USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 32
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In 1927 Father Higney built a fine new rectory containing twenty-five rooms, and the parish is now thoroughly well equipped in every particular. The church societies are well organized and prosper- ous and include a Holy Name Society, Children of Mary Sodality, Blessed Virgin Mary Society, Holy Rosary Society and a St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Father Higney is much beloved by his people and he has the well-earned respect of the community in general in Newport, regardless of religious affilia- tions. He has accomplished much during the eighteen years of his pastorate, both spiritually and materially, and his influence is apparent every- where in the parish.
REV. W. J. PHELAN-St. Benedict's Church of Conimicut, Rhode Island, has been served since 1919 by Rev. W. J. Phelan, who is still (1930) giving to his people able leadership and a gifted ministry.
St. Benedict's is one of the younger parishes of Providence Diocese. When it was organized in 1914, by Father Michael O'Brien, it numbered less than six hundred souls, but at the present time it includes some two thousand members. When Father O'Brien took charge there was no church building and the task of erecting a suitable place of worship was undertaken at once. Land was purchased, plans drawn, and so well did Father O'Brien and his people work together that by September, 1915, the present church was com- pleted and ready for use. The upper church pro- vides seating for four hundred and fifty people, and the basement, which is used as a chapel, for Sunday school services, and for social gatherings, seats four hundred people.
Rev. W. J. Phelan, present pastor of St. Bene- dict's Church, was born in Newport, Rhode Island, and received his early education in the parochial schools of his birthplace. When his preparatory work was completed he entered Holy Cross Col- lege, at Worcester, Massachusetts, where he com- pleted his course with graduation. For his theo- logical and philosophical training he went to Grand Seminary at Montreal, Province of Quebec, Can- ada, where he was ordained December 19, 1903. His first appointment was to St. Thomas' Church in Manton, Rhode Island, where he remained for two years, from January 1, 1904, to November 3, 1905. He was then transferred to St. Patrick's Church, in Providence, Rhode Island, and there he gave faithful service for a period of ten years.
At the end of that time he was again transferred, this time to the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Providence. After three years of able service there he was made a pastor and assigned to St. Benedict's Church at Conimicut, Kent County, Rhode Island, where he has since been devoting his time and his energy to the task of forward- ing the material and spiritual welfare of the parish. Under the able leadership of Father Phelan and of those who served before him the membership of the church has steadily grown, and the original two hundred families have increased to more than four hundred families. All the societies of the parish are prosperous and growing steadily. There is a Senior Holy Name Society and also a Junior Holy Name Society, Holy Rosary Society for the women, Blessed Virgin Society for young ladies, Children of Mary Society for the little folks, also a St. Agnes Sodality, a St. Aloysius Sodality, and a flourishing council of the Knights of Colum- bus. Father Phelan takes an active interest in the affairs of all these societies, and has developed the work of the parish to a degree which makes necessary the help of one assistant, who at the present writing (1930) is the Rev. Raymond Craw- ford. With Father Crawford's able and zealous aid, the parish is steadily growing in all depart- ments of its work, and there is every prospect of an increasingly successful future.
Father Phelan has richly earned the sincere re- spect with which he is regarded by his people, and also of the community in which his. parish is located.
REV. WALTER J. ROZPAD-The present pastor of St. Cassimir's Church of Warren, Rhode Island, Rev. Walter J. Rozpad, took charge June 15, 1928, since which time he has been success- fully carrying forward the work so well begun by his predecessors.
St. Cassimir's parish was organized October 21, 1908, with the Rev. Peter Switala as its first pas- tor. Father Switala purchased land as the site for a church, December 28, 1908, planned a modest church building, and placed the work of construc- tion in charge of Thomas Loughlan. The work went forward successfully, and by July 25, 1909, the church was completed and consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hawkins. But a great loss came to the church when, on May 1, 1913, at 4 o'clock in the morning, Father Switala noticed flames and smoke issuing from the church. Rushing into the building, at risk of his life, he went into the
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sacristy and rescued the Blessed Sacrament. With characteristic courage and determination, Father Switala set about the task of replacing what had been destroyed, and he again secured the services of Thomas Loughlan. The second church was com- pleted in less than two years, but Father Switala's health had suffered from the strain and he went away for a time, his place being taken by Rev. Vincent Koplerthenutz. Later, Father Switala re- turned and served for two more years, at the end of which period Father Kapturkiewicz came again to St. Cassimir's, where he remained until June 15, 1928, when the present pastor, Rev. Walter J. Rozpad, took charge.
Rev. Walter J. Rozpad was born in Providence, Rhode Island, July 21, 1900, and received his early training in the Immaculate Conception parochial school, from which he was graduated June 10, 1915. His theological courses were completed in St. Bernard's Seminary and he was ordained in 1919. An honorary degree was conferred upon him in 1921. He served at Central Falls, Rhode Island, as a curate for one year. He was then assigned to St. Cassimir's Church, Warren, Rhode Island. On June 15, 1928, he came to his present charge, as pastor of St. Cassimir's Church, and here he has been very active. He has put in new steps to replace the old ones in the front of the church; he had the church fitted with new windows throughout, and the interior of the church re- decorated, and the entire church property has been put in the best possible condition. The rectory, which is more than one hundred and twenty years old, he has practically rebuilt, putting in new floors and entirely remodelling the interior. The various parish societies have been encouraged and stimulated, and the entire work of the parish has been invigorated. The Children of Mary, and the Holy Rosary Society-Dramatic Circle are doing splendid work. The parish numbers about six hun- dred souls, and is steadily growing.
Father Rozpad makes friends for himself and for his church wherever he goes. His genial, frank manner endears him to all whom he meets, and his sterling qualities of character and his ability win him the lasting respect of his asso- ciates, whether of his own or other faiths.
REV. DOMINIC DELLAROLE-In the. parish of Our Lady of Loreto, in Providence, Rhode Island, Rev. Dominic Dellarole is a true
shepherd of his flock, and greatly beloved and respected by his people.
The parish of Our Lady of Loreto was organ- ized by Father Vincent Vican in 1920, but the time had not yet come for the building of a church. The first pastor, Rev. Peter Gorrett, now at Silver Lake, said Mass in a room in what was later the parochial residence. He worked faithfully for the development of the new parish and gave of his best to his people. On February 1, 1922, Father Gorrett was succeeded by Rev. Dominic Dellarole, the present pastor. Father Dellarole set about the task of building a new church and secured the full cooperation of his parishioners. From Feb- ruary I, to August 1, 1922, Father Dellarole used a room in the present rectory as a place of worship, saying Mass there regularly, as had the pastor before him. He was, however, carrying forward the building of the new church as rapidly as pos- sible, and on July 29, 1922, the corner-stone was laid with impressive ceremonies. By August I, 1922, the new church was ready for occupancy, and there was great rejoicing in the parish of Our Lady of Loreto. The church seats about three hundred and twenty people, and is conveniently and attractively arranged and decorated to meet the needs of the people whom it serves. In addition to the successful completion of the church edifice Father Dellarole has also built a summer school, which is taught by the Sisters, and an auditorium.
Rev. Dominic Dellarole was born in Italy and received his early education in the public schools of his native land. Having chosen to devote his life to the service of his church and his fellow- men, he continued his studies in Italy, completed his theological training, and was ordained there, May 3, 1907. After his ordination he remained in Italy as an assistant to the faculty of the Torino for a period of eight years, and then served as a chaplain in the army for three years. When his term of service was completed he came to this country, 1920, and was assigned to a New Haven, Connecticut, church, as an assistant. After four months of service there he was transferred to Boston, Massachusetts, for nine months, after which he was appointed pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Loreto in Providence, Rhode Is- land, where he is still (1930) serving most ably and successfully. As recounted above, Father Del- larole has since his coming in February, 1922, accomplished a great work here, and since the building of the church the membership of the parish has continued to grow until at the pres- ent time (1930) there are about thirteen hundred
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souls. The usual parish societies have been organ- ized and all of them are prosperous and steadily growing in membership. The Society of the Holy Virgin, the Catholic Club, Children of Mary So- ciety, Sisters of the Christian Mother, all these are vigorous and active and are contributing a generous share to the success of the parish activ- ities.
As a wise leader and a revered pastor, Father Dellarole is much loved by his people, and there is every prospect of a bright future before the Church of Our Lady of Loreto.
REV. F. A. TIROCCHI-As pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Natick, Rhode Island, Rev. F. A. Tirocchi is in charge of the only Italian church in the Pawtuxet Valley.
Sacred Heart parish was organized in 1929, but before that time the task of erecting a church building had already been undertaken. Ground had been broken for the new church in June, 1928, the corner-stone had been laid, October 4, 1928, and on September 2, 1929, the completed building was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. James M. Hickey, Bishop of Providence. Though the actual organ- ization of Sacred Heart parish is so recent, its history rightly goes back to 1911, when the pres- ent pastor, Rev. F. A. Tirocchi, was assigned to the task of looking after the welfare of the Ital- ians in this section of Rhode Island. For some years he held services for his Italian charges in St. Joseph's Church, at Natick, but as the Italian population of the locality grew it soon became apparent that a separate church would be desirable. Accordingly, Father Tirocchi made careful prep- aration and had his church edifice well under way before the separation of his flock from St. Joseph's congregation really took place. In 1930, after years of faithful effort and loving service, his people were located in a church home adequate for their needs and of which both pastor and people are justly proud. The membership of the parish has steadily grown until some three thousand souls are included within the district, and they are deeply interested in their church. Sacred Heart Church is a substantial, well-built edifice provid- ing seating for about six hundred people. Father Tirocchi has purchased a plot of ground upon which he plans to build a new and modern school in the near future. The parish has a number of well-developed societies, including a Holy Name Society, for men, a Young Ladies' Sodality, and numerous other organizations, also a Catholic Club,
a Boy Scouts troop, and a dramatic club which is very popular and which produces a number of plays each year. All these groups meet in the basement of the church, which is well equipped for the purpose, and all are prosperous and active. For the manifold tasks of the parish Father Tirocchi has one assistant, Rev. M. A. McShane. Father Tirocchi is popular among the young peo- ple of the parish.
Rev. F. A. Tirocchi was born in Rome, Italy, and received his early education in the parochial schools of his native district. When his prepara- tory course was finished he entered college, and later began his theological studies in the Apollinare University at Rome, where he completed his course with graduation and was ordained a priest March JI, 19II. After his ordination he left his native land and came to the United States, locating in Rhode Island. That same year he was assigned the task of looking after the spiritual welfare of the many Italians who had settled in the Paw- tuxet Valley and vicinity, and his life work since that time has been identified with the section which is now included in Sacred Heart parish. For nearly twenty years he has been laboring for his fellow-countrymen in this section, and the results are an eloquent commentary on his ability and his faithfulness. The history of the parish is the his- tory of his successful labors and his constant devotion, and as his reward he has the deep love of his people and the sure knowledge that be- cause of his work they are better men and women than they might otherwise have been. His genial manner, his sympathetic insight, and his tact and delicacy have endeared him to hundreds, and in the community even outside of his parish he is highly regarded for what he has accomplished as well as for his Christian qualities of character.
VINCENZO R. SENERCHIA-A native and lifelong resident of Warwick, Kent County, Mr. Senerchia during the early part of his career was identified with the grocery business. Eventually, however, he decided to enter the drug business and in recent years he has been the owner of two popular and successful drug stores located in Apponaug, and West Warwick respectively. He is a veteran of the World War and gives further proof of his patriotism and public spirit by active participation in public affairs; and his popularity with his fellow-townsmen is indicated by the fact that they have elected him at different times to important positions of trust and responsibility.
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Vincenzo R. Senerchia was born at Warwick, Kent County, February 7, 1896, a son of David and Silvia (Ciummo) Senerchia. Both his par- ents were natives of Italy. His mother is now de- ceased, while his father, still a resident of War- wick, has been for many years engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Senerchia received his edu- cation in the public grammar and high schools of Warwick and, after leaving school, became con- nected with the grocery business, in which he con- tinued to be active for thirteen years. In order to prepare himself for a new career, that of the drug business, he went to work in 1922 in a local drug store and at the same time attended the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated with the degree of Graduate in Phar- macy in 1925. In that year he established himself in the drug business under his own name, opening a store at Clyde Square, West Warwick. His business ability, his thorough knowledge of drugs, his high reputation for fair dealing and his general popularity enabled him to build up this business very rapidly, until it became one of the leading establishments of its type in this section of Kent County. In 1928 he opened another drug store at Apponaug, which has also proven a successful ven- ture.
During the World War Mr. Senerchia enlisted in the United States Army in September, 1917. He was assigned to Company G, 303d Infantry, 76th Division, and he served overseas in France with the American Expeditionary Forces for thirteen months, receiving his honorable discharge from military service in July, 1919, with the rank of sergeant. Mr. Senerchia is a Republican in poli- tics, and in recent years he has been prominently and effectively active in public affairs. At one time he served for four years as a member of the Town Council of Warwick. During 1929-30 he represented the Second Warwick District in the General Assembly. In both these positions he proved himself a very able and public-spirited legislator, making many valuable contributions to the progress of his native town. He is a member of the Sons of Italy, the Italian Progressive Club of Pawtuxet Valley, the Rhode Island Pharma- ceutical Association, the National Retail Druggists Association, and West Warwick Post, No. 2, American Legion. His religious affiliation is with the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. He is fond of outdoor sports, especially baseball and football.
Mr. Senerchia married, in 1929, Theresa Pe- trarca, like himself a native of Warwick.
JAMES HENRY HURLEY-Born in Rhode Island, and a lifelong resident of this State, James Henry Hurley has been a leading figure in real estate circles of Providence for well over a quar- ter of a century. Mr. Hurley began life in modest circumstances, and has risen to his present position solely through his own efforts. His success has not been achieved through wealth or chance or the influence of powerful friends. He is in the broad- est sense a self-made man, being both the architect and builder of his own fortune.
Mr. Hurley was born at Providence, Rhode Island, on December 24, 1858, a son of John and Mary (Donahue) Hurley. Both parents were na- tives of County Cork, Ireland, and came to the United States in their younger years. The father was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in the United States Navy.
James H. Hurley received his education in the Providence public schools, and supplemented this training with special study in evening school. There were fifteen children in the family, twelve of whom today survive. Mr. Hurley was the sec- ond oldest, and as his parents were of modest cir- cumstances, he was obliged to begin work while still a boy, contributing his earnings to the support of the family. Mr. Hurley started a newspaper delivery business which he developed into a pay- ing proposition, but as he grew older he drifted into merchandising work. For ten years he was a salesman in this city for John W. Butts, Jr., a well- known hatter of Providence. At the end of this time he did business under his own name for three years, following which he was manager of the three Jerome Kennedy stores in Rhode Island for some five years. Mr. Hurley was very successful in these earlier connections, and already he was becoming known as an able and progressive busi- ness man. But through all his career he has been alert for larger possibilities than his present con- nection seemed to offer, and after careful consid- eration he resigned from his position with the Jerome Kennedy stores, whose duties had taken him to Pawtucket and Woonsocket as well as Providence.
In 1894 Mr. Hurley became associated with G. L. and H. J. Gross, well known Providence insur- ance firm, and organized their real estate depart- ment. From its very beginning until his resigna- tion on June 30, 1929, Mr. Hurley was manager of the real estate department, and his services were largely responsible for the continued growth and success of the company. At its incorporation in 1897, he was made vice-president of the company.
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In July, 1929, with his son, James B. Hurley, he started a real estate and insurance business with offices in the Hospital Trust Building. Mr. Hurley is one of the most successful real estate operators in Providence. His judgment in the matter of busi- ness trends and property values is remarkably sound, while his knowledge of special conditions and problems in Providence is hardly equalled by any other man. Mr. Hurley's services and opin- ions are much in demand and frequently consulted by large interests. In addition to his own enter- prises, he is connected with other local ventures both commercial and of a civic nature. He is a director of the Providence Community Fund, of the Providence Real Estate Exchange, of which he was formerly president, a member of the United States Chamber of Commerce, and of many other organizations, including the National Academy of Science, the American-Irish Historical Society, the Rhode Island School of Design, the Rhode Island Historical Society, the Providence Athenaeum, the Providence Chamber of Commerce, of which he is a former director, and others. He is a member of the Appraisal Board of the Providence Real Estate Exchange, a member of the Town Criers, and of the following clubs : the Metacomet Golf Club, of which he was formerly a director; the Turks Head Club; the Catholic Club; the Economic Club; the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick; and the Holy Name Society of the Roman Catholic Church.
On January 8, 1901, James H. Hurley married Margaret Louise Banigan, a resident of Provi- dence, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Hurley are the parents of one son, James Banigan, who was graduated from Brown Univer- sity in 1929 with the Bachelor of Arts degree and high honors. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, and is now associated with his father. The residence of the family is maintained in Providence on Catalpa Road.
EDWARD STRONG CLARK-The services rendered by the late Edward Strong Clark to the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Company, of Provi- dence, in various capacities, and latterly as senior vice-president, were invaluable. Having had super- vision of the real estate and mortgage loans of the institution, his well known practical knowl- edge of business, both as to financial administra- tion and investments were conducive to the fur- ther success and prestige of the company. In phi-
lanthropies and charities he gave much of his best thought for their development and usefulness. An outstanding feature of his exemplary life was his devotion to the cause of religion, and for many years he was a faithful and helpful member of the Congregational Church.
Born in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, December 7, 1855, Edward Strong Clark was reared in the wholesome environment of a parsonage. His father was the Rev. Lewis Franklin Clark, who was pastor of the Whitinsville Congregational Church for many years. Having passed through the schools of his native town, he completed his education by the pursuit of courses in English and the classics at the well-known Mowry and Goff School in Providence.
As he grew into manhood he evinced an aptitude for participating in financial affairs. At the age of nineteen he joined the staff of the Merchants National Bank of Providence in the position of clerk. Quick at figures, readily grasping details, and exhibiting a willing spirit, his superiors per- ceived that he merited advance, and he was soon promoted to teller.
In 1883, Mr. Clark was appointed in the bank- ing institution of the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Company as assistant secretary. He fitted in finely into that position ; so well, in fact, that in the fol- lowing year he was made secretary. For twenty- one years he continued to demonstrate his increas- ing worth to the success and services of the insti- tution. In 1905 he was advanced to vice-president and given a goodly measure of executive power. He fully measured up to the requirements of that responsible position, and some years prior to his death was senior vice-president. With his usual dignity, courtesy, and undisputed ability, he dis- charged the duties of the office second only in position and importance to the chief executive.
To Mr. Clark the institution was an embodiment of sacred obligations to be fulfilled with unyielding faithfulness in the discharge of the responsibilities assumed both in behalf of its living clients and of those who had entrusted to its care their estates for the benefit of surviving relatives. Unlike many successful American business men, he was not wholly immersed in business, and he found time to devote to worthy charities, to philanthropic work, to the pursuit of literary studies, and to advance the cause of religion. He was a member of the corporations of the Rhode Island Hospital and the Butler Hospital, was interested in the Neighborhood House, and was president of the Workingman's Loan Association. He was ever
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ready to respond to any call that he felt was just and for the good of the people. He was active in church affairs, and had served as treasurer of the Beneficent Congregational Church for many years. In later years he had participated in the worship and work of the Central Congregational Church. He was connected also with a number of other organizations, the purpose of which was to extend charity or philanthropy in a practical way. He was a life-member and local treasurer of the Rhode Island Society of the Archaeological Institute. Mr. Clark was also a member of the Providence Art Club, the Historical Society of Rhode Island, Rhode Island School of Design, the Hope Club, and Agawam Club. He had a keen interest in outdoor sports, and was especially fond of golf.
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