USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Catholicity in northern Ohio and in the diocese of Cleveland from 1749 to December 31, 1900, Volume I, pt1 > Part 9
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VENERABLE BRETHREN OF THE CLERGY AND BELOVED CHILDREN OF THE LAITY!
Overwhelmed by the labors and solicitude which his extensive diocese required, and full of zeal for the welfare of the flock which he has governed with unsurpassed wisdom and success, the Rt. Rev. John Baptist, Bishop of Cincinnati, humbly supplicated the late Provincial Council to establish another Episcopal See in the northern part of the State of Ohio. This request was granted. and the city of Cleveland has been chosen to be the See of the new diocese. The Roman Court has approved and sanctioned these proceedings, and His Holiness, Pius IX, at the request of the Council, has elevated me to the Episcopacy. Had I consulted my fears I would have immediately declined accepting a station so encompassed with difficulties, but yielding to the voice of authority. and thereby made strong by the favor of the Almighty, I consented to forego my weakness and inability, to rely solely on Him who can strengthen the weak, and prepare them for the labor. "Go, and teach all nations : behold 1 am with you all days until the con- summation of the world." That divine mission given by Jesus Christ to His Apostles, has been confided to me by their successors and the Apostolic See. Invested with this sacred power, and com- forted by the grace of the episcopal office, I feel encouraged to
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ST. PETER'S SCHOOL, CLEVELAND.
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work for the glory of our common Master and the welfare of our immortal souls.
It is indeed consoling, venerable brethren of the clergy, that in discharging the functions of a ministry so sublime and perilous. I will be seconded by your devotion, your talents, your virtues, and your experience. For several years I have fought in your ranks, shared your toils, admired your zeal, and witnessed with joy the success that crowned your efforts. It was then one of my greatest pleasures, whilst associated with you in the ministry, to call you friends, and now, placed at your head, as the first sentinel of the camp of Israel, I desire more than ever to be regarded as your friend and father, rather than your superior. My happiness will be henceforth to have part in your labors, to direct your efforts, to alleviate your cares and to console your sorrows. Our number is small, but let us pray to the Lord to send more laborers into His vineyard, and whilst waiting with patience His answer to our supplications, let our union, our piety, our prudence and zeal make amends for the deficiency. In the daily morning meditations we will find a divine fire which illumines and vivifies; the reading of the Holy Scriptures will furnish us with arms against our enemies, and be our comfort in tribulation. The works of the Fathers and the acts of the Councils, but particularly of the Councils of Balti- more, which are so appropriate to the circumstances and wants of our mission, will be a pure source from which we can draw sound doctrine and wisdom to direct us in the various exigencies of our ministry.
Your spiritual necessities, beloved brethren of the laity, are not unknown to us; we wish to be intimately acquainted with your desires for the advancement of religion, and although we may be unable to provide resident pastors for every congregation, we will endeavor to console you in their absence by frequent visits, and by sending you, from time to time, faithful missionaries who will speak your language, and animate your piety.
We sigh for the day when we will be able to appear amongst you, to bless you, to instruct you, and to be edified by your devo- tion. Many a time have we been moved by the constancy of your faith and the beauty of your example. What a consolation for a pastor to be surrounded by a faithful flock, anxious to diffuse on all sides the sweetness of the doctrines of Jesus Christ. Those truly Catholic souls are His glory, and they give a powerful energy to His words. They are so many apostles before whose integrity and piety the demon of prejudice is passing away. The times are propitious! The eminent virtues of our prelates and clergy, their eloquence in the pulpit, their polemical works, so marked by ability and clearness, the numerous conversions, both at home and abroad.
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conversions in which the finger of God is so visible, since they can not with reason be attributed to any worldly motive-all these circumstances directed by Divine Providence for the triumph of truth seem to have mitigated the violence of our dissenting brethren, and prepared the minds of the more learned portion of the community to examine and appreciate the divine excellence of our holy religion. It is for you, beloved children of the laity, to encourage this disposition to a sounder system. If the eloquence of an upright life does not convert our opponents, at least it silences the hostility of the unwise and imprudent. It is thus that we can most efficaciously contribute to the propagation of that faith which has conquered the world. Console, beloved children of the laity, and help your pastors by the sanctity of your lives. Have but one mind, no matter what inay be your nation, your language, your position in society. You are all the children of the same Father, the members of Jesus Christ, destined for the same inheritance. In order that you might preserve this sweet union of mind and heart, come often to the Sacred Table, to feed on the Bread of Life, to be strengthened by the God of charity. He will remind you that He loved you even to the shedding of His Blood, and therefore has the right to command that you love one another. Unite together every night in family worship, and the Lord will be amongst you. Observe punctually the Lord's day, and the laws of the Church and of the State, and educate your children in the fear and love of God. Do all in your power to provide, for their instruction, orthodox and pious teachers. We beseech you also, beloved brethren, by the mercy of Jesus Christ, to live soberly. Drunkenness, and the debaucheries which attend it, degrade man, disgrace the faith, and precipitate many into endless misfortunes.
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As for us, venerable fellow-laborers, we will all endeavor to be the models of the faithful in conversation, in charity, in faith, in chastity. Our mission is a glorious one, and our reward will be equally glorious if we live according to our sublime vocation.
¡AMADEUS, Bishop of Cleveland.
Given at Cincinnati, October 12, 1847.
The Rt. Rev. Amadeus Rappe took possession of the Diocese of Cleveland as its first bishop a few days after his consecration, which, as stated above, had taken place at Cincinnati, October 10, 1847. The Catholic population of the diocese was then estimated at about 10,000. On the Bishop's arrival at Cleveland, his Episco- pal city, he found but one church, a frame building, located at the corner of Columbus and Girard streets. It had been dedicated
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June 7, 1840, to "Our Lady of the Lake." It was later and better known as "St. Mary's Church, on the Flats."
In October, 1847, the Rev. Maurice Howard was the only priest stationed in Cleveland. Besides having pastoral charge of the church on the Flats, he also attended a number of missions in Cuyahoga and neighboring counties. Within the limits of his diocese the bishop found forty-two churches, attended by twenty- one priests, of whom seven were members of the Sanguinist society. There were also two small convents of Sisters of the same society, viz: at New Riegel and Thompson. An academy and convent established at Toledo, in 1845, belonged to the Sisters of Notre Dame, whose Motherhouse was in Cincinnati.1
For some months the Bishop resided in a rented house near the Haymarket. In 1848 he bought several lots on Bond street, corner of St. Clair, on which were located a large brick building and several frame houses. The brick building was fitted up as his residence.
Within a very short time after Bishop Rappe's arrival in Cleveland, he impressed all with his indefatigable zeal and great earnestness. As early as March, 1848, the Cleveland Herald, a secular paper, at no time during its long existence over-friendly towards Catholics, published in its issue of March 16th, the follow- ing item concerning Bishop Rappe, and his work in the cause of total abstinence, of which he had been for some years a practical and consistent advocate :
"Bishop Rappe is just what every man who has important enterprises in hand should be, a real workingman His labors, too, are for the benefit of others-the present and future-the temporal. social and moral improvement of the people of his charge. Strict sobriety, industry and economy are virtues which he inculcates with hearty good will-the sure stepping stones to individual, family and associated success. Temperance supports the super- structure and now over five hundred cold water men are enrolled in the Cleveland Catholic Temperance Society."
In January, 1848, Father Howard was sent to Tiffin, and Father De Goesbriand was appointed his successor and Vicar- general. St. Mary's congregation was composed of English and German speaking Catholics, who had far outgrown their church
(1) Closed in July, 1848.
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when Bishop Rappe came to Cleveland. He succeeded in getting a German priest, the Rev. Matthias Kreusch, C. PP. S., by whom separate services were given to the German portion of the congre- gation, thus tiding over the necessity of building another church at that time.
To supply the wants of the growing Catholic population, a frame building, 30 x 60, was erected on Superior street, a short distance east of Erie, near the site of the present cathedral, and next to the lots which the Rev. Peter Mclaughlin had bought in 1845 for church purposes. This frame building served several years as a "chapel of ease" for St. Mary's church, and as a paro- chial school, the first in the city. Folding doors cut off the sanc- tuary during school hours. The little church was commenced and finished in December, 1848. It was used for the first time on Christmas of the same year, and hence was called the Church of the Nativity.
In September, 1848, Bishop Rappe opened a small seminary in a one-story frame building, back of his residence on Bond street. Father De Goesbriand was its first superior. Among the young men first to apply for admission as seminarists were Messrs. James Monahan, August Berger, Peter Kreusch, Thomas J. Walsh, Michael O'Sullivan, E. W. J. Lindesmith, Francis McGann, Nicholas Roupp, William O'Connor, and Felix M. Boff, all of whom became priests. In 1849 the Rev. Alexis Caron succeeded Father De Goesbriand as superior of this humble seminary.
Shortly after the establishment of the diocese the Catholic population of Cleveland rapidly increased, owing to a large immi- gration from Ireland and Germany. The Bishop found it therefore of imperative necessity to build a second church for the accommo- dation of his growing flock (estimated in 1848 at about 4,000) in the episcopal city. He determined to make the new church his cathedral, to locate it at the corner of Erie and Superior streets, and after its completion to assign St. Mary's on the Flats to the Germans.
Sunday, October 29, 1848, the cornerstone of the present cathedral was laid. The Cleveland Herald of October 30, 1848, makes-mention of the ceremony in the following item :
"The ceremony of laying the cornerstone of the cathedral on Erie street was witnessed yesterday by a very large concourse of
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people. At one o'clock a numerous procession was formed at St. Mary's church and marched to the site of the cathedral. The ceremonies were conducted by Bishop Timon of Buffalo, Bishop LeFevre of Detroit, and Bishop Rappe of Cleveland, assisted by Vicar General De Goesbriand of Cleveland, Rev. P. J. Machebenf of Sandusky, Rev. J. H. Luhr of Canton, and the students of the theological seminary in this city. An eloquent address was de- livered by Bishop Timon, and a discourse in German by Rev. Mr. Luhr.
"The cathedral, when completed, will be a noble edifice and an ornament to the city. The dimensions will be 170 feet by 75, rising 50 feet from the water table to the eaves. The building is to be of brick, and the style of architecture will combine strength with beauty."
In November, 1848, the first diocesan synod was held, with fifteen priests in attendance. The second synod was held in 1852, and the third in 1854.
In September, 1849, Bishop Rappe went to Europe, his object being to solicit aid in his native France for the new cathedral then in process of erection ; and also to secure priests and sisters to aid him in his work. During his absence the Very Rev. Father De Goesbriand, V. G., administered the diocese. The Bishop succeeded in obtaining generous assistance from his countrymen, and in securing four priests1 and five seminarists,2 as also a band of devoted Ursulines from Boulogne, France, and two Sisters of Charity. Bishop Rappe returned from Europe in August, 1850. Besides visiting his diocese, he also superintended the building of the cathedral, and had the great satisfaction of having it conse- crated, and opened for divine service, November 7, 1852.
As above stated, Bishop Rappe was a strong advocate of total abstinence, having seen and felt the disastrous results of intem- perance whilst engaged on the mission in Toledo and along the Maumee valley. In March, 1851, he published a vigorous pastoral letter on this subject, of which the following is an extract :
"Among the evils which prevail, and of which the progress and consequences are most alarming, is one which we have observed for years, and more especially during our last visitation : it is one which fills with sorrow the hearts of your pastors and
(1) Revs. C. M. Coquerelle, C. Evrard, A. Gelaszewski, and J. B. Mareschal.
(2) Messrs. L. F. D'Arcy, Z. Druon, L. Filiere, L. Molon, and N. Penchel.
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counteracts all their efforts to promote your spiritual welfare; it is one which is more frightful than any calamity which could befall you; which threatens not only to put an end to all decent obser- vance of the Sunday, but to eradicate piety and to destroy every sentiment that elevates and ennobles the Christian soul, to bring inevitable ruin upon reason, honor and fortune-the drinking shop, the sink wherein all that is good is buried."
During the months of July and August, of the same year, on invitation of the Bishop, Father Mathew, the famous apostle of total abstinence, delivered a series of lectures and sermons in Cleveland and other cities and towns in this diocese. Thousands took the pledge of total abstinence from him. His labors, as those of Bishop Rappe in this regard, had most gratifying results.
On October 30, 1853, Father De Goesbriand was elevated to the Episcopacy, as first Bishop of Burlington, Vt., which important position he held for nearly forty-five years with eminent success. The Rev. James Conlan succeeded him as Vicar General, and acted as such till 1870.
Between 1848 and 1857 twenty-six churches were built within the limits of the Diocese of Cleveland. Whilst directing and en- couraging the organization of missions and congregations and the erection of churches for their accommodation, Bishop Rappe also provided for the care of orphans and the education of the young, all under charge of devoted sisters. To this end he authorized the founding of a convent of Sanguinist Sisters, at Glandorf, in 1848. During the Bishop's absence in Europe in 1850, Judge Cowles' mansion on Euclid avenue was bought for the Ursuline Sisters. For over forty years it was the Motherhouse of the Ursulines. The sisters took possession of their new home on their arrival in Cleveland, and alniost immediately opened a select school and academy. In 1851 the Ladies of the Sacred Heart of Mary established St. Mary's Orphan Asylum for girls. The first building used for the purpose was located on St. Clair street, near Bond, Cleveland. Toward the end of 1853 the asylum was transferred to Harmon street. In 1851 Bishop Rappe opened St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum for boys on Monroe street, Cleveland, and placed it in charge of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, a community he had established. with the assistance of Mother M. Ursula, of sainted memory. She was known in the world as Miss C. Bisson-
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ST. ADALBERT'S SCHOOL AND PASTORAL RESIDENCE, BEREA.
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ette. He also established an Ursuline Community and academy at Toledo in 1854. In 1855 the Grey Nuns, of Montreal, established at Toledo an orphanage for boys and girls, which is known as St. Vincent's Asylum.
Thus the most pressing wants of the diocese were supplied. The Bishop now directed his attention to the details of diocesan work, visiting every church and station at frequent intervals, giving missions, administering confirmation and preaching. Though constantly at work, either at home in his cathedral, or out in the diocese, he never showed signs of fatigue. Never satisfied with what he had already accomplished, he was always anxious to do still more for the glory of God and the good of religion. He was specially solicitous for Catholic schools, and where it was within the range of possibility priests were obliged to establish such in their respective parishes.
In September, 1850, the Bishop bought a fine property on Lake street, near Dodge, known as "Spring Cottage." The frame building on the large plat of ground was fitted up as a seminary, which was opened in November of the same year, with Father Caron as superior. During the summer of 1853, the north wing of the present building was erected, and in 1859, owing to the rapidly increasing number of seminarists, the present main or central por- tion of the seminary was built.
To give young men an opportunity to receive a college educa- tion under Catholic auspices, Bishop Rappe purchased, in 1854, an eligible property on the West Side, Cleveland, near St. Patrick's church. The incomplete frame buildings on the property were remodeled to serve the purpose of their purchase. In September of the same year they were opened under the name of St. John's College. This institution had, however, a fitful existence, owing to lack of patronage, and was finally closed in 1859.
Bishop Rappe published in the Cincinnati Catholic Telegraph, of February 2, 1856, the following Lenten Pastoral Letter, which beautifully portrays his burning zeal for souls :
To the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of Cleveland.
Beloved Brethren and Children in Christ :- We have just ter- minated the seventh visitation of our new diocese, and it is with
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feelings of deep gratitude to the God of Mercy that we have wit- nessed the rapid progress which the faith is making yearly. The number of our zealous clergy, of the faithful, the churches, the schools, and religious institutions has increased at the ratio of three to one, in the short period of eight years; and, what is more con- soling, is to see the spirit of piety and zeal prevailing in every congregation, and an invariable calmness and fortitude manifested by our beloved children in this late time of systematic persecution against the Church of God. But we should be unjust in not acknowledging that, after God, this holy growth of religion and Christian virtue has been highly forwarded and developed by the zeal, self-denial, prudence and piety of our brethren in the holy ministry. You have fought a good fight, worthy co-operators, and you already enjoy the fruits of your hard labors. But, in order to secure and increase more and more this consoling improvement in your beloved flocks, continue indefatigable in the care of the youth. Look upon the first communion of your little ones as the groundwork of a holy life. I would exhort you earnestly to set apart five or six weeks, immediately before admitting them to the Holy Table, in order to assemble them twice a day, and, in a familiar and pious manner, explain to them the Christian doctrine, enlighten their minds with a knowledge of the fundamental truths of religion, and lead their innocent hearts to the practice of piety and devotion. Do your best to induce the priests in your vicinity to give a few days' spiritual retreat to them before their general confession and first communion. "Suffer little children to come unto me." Fy doing so, dearly beloved friends, (and many of you have experienced it) you will create a new generation to replace the old one, which has so nobly and so constantly kept the faith and made the most generous sacrifices for the Catholic church in this country. I need not insist, beloved parents, on the necessity of your seconding the efforts and zeal of your beloved pastors. You will send your children to religious instruction at the time ap- pointed by your clergy; you will edify them at home by your pious example; you will draw from Heaven by your fervent prayers the graces necessary to secure to them the immense bless- ings of a good first communion. On that happy day Jesus will hasten to come unto them, to abide with them. "He that eateth
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my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me and I in him." He will transform their innocent hearts into delightful temples of piety and zeal. They will live by Jesus and the life of Jesus; but alas! should they receive unworthily, for want of preparation and a sincere confession, then they would eat and drink their own judgment and condemnation. In that case the Bread of Life is changed into a fatal poison which produces in the soul a deadly languor, a disgust of the things of God, a kind of despair, and not unfrequently a total shipwreck of faith and salvation. Such being the awful consequences of a bad communion, would you consent, beloved parents, to neglect anything in your power to prevent it? O, no! you love your children too dearly to expose their souls to such misfortune and ruin. You love your church too dearly to see them, by your fault, become her disgrace and her enemies. You have too great a zeal for your salvation to suffer your own children to be your condemnation before the tribunal of God. You know you are bound to secure as far as you can the religious instruction of your family. "He who hath not a care of his own household," says St. Paul, "hath denied the Faith, and is worse than an infidel." We have full confidence, then, that you will correspond with our exhortations and consult your welfare in sending your children timely and punctually to receive the instructions of their pastors. ¡AMADEUS, Bishop of Cleveland.
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CHAPTER II
THE RT. REV. BISHOP RAPPE'S ADMINISTRATION (CONTINUED).
THE VERY REV. EDWARD HANNIN'S ADMINISTRATION. 1870-1872
BISHOP RAPPE VISITS ROME IN 1860 AND 1862-FEMALE RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES INTRODUCED; CHARITABLE AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ESTAB- LISHED, 1862-1866-BISHOP RAPPE GOES TO ROME FOR THE FOURTH TIME, IN 1867-ST. FRANCIS' ASYLUM, TIFFIN, ESTABLISHED IN 1867-FRANCISCANS TAKE CHARGE OF ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, CLEVELAND, IN 1867, AND THE JESUITS OF ST. MARY'S, TOLEDO, IN 1869-CONVENT OF GOOD SHEPHERD ESTABLISHED IN 1869, AND A HOME FOR THE AGED POOR, IN CLEVELAND, IN 1870-BISHOP RAPPE'S TROUBLES-HIS RESIGNATION, AUGUST 22, 1870- THE VERY REV. EDWARD HANNIN APPOINTED ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DIOCESE-INJUNCTION SUIT AGAINST ST. BRIDGET'S CHURCH, CLEVELAND -LETTERS IN CLEVELAND PAPERS FOR AND AGAINST BISHOP RAPPE- FATHER HANNIN'S LETTER IN LEADER IN DEFENSE OF BISHOP RAPPE.
T HE second decade of Bishop Rappe's administration (1857- 1867), was remarkable for the large number of churches built, many of them handsome and spacious edifices-in all, fifty-six churches.
Bishop Rappe convoked the fourth diocesan synod in 1857; it resulted in much wholesome legislation. One of the statutes promulgated made it obligatory on all congregations, financially and numerically able, to support parochial schools. This law gave a new impulse to the parochial school system, so earnestly en- couraged by the Bishop, almost immediately after he came to Cleveland.
In 1860 Bishop Rappe paid his first decennial visit to Rome. During his absence the Very Rev. James Conlan, V. G., was ad- ministrator of the diocese. Two years later he again went to Rome to assist at the canonization of the Japanese martyrs, to which . ceremony many of the American bishops had been specially invited by Pius IX. The Very Rev. Alexis Caron, V. G., administered the affairs of the diocese during the Bishop's absence.
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In 1862 St. Joseph's Asylum for orphan girls was opened on Woodland avenue, Cleveland, to relieve the crowded condition of St. Mary's Asylum on Harmon street.
In 1863 the Ursulines of Cleveland established a mission at Tiffin, placing it in charge of Mother M. Joseph as superioress. In a few years it grew to be a prosperous community, its academy meeting with public favor almost from the very opening.
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