USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 32
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The work of building the upper church, however, went forward, and on September 9, 1906, the finally completed church was dedicated with ap- propriate ceremonies. The upper church pro- vides seating for about nine hundred people and the basement seats about the same number. The parish numbers about three thousand souls, and with thrift and foresight as well as spiritual in- sight, Father Serpa carried forward the work to the time of his death in 1918. He was succeeded by Rev. Antonio P. Rebello, the present pastor.
Rev. Antonio P. Rebello was born in Portugal and attended the public schools of his native town. When the primary courses were com- pleted, he continued study in his home town and also pursued his theological courses there and was ordained there. When his studies were com- pleted, he taught at the College of Lamego as a professor for a period of three years, and then, in 1901, was ordained. In 1902 he was appointed a pastor and given charge of a church in his dio- cese. There he remained, serving faithfully until 1910, when he came to this country and was ap- pointed a curate at the Holy Rosary Church. In that capacity he served under Father Serpa, learning the ways of the people of the land of his adoption and mastering thoroughly the English language, until 1913, when the bishop of Provi- dence diocese sent him to Bristol, Rhode Island. There he organized a parish and built a church and gave distinguished service in the building up of the newly created parish. In 1918 he was transferred from Bristol to Providence, as pastor of the Portuguese Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, and since that time he has been render- ing exceptionally effective service here.
With characteristic energy and foresight, Father Rebello has steadily made changes to meet the growing needs of the parish. Within the church building itself he has made many im- provements, changing the altars, redecorating, and adding objects of beauty and use to the fur- nishings. In 1924 he purchased a three-story house on the corner of Benefit and Wickenden streets, near the rectory. Of this building he has made most excellent use. The first floor is used as an industrial school for boys, the second floor is occupied by the Sisters who teach in the school, and the third floor he has had fitted up to meet the needs of a special class of the people whom he served, namely, immigrant girls who arrive in this country, bound for points distant from the port of entry, and with no one to look
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after them between the time of landing and the time of starting to their final destination. This idea of Father Rebello's greatly pleased the bishop of the diocese to such an extent that the bishop made this institution one of the diocesan charity institutions and he arranged to have a woman meet incoming steamers to welcome and help girls who might need temporary shelter and aid between the two stages of their long journey. The women who meet the steamers have become members of the Red Cross and they now meet the steamers in Red Cross uniform.
Father Rebello has taken a keen interest in the parish religious school, which is conducted in the basement of the church, where some five hundred children are taught by seven Sisters and two lay teachers. The Sisters also conduct, in the building in which they live, a Young Ladies' Academy, and a Collegiate Institute, conducting classes for boys on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and classes for girls on Mondays and Wednesdays, during vacation. With the exception of one small lot, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary owns a block of property, which is kept in the best of repair and which is now very valuable. Father Rebello has looked well to the spiritual life of his parish, while developing its material resources, and all of the parish societies are vigorous and growing. The Holy Name Society for men, the Senior and Junior, Holy Rosary for ladies, St. Anthony's Society for the boys, Guar- dian Angel for the girls, the Portuguese Church Society, for the assistance of the poor; and the Catholic Club, are all flourishing and taking an active part in forwarding the welfare of the par- ish of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Father Rebello has fairly earned the high re- gard of his people, which is given in full measure, and he is respected by those who are not of his faith, as well as by his own parishioners.
STEPHEN E. KINDELAN-Ever since Mr. Kindelan became connected, at the age of twenty years, with the Providence Plumbing Supply Com- pany, he has continued to be associated with this well-known and successful enterprise. Several years after he first became employed by the firm, he purchased a small interest in the business and was promoted to the position of secretary. In 1910 he became a half owner in the enterprise, continu- ing as secretary of the firm. Eventually he pur-
chased the business and for the last five years he has been its sole owner. During this period the business has not only maintained its well-estab- lished reputation and prosperity, but has even in- creased both. Mr. Kindelan is widely known in business circles in Providence and he enjoys a very fine reputation for honesty and fair dealing.
Stephen E. Kindelan was born in Providence, September 7, 1881, a son of the late Bernard and Elizabeth (Donnelly) Kindelan, both natives of Ireland, the former of County Cavan, the latter of County Tyrone. His father was for many years successfully engaged in the grocery and market business in Providence, continuing active in it until his death. Stephen E. Kindelan received his edu- cation in the Immaculate Conception School and in the public schools of Providence and, having graduated from the East Side High School, Prov- idence, he attended the Bryant & Stratton Business College, from which he was graduated in 1901. Immediately after he had completed his education, Mr. Kindelan became associated with the Provi- dence Plumbing Supply Company. His first posi- tion with this concern was that of bookkeeper. His ability and industry found quick recognition and six years after he had joined the company, he was made secretary. This promotion was ex- tended to him in 1907, and for the next eighteen years, until 1925, he continued to serve as secretary of the company. In that year Mr. Kindelan pur- chased the business, and has continued since then as its sole owner, with offices located at No. 47 Pine Street, Providence. He is a member of the Providence Chamber of Commerce; the Metacomet Golf Club; the Providence Catholic Club; Prov- idence Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; and St. Paul's Council, Knights of Colum- bus. In politics he is a supporter of no particular party, but gives his vote to those candidates which seem to him best qualified for whatever office they seek. He is very fond of all kinds of ath- letic sports and is especially interested in golf. His religious affiliations are with the Roman Cath- olic Church, being a parishioner of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church of Edgewood, Rhode Island.
Mr. Kindelan married, in 1907, Helen Creamer, a native of Fall River, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Kindelan have ten children: Helen C., a religious in the Order of the Holy Union of the Sacred Hearts; Marjorie A., Stephen E., Jr., Dorothy M., Pauline G., Ruth V., John F., James J., Mary E., and Adrienne T.
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OSCAR E. MAJOR-Farmer and proprietor of seventy-eight acres of land on the Cumberland Hill Road, Oscar E. Major is engaged in general agricultural and dairy work, keeping twenty-five head of Holstein cattle and maintaining one of the finest and most up-to-date properties of its kind in this part of Rhode Island. Mr. Major is also active in town affairs in the town of Cumberland, and his achievements are such as to have brought him the esteem and respect of his fellowmen.
Mr. Major was born in Canada on October 23, 1886, son of Lugar and Philomene Major. His family came to the United States when the man whose name heads this biographical record was only three years old, and from that time onward has made its home in Manville. The father, who was a mill hand, died March 3, 1930, and the mother is deceased. Oscar E. Major received his early education in the Manville schools, and after having completed his work there, was an em- ployee in the mills for about fifteen years. He came to the farm which he now operates as a hired hand, working for John J. Fitzgerald for a period of ten years, at the end of which he bought the property and himself became proprietor of the farm. From time to time he has added much- needed equipment and modern appliances to the farm, which his study and hard work have con- verted into a thoroughly up-to-date and practical farming property.
At the same time Mr. Major has taken a lively part in public affairs, and has been especially inter- ested in political developments, although he has always been an independent voter. His religious faith is that of the Catholic Church.
Mr. Major married Rosana L'Etoile, a native of Connecticut. To this union have been born the following children : Florence, Emile, Ellen, Eugene, Theresa, and Theodore.
JOHN C. COSSEBOOM-A prominent figure in the business life of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, for many years, John C. Cosseboom is connected with several of its most important industrial and commercial enterprises, and is equally active in its civic affairs. He was born at East Machias, Maine, on February 21, 1875, a son of George Dexter and Laura (Page) Cosseboom, the father, born in Nova Scotia, a ship's carpenter, during the last twenty years of his life resided at Woonsocket. The mother a native of Maine, died when Mr. Cosseboom was only three years old.
John C. Cosseboom attended the public schools of Maine, and later graduated from the high school at Franklin, Massachusetts. He began his business career at Woonsocket in the private office of Edgar K. Ray, who built the trolley lines of Woonsocket, and there remained for a number of years. During this period he was laying plans for the future, eventually being able to establish an independent enterprise in the real estate and insur- ance field. This business has grown under Mr. Cosseboom's direction to flattering proportions and is now one of the most important of its kind in Woonsocket section.
Other important interests have also enlisted Mr. Cosseboom's support, and his counsel in executive or advisory capacities is widely sought. He is a director of the Woonsocket Trust Company, the Morris Plan Bank, the Beneficial Loan Company, the United Bond and Mortgage Company, the Colonial Finance Corporation, and is one of the board of managers of the Woonsocket Branch of the Industrial Trust Company. He is also pres- ident of the Belamose Corporation, which operates a rayon mill at Rock Hill, Connecticut. Mr. Cosse- boom has always been interested in civic affairs, and particularly in the conservation of natural resources. He is a member of the New England Council of Rehabilitation of the States, has given his support to all movements of this nature, and has spoken many times to further this work.
In politics Mr. Cosseboom is a consistent Re- publican. He served two terms in the Rhode Is- land General Assembly, and is now secretary of the Inland Fisheries Commission. At one time he was chairman of the Republican City Committee at Woonsocket. Mr. Cosseboom is affiliated with Excelsior Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons at Franklin, Massachusetts ; also a member of Miller Royal Arch Chapter, at Franklin; Woonsocket Council, Royal and Select Masters; Woonsocket Commandery, Knights Templar; and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. For many years Mr. Cosseboom was a director of the Woonsocket Chamber of Commerce. He was first president of the Kiwanis Club at Woonsocket, and is a member of the City Club, the Square and Compass Club, the East Side Tennis Club, the Cumberland Country Club, the Long Key Fishing Club, the Big Savogle Salmon Club of New Brunswick, and the Turks Head Club of Providence. He worships in the Con- gregational faith, and is president of the Con- gregational Society at Woonsocket.
John C. Cosseboom married Cora M. Staples,
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daughter of Thomas B. and Eunice (Thompson) Staples. Mrs. Cosseboom died on December 17, 1929. Mr. Cosseboom makes his home at No. 119 Coe Street, Woonsocket, and his offices are at No. 65 Main Street, this city.
REV. A. P. DESROCHERS-As pastor of the Church of "The Little Flower" or Blessed Theresa of Jesus, of Mohegan and Nasonville parish, Rhode Island, Rev. A. P. Desrochers has accomplished an admirable work. From the organization of the parish to the present time he has been its guide and its inspiration and he and his people have made Mohegan and Nasonville parish an example of what can be accomplished by courage and de- votion.
The parish of "The Little Flower" was set off from St. John's parish of Slatersville, in August, 1923, by Right Rev. W. A. Hickey. A beautiful hillside in Mohegan and Nasonville, overlooking the surrounding country, had one day, while he was riding in the street cars, attracted the attention of Father Desrochers as a suitable site for a group of church buildings. Upon further examining the location he became so impressed with it that he brought the matter to the attention of Bishop Hickey, who approved the site. On October 8, 1923, two parcels of ground were purchased at a cost of $6,000, and with strenuous, intelligent zeal Father Desrochers set to work to transform his dreams into reality. Besides a place of worship, a rectory, school, and convent were needed. Father William J. Frehill, pastor of the Slatersville church, of which Mohegan had been a part, generously gave Father Desrochers the handsome sum of $21,000 for the treasury of the new parish, and the work went rapidly forward. By 1924 a church rectory, school, and convent, built of brick and terra cotta, very handsome in appearance, were completed and ready for use. The pastor and the earnest, loyal parishioners had the great joy of participating in the dedication services, which took place October 4, 1925. But the following year (1926) came dis- aster. A heavy wind-storm swept the locality carrying desolation in its wake. The church was destroyed by fire and the faithful people of the parish of "The Little Flower," or Blessed Theresa of Jesus, found it necessary once more to begin the task of building. Pastor and people took up the suddenly imposed burden with courage and forti- tude, and by October 4 of the same year, 1926, they had completed the church. The plant as it
. now stands consists of a rectory, a convent for the ' use of the Sisters, and a three-story building of brick and terra cotta, which serves as church, school, and recreation hall. The basement, which seats about four hundred people, is used for social purposes; the first floor, which provides seating for five hundred people, is the place of worship; and the third floor is used as a parochial school. All three buildings are erected according to the most modern architectural plans, are fitted with every convenience, and are well lighted and well ventilated. The school takes care of one hundred and twenty pupils, who are taught by the Sisters of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The class-rooms on the third floor are equipped with every convenience and device for the use and comfort of pupils and teachers. The interiors of all the buildings are most beautifully finished in hard maple, floors, wainscoting, and all trimmings, and all are heated by one plant of the latest design. Any or all can be kept at whatever temperature is desired, summer and winter. Too much can not be said of the admirable achievement of Father Desrochers in transforming his chosen wild hill- side into the place of beauty and order which it has become under his unceasing care and effort. From the entrance of the grounds a beautiful winding macadam road leads up the hill to the immediate vicinity of the group of buildings and then branches into several roads, each of which leads to a separate building. Every part of these beautiful curving roads is a model of careful work- manship and careful planning, and each curve and turn is so plotted as to add materially to the artistic beauty of the entire property. Buildings, grounds, roadways, and all the details that go to make up their adornment form a perfect whole, which, perched high above the surrounding coun- try, form a landmark which is a source of pride not only to the parish but to all the inhabitants of that locality. And the marvel of this achieve- ment is that within four years of the time ground was broken these beautiful buildings with their surrounding stretches of ground, were in order and stood in beauty on the hillside. After the burning of the first church the second church and school building was rebuilt within six months, and the entire lovely property as it stands today is valued at $100,000. The parish now numbers about 1,060 souls, mostly French-Canadian, and it is to the splendid qualities of these people that both pastor and parishioners owe their great achieve- ment. Mohegan and Nasonville parish is only an- other example of the enthusiastic zeal and prac-
A. @ Desrochers
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tical cooperation shown by these admirable people who have carried the Cross, the Mass, and the parochial school, wherever they have settled. The sacrifices they have made, and are daily making, for the support of their church and schools com- pel the admiration of those who work with them. As a moral, law-abiding people, industrious, and possessed of marvelous skill in domestic economy, with fine artistic taste, and a genuine love of the lightness and gaity of social gatherings, their char- acteristic trait in their religious life is loyalty to their church and to the country in which they make their home, giving their lives freely when the need arises, whether as Papal Zouaves, as British soldiers, or as members of the American troops in the Civil War or in the late World War, in which hundreds of our French-Canadian, or French-American, soldier boys gave their lives on the fields of France. From Burrillville alone more than one hundred boys served in the American Army during the World War. And this loyalty has enabled Mohegan parish to accomplish, under the able leadership of Father Desrochers, who is of their blood, the admirable work which is an honor to the community as well as to the parish.
Rev. A. P. Desrochers was born in Canada, where he received his early education and where he completed his classical course in the Petit Seminaire at Nicolet. He then entered Grand Seminary in Montreal, Canada, where he com- pleted his theological course and he was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of Nicolet, by Bishop Gravel, in 1898. His first appointment was as assistant at Precious Blood Church in Woonsocket, where he remained for three years, and his next assignment was to the Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at Central Falls, Rhode Island, where he spent nineteen years as assistant. At the end of that time, in August, 1923, he was made a pastor and assigned to the task of organizing and developing the newly formed parish of "The Little Flower," or Blessed Theresa of Jesus, at Mohegan and Nasonville. How well he succeeded at that task has already been related, for the history of the parish is the history of Father Desrochers' pastorate there.
At the present time all the various church and parish societies are prosperous and flourishing, and he now has an able assistant, Father Emile St. Pierre, who came here June 19, 1930. There is a vigorous Holy Name Society, a St. Theresa So- ciety, a Children of Mary Society for girls, a St. Anne Society for women, a St. Joseph Society for men, and a Sacred Heart of Jesus Society for
boys. In the parish and among those not of his faith, Father Desrochers is much respected and loved. His courtesy, his geniality, his unfailing kindness, and his genuine piety, as well as his ability, have won him a high place in the esteem of all with whom he is associated, whether they are working under his direction or whether, as in the case of the higher officials of the church, they are directing and advising his activities. As an executive who "gets things done" he has earned an enviable reputation, and as a Christian leader and a guardian of his flock he has fully demon- strated his wisdom and his devotion.
REV. LOUIS D'ALENO-Since May, 1928, Rev. Louis D'Aleno has been the successful and revered pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, of Providence, Rhode Island.
In the 1890's the Italian population of Rhode Island was small and scattered, but the largest colony had located on Federal Hill, one of the long, sloping elevations of the city of Providence. Bishop Harkins had their welfare very much in mind, and, in order that these people who had left friends and countrymen to come to a strange land might have adequate religious ministry, he appointed Rev. Luigi Paroli to establish a mission in the Federal Hill district. Father Paroli promptly assembled a few families of the section, and in a short time Mass was being celebrated in a small building which, on week-days, was used by a junk dealer. When Father Paroli was succeeded by Father A. Franchi, and then by Rev. P. Novati, as pastors of the Church of the Holy Ghost, those priests continued to minister to the Italians on Federal Hill. In December, 1920, Holy Ghost parish was divided by Rt. Rev. Bishop Hickey and the new parish of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was established. The parish was a large and thinly settled one, including all territory east of River Avenue, along Valley Street to Hemlock; all ter- ritory east of Acorn Street, America, Battey and Burgess streets, along Cranston Street to Winter Street, and continuing southward down Lockwood through Henderson Street to the Providence River.
Rev. Nicola Armento was appointed first pastor of the new parish of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. For three months Father Armento celebrated Holy Mass in the basement of the Cathedral, but at the end of that time Bishop Hickey purchased the old Benevolence Hall on the corner of Spruce Street and Brayton Avenue, formerly owned by
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the Benevolence Lodge, Order Sons of Italy. The purchase was made by three friends of the parish, former Alderman Vito Famieglietti, Paul Castig- lioni, owner of the Rocky Point Amusement Com- pany, and John D. Iorio, who, as soon as the deed of the property was received, transferred it to the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Provi- dence, March 22, 1921. Alterations were made at once and on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1921, three Masses were said in the temporary church. The people of the new parish responded actively and generously to the efforts of the new pastor. His able and devoted ministry brought definite spiritual progress, and the membership of the church grew steadily. A mission was held by the Very Rev. Mgr. Guido Poletti, Auditor of the Apostolic Dele- gation of Cuba, from March 10 to 24, and every evening the small church was filled to capacity. Father Armento took special interest in the chil- dren, and after a few months of preparation, in which the Sisters of Mercy aided, Holy Com- munion was administered, May 30, 1922, for the first time in the history of the parish, to a class of three hundred children.
As the needs of the parish outgrew the accommo- dations of the temporary church, plans were made for a new building, and on April 26, 1925, the corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies and great rejoicing, His Lordship Bishop Hickey presiding. Representatives of State and city and prominent members of the Italian societies of the State attended, and a large number of the Italian societies of the State were represented, their emblems adding color and beauty to the great gathering. Rt. Rev. Mgr. Anthony Bove preached the sermon, and one hundred and fifty Sunday school children sang the hymns. Altogether, it was an occasion of great rejoicing, excelled only by the greater joy evoked by the ceremonials of July 12, 1925, when the beautiful new church was dedicated by Bishop Hickey. Holy Mass was celebrated by Father Nicola Armento, and the Rt. Rev. Mgr. Guido Poletti preached the official sermon of dedi- cation. The dedication and opening of the new church was a landmark in the life of Father Armento, a goal achieved. Born in Albano di Lucania, Province of Potenza, Italy, December 2, 1878, he was educated in Naples and in the Sem- inary of Tricarico, where he was ordained Feb- ruary 22, 1902. He came to this country and in 1907 was assigned to the Holy Ghost Church in Providence, where he served as a curate with tireless zeal and great ability, giving devoted atten- tion to St. Bartholomew's Church in the Silver
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