USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 21
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Rev. Joseph F. McDonough, fourth pastor, was appointed February 20, 1892. He was educated in Holy Cross College, at Worcester, Massachusetts, and in the Sulpician College at Montreal, Can- ada, and was ordained in Montreal, in 1877. He found the parish free of debt, with money in the treasury, and in that same year he purchased land on Oxford Street and California Avenue, now Carolyn Road, for the erection of a school and chapel. His interest soon shifted to the main- tenance of an expensive choir and the erection of a fine new church building, and in the latter proj- ect he experienced manifold difficulties. Plans were drawn and re-drawn, changed, and re-changed, and as finally adopted were incomplete, as the archi- tects had drawn them without due care as to en- trances, and other details, feeling sure that the plans would not be accepted. They were, however, and the corner-stone was laid June 30, 1901. At this time the old difficulties with the Temperance Society arose again. A new hall was built, this time on Prairie Avenue, and its promoters opposed the erection of an expensive church building, and refused to contribute. They felt that the plans provided for too large and expensive a building. Finally, this hall, too, was seized for the mortgage, and an effort was made to rouse the interest of the parishioners in the new church. In 1905, Father McDonough's health began to fail, and he died, March 5, 1906.
Rev. J. C. Walsh, pastor of Holy Name parish, Providence, was the next pastor. Educated in Kil- kenny, Ireland, and in St. Patrick's College, May- nooth, Kildare County, Ireland, he was ordained there in June, 1874. He took charge of St. Michael's on Sunday, March 25, 1906, and on April 8, he called together the men of the parish to consider what should be done. It was finally de- cided that the basement of the new church build- ing should be altered to serve as a place of wor- ship until such time as the upper church could be finished, and the architects, Murphy and Hindle, were employed to make the necessary changes, the church paying the firm which made the original plans a sum of money for their loss of time. The
chapel was called St. Bernard's, in memory of the first name given to the parish, and was dedicated September 30, 1906. Father Walsh then worked zealously, organizing parish societies, stimulating the interest of his people, and improving the re- sources of the parish. A good student, a pleasing speaker, a successful organizer, and an indefati- gable worker, he undermined his health and went to Ireland to recuperate in the home of his brother, but he died there, April 13, 1912.
Right Rev. Patrick Farrelly, P. A., founder and organizer of Holy Trinity parish, Central Falls, Rhode Island, succeeded Father Walsh, as sixth pastor of St. Michael's. Born in Ireland, he received his early education in his native district, and then continued his studies in St. Mel's College, at Long- ford, Ireland. He studied theology in St. Sulpice Seminary, Paris, France, later coming to this country and entering St. Mary's Theological Sem- inary in Baltimore, Maryland. He was ordained in St. Charles' Church, Woonsocket, Rhode Is- land, July 4, 1880, by Right Rev. Thomas F. Hen- dricken, D. D., first Bishop of Providence, and was appointed pastor of St. Michael's Church in Providence, April 27, 1912. He took charge Sun- day, May 12, and addressed the congregation. Later, he undertook the completion of the new church building. Murphy and Hindle were re- tained as architects, and, in the face of numerous difficulties involved in changing the plans of a partly constructed edifice, the church was well finished, and is one of the especially pleasing churches of Providence. It was dedicated by the Right Rev. Matthew Harkins, D. D., Sunday, October 3, 1915, and the debt on the church was paid in full in 1918.
The church is built of brick, with massive square towers on the front. A brick walk forty feet wide leads from the street to the foot of a flight of twenty steps of the same width as the walk. About half way up the steps two massive stone pillars support three beautifully designed lights. The en- trance from Carolyn Road is like the front en- trance. The interior of the church is unusually attractive. Fourteen artistic stained glass windows extend along the sides of the main body of the church, and above them are twelve other windows of larger size. The central altar, of beautifully hand carved Sienna-Italian marble, is approached by five steps and is flanked, on the right and left, by two smaller altars of exquisite workmanship. The choir loft seats one hundred singers, and is fitted with a high grade organ of finest tone, and the choir loft is lighted by a handsome stained
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ST. MICHAEL'S CONVENT AND SCHOOL, PROVIDENCE, R. I.
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ST. MICHAEL'S RECTORY, PROVIDENCE, R. I.
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glass window in the rear wall. Over the chancel is a wonderful representation of Christ on the Cross. Ten large bronze lights over the center aisle, and cluster lights in the roof over the side aisles, give ample illumination at night. The roof is supported by ten massive arches which rest upon twenty pillars, and on one side of the church is a remarkable representation of the Last Supper, carved in marble. Oak pews, hand carved, provide seating for 1,300 people. The basement, fitted with three altars, a choir loft, and a fine organ, is used for evening services and other special religious exercises. After the completion of the church, a sixteen-room school building, with all modern equipment and furnishings, was erected, and in 1924 an imposing brick rectory was built on the corner of Oxford Street. In 1929 a spacious brick building, with a chapel, was erected for the use of the Sisters, who teach in the school. The entire church property now consists of ground and build- ings extending on Oxford Street from Gordon Avenue to Prairie, a distance of two blocks, and this beautiful property is kept in the highest pos- sible state of cultivation and repair.
On Sunday, February 22, 1925, in St. Michael's Church, the ecclesiastical title of Prothonotary Apostolic, was conferred upon Father Farrelly, by the Right Rev. William Hickey. The bestowal was a surprise to Monsignor Farrelly, and a fitting recognition of the great work he has accomplished at St. Michael's. At the time this article was being written Monsignor Farrelly celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his priesthood. The accom- panying engravings, placed here by Monsignor Farrelly, will, it is felt, be a source of pride and pleasure to his parishioners.
MGR. CHARLES DAURAY, P. A .- As these lines are written, Mgr. Charles Dauray, P. A., venerable pastor of the Church of the Precious Blood, in Woonsocket, is in his ninety-third year. His entire life has been given to the works of the Roman Catholic Church and more than half that great span of years has been spent in Woon- socket, diocese of Providence, Rhode Island. His faith, spirit of self-sacrifice, devotion to the material as well as spiritual interests of his parishioners have helped them not only to live better lives, but also to become enlightened and useful citizens. His apostolic zeal for the welfare of his people prompted him to unceasing efforts in the founding and developing educational and char-
itable institutions which today constitute the wealth and glory of the city of Woonsocket.
To his ability and energetic leadership is due the establishment and progress not only of the parochial institutions, but as well of the girls' academy and boarding school, the boys' elementary school, the St. Francis Orphans' Asylum, St. Anthony's Old Age Home, and finally, the crown- ing work of his wonderful career, the Mount St. Charles High School for day pupils and boarders. This last institution to which he devoted infinite labor in time, thought, energy, and love, had its fruition in 1924 when His Excellency the Apos- tolic Delegate at Washington came to preside at the solemn ceremonies of its inauguration.
Mgr. Charles Dauray was born in Marieveille, Canada, March 15, 1838, son of Charles and Marie- Louise Dauray, both of whom were natives of Canada and of pure French descent. He received his education, lay and religious, in the schools and colleges of Canada and was ordained to the priest- hood by the Rt. Rev. Charles Laroque, bishop of St. Hyacinth. Following a few years of strenu- ous application to his sacerdotal duties in Canada, his health became impaired and Mgr. Dauray came to Rhode Island for a two months' rest.
Witnessing the spiritual needs of his brethren who were at that time emigrating in large num- bers and did not understand the English language, forgetting his need for rest and medical attention, he generously answered the call of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hendricken of Providence, and he ac- cepted to establish a French speaking parish in Central Falls.
His work there was so successful that two years later Bishop Hendricken assigned him to the more important parish of the Precious Blood in Woonsocket, in December, 1875. On February 2, 1876, the church was completely destroyed by a wind storm. He immediately started its recon- struction and a few years later a beautiful edifice was consecrated with solemn ceremonies at- tended by Bishops from Canada and the United States.
Every decade has since been marked by the successful achievement of some important work for the intellectual, spiritual, or material welfare of his people. Meanwhile, the French population of Woonsocket increased so much that five other parishes were established and are all in a state of prosperity. Mgr. Dauray is the beloved and re- spected Dean of the Catholic clergy in the dio- cese of Rhode Island; he continues to take an active interest in the religious life of his com-
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munity and though his sight is failing, his heart has ever grown stronger in the faith and grace of God
Mgr. Dauray served under the three successive bishops of Providence; from the three he has re- ceived eloquent testimonies of esteem and affec- tion. Bishop Hendricken who appointed him pastor at Woonsocket invited him to become a member of the clergy of the diocese and his letter speaks highly in favor of his eminent qualities.
PROVIDENCE, R. I., February 10, 1879. REV. CHARLES DAURAY.
REVEREND AND DEAR SIR :- I am so pleased with your piety and zeal and prudence, as well as the spirit of self-sacrifice you have exhibited in your ministry in Woonsocket, that I will be well pleased to adopt you as a priest of the diocese of Provi- dence. As Rev. Monseigneur of St. Hyacinth will probably grant you an "exeat" when he understands that I esteem your services very greatly, and that I appoint you pastor of a large and very intelligent congregation; you may tell him that you are one of the priests in whom any Bishop could place confi- dence.
I am, dear sir, very sincerely yours, THOMAS F. HENDRICKEN, Bishop of Providence.
Rt. Rev. Matthew Harkins, the second bishop of Providence, continued to esteem greatly the serv- ices of Mgr. Dauray. He proved his appreciation by appointing him "pastor residence" "irremovable pastor," in the year 1900. Then, in 1918, Bishop Harkins obtained from the Pope, the dignity of Domestic Prelate with the title of Monsignor.
The Rt. Rev. William A. Hickey, the third bishop of Providence continued in the footsteps of his predecessors and proved his friendship and esteem to the venerable pastor of the Precious Blood parish in many different ways. He wished to give a public proof of his profound apprecia- tion for the wonderful loyalty of Mgr. Dauray and he asked the Pope to promote him to the dig- nity of Prothonotary Apostolic in April, 1929.
Beloved and respected by his people, praised by his religious superiors, Mgr. Dauray is held in veneration by all who know him. His reputation is not confined to the boundaries of the diocese of Providence and in 1924 the French government, in appreciation for his cooperation in the war activities, sent him the Cross of the Legion of Honor.
At the age of ninety-two, Mgr. Dauray is still very active and not only will keep in touch with the needs of his parish, but he acts as Spiritual Director of "L'Union St. Jean Baptiste d'Amer- ique," the largest and most important mutual soci- ety for the Franco-Americans.
THE ROBERT F. CARROLL SONS-One of the finest funeral homes in the State of Rhode Island is the one conducted by the firm of The Robert F. Carroll Sons. The founder of this mod- ern and highly successful enterprise was the late Robert F. Carroll, father of the present owners.
Robert F. Carroll was born in 1852 and died August 23, 1919. He received his education in the public schools and as a young man found his first employment in a cotton mill. Later, he became associated with a cooperative grocery store known as the Clyde store. Being a man of resourcefulness and energy he was not content to remain in this position and for a time he and his brother operated what were then known as "tin carts," a well-known enterprise in those days, continuing in that line until 1875. In that year Mr. Carroll and his brother, Thomas M. Carroll, founded the undertaking business in Phenix, Rhode Island. This was the beginning of the suc- cessful undertaking establishment now (1931) operated under the name of The Robert F. Car- roll Sons. By careful attention to business, pru- dent judgment, and fair dealing, Mr. Carroll steadily developed his business, remaining in the original location for a period of fourteen years. At the end of that time he found that his business had outgrown his demands and in 1889 he removed to larger quarters at No. 713 Cranston Street, Providence, and later to the present location, No. 677 Cranston Street. Here Mr. Carroll continued to the time of his death, developing the establish- ment and steadily enlarging its patronage. He was, at the time of his passing, the oldest under- taker in the city, having been engaged in the busi- ness there for nearly half a century. Mr. Carroll had a host of friends and business associates who deeply mourned his passing. His sons, Eugene F. and Robert J., have conducted the business since the death of their father, and they are con- tinuing along the lines planned by the founder.
Robert F. Carroll was married to Mary J. O'Brien, who was born in Phenix, Rhode Island, and they became the parents of eleven children, eight of whom lived to maturity. Of these, six are still (1931) living: Mrs. Annie M. Hanley; Eugene F., of further mention; Mrs. Helen E. Curren; Evelyn, who married John B. Lawlor; Robert J., who graduated from La Salle Academy in 1913 and in that year became associated with his brother in the business; and Lillian R., who married Dr. Edward A. Cooney, of Boston. The mother of these children died in 1921.
Eugene F. Carroll, son of Robert F. and Mary
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J. (O'Brien) Carroll, attended the public schools of Providence and later entered LaSalle Acad- emy, from which he was graduated in 1903. He then became associated with his father in the undertaking business and attended the Renouard New York School of Embalming, from which he was graduated in the same year, 1903. He re- mained with his father until the death of the lat- ter in 1919, and since that time he and his brother, Robert J., have continued the business under the firm name of The Robert F. Carroll Sons. The brothers have faithfully followed the principles of fair dealing and courteous service established by their father and year by year the concern con- tinues to grow. In 1923 the brothers opened the new funeral home at No. 677 Cranston Street which is now in use. Fitted with. all the latest improvements, this is one of the finest funeral homes in the State. The firm carries a full line of caskets and trimmings and is prepared at all times to take care of funerals of any size anywhere in the United States, being members of and closely associated with the National Funeral Directors' Association of the United States, and also with the State organization. To scientific knowledge and modern equipment the personal touch of quiet unobtrusive, and sympathetic service is added. Both brothers are members of the Knights of Columbus, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Woodmen of America, Foresters of Amer- ica, and of Providence Chamber of Commerce, and the Exchange Club.
Eugene F. Carroll was married, in 1910, to Margaret H. Healey, who was born in Provi- dence, Rhode Island, daughter of Jeremiah and Mary J. Healey.
Robert J. Carroll married, in November, 1923, Theresa M. Burke, daughter of Mathilda and the late John H. Burke, of Cranston. Three chil- dren were born to these parents: Robert J., Jr., who died in infancy; Marilyn T., now (1931) in her sixth year; and Jane Anne, in her fourth year.
EVERETT WANTON WHITFORD-As president of the Centreville National Bank, Ever- ett Wanton Whitford occupies an important place in the financial life of Rhode Island. He has been connected with this institution for more than twenty years, and as its executive head has ably directed its policies.
Mr. Whitford was born at Harris in the town of Coventry, Rhode Island, on December 17,
1873, a son of Daniel M. and Samantha D. (Slo- cum) Whitford, both now deceased. The mother was born in the town of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and died in 1926. The father was born in the town of Warwick and was engaged as a ma- chinist until the time of his death in 1897.
Everett Wanton Whitford was educated in Miss Mary S. Potter's Private School at Harris in Coventry, the Phenix grammar school, and Bryant and Stratton's Business College, Provi- dence. He was graduated from the latter institu- tion in 1892, being president of his class. There- after, until 1899, Mr. Whitford taught business subjects at the college. At the end of this time, however, he determined to seek a field of larger opportunity, and began his active banking as cashier and bookkeeper of the Old Colony Co- operative Bank of Providence. Ten years later, in 1909, he first became associated with the Cen- treville National Bank, occupying the position of bookkeeper. In 1916 he was made assistant cash- ier. In 1918 he became cashier of the bank and treasurer of the Centreville Savings Bank. Finally in 1924, he was elected to the presidency of the Centreville National Bank and has continued in that office until the present time. The record of Mr. Whitford's connections is an accurate reflec- tion of his career. Although thoroughly trained, and a keen student of banking operations, he was content to begin in minor positions and rise to more responsible place as he demonstrated his ability to occupy important positions. In this way he acquired an intimate, first-hand knowledge of every phase of finance, and this broad background of experience has been of the greatest value to him in directing the affairs of his bank.
Mr. Whitford is a member and past president of the Rhode Island Bankers' Association, and past president of the Pawtuxet Valley Board of Trade. In fields other than business, he is also prominent, being particularly active in the Ma- sonic organization. He is affiliated with Warwick Lodge, No. 16, and is Past Master of the Lodge, and for twenty years has been secretary. He is a member, Past High Priest, of Landmark Royal Arch Chapter No. 10. Mr. Whitford is also a member in the Masonic Order of Providence Council, No. I, Royal and Select Masters; St. John's Commandery, No. I, Knights Templar; a member of all bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite including Rhode Island Consistory, thirty-second degree; and a member of Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is Past Patron of Ruth
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Chapter, No. 5, Order of the Eastern Star, and Past Grand Patron of the order in the State of Rhode Island.
In politics Mr. Whitford is a strong Repub- lican, being elected to public office several times as the standard bearer of his party. For six years he served as a member of the Coventry Town Council. In 1921-22 he was Representative in the Rhode Island General Assembly from the town of Coventry, and in 1925-26, a member of the State Senate. For fifteen years he was a member and clerk of the board of assessors of the Phenix Fire District. He has been clerk of the Harris lighting district since its formation, and several times was chosen a delegate to the Republican State conventions. Mr. Whitford has given his time and talents generously in the public interest, and his record of public service has been as dis- tinguished as that of his own career. Mr. Whit- ford is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, being directly descended through his mother from Peleg Slocum, who fought in the American Revolution. He worships with his fam- ily in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being a trustee of the local church at Phenix.
On June 23, 1897, Everett Wanton Whitford married Jennie M. Lindsay, who was born at Riverpoint, Rhode Island, a daughter of Thomas A. Lindsay. They are the parents of one son, Daniel Everett, who was graduated from West Warwick High School in 1916, and from Brown University in 1920, with the Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1921 he took his Master's degree at Brown, and in 1927, the Master of Education degree at Harvard University, following several years of post-graduate study there. He is now an instructor of mathematics at the Brooklyn Poly- technical Institute, Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Whitford was a member of the Student Army Training Corps at Brown during the period of the World War. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity.
LORENZO SEARS, Litt. D .- No better in- troduction for the late Lorenzo Sears, of Provi- dence, Rhode Island, could be found than the words on the tablet dedicated to him which was placed in St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Decem- ber 16, 1917:
IN MEMORIAM.
Lorenzo Sears, 1834 to 1916, priest, educator, author, gentleman of the old school, interpreting
the lives of the great with rare insight and masterly skill, endearing himself to all who knew him by his courtly grace and thoughtful kindness.
He was for many years a clergyman in the Protestant Episcopal Church and later, for a long time also, an educator of note and writer of widely used educational works.
Lorenzo Sears was born in Searsville, Massa- chusetts, April 18, 1838, son of Nathaniel and Cordelia (Morton) Sears. After completing the course offered by the local schools, he enrolled as a student in Yale University in 1857 and gradu- ated in 1861, keeping ever before him the objec- tive of preparing himself for the Episcopal min- istry. He, therefore, followed his course at Yale with a three-year course at the General Theo- logical Seminary, graduating in 1864. Through- out the next twenty-one years, Dr. Sears served as rector for one church and another in Connecti- cut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, and ac- quired a reputation for the eloquence, learning and sincerity of his sermons, which spread through New England. It was in 1885 that he resigned from the ministry in order to devote himself to educational work.
In this field wide distinction came to him. The study of rhetoric and English literature had been one of his major fields of interest for some years and was the subject he elected to teach. He was for a time a professor at the University of Ver- mont. In 1888, Dr. Sears came to Brown Uni- versity as Professor of Rhetoric and held the chair for five years, after which he was made Professor of American Literature and thus con- tinued until his retirement in 1903. Trinity Col- lege bestowed on him the honorary degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Literature. His reputation in the educational world was firmly established by his published works, which were erudite and forceful, and came into wide use as text books in English composition and literature courses. Among the titles are: "The History of Oratory," "The Occasional Address, its Com- position and Literature"; "American Literature in the Colonial and National Periods"; "The Makers of American Literature." He also wrote many historical articles, reviews, and similar sketches. His style was replete with apt and orig- inal phrases, with keen interpretation of the thoughts and events of the day, and enriched with his own love of the beautiful in literature. After his retirement from active professorial work, Dr. Sears returned informally to the ministry, fill- ing many pulpits in the vicinity of Providence,
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and responding to speaking invitations when he thought he might be of service. He was keenly interested in the East Hampton School for Boys.
Lorenzo Sears married, January 2, 1866, Ade- line Harris of Wyoming, who survives her hus- band and at the age of ninety continues actively interested in current events and retains her excel- lent health. Dr. and Mrs. Sears had a daughter, Sophie H. Sears, who married George Howarth.
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