History of the Catholic Church in Paterson Part 7

Entered, 1874, Sister Bridget Margaret Mahoney.

Entered, 1876, Sister Angela Julia Phelan.

Entered, 1877, Sister Emmanuel Mary Phelan.

Entered, 1877, Sister Eustochium Katie Phelan.

Entered, 1879, Sister Baptista Nora Phelan.

Entered, 1870, Sister Innocence Bridget Duffy.

Entered, 1880, Sister Evangelista Mary Meaghar.

Entered, 1880, Sister Sylvester Katie Meaghar.

FOOTNOTE:

[A] It may be proper to state that there are grave doubts as to the spelling of the name of the second priest in Paterson. In some of the earlier prints he is referred to as Father Langam, Father Langham, and Father Langrey. Mrs. Connolly, in whose father's house the first ma.s.s was said in Paterson, calls him Father Langdale, and the fact that a priest named Langdale travelled through the western part of New York State in the early part of the century, after Father Langton had disappeared from the missions in this part of the country seems to corroborate Mrs. Connolly. The late Barney McNamee, who was personally acquainted with Father Langton, in a conversation had some time before his death with Mr. William Nelson a.s.sured that gentleman that the name of the first priest he remembered was Father Langton; Mr. McNamee was positive on this point. Mr. Nelson made some researches, and these convinced him of the accuracy of Mr. McNamee's memory. It is for these reasons that the author of this work adopted the spelling Lang-t-o-n in preference to others.

CHAPTER VIII.

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES IN AND ABOUT PATERSON.--THE ORPHAN ASYLUM AT LINCOLN BRIDGE.--ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL.

The histories of the Cemetery of the Holy Sepulchre and the Catholic Orphan Asylum are so closely connected that they will be treated together. The history of the cemeteries in and about Paterson was written some years ago by Mr. William Nelson and published in pamphlet form. To this history the author of this work has little to add. The following are such selections from Mr. Nelson's history as concern the burial places of dead Catholics:--

"Paterson is one of the very few cities in the country--perhaps the only city in the Eastern States--where it has not been usual for the churches to be surrounded by grave-yards. No church has ever been built here, since the city was founded, in 1792, with this appendage, so universal elsewhere. The old Dutch burying-ground at Totowa met the needs of the people in this respect for twenty years after the town was established.

The First Presbyterian church being organized in 1813, the Trustees looked about for a suitable cemetery, and with wise forethought selected a spot far remote from the built-up portion of the village. In 1814 they obtained from the Society for Establis.h.i.+ng Useful Manufactures, a triangular plot of about half an acre, at the corner of Market and Vine streets. This became at once the burial-ground for the whole town, and people of all denominations, Protestants and Roman Catholics, were interred there. In the course of the next ten years or so, the Methodists bought a plot on Willis street, 121333 feet; and the Roman Catholics secured a burial place, 100175 feet, on the north side of Willis street, near William, by gift or purchase. In 1826 the Presbyterians bought of the State (which in 1816 had taken 300 acres of land at Sandy Hill and thereabout, in exchange for $100,000 of stock in the S. U. M., subscribed for by the State in 1792) three acres adjoining the first cemetery, the sale being authorized by act of the Legislature of December 28, 1824. In 1835 the Society U. M. sold to the Reformed church a burial plot on Willis street adjoining that of the Methodists, and in the same year the Episcopalians bought of the State (by virtue of an act of February 14, 1833), five acres of land lying at Sandy Hill, between Oak and Cedar streets. Under the authority of an act of February 2, 1838, St. John's R. C. church bought of the State three acres adjoining the Presbyterian cemetery; and the First Baptist church bought three acres near by. In 1851, the Methodists enlarged their cemetery on Willis street by the addition of a plot about 143333 ft., bought of the S. U. M., and adjoining their first burial ground. Their old cemetery not being popular, in 1854 the Presbyterians bought another tract of 3.74 acres, on Market street, north side, a short distant east of their first purchase. This completes the history of the location of the 'Sandy Hill' cemeteries."

"The deed for the Roman Catholic plot on Willis street has not been found on record.[B]

"In the Roman Catholic cemetery there are 871 lots, 9 x 12 ft. in area, all sold, and containing fully 3,000 graves.

"The Roman Catholic cemetery at Sandy Hill being filled, and all the lots sold, the authorities of The Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist bought, January 30, 1866 for $21,000, what was known as 'the Lynch Farm,' sixty-nine acres, at the southeast corner of Market street and Madison avenue, for a cemetery. One or two interments were made, when, March 27, 1866, an act of the Legislature was approved prohibiting the location or establishment of cemeteries or burial grounds 'within the distance of six thousand feet from the street monument, as established at the corner of Market and Willis streets,' in the city of Paterson, and the proposed cemetery was abandoned, and the property sold. In the Fall of the same year, on September 7, 1866, Mr. William G.

Watson bought at an auction sale of the estate of Cornelius P. Hopper, deceased, 24.92 acres of land, on the east side of Haledon avenue, and north of East Main street, and the next day conveyed it to the same church, for $10,770, the object being to locate a cemetery there. A few interments were made in the new grounds, but an act of the Legislature, approved February 26, 1867, prohibited the location or establishment of 'any cemetery or burial ground within the limits and boundaries for the city of Paterson,' and further prohibited the use 'for the purposes of burial,' of 'any cemetery or burial grounds established within one year within said city.' May 1st, 1867, the church bought of Bartlett Smith and wife, of $15,500, three adjoining tracts of land, embracing 73.19 acres in all, at Totowa, just west of the city line, and near the Lincoln bridge, extending from the river back to the Preakness mountain.

Here was located the 'Cemetery of the Holy Sepulchre,' tastefully laid out, containing 3,208 lots (1,126 consecrated and 2,082 unconsecrated), and ornamented and improved as well as the exceedingly sandy soil will allow."

The interments in this cemetery in 1867 were 17; in 1870 they had increased to 216, and at present they are about 300 per year.

The farmhouse situated on the property purchased from Mr. Smith was changed into an orphan asylum; since that time a number of alterations and additions have been made. There are about eighty children in the inst.i.tution which is under the charge of the Sisters of Charity. These Sisters first came to Paterson in 1853 from Mt. St. Vincent, N. Y., and an orphan asylum was established in Church street. After the removal of the orphanage to its present location the building was changed into the Catholic Inst.i.tute.

St. Joseph's Hospital, also in charge of the Sisters of Charity, was founded on September 11, 1869, the day on which the Sisters bought from the late Alexander P. Fonda a tract of land lying on the east side of Main street, just north of the Newark branch of the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad. The tract of land had an area of nine and three-quarters acres, and only a fraction of the purchase money was paid in cash; the balance was secured on mortgage. In 1875 the Sisters, by hard work and economy, had reduced the mortgage to $46,000 and at the present date it is $41,000. When the property was bought there was on it a three-story house, 4545 feet in size, which had been used as a residence. This was changed into wards for the sick poor, sleeping rooms for the Sisters and one room was changed into a chapel. In addition to this building there was a small barn. In 1871 the Sisters erected another building, two stories high and 13024 feet in size. The good done by the Sisters in this city for the poor unfortunates who found themselves sick and homeless has been incalculable and has been exceeded only by the zeal and perseverance with which the good Sisters devoted themselves to their truly heroic work. In the first year after the establishment of the hospital 170 patients were cared for; in the past year 740 were received and treated. The money needed in the hospital for the care of these many patients is derived from the pay received by the Sisters who belong to the order and who are engaged in teaching school, and from collections made by the Sisters, as the inst.i.tution has no endownment. Persons who cannot have the care they might desire at home in times of sickness and who can afford to pay for nursing and treatment may be received in the hospital, but experience shows that less than three per cent. of the patients received pay their board. The sick receive the attention of the ablest physicians of Paterson, who take turns in visiting them; in addition to this there is a house physician who resides in the hospital and who is annually appointed by the Board of Physicians after a very severe examination and who is generally some young physician. The physicians receive no pay for the work they do and thus form an able and very acceptable corps of a.s.sistants in the n.o.ble work of charity. The total expenses of the inst.i.tution amount to $14,000 annually and for nearly the whole of this the Sisters are compelled to depend on their own individual efforts. The largest sum ever received from any one source came to hand a few days ago in the shape of a legacy of $1,000 from a Mr. Van Arsdale, who died a short time ago on Long Island. Mr. Van Arsdale was an almost total stranger to Paterson.

Several years ago he visited some friends residing in the upper part of Pa.s.saic County and while there his attention was called to the n.o.ble work done by the Sisters; he paid a visit to the hospital and was so favorably impressed by the workings of the inst.i.tution that he bequeathed it $1,000. Several months ago the Sisters also received $500 from a gentleman on condition that his name be not published, so that the present year was an unusually fortunate one for the Sisters. Large sums received in this manner are always applied towards paying off the indebtedness on the property. There are at present nine Sisters employed as nurses and in other capacities about the hospital and three are employed in teaching in St. Agnes' school which stands on a portion of the original plot purchased by the Sisters in 1869. St. Agnes' school belongs to St. John's congregation and was erected a few months ago, the congregation having purchased four lots from the Sisters for $2,800.

The school is a handsome brick structure and it is expected that in a short time it will form the nucleus to a new congregation.

FOOTNOTE:

[B] Although I have been unable to find any trace of the deed of this property I have been informed by several old persons that the property was obtained by purchase from a man named Post.--C. A. S.

THE CELEBRATION.

Without doubt the most impressive religious ceremonies ever held in Paterson were those in commemoration of the semi-centennial anniversary of the dedication of the first building erected by Roman Catholics for church purposes in Paterson--the old St. John's church in Oliver street.

The commemorative ceremonies began on Sunday morning, the 18th of November, in the present large and splendid church of St. John Baptist at Main and Grand streets, and ended on Monday morning with a requiem ma.s.s for the dead. At all the ma.s.ses the building was thronged with Catholics, who at the earlier ma.s.ses pressed forward to the altars in great numbers to receive Holy Communion.

The princ.i.p.al service on Sunday was at half-past ten in the morning, when a solemn high ma.s.s was celebrated. The edifice was crowded to its utmost capacity, and although benches in the aisles gave extra accommodation, hundreds stood patiently all through the long service. In the immense throng were many Protestants, attracted by the unusual preparations for elaborate music which had been made by Professor William Davis, the organist of the church, and by the announcement that the renowned Bishop McQuaid, of Rochester, was to preach a historical sermon.

The music was rendered by the church's choir of 36, reinforced by a boys' choir of 30: an orchestra of 20 pieces (including tympani bought for the occasion) and the great organ of the church, and was conducted by Prof. William Davis, with that perfect knowledge of his art and rare taste which equip him so well for his important position. The musical programme was no doubt the most elaborate ever rendered at a religious service in Paterson, and was carried out in a fitting manner. The singing was most creditable in its precision of time and accuracy of intonation, and the orchestral accompaniments left little to be desired.

The programme of the morning was: prelude for orchestra and organ, "The Lost Chord," by Sullivan; Asperges Me, chorus with organ, by Werner; Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei from Haydn's second ma.s.s; Credo (scored for the occasion by Prof. Davis) from Rossi's ma.s.s in D minor; Domine Deus, from same ma.s.s, as cornet solo with organ accompaniment; and after ma.s.s, a Gregorian Te Deum sung antiphonally by the church choir and sanctuary choir of boys, and for postlude, overture to Auber's "Masaniello," by the orchestra. Rev. Father MacCarthy was the celebrant and his intonation of the ma.s.s was most impressive. He was a.s.sisted by the missionary priest, Father Walker, as Deacon, and Father Quin as Sub-deacon. Father McNulty was a.s.sistant priest, with Fathers Murphy and Van Riel as Deacon and Sub-deacons of Honor. Rev. Dr. Larkin was Master of Ceremonies. The altar boys were arrayed in new royal purple ca.s.socks, scarlet lined, and white gloves, and to each was a.s.signed the care of a portion of the Bishop's vestments.

On Sunday evening the congregation was again limited only by the capacity of the edifice to hold those who came, hundreds being compelled to turn away, unable to obtain even standing room. The services were of deep interest, and the music was remarkably fine. After the prelude, by the orchestra and organ, Rossi's vespers were sung, followed by the "Salve Regina," by Spath; "O Salutaris," Giorza; "Tantum Ergo,"

Hattersly, and a triumphal march on the organ. The rendition of the "Magnificat," ba.s.s solo, by Mr. Anderson, the exceedingly brilliant alto solo, "O Salutaris," by Miss Lawless, and the tenor parts, as sung by Mr. Stafford, were commented upon as among the finest features of the evening service. The Papal blessing was imparted by Bishop McQuaid, to whom the duty was delegated by the missionary priest, Father Walker, who was compelled to absent himself, this prerogative being conferred upon missionary priests by the Holy See. Following came a very able discourse on the progress of the Church by Rev. Father Patrick Corrigan, of Hoboken, after which the usual benediction closed the evening services.

There was a larger attendance of priests at the service on Monday morning than at any time on the previous day, many being prevented by their ecclesiastical duties in their own parishes from coming before.

Bishops Wigger and McQuaid were both present, and the service, which consisted of a solemn requiem ma.s.s for the dead of the congregation, was beyond description impressive. A portion of Singenberger's Requiem was rendered, Bishop Wigger officiating as celebrant, with Father Kirwan as Deacon and Father Morris as Sub-deacon. Rev. Father Larkin was Master of Ceremonies. The officiating Bishop was robed in black, as usual in saying ma.s.ses for the dead. The service began with "Prayer for the Dead," by Dressler, after which came "Requiem" and "Dies Irae," by Singenberger, "Domine Deus," by Ett, "Sanctus," "Benedictus" and "Agnus Dei," by Singenberger. Bishop Wigger wore a white mitre, instead of the usual golden one, during the services, until, at the close of the ma.s.s, the episcopal robes were removed, the incense was brought forward and the "Libera," from Ett's Requiem, was chanted, when absolution was solemnly p.r.o.nounced by the officiating Bishop, following which came a funeral march by Chopin, and the services of the day were closed. The vocalism at this service was by about sixty children and ten ladies of the regular choir.

The following is a list of the prelates and priests who a.s.sisted or were present at the services:

Bishops Wigger and McQuaid, Rev. M. J. White, Rev. P. Corrigan, Rev. P. Corr, Rev. L. Gambosville, Rev. Dr. Larkin, Rev. J. Salaun, Rev. T. Macky, Rev. M. J. Kirwan, Rev. Hugh Murphy, Rev. P. Hennessy, Rev. D. F. McCarthy, Rev. Pierce McCarthy, Rev. Thos. Quin, Rev. Jas. Curran, Rev. Porcille, O. M., Rev. Father Van Riel, O. C., Rev. Gallant, O. M., Rev. D. B. Walker, S. J., Rev. M. Schacken, Rev. P. F. Downes, Rev. I. Gillen, Rev. J. P. Morris, Rev. S. Walsh, Rev. L. P. Whelan, Rev. M. O'Connor.

Rev. J. Zimmer.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

HISTORICAL DISCOURSE

DELIVERED IN ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, PATERSON, N. J.,

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1883,

BEING THE

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BUILDING OF THE FIRST STONE CHURCH IN 1833.

ECCLESIASTICUS, CHAP. XLIV., 1-15v.

The why and the obligation of this celebration are found in the verses of Ecclesiasticus just read.

The latter half of this century may, with some propriety, be called an epoch of celebrations, commemorations and jubilees. Many of these are trivial in character and restricted in territory; others are full of meaning, cheering and enn.o.bling to those who partic.i.p.ate in them and to many who come within their influence. The celebration to-day is one worthy of a Christian people, commemorating a work wrought in G.o.d's name and for His honor, and fruitful of untold religious blessings to a devout congregation. The Church in the United States can, with justice and without a blush, hold up to the gaze of the world the record of her first days, humble and insignificant though they be; for, reversing the tablet, an exhibition of a century's work, partakes of the marvellous,--of the miraculous.

Relatively, the accomplishments of the Church in particular localities are as astounding and wondrous as in dioceses, or in the whole country.

The beginnings of religion were the humblest conceivable. The priest to whose care was entrusted a territory now covered by one or more dioceses, journeyed from hamlet to hamlet and from house to house, wherever a child of the Church might have his home, to administer the consolation and the helps of the sacraments, and preach the word of life. His altar was a rough board or a table; his vestments and all needed for the ma.s.s were carried in a sack on his back, when no conveyance could be had. The conveyance might be an ox cart, a farm wagon, or a stage. It was such in all cases as the country in its days of poverty and simplicity afforded. The heart of the priest was gladdened when he was able to bring the blessings of religion to children of the Church who, few in number and greatly scattered, still held tenaciously to the old teachings and prayers; as it was saddened when one of the faithful pointed out the homes of others who had apostatized, or who, blus.h.i.+ng in their ignorance under the contumely heaped on their fellow-religionists, concealed G.o.d's gift of faith.

These fallings-away from religion are not unknown to-day. We may pity the weakness of the unfaithful in those early times; there is no reason to extend pity to the apostates of these days.

In September, 1836, Dr. England, Bishop of Charleston, addressed a long communication to the Society of the Propagation of the Faith at Lyons in relation to the condition and progress of the Catholic Church in the United States. In this doc.u.ment the thoughtful and observant Bishop details the heavy losses the Church has suffered and is still suffering, and a.s.signs the causes therefor with a straightforwardness and boldness eminently characteristic. He does not hesitate to a.s.sert that more than two-thirds of Catholic emigrants and their descendants had ceased to profess the Catholic religion, and of these most had united with some of the Protestant denominations. The causes he gives may be briefly summarised as follows:--

1. The large influx of Catholic emigrants into a new country unprepared for their coming.