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 8
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
An active movement was set on foot to raise a monument to the memory of Father Sheeran. The congregation responded generously, and a massive granite monolith marks his last resting-place.
To promote devotion, to bring down the special blessing of God on the parish, a statue of the Sa- cred Heart was placed in a niche at the Gospel side of the altar.
Special attention was given to church societies. These societies, approved by many Popes and en- riched with spiritual blessings, are the very life of a parish. They foster a spirit of prayer, and lead to the frequentation of the Sacraments. Their mem- bers are sanctified, and their very example is a standing reproach to the indifferent and the luke- warm. The sight of men and women approaching the holy table leads others to imitate their ex- ample.
A jubilee was proclaimed this year by our Holy Father Leo XIII. To prepare the faithful for its graces the Rev. James McCallan, of the Society of St. Sulpice, was invited to preach the retreat. The spiritual exercises were enriched by the eloquence of the reverend preacher. Large numbers approach- ed the Sacraments.
The Young Ladies' Sodality, organized in 1877 through the efforts of the Rev. Father Giraud, was desirous of obtaining a suitable banner. The mem- bers quickly raised a sufficient sum to defray the necessary expenses. The work was entrusted to the
RT. REV. WINAND MICHAEL WIGGER, D.D.
125
RT. REV. WINAND MICHAEL WIGGER.
cloistered Dominican Nuns in Newark, N. J. They fully maintained their high reputation for artistic skill. The banner is of white silk, embroidered in blue, and in the centre is a beautiful copy in oil of Murillo's " Assumption."
In August news reached the expectant Catholics of the Diocese of Newark that the See made va- cant by the promotion of Archbishop Corrigan was filled. The future Bishop was to be the gentle, saintly, and zealous Dr. Wigger, of Madison, N. J.
Winand Michael Wigger, born December 9, 1841, in New York City, received his classical edu- cation in St. Francis Xavier's College, New York, and his theological training at Seton Hall Seminary and at the College Brignole-Sale, Genoa. He was ordained priest in 1865, and sailed for America October 2 of the same year.
Cholera broke out on the steamer Atalanta, and the young priest was indefatigable in his attention to the sick. On the arrival of the vessel at quaran- tine, he asked and obtained permission to remain on the pest-stricken vessel until the last vestige of the dread disease had disappeared, and for two weeks he stood at the post of danger.
Bishop Bayley attached him to the staff of the Cathedral, and in this extensive parish for four years he edified all by his piety, zeal, and fidelity. The sick, the poor, the distressed, found in him a true friend, whose kind words encouraged them,
I26
THE STORY OF A PARISH.
and whose generous hand was ever ready to assist them.
In this field he won the esteem of his superiors, and the love and admiration of his flock, and in 1869 was promoted to the Madison parish, made vacant by the death of Father D'Arcy. While here he busied himself with the interests of his new parish, and purchased land and erected a church and school in Chatham.
In May, 1873, the financial disaster which had almost ruined St. John's Church, Orange, made it necessary for the Bishop to secure a pastor to over- come the many difficulties. Bishop Corrigan looked to Dr. Wigger as eminently fit to cope with the situation. Without a moment's hesitation, Dr. Wigger abandoned the ease and amenities of Madi- son to obey the voice of his superior, and to en- gage in the almost hopeless task. In less than six months he paid eleven thousand dollars of the in- debtedness. In February, 1874, at his own request, he was relieved from St. John's and assigned to the pastoral charge of Summit.
In June, 1876, he was again transferred to Madi- son, and was welcomed by his old parishioners, who recognized the excellent traits of the good priest, and also by those outside of the church, who es- teemed him for his sterling Christian qualities.
In vain did he try to evade the great dignity and responsibility of Bishop. Rome was inexor- able. He was consecrated by Archbishop Corrigan,
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THE NEW BELL.
assisted by Bishop Loughlin and Bishop McQuaid, in the Cathedral, Newark, October 18, 1881. Not only the title but the mantle of his predecessors has fallen upon Bishop Wigger. The zeal of a Bay- ley, the gentleness of a Corrigan are his. Since his elevation he has not only perpetuated the spirit of his predecessors, maintained the discipline which characterized their administration, but he has ad- vanced the spiritual and temporal interests of the flock over which he so worthily presides.
Up to this period the tower of the Catholic Church in Morristown had stood like a dumb moni- tor. The congregation had to trust to the uncer- tainty of the clock at home to reach the church in time for the services. The sweet message of the bell had not as yet reached their ears. The Pastor set out for Baltimore, and found in the establish- ment of McShane & Co. a splendid bell, which had been made by that firm for the Atlanta Exposition. On the morning of his arrival it had just been taken from the mould, and word was sent to the bell-founders that the managers of the Exposition desired them to send a chime instead of a single bell. Thus it happened that the bell, which had cost so much extra care and money, was thrown on the hands of the firm.
It was offered to Father Flynn for exactly the price of the metal; but it was stipulated that, in case of purchase, the bell should first be used in
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
the Oriole celebration, which was being held at this time. The bell was bought for six hundred and fifty-four dollars and forty-eight cents. In the evening, as Father Flynn was on his way to take the train, he saw the glare of the torchlight pro- cession winding through the streets of Baltimore, and heard, ever and anon, high above the noise of martial music and the shouts of the bystanders, the sweet tone of the bell which was soon to be hung in the spire of our Church in Morristown.
The first official act of the newly-consecrated Bishop was to bless this new bell. On Wednesday evening, October 19, 1881, the Right Rev. Winand Michael Wigger, D.D., assisted by the Rev. Michael A. McManus and the Rev. Joseph M. Flynn, in presence of a large congregation, solemnly blessed the bell, following every detail of the ritual for this beautiful ceremony, and named it in honor of Ire- land's great Apostle, St. Patrick. Archbishop Corri- gan preached at the close of the ceremony, and gave an interesting history of the origin and sig- nificance of bells in Catholic worship. Mr. Martin O'Brien and Miss Maud Clarke acted as sponsors. Messrs. John McAnerny and Martin O'Brien, Mrs. R. H. Clarke and Miss Maud Clarke, each con- tributed fifty dollars towards the purchase, and the balance was raised by the congregation. Morning, noon, and night the glad tidings, " THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US," are wafted far and wide, lifting the heart from the cares and
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THE ANGELUS.
anxieties of this world to the hopeful contempla- tion of the peace beyond, tempering the miseries and afflictions of life with the thought that He walked the rugged path before us, and awaits at the end of our pilgrimage to crown and comfort us. Not by the Catholics alone, but even by those outside the true Fold, is the deep significance of this touching devotion to the Incarnate God felt and realized.
The Rev. E. C. L. Browne, a Protestant minister residing in Charleston, S. C., contributed the fol- lowing poem to the News and Courier of that city. It is prefaced by the following :
" For a long time I lived in close proximity to St. Peter's Catholic Church and School, and the soft-toned bell that regulated the life of the wor- shippers came unconsciously to regulate mine. I grew to depend upon its constant and unobtrusive voice. Its morning, noon, and evening peal was as a 'note of soft recall,' speaking in something like the language I have inadequately ascribed to it here :
" The Angelus is ringing ! Rise, heart, to grateful prayer ; Rise and salute the new day dawning. Remember Whose strong love, Descending from above, Has held thee in its tender care, And kept thee till the morning. Oh! rise and sing Whose constant thought And faithful might, In dark and light, Have life to conscious blessing brought, Thy tribute to His love. The Angelus is ringing !
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" The Angelus is ringing ! As comes high noon with crowding care,
How press life's duties hard around thee ! How quick the world with wiles has bound thee ! But that clear voice from upper air Recalls thee from thy strife. In fulness of the day, Lift up thy heart and pray. On higher, holier life The Angelus is ringing !
" The Angelus is ringing !
Welcome the night with hush and rest. Peace once more settles down Upon the turbulent town. Let this evangel floating o'er
Recall it to thy heart once more, And quiet to thy breast. Come deeper thoughts with deepening ray ; Day's sordid themes And all low dreams, Be by this high suggestion swept away ! The Angelus is ringing !
" Morn, noon, and night, O faithful bell ! Thy warnings to my conscience call, Though on the ear unmarked they fall."
In the appointment of Father Flynn to the pas- torate of Morristown by Right Rev. Monsignor Doane, the Administrator, there was question of the extent of his power in the premises. Hence, to supply any defect which may have existed in his title, the Right Rev. Bishop Wigger wrote to the incumbent :
" MADISON, October 28, 1881. " DEAR FATHER FLYNN :
"As, to say the least, it is doubtful that your ap- pointment by Monsignor Doane to the parish of
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MORRIS PLAINS CATHOLICS.
Morristown was valid-to remove all doubt, and to render your position secure, I hereby appoint you Rector of the Church of the Assumption, Morris- town. I am sure that you will work successfully, and do much good in the parish. Indeed, you have already done much good during the few months that you have been there.
"Wishing you everything that is good, I remain your sincere friend,
" W. M. WIGGER, " Bishop of Newark."
In the Autumn his parochial visitation brought Father Flynn in closer touch with the little band of Catholics in Morris Plains. The State Retreat for those afflicted with mental disorders contained a very considerable number of Catholic inmates, both patients and attendants.
To journey to Morristown to Mass was, in the case of one class, an impossibility; of the other, a matter of serious difficulty. Moreover, at Wilson- ville, adjacent to the Retreat, lived a score of families who, only at long intervals and in fine weather, were able to walk to the mother Church. A census of the Catholics was taken, and the feasi- bility of starting a church laid before Bishop Wig- ger. In a letter dated November 21, 1881, his Lordship indicated his views: "Your kind letter, giving account of the number of Catholics in Morris Plains, has been duly received. From your report it is quite evident that a little church is needed at
I32
THE STORY OF A PARISH.
Morris Plains, and I empower you to purchase a suitable plot of ground on which to build one."
Accordingly a site was secured ; and, until the erection of the church, an effort was made to have Mass in one of the houses conveniently located and sufficiently roomy for the accommodation of those who might desire to attend.
This, and the increasing ministerial work in Morristown, and the important supervision of the school, made the services of an assistant priest a necessity. December 3 the Bishop wrote: "Father Whelan may be relieved at any time, and, if so, will be sent to you, as you desired."
The Rev. Isaac P. Whelan reported some time in the month of December, and the Right Rev. Bishop added to the other duties of the Morristown priests the care of the Whippany mission.
On Christmas day Holy Mass was said for the first time in Morris Plains in the house of Andrew Murphy. The room was crowded, and the scene recalled to many the stories told them by their fathers of Catholicity forty years ago.
Thereafter Mass was regularly celebrated every Sunday. Between attending to the two Masses in Morristown, one in Whippany, and another at Morris Plains, Sunday was a busy day for the priests, who, from early morn to high noon, knew not a moment's rest.
CHAPTER IX.
SHORT time before his death Thomas Burns donated his house and lot to Father Flynn. This valuable property, in front of the Church, was the object of much solicitude on the part of previous pastors. Although a personal gift, Father Flynn deeded it to the Church. The Sisters of Charity, engaged in school work, came from the Mother House daily and returned at the close of school. But, in the diocese of Newark, the Sisters of Charity, an offshoot of Mount St. Vincent, New York, introduced by Bishop Bayley and trained ac- cording to his spirit, are something more than teachers, for their work extends beyond the class- room to the Sanctuary, to the sick-bed, and to the homes where poverty prevails.
The assistance rendered by them to the Pas- tor, their efficiency in matters beyond his reach, the influence of their example, cannot be too highly estimated, or receive the due measure of praise.
The house was altered and furnished, and in January, 1882, Sister Gaudentia, as Sister Servant, with Sisters Cecilia Rose, Eugenia, and Teresita, took up their permanent residence among us.
The Young Men's Association, which had been formed in the previous Autumn, rented two rooms in the Bates building, and in order to furnish them and
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
to adapt them to their needs, a bazaar was held on February 13, 14, and 15. A neat sum was realized, and thus the first encouragement was given to that body which was to effect so much good by elevat- ing and refining our Catholic young men. Among other benefactors was Mrs. Revere, who donated a billiard-table. An antique bath-tub from the Rec- tory found place in a room partitioned off from the rear apartment. To these humble and meagrely furnished rooms came every evening the founders of our present Association. They were their own jani- tor. On entering the rooms the dignified directors would take off coat and hat, and would away, some to start the fire, others to sweep the rooms, others to wash the cuspidores. All found something to do, and were cheered in their work by a running fire of jest and gibe, and merry laugh and song. Many of the old members affirm that these were the brightest and happiest days they have ever known.
Mr. Charles H. Knight, at this time, volunteered to go among our townsmen and raise a sum suffi- cient to decorate the Church. His efforts were eminently successful. He handed over to the Pastor seven hundred and sixty-five dollars. Before, how- ever, undertaking this work, it was thought advis- able to improve the ventilation of the Church. This was effected by opening every other one of the clerestory windows, and the adoption of the Hitch- ings patent attachment secures an abundant supply
I35
THE DEATH OF ST. COLUMBA.
of fresh air, making the Church sweet and whole- some at all times.
The decoration was entrusted to Herman Bodes, and the two paintings, one of St. Patrick preaching to the King at Tara, the other of the death-scene of St. Columba in the monastery chapel at Iona, are the work of Gustave Kinkeln. The first paint- ing, on the Epistle side of the choir, recalls the story familiar to all ; with the second, on the Gospel side, not many are acquainted. It will be best to embody the graphic account of the great pulpit orator, Father Tom Burke :
"Columba was now seventy years of age, and he prayed that he might die at Easter. God sent an angel to tell him that his prayer was granted. Now mark the Irish heart again. The moment that he heard that his prayer was granted he prayed to God to let him live for another month, for he said to the monks: 'My children, I pray that I might die to pass my Easter Sunday in Heaven. God said he would grant my prayer ; but then I thought that you are after fasting a long Lent upon bread and water, and that you are all looking forward to Easter Sunday as a day of joy, and if I died on that day it would be a sad and sorrowful day, so I asked my God to put it off a month more.' The month passed ; it was Saturday night, and Co- lumba in the morning told his children the monks, ' This night I will die and take my rest.'
" The monks were accustomed to go into the church precisely at twelve o'clock. The bells rang and Columba was always in the church at prayer.
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
When he was not studying, he went before the others into the dark church-there was no light- and knelt at the foot of the altar. Dermot, his servant, his faithful man, followed the old man, and groping about in the church for him, at first not being able to see him, exclaimed, 'O father, dear father ! where art thou ?' A feeble moan soon was heard, and he came to where he lay. The other monks came in and brought torches in their hands, and found Columba stretched out, dying, grasping the foot of the altar ; dying under the very eyes of that Lord and God whom he loved so well; dying with a heart long since broken with love for the Lord Jesus, and for the dear land that he left behind. They lifted him up, and with his dying lips he said, 'Come around me, that I may give you my last blessing.' He lifted his aged hand, and before the sign of the Cross was made the hand fell by his side, the light of human love departed from his eye, and one of the most glorious souls of apostles and martyrs that ever lived was borne aloft by the angels to join the illustrious band of Erin's Saints."
The Church was very much improved in appear- ance, the light colors employed on the walls and in the panels of the roof seemed to give greater breadth and height, and the subdued tones of salmon and light blue, the spotless purity of the altar in white and gold, standing out from the reredos of brown with emblems in olive green, impart to the edifice a devotional character which impresses every visitor. Sister Gaudentia went among the parish- ioners and, with the offerings she received, purchased
I37
PASTOR OF MORRIS PLAINS.
the Wilton carpet for the Sanctuary and side chapels.
On Ascension Thursday, May 18, 1882, the Right Rev. Bishop Wigger, D.D., reopened the Church. At the Pontifical Mass the school children sang for the first time. The Sacrament of Confirmation was administered ; and, in the evening, there was a re- ception of members and enrollment in the Young Ladies' Sodality and Children of Mary. At the same time those who had been confirmed renewed their baptismal vows.
Sunday, June 18, the beautiful Munich statue of St. Anthony of Padua, presented by Mrs. Patrick Welsh for her son John Vincent, was blessed and placed in a niche on the Epistle side of the altar.
The congregation had by this time outgrown the limits of the half-past eight and half-past ten o'clock Masses. The hours were inconvenient for many of the housekeepers and domestics, and the increased number of children was huddled wherever accommodation could be found in the side aisles and gallery. Fortunately the Bishop at this period detached Morris Plains and Whippany, made them a separate parish, and placed over them as pastor the Rev. James J. Brennan.
On July 13, 1882, the Rev. D. McCartie, the Bishop's Secretary, wrote to Father Flynn :
"The absence of several rectors and assistants,
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
who have obtained permission to travel for the restoration of health, has caused a deficiency of priests in some parishes of the Diocese. In order to supply the wants of the churches deprived of this ministration, the Bishop finds it necessary to dis- tribute more equally the reverend assistants who are at present available.
"For this reason he is constrained to remove Father Whelan from Morristown, and transfer him to a parish where his services are more urgently required. As the duty of attending Morris Plains would be too onerous a task for you unaided, his Lordship has considered it advisable to annex that mission to the parish of Whippany, the revenues of which will be thus rendered more easily adequate to the support of a priest.
"You are requested to furnish Father Brennan with all requisite information regarding the condition and management of the mission, and to effect such arrangements as may enable him to assume full charge of it within one week from the present date."
The vacancy created by Father Whelan's removal was supplied by the Jesuit Fathers of St. Peter's Church, Jersey City.
Father Brennan entered with zeal upon his new duties. The fine weather tempted him to gather his little flock under the shelter of a tent, and thus the Catholics of Morris Plains worshipped their God as did the Israelites of old. On October 11, 1882, Bishop Wigger wrote to Father Flynn :
" I hereby formally delegate you, and ask you to
REV. JAMES J. BRENNAN.
I39
ST. VIRGIL, BISHOP AND SCIENTIST.
be kind enough, to lay the corner-stone of the new Church to be built in Morris Plains."
When the erection of the Church was first con- templated Father Flynn desired and intended to place it under the patronage of St. Virgil, Arch- bishop of Saltzburg, one of the most illustrious of God's servants, but eminent for his learning, apos- tolic zeal, and ceaseless energy in preaching the faith and exterminating heresy. Feargal, or the modernized O'Farrell, was born in the South of Ireland of a princely family. He profited so well by the teaching in the schools for which Ireland was noted, that, on his arrival in France, about the year 743, he was most graciously received by Pepin, son of the great Charlemagne, and recommended by him to Otilo, Duke of Bavaria. It is interesting to know that this Irish monk was among the first, if not the very first, to teach the existence of antipo- des and the sphericity of the earth. The fact is easily demonstrated and comprehended in our day, but in the time of St. Virgil it was a bold doctrine to broach and required unusual strength of charac- ter to stand by convictions so counter to all pre- conceived notions and to the erroneous views on cosmogony in full vigor at that period. He built a magnificent basilica in honor of his predecessor St. Rupert, in which he enshrined the relics of the Saint, and which he made his cathedral church. He was canonized in the Lateran Basilica July, 1233, by Pope Gregory IX. In life and after his soul was
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THE STORY OF A PARISH.
freed from its prison of clay God set the seal of His approval on the life and virtues of our Saint by the many miraculous cures effected not only at his tomb, but in St. Mary's, Morristown, which prides itself on the possession of a portion of his precious relics.
Father Brennan entered warmly into the views of his predecessor and decided to place the little Church under the protection of this great Confessor. For the first time in America did St. Virgil receive this honor. New interest was awakened in the his- tory of his life and labors, and the descendants of his fellow-countrymen were quick to give him the love and reverence to which the servants of God are entitled, and which redound entirely to His greater honor and glory.
Although it goes beyond the present period of our narrative, the history of St. Virgil's is outlined from its inception to the end.
Soon after his appointment the Rev. Joseph M. Flynn sought to collect the few scattered Catholics north of Morristown. He wished also to afford the opportunity of hearing Mass to those employed in the State Asylum for the Insane at Morris Plains. Consequently, after due announcement, the Holy Sacrifice was offered on Christmas Day, 1881, in the parlor of Mr. Andrew Murphy, at Wilsonville, near the Asylum, three miles from Morristown and one from Morris Plains.
14I
AN HUMBLE SANCTUARY.
For over six months he continued the service, made collections and obtained subscriptions to the amount of $444.68, which he used to purchase an acre of ground, at a cost of $500, on Hanover Avenue.
On June 14, 1882, the Rev. James Joseph Bren- nan, recently of St. John's Church, Paterson, was appointed Pastor of Whippany and Northfield. On July 20, Morris Plains was substituted for North- field, and on the 23d of the month, at 10:30 A.M., he celebrated Holy Mass at Wilsonville as successor to Father Flynn, the collection being $1.53.
In order to accommodate some who desired a more convenient location he borrowed from the Morristown Catholics a large tent, which he pitched near the new church lot. In that frail and tempo- rary shelter, which might be likened to the stable of Bethlehem, he offered the Holy Sacrifice for the first time on the 6th of August.
At first, in this humble sanctuary there were no pews, but a few boards and chairs ; no floor but the bare ground, no carpet but the stubble of new-mown wheat ; the altar was a pine table with the bare requisites for the Holy Sacrifice and a few fresh flowers. The people went to confession in public view back of the altar-table, behind a few hemlock boards. There was no altar-rail, no communion cloth; and they received with the pall, without sup- port, except from their faith.
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