USA > New Jersey > Morris County > Morristown > The story of a parish : the first Catholic church in Morristown, N.J. ; its foundation and development, 1847-1892 > Part 15
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accomplished. A two-cent Catechism, the youngest Catholic child, would be a safer guide to inform you of what Catholics believe than nine-tenths of the guides and apostate priests, who never stop at a calumny or slander when it pays them. In con- clusion I do not think I am asking too much, when I request the production of the inscription and the name of the church which bears it; or, in the event of your inability to do so, the source of your au- thority ; or, if you have been wrongly reported, or misinformed, a denial which will have the same publicity as the report of the McAll Auxiliary which appeared in the Jerseyman not quite two weeks ago.
" I am very respectfully yours, etc., " JOSEPH M. FLYNN."
" WEDNESDAY.
" Rev. Dr. Flynn.
" DEAR SIR: Before I received your letter Mr. Burnham and myself had devoted much time to studying the inscription I had quoted, and had dis-
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AN ACCUSATION WITHDRAWN.
covered that the translation was not correct, and I had written an article to that effect, to appear in this week's Jerseyman. I regret having made the mistake, and have done all in my power to rectify it. The truth is dear to me, and I would not will- ingly make a misstatement on any subject, more especially on a question connected with religion.
" Very truly,
"C. L. BURNHAM.
" NOTES FROM OUR CORRESPONDENTS.
" In referring to the position to which the Vir- gin Mary has been elevated, and the estimation in which she is held, in many parts of continental Eu- rope, during an informal talk, by no means intended for publication, an inscription was mentioned, by way of illustration, which had been seen on a church in France.
" On further investigation it is found that this inscription, as quoted, is a mistranslation ; and it is desired to correct the error as soon as possible, with regrets that it should have occurred.
" The expression mistranslated is as follows : ' Beata Maria Virginis Dei Para.'
" The word 'Para' was supposed to be derived from 'par,' meaning 'equal,' although a difficulty arose in the incorrect termination of the genitive. This difficulty was noted at the time, but it was supposed to be a mediæval form of the Latin.
" During a thorough investigation of the subject in the past week various authorities have been con- sulted. Several scholarly men gave it as their opinion that 'para' came from 'par,' and meant 'equal ; but one, more familiar with patristic lore,
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has given the information that 'para' is used in ecclesiastical Latin to signify 'Mother.'
" The inscription should therefore read, the ' Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.'
" C. L. BURNHAM."
" NOTES FROM OUR CORRESPONDENTS.
" I wish to express my acceptance of Mrs. C. L. Burnham's explanation. I cannot but marvel at the scholarship which twists par, an adjective declinable as nouns of the third declension, into para. That boy is sadly lacking in the very elements of Latinity who could not in a moment declare that the nearest approach to paræ is the nominative, accusative, and vocative plural neuter. He would also unhesitating- ly tell his interrogator that par, when it signifies equal to, even with, is construed with the dative, never with the genitive.
" He would also say that Deipara has a kindred word in puerpera, used by Terence and other classic writers. It is not easy to say who first used Deipara. It is a coined word, an heirloom to us of the discussion in the Eastern Church of the divinity of Christ, the presence of the two natures and their various operations, begun by Apollinaris, developed by Theodore of Mopsuestia, and perfected by Nes- torius.
" Cyril of Alexandria claims that Dorotheus, Bishop of Marcianople, first attacked the use of the word theotokos, of which Deipara, that is, 'Mother of God,' is the Latin translation. Socrates, the his- torian, tells us of the consternation which a sermon of the priest Anastasius, whom Nestorius brought to Constantinople, caused when he warned his hearers not to call Mary theotokos, 'Mother of God.' This
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MARY'S DIGNITY VINDICATED.
attack, he says, on a hitherto accepted ecclesiastical term and ancient belief, caused great excitement among clergy and laity. On the 22d of June, A.D. 431, the Fathers opened the Council of Ephesus, in the Cathedral of Ephesus, which, strange to say, was dedicated, even as the church in Paris to which Mrs. Burnham refers, 'to God and to Mary, the Mother of God,' theotoko. In this assembly of holy bishops, confessors, and doctors Nestorius and his heresy were condemned, the use of the word theoto- kos vindicated, 'for,' as Athanasius, the great Bishop of Alexandria, said repeatedly, 'as the flesh was born of the God-bearer Mary, so we hold that Jesus Christ (the Logos) was Himself born of Mary.'
" JOSEPH M. FLYNN."
CHAPTER XVI.
N March 17, 1891, St. Margaret's Church, en- larged, refurnished, and fitted with pews and steam heat, was formally blessed by the Very Rev. Dean Flynn, to whom the Bishop had delegated this power. The Church was filled with worshippers, and the music was rendered by the children's choir under the direction of Wenzel Raboch, assisted by two sopranos of his widely-known boy choristers. After the ceremony of dedication Solemn High Mass was celebrated, the Rev. James McManus, of Seton Hall, lately ordained, Officiant ; Rev. James H. Brady, of Netcong, Deacon ; Rev. Eugene P. Car- roll, Sub-Deacon; Rev. J. J. Shannessy, Master of Ceremonies. Besides the pastor, Rev. J. J. Brennan, of Morris Plains, and Rev. Joseph C. Dunn, of Chat- ham, were in the Sanctuary. The sermon preached by Father Brady was a masterly effort, every word, every sentence, so clear and so rich in force and mean- ing as to hold the closest attention of his audience. He reviewed the significance of the ceremonial, and drew practical lessons from the beautiful life of St. Margaret.
The new Church will comfortably seat about two hundred and fifty. The school has all the appurte- nances which the rigor of modern views demands. It is well lighted and ventilated. The children have
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ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH AND SCHOOL.
ample recreation grounds. At the present date there is an average attendance of one hundred.
In the evening the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick held their second annual banquet. The account which appeared in the local journals is appended :
" The society was organized only a year ago, and its vigorous growth and present proportions clearly indicate its popularity.
" Members of the society and invited guests to the number of about a hundred met at the Young Men's Catholic Association rooms at 6:30 o'clock, and a half-hour later were seated at an elaborately decorated table in the commodious and inviting ban- quet hall of Piper's Hotel. £ Midway down the hall Voss's orchestra, of Newark, was cosily located, and sweet strains of music swelled above the friendly chatter of the Friendly Sons and 'adopted sons' of the Patron Saint whose memory all were there to honor.
" Rev. Dean Flynn, President of the Society, pre- sided, and upon either side of him at the T head of the table sat Rev. Dr. Hughes, Rev. Fathers Brennan, Carroll, Shannessy, McManus, and Brady ; ex-Alderman Farrelly, Colonel McAnerney, of Jersey City, and James M. Ward. Among the invited guests were Postmaster Youngblood, H. O. March, Dr. Stephen Pierson, Edward Pruden, Sheriff Linds- ley, Prosecutor Cutler, Chief Freeman, Charles H. Green, J. William Burns, and representatives each of the Jerseyman, Banner, and Chronicle.
"The walls of the banquet hall were festooned with the national colors intertwined with the folds of the green flag of Erin, and in harmony with the general fraternizing features of the occasion. The
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menu was served in excellent style by a corps of competent waiters, and the cuisine and general ex- cellence of the banquet as a whole was the subject. of favorable comment upon all sides.
"Nearly two hours and a half were occupied in discussing the bill of fare, after which cigars were lighted and Rev. Dean Flynn inaugurated the after- dinner exercises by the reading of 'General Orders issued by General Washington, in Camp at Morris- town, N. J., March 16, 1780'; and 'Division Orders of Commandant of Pennsylvania Line, Morristown, N. J., March 16, 1780.'
"The first order related to the issuing of extra rations and special holiday cheer to the troops, and the second was similar in character. It was also brought out in this connection that General Wash- ington was an 'adopted' member of the Society of Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and it was humorously described how this was brought about through the ever-ready wit and versatility of the Irishman. This was followed by music by the orchestra-' St. Pa- trick's Day.'
" Rev. Dean Flynn read letters of regret from Mayor Werts, detained by accident at Elizabeth, and Messrs Paul Revere, Thomas W. Burke, and C. S. Conkling, detained by illness.
" The President then announced the first toast, ' The Day We Celebrate,' responded to by himself. He gave a brief and interesting account of the life and works of St. Patrick, and its subsequent bearing upon the Church. The address evinced a thorough and complete knowledge of the subject, and was lis- tened to with rapt attention. Music-' Let Erin re- member the Days of Old.'
"' The Old Sod' was the next toast on the list, and Mr. Thomas W. Burke was assigned to respond.
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MUSIC, WIT, AND ORATORY.
In his absence, however, Rev. Father Brennan filled the gap to the entire satisfaction of all present. He gave a brief but comprehensive review of Ireland's history from before the Christian era down to the present time, and wound up with an eloquent tribute to the land of his birth, and gave encouraging pro- mise of brighter things in the near future. Music -- ' The Harp that once through Tara's Halls.'
"'America-The Land of our Birth and Adoption ' was set down in connection with the name of Mr. Paul Revere, but in his absence Colonel John W. McAnerney, of Jersey City, did the subject ample justice and kept his audience in perennial good hu- mor by his happy hits, not forgetting to finish off with an eloquent tribute to the subject of the toast. Music-' My Country, 'tis of Thee.'
" ' The Irish Soldier' was responded to by Mr. James M. Ward. He paid an impassioned tribute to the subject of his text, and displayed considerable oratorical ability. His theme was an eloquent one, and he handled it with great ability and with un- usual satisfaction to the audience. Music-' Tramp, Tramp, the Boys are Marching.'
"' The Rising Generation' was responded to by the Rev. Father Carroll, the youngest and tallest clergyman present, and he humorously noted these points as the probable reasons why he was assigned to speak to this particular toast. He did the sub- ject full justice, however, and gave unmistakable evi- dence that he was one of the rising. Music- ' Killarney.'
"' The Irish Bar-At Home and Abroad' was wrestled with by John E. Fennell, Esq. He gave an entertaining and instructive history of the more eminent of Irish jurists, and paid eloquent tribute to many such whose memories are dear to the Irish
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
heart. O'Connell and Emmett were the special sub- jects of his enthusiasm and admiration, and to them he paid the devout homage of a possible candidate for a like illustrious record. Music-' The Sprig of Shillalah.'
"'Soggarth Aroon-Priest Dear,' was responded to by Rev. Father Brady, of Netcong. It was an exhaustive subject, interesting and edifying. Music- ' Savourneen Deelish.'
" 'The Irish Muse' was remarkably well handled by Mr. Thomas J. O'Brien, who fairly merited and won the laurels of the evening. His eighteen min- utes' dissertation on the theme at once so familiar and dear to him was indeed a pleasing revelation to his friends. He was eloquent, poetic, even classic, in his eulogy of favorite Irish bards, and that he was complete master of his subject was evidenced by the graceful ease with which he quoted from memory choice selections from the particular author under discussion. His masterly effort was received with unbounded enthusiasm. Music - ' The Minstrel Boy.'
"'Our Guests.' This toast was assigned to Rev. Dr. Hughes, and the result showed that the commit- tee made no mistake in the assignment. He was most happy in his remarks, said just enough, said it in the best possible manner, and then stopped. Rev. Dr. Hughes is master of the art of knowing what to say and how to say it. Music-' The Valley lay smiling before Me.'
"' The Irish Statesman.' Mr. Eugene S. Burke responded to this sentiment, and very cleverly imitat- ed his immediate predecessor in the matter of brevity and pertinency. Not a little of his thunder had been appropriated by speakers preceding him, yet he dis- charged his obligation in the premises with admirable
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FESTIVITIES TERMINATED.
grace and tact. Music-' The Wearing of the Green.'
"' The Ladies.' Dr. Stephen Pierson was most happily assigned to the delicate task implied in this toast. He showed himself easily familiar with the subject in hand, and his response as a whole was a gem rich and rare. He proved conclusively that though woman is, ever was, and probably ever will be a more or less perplexing conundrum, man will never give her up. Music-' Rich and rare were the Gems she wore.'
"'The Green Flag at Spottsylvania.' This was a recitation by ex-Councilman Thomas Malley, and was most excellently rendered. Mr. Malley has com- mitted to memory quite a number of popular pieces fitted to his rare oratorical powers, and the eloquent story of how the Irish color-bearer, after having his colors shot away, produced the green flag of his native land and, waving it aloft, led the gallant Sixty- ninth through the thickest of the fight, is among the best and most entertaining of his selections. Music-' Cruiskeen Laun.'
" When the 'feast of reason and flow of soul' ceased with the last number on the programme, it was no longer St. Patrick's Day. Midnight had just passed, and the second annual banquet of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick was recorded in history, and the sons and 'adopted sons' of Ireland's loved Apostle and patron Saint dispersed and wended their way homeward feeling that it was good to have been there."
" The officers of the Society of Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morristown are as follows :
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PRESIDENT : Very Rev. Joseph M. Flynn. VICE-PRESIDENT : Mr. Patrick Farrelly. SECRETARY : Mr. John A. Carr. TREASURER : Mr. Eugene S. Burke. BOARD OF DIRECTORS : Rev. J. J. Shannessy, Mr. Thomas Malley, Mr. C. H. Knight, Mr. E. J. Looney."
Mr. T. F. Clifford,
Morristown had hitherto known nothing of the feuds between labor and capital. The kindliest feel- ings existed between the employers and the employed. Hard times might elsewhere result from strikes, but our mechanics continued their work in full content- ment, blessed with prosperity. This utopian ideal terminated in the Spring of 1891. Long-whispered threatenings and rumors gave place to reality. On May I the strike was here. Both sides were deter- mined not to yield. Day succeeded day until the first week of the strike ended, and the antagonists were wider apart. No effort was made to reconcile the conflicting interests. Bad feeling was brewing, and the innocent began to suffer. The Chronicle correctly outlined the situation. In its issue of May 8 is the following account :
"The backbone of the strike is not only broken,
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A LABOR STRIKE.
but the strike itself is virtually ended-unless it breaks out in a new place.
" Notwithstanding there were some indications that the strike might end with last week, it didn't. On the contrary, the fore part and middle of the present week a settlement seemed as far off as on the first day they went out. Some of our clergy- men took a hand in, led by Father Flynn. He cir- culated pretty freely among the men on Tuesday, and that evening there was an informal meeting held in the Young Men's Catholic Association rooms, with Father Flynn and Drs. Merritt and Hughes.
They started out in the good work as mediators be- tween men and bosses with the best intentions, and notwithstanding many thought they would accom- plish but little if anything, the present situation- the strike virtually ended-is without doubt largely owing to their efforts in the premises. They brought
about meetings between committees representing both the strikers and the master-builders, and de- spite the fact that these conferences between com- mittees at first promised but little in the way of favorable results, persistent effort finally brought about the present happy state of affairs.
" The fact that a large proportion of the strikers went to work yesterday upon terms which they sup- posed were practically unanimously agreed upon, is a great step toward the early and final adjustment of the difficulty. The lack of unanimity of demand on the part of each side has been one great barrier to the settlement of the case. Where there are two contending sides, each side should first of all agree as to just what they want, and then the case is clear for consideration. Thanks to the good offices of Father Flynn, Rev. Dr. Merritt, and Rev. Dr. Hughes, and the good judgment and mutual for-
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
bearance of the contestants on both sides of this controversy, it may generally be understood that the strike is virtually ended, as we confidently trust and believe that not more than another day or two will be required to reach a final settlement of any question or questions which may yet be pending. So mote it be !
" As we go to press the glad tiding reaches us that the masons have come to terms and will go to work at once. The strike is over."
On Sunday, May 31, the Rev. William O'Gor- man, who in his childhood had been prepared for his first Communion, taught to serve Mass, and the rudiments of Latin by Dean Flynn, celebrated High Mass in our Church, and gave his blessing to great numbers both after the Mass and the afternoon ser- vices.
The life and labor of a Sister of Charity combine to shorten the term of exile and to hasten the re- ward which must crown a career of unselfish devo- tion to work, unheeded by mortals, but measured and rewarded by the Master alone. Sister Mariana was compelled by continued ill-health to withdraw from her duties, and her place in the senior grade was supplied by Miss McIntyre and Sister Celeste.
The closing exercises of the School, if possible, surpassed those of previous years. The primary grades of the Bayley School and St. Margaret's monopolized one night, the senior grades and grad- uating exercises another. Both entertainments filled
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THE BALM FOR PRESENT ILLS.
the hall with the relatives and friends of the chil- dren.
The capital error of the age is lack of faith. The protagonists who in the sixteenth century led men away from the fold of the Church, by making them believe they had hitherto lived in thraldom and under the tyranny of priestcraft, held out to them the attraction of intellectual and civil freedom. It is as easy to master the forces of nature as to control the human mind when cut adrift from the secure moorings of faith. Every day in the denomi- nations outside of the Catholic Church religion is relaxing its hold on their members, faith is weaken- ing more and more, and Christ merging into the unreality of a myth. The ills of life multiply and become unbearable; the world is restive and un- easy; the rich fear and oppress the poor, and these in turn hold the former in contempt and hatred. Under the guidance of the Divine Spirit the Church seeks to lead men back to happiness and content- ment, virtue and justice, by bidding them contemplate the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As men are leagued against Him, so will the Divine Teacher en- roll His hosts and followers in a League for the furthering of His honor and glory.
On Sunday, July 12, the Rev. J. Kelly, S.J., ex- plained the nature of the league of the Sacred Heart, and established it in our parish. More than
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eight hundred members are now enrolled in this society.
In August Sister Marie Agnes was appointed to take charge of the School.
It had long been apparent that the growth of this section called for some provision for the sick, injured, and infirm. For a long time the matter occupied the attention of Bishop and Pastor. The distance to the city hospitals was considerable; the demands made upon them by the exigencies of their surroundings sometimes rendered it difficult to accommodate patients from afar. In the month of November, within the octave of All Souls, the ever- recurring thought returned ; but, while the building was attainable, it was a rather more difficult task to obtain Sisters trained and devoted to this kind of work.
While pondering over the perplexing situation a visit from the Rev. James H. Brady helped to find a way out of the difficulties. The Grey Nuns were thought of. This was their special work. Would they come? Dean Flynn and Father Brady quickly made up their minds to go and see.
When they laid the proposal before the good Mother in Montreal she smiled, shook her head doubtingly, and said that while everything contem- plated in the Morristown institution was within their scope, she had not subjects to undertake a new foundation. Argument and appeal were alike useless.
ARNOLD TAVERN, 1778-ALL SOULS HOSPITAL, 1891.
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THE ALL SOULS' HOSPITAL.
Finally Dean Flynn summed up the whole matter. " Mother," said he, "I place the whole responsi- bility of this project in the hands of the Souls in Purgatory and in yours. If you consent to take charge, I shall consider it as the expression of God's will. If not, I shall drop the matter entirely."
All Mother Filiatrault would promise was to visit Morristown, or send some other in her place to see the property. On the following Saturday Mother Deschamps and Sister Painchaud reached Morristown. In company with Dean Flynn and Father Brady they visited the old Arnold Tavern on Mount Kemble Avenue. Before returning to the Sisters' house on Madison Street they expressed their willingness to undertake the work.
The consent of Bishop Wigger was obtained in the following letter :
"SETON HALL COLLEGE, SOUTH ORANGE, N. J., " November 19, 1891. "VERY REV. AND DEAR DEAN :
"I have read the agreement made by the Grey Sisters of Canada with the Right Rev. Bishop of Springfield, and the By-laws of St. Ann's French- Canadian Orphanage. I am pleased with them, and am willing to receive the Grey Sisters into the Dio- cese to conduct the Orphanage, Hospital, etc., near Morristown, on the same conditions.
" With best wishes I remain, " Yours very sincerely, W. M. WIGGER, " Bishop of Newark."
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On November 21 the following was received :
"GENERAL HOSPITAL, MONTREAL, " November 20, 1891.
" Very Rev. Father Flynn, Morristown.
"REVEREND FATHER: With pleasure we accept the proposition to go to Morristown, under your direction, to undertake the work of charity you wish to entrust to us.
"As you know, Reverend Father, we must first of all obtain the approbation of the Right Reverend Bishop of the diocese in which we are to labor ; and I may add that it will be some time before we have subjects for this new enterprise.
"In the hope that everything will lead to the greater glory of God, I recommend myself to your prayers, and remain most respectfully, Reverend Father,
" Your very humble servant, " SISTER FILIATRAULT, " Superioress-General."
The announcement was made to the congregation on Sunday, November 22, and was received with unbounded enthusiasm. It will not be out of place to permit the insertion of the sketch of the work written by the Rev. James H. Brady, of Netcong, for the journals of Morris and Sussex Counties :
" A HOSPITAL IN MORRISTOWN.
" Eds. Banner :
"In the course of the ensuing year, when our own people will be making ready to celebrate the
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THE GREY NUNS' RECORD.
four-hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America, our neighbors on Canadian soil will be re- joicing in the two-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of the founding of their greatest city, Montreal, the old Ville Marie of the French colonies.
"To the stranger visiting Montreal to-day the most astounding thing, after the number of well- built, well-kept, and well-attended churches, is the number of charitable institutions devoted to the care of the sick and helpless, and the alleviation of every form of human misery. Foremost among these insti- tutions stands the General Hospital, occupying an entire square on Guy Street.
" During the past fifteen years Montreal has seemed to vie with our own great cities in putting on the habiliments of modern growth and progress. The General Hospital has kept pace with her, and to-day the home of the Grey Nuns, the Mother- House of the Sisters of Charity, is without doubt the largest charitable institution upon the American Continent.
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