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 6
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CHAPTER VI.
MPLE room was afforded in the new Church for the accommodation of all.
In point of fact, the congregation seemed to be lost in it; and not a few were heard to say that Father Sheeran had made a mistake in building it of such large dimensions. In style it borders on the Gothic, and taken altogether is well proportioned and adapted for its scope. It is built of brick, made in the vicinity, trimmed with Ohio sandstone. Its dimensions are one hundred and twenty-two feet in length by fifty-two in breadth. The spire, disfigured at the angles of the base by meaningless pinnacles, is almost graceful.
In apportioning the pews Father Sheeran had regard to the priority and long service of the pew- holders. The veterans had the first choice regard- less of their poverty or slender incomes, the priest judging rightly that their claim was superior to all others.
The old frame structure had served its purpose well ; it was now altered for the accommodation of the school children.
Miss Maggie O'Brien was employed as teacher when Father Sheeran assumed charge of the parish, and by the engagement of Miss Robbins suitable provision was made for the increased number of children. She enjoys the reputation of being one of
SS
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SOME SCHOOL TEACHERS.
the best teachers the parish school ever had. In October, 1873, Thomas W. Burke was appointed Trustee.
Miss Robbins was succeeded by Miss Susan Coxe. The school work was progressing favorably, as the pastor, freed from the cares and anxieties of build- ing, was enabled to throw into it his old experi- ence ; and he soon convinced the children that he expected them to respond to the efforts he was making for their advancement. The teaching staff was at this time Mr. Coyle for the boys, and the Misses Coxe and O'Brien for the girls.
As the expenses of the new building had ex- ceeded the amount of contributions it was necessary in July, 1874, to raise a loan of fifteen thousand dollars. Mr. Thomas Degan was appointed Trustee October, 1874. Scarcely a breath of discord dis- turbed the harmony of this period. A great effort is followed by the lull of repose.
The machine-works at Speedwell, which had given employment to a goodly number and a thorough training to the youth whose talents were towards mechanics, were removed. The bell was silent. The historic building that recalled the birth of the locomotive-the mighty civilizer of the world-the telegraph, the submarine cable, to which are for ever linked the names of Vail and Morse, were aban- doned. Nature was to drape their crumbling walls and decaying timbers with creeping vines and wild flowers ; and the waters rushing through the unused
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
flume sobbed a passing requiem. A great blow was struck to the only industry in the community, from which it has not since recovered. Many were com- pelled to leave the parish, and sever ties begotten of a common kinship and common trials.
The building of the Asylum at Morris Plains made an opening, and gave employment to many.
The obscure town hidden among the hills of Morris County, blessed with a ceaseless flow of purest water, sheltered from the rude blasts of ยท Win- ter, began to attract the attention of physicians and health-seekers.
The salubrious air brought back the glow of health to the sick, and invigorated the strong. It was found soothing to weak lungs; and many who had sought, in vain, relief from their infirmities abroad, or in the debilitating regions of our South- ern climate, regained steadily their robustness, and from transient visitors became rooted to the soil. The great natural beauty of Morristown ; its gently sloping hills, crested with oak, elm, and maple; its well-laid-out and well-kept streets, invited the atten- tion of the capitalist and induced the wealthy of the great Metropolis to make it their home. The tide of good fortune was setting in. Villa sites were bought, and architect and landscape gardener com- bined to adorn our City and its surroundings. The fascination of the locality is complete. Its children find elsewhere no attraction; and the stran- ger abides here with content.
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A NEW CEMETERY.
The harvester Death had been busy, and young and old had paid the last penalty. The little grave- yard was filled. The people clustered beneath the shadow of the Church ; and even as a sanitary mea- sure it became necessary to look around for another burying-place.
In the Spring of 1875, a beautiful spot, about a mile distant from the city, and containing about fif- teen acres, was selected. The rolling character of its surface, the dense forest and thick undergrowth, required considerable toil and outlay of money. A portion was surveyed and laid out for immediate use. It lies between the angle formed by the Whip- pany and the Columbia roads. From its highest elevation the City may be seen stretching east and west ; and to its tranquil boundaries are borne the subdued tones of the Angelus bell.
The failing strength of Father Sheeran incapaci- tated him from attending to his work; and when he applied to Bishop Corrigan for an assistant, the Rev. Joseph Vassallo was appointed.
An attempt was made to rid the parish of the debt by assessing it pro rata upon all the adults of the congregation. Many responded generously, and direct donations to the amount of two thousand six hundred and ninety-one dollars were received ; but the Pastor's efforts did not avail. The amount donated was but a drop in the bucket; so the bur- den remained.
An unfortunate incident happened to disturb the
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
harmony then reigning. An Italian who, in a fit of jealous rage, had murdered a compatriot was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. Father Vassallo attended him in his last moments, and Father Sheeran sought to prevent an autopsy after the ex- ecution. This, it was claimed, was a legal necessity. But Father Sheeran did not concur with this view, and refused to receive the body and give it Christian burial. As is customary in such controversies, there resulted not a little friction and bad feeling.
An important step for the welfare of the children was now made. Vocations began to abound, and the Novitiate of the Sisters of Charity at Madison was fitting the candidates for their responsible du- ties as Christian teachers.
From every side came petitions to Mother Xa- vier for teachers. The influence of the children of St. Vincent had already made itself felt in the parish schools and orphanages of the Newark diocese.
Father Sheeran's claim was recognized, and ar- rangements were made in September, 1875, to send two of the Sisters from the mother-house every day. A little room was added to the school, and fitted up with a stove and cupboard. Here, after the noon dismissal, the Sisters prepared their lunch in light-hearted gaiety and contentment. Their hal- lowing influence over both boys and girls was at once apparent. The success of the school was as- sured.
In November the Rev. Joseph M. Flynn, whose
REV. JOS. M. FLYNN.
REV. M. A. MCMANUS.
REV. I. P. WHELAN.
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APPOINTMENT OF CURATES.
shattered health had brought him almost to the verge of the grave, was sent to Father Sheeran as assistant in place of Father Vassallo. The pure air, the solicitude and attention of Father Sheeran, had their effect, and so rapidly that himself and friends were filled with astonishment. Under the advise- ment of the pastor Father Flynn organized a Tem- perance Society among the young men of the par- ish. His stay, however, was too brief to accomplish much in this direction ; for, in February, 1876, he was transferred to St. Peter's Church, New Bruns- wick. The Rev. Samuel Walsh filled a brief ap- pointment. He was succeeded by the Rev. Michael A. McManus.
The time was now favorable for Father Sheeran to take a well-earned rest. He longed to visit again the land of his birth, and to see once more the scenes and companions of his childhood. The par- ishioners made up a comfortable purse, and he started on his voyage with the prayers and good wishes of his flock. While abroad he visited Paris and purchased the beautiful vestments still preserved. The demon of discord set to work on his return, and a passing unpleasantness marred the pleasure he experienced at being once more with his people.
The good old man, while possessing unusual shrewdness and perspicacity, was easily imposed up- on, especially by so-called friends. Honest and sin- cere himself, he never dreamt of questioning the sincerity of the motives of those by whom he was
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
surrounded, and in whom he reposed the fullest con- fidence. He had never learned, nor, having learned, could he ever apply, Talleyrand's maxim : "Treat your friend as though he may one day be your enemy ; and your enemy as though he may one day be your friend. He paid the penalty, and saw his mistake when it was too late.
The Rev. J. M. Giraud succeeded Father McMa- nus. The Rev. J. J. Schandel filled a temporary ap- pointment about September, 1877. He was super- seded in November by the Rev. J. Poels.
In the early fall Archbishop Bayley returned to seek in New Jersey some relief for his ailments. His disease puzzled the doctors. There did not seem to be any organic trouble; and still it was evident that he was very ill.
He was welcomed by the Bishop and priests of the Cathedral, and all the care that love and vene- ration could prompt were lavished upon him. But in vain. Medical skill availed naught. He lan- guished, lingered from day to day, and died Octo- ber 4, 1877.
James Roosevelt Bayley, born outside the thresh- old of the faith, was descended from the oldest Knickerbocker families, whose ancestors came over with Hendrik Hudson and settled on Manhattan Island. Brought up in the Episcopal Church, his soul, naturally Catholic, was earnest in the search after truth. With his natural leaning to piety, he determined to consecrate himself to the service of
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ARCHBISHOP BAYLEY'S LIFE.
God in the ministry. His early education was re- ceived in the once-celebrated school at Mendham, N. J. Thence he proceeded to Amherst College, Massachusetts, and later on we find him entered at Trinity College, Hartford, to prepare himself for the ministry of the Episcopal Church. His studies, however, were completed under Dr. Jarvis, at Middletown, Conn. In due course of time he was ordained and elected by the vestry Rector of St. Peter's Church, Harlem. Here his dignity of character, warm heart, and kindly manners won for him hosts of friends. While devoting himself with all the ardor of his nature to his duties, he still found time to gratify his taste for reading. History, biography, and patristic literature gave him especial pleasure. Visiting one day at Ford- ham the home of a poor Irish laborer, on a mission of charity, he met a Catholic priest, with whom he formed a friendship which lasted during life. The two had many a theological bout and tilt, and the result was that between the friendship of the good priest and the works of the Fathers-more than all by God's grace-we find him resigning his charge in the fall of 1841 and resolved on going to Rome in search of the truth. He was not long in the Eternal City before he was convinced that there was no truth outside the Catholic Church, and that he had hitherto been following a will-o'-the-wisp. He asked to make a retreat. He was baptized con- ditionally and received into the Church by the
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
Jesuit, Father Esmond, and confirmed the same day, April 28, 1842, by Cardinal Franzoni, in the chapel formerly the rooms of St. Ignatius. We next find him in the grand Seminary of St. Sulpice, Paris, where he made his theological studies. Returning to New York after a narrow escape from shipwreck, he was ordained priest March 2, 1844, by Bishop Hughes. In 1845 he was made the Bishop's Secre- tary, for which his habits of exactness and his eye for detail had admirably fitted him. During this in- terval it was, we believe, that he acted as President and Vice-President of Fordham College, and for a time exercised his priestly duties in Staten Island. There was then a steady flow of emigration set-
ting towards the United States. The ships were crammed with living freight; the food was bad, the air below decks foul, and the voyage long. Little wonder, then, as the vessel entered the port of New York, many a poor fever-stricken emigrant lifted his languid eyes but to gaze on the stony walls of quarantine and the restless waters of New York Bay.
Here Father Bayley worked with indefatigable zeal. For the faithful he had the comforts of the Sacraments ; for all a kind smile, an encouraging word.
He gave to the press about this period The Life and Letters of Bishop Brute and A Sketch of Catho- licity in New York. Both works were honored with a second edition. In 1853, the new diocese of New-
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THE TALENTS OF THE GREAT PRELATE.
ark was formed, and Father Bayley was appointed its first Bishop. Together with Rev. John Lough- lin, preconized to the new See of Brooklyn, and Rev. Louis de Goesbriand to the new See of Bur- lington, Vt., he was consecrated in St. Patrick's pro- Cathedral, New York, October 30 of the same year, by Archbishop Bedini, Papal Nuncio. His new dio- cese was a fallow field : his priests few, his churches encumbered with debts-many already in the hands of the sheriff-his people poor and despised. He brought to surmount these obstacles a vast experi- ence, a willing heart, and a firm trust in God. While not gifted with extraordinary brilliancy, he possessed that most rare gift, common sense. His keen eye soon read the character of all those with whom he came in contact; his judgment was rarely at fault, and in his forecast of future happenings he seemed to have been gifted with prophetic certi- tude. Always vigilant in the discharge of his re- sponsibilities, and realizing the necessity of disci- pline in aiding to build up with the rude material at hand the magnificent structure of a Catholic dio- cese, his heart tempered the dictates of his mind and led him to exercise leniency at times when se- verity would have been excusable. An omnivorous reader, he possessed the rare faculty of treasuring up the gems he met with in the classics; and, as he had travelled extensively, his portrayal of men and things was most vivid and realistic. The anec- dotes handed down from father to son touching the
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
quaint manners and customs of the old Patroons were ever on his tongue, and told very frequently, in truth, but always with that quiet humor and pleasing twinkle in the eye which secured for him the attention and laughter of his audience. He easily adapted himself to his surroundings. It mat- tered not where he found himself : in the back- country town, standing on the platform waiting for the train, he was as much at home with the folks lounging around the depot and differing from him in religion as he was with his brothers in the
hierarchy. Any one might approach him. The
timidity of childhood was dissipated by his attrac- tiveness ; and when he visited the schools, as he did frequently when at home, the shyness of the boys and girls melted away before the pleasant sun- shine of his smile. Rich and poor alike, the righteous and the unrighteous, the learned and the ignorant, the Catholic and unbeliever, were one and all cordially received by him, and left his presence soothed and comforted by his kind and cheerful words. If not demonstrative, he was strong in his attachments. He loved the old friends, the old places, the old-fashioned ways of doing things. Al- though a convert, his faith was simple as a child's, and as strong and robust as an early Christian's.
Foreseeing the necessity of Christian education, he set to work to establish parochial schools. To his mind the school should be first, the church after; for, as he was wont to say, a parish without
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THE SISTERS OF CHARITY.
a school is not worthy of the name. That God blessed his labors is evident from the fact that twenty-five years later, of all the dioceses of the United States, Newark ranked third, if not second, in having the largest number of pupils attending parochial schools. The little grain of mustard-seed- the community of the Sisters of Charity established at Madison-had grown and spread until at the time of his death there were about three hundred and seventy-five Sisters in the Diocese. His vigi- lance and activity were everywhere felt. He would stroll into Sunday-school on a Sunday afternoon and chat with the children-showing them his ring or telling a story ; the next Sunday he would be per- haps a hundred miles away.
From the Seminary at Seton Hall-the object dearest to his heart-have gone forth a band of young, active, well-trained priests, animated with his zeal, and stimulated by his works and by his ex- ample-to be spent for Christ's sake in saving the souls of men. He lifted up his flock from their ob- scurity and won for his religion, despite deeply- rooted and bitter prejudice, a place of honor and esteem. All might not succumb to the convincing force of his sermons, but all readily yielded to him that respect and reverence which superior minds command without seeking. His presence-so full of majesty and dignity - attracted the admiration of all; yet he was as simple and as approachable as a child. You might see him standing on Washington
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
Street, returning from his visitation, or from a walk, in conversation with an old colored servant, his face lit up with that kindly smile so peculiarly his own; and often, after celebrating Pontifical Mass, did he come to the rescue of some poor old creature strug- gling with the considerate clergyman or sexton, and send her off in joy with a "God bless you, my child."
Convening a synod of the clergy in Baltimore, he enacted many salutary regulations, particularly respecting 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 majestic liturgy of the Church sung in her own grand and devotional melo- dies.
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 to take up temporary quarters in his old rooms in Newark, August, 1877. His ailment baffled the skill of the physicians, who waited on him with tender devotion. 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 4, 1877, fortified by the Sacraments. of the Church he loved so well, in his old room, in
IOI
FROM DEATH TO LIFE.
his old bed, in his dearly loved Newark, surrounded by Bishop McQuaid, Archbishop Corrigan, Rt. Rev. G. H. Doane, Fathers Toomey, Flynn, and Shep- pard, his pure 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 went to receive his reward.
The grief and sorrow of the Catholics were shared by those not of our faith. All joined in testifying their respect for his sterling worth. An obituary which appeared in one of the leading Newark news- papers gave a very true estimate of his character :
"Those who knew personally Bishop Bayley knew a disciple of Christ full of benignity, humility, and loveliness; with a quiet dignity that always commanded respect for him, and yet a measure of sympathy and tenderness that attracted all towards him as to a friend. They knew a prelate endowed with wisdom, learning, high administrative ability and zeal for the propagation of the form of Chris- tianity in which he believed, combined with all con- sistent toleration of the faith of others; a gentleman of culture with manners simple, refined, and agree- able. It is not often that one meets a man who measures up closer to the common ideal of a well- rounded, perfect character. For instance, he was bold and aggressive like St. Paul; with convictions that manifested themselves in unceasing toil, despite obstacles and discouragements. The number of churches which sprang up under his rule in the Dio- cese, Seton Hall College, the Convent School at Madison, the asylum for children, the hospital, the schools in every parish, testify that he was 'in labors
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
most abundant.' At the same time he was loving, like St. John. He had a most charitable spirit. While a firm believer in the Catholic Church, he de- sired peace and friendliness with all Christians, dis- liked controversies and demonstrations likely to stir up bitter contentions. In all things was he concil- iatory when conciliation was not compromise. When he first came to Newark and began his work of establishing here the Catholic religion, no little opposition was excited among people who regarded the Roman Church as a foreign institution and a foe to liberty and enlightenment. He alluded to this in his address in the Cathedral on the day of the consecration of the edifice two or three years ago, and gladly testified that this bitter feeling against him in time had passed away, and that for many years had he found among Protestants many warm friends. It passed away because instead of meeting the outside opposition with polemical ser- mons or pamphlets, or showing in any way a bel- ligerent spirit, he quietly went on with his official duties. He chose, by founding Seton Hall College for the higher education of Catholic youths, St. Elizabeth's Academy at Madison, and other educa- tional institutions, to make his answer to the charges raised against the cause which he represented. As a preacher Archbishop Bayley was effective and pleasing. His imposing presence would have fixed upon him the attention of a congregation though his address had been less engaging. Of full height, with a well-rounded but not heavy figure; a massive, handsome head ; a forehead broad and high, from which the hair was brushed back; a face fine in every feature, and pleasing in its expression of mild dignity, goodness of heart, and intellectual strength, the Archbishop was commanding in person, whether
IO3
LAST SAD RITES.
in plain broadcloth or wearing his rich canonicals, with the mitre upon his head and the golden cro- sier in his hand. In direct and often plain language he gave vigorous expression to his thoughts. His discourses might be beautiful in diction ; they were sure to be forcible and instructive. In delivery he was intensely earnest, and yet calm and easy, for culture ever tempers and moderates.
"The body of the dead prelate was clothed in pontifical vestments and placed in state before the high altar of St. Patrick's Cathedral. On Friday morning Bishop Corrigan sang the Requiem Mass, and immediately thereafter the body was taken to Baltimore, whence, after a solemn Requiem Mass in the Cathedral, the remains were conveyed to Em- mittsburg, Md., and placed beside his aunt, Mother Seton."
CHAPTER VII.
N May, 1878, Father Poels was assigned to the pastoral charge of Mendham and Bask- ingridge. Morristown had now to depend on St. Michael's Monastery, Hoboken, and various Fathers came thence to minister spiritually to this charge, as Father Sheeran grew more enfeebled.
The spirit was willing, but the body was worn out. It is a pitiable sight to witness the struggle of a brave man, who has been a leader among men and has always been first in the race-it is pitiable to see him strive to keep up. In vain does he spur on the once-willing steed. The race for him is spent, and the day of triumph over. The work was still here, his heart was in it, but nature had been tested to the extreme limit. If he failed the fault was not his.
In August, ISSO, the Rev. Arthur Henry, a young priest in the very bloom of his ministry, but in the grasp of death, was sent to try the benefits of our mountain air.
In his brief career he had labored hard, and pre- saged a life rich in results for the Master of the vineyard.
The Rectory built by Father Hoey had long in- convenienced both pastor and curate. In fact, the only room the assistant had was of such narrow and limited dimensions that, when furnished with a bed,
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THE SISTERS' HOUSE.
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DEATH OF FATHER HENRY.
the priestly belongings and a chair, there was just about room to turn around. When desirous of studying or writing a sermon the parlor was at his disposal ; and, more than once, the unhappy curate had to retire-breaking off an eloquent passage in the sermon he was working out for the following Sunday-or scattering to the winds the few sen- tences he had laboriously acquired, to permit a visitor to transact his business with the Pastor.
It was determined to extend the Rectory at a cost of three thousand dollars. Meanwhile the in- sidious disease which had fastened on Father Henry prostrated him. It seemed as if his purgatory had to be passed here; for added to his lung trouble came an attack of the measles. And as he lay in bed tossing with fever, worn out with want of sleep, his ears were assailed by the piercing ring of the trowel and the heavy blow and thud of the hammer.
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