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Saint Joseph Cathedral History of the Early Formation of the Parish Following is a brief history of the early formation of this parish gathered from historical sources, parish records and archives, and especially from the following: M.H.D.—The Life of Denis M. Bradley A Sister of Mercy—Memoir of Rev. William McDonald Newspaper accounts from the Manchester Daily Union, the Manchester Mirror and the Manchester American Catholic Encyclopedia Father McDonald of Saint Anne’s parish bought land on the corner of Pine and Lowell Streets in 1862 for the purpose of building our church. The lot did not include the land where the chapel and rectory are located. The architect was hired in 1866 and work began in 1867, completion and dedication taking place in 1869. Bear in mind that many parishioners, after finishing work in the mill, contributed their services to the work. They came directly from the mill and their children brought their supper so that they could work in the daylight. Our parish records in Father McDonald’s handwriting that the total costs, including the purchase price of the land, carpentry, architect, church appointments and even a ton of coal, was $61,523.81. The architect chosen by Father McDonald for our church was Patrick Keeley of PATRICK CHARLES KEELEY 19th century American church architect, (variously Kiely, Keily) born in Ireland either Kilkenny August 9, 1816 or Thurles August 9, 1820, died Brooklyn, NY August 11, 1896, presumably trained under his architect-father, he migrated to the US in 1841. Between 1847 and 1892 he designed 16 Catholic cathedrals, and an estimated 500 to 700 other churches. The Cathedrals of Rochester, NY, The church as designed by Keeley was dedicated on April 18, 1869. It was later enlarged as a cathedral by Bishop Bradley in 1894. This is a progress report as printed in the “Manchester Daily Union” on July 3, 1868: THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH—The foundations of the new church, corner of Pine and Lowell Streets, were laid about two years ago, and during the twelve months passed, with some intermissions, the work has pushed steadily forward. This fine structure was designed by the extensively-employed architect, P.C. Keeley, of The masonry, inclusive of stone and brick work, has been superintended by our worthy fellow-townsman, H. Dickey, Esq., who has certainly contributed his share to the embellishment of our growing city with substantial and ornamental edifices. The woodwork throughout, from the skeleton frame to the minutest detail, is and has been in charge of Alpheus Gay, Esq., who has added this crowning proof of his abilities. In his line of business, Mr. Gay has accomplished a vast amount of useful labor, and his name is connected with many of our handsomest architectural structures. The slating has been done by John C. Young, also of this city, executed in colored tiles, and is a complete job of its kind. Every part of this fine edifice seems to be built of the best materials; it is compact and solidly built and in the most workman-like manner and reflects great credit upon our The dimensions of the church building proper are 146 feet long by 70 wide, the rear portion extending north and south to a still greater width, and the vaulted ceiling having a height of 50 feet from the main floor. A two-storey chapel is connected with and built upon the main building; south of the altar or chancel this chapel will accommodate 200 children. On the north of the altar are the commodious vestry and robing rooms, also two stories high. The chancel itself is spacious and of beautiful and elaborate design, and will contact three altars. (The vestry and robing rooms mentioned in the previous paragraph do not exist in the present church. They were removed when the Cathedral was enlarged by Bishop Bradley in 1894.) We understand that the frescoing and the interior ornamental painting will also be of first quality, the contract for this work not being concluded. The building with its chapel will accommodate an audience of 1800, without recognizing standing or kneeling room, for which ample space remains. Should it be crowded as other buildings are, not less than 3,000. The estimated cost of the enterprise is between $60,000 and $70,000. We are informed by parties who know that every dollar of this sum is to be contributed by the Catholic Society of the city. Catholics certainly deserve credit for the erection of the beautiful church completed many years ago, (Saint Anne’s) and the subsequent erection of their fine Academy and school buildings on The coming Fall will undoubtedly witness the completion of work, when it will be dedicated with appropriate and imposing ceremonies. Until then we defer further description. The Dedication of The building was formally dedicated on April 18, 1869. Following is the newspaper account of the ceremony taken from “The Manchester Daily Union” of April 19, 1869. The dedication of The procession after moving twice around the church block halted with the left resting in front of the residence of Reverend Father O’Brien, corner of Union and Lowell Street. (This is the present Arrived at the church the ceremony of blessing the walls was performed, the bishops and priests marching in order to each of the main portals, where a like ceremony was repeated, with the utterance of the usual solemn formulas of consecration. Having at length entered the church led by members of the Saint Patrick’s Society, for whom seats had been reserved, the capacious church including the adjoining chapel and organ gallery was found to be filled, and the whole number present must have been between 1700 and 1800. The grand organ now sounded the introduction of Mozart’s Twelfth Mass, the clergy making the circuit of the church through the aisles, chanting the service appropriate to this part of the ceremony. The altar was then prepared for solemn High Mass, the Litany was repeated, and the service proceeded in impressive order, conducted by the following reverend gentlemen: Right Reverend J.J. Williams, D.D., archbishop of Boston, consecrating bishop; Right Reverend D.W. Bacon, of Portland, bishop of this diocese; Right Reverend F.P. McFarland, D.D, bishop of Hartford; Reverend P.G. Delaney of Pawtucket, RI, chaplain; Reverend Father Cuddihy of Milford, MA, celebrant; Reverend John O’Donnell of Nashua, master of ceremonies; Reverend J. Donnelly, of New Brunswick, deacon; Reverend John E. Barry, of Concord, subdeacon; Reverend L.M. Lodge of Lawrence; Reverend Father Devine of Roxbury, MA, Reverend W.M. McDonald and Reverend John O’Brien of this city, completed the list. The dedication sermon was preached by Bishop Bacon—a brief but sensible discourse—the text being from the 42nd Psalm, “I will go to the altar of God, to God who giveth joy to my youth.” In his sermon on the dedication of the church, Bishop Bacon gave notice that Reverend John O’Brien, of whom he spoke in the highest terms, has been designated as pastor of the new flock, Reverend Father McDonald preferring to remain with the older congregation of Saint Anne’s. It was also announced that We are informed that the bouquets adorning the altar at the New Catholic Church yesterday were composed of natural flowers from the grounds of Honorable E.A. Straw of this city. Father O’Brien’s Pastorate—1869-1878 Father O’Brien took up residence in the house which stood on During the ten years of Father O’Brien’s pastorate, development of parish activities, though humble, was praiseworthy. Always solicitous for the spiritual interests of his people, Father O’Brien formed one society after another to help them carry the spirit of faith into their daily lives. For the children he had the Angel Guardian Society; for the young women, the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception which, at its inception, numbered about one hundred. In August 1872, with the assistance of Patrick A. Devine and Charles A. O’Connor, he organized the Saint Paul’s Catholic Total Abstinence and Mutual Benefit Society, of which he was the first spiritual director; Mr. Devine, its first president; John Slattery, vice-president; Robert Donnelly, financial secretary; Charles O’Connor, recording secretary; Festus Devine, treasurer. The men met first in the sacristy; then, as their numbers increased, they moved to the boys’ school; next, to a hall at the corner of Elm and Pleasant Streets, known and Fanueuill Hall, which they shared with the Saint John’s C.T.A. and M.B. Society of Saint Anne’s and finally to a hall of their own on Manchester Street. Faneuill was really two halls. At about the same time was formed a Temperance Cadet Corps for boys under sixteen. Its captain was Joseph Connolly, son of Captain Connolly, veteran of the Civil War. The latter drilled them in military tactics and trained them for various athletic contests and competitive drills. Father O’Brien also interested himself in Catholic education. Probably few of the present generation are aware that the first school for boys of the parish was in two dressing-rooms of what is now the Superintendent of Schools Office on These accommodations soon became insufficient, but finances did not yet warrant building. Some priests would have been discouraged, but Father O’Brien was undaunted. It will be recalled that at the southeast corner of the church there was originally a chapel about twenty-three feet by fifty, with a hall above used for Sunday school classes and for meetings of various societies. This upper space Father O’Brien partitioned into two schoolrooms, to which he transferred the girls, leaving the By 1878 larger and better accommodations for the boys became imperative, and the erection of the present brick structure was begun. (This became the Father Thomas Kealy Administration—1878-1880 By 1878 Father O’Brien’s health had failed and he retired as pastor, returning to Father Denis M. Bradley—1880-1884 Bishop James A. Healy, bishop of His first work in the parish was to complete and open the From the beginning, Father Bradley took an active interest in the financial matters of the parish. At his coming, the debt on the parish was in the vicinity of $22,000. In September, three months after his arrival, he held a Fair in the City Hall. The announcements for September 26, 1880 have a familiar ring: The fair opens at City Hall tomorrow evening and continues for two weeks. We urge your attendance, afternoons and evenings. Send in your returns on the tickets as soon as possible. Let us not appear ridiculous in the eyes of the community by having a fair and not attending it. If you find you cannot spend, at least come to the fair and show your interest. You ought to be encouraged by the interest taken by the Protestants. The profit was $4,936.35. By 1884, when the diocese was formed, the debt was $7,000.00. Formation of the Diocese—1884 Many conjectures were made as to where the see would be established, On the eleventh of June, he was consecrated, being then, at the age of thirty-eight, the youngest bishop in the Among the first works demanding his attention was the parish property. A map of the city dated 1870 shows the original church on the corner of Pine and Lowell Streets. In back of it, and facing At the time of Bishop Bradley’s consecration, the original Consecration of the Cathedral—Sunday, April 15, 1894 The actual ceremony of consecration took place “at an early hour” as the program states, and it was performed by Bishop Bradley. He was assisted by Fathers Jeremiah Desmond, Timothy Coakley, Charles Hennon, Francis O’Neil, Father George Guertin, later to be appointed third bishop of the diocese, who acted as chanter and cross bearer. The extended ceremony included the blessing and anointing of twelve consecration crosses on the walls of the building. Mass followed at 8 o’clock offered by Bishop Michaud, co-adjutor of the The local paper, “The Manchester Mirror,” under the headlines BEAUTIFUL CATHEDRAL CONSECRATED IN HIS NAME gave extensive coverage to the ceremony, calling it the “most eminent Catholic event ever witnessed in this city, Archbishop Williams of Long before the time came for the doors to be opened, the people by hundreds began to gather in front of the cathedral, until an immense throne were seeking admittance. It is estimated that nearly three thousand people witnessed the ceremony, while the steps and the street in front and at each side of the cathedral must have contained as many more, while hundreds went away disappointed at not being able to get inside the edifice. The services attracted a large number of prominent citizens who were given places of honor at the front of the church. Among these the reported notices Ex-Governor Moody Currier, His Honor Mayor E.J. Knowlton, Honorable G. Byron Chandler, Mr. Charles L. Richardson, Judge L.B. Clough, Mr. C.D. McDuffie, Honorable John C. Linehan, Honorable John M. Mitchell and Mr. P.H. Larkin of A pew near the front was reserved for Bishop Bradley’s aged mother. The medical staff of the At 10:30 o’clock accompanied by the music of the inspiring processional march, the reverend clergy marched solemnly down the central aisle of the cathedral to the front of the altar. Following the cross-bearer were two acolytes, after which came the sanctuary boys followed by the Christian Brothers and the priests and bishops. Bishop Bradley was conducted to his throne, and the other bishops and priests took their places behind him and behind the throne of the archbishop, which had been erected opposite. Archbishop Williams was conducted to his throne by those who were to assist him in the celebration of the There ceremonies accompanying the celebration of the grand pontifical Mass were performed in a most imposing manner by the archbishop, assisted by the Reverend John J. Barry, V.G. of Concord, as assistant priest; Reverend D.W. Murphy of Dover and Reverend J.A. Chevalier of this city, deacons of honor; Reverend E.M. O’Callaghan of Portsmouth and Reverend O. J. Davignon of Suncook, deacon and sub-deacon; Reverend Father Guertin of this city, archiepiscopal cross bearer; Reverend Father Charles Hennon, first master of ceremonies, and Reverend Father O’Neil, second master of ceremonies. The sermon of the occasion was preached by Right Reverend Thomas D. Beaven of The Cathedral Windows Stained-glass windows in a church serve a double function. They add beauty to the building, but more importantly, they are an aid to piety. By studying the subjects of the windows, we should be moved to holy thoughts and resolutions. The windows of the Cathedral serve this double function in an admirable manner. They are exceptionally beautiful, and with their many-faceted colors, they are like jewels set in a precious crown. The subjects of these windows speak to us of the mysteries of our religion, centering on the life of Christ and His Blessed Mother. The windows, all donated, were installed for the consecration of the Cathedral in 1894. They were crafted in The Cathedral Clergy Following is a list of the Clergy who have served at Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish. The date indicated is the year they were assigned to the parish. Pastors 1869 Reverend John O’Brien, Founder 1878 Reverend Thomas D. Kealy, Administrator 1880 Reverend Denis M. Bradley 1884 Bishop Denis M. Bradley, D.D. 1904 Bishop John B. Delany, D.D. 1907 Bishop George A. Guertin, D.D. 1931 Bishop John B. Peterson, D.D. 1945 Bishop Matthew F. Brady, D.D. 1960 Bishop Ernest J. Primeau, S.T.D. 1961 Monsignor Edward A. Clark, V.G., P.A. 1967 Monsignor Thomas S. Hansberry, V.G., P.A. 1975 Monsignor Edwin A. Francoeur 1984 Monsignor Lawrence Burns 2003 Reverend Joseph M. Cooper Rectors 1884 Reverend Thomas B. Reilley 1886 Reverend Andrew J. Timon 1889 Reverend Edward D. Mackey 1894 Reverend James E. Emerson 1895 Reverend Charles R. Hennon 1902 Reverend James H. Brennan 1909 Reverend Thomas M. O’Leary 1915 Monsignor Jeremiah S. Buckley 1928 Monsignor Edward A. Clark 1991 Reverend Humbert M. Oliveira All should hold in very high esteem the liturgical life of the diocese which centers around the Bishop, especially in his Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 41. In the Catholic Church, the Cathedral stands as both an affirmation and a reflection of the spiritual power which the Church represents among its people, a power embodied in its bishops. It is the place where one expects to find in the bishop the fullness of the priesthood, reflecting environmentally a sense of solemnity and the evocation of the continuity of apostolic succession. The Cathedral is also the people’s church. There, they find a gathering place to which they come as affirmation of the human community they represent. The diocesan Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Saint Joseph Cathedral has been the scene of the most important events in the history of the diocese. Five bishops have received their episcopal ordination here; all seven bishops have been officially installed here. Priestly ordinations are numbered in the hundreds. Religious have made their solemn professions here. Five bishops received their solemn obsequies and rest now in the crypt directly beneath the altar of sacrifice. The walls of the Cathedral have echoed with the religious and secular life of the diocese. Bishops have given thanks for the cessation of hostilities; they have mourned the passing of presidents. Here the faithful have assembled with calls for justice, world peace and brotherhood, here the ecumenical spirit was launched. The exuberance of diocesan youth has been heard. The Cathedral has nurtured the various ethnic groups—the Italian, Polish, Lithuanian, the Lebanese, and now the Hispanic cultures. It has seen the convocation of two diocesan synods; it has hosted the various cultural institutions of the community. And yet it has remained the parish church for its parishioners. Here they have worship Sunday after Sunday; here they have been nurtured by the sacramental life of the Church. It has been and is now the House of God and the gateway to Heaven. Proud of their commitment, they have shouldered its burdens, gloried in its honors. Saint Joseph Cathedral embarks on its second century with confidence and gratitude to God, holding fast to the chair of episcopal authority.
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