
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
acquainted with the members of his parish and his many sterling qualities soon won for him their love and esteem.
He secured a considerable amount of money, having, in the mean- time, selected a place for the erection of the church. This district being overcrowded at that time it was impossible to get a vacant lot in a proper location and when he selected the site upon which the church now stands, only part of it was clear, the rest being occupied by buildings.
This made it inconvenient and resulted in delay in the building of the church as the old structures had to be removed before work could commence on the edifice. The work progressed slowly. Mass was said for the first time in the new structure December 25, 1884, and on Oct. 18, 1885 the edifice was dedicated.
The church is constructed of wood and has three entrances on
REV. JOHN A. DONNELLY.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY, West Sixth Street.
West Sixth Street. The interior is prettily decorated and has been improved from time to time.
Father McNulty proved to be a favorite not only with his congre- gation, but with all who had occasion to know him. After finishing his church, he soon erected, on the lot adjoining it, a rectory, also of wood, convenient and comfortable.
Among the many improvements in the church was the introduc- tion of electric lighting, the entire system being after his own ideas and plans. He also made many improvements in the general appear- ance both of the church and of the rectory.
On the occasion of his silver jubilee, December 1898, the congre- gation presented him with a sum of money which he only accepted on the condition that he could expend it on the church, as he had previously done with similar gifts.
Father McNulty remained rector of the Church of the Rosary until 1900 when he was transferred to St. Cecilia's Church. The
376
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
change came as a surprise and was much regretted by the parishioners, but, as it was looked upon as a reward for his excellent endeavors, he was bidden God speed by his congregation. Rev. John D. Colbert suc- ceeded Rev. J. J. McNulty.
Rev. John A. Donnelly, present rector, was born in Somerville, Mass. After a classical course in Boston College and Nicolet, Canada, he entered Montreal Seminary, where he was ordained to the priesthood December 17, 1881, by Bishop Fabre. He has filled the duties of assis- tant at Wakefield, Jamaica Plain and Natick. At the death of Rev. John Walsh, rector at the latter place, the mission of South Natick became a parish, April, 1890, and Fr. Donnelly appointed rector. While there he also had charge of Wellesley, Dover and Medfield, in which latter place he built a beautiful chapel dedicated to St. Edward. Among other improvements in the church at South Natick he built a parochial residence and acquired a large tract of land for future needs. Fr. Donnelly was transferred to the Church of the Rosary in 1902. He is assisted by Rev. Denis J. Crimmins and Rev. Francis Kenney.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF CZENSTOCHOWA. (POLISH CATHOLIC)
Dorchester Avenue.
Among the nationalities that recent years have made conspicuous in our district are the Poles, who, for various reasons, chief among them being the high tax rate imposed by Russia, have left their fatherland, and, coming to this country, have settled in different places, it being estimated that about 3,000 go to make up the population of Boston at the present time.
Out of this number South Boston has a large quota and the number has been on the increase. A request was made, about 1892, of Archbishop Williams, for a church and a rector, where these people could worship as in their own country. Rev. John Chmielinski, who was ordained for the Italian missions in Piacenza, Italy, and who was, at this time, at the Church of the Sacred Heart in North Square, was selected, and he was soon engaged in the work of erecting the church.
He purchased a lot of land, on Boston Street, sufficient for his church and rectory, for $7,000, and then commenced work on the edifice, a neat wooden structure, providing ample accommodations for his con- gregation, which at that time numbered only 600. It was but a short time before the structure was completed and was dedicated to Our Lady of Czenstochowa.
As soon as the Polish community learned that the church was erected the congregation increased rapidly, those who had been attend- ing other churches joining Father Chmielinski's fold where they could hear and understand the sermons preached in their own language. As the congregation comprises families in Cambridge, Chelsea, the city proper, and other districts it became necessary to organize classes for the children at these places where they receive religious instruction.
Rev. John J. Czubek, who was ordained at the Brighton Seminary
377
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
in 1898, was sent to assist Father Chmielinski, as the growth of the parish had assumed such proportions that it was impossible for one to care for it properly. A visit is now made to Fall River every month and the care of the Polish Catholics in the Providence and Boston dioceses come directly upon these men.
In the fall of 1899, owing to the great changes wrought by the relocation of the tracks of the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad, Father Chmielinski decided to make extensive changes in his church. Boston Street had been graded so high that in order to place the church on a level with the street it would require a vast amount
REV. JOHN CHMIELINSKI.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY CZENSTOCHOWA (Polish Catholic), Dorchester Avenue.
of labor and considerable outlay.
As the church property extended from Boston Street to Dor- chester Avenue, he turned the entire edifice around and moved it for- ward, thereby placing it on Dorchester Avenue, instead of Boston Street. After the church had been improved by putting in a base- ment and adding a more elaborate entrance to it, it was once more opened for services.
Rev. John Chmielinski was born in Poland, about 1868, and after receiving his early education there he studied for the priesthood in Italy, where he was'ordained. He has excellent command of the English language and is an earnest and energetic worker. Father Czubek received his early education in Detroit and later came to Boston where he began his studies for the priesthood. A new parochial residence is now being erected on Dorchester Avenue adjoining the church.
ST. JOSEPH'S CHAPEL (LITHUANIAN) -492 East Seventh Street.
Members of another race, who have been subjected to the iron rule and crushing power of Russia and who have sought out our country of freedom as an abiding place, are the Lithuanians. By
378
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
degrees quite a colony of these people from the vicinity of the Baltic Sea nas developed in this district.
Settling in and about Boston they first worshipped with the Poles and Germans, but, as their num- bers increased, they felt the necessity of a church of their own and a shepherd of their tongue there who could preach to them in their language and give them the attention that only one of their race was capable of giving.
In 1894 there came to St. John's Seminary, Brighton, a student who had studied for the priesthood for three years at St. Petersburg Seminary, Rus- sia. In 1895 he was ordained from St. John's Seminary. This was Rev. Joseph A. Gricuis.
As soon as it became known that there was a Lithuanian student at the seminary a request was made and Arch- bishop Williams accordingly appointed Father Gricuis to have charge of these LITHUANIAN CHURCH (CATHOLIC), West Fifth Street. people as soon as he was ordained. He immediately set to work, and in 1896 his congregation had been organized and he purchased the dwelling house, 492 East Seventh Street, had it altered and fitted for church purposes and his little congregation was soon enjoying the same privileges as large and more prosperous ones. The congregation was composed principally of Lithuanians residing in South Boston and the city proper. Father Gricuis also conducted services in the basement of the German Church for his countrymen residing in Boston, Roxbury, Brighton, Cam- bridge and other suburbs.
REV. JOSEPH A. GRICUIS.
Father Gricuis is an energetic worker and a man of determined character. He is about 35 years of age and was born in Raudena. It was through his own efforts that he secured his education, his parents being without means. By acting as a tutor he obtained a recompense sufficient to carry on his studies at Shawli and at Riga and later at St. Petersburg.
The little church progressed well until March 8, 1899, when it was almost destroyed by fire. Father Gricuis, undaunted by this misfortune. soon gathered his people together and since then has celebrated one mass every Sunday in the German Church, Shawmut Avenue.
A short time ago, through the efforts of many of the Lithuanians,
379
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
a new brick church was planned and is now ready for occupancy. It is situated on West Fifth Street and supplies a long felt want. As yet no rector has been appointed, nor the church occupied, and it may be many months before it is dedicated and a congregation organized.
ST. MATTHEW'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. - West Broadway.
To St. Matthew's Church belongs the honor of being the first church society in South Boston, making its advent May 31, 1816, when a meeting, called by Mr. J. R. Cotting, was held at the house of Abraham Gould, then one of the leading men of this district, for the purpose of or- ganization. Thirty- five persons were in attendance, and it was this root, under the name of "St. Mat- thew's Episcopal Church and Congre- gation in the Towne of Boston," and under the care of the Rt. Rev. Alexander V. Griswold, that in later years developed into the St. Matthew's Church of today.
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.