USA > New Jersey > The Catholic Church in New Jersey > Part 28
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I know that it is a heavy burden and demands great sacrifices on our part to support parochial schools, at the same time that we have to pay taxes for the support of the state schools. But there is no help for it. We would gladly avail ourselves of the public schools if it were in our power to do so. But as they are at present conducted it is impossible for us to send our children to them. The public schools in this State are virtually Protestant schools, as much so as if Protestantism was the established relig- ion of the State; and I have yet to find out the difference between Church and state, and schools and state, as these schools are managed. Strange stories have sometimes reached my ears, as bearing upon this matter; but if I had had any doubts as to the decided and strong-flavored anti-Catholic tone which pervades the state schools, they would have been dispelled by the "List of Books recommended by the State Superintendent of Public In- struction for Public-School Libraries in New Jersey," which came into my hands accidentally a short time since. If the name of the author was not given on the title-page, a person looking over it might suppose that the selection of such works as bear upon the history of religion and the Church had been made by some viru- lent anti-popery lecturer.
We can have little hope that the tradition of falsehood and misrepresentation in regard to everything connected with our religion is ever likely to die out of the minds of men when such books as D'Aubigny's "History of the Reformation " and Llo- rente's "History of the Inquisition " are recommended to the in- structors of the rising generation as fountains of truth.
Still we ought to be thankful, I suppose, that they let us have any schools at all.
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I am almost ashamed to speak to you again in regard to the horrible vice of intemperance, and I might add that I am almost discouraged from doing so. Notwithstanding all that has been said and done against it, it is, I am afraid, increasing among us and throughout the country. It kills more people in Great Brit- ain and this country than all the malignant diseases put together. Besides the sin and misery caused by it, the money squandered upon bad and poisonous drink would feed all the poor, provide good hospitals for all the sick, not to say that two-thirds of the poverty and sickness in the world would disappear if this evil habit was put a stop to. The state is very much to blame in this matter. It is bound to protect the lives and welfare of the people as far as lies in its power; and an efficient law in regard to licenses, and the proper inspection of what is sold under the name of drink, thoroughly enforced, would save half of the money now . spent on poor-houses, prisons, and lunatic asylums.
It is not my business, however, to discuss the duties of the State, especially when there is no probability of its doing any good, but to remind you of your own personal duties in this mat- ter as citizens, as parents, as Christians. A drunkard is a bad citizen, an unnatural parent, and a scandalous Christian, and as such can have no place in the kingdom of heaven. All that I can do is to warn you against this miserable vice and direct your pas- tors to enforce against those who make themselves the slaves of it and those who sell drink to them the statutes and regulations which have been made upon the subject. I know of no more pitia- ble sight in this world than to see a strong, healthy man, who could earn an honest livelihood by the labor of his hand, standing be- hind a counter and dealing out crime, misery, and death by the sale of adulterated and poisonous drinks.
I am informed that what is called the International Society is making strong efforts to enroll the working classes of this country among its members. It is hardly necessary for me to say anything about it, for no one likely to listen to my words would ever think of joining it. The principles of their association have been published to the world, and the knowledge of what they profess and what they aim at should be sufficient to keep any honest man from having anything to do with them. As citi- zens of this country and as Catholics you are bound to keep away from all secret associations. They are contrary to the spirit of our republican form of government, the security and permanency of which depend upon everything being done openly and above- board; and they are condemned by the Church, on the principle that nothing that is really good or for the benefit of ourselves or our fellow-men need to hide itself from the open light of day. No form of slavery ever existed in this world so abject and miserable as that to which a man gives himself up, who, divesting himself of the rights of his reason and his will and of everything that gives dignity to human nature, makes himself the blind instru- ment of a secret central committee, whose names he has never
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heard, whose faces he will probably never see, and whose real ob- ject in fact he knows nothing about.
And since my object in addressing you at this time is to warn you against the evil influences that surround you in the world, I would be omitting the most insidious and in some respects the most hurtful of all these influences if I did not say a word to you about bad books and bad newspapers. If we are bound by every principle of our religion to avoid bad company, we are equally bound to avoid bad books, for of all evil, corrupting com- pany, the worst is a bad book. There can be no doubt that the most pernicious influences at work in the world at this moment come from bad books and bad newspapers. The yellow-covered literature, as it is called, is a pestilence compared with which the yellow fever and cholera and smallpox are as nothing, and yet there is no quarantine against it. Never take a book into your hands which you would not be seen reading. Avoid not only notoriously immoral books and papers, but avoid also all those miserable sensational magazines and novels and illustrated papers which are so profusely scattered around on every side. The de- mand which exists for such garbage speaks badly for the moral sense and intellectual training of those who read them. If you wish to keep your mind pure and your soul in the grace of God, you must make it a firm and steady principle of conduct never to touch them.
We live in a time of great activity and change and intense worldliness. "Men run to and fro and knowledge is increased." Would that we could feel that there is an increase also in integ- rity and virtue and respect for religion. We all know that it is not so; so far as we can form accurate ideas of the social and religious condition of men at any particular period in the world's history we may doubt whether the words of the Apostle St. Paul, describing what shall come to pass in what he calls "the last days," ever touched any body of people who called themselves Christians so closely as they do those of our times. "Men," he says, "shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, haughty, proud, blasphemous, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, wicked, without affection, without peace, slanderers, incontinent, unmerciful, with- out kindness, traitors, stubborn, puffed up, and lovers of pleasure, more than lovers of God." Well may the apostle speak of such times as "dangerous times." When the moral atmosphere we breathe is so full of what the Scriptures call "the spirit of this world," we can only hope to escape its corrupting influences by prayer, by meditating upon the eternal truths, and by the regular and careful use of the sacraments.
In August, 1872, letters came from Rome ordering him to leave his dear Newark and take up the work in Baltimore begun by the illustrious Carroll, and continued by a long line of saintly and eminent prelates. By him alone the honor was not appre-
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ciated. He was, to use his own words, too old a tree to be thus transplanted. He set to work, however, with all the zeal that marked his earlier years; and in May, 1876, gave to God the ancient and venerable temple, so many years used for religious services, but on account of a heavy debt up to that time not con- secrated.
Convening a synod of the clergy, he enacted many salutary regulations, particularly with regard to the clerical dress and mixed marriages. Though not a musician himself, he, first of all his predecessors, and it might be added alone of all his brothers in the episcopate, carried out the recommendations so many times expressed in the councils of Baltimore, installed in his cathedral a male choir, and had the liturgy of the Church sung in the grand and majestic Gregorian melodies.
Illness obliged him to go abroad for relief ; and, after seeking in vain the restoration of his health in Vichy and Homburg, he returned to his old home in Newark, August, 1877. His ailment baffled the skill of the physicians who waited on him with the devotion of children to a father. Despite the pain from which he was never free, he was always so cheerful, so full of anecdote, that it was difficult to believe him ill. Finally, October 3d, 1877, for- tified by the sacraments of the Church he loved so well, in his old room, in his old bed, in his dearly loved Newark, surrounded by Bishop McQuaid, Archbishop Corrigan, Rt. Rev. G. D. Doane, Fathers Toomey, Flynn, and Sheppard, his soul was loosed from its prison of clay and was in the presence of its Judge. Full of faith and good works, James Roosevelt Bayley entered upon his eternal reward.
Of an incident in the life of Archbishop Bayley, the New York Freeman's Journal, through its editor, the late James A. McMaster, wrote, October 6th, 1877 :
A gentle, right-minded boy, he was the pet of his grand- father, James Roosevelt, after whom he was called. That grand- father, very rich, as things were forty years ago, had made James Roosevelt Bayley his principal heir. But the honest old gentle- man was under the delusion that his grandson, in becoming a Catholic priest, had to renounce all right to property; and the poor old gentleman, on that account, cut him off from the mag- nificent property that he otherwise would have inherited. It so happened that we were with Father James Roosevelt Bayley at the moment he received the decision of the court on his grand- father's will. The decision of the court, we hold, was correct. The will of the grandfather was made under a misapprehension,
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but it was, unmistakably, the last legal will and testament of James Roosevelt.
Judge John Duer, an intense Protestant, honored himself and the law of the State by expressing his regret that the letter of the law compelled him to decide against the legatee, cut off on a false understanding of his right to hold property; and glad that, as to a portion of the property, the will was inoperative against James Roosevelt Bayley as one of the heirs.
We have said we happened to be with Father Bayley at the moment he received the decision of the court. A little shade of sadness passed over his face, we think out of sorrow for his kind old grandfather that never meant to do what he did. But it cleared away, and Father Bayley used one of his habitual sayings, "It will be all the same a hundred years from now."
The funeral services were held in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Newark, Friday, October 5th, and Pontifical Mass was celebrated by Bishop Corrigan. The sermon was preached by the Very Rev. Father Preston, V.G. of New York.
In the beginning of his remarks he expressed regret that Bishop McQuaid was not able to be present and preach. "Yet I could not refuse," continued Father Preston, "to bear my humble tribute to our deceased friend, who received me into the Church of God, was the first father to guide my steps when I entered the fold, and was ever my friend and counsellor. I feel his death as a personal loss. It was a loss to the American Church and the Diocese of Newark. Not soon shall we see his like again. We shall cherish his memory in our heart of hearts, and the Diocese of Newark will always remember him as its first bishop. It would be far from his wish to have words spoken in praise of him, but the virtues of the just are the treasure of the Church. It is meet and right for us to meditate upon his virtues and so stimulate our faith."
Father Preston mentioned briefly the leading facts concerning the archbishop's life.
I remember, he said, his ordination to the Episcopal min- istry. He entered it to do God's will. The light of faith had not yet shown him the portals of the true Church. You who have had the happiness to be born in the fold of Christ know not how God has blessed you; you know not as we do, who came into the fold in mature years, how he has blessed you in bringing you up safe in the Church's holy doctrines. You can't know the trials of a mind feeling for the faith and struggling against friends and family and worldly influences. Archbishop Bayley
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was too true to allow anything to stand between him and the Church. For a brief period he had charge of an Episcopal church on the island of New York, and I know it was a period of trial to him. Finally he went to Rome in the spirit of a pilgrim to learn the truth, and there, where the blessed light of faith shines so brightly around the throne of the Vicar of Christ, he had the grace to renounce the errors in which he had been reared. He often told me that they were days of happiness. Having re- ceived baptism and been confirmed in Rome, he began his theo- logical studies in the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Paris. He spoke to me often of the happiness of those days, of the spiritual life which he led in the seminary. He looked back to that discipline as evidence of God's favor. . . While at the cathedral in New York he received me into the fold. There I was in constant in- tercourse with him. Until he was set over this See, he was in constant labor in New York. You know how that here in every work showing the Christian bishop his hand was felt. You know that he devoted himself and all his strength to this diocese, which he loved and reluctantly left, and where he willed to die. Here he wished to draw his last breath, as he did, with his eyes turned toward the altar.
Here in a few words have I gone over the life of Archbishop Bayley. If I were to draw out his characteristics in a few words, I would speak of his great simplicity and honesty of purpose. He had but one end-to glorify God. It gave a directness to his words and acts. Duplicity was impossible to him, and deceit in his presence was also impossible. He had also an affectionate heart and a genuine winning way. I have seen few men whose ways were as gentle and winning. No one could be more free from malice and uncharitableness ; and that which was in his heart welled out into his face and gave it that gentle expression. His countenance is a memory which I love to cherish. It reflected a heart sanctified by God's grace.
His gentle manner was an influence. The penitents who had confessed to him in the cathedral in New York afterward came to me, and I can testify that he drew souls to God. But there was one other characteristic-the most important of all- the earnestness of his faith. Diamonds in the mine are nothing compared with this precious gift of faith. In the society of which he was an ornament his faith shone out in his face; he never compromised the truth. That earnestness of belief characterized him in his dying moments.
After the Mass the body was forwarded to Baltimore, accom- panied by Bishop Corrigan and many priests of the diocese. On Tuesday, October 9th, after the Solemn Pontifical Mass of Requiem had been sung, the earthly temple of the lofty soul of Archbishop Bayley was conveyed to Emmettsburg, Md. In the centre of the Sisters' God's Acre is a mortuary
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chapel, near the front of which is a marble slab bearing this inscription ·
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
E. A. SETON, FOUNDRESS.
Here, side by side, the saintly Bayley, the sainted Mother Seton-aunt and nephew-await a glorious resurrection.
His love for his old cathedral city was deep and strong, and its progress was marked by him with sincere gratification. The best evidence of this appears in a letter he wrote to Colonel Swords :
BALTIMORE, October 24th, 1872.
MY DEAR COLONEL: I thank you for your kind, good letter. I would have answered it sooner, but I have been, am still, over- whelmed with business of all sorts, and have also been absent from home to assist at the installation of the new Bishop of Richmond. I regret that I did not see you before I left. I intended to call and bid you good-bye, but in the excitement and hurry of my departure this was neglected with many other things.
It was with sincere regret that I left Newark. If I had had my own way I would not have done so, and if it was in my power would go back to-morrow. There is more respectability and dig- nity here, but I like my old, simple, poor people best. But my likes and dislikes have nothing to do with the matter, and I will submit cheerfully to what I believe is God's will. I was very much touched by Bishop Odenheimer's kind reference to me in his letter to you as President of the Newark Board of Trade. It shows him to be a high-minded and generous man; for poor human nature is very weak, and it requires an effort to say any- thing good of those we differ from. Though I never compromised my religious conviction, I certainly did all I could " to insure peace with all men," and to make our people good Christians, conse- quently good citizens. It was a great happiness to me to have my good intention, at least, recognized by such a man as Bishop Odenheimer. I wish that when you have an opportunity of seeing him you would convey to him the expression of my kindest regards and sincere thanks.
I feel proud also of my old episcopal city. She has not only made great progress in material prosperity and a great variety of useful industries, but what is of more importance, and, alas ! more rare in our days, she has established and preserves a high name for commercial integrity and honor. I cannot feel too grateful for the kindness which was extended toward me by all classes of her people from the time I came among them. May peace and happiness be always with them !
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Please give my kindest remembrances to Mrs. Swords, and believe me to be always, my dear colonel, very truly your friend, J. ROOSEVELT BAYLEY, Archbishop of Baltimore.
St. James's Catholic Church, Newark.
IN 1853 the Rev. Louis D. Senez purchased lots in that portion of Newark called the "Neck," on Lafayette Street, with a view of erecting a church and a school. March 16th, 1854, the Rev. Benjamin F. Allaire, secretary of Bishop Bayley, was appointed pastor of the new parish, and immediately steps were taken to carry out the project of Father Senez. Father Allaire was edu- cated in St. Sulpice, Paris, and was ordained sub-deacon by Mgr. Sibour, Archbishop of Paris. After his ordination to the priest- hood he was made secretary of Bishop Bayley, October 30th, 1853.
The corner-stone of the church was laid June 19th, 1854. It was a brick building 40 by 80 feet, three stories high, to be used both as a church and a school, and was named "St. James the Less."
Before the building was finished Father Allaire was removed, and the Rev. James Callan was appointed, October 17th, 1854, in his stead. Father Callan, a brilliant young Irish priest, zealous, devoted, and impetuous, had made his studies in Ireland and had served on the mission in South Amboy. November 5th, 1854, the building was ready for dedication, and services were opened. He then built a brick rectory in the rear of the church, and labored with much zeal in the parish until February 26th, 1864, when he resigned and went to California. His death was pathetic and worthy of the lofty motives that always swayed him in the exercise of his priesthood. When he was returning to his mission from the clerical retreat the boiler on the steamboat exploded, with the result that many were killed outright and many more mortally injured by the scalding steam. Although he had escaped all hurt, his first thought was the injured, and without hesitation he literally walked into the jaws of death to administer the sacra- ments to the dying. During these ministrations he inhaled the live steam, but, despite the agony he endured, he persisted in his work of heroic charity, and after all was over he succumbed, a victim of his zeal and heroism, 1865.
His successor in St. James's was the Rev. John Mary Gervais. Father Gervais was born in the Diocese of Clermont, France,
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and became a member of the Society of St. Sulpice. He taught philosophy in France and in St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore; and, after his withdrawal from the society, he was affiliated to the Diocese of Newark and appointed as- sistant to St. Patrick's Cathedral. His ideas of the priesthood were the most elevated, his life was most edify- ing, and so little did he think of him- self that his premature death was due in no small degree to his neglect to take proper nourishment. As a curate in the cathedral he was devoted to his work, constant in his care of the sick and in the difficult work of the con- fessional. The pastor, Father Mc- Quaid, was strenuous and frequent in his appeals for the wherewithal to carry on the works of the parish; and
ST. JAMES'S CHURCH, NEWARK. Rectory in foreground.
as Father Gervais would listen to these earnest appeals for money he could not resist showing displeasure by moving his chair, and as the appeal would become more urgent so the chair would go round, until at the finish Father Gervais had literally turned his back to his pastor. He never hesitated to express his abhorrence of this necessary evil, which pursues
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the pastor even to the present, and to declare that he was scandalized by it. But, on assuming pastoral charge, he became so persistent in his appeals as to dwarf the efforts of the pastor, about whose salvation on this score he expressed very grave doubts. Piece by piece he secured the adjacent property until the entire square was held by the church. He found his flock poor but generous. The finances were in good condition and the small debt was soon paid. At once he set about raising funds for a new stone church, and on July 12th, 1863, the corner- stone was laid by Bishop Bayley. It was no unusual sight to see the pastor among the workmen, and so absorbed was he in the - construction that he often forgot to take his meals. In vain did his bishop protest and threaten; and if he did not obey it was not through disrespect for his superior, but rather from the intensity of his nature, which could brook no restraint or tolerate any respite when once set upon a work to be accomplished. Everybody marvelled at this wonder-worker, whose brain was ever in a whirl with its vast projects. On June 17th, 1866, the church was dedi- cated, and on the occasion Bishop Bayley preached an eloquent sermon. By the death of Mr. Nicholas Moore a large sum of money was bequeathed for the purpose of erecting a hospital. With the approval of Bishop Bayley, Father Gervais made an announcement of the fact and outlined the policy of the institu- tion :
ST. JAMES'S HOSPITAL, NEWARK.
We cordially desire and purpose in carrying out the real in- tentions of Mr. Moore to meet the views and wishes of the vener- ated Bishop of Newark.
As the choice of the persons to take care of the hospital is left by the will to our discretion; believing that the best, if not the only, means of procuring a careful attendance and thereby promoting the public good is to entrust the institution to women who relinquish all temporal pursuits to devote their life to the relief of sufferers without remuneration for their services, and that the public will welcome such an arrangement, as they see it practicable; and being satisfied that it is beyond possibility to find persons of that sort outside of the Catholic religion, it is our determination to accept persons of the bishop's choice for the guidance of the hospital.
Believing, moreover, that for the successful operation of the hospital it is of the utmost importance that the persons in charge of it should not be interfered with, bothered, and trammelled, we shall lay down before them the general object of the institu- tion, and then deliver to them the full conduct of it; and after this order of things shall have been proved satisfactory (and we
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can see no reason why it should not be so), it shall be our aim to make it perpetual by transferring the whole trust unto them, property and all.
We believe that this plan will give full satisfaction to all as it is carried out, best promote the usefulness of the hospital, and fulfil the intentions of Mr. Moore.
For the institution remains a public and a city work, for the benefit of all, standing by itself without connection with any sec- tional institution. Its management is free from any denomina- tional character in its primary nature; the persons in charge of it happen to be Catholic, and they must enjoy the privilege granted to all of practising their religion as they choose. We understand that there are public institutions, even in this coun- try, founded on these principles, and we do not see why we could not attain the same end. J. M. GERVAIS.
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