USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 36
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Mesque J. A. Laliberte & P.
INTERIOR VIEW OF ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, CENTRAL FALLS, R. I.
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ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, CENTRAL FALLS, R. I.
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formation of the parish all was working smoothly, and on January 10, 1907, it was decided that, at a cost of $50,000, a building which should serve as a school and chapel should be erected. Fontaine and Kinnicutt, noted architects of Woonsocket, drew the plans, and the construction work was entrusted to Dorais and Dupuis. The corner-stone was laid July 28, 1907, and blessed by Bishop Harkins, with imposing ceremonies. By January 1, 1908, the building was far enough advanced to permit the removal of the place of worship from the gym- nasium of the Church of Notre Dame, where serv- ices of St. Matthew's had been held, to the attic room of the new chapel-school. While Father Laliberté was in Canada, visiting his aged parents, the men of the parish in less than fifteen minutes, joyously carried the temporary altar, the orna- ments, the altar linens, the objects of worship, the chandeliers, the altar stone, the sacred vases, through Garfield and Dexter streets to the new school. In the attic room under the roof were in- stalled altar, communion table, confessionals, and chairs for those who should hear the four Masses which were said each Sunday. When completed and furnished, the chapel-school on Dexter Street cost $53,137-57. It is a beautiful two-story struc- ture 117 by 65 feet, built of yellow brick, with a border of gray granite outlining doors and win- dows. The chapel, seating eight hundred and fifty persons, occupies the first floor. The second floor provides six well-lighted and well-ventilated class- rooms, and the attic room under the cupola and roof-incline, 62 by 90 feet, served as a meeting place for the parish societies and as a temporary chapel for several months. In the autumn of 1908, the Sisters of St. Anne de Lachine took charge of the school, and they were housed in a rented resi- dence on Dexter Street. A building on the corner of West Hunt and Dexter streets was also rented for use as a rectory, and on May 22, 1912, it was decided to purchase both buildings, at a cost of $7,500, and move them to the church land. Repairs and alterations were made at a cost of $1,700.
As the membership of the parish increased and the task of building occupied more and more of Father Laliberté's time, he and his vicar were aided by Father J. A. D'Amours, first without official appointment, but later as vicar. As years passed, the ability, discretion, devotion and personality of Father Laliberté, with the cooperation of his peo- ple, brought both material and spiritual progress, and by 1917, when the tenth anniversary of the founding of the parish was celebrated, the parish
numbered five hundred families and was looking forward to the time when it could build a beautiful and permanent church edifice. Hard work, self- denial, and generous giving had made the chapel- school possible, and the same spirit of devotion made possible the magnificent $600,000 church, which was dedicated Sunday, December 8, 1929.
The new church is situated south of the chapel- school and lies along West Hunt Street. It is designed in the French decorated Gothic style, char- acterized by extra large window openings and rela- tively small wall areas. Adhering to the typical Gothic plan of nave, apse, side aisles, ambulatory, narthex, and choir, the exterior has much of the spiritual beauty of the true Gothic style, which has been called "the material expression of the spiritual gropings and aspirations of the people of the later decades of the Dark Ages." The facade is dom- inated by a huge traceried rose window placed under a pointed arch and supported, in the design, by well-moulded columns. Below the columns are three oaken doors, with carved symbolic panel heads of masterly workmanship, opening upon the entrance porch. At the left, rises the simple and graceful tower, 112 feet high, pierced by typical pointed Gothic arches, and giving space to a large carillon of bells. Its decorated corner buttresses, the light tracery of the bell deck, and the orna- mented battlement at the top, surmounted with the Gothic cross, all in limestone, complete the beauti- ful and imposing front elevation. Two entrance porches from West Hunt Street lead to the base- ment and upper church, and the projecting chapel is on the same side. The main doors of the church open into a broad vaulted vestibule or narthex, reaching from the tower on the left to a side en- trance towards the rectory. The subdued colors of walls and ceilings, the terrazzo floor, in tones of gray, the wainscoting of violet Breccia Scagliola, make a fitting entrance, through leather-covered doors, to an interior which is one of the most beau- tiful in the United States. The sanctuary spans the width of the church, and at the back of the choir loft is a mullioned window, divided into five panels, which supports the exquisite rose window. Hang- ings of flowered silk damask, with decorations of gold, are suspended behind the altar, and under the arched opening to the side chapel at the left is a bishop's throne. At the right is the sedilia. On either side of the sanctuary are the double vaulted chapels of the Blessed Virgin and of St. Joseph, decorated in blue and gold. The oak pews of the main nave provide seating for 1,100 people. Each
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of the large arched windows frames a stained glass representation of some scene in the life of Christ. At the rear of the high altar is the priest's sacristy, where the vestments are kept, and the fire-proof vaults in which are the sacred vessels. Stairways lead to the basement, sacristy, and locker-room for the choir boys. The basement of the church, when completed, will form an auditorium seating 1,200 persons, and has two entrances from West Hunt Street. The entire building is of fire-proof con- struction. The foundations are of concrete and the underpinnings and lower course of stone trimmings are of light Chelmsford granite. The exterior of the church is of buff, brown and red Weymouth seam-faced granite, the tracery of the windows of cement stone, and the remainder of the trimmings of Indiana limestone. The roofing is of Imperial terra cotta shingle tile, floor of the basement of cement and terrazzo, and the floor of the upper church of marble and terrazzo, with marble bases and scagliola wainscoting. The interior piers are of Caen stone, the columns of scagliola, the ceiling of structural steel, and the choir gallery, seating one hundred, of concrete and steel. The architect was Walter F. Fontaine, of Woonsocket. The entire building is surrounded by a beautiful and well- kept and well-landscaped lawn, and, with its setting, is one of the most beautiful churches to be found anywhere in this country. For the successful erec- tion of this beautiful building, now entirely free of debt, both Father Laliberté and his people are deeply grateful to Bishop Hickey, who, from the drawing of the plans to the final completion of the edifice, aided the parish in every possible way. At the time of the dedication of this beautiful church edifice by Bishop Hickey, the great service which Father Laliberté has rendered to the parish was recognized and he was invested with the office of domestic prelate.
Right Rev. Joseph Alfred Laliberté was born at Lanoraie, Bertier County, Province of Quebec, Canada, August 13, 1868, son of Simon Laliberté, captain of a merchant vessel, who died November I, 1916, aged eighty-six years, and of Odile (Vez- ina) Laliberté, who was still living in 1917. After completing his primary studies in Lanoraie, he entered, in 1881, the Seminary of Joliette, where he finished the classical course in 1887, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Throughout his course he gave evidence of unusual ability and of marked talent, but he especially distinguished him- self during the two years of his philosophical study. On August 24, 1887, he received the tonsure and entered the Grand Seminary at Montreal, where he
was ordained a deacon December 20, 1890. He was ordained a priest March 14, 1891, and two days later was appointed vicar at Saint-Eustache, where he remained for a year. On April 4, 1892, he was transferred, as vicar, to the parish of St. John the Baptist of Montreal, but delicate health, under- mined by close application to study, made neces- sary a change to a more favorable climate, and on November 30, 1894, he was named vicar of St. Anne's Church in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. There he performed a valuable service, endearing himself to his people and winning the deep respect of the community. On October 13, 1906, he was appointed to the newly formed parish of St. Mat- thew, at Central Falls.
Ability, zeal, devotion, and untiring energy have enabled Father Laliberté to achieve a great work here, and the parish and the magnificent church edifice stand as enduring memorials to his devotion. The parish now includes 1,000 families, some 4,500 souls, and Monsignor Laliberté is now assisted in his work by two vicars, Father Emile St. Pierre and Father Theodore R. Peloquin, who are ably following in the footsteps of the men who have preceded them. Former curates who have served during the pastorate of Monsignor Laliberté are: Father D'Amours, who was here one year; Father Joseph M. Pharneuf, who served from 1908 to 1914; Father Joseph Geoffrey, from 1914 to 1920; and Father Leo Savignac, from 1920 to 1929, all learned, pious and devoted men, who did all in their power to assist Monsignor Laliberté in carrying forward his great work.
The beautiful brick school building and the tem- porary schools have a splendid enrollment and are taught by seventeen Sisters and three lay teachers. Father Laliberté will soon begin enlarging and re- modelling the school building, which, when com- pleted, will contain nineteen class-rooms, two spe- cial rooms for the Mother Superior, who will have charge of the school, two music rooms, and an assembly hall that will seat six hundred people. Since there is no indebtedness upon the parish, the temporary buildings now in use as convent and rec- tory will soon be removed and two beautiful, well- equipped buildings, corresponding to the church and school in material and general design, will be erected.
A splendid work has been accomplished at St. Matthew's through the efforts of Bishop Hickey and Monsignor Laliberté, with the cooperation of a devoted and generous people, and both are deeply loved and venerated by the parishioners of St. Matthew's.
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EDWARD J. WALSH-A little more than twenty-two years of age when he came to America from his native Ireland, the late Edward J. Walsh, of Providence, made the most of the opportunities offered him and became one of the most efficient and popular hosts in the catering business in that city. During his career he gratified to a large ex- tent his desire for knowledge and added to an abbreviated school period a self-education by which he became a well-informed man on many subjects. He was also a firm believer in and warm supporter of higher education, which he coveted for his own children and for others who might avail themselves of it.
Edward J. Walsh was born in Dublin, Ireland, on January 6, 1859. What schooling he was privi- leged to receive in his native city was followed by various employment. In July, 1881, he arrived in this country and established a residence in Provi- dence, with which city he was ever afterward identified. He did not cease his student activities in the midst of his new surroundings, however, and read and studied almost continuously in his hours absent from his place of occupation. Thus he became a very well equipped man mentally to meet people who likewise were well informed on history, current events, and other topics of major impor- tance.
Having learned the catering business in Ireland, Mr. Walsh took up that line of work on his settle- ment in Providence and was identified with it until his death. He was connected with the Hope Club for a time, and for the last thirty years of his life was associated with the L. M. Carr Catering Com- pany. That house esteemed him one of the most valued members of its staff. He possessed the natural qualifications for the position of host, and enjoyed the patronage and friendship of some of the most desirable people. To advanced education he gave considerable thought, while improving his time by the acquirement of knowledge far beyond what most men similarly employed would be ex- pected to strive for or to even desire.
His fraternal membership was with Tyler Coun- cil, Knights of Columbus, and his religious fellow- ship with the Holy Name Catholic Church, of Providence. He was a friend of charitable and philanthropic enterprises and a supporter of good works along the lines of civic advance in his adopted city.
Edward J. Walsh married, in 1894, Catherine E. Tully, daughter of Luke Tully. Of this union there are three sons: 1. Edward J., born Septem-
ber 29, 1899, graduated from Brown University, class of 1920, and took a post-graduate course at the Harvard School of Business Administration, from which he received his degree. His first con- nection was with Arthur Anderson & Company, of New York, a firm of accountants. He is now (1930) South American comptroller of the Inter- national Telephone and Telegraph Company, with headquarters at Buenos Aires, Argentina. 2. Wil- liam J., born May 22, 1901, a graduate of Brown University, 1923. He is foreign field superintend- ent of the Standard Oil Company, with headquar- ters at Bombay, India. 3. James A., born June 16, 1906, graduated from Brown University in 1926. He is assistant manager of the complaints depart- ment of the New York Telephone Company in New York City. It appears that these sons are making excellent progress toward outstanding careers.
The death of the father of this family, which occurred on February 14, 1919, removed from the city of Providence one of its most exemplary citizens, a man who had dignified his calling, and left a creditable record for incorporation in the annals of the State of his choice.
NELSON H. WALCOTT-Having become connected with the lumber industry as a youth of seventeen years, Mr. Walcott has been identified with this industry for almost half a century. Today he is known as a successful man in the lumber business and is connected in executive capacities with numerous important lumber companies in Providence and in other cities. Though his inter- ests are in various parts of the country, he has always made his business headquarters and his home in his native city, Providence, which ranks him as one of its leading business men and as a prominent and most representative citizen.
Nelson H. Walcott was born in Providence, August 14, 1864, a son of Horatio N. and Mary Louisa (Thornton) Walcott. He is a member of an old New England family, being a direct de- scendant of Captain Jonathan Walcott, who came to Salem, Massachusetts, from England in 1736. His maternal grandmother was a member of the Tillinghast family. Mr. Walcott's father was a blacksmith in Providence. Mr. Walcott received his education in the public schools of Providence and Greenville and then took a course at Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, New York. At
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the age of seventeen years, in 1881, he first entered the lumber business as an employee of Henry M. Angell & Company, well known lumber dealers of that period, located at Fox Point, Providence. Soon afterwards, in 1882, he was employed by Burrows & Kenyon, with whom he remained until 1886. Following this period, he was connected with the Slocum & Gage Lumber Company, and in 1892 organized with others the L. H. Gage Lumber Company with lumber yards in Indianapolis, Indi- ana, and in Memphis, Tennessee, retaining, how- ever, his headquarters in Providence. As the years passed, Mr. Walcott acquired other extensive lum- ber company interests and he is now president of the L. H. Gage Lumber Company, treasurer of the Charles C. Gardner Lumber Company, a director of Morse & Buffen Company, all of Providence, and of the Cook, Borden Company of Fall River, Massachusetts ; president and treasurer of the Crittenden Lumber Company of Providence, and Earle, Arkansas, and a director of the Bonita Lumber Company of Bonita, Louisiana. Naturally, Mr. Walcott's position in business and financial cir- cles of Providence is one of eminence and, having been president of the National Wholesale Lumber Dealers Association in 1914-15, he is widely known in the lumber trade throughout the country. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, and while he always takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, he has never sought or held pub- lic office. He is a member of What Cheer Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Calvary Commandery, Knights Templar, and the Palestine Temple, An- cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His religious affiliation, like that of the other members of his family, is with the Mathewson Street Methodist Episcopal Church, of Providence.
Mr. Walcott married, April 25, 1888, Nellie Lin- coln McCrosson, a native of Westerly, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Walcott had five children, of whom four are living: I. Chester L., a graduate of Dartmouth College, who is now president of the Bonita Lumber Company and in charge of the company's operations at Bonita, Louisiana. 2. Howard N., a graduate of Wilbraham Academy, Wilbraham, Massachusetts, engaged in the lumber business in Providence. 3. Ralph A., educated at Staunton Military Academy, now a director of the Bonita Lumber Company and actively connected with its management at Bonita, Louisiana. 4. Alice L., educated in the public schools of Providence, and at Miss Wheeler's School for Girls, Provi- dence.
JOHN H. PECKHAM-One of the leaders in realty and insurance activity in Rhode Island, John H. Peckham is prominent in business circles of Providence. He has been a resident here for over sixty years, and throughout that extended period has contributed largely to the general wel- fare and advancement through the medium of business affairs.
Born at Glocester, Rhode Island, June 14, 1869, he is a son of George H. and Susan E. (Harris) Peckham, both of whom are since deceased. The former engaged long as an agriculturalist, until the time of his passing. The family is one of long residence in Rhode Island, its members having given liberally to the progress of this State from an early day in New England's history.
John H. Peckham studied in the public schools of Glocester and Scituate. After he had com- pleted his training he worked two years at farm- ing, then spent two years as a clerk in a North Scituate store. It was in 1891, following this ex- perience, that he came to Providence. He secured a position with Kimball and Colwell Company- driving a wagon for delivery of meats. This he did for twelve years, adding to his acquaintance- ship, his knowledge of general business activity, and formulating a plan for his own career. In 1903 he became associated with the Watch Cheer Beef Company, which was owned by the Kimball and Colwell organization, a subsidiary for the handling of meat products. These Mr. Peckham sold, as company salesman, until 1908, materially adding to his experience and to the number of his friends in business circles. In 1908 he became as- sociated with D. W. Miner, with whom he helped to establish the D. W. Miner Company, dealing at wholesale in beef and provisions. He was a part- ner in this firm until 1926, and helped materially in building up its successful reputation as one of the major wholesale beef and provision houses in the city. In 1927 Mr. Peckham disposed of his stock in the Miner company and organized the company of John H. Peckham, Incorporated, as a dealer in general insurance and realty. Offices are in the Hospital Trust Building, room 939. Mr. Peckham is president and treasurer of his com- pany. In the time of its functioning to date, the company's success has been considerable.
Deeply interested in matters influencing the growth and prosperity of Providence, Mr. Peck- ham is a Republican, a leader in the party's coun- cils. While at Scituate he served as president of the Town Council, four years. In the fall of 1925
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he was elected State Senator to fill out the unex- pired term of Lewis Hohler, and in the following year was reelected. His record in the State Senate has been admirable in all its directions, Mr. Peck- ham having a most keen foresight in legislation pertaining to the Providence area and sufficient influence to secure benefits. Prominent in business, in public life, Mr. Peckham is of prominence fra- ternally also. He is a member of Temple Lodge, No. 18, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is Past Master ; Scituate Royal Arch Chapter, No. 18, of which he is Past High Priest; Providence Council, Royal and Select Masters ; St. John Com- mandery, No. I, Knights Templar ; Palestine Tem- ple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and all Scottish Rite bodies, including the Rhode Island Consistory. He makes a hobby of horses and the track. He is a member of the Palestine Shrine Club, the Providence Real Estate Board, National Association of Real Estate Boards, the Providence Association of Insurance Agents, and president of the Providence County Agricultural Association. His ramified connections give him intimate contact with the principal cur- rents in the development of city and State.
Mr. Peckham married, in 1891, Ida L. Angell, native of North Scituate, Rhode Island.
Keen at business, shrewd in judgment in all things, slow to anger, ready of wit, genial, warm in his humor, Mr. Peckham has legion friends through New England. He is one of this terri- tory's best known figures.
EBEN LUTHER-No insignificant part in the rapid expansion of the insurance business which has characterized recent years has been that of Eben Luther, of Providence, general agent for the State of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachu- setts for the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company. He is a man of wide understanding of men and conditions, and large public spirit, in keeping with the ideals of insurance.
Eben Luther was born in Springfield, Massachu- setts, November 24, 1884, son of Daniel S. and Nellie (Bartlett) Luther, both still hale and hearty. The father, born in Fall River, Massachu- setts, is engaged in the furniture business. The mother was a native of Agawam, Massachusetts. They gave their son excellent educational oppor- tunity, sending him to the Springfield public and high schools, and to Amherst College, from which he graduated in 1908. After he completed his edu-
cation, he busied himself in the automobile and accessories field and prospered in this line for a dozen years. In 1925 he followed his instinctive preference for the insurance business and formed the association with the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company which has since continued un- interruptedly. This is one of the stable and highly- esteemed companies of the country, noted for the high character of its employees and its policy- holders, and for the efficiency and economy of its methods and its consequent flourishing financial condition. Mr. Luther was agent in Portland, Maine, for six months, and thence went to Boston, where he was connected with the Boston office as associate general agent for two years. It was in September, 1927, that he moved to Providence to take up the responsibile post of general agent for Rhode Island and the adjoining section of Massa- chusetts. His offices are in the new Industrial Trust Building. Mr. Luther's position and his place as chairman of the board of directors and vice-president of the Rhode Island Association of Life Underwriters, and member of the National Life Underwriters Association, point to his profes- sional prominence. He belongs to the Republican party, and to the Ancient Landmark Lodge, No. 17, Free and Accepted Masons. His fraternity is Beta Theta Pi, and he retains membership in the Amherst Club of New York. He attends the Church of Christ Scientist, and he finds his favor- ite form of recreation in golf and outdoor sports.
Eben Luther married, in 1911, Elizabeth Blanch- field of Northampton, Massachusetts, and they have a daughter, Barbara Mary.
THOMAS LYMAN ARNOLD-No account of Rhode Island's growth and development would be complete without a record of the life and work of Thomas Lyman Arnold, for many years one of the leading business men of this State, as well as of New York City. Successfully guiding the af- fairs of Arnold and Aborn, a firm of coffee and tea dealers, he proved himself a talented com- mercial leader; and for his achievements in this field, as well as for his kindly and pleasing qual- ities of character and personality, he won hosts of friends. A man of strong public spirit and lofty ideals of citizenship, warm in human affections and sympathies, genial and companionable by nature, Mr. Arnold was well equipped for living a useful and worthwhile life, in the course of which he won the highest regard of those who knew him.
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