USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Conewago in Adams County > Conewago : a collection of Catholic local history : gathered from the fields of Catholic missionary labor within our reach. > Part 19
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Father Finnegan was an Irishman but became a Jesuit in the U. S, He labored at St. Inigoes, but his mind giving away he was no longer allowed to perform his priestly offices. He remained there as a pensioner until the house was burned in 1870, when he was sent to Conewago where he still re- mains. He had great talents and was a fine scholar and preacher. He is 1
now in his 85th year, and is blind. There was a Fr. Timothy Kelley here about Fr. Steinbacher's time ; he was an Irishman : also Brother Quinlan, who taught a small school. Brother Gahan, an old Irishman was cook for years, also Bro. Redmond, an excellent scholar ; there was a Bro. Doyle, a painter, about 1858 or '60, who gave the interior of the church some touches. Bro. Maurice Cavanaugh was also one of the cooks ; he was original and warm-hearted, and thought the Germans had not a single virtue. The great- er number of Brothers who were here might be called " institutions " ; they all remained so long. The present Brothers are, Donovan, McGonigle and Hamilton, all worthy representatives of their native land.
The Sisters of Charity were the first who had a school at McSherrys- town. The Ladies of the Sacred Heart came about 1840 ; Madam Gallitzin, niece of the great Father, was the General of the order. They imagined the climate was unhealthy and left ; the house remained vacant for about four years, when some members of the order returned. Their school was suc- cessful until Madam Verhulst, a Belgian. was sent as Superior, who did not believe in American customs, especially of having fires in winter. The house was again vacant, when in 1854, the Sisters of St. Joseph took posses- sion and have been very successful. Many have been received into the Order from among the Catholics of the Valley. Two daughters of Samuel Sneeringer entered about 1858 : Matilda, a daughter of Bernard Noel, Sister
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Lucy ; Mary Fleshman, Sister Berchman ; Miss Creighton, of McSherrys- town, entered about fifteen years ago, Sister Stanislaus, teacher of drawing and painting ; a lady of remarkable talents. Samuel Sneeringer has two daughters at Chestnut Hill, Sister St. Ephrem and Sister Raphael, both teachers of music. Miss Poist, of McSherrystown, is a useful member at Lebanon. Miss Busby, daughter of J. Busby, is in religion Sister St. John ; she has two Sisters at Chestnut Hill. Salome Noel, sister of the Jesuits Fabian and Michael, is a member of St. Joseph's, also Anna Brady. Joseph Sneeringer had a daughter, Kate, who joined the Sacred Heart, and died
many years ago. Madames Gubernator. Sullivan and Bumgardner, were all from these parts, also Madam Donaho, an orphan, who was raised by the Lilly family. Madam Bowles was a daughter of Mrs Sullivan, a poor widow, whose children were raised by strangers ; there was a Jesuit among them, now in California, a most talented man now over sixty. Mad- am Bowles was a widow, very talented, and the nuns educated her ; she was afterwards Superior at Eden Hall until her death. Sister Willet, daughter of George W., is a religious of the Sacred Heart. Sister Tuttle, an orphan raised by Miss Sally Lilly, belongs to the S. H .; she entered at Eden Hall. Norrisdale, in 1855, where she still resides, aged about 50. Ann Smith, daughter of the late Joseph Smith, near Irishtown, is at Chestnut Hill as Sr. Bridget, aged about fifty, twenty-five in religion. Miss Noel, of Paradise, entered many years ago ; Madie Noel, of New Oxford, and Miss Koehler, of Abbottstown, have been lately received at St. Joseph's. Two sisters of David C. Smith died in that Order, Helen and Verlinda. Matthias Martin, dec'd. of Irishtown, had a daughter who entered at McSherrystown about 12 years ago, Sister Agnes ; she died about two years ago, aged 34. He had two daughters Sisters of Charity ; one died young, Caroline; the other, Agnes, is still living, and has been a member for thirty years. Two of the Dellones, and Miss Shorb, of Littlestown, became Sisters of Charity years ago ; the latter, Sr. Ann Alexis, was widely known as one of the most useful and zealous members of her order ; she died a few years ago in St Louis, at an advanced age, beloved by all who knew her. Sister M. Clare. of Frederick, is a sister of the Fathers Lilly ; she joined the Visitation Order
at the age of eighteen, and is now fifty-four. Her life has been spent in teaching the higher branches, and she is a beautiful penswoman, and always teaches one of the first classes in writing. There is one, though of the colored race. must not be forgotten, she was taken from the county alms- house by Mrs. Valinda Jenkins, who raised her with a mother's care ; Susan Jones was her name ; she showed remarkable piety in her childhood and youth, and no weather ever kept her from Mass or Holy Communion. At length her pious wishes were crowned with success and she became an Oblate Sister at Baltimore. where she lived a most holy life and died Jan. 17th, 1868, the very day on which her good and beloved Mistress breathed her last. May they both rest in peace. Mr. Joseph Clunk, of McSherrystown, has two daughters of St. Joseph,-Mary entered about 1870, Sister Antoinette ; Alphonse entered about 1880. Annie Kuhn, daughter of Edw. J., and grand- daughter of the late Judge Kuhn, is a Sister of Charity at St. Louis. She entered at McSherrystown in 1877, at the age of sixteen. Rosa, daughter of J. E. Smith, entered at McSherrystown several years ago : she has an aunt there,-Sister De Sales. Annie McSherry, of White Hall, became a Sis-
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ter at Chestnut Hill. There may be others, whose names have escaped memory, or who joined the orders years ago.
Wm. Gubernator, a German. was the first organist at Conewago. He was self-taught. His son, John L., succeeded and held the office many years, through Father Lekeu's time. He was a fine musician, and had a deep, sonorus voice. Miss Baumgardner, who taught school, had charge a while ; she joined the S. H. about 1849. Prof. Bolster and family acted in that capacity for a short time, and also one of the elder Smiths. John Brady succeeded, having taken lessons in Baltimore ; he served faithfully for thirty-two years. D. C. Smith has charge at present ; he is also a good mu- sician and a fine singer.
Rev. Patrick Duddy was at Conewago for two years, about 1865, rather as an invalid though he did considerable duty. He was born in Ireland about 1820, and was for a long time a prefect and teacher at Georgetown College. He has been stationed at St. Joseph's. Phila., since, and is still in delicate health. Father McNierny was there about the same time ; he was born in Washington about 1824 ; ordained about 1862 ; he afterwards left the Society, but died an edifying death about 1870. Fathers Lynch and Gibbons were at Conewago about the time of Fathers Steinbacher and Tuffer, 1844 to 1846. Father Gibbons died young, at White Marsh ; he was born about 1820. Father Lynch died recently : he was born in Ireland about 1814. Father Dom Pieri, I think was born in Trent and educated in Rome ; and place the date of his birth at about 1820. Father Charlin, who succeeded him for two months at Conewago, was a Frenchman, born about 1814 or '16. Father Cattani was a Bavarian, but his father was an Italian. Fathers Enders, Cattani and George Villiger were educated together at the same College ; and if Father Enders had been buried at Conewago where he desired to be, and which had such great claims as a fit resting place for him. all three would have lived together in death as they did in life, though I am sure their souls are happy in Heaven. As the dates are given only from memory, they may not be exactly correct.
Fathers Thomas and Samuel Lilly were born in the red brick house along Lilly's dam, standing yet. They were sons of Henry Lilly, who was a son of John, and he a son of Samuel, who came from Bristol about 1730. He was a fuller in England : the Lillys carried on a woolen mill for many years along the Conewago. Several of them represented York County in the General Assembly before 1800.
IN CONCLUSION .- There are yet many things connected with the' growth of the Catholic Church. that we should like to notice, but more time and labor have already been given than can well be spared. The Councils form an interesting part of the history of the Church in America, and so her various institutions of religion and learning, but we are compelled to forego further mention. The history of Conewago dates back to the time when there were only a few priests and a few Catholic churches in America ; now there are thousands, and millions of the faithful. One hundred years ago we found no colleges ; now the great project of founding a Catholic Univer- sity has taken definite shape and Washington has been selected as its site. During the Council in Baltimore, in Nov., 1884, a pious and wealthy Cath- olic lady presented several hundred thousand dollars for the purpose, and
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the Bishops and priests are making every effort to has'en on the great desire of the Church in America. Will this country ever have a Catholic daily paper ? The Catholic press is stronger and more prosperous than ever before. Rome has showered favors on the Church in our country, by bestowing bless- ings on her, and honors and titles on her most worthy clergy. Leo XIII. is a watchful Vicar of Christ, and the needs of the Church and the care of the faithful find in him a noble guardian,-a worthy successor of the saintly Pontiff, Pius IX., who truly bore many crosses from Heaven that the light might come after him, and some day they will be numbered among the saints by the church militant. The American Church is now without a Car- dinal, but Catholics are looking hopefully and expectantly towards Rome, from New York, from Baltimore and from the West. They who next bear this high rank will be eminently deserving, and there is none more so than the Primate of the Church in America who presided at the late Council, Archbishop Gibbons of Baltimore. As yet the Church in the East commands attention by reason of age, strength and wealth ; but already the church in the West is making itself heard and felt, and the day will come when the East will pay tribute to the West in ecclesiastical affairs as well as in mat- ters of politics, trade and finance. Catholics have everywhere their schools, and the question now agitated. of greatest interest to them, is their being compelled to support the public schools where they send no children. This can only be accomplished by supporting men and measures. and not blindly following any party as has been too much the case heretofore. The Catholic Church as an institution in this country has succeeded so prudently and wisely thus far, that it occupies a most desirable vantage ground in Ameri- can history, past and present, and has a most hopeful future. Never has it been found wanting in true religion, education. science and patriotism. While skepticism and infidelity are now proclaiming themselves boldly in the public places, and millions are following the worldliness and tendency of the age to unrestraint in mind and morals, threatening ultimate chaos to all profession of faith in revealed truth and the teaching of ages, the Cath- olic Church stands firm as the Rock on which she is built.
Many are led away, alas ! by the false glamor of a progress as deceptive as it is base and hollow. This age " lives too fast," without the fear of God before it or a thought of what is to come hereafter. In many things the Church is led away by the worldliness of the age. and is bound to share eventually in its results. At all times and under all circumstances, God has raised up some one for its safety and protection. and the gates of hell shall never prevail against the Church that He has promised to be with for- ever. Never was there greater necessity for the watchfulness of the Cath- olic Church than now. May she not be found sleeping when the bridegroom cometh !
The Church has every reason to rejoice, while at the same time there are causes of regret in the spiritual and natural order of things. Even now she is mourning for the loss of her highest prelate and first Cardinal, John McCloskey. He was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 20th, 1810, and was baptized by Father A. Kohlman, S. J., the first pastor of Old St. Peter's, in New York. Cardinal McCloskey was educated at Mt. St. Mary's, and or- dained by Father Dubois Jan. 22d, 1834 ; consecrated Bishop March 10th, 1844 ; succeeded Archbishop Hughes in 1864, and created a Cardinal Priest
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in 1875. The history of his life is the history of the Catholic Church in New York. He was loved, honored and respected by all. When created a Cardinal, it surprised the Ameri- can world and gave rise to much speculation as to the intentions of the Catholic Church, but when he died not a voice was raised except to praise and bless him. His life was full of great works and good deeds, that will live after him to the glory of God. He died on Saturday, Oct. 10th, 1885, at 12-50 A. M. He was buried beneath the altar of the mag- nificent Cathedral in New York, Oct. 15th. Thousands attended the fu- neral ceremonies, and many priests and Bishops were present. Arch- bishop Corrigan celebrated Pontifi- cal Mass. Archbishop Gibbons preached the sermon.
The last moments of the late Car- dinal were happy and peaceful. It was midnight Friday night when the dying Cardinal opened his eyes, and a smile came upon his white lips. The strong. saintly spirit seemed to shine for a moment in the thin feat- ures, and then the eyes closed again. Slower and slower the white raiment of the couch rose and fell. One wasted hand held a silver crucifix and the other pressed it to his bosom. There was deep peace upon the still face. and the snowy locks were brushed back upon the pillow .- Worn with watching and nursing, Dr. Keyes sat near his patient and looked into the venerable counte- nance with great tenderness. --- Archbishop Corrigan stood at the foot of the bed, robed in black cas- sock with purple sash. His head was bowed and his lips moved. Mgr. Farley gazed upon the dying man with moistened eyes, and the Rev. Dr. McDonnell, tall, clear- eyed and sorrowful, stood beside Mgr. Preston. Soon the doctor
CARDINAL JOHN M' CLOSKEY.
OLD ST. PETER'S.
We close this sketch with au engraving from an old print of the first Catholic church in New York city. It was here the cardinal was baptized, and he was the last living priest to remember the old building. It was completel on Nov. 4, 1775, and will shortly celebrate its 100th anniversary. On its site stands the present St. P ter's, in the rear of the Astor house. Thousands upon thousands of emigrants landing on our shores have sought out this church to return thanks to Providence for their safe passage
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raised his hand and whispered that it would all be over. Then the Cardi- nal's nieces entered the room. They were clad in black. As the ladies ap- proached the deathbed several pale nuns stole softly in at the door, and four priests from the Vicar General's house came in after them. All the watchers knelt. The weary eyes opened for the last time. At the feet of the dying man was a small table, whereon, between two burning tapers up- held by golden angels, was a glittering crucifix, and in the center of it two pieces of the true cross of Christ. At the left was another bright taper, and beside it lay the scarlet cap of the Cardinal. From the walls pictures of St. John, the Cardinal's patron saint, and of the Virgin Mary looked down in the dim light. At the side of the bed was Father Dubresse murmuring prayers for the dying. The priest's eyes dwelt lovingly upon those of his superior when they opened. There was a soft sound of crying as the ladies ap- proached the death couch. Again the strong soul and fine intellect dwelt in the face, and again the eyes closed. The light sparkled on the little silver crucifix, and shone in the well-worn Bishop's ring upon the white hand. Still Father Dubresse prayed for the gentle spiritual shepherd. The low trembling voice vibrated all through the room. Then the light seemed to die upon the white walls as the Cardinal met his last sorrow. The dying face writhed with pain, the weak hand clasped the crucifix still closer, and the sobbing of the ladies was heard as they knelt. Now the white raiment of the couch hardly moved at all. The loving priest had ceased his prayers. A strong sigh broke from the lips of the dying man, and then there came into his face the smile of one who has reached home after a day of labor. No one said it. The doctor did not move from his place. The broken hearted women and the meek-eyed priests still knelt. But there came into the room a hush, and the watchers knew that the Cardinal's throne was vacant
CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS.
In the hurry and confusion of a printing office. wherein most of the labor on this book was done, many typographical errors have crept in. and on the same account its grammatical construction is often faulty and com- monplace, much in the line of newspaper work. The facts and dates have received more particular attention, and are as nearly correct as possible un- der the circumstances interposed by time and life's fitful tide. The really intelligent reader will understand all this and more. For the rest we care not. The mite we have to offer will never be noticed by the great buil- ders of the Church's history. If it affords an humble soul any little satis- faction, our greatest expectations are more than realized ; and from such. a fervent prayer in our behalf will be a greater reward than is deserved.
The encouragement and assistance given us by many good priests and pious persons, will ever be kindly remembered. To Father Thomas C. Mid- dleton, O. S. A .. of Villanova, we are especially indebted ; also to Father John A. Morgan, S. J., of Woodstock, now of St. Joseph's, Philadelphia ; and to Martin I. J. Griffin, Esq., the Catholic historian of Old St. Joseph's. May their labors in the great work before the Church in America be suc- cessful ; and their reward, promised to every faithful servant by the good Master of us all, full beyond measure. Our obligations are gratefully ac-
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knowledged to the Catholic Publication Society, of New York, Laurence Kehoe, Esq., Manager ; and to the Catholic Mirror Publishing Co., of Balti- more, for courtesies extended.
Such corrections and additions are here made as seem most necessary, leaving the rest to the reader's intelligent judgment and kind forbearance.
Page 41 .-- The Franciscan Missionaries sent to Maryland were, Father Massey, 1672 ; Polycarp Whicksted, 1674 ; Basil Hobart, 1675 ; Henry Fran- cisco, 1675 ; Edward Golding, Henry Carew, Superior of the Missions, 1677., Oliver's Collections, p. 541.
Page 43 .- " Josiah Creighton " is a traditional name. Father Greaton's name was Joseph, and Old St. Joseph's, Phila., was built by him and named after him.
Page 45 .- Some claim Fr. Henry Neale died at St. Inigoes. Conewago was always subject to the Maryland Missions to which it belonged.
Page 47 .- Reference to Gov. Gordon, who died in Phila., in 1736: Mr. Griffin thinks Gov. Morris is meant. ( See Pa. Archives and Rupp's History of Lancaster Co.) Fr. Wapeler, also spelt Wappelar, was in America eight years. and the date of his purchase in Lancaster may have been earlier than 1740.
Page 50 .- Two last lines and first two lines of first paragraph refer to each other.
St. Thomas Manor not always the residence of Superiors ; ceased to be so fifty years ago.
John Baptist De Ritter, S. J., was second pastor of Goshenhoppen, 1765 to 1785 ; visited Haycock, Reading, Makunzie, Cedar Creek, Sharp Mount- ain ; was at Allentown in 1774: died Feb. 3d, 1787.
Page 53 .- Father Pellentz made Conewago his home from 1758 until his death in 1800.
Page 53 .- Father Carroll at Conewago: Mr. Griffin makes the date 1785.
Page 55 .- Erection of Conewago church begun: From a scrap of a report to the Society by Father Enders, we see that preparations were made as early as 1785, as great labor was involved by the dressing of the stone and hauling them from near East Berlin.
Page 57 .- Father Molyneaux, ( so spelled by Father Neale. to whom the title of the Conewago property descended : spelled neux in Soc. rec.,) was Superior of the Jesuits ; died Dec, 9th, 1808 ; was President of Georgetown College, where he is buried. In his diary there is the following entry : May 15th. 1775, would speak to Mr. Cauffman about signing over lands in Pigeon Hills to Mr. Lewis. Father Lewis succeeded him as Superior ; but we do not know what land was meant. except that it was a tract about two miles from Abbottstown. It may have been the "Seminary " land, and that Joseph Heront came into possession of it through his acquaintance with Father Molyneaux, as they were both exiles from France.
Page 58 .- Father Brosius founded a school at Mount Airy, where not so.
Page 60 .- Herr Schmett, ( Mr. Smith,) Father Gallitzin : James McSher- ry, member of the Penn. Legislature from Adams Co., in 1811, introduced the resolution authorizing Father Smith to assume his right name of Gallitzin.
Page 62 .- Father Rotoff was pastor of the Holy Trinity ( German ) church, Philadelphia, in 1826.
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Page 63 .- Fr. James Cummiskey, a secular priest, pastor of Old St. Joseph's, Phila., in 1824-5, was a brother of Eugene Cummiskey, Catholic publisher about forty years ago, and uncle of the late Eugene C., also a publisher.
1830, Sunday ; Sept. 26th. at Conewago. by Bishop Kenrick, Rev. James Bradley ordained priest ; Thomas Gegan, Thos. R. Butler, F. X. Gartland, Edward Sourin, sub-deacons ; 368 confirmed at 9 A. M.
Page 63 .- Father Beschter was stationed at Frederick in 1816-18, with Father Maleve ; was Rector of St. John's, Balto., in 1824 ; was at Georgetown College in 1829. Father Randanne came to this country in 1817 ; was Pro- fessor of Latin at St. Mary's College, Balto .. died at St. Charles College, Howard Co., Md., in 1864. Father Alexius Elder was born in Oct., 1791 ; died in Jan., 1871.
Page 63 .- The Pope who suppressed the Jesuits against his will, was Clement XIV.
Page 65 .- For reference to Frs. Britt and Byrne see Laity's Directory of 1822, not now in our reach ; may be White Marsh, England, but we think Russia is correct.
Page 68 .- Dween and Divin are no doubt the same; he attended the York church and was at Carlisle as late as 1840.
Page 69 .- Zacchi should be Sacchi, and Kendler Kendeler. Hatting we can find no trace of and think it a mistake for Cotting. as Father Cotting built the York church and not Hatting as we have stated. Father Sacchi attended York from 1841 to 1843.
Page 69 .- Rev. Nicholas Steinbacher, S. J., in May, 1842, blesses corner- stone of the Immaculate Conception Church. Nippenose Valley ; in June, 1842, blesses corner-stone of St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville ; visits Dan- ville from Nippenose Valley. where he goes four times a year ; was at Leb- anon in 1843. Father Steinbacher would be gone from Conewago two and three weeks, attending the Mountain Missions and those in " Nipper's " Valley, as he entered the name in his diary, 1844 to '46.
Page 70 .- Monaschei should be Monachesi.
Page 74 .- The statement that Father Enders built the old school houses is doubted, and believed to have been built by Father Lekeu. Father Enders put up the first iron fence before the church.
Page 75 .- 16th line-Bellair or Bell Air : 21st line-ante-pendium.
Page 81 .- Sisters Anne and Agnes first two sisters.
Page 90 .- 15th line-School or novitiate. ( Is " noviceship " in will.)
Page 103 .- James J. Gormley pastor of Bonneauville.
Page 106 .- The corner-stone of the Mountain Church said to have been blessed by Rev. Fenan, S. J. We have never heard of the name before, especially not of the Society of Jesus. It may have been Phelan, who atten - ded Chambersburg before 1800. He was a " traveling priest," further we know not ; his name is spelled Phelan, Failin, Feilin, and several other ways. He is mentioned by Finotti. Who was he ? He is mentioned as far west as the Ohio, and through Cumberland, Potomac and Shenandoah Val- leys.
Page 109 .- Father Zocchi was ordained in Rome, which he visited short- ly after 1800. See Life of Mother Seton. There is a book of his preserved by some one at Westminster, wherein his ordination is recorded.
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Page 116 .- The Hagerstown Church :- The name Tieman should be Tieran or Tiernan. Frs. Cahill and Gallitzin from about 1818, 3d line from the bottom. Page 117 .- Rev. James Redmond seems to have taken charge of the Hagerstown church during the summer of 1818, when the records begin. Corner-stone laid in 1826, not '25. The church was dedicated Oct. 5th, 1828, by Archbishop Whitfield, of Balto. Rev. J. Ryan was pastor, still remembered by some of the old members of the congregation as a man of great personal influence. He was sometimes called upon to quell disturban- ces along the Canal, and succeeded better in restoring order than a company of soldiers. He is buried in front of the church. See sketch of the dedica- tion in U. S. Catholic Miscellany, Charleston, Oct. 18th. 1828. High Mass was sung by the Archbishop, assisted by Rev. J. McGerry and Rev. J. Purcell, of Mt. St. Mary's. Thirty-two persons were confirmed. Father Purcell preached an able sermon. Father Flaut was a saintly man. Father Moran, now in Princeton, N. J., labored zealously at Hagerstown during the war, and was liked by all. Page 120 .- 6th line, Sisters received $700. In July, 1885, the Sisters of St. Joseph left the Hagerstown Mission. The School Sis- ters of Notre Dame, Govanstown, Md., took their place. Aug. 10th, Sister Ignatia, Superior : Sisters Germain, Geralda and Sentfrida, arrived ; about 120 pupils attend the school. A Fair was held in Sept., and $1400 re- alized towards paying the debt on the church. Father Manly, the present pastor, is laboring hard for the improvement of the church and the success of the congregation.
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