History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884, Part 123

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 992

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In 1800, January 1st, Dr. Carr received into the church the first Philadelphian to become Catholic and Christian in the nineteenth century. He was a negro slave named Cæsar Ducombe. Among the many interesting entries in the old registries of St. Angustine's we note the following :

Baptisms.

1801, December 1st, Caroline Eugenia Girard, Henrietta Maria Girard.

1803, November 20th, Augueta Virginia Peale.

1806, March 20th, Mary Frances Borie.

1810, September 13tb, Adolpbue Edward Borie.

1810, November 11th, Mary Aun Da Costa.

1816, June 4th, Sophia Elizabeth Borie, Emily Mary Borie, Charles Beauvenu Borie.

1817, July 17th, George Washington Singerly.

1819, June 3d, Charles Louis Borie.

1820, November 19th, Louisa Augusta Da Costa.

1822, March 6th, Matbew Carey Lea.

1823, April 6th, Bertrand Peale.

Marriages.

1808, February 12th, John Joseph Borie to Sophia Beauveat. Fielding Lucas to Elizabethi Carroll.

John Hoskins to Catharine Girard.

Henry Dominic Lallemand to Henrietta Maria Girard. The witnesses to this marriage were Stephen Girard, Joseph Buonaparte, Count of Sur- villiers, Marshal Count de Grouchy, Geo. Charles Lallemand, of the Imperial army, etc.

In 1808, January 11th, Dr. Hurley baptized Peter Albright, the same who afterward, in 1844, took so prominent a part in bnrning the churches, and lic had been destroyed at St. Augustine's.

In 1821, February 1st, Dr. Hurley assisted at the marriage of his sister Catharine to Augustus Taney, brother of the late chief justice of the United States, Roger B. Taney.

In 1820 the first musical celebration which arrested public attention in the United States was at St. Au- gustine's Church. Dr. Hurley had got it up with the aid of Messrs. Carr and Schetky, well-known teach- ers of music, to raise funds to erect an altar and beau- tify the church. The trombones and their players came from Bethlehem, Pa., from the Moravian Semi- nary, and other amateurs from various parts of the United States.3

On Sunday, May 27, 1821, Bishop Conwell issued sentence of excommunication against (Rev.) William Hogan from the altar of St. Augustine's Church.

In 1832, during the ravages of the Asiatic cholera, Dr. Hurley had all the furniture, books, ete., removed from the school and convent, and turned them into

1 See Sunday Dispatch for more regarding this bell; also Etting'e Ilis- tory of Independence Hall.

2 The marble faldet on the façade of the present church puts its foundation in 1798, and Its dedication in 1801. Father Jordan puts the foundation in 1799. Amid this conflict of authorities we have chosen the view that seethe best supported by collateral evidence,-viz., that ae the ground was hought in 1796, the subscription-books opened in 1796, one should put the foundation of the church (as above) on the first Sunday of September, 1796, and ite dedication in 180I.

3 See Binns' Autobiography.

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HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.

hospitals for the reception of persons stricken with the disease. The buildings were fitted up suitably, and charitable nurses administered to their wants. Binns says three hundred and sixty-seven patients were cared for in all, of whom only forty-eight were Catholics. The city afterward paid the expenses of this charity, but Dr. Hurley declined to accept any other pecuniary remuneration. His church was de- stroyed in 1844.

In 1833, Father Nicholas O'Donnell, O.S.A., as- sistant to Dr. llurley, undertook the editorship of the Catholic Herald, the pioneer of Catholic Philadel- phia newspapers. He continued it up to 1839.

In 1836 was purchased, for cemetery purposes, by Dr. Hurley, a lot of ground at Bush Hill, formerly the country-seat of Governor Andrew Hamilton (in 1740) upon Schuylkill Eighth [Fifteenth] Street, below Coates | Fairmount Avenue]. It was opened on the 1st of September, 1836. The first interment was of a child. The growth of the city in after-years compelling it to be vacated, the remains of those who had been buried there were removed (where they had kin) to St. Augustine's graveyard on Fourth Street, or to Cathedral Cemetery, while the unclaimed dead were buried at the expense of the church, at St. Dennis' graveyard, at Haverford, Delaware Co. The last interment at Bush Hill was on the 20th of August, 1853.

In 1838 the census of the parish of St. Augustine's gives the following numbers, viz. :

Number of yearly communicants .. 750

.. " these who have not made first communion. 200

" baptisms ... 183

" marriages. 54

44 " converts 15

44 " adults in the parish .. 2146

under fourteen and over seven years. 350

under seven years 506

Total number. 3002

Of these there were natives of Irelaod. 1494

" United States. 508

" Germany 73

" England 37

" Italy and Switzerland .. 8

Scotland ... 5

" France. etc 21

" unclassified.

856

Total number 3002

In 1840, Father James O'Donnell, O.S.A., of this church, built at Williamsburg, N. Y., the church of St. Mary's, and on June 27th, of this year, it was blessed by Bishop Dubois. In 1844, May 8th, Wednesday, was consummated a gross wrong against Christianity. The church of St. Augustine's, founded fifty years before through the piety and charity of Philadelphians, aided by contributions from even those of alien creeds, of even the great hero of America's patriotism ; the church that had opened its portals in time of dire dis- tress to the woe-stricken of 1834, when abandoned by their own lawful guardians; the church that was a repository of so many monuments of art and learning as should have insured it respect and veneration by all who had any regard for aught holy or renowned for age, or hallowed by religious or patriotic associa-

tions; this church was, on the day above, with all its buildings, convent, library, schools, etc., given to the flames, and thus destroyed by the violence of a mob of fanatics. Its treasures were lost or scattered, and the few recovered were disfigured, mutilated, and ruined.

The following is a summary of the ruin wrought during 1844 :

Two churches destroyed by fire, one church twice fired and desecrated, one seminary and house of retreat burned, two presbyteries destroyed, one theological library destroyed, two schools destruyed, one sisters' or- phanage destroyed, about forty dwelling houses destroyed, about forty lives lost, about sixty citizens wounded ; aod riot, rebellion, and treason rampant ; the laws set at defiance, and peace and order imperiled by the violence of ruffians. The losses to the church, including huidings, personal property, etc., are three thousand volumes, the property of Dr. Carr, Dr. Hurley, Rev. George Staunton, Rev. Thomas Kyle, Rev. James O'Donnell, and the Catholic Library Association,-valued at $13,020.

Church furniture. $5,370.87

Rev. Joho P. O'Dwyer's effects. 9,225.00

Rev. James O'Donnell's effects. 6,916.75

Rev. Thomas Kyle's effects 570.00

Rev. Francis Asbe's & effects.

William Harnett's 150.00

Four servants' effects. 170.00

Six trom bones 300 00

House furniture. 3,650.07

Damages to buildings.

839,372.69 44,255.06

Total amount of damages to buildings and personal property. $83,627.75

This was claimed from the city. The Court of Nisi Prius, in 1847, November 29th, awarded 847,433.87. The singularity of this figure is accounted for from the fact that the jury that had the case in hand were un- able to agree, until one of them, brighter witted than his fellows, suggested that each of them should name the sum he was willing to allow for damages, and the sum total should be divided by twelve, their number. This was agreed to, with the result that the damages found reached the figure as above.

The causes of this destruction may be given : first, the remote ones, viz., the growing spirit of hostility to foreigners, and especially to Catholics, which had first found vent in 1834 in the destruction of the Ursuline Convent at Charlestown, Mass .; second, the malignant efforts of the ministers of various Protestant churches in 1841, in New York chiefly, to raise persecution vs. Catholics : and proximate causes, the association of Protestant clergymen in Philadelphia in 1842, under the title of the " Protestant Association," which was directed against the church. Incidentally, the crisis was brought about in Philadelphia by, first, the evil results of the Hogan schism, and, second, by the bold language used in the pulpit aud out of the pulpit by the champions of the Catholic side. This undoubt- edly was an occasion to the enemies of the faith to turn to the unchristian weapons of fire and bloodshed.

Within three months after the destruction of St. Augustine's, Father O'Dwyer, O.S.A., had erected the chapel of Our Lady of Consolation, which served as a parish church until the new and present one was built, in 1848. During the interval of three months the congregation of St. Augustine's was allowed by the courtesy of St. Joseph's Fathers to use their church

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for devotions, mass, etc. The chapel of Our Lady Moriarty founded the St. Augustine's Catholic Total was toru down in 1871, to make room for the large and well-equipped parish schools on Crown Street.

In 1847 it was resolved to proceed toward the rebuild- ing of St. Augustine's. The court had now awarded damages for the ruin of 1844, and, in April of this year, the congregation voted three thousand dollars toward the expenses of the new church. On May 27th (Sunday) the corner-stone was blessed by Bishop Kenrick ; Dr. Ryder, S.J., preached. The site of the new church is identical with that of the old one, and the side lines of the building the same. The present church extends eighteen feet farther to the rear to allow of sanctuary room, and eight feet nearer Fourth Street to allow of a tower. The dimensions are one hundred and fifty-two feet long, sixty-two feet wide, and height of tower two hundred feet. The style is Roman Palatine; the architect, N. Le Brun.

In 1848, December, Sunday, the new church was consecrated (free of debt) by Bishop Kenrick, while Bishop Hughes, of New York, preached at high mass. In 1847 the Synod of Philadelphia had laid down the boundaries of the parishes of St. Augustine's and St. Joseph's, and in 1876 Bishop Wood revised them as they are at present.

The schools of St. Augustine's are noticed first in Dr. Carr's time. In 1813 he put a mortgage " on and for the benefit of the school-house." This is the earliest mention of a school. From the date above it may be inferred that a school existed prior to 1813. This school-house was afterward "rented to a Mr. Bad- lock." In 1838 the "school-house" is insured per- petually in the Philadelphia Company for forty dollars premium ; in 1841 the teachers were, for the boys, Peter Madigan and - Nugent, and for the girls Mrs. - Holmes. In 1871 the fine large brick building now in use was put up by Father Mark Crane, O.S.A., pastor, and in 1874 given into the charge of the Brothers of the Christian Doctrine. The Sisters of St. Joseph, who succeeded the Sisters of the Holy Cross, now conduct the girls' department in the parish school, and a select academy on Fourth Street. Pre- vious to the coming of the religious named above, the schools were under lay teachers, directed by the Fathers of the church. It should not be forgotten that the Orphans' Asylum on Spruce Street was at an early year in this century indebted largely, if not chiefly, to the efforts of Dr. Hurley, O.S.A., who in this was greatly aided by Mr. Cornelius Tiers (now deceased). Dr. Hurley got the Sisters of Charity from Emmittsburg, Md., in 1814.1

The societies of St. Augustine's Church of which earliest mention is made are : 1828, January 8, founded St. Augustine's Beneficial Society ; in 1837 are men- tioned a Library Society, a Rosary Society, and a Temperance Society. This seems the first temperance society on record. In 1840, Sunday, June 28, Dr.

Abstinence Society. In 1840, August 28, Dr. Moriarty founded the St. Augustine's Catholic Temperance Beneficial Society of Philadelphia; in 1840, Septem- ber (by the same), a Temperance Literary Association for the young men of the parish. Early in 1843 (by the same), St. Augustine's Youth's Literary Institute. The Confraternity of Our Lady of the Cincture, being an usual aggregation in Augustinian churches, was probably from the beginning. The oldest members now living found it in standing when they first joined.

The pastors of St. Augustine's Church have been : Carr, Matthew, D.D., 1801-20; Hurley, Michael, D.D., 1820-37; O'Donnell, Nicholas, 1837-39 ; Mori- arty, Patrick Eugene, D.D., 1839-44; O'Dwyer, John Possidins, 1844-50 ; Moriarty (second time), 1850-55; Stanton, Patrick Augustine, D.D., 1855-57 ; Mullen, Ambrose Augustine, 1857-61 ; Crane, Mark, 1861-71 ; Crane, Peter, 1871 to date.

Number of baptisms from 1801 to 1882 (seven years excepted). 15,226

marriages " (one year excepted). 4,411

confirmations from 1838 (the first) to 1883 6,042

Highest number of baptisnis (1854). 435

confirmations (1867) 428

= marriages (1854).

163

Lowest 44 baptisms (1801) =

= marriages (1809)

confirmations (1838) 101

St. John's Church .- In consequence of the con- tinued difficulty between the trustees of St. Mary's Church and Rt. Rev. Henry Conwell, D.D., Bishop of Philadelphia, and Rt. Rev. Francis Patrick Kenrick, coadjutor, Rev. John Hughes, then pastor of St. Joseph's Church, formed the design of erecting a church whose affairs should be conducted without trustees. On the festival of St. John, 1830, he re- ceived permission from Bishop Kenrick to undertake the erection of the desired church.

He accordingly announced to his congregation his purpose, and solicited donations toward the work. On Monday he waited at home to receive subscrip- tions; but he waited in vain. On Tuesday he was likewise disappointed ; he began to feel discouraged. On Wednesday a servant-woman called upon him. "This is the first day, Father," said she, "since you spoke to us on Sunday, that I have been able to come out. I have brought my contribution for the new church." The sum was thirty-seven and one-half cents. "I took the money," said Father llughes, "ran to my bedroom, and, throwing myself upon my knees, thanked God that the work was done. From that moment I never had a doubt of the success of my enterprise." Five thousand dollars were contrib- uted by one individual, while M. A. Frenaye, so well known in connection with the church until his death, about ten years ago, contributed most munificently, and rendered valuable services toward the erection of the church. In February, 1831, Father Hughes pur- chased the ground on which the church stands; it is ninety-seven feet wide by one hundred and fifty-six fcet long, and cost about thirteen thousand dollars. On Friday afternoon, May 6, 1831, the corner-stone

1 See Life of Mother Seton, and Catholic Herald, Sept. 30, 1852.

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HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.

was laid by Bishop Kenrick, assisted by Rev. John Hughes and Rev. T. J. Donahne, of St. Joseph's ; Rev. William and Rev. Nicholas O'Donnell, and Rev. Michael Hurley, of St. Augustine's ; Rev. Jeremiah Keiley, of St. Mary's, and Rev. M. Carroll, of Wil- mington, Del.

Father Hughes in writing to the present Archbishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in September, 1831, says : of the church, "It will cause those who give nothing toward its erection to ' murmur' at its costliness, and those who did contribute to be proud of their own doing. As a religions edifice, it will be the pride of the city. The leading Protestants and infidels pro- claim it the only building that is entitled to be called a church, 'inasmuch as its appearance indicates its use, and there is no danger of mistaking it for a work- shop.'"

Joseph Bonaparte presented to the sanctuary a " Flagellation of Christ," by Hannibal Caracci, said to be valued in London at one thousand guineas. Signor Monachesi, whose paintings decorate many of our churches, ornamented the sanctuary as a volnn- tary offering. The other portions of the edifice were decorated by the same artist, whose only compensation was a voluntary contribution of the congregation in December, 1832.

On Passion Sunday, April 8, 1832, the new church was opened for divine service, and dedicated by Bishop Conwell and Kenrick. A sermon on the " Marks of a True Church" was delivered by Rev. Dr. Power, of New York. The collection amounted to eight hun- dred and fifty dollars. Father Hughes thonght the sermon injudicious, as many Protestants were present at his invitation. "The sermon cansed some irrita- tion and provoked controversy," and was a remote cause of the discussion between Father Hughes and Rev. John Breckinridge.

The 4th of July, 1832, was celebrated in St. John's Church by the citizens. A platform was erected in front of the altar. Father Hughes said, " The selection of St. John's was intended as a com- pliment to the Catholics and to the church." During | that month Father Hughes had more converts than for a year previous. At the celebration the prayer was recited by Father Hughes.

At this church on Tuesday evening, April 29, 1833, Mozart's Requiem Mass was performed for the first effect, and the most urgent demands were paid.

time in this country. The exterior of the church had not yet been completely finished ; so in October, 1833, an organization of a number of the congregation took place. They formed a society for the exterior finishing of the church so as to procure means for its completion, in order that it might be made to corre- spond with the interior decorations. This society had a president, three vice-presidents, two secretaries, a treasurer, and twenty members of financial committee. After the dissolution of the society, after having ac- complished the object of the formation, the names of the members, alphabetically arranged, and of those

who had been officers, were engrossed on parchment and deposited in the archives of the church. For some time after the erection of the church Father Hughes was alone in the pastoral charge. Rev. F. X. Gartland was sent to assist him in 1832. Father Gartland was frequently left in pastoral charge, as Father Hughes several times accompanied Bishop Kenrick on his episcopal visitations. In June, 1834, Father Hughes preached a sermon in behalf of the Polish exiles who were obliged to leave their native land after the suppression of the Polish Revolution. Two hundred and three dollars were contributed.

Father Hughes and his assistant labored energeti- cally to liquidate the debts of the church, which was not yet wholly completed. Many of the creditors were urgent in their demands, while all appeals for money with which to pay this indebtedness were but feebly responded to. Father Hughes, as a last resort, determined to visit Mexico in order to collect the means necessary to satisfy the creditors. For this purpose he studied Spanish for six months, deter- mined to go without the knowledge of his congrega- tion. Preparations were accordingly made to start ; during the celebration of mass one Sunday, a carriage awaited Father Hughes. But Father Gartland could not restrain his concern at the near departure of the pastor. Accordingly, he informed the congregation of what was Father Hughes' intention, and he ap- pealed to the people for whom he labored not to allow their beloved pastor to undertake such a journey. George Edwards arose and offered one thousand dol- lars, twelve others gave five hundred dollars; and throughout the church there arose responses proving the generosity of the people and their love for Father Hughes. About four thousand dollars were thus sub- scribed. After mass a meeting was held in the pas- toral residence; among those present here were Dr. Joseph Nancrede, Charles A. Repplier, Michael Mc- Grath, George Edwards, Francis Tiernan, R. F. Walsh, and Mr. Blaim. Mr. Repplier was chosen treasurer ; all agreed to secure the payment of about fifteen thousand dollars of the debt then pressing, and so pledged their faith to Father Hughes. The appeal of Father Gartland and this action of the in- fluential members of the congregation had the desired

Father Hughes continued to labor energetically for the dissemination of the faith and the interests of his people. In the years 1834-35 he was engaged in a now celebrated controversy and discussion with Rev. John Breckinridge. The Propaganda in the begin- ning of 1836 decreed the division of the diocese, the transfer of Bishop Kenrick to Pittsburgh, and the appointment of Rev. John Hughes as coadjutor to Bishop Conwell. The division not being sanctioned by the Pope, the elevation to the episcopacy of the founder of St. John's was reserved for a short time, and to a see where his services were more necessary.

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RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.

The cost of the ground and the erection of St. John's Church was about seventy-three thousand dollars. At the time of the appointment of Father Hughes as coadjutor to Bishop Dubois, of New York, in Novem- ber, 1837, the indebtedness on the church was forty thousand dollars. On Sunday, November 26th, he announced to his congregation the honor that had been conferred upon him, and likewise upon them, by his elevation to the responsibilities of a bishop. His ordination took place at New York Jan. 7, 1838. In a few weeks he returned to this city and celebrated his first pontifical mass at St. John's. On Sunday, Jan. 27, 1838, he preached a sermon for the benefit of the Ladies' Benevolent Society attached to the church. His text was, "The poor ye have always with you." Over four hundred dollars were collected. During this year Bishop Kenrick made St. John's his cathe- dral. On the transfer of Father Hughes to New York, Rev. F. X. Gartland became pastor.

Previous to 1839 the church had been lighted by chandeliers, but in the beginning of that year it was resolved to introduce gas. Bishop Hughes, learning of this determination, wrote to Mr. Frenaye, " You will ruin the church and be sorry for it when too late. Leave gas to the theatres, fancy stores, and toy-shops, but do not desecrate the church with the association which it will present to the eye. If not for my sake, I would beg for God's sake that you will not do this." He offered to give one hundred dollars to defray an expense that had been incurred. Now the new elec- tric light is within a few feet of the church, and will, no doubt, in a short time supersede the gas that so displeased Bishop Hughes.

On March 2, 1840, a meeting of the friends of the St. Charles Seminary was held at this church for the purpose of organizing, on a more efficient plan than had heretofore been in operation, the various auxiliary societies of St. Charles Seminary that existed in the city. John Keating presided; Judge Randall and Louis Laforgue acted as secretaries. Addresses were delivered by Rev. Dr. Moriarty and Rev. Dr. O'Con- nor, president of the seminary, who presented a plan for the establishment of these societies.

In June, 1840, Bishop Kenrick issued a pastoral letter recommending the temperance pledge to his people. On the 28th of that month he delivered a sermon at this church on the subject, when the pas- tors and three hundred and twenty of the congrega- tion received certificates of membership. A greater number would have done so at that time but for the want of certificates. Within a month over twelve hundred of the congregation had taken the pledge. The society then organized ceased to exist in 1877; Mr. Edward McGovern being its last president, the late Bernard Rafferty the last secretary, and Francis Cooper the last treasurer.

voyage to Europe. On the above date he delivered a sermon to his former parishioners, On the 28th of October a charity sermon, for the benefit of St. John's Asylum, was delivered by Very Rev. Dr. Power, of New York. Bishop Hughes was expected to speak, but was detained owing to the school controversy in New York. He sent Dr. Power as a substitute, say- ing it was the first time he had ever disappointed an engagement.

On Nov. 21, 1841, the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, Very Rev. Peter Paul Lefevre, administrator of diocese of Detroit, was consecrated bishop of that see. The ceremony was performed at St. John's by Bishop Kenrick, assisted by Bishop England, of Charleston, and Bishop Hughes, of New York. Pontifical mass was celebrated by Bishop Kenrick; Archpriest, Very Rev. Edward Barron, V.G .; Deacon, Rev. F. X. Gartland; Subdeacon, Rev. C. J. Carter ; Master of Ceremonies, Rev. M. Maller, C.M., President of the Theological Seminary. The sermon was delivered by Bishop Hughes.

During the riots of May, 1844, Gen. Cadwalader placed Maj. Dithmar with a guard for the defense of the church. No attempt was made, however, to de- stroy or damage this the cathedral church.

On Sunday, Sept. 3, 1848, the pallium was placed by Bishop Kenrick on the Most Rev. P. R. Kenrick, Archbishop of St. Louis. Rev. Edward J. Sourin preached. On Thursday, July 23, 1846, the ob- sequies of Pope Gregory XVI. were celebrated at this church by pontifical mass sung by Bishop Kenrick. Sermon by Rev. J. P. O'Dwyer, O.S.A., pastor of St. Augustine's. The text of the discourse was, "Be- loved of God and of men, whose memory is in bene- diction." D. Desmond, the Roman consul, the for- eign consuls, and the city authorities were present.

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History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884, Part 123

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 992

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 992